#because he works at infiltration so he has to look natural and chat with people. if you have some clearly defining feature like a tat there

[seekers-who-are-lovers]

Not only we are graced today with a momentous illustration courtesy of Yana Yoboso, articles have come out with Daisuke Ono and Maaya Sakamoto as interviewees and their feelings towards the new season.

To be honest, I was a little worried about whether I would be able to play Sebastian as usual back then. But when I was allowed to record with Maaya, and when I heard Ciel's voice next to me, I naturally felt that I was Sebastian. I think the role itself is spun with my own voice, but I felt like I went back to the origin because I was never alone, but I was making it with people. I can be Sebastian because Ciel is there. (Daisuke Ono)

From Maaya :

For about 15 years, I feel that I have spent the same time in the same work while passing through the days when I face each role and worry about it, and before I knew it, the part of trusting each other as a buddy was nurtured. I'm thinking that maybe Ciel and Sebastian are like that too. At first, we had a tense relationship as a business partner, but especially in this "Boarding School Edition", we felt the scene where we rely on each other and the atmosphere of allowing each other, not only as a business partner but also a relationship of trust. There are also two people. In that way, I think there are places where the actor and the character are synchronized.

…

I had the impression that Ciel, who I originally felt, was a boy with a smart and cool side, a situation where he could not show his age-appropriate innocence, and a sad side with a dark past. Speaking of charm, such a shadow part is also attractive, but sometimes my heart is in pain when I look at it ... I feel that such a Ciel is drawn very vividly in the "Boarding School Edition" of this work. As a dormitory student, a refreshing ordinary boy ... I'm playing "another Ciel" who is not me, and I spend time with my seniors, chat quietly in bed with the boy in the same room, and get absorbed in cricket games .... Of course, there is a premise that you infiltrate in the name of the Queen, but it showed a lot of emotions and rich expressions that have never been seen in Ciel so far, so this work may be the most colorful so far.

I have to sift through them still as they are a treasure trove of information concerning the VAs of S and Ciel who have been working for years and their relationship.

It is lovely to read their thoughts about this particular project that has been running for years.

[blackjackkent]

Stopped in camp and chatted with everyone while sorting inventory; a few people wanted to talk about the shapeshifter and everyone else just wanted to talk about Halsin and how hot he is. XD

"So Bhaal's Chosen is a doppelganger. I should not be surprised - they have ever been among his favorite servants. Orin is testing you; either she thinks herself a predator, playing with her food... or she fears what you might do. Good."

Hector had a nature check to recall things about doppelgangers but his memory fails him in this particular instance. So instead he just says, "You seem to have experience with doppelgangers."

"Aye - this all begins to ring a little too familiar for my liking. The last time I fought doppelgangers, the Bhaalspawn Sarevok was using them to subvert the city government. Aid his rise to power. But Orin is more predator than politician, I think. She simply wants to make us feel hunted. Isolated. 'Tell the lordling that Orin is watching.' It seems Gortash and Orin have had a little falling out. We should leverage that."

Makes sense - and tracks with how Hector was already interpreting the situation.

And yay earlier game throwback! This is a throwback all the way to BG1 - the doppelgangers in the city and in Candlekeep. A particularly traumatizing experience for Caden but I can't imagine Jaheira looks back on it with any fondness either, even though they won.

-----

"Fucking shapeshifter. She'll try to break our best asset - our trust. Fortunately, she's no match for our second-best asset: me."

Hell yeah. Hector gives her big lovey eyes, obviously. Though secretly I suspect he is worried that his love and trust for her is going to end up used against him at some point in Orin's plans.

-----

"It's not enough we have a gallery of villains to look out for, but now we could be infiltrated by a shapechanger? I can't even tell if any of you are acting strange because you've been replaced or because THIS GROUP IS FULL OF WEIRDOS!!!!!!"

LMAO. Hector gave Astarion this very startled face and I don't blame him; Astarion was REALLY worked up about this. XD He's also not wrong; this group is full of weirdos.

-----

"That foul shapeshifter Orin is like a scavenger beast - probing us for waeknesses. Do not let her shake your resolve."

Hector's resolve has been shaken from the moment he started this mess but he will do his best. <3

-----

"It's about time Halsin actually stepped up and joined us properly. He's certainly been taking up space at camp for long enough."

That seems unnecessarily rude, Shadowheart. :P

-----

"A savvy move, recruiting Halsin to our cause. While I'm adept at most forms of Weave manipulation, druidic magic is not my area of expertise. He will make for a most useful option to have in reserve."

This is somewhat funny because we also have Jaheira, and must be REALLY funny if you are playing a druid yourself. We have no shortage of druidic options.

-----

"Ah - Halsin is such a delight. Woe to the cultist who tangles with that thick hunk of an elf."

XD Please go shoot your shot, Wyll. Hector is breaking both your hearts at this point so maybe you can bond over that.

-----

"Halsin's proved himself a fine ally already. He'll be useful in battle, if those tree-trunk arms are an indication."

[snickers] Very nice arms indeed, Lae'zel, I agree. Unfortunately I think he's another one who will probably try to talk philosophy with you if you try to blow off steam with him.

[sylvarilining]

Childhood

This got long, so I'll put it under a read more. Includes childhood moments from Gadir, Mheop, Volus, and Modd!

Gadir

- Gadir, as any child, imitated the people he saw around him. This included trying to run like a charr, on all fours, which earned him badly scratched up palms and a big bruise on his head from his body that is not made for movement like that falling forward and hitting the ground. He hasn't tried that since.

- He used to gnaw on everything he could find, wires being his favourite. His dam Augusta had to hide the wires under carpets or tape them to the walls, high enough for the cub to not be able to reach.

- When Gadir was still a cub, you could sometimes see a whole warband walking around Black Citadel, all packed around this tiny cub and fretting over every move and sound. He was well-loved, and everyone who spoke with the Fang warband longer than five minutes knew it.

- A great past time of his used to be jumping over one of his family members' tail like one would a jumprope that stays near the ground. He had to stop once he grew bigger and managed to nearly break someone's tail.

Mheop

- Mheop has two older brothers, Merp and Moup, who both enjoy scary stories and re-telling them as even scarier. Mheop on the other hand enjoys being able to sleep at night, not thinking about shadow creatures and the Inquest, but alas.

- Her brothers are more outgoing, especially Merp, and are usually the ones to take the lead in conversations. Mheop doesn't mind, it lets her not have to talk and make the choices of where a conversation is going. However, in the future where she has to give speeches and be a figure known across Elona, she comes to regret not having spoken more back then.

- Merp is the oldest brother, and is always jumping into everything head first. He follows his heart, and wears it on his sleeve. Easy to read, and even easier to get swept away by his vigor.

- Moup is quieter, though he joins in on Merp's shenanigans in a heartbeat. They're often buried in research on the flora of the desert, and will talk about their progress to anyone willing to listen. Merp even got him a mug that says "Tyria's most superlative botanist ". They used it to grow an experimental, glowing moss.

- Mheop's family farms mushrooms, and are constantly looking for ways to do that more effectively. They have golems made for the mushroom farm, and they're updated on a weekly basis. Some updates are more useful than others, such as the one that sung to the mushrooms, because Mheop's brother had heard that singing to flowers can make them grow faster. Problem was that the singing was his recorded singing, and his singing voice reminds the listener of a screaming choya. This is said affectionately, but regardless the voice box of the golem had to be removed, immediately.

- Her parents are constantly inventing new ways of preparing mushrooms. You'd be surprised how good mushroom-bat meatballs taste. Mheop's favourite is the burger that uses mushroom caps as buns instead of bread.

Volus

- She and Clawspur used to race skimmers all the time. Volus would attempt to cheat by magically manipulating the water, and Clawspur trying to knock her off-balance to distract her from that. The two would often come home soaked but laughing.

- Volus' first sand effigy was actually a handful of wet sand in a crude shape of a turtle. She was so proud of it she rushed to show it off to her dam, and it crumbled on the way because she lost focus on it. Volus was devastated, but recovered quickly and spent the rest of the day trying to create another one.

- Clawspur loves hide-and-seek, whereas Volus hates playing it with him, because it can take hours for her to find him. Clawspur keeps a mental score on the longest times it has taken for Volus to find him, and aims to beat his personal best score.

Modd

- Modd loves to spend time with his brother Snikk'tik. Unfortunately most asura in Soren Draa see the skritt as test subjects or menaces, so Modd has gotten fiercely protective over his brother. Snikk'tik has a thick enough skin to not mind the occasional comment, but Modd takes them as a personal insult, and is ready to start rapid firing insults back. This protective streak has carried on to adulthood, and his list of people to protect includes Peredur (especially during HoT)

- Has always been enamored with the human stories of dashing knights in shining armour and the swashbuckling rogues with sharp rapiers, stories his human dad used to tell him, and his sylvari dad would build up on, making up more story outside the original storybook. His asura dad would grumble about how the story had gotten out of hand and become just unbelievable, but would listen in anyways with eyes of fondness.

- Once got a temporary tattoo of a rose on his shoulder, and felt like the king of the world. Roses are abundant in stories he likes to read, symbolising everything pleasant, and, as the most important thing, looking cool. He would love to get a real rose tattoo one day.

- His family would absolutely adopt you, specifically, if you asked them to. Welcome to the family, kiddo!

[writteninkat]

ii - rubies?!

word count - 1,903

warnings - mention of scars

"he's so tall and handsome as hell. he's so bad but he does it so well."

index

As you waited for April to come around, you spent your remaining days working out and training your quirk on your own. You didn't want to look for your father nor did you want to bump into him- the only time you wanted to see him was during UA's sports festival where you know he'll be watching so you can rub it in his face how good your life is without him.

As you work out in your apartment building's gym, you can't keep the blond out of your head. Was he doing alright? Should you have asked for his phone number at least? Where did he study? Was he even from this area?

Your mind races and wanders around thoughts about the blond, causing you to trip on your own feet on the treadmill. Before your hands come in contact with the running deck, you feel strong arms wrap around your waist, saving you from the fall but not from the embarrassment.

You take a few moments to stop and think about what just happened, allowing the whole thing to just sink in. I almost tripped because I was thinking about some guy. Stupid mistake.

Your savior puts you down beside the treadmill, hands immediately letting go of your waist. "You okay?" Despite having such buffed-up arms, he had such a sweet voice. You look to your right, checking to see the face of your knight in shining armor.

"My name's Izuku Midoriya." He smiles widely, extending his hand towards you. You take it, smiling back. "Y/n L/n, and yeah, I'm alright. Thanks for saving me, I could have attended my first day in UA with a bandage on my forehead." You chuckled, watching the guy's facial expression turn into excitement.

"No way! You'll be attending UA? That's crazy so am I!"

Your eyes widen, finally someone I can be close to in that new school. "What class are you in?" You move to turn off the treadmill, picking up your water bottle from the floor. You unscrew the cap, taking large sips as you looked at him, waiting for an answer. "Class 1A."

The water backfires, going down the wrong pipe. You cough out the water, rubbing your chest in pain as Midoriya pats on your back in worry. "You okay? Again?"

You wave your hand at him, coughing a few more times before clearing your throat. "So am I." Your voice comes out rough and broken but still understandable.

For the rest of the day, you chat with Midoriya, getting to know each other as you helped each other work out. Like whenever you needed help with your form, he'd guide you. When he needed more weight on his back as he did push up, you were more than happy to sit on him as you scrolled through your cellphone.

As the end of the day, before the two of you part, he asks for your number so it would be easier to contact you. You kind of regret giving it to him cause he wouldn't shut up about the heroes he looked up to. He was such a hero nerd you found it funny.

When he calmed down and told you good night, you hit the sack yourself, images of the angry blond with beautiful ruby eyes filling your head as you fell asleep with a smile. And honestly, that was the best sleep you've had in years.

You're walking yourself to your new school, heart drumming against your chest. The feeling was a little too nostalgic, it was the same feeling you felt back when you came to UA for the practical exam. It felt like time went by a little too fast. You calm your mind, remembering your mom's text to you earlier that morning, telling you good luck with your first day.

You try recalling your goal- to become a hero despite my father telling me I couldn't. To become a hero, to become a hero to become-

"Hey Y/n!" Midoriya waves at you, his smile as bright as the sun. It's sickening but you shrug it off, it suits his face. "Oh, I hope it's alright if I call you Y/n."

"Only if I can call you Izuku." You wink at him, smiling as you continue your way towards the building. As Izuku rambled on about how nervous he was for today that he couldn't sleep properly, your mind raced back to the thought of the school uniform being uncomfortable.

You were so used to wear pants that showing off your legs seemed taboo to you. Don't get it wrong, you like your legs, you think they're okay. But you've been wearing pants maybe eighty percent of your life that you don't like showing even your knees. You can't sit the way you want with skirts- especially if the way you want is your legs either parted apart as you sink onto your chair or your legs on the desk as you scroll through your phone lazily.

Given that it was school rules to wear a uniform, you decided to cover up your legs with black thigh high instead, cursing at the skirt for being a little bit too short for your liking.

"Here it is." Izuku points up at the board right above the classroom door that read 1A. "I just hope I'm not classmates with Tenya or Kacchan." He chuckles, reaching for the door.

"Tenya? That glasses dude who seemed like someone pissed in his cheerios the morning of the exam?" Izuku nods his head but your mind wasn't at ease just yet. Who the hell was this Kacchan?

Your mind wanders again but your thoughts clear away when you hear two people arguing.

"Take your feet off that desk now." You chuckle, recognizing that voice. You mentally send a sorry to Izuku's way.

"Hah?" And that voice too!

You look up, scanning the room and looking for your two new classmates who were arguing. Iida's back covers who he's getting mad at, forcing you to step inside the classroom to get a better look.

"It's the first day and you're already disrespecting this academy by scuffing school property you cretin."

"You're kidding me right? Your old school put a stick in your ass?"

As you thought, that voice belonged to the same guy who's been infiltrating your head ever since you met him. Day and night. However his attitude caught you off guard, he wasn't this rude when the two of you met.

"Rubies?" You say out loud, the blond, or as Izuku calls him, Kacchan looks your way, eyes widening at the sight of you in the same classroom as him. His once smug expression is wiped off his face as he stares at you, completely taken off guard.

Tenya and a brown haird girl who looked a little too much like Kirby approached Izuku and they began talking to him. You, in the other hand, are being pulled out of the classroom by the blond. His hand still as soft as you remember, his grip isn't even that tight around your wrist. Just enough to tug you to where he wanted to bring you without hurting you.

The two of you stand right outside the door leading to the back of the classroom. He turns around, smug expression completely gone and replaced by confusion.

"You never told me you went to UA." He says, stuffing his hands in his pocket as he leans his side on the wall. You cross your arms on your chest, leaning to the side as you rest most of your weight on one leg. "You never asked." The two of you look at each other in silence for a few moments, your heart going haywire in your chest as he keeps his eyes on you. Such eyes that could keep you in a cage of trance forever.

Bakugou opens his mouth but before he could get a word out, a tired voice cuts him off. "Get inside the classroom." He tired-looking man with unkept hair and peach fuzz tells you both. Was he the school janitor? Nevertheless, the both of you walked back inside the classroom, Bakugou's eyes silently telling you that the two of you were going to finish the conversation later.

You sat down on your seat, eyes following the same tired-looking man as he stood in front of the class. "My name is Shota Aizawa. I'll be your homeroom teacher from now on."

He hands all of you your PE uniforms, telling you all to quickly change into them. You follow the girls to the changing rooms and you hang your PE uniform on your locker, already unbuttoning your uniform but you stop yourself.

I can't show them that.

A girl with long black hair, similar to yours, looks at you from the side, her expression questioning. "I don't think Aizawa sensei is okay with late students. You should quickly change."

You wrap your hands around yourself, cringing at the thought of other eyes on your body. The girl's expression changes into a softer one and she smiles, "Don't worry, nobody here will judge. All bodies are beautiful the way they are."

Exactly, yeah. If these girls were going to be your second family until you graduate highschool, you shouldn't be afraid. You can trust them, right?

Slowly, with slightly trembling hands, you begin unbuttoning your uniform. Taking a deep breath in, you slip your long sleeve down your body, showcasing the many scars that littered all over your back.

You can feel the atmosphere change into a silent, much colder one and your thoughts begin to race. Was it wrong for you to show them this? You've only been together for a few hours, how could you show such a vulnerable side of yourself?

Your eyes squeeze shut, ready for the comments and snickers but instead you hear a squeal. "We have the same bra!" A pink girl squeals, pointing at her pink lacy bra. A smile creeps onto your face as the girl extends her hand towards you, "I'm Mina Ashido. Nice to meet you, twinnie!" She perks and as soon as you take her hand, she shakes it softly before pulling away.

You quickly dress up into your PE uniform, pulling your hair up into a ponytail. "Woah, L/n! The white streaks on your hair look so cool! Where did you get them done?" Mina asks, completely taken by your hair, her eyes sparkling as you flushed at her compliment. No one has ever complimented your hair so genuinely like that before, makes you feel kind of proud having it.

"It's actually natural. My dad has black hair and my mom has white." The girls begin to ooooh and soon after, you all have reached the fields. Aizawa stands beside a white square with a device in his hand, patiently waiting with lazy eyes on his students.

"You should put your hair up like that more. I think the white streaks are cool." Bakugou tells you, his eyes and face forward as he listens to Aizawa talking.

You wouldn't tell him, but his words had your stomach feeling weird things and you feel your face slowly heat up. You swallow whatever you were feeling and face forward.

"Don't tell me what to do, rubies."

You had to buy more ponytails.

[dearest-bucky]

Put a little love on me (1/2)

Bucky Barnes x Reader

Summary: Bucky Barnes has come a long way in life, but when it comes to sleep, there will always be struggle.

Words: 3.4K

Warnings: None really?

A/n: The second and final part of this will be posted tonight, so stay tuned!

Originally posted: January 26, 2020

Bucky Barnes is a strong man. Perhaps one of the strongest men who ever walked the Earth. I mean, he fought a war, then lived almost a century tortured by Hydra, only to be free from them but live another torturing version of his life, having to fight all kinds of monsters and aliens on daily basis. But if anyone told Bucky he was a strong person, he would just laugh in their faces, disbelief written on his own.

Sure, he is proud of how far he’s come. Being thrown into a whole new era and relearning how to do everything, is not something everyone does. And for the most part he succeeds in it. He has learned almost all about the life in this new century, from the new food, technology, new behaviors, new customs, new ways of dating, all of it.

All of it, except sleeping. While he has picked up on some kind of normalcy in all those things, sleep is the one thing he can’t learn how to do anymore. Maybe it has to do with the fact that he spent a whole lot of time in the cryo machine, and that is sleeping too, maybe it has to do with the fact that whenever he closes his eyes and tries to sleep, all the terrors come back to him in full force, refusing to leave him alone. So even after years of living his new life, he still couldn’t find a solution for his sleeping problem.

And he had tried anything, therapy, medications, chamomile tea, yoga, even those podcasts Sam suggested would help; you name it. But nothing had worked so far. He could only get 2 or 3 hours of sleep per week, and that was only when he passed out from exhaustion.

He thought he was losing his mind. He was desperate for a couple hours of peaceful sleep, but he was so out of options he didn’t know what else to do.

It was one afternoon in the lab with Tony, where he was working in his arm, updating it after some little malfunctions, where the Iron Man gave him the idea that would literally save his life.

“You look like shit, Tin man.” Tony commented nonchalantly noticing the dark circles under Bucky’s eyes.

Bucky scoffed in surprise, but he knew that there was no malice  in Tony’s words, so he took no offense.

“Have you slept at all?”

“Yeah, I think I had a solid 4 hours of sleep.” Bucky’s reply was short, tired.

“For the night?”

“For the week.”

Tony’s eyes widened, he felt sorry for the Soldier, his exhaustion was apparent in his face, eyes lifeless, with dark circles, displaying  all of his sorrows for everyone who would just spare him a look.

“You know what helps me when I have problems sleeping?” Tony continued working on his arm while talking, and Bucky met his eyes for a second, silently urging him to go on.

“Holding Pep.” He said dreamily. “Just being in her arms, or having her in my arms, holding each other close for the rest of the night, that helps me every time. I sleep like a baby whenever she’s with me.”

He was wearing a smile on his face and Bucky couldn’t help but let a small smile slip from his lips. He always loved how Tony and Pepper were with each other, Pepper always grounding him, keeping him with his feet on the ground, taking care of him, and Tony doing the same for her. But when he thought of himself, his smile dropped instantly.

He wished he could have someone love him like Tony had Pepper, but that was just something not bound to happen for him anymore. Maybe before the war,  that would be possible, but now… Now he couldn’t think of anyone who would want to be with him. A monster like him, he thought.

He was lost in his head when Tony patted his shoulder gently to let him know his work was done. “Thanks Tony.” He said in a small voice and got up from the chair he was sitting to leave the lab.

“Anytime.” Tony called after him. “Think of what I said though.”

Bucky just shook his head and left the room.

If only it was that easy….

***

He hates soft beds, but ever since that conversation with Tony in his lab, he has been thinking maybe the idea wasn’t so crazy. So what he didn’t have someone to hold close? So what no one could ever love him or want to sleep in the same bed with him and help him with his nightmares?

He would simply have to improvise. And improvise he did.

That night he placed two pillows with him in his bed, one to put his head on, and another fluffy one to hug close to his chest, imagining it was another person’s comforting presence. He sighed in the pillow and closed his eyes, waiting for the terrors to come, but only when he woke up in the morning rested, he was so surprised to see that it had worked. If only it was a real person there with him, but either way, it had still worked.

When he joined the others in the kitchen for breakfast, everyone could see his relaxed expression, something no one was used to see in him. He even joked with Sam at one point and it left everyone on the team shocked to see this new side of Bucky.

This thing went on for three weeks and with his improved sleeping habits, everything was improving too. He was very efficient in training, Steve even gave him the job to train some new Sh.I.E.L.D agents in hand to hand combat.

It was another rather quiet day in the compound and most of the team were just hanging out in the common room, chatting with each other about anything and everything, when Tony and Steve entered the room, quite serious, standing out from the other people there almost immediately with their stiff postures.

“What’s going on?” Natasha was the first to notice them.

Everyone else’s attention turned to the two men and waited for them to speak.

“We just got some intel, Hydra base needs infiltration. There is this base in Kiev where they seem to be producing some kind of dangerous weapons. We need to stop them as soon as possible.” Steve was the one to explain everything to the team.

“Okay, so when do we leave?” This time was Sam who chimed in with the question.

“We don’t.” Tony interjected. “Due to its dangerous nature of this mission, it should be very secret. So we’re going to send only a duo there to do the work. Of course the rest of the team will be ready to come to help at any time, but it is very important to not draw attention on us by everyone going.”

“Okay, so who will go?”

Steve shifted on his feet, seemingly a little uncomfortable, before he spoke again.

“Y/n is a spy, she is fast and they won’t see her coming. Her abilities are essential to the mission and its success.”

Only when she heard her name, y/n actually picked up her head to finally look at the rest of the team.

“Okay, I can do that.” She said simply, a peace in her voice, almost unfit for the situation. “Who’s going with me?”

“Yeah, I’m glad you asked that.” Steve spoke again. “We gave this a good thought and we decided that Bucky is the best option to go with you. I mean, you compliment each other’s abilities and every time you’ve been paired together it’s been a success, so yeah..”

Y/n shifted her eyes from Steve to Bucky, and then to Steve again. “Okay.” She said softly with a nod of her head. “Yeah, that will do.”

Bucky hadn’t said a word yet, he was just looking each and every member of the team one after one. No emotion in his eyes, just observing them.

“I’m glad you’ve been resting a lot more lately Manchurian Candidate.” Tony’s voice was heard. “You won’t be getting any for the next two days.”

“When do we leave?” It was Bucky’s only question.

“Tomorrow at dawn. The mission is supposed to be a simple in and out. Get everything you can on those weapons and burn the shithole to the ground. Tony booked a hotel for you in Kiev where you can spend the night and rest before you head back home.”

After all the other details were discussed and everything was set out, y/n decided she was going to head to bed soon that night, considering she had to wake up early for the mission. Not long after that, Bucky did the same, bidding their good night’s to the rest of the team.

***

5 am and they were both in the jet, flying to Kiev. The flight would be at least a few hours, so they had time to kill in the meanwhile. Bucky was silently cleaning some of his knifes and y/n was watching him discreetly from the other side of the jet, while pretending to play away in her phone.

Bucky and y/n’s relationship was a simple one. They were teammates, and on Bucky’s good days they could even be considered friends, they would talk and watch movies and hang out, but it was always with other people around. Their chemistry was only fully displayed on the field, where they’d both fight side by side the bad guys and become the most efficient pair of the team. But that was the end of it.

Bucky was a closed of person, he saw himself as a total mess, unworthy to be with anyone because of his past and that didn’t help with socialization that much.

Y/n on the other hand wasn’t any better. She was a delight to be with, but after having her heart broken by her first and only love, it was like she had swore off men, so she never gave anyone a chance to get to know her, to spend time with her as more than just friends. With the other men of the team she had set a solid relationship, Tony and Bruce were her father figures, Steve and Clint were her brothers, and Sam was “the gay best friend” and he wasn’t even gay. With Bucky it was different. The fact that he didn’t hang out with the others that much helped in her situation. She didn’t want to complicate things with anyone, but most importantly didn’t want to get close to any man again. One heart break was enough in a life time.

It was hours later when they arrived in their destination and prepared themselves for what was about to come. They knew it was dangerous, but it was their job. It should be done.

After killing their way through the entire base of enemies, taking what they needed and blowing the place to hell they could finally go to the hotel Steve told them about and get a good rest for the night.

Y/n opened the door and entered their room and Bucky followed behind, head hanging low. Only when he collided with her smaller figure, he finally picked his head up.

She had stopped walking and was staring at the room. “What’s wrong?”

“Um..” she cleared her throat. “There’s only one bed in here. I.. um, I think there’s been a mistake.”

He finally looked up to see what she meant and he saw in front on him only a king sized bed in the center of the room, two little nightstands in the sides, and a small table at the end of the room, no chairs or anything else. He opened another door that was inside the room, only to be met with the small toilet.

“It has a bath tub.” He commented dryly.

Y/n just sighed in frustration and shook her head. “I’m going back to the reception to ask if there’s a mistake, or see if they have another empty room.” With that she was out of there.

Bucky let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. She was clearly repulsed by the idea of having to share a bed with him and the worst part is he couldn’t even blame her for that. Who would want to be close to a disgusting person like him anyway?

If only he knew…

After talking to the guy at the reception desk again and asking if they had another room, she came out empty handed. She made her way back to the room she had to share with Bucky. How could she even survive a night sleeping in the same bed with him? She was sure he didn’t even want her there? Who would want her anyway? Not even the guy who promised to marry her did. He left her at the altar for another woman. She simply wasn’t a lovable person. So how could she expect Bucky to be okay with sharing a bed with her? If only she didn’t have a tinyyyyy little crush on the man, maybe it would hurt less.

When she entered the room again she didn’t find Bucky there, but her mind got the answer as soon as she heard the water running in the bathroom.

She waited patiently for him to finish so she could have a shower too. When he came out of the bath, the breath was almost knocked out of her lungs. He was almost naked, except for a white towel hanging dangerously low from his hips, his hair was still wet, droplets of water falling on the floor, and his broad shoulders and large chest…

“Shit, I’m so sorry.” Bucky was the first one to apologize as soon as he saw her standing there. “I thought you found another room and wasn’t coming back, otherwise I’d let you use the shower first.”

“They, um…”  It was getting hard for y/n to form any coherent sentences while Bucky was right there in front of her, in his half naked post shower glistening glory. “There were no other rooms available.” She finished quickly. “Can I…?” She trailed and motioned to the bathroom.

“Yeah, yeah. Sure.” Bucky was quick to get out of her way and she made it to the bathroom in three short steps, not before grabbing her duffle bag from the floor and closing the door behind her. She took a quick shower and got dressed in a hurry, only toweling her hair from the excess water and leaving it to dry naturally.

When she went back to the room, to her surprise she found Bucky laying on the floor on the side of the bed, a pillow under his head and a small blanket covering him.

“What are you doing there?” She asked him narrowing her eyes.

“Sleeping.” His answer was barely a whisper, she could have almost missed it if she wasn’t so focused on him. Her heart broke at the sight. Of course he would be sleeping on the floor. Any place was better than sleeping next to her. It shouldn’t have hurt that much, but it did.  She blinked away the tears that were starting to form on her eyes, and steadied her voice to speak again.

“You cannot sleep on the floor Bucky. I can’t let you do that. Your shoulder will hurt and you’ll be in pain in the morning and I..”  she was beginning to ramble at this point, but she couldn’t control her words anymore.

Bucky lifted his head from the pillow and looked back at her with soft eyes.

“It’s okay, I am used to sleeping on hard surfaces. Besides, I couldn’t take the bed for myself and let you sleep on the floor.”

There he goes. Of course one of them has to sleep on the floor. There is no other option.

“I mean..” she averted her eyes for a second from him to the bed and then to him again. “It’s a very large bed, we could both sleep there.” She could feel her face flushing with embarrassment. The words had left her mouth without really thinking and she regretted them already.

Bucky’s eyes widened for a second and then he smiled at her sweetly. “You don’t want to sleep in the same bed with me doll.” He said almost whispering and her head snapped to face him when she heard the pet name roll of his lips.

If she was blushing before, she was certain to be crimson red after hearing him call her ‘doll’. But his words also gave her a boost of confidence she so needed at the moment.

She walked in the direction of the bed and when he thought she was hopping on it, she knelt on the floor before Bucky.

“Get up from the floor and let’s go to sleep on the bed. It’s big enough for the both of us.” She said in a low voice, but left no room for arguing. As if she just cast a spell on him to follow her every order. At that moment he would have done anything she’d ask him to. Without questions. Without any second thoughts.

They got in the bed and laid  down on their respective sides. The bed was large enough to allow a respectable space between them, but despite it, they could both feel the warmth coming from the other’s body. Bucky turned off the light and they laid on their sides, facing each other, only the moonlight allowing them to make out each other’s features on the otherwise dark room.

“You did great out there today.” Bucky was the first to break the silence and he could have sworn he heard her smile.

“Thanks. You too.” She replied and he chuckled deeply.

He wanted to say more to her, but couldn’t. He was scared he would ruin the peaceful moment they were having and he definitely didn’t want to make the situation weird.

“Good night.” he spoke a moment later and turned on his back, facing the ceiling this time.

“Good night Bucky.” She whispered back and closed her eyes, falling asleep almost immediately.

Bucky could hear her even breathing and he thought it was insane how fast a person could fall asleep. Maybe she wasn’t plagued by the horrifying nightmares like he was. Maybe her conscience was clear and she was at peace with herself so that’s why it was so easy for sleep to come that quickly to her.

Bucky was almost envious of how peaceful she looked while she slept. Her lips partly open, he could listen to her breathing coming easy and calm out of her lungs. But it did nothing to soothe his mind.

He didn’t have his pillows. He took the one from his under head to hug it but now his neck was uncomfortable in that position. He let out a small breath and put the pillow under his head again. It must have passed at least a good hour of him tossing and turning around in the bed, when he felt y/n stirring in her sleep and moving closer to him.

He was laying on his back, with his hands behind his head and that just created the perfect opportunity for y/n to reach out her hand and place it on his stomach and inch her head closer to finally rest it on his shoulder. When she finally found herself a comfortable position, totally curled up to his side, she let out an actual sigh, but she never woke up.

Bucky had frozen in the spot, not daring to move even an inch for fear of waking her up. Only when he was sure she was soundly asleep again, he willed his flesh hand to move to her face and place a strand of hair behind her ear. His action only made her inch closer to him, if that was even possible anymore and he let his hand rest on her neck.

He was almost sure this had to be a dream. She couldn’t be sleeping so peacefully while being so close to him, but she was and now he was scared to death to fall asleep because he could have a nightmare and hurt her. He’d never forgive himself if her hurt her.

Despite being tired he willed himself to stay awake, but that didn’t last for too long, because sleep finally got to him and his eyes didn’t obey him anymore, they just closed in their own accord.

[babybatscreationsv2]

A King on a Leash ch5

Marvel | Starker

Tony Stark is a powerful man with a beautiful husband and a loyal crime  family, but it looks like he didn't keep his husband on a short enough  leash. After turning Peter lose on a Cuban gang leader, Peter's life is  in danger. The real trouble is that Tony now realizes that Peter is the  only thing in this world that he cares about and he never meant for that  to happen.

Sequel to A Doll on a String

Rating: Explicit

Full Fic

A Doll on a String

Warnings under the cut*

Warnings: murder mention

"We are officially married," Peter said. His skinny fingers traced patterns on Tony's arm. He'd taken to getting manicures, which he made Tony get as well, though he kept his nails quite short to avoid breaking them. His nails were shiny and beautiful. Tony supposed his must be, too, but he thought it suited the dainty quality of Peter's more slender hands.

"The last year didn't count?" Tony asked. He was so warm with Peter laying back against his chest. All he could smell was the natural oil of his hair. He could stay like that the rest of the day and he wouldn't complain.

"It did, but now it's officially official."

"Because why, exactly?"

"Because we had sex and no one even got off and it was still nice. Lazy, afternoon, love making, with no agenda is on the list of married people things."

Tony smiled. He'd like to make a habit of it. Stuffing himself into Peter's ass and then sleeping that way. "It's not too late for someone to get off."

"No, it is. I'm not horny anymore. I'm just happy."

"Me, too. Do we have to say our vows now or...?"

Peter laughed. "You can profess your love to me if you want. I don't mind."

Tony hugged him tighter to his chest and kissed the top of his. "Peter Benjamin Parker-Stark, I love you more than life, money, or power. I am completely whipped. Your slave in the bedroom and out-"

Peter turned around, laughing, and kissed him. "It's cute that you think you're joking."

Tony soaked in the sight of his smile and his shinning eyes. "I wouldn't lie about a thing like that."

Peter went to say something, but Tony's cell phone rang, cutting him off. Tony kissed his forehead. "Sorry, baby."

He picked it up from the nightstand. Happy.

"What's up, Hap?"

"I've got everything lined up for the weekend, but we've gotta talk about the security situation on your end. Do you really want to go in with only two guards?"

Tony sighed. How many times did they need to have this conversation? "You know we don't take men into the meeting, Hap. It doesn't matter how many people I have waiting outside the door."

Peter kissed his cheek. He slipped out of his arms and out of bed. Watching him walk away, Tony almost missed what Happy said. Fuck, that tiny little waist. Fucking perfect ass. He had a bruise on his hip that Tony could remember the exact moment he had held him hard enough to put it there.

"-heard some stuff about Toomes," Happy was saying as he tuned back in. "If I can't be there, I want more men watching your back."

"The more men I have on me, the more opportunities we have for betrayal. I'll take only the best, the ones you trust the most. I'm counting on you to look after Peter."

Happy sighed. "Yeah, I thought you'd say that. What about Rhodes?"

"It'll look suspicious if I bring a Capo with me. Now, I do have a real job for you."

"What's up boss?"

Tony looked toward the door. He couldn't be sure that Peter wasn't eavesdropping, though if he'd wanted to then he could have just stayed in the room. He didn't want to worry him.

"I need you to find out what you can about Suarez. Does he have family, partners, enemies? How many people did we piss off and who should be kissing our asses?"

"Should I be worried?"

"Just dig up what you can, but don't side line Peter's security this weekend. Suarez comes second."

"You got it, boss."

"Thanks, Hap."

Tony climbed out of bed. He followed the smell of garlic and basil downstairs to the kitchen. He rounded the corner and found his husband, dressed in one of Tony's band T's and nothing else. He stood at the stove, stirring a pot. When he heard Tony in the doorway, he turned and smiled.

"Spaghetti night!" he called.

"Sounds perfect, angel." He stood, watching him work, thoughts swirling around his head. How did he protect this life they had? What more could he do? Once Happy provided them more information he could come up with a plan. Natasha would be a vital asset in tearing down anyone who might be dangerous.

She was the only one of his Capos who focused less on the money, the schemes, and more on the artistry of it all. She liked to strategize, infiltrate. Tony provided her the opportunities. Aside from being an old friend, that was why she joined the family. And why she stayed. They worked hard to keep her identity a secret.

"I know the view is incredible, but I could use a hand you know," Peter said. He had this way of smirking that was far too playful to ever be cocky.

Tony joined him at the stove and gave him a kiss. Then he grabbed the supplies Peter had set out on the counter and started preparing the meat balls. Peter chatted to him about his day as they worked.

"There's been a lot of drama lately," he started. "We're doing Cinderella next and of course Gwen in Cinderella. She's been Cinderella since we were kids. Only Tiffany is determined that she should be Cinderella all of a sudden."

Tony couldn't care less about the backstage drama of ballet, but it mattered to Peter so he listened and he didn't miss a word.

"How does Gwen feel about the great Cinderella debate?"

"Honestly, I don't think it ever occurred to either one of us that anyone else would be Cinderella. It makes sense, I guess. Sometimes we ought to share the spotlight. Still, everyone has their roles. It makes preparing for a new performance a lot easier if we don't mix it up."

"Since when do you like things easy?"

Peter smiled at him, eyes a bit surprised. "You're right. We should switch it up. And ya know? I'll step down as the prince and Gwen and Tiffany can sort out who's gonna be who."

"Won't that be controversial with the donors," Tony chuckled.

Peter fake gasped. "Mr. Stark, are you homophobic?"

"Terribly. I won't have any homophones in this house."

"Am I pregnant? Because I think that was a dad joke." Peter wrinkled his nose.

"Should I be worried?"

"Better start painting the nursery," Peter teased.

They had talked about kids a while back and whether or not they might want one. Peter was certain that he didn't. Tony couldn't stand the idea of ending up like his father. Besides, he had enough to worry about when it came to Peter's safety. For sanity's sake, he was happy never having children.

"What did Happy call about?"

Tony didn't flinch, so used to lying. He avoided lying to Peter as much as possible, but this wasn’t something he needed to worry over.

"He was just double checking the security situation for this week. He wants me to take more guards in." He tucked the meatballs into the oven.

"And you won't, of course," Peter smiled fondly.

"Who wants to be the guy who brings an army to dinner?" Tony laughed, drying his clean hands with a towel.

Peter abandoned his noodles to put his hand on Tony's cheek. "I want you to be the guy who comes home to his husband." He turned away again with a sad smiled to drain the pasta.

"You don't have to worry about me, angel. It's only a meeting. Just an annual check up."

"They're still mad about Octavius," he said. Tony watched him pour the water out, sad little frown on his lips.

"Toomes doesn't want to let it go, but Fisk is on our side," he assured him. Peter turned away from, setting the pasta aside.

"And what kind of war will we be in if he convinces Martin Li to take his side?"

Tony wrapped his arms around him. "Are you scared, angel?"

Peter caught one his hands and pressed his fingers to his lips. "Not as long as you're here. I'm only scared when you're gone."

"I'm never gone, my angel. You and me, we're so entwined. You are the greatest extension of myself, the best part of me."

Peter turned in his arms and placed his hands around his neck. "How did we get so tangled up?"

"It was just meant to be, sweetheart."

Peter pressed up to give him a kiss. The heat of his mouth traveled through him and craved more. He pinned him back against the counter, held in his arms. Their lips moved together, the sharp smacking, sucking, sounds of their mouths louder than the sizzling in the oven. Tony kissed him until they couldn't breathe. Then he pressed his lips to Peter's neck. He moaned, pressing against him, as Tony sucked a deep mark into his skin.

"More," he breathed.

Tony held him tighter, fingers digging bruises into his skin. He sucked another mark into his throat, right in the front where there was no mistaking it. Peter sighed happily.

"Again," he giggled. Tony laughed, too, but his lips left his neck to reclaim his lips. He didn't let him go until the smell coming from the oven threatened them with burnt meatballs.

----------

Agony. It was dramatic and codependent, he knew, but that didn't make it any less painful as they parted ways. Technically speaking, they would only be an hour's drive apart, but it felt like so much more. He hoped it would be good for him in the long run. They needed some distance. They spent so much of their time wrapped up in each other. Tony couldn't afford to forget who he was.

The rules of their yearly meeting were that it had to be on neutral ground. Which was the only reason none of them had put any money into what was easily their favorite hotel. None of them owned a square inch of the place or any of the people inside it. So it was safe to assume that there wouldn't be any surprises.

Tony never made a reservation. He didn't want anyone to know which room he would be in until he was in it. Being Tony Stark, of course, they made sure he had one of their luxury suites whether or not there was one available. He didn't have to own the place to gain that kind of privilege. It was the sort of thing he took for granted and that Peter would have appreciated more.

The room wasn't much smaller than his old condo. It felt oddly empty. Tony made himself at home on the couch, trying to fill the space. Four guards joined him in the living space. A fifth walked the line of windows, checking rooftops. He killed time before the meeting by sharing an anecdote with his men. Their laughter helped him settled, helped him feel more in control. Then it was time to freshen up and meet the others in the meeting room.

Tony's suit was navy blue with a yellow and gray stripped tie that demanded attention. A tie Peter had picked out for him the last time they went shopping. He said he needed more than black in his wardrobe. Which is how the blue suit ended up in his closet. Not that Tony didn't own anything colored, but when he was in 'Boss' mode, it was black on black. This meeting was different from his normal work though, so it demanded different attire.

He wasn't the first person to enter the room. Fisk was there already waiting. Once upon a time, he'd believed in always being the last man at the meeting. Until Vanessa had asked him to change that. She said that while the last man may have style, he's also the last to know if there's danger. The first one in could lay a trap for the others.

"Wilson," Tony greeted. He received a smile that was more confidence than greeting.

"Tony," he answered. "I'm glad you're here before the others. I wanted to thank you."

Tony took his seat. His guards were left outside the door where they pretend to be indifferent to Fisk's own men. He knew they talked once the door was shut.

"There's no need. I can hope you would do the same for me."

Fisk nodded. Then he sighed. "Cherish him, Tony. There may come a time when these memories are all you have left."

"If Adrian has his way, that's exactly what will happen."

Fisk waved his hand. "Ever since you gave up the weapons trade, Toomes has been too big for his britches. His designs grow more complex, more dangerous. One day, he will blow himself up and we will be free of his temper." The man chuckled, Tony smiled.

"Hopefully soon," he said. That made Fisk laugh.

The door opened and in walked Martin Li. As always, his suit was white, but trimmed in black in a way that created an almost cartoonish effect.

"Fisk, Stark," he greeted. Tony noted how he made a point to meet both of their eyes. He wondered if Toomes was getting to him. Li had once been Fisk's apprentice. Once, that had meant a lot to him, but Tony wasn't sure it would be enough if Toomes brought up Octavius again.

Toomes arrived soon after. He greeted Fisk and Li, only acknowledging Tony once he had sat down.

"Now that we're all here-" Fisk started.

"Sure, all," Toomes sneered.

Fisk ignored him. "I want to cut to the chase. We have always been five strong. I don't believe it would be wise to change that now. Octavius trusted no one and so left no one to replace him, yet, there is one option we might consider."

Tony was surprised. It made sense to bring someone else in, but he'd been so focused on how to keep Toomes at bay that he hadn't considered a nomination.

"Harry Osborn," Fisk proclaimed.

"Osborn?" Li asked. Tony was pleased that he seemed as taken aback as he felt.

"I know he isn't one of us, but his father had made preparations to step into the circle should we allow it."

Tony scoffed. "You mean, if he and Octavius succeed in killing me and you needed a chair filled."

"Harry Osborn is not his father. He's eager to prove himself and he's prepared to play by the rules."

"I think it's a great idea," Toomes said.

"You mean you want someone else at this table who hates me."

"Now what reason would little Harry have to hate you?" glared the man with the hideous hooked nose.

"He is quite young now that you mention it," Li said. "Practically a child."

Fisk shrugged. "I think he's the best choice. Especially if we each took the time to train him, help him get his feet on the ground. We could give him a trial period and if it doesn't work out, we'll feed him to the wolves."

"Seems like a lot of effort just to have five at the table," Li said.

"New York is a big city," Fisk countered.

"He has a point," Tony said. "If Osborn takes over Octavius's territory, it keeps us from spreading too thin. Besides, we've been arguing for a year now over who gets which of Octavius's operations. Meanwhile his men run rampant doing as they please."

"Exactly," Fisk agreed.

"And how will we convince them to respect this privileged child who is nothing like them? We at least climbed our way to the top. They respect that we were once grunts ourselves," Li asked.

"He'll have to make his own way whether he establishes fear or respect," said Fisk.

Tony flinched. Harry and Peter had a history. If Harry became a boss, if he managed to successfully take over Octavius's territory... What would Peter think of Harry then? What would he think of Tony?

[snippyschnapps]

We made ai dungeon try to recreate untitled goose game. It went about as well as you would expect.

It's a lovely day in the Kingdom of Larion, and you are a horrible goose. You are out on the town, looking for trouble, and if you cannot find it, you will create it. You've been invited to a feast, that will be attended by royalty and other important people, but you know that there will be some sort of ruckus going on. Chaos is good when writing a line in your notebook.

> Hjonk explores their surroundings.

You see a lot of nobles, a lot of soldiers, but you don't see anyone you recognize from your homeland. There must be over a thousand of them there, all dressed in very fancy clothes. Sometimes they talk to each other, but for the most part, they move in a very organized way. Different groups of people are moving in different directions, but for the most part, they stay grouped up.

> Hjonk checks for police.

You see a lot of soldiers, but none of them are police.

Your eyes follow the blue and red cloth emblems on their uniforms.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ is wary of the soldiers.

The soldiers all have helmets with visors, and armor that covers their legs as well as their torso.

> Hjonk says "🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️, can you create a distraction?"

"I can try"

"Go do that", Hjonk replies, "I'll be on my way when the guards come to investigate."

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ create a distraction.

You decide to start whistling the Kingdom of Kish Chase tune. You stare at the nearest group of soldiers, giving them a big grin and an enthusiastic wink. They all begin to laugh and converse with each other.

This works rather well, and you move on to another group, and then another. You see a few people give you wary looks, but most people are too entertained by your actions to do anything about you.

> Hjonk steals jewellery.

You walk up to a group of soldiers and move them with your words. One of them holds up his hand and you stop, then you approach the nearest noble-looking man. He's wearing a fancy suit, and you figure he's probably a merchant of some sort.

> Hjonk kisses his hand and steals his rings while doing so.

He watches you suspiciously, and holds out his hand. You grasp it with your left hand, and kiss it deeply.

> Hjonk successfully steal rings.

You grin and wave to your new friend, before walking off. You get a few angry looks, but most people are too distracted by what you did to the soldier.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ smile and wink at the angry people.

This works pretty well, and you start finding yourself more and more popular. Hjonk watches you with interest, and occasionally gives you tips on how to get more attention.

While the people are distracted by 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️, Hjonk pickpockets them.

It's amazing how easy this is too, once you learn the guards' routines, and how they react in certain situations. You walk around, chatting with people, and taking their belongings without them realizing it. Before they know it, you have a small bag over your shoulder.

Hjonk and you split up afterwards. You have no idea where he went, but you presume he's gone on ahead.

> Hjonk squawks loudly and waddle around with their little goose feet, making a nuisance of themself, because they are a horrible goose.

You squawk loudly and waddle around with your little goose feet, making a nuisance of yourself. You go up to random guards, and start honking. Most of them turn around to hit you, but you don't care. Some of them even get hits in, although these simply bounce off your armored body.

> Hjonk takes their bag of booty and flies into the sky. They start looking for 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️.

You find a guard who is taking a short break. You explain to him that the Kishak merchants will be furious if they can't get their stuff back.

> Hjonk says, "bet you wish you could get all this stuff back. But you won't, because I am a horrible, evil goose!"

Then they fly away, continuing to look for 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️.

You walk away from the guard station. You've stolen enough for now, and you have no idea where you are.

You wish you had something to keep yourself occupied, like a deck of cards or a book.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ steal a book from a rich persons bag.

You steal an expensive-looking leather bag, which you then walk over and drop off at the guard station.

You wait for a few minutes, but no guards come.

> Hjonk joins 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️.

You wait for a few minutes, but no guards come. You squawk at them, but they do nothing but stare at you angrily. You say "Fine! You want some payback? I'll give you some!"

> Hjonk throws a heavy brick at a guard.

You walk over to the guard, who is still knocked over from your heavy rock. You grab him by the head and pull him close enough to bite his neck.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ says "neck delicious!"

While in your monster form you are unable to read.

You walk over to the guard, who is unconscious. You pick up the satchel he has with him.

> Hjonk eviscerates the guard.

You hope you have enough bricks left. You walk over to the guard, who is certainly dead. You check, and sure enough, he's been completely eaten.

You walk over to the satchel, and open it up. You steal his weapon and some coin, as well as a few other things.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ use the weapon to taunt another guard.

You grab the weapon, and walk over to another guard. You try to intimidate them with it, but all it does is scare them.

After failing at intimidation, you throw it down, and they easily grab it.

> Hjonk steals the weapon from the guard with their horrible goose teeth.

You take the guard's blunderbuss, and walk away.

You and Hjonk decide that you'll head to a village and sell the blunderbuss and whatever else you have that's worth something. You figure you'll use the coin to get a ship and leave this Godforsaken island.

You never see any of the geese again.

> Hjonk goes to the next village with 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️.

You walk through the woods, and then eventually you come across a village. You approach the closest house with the blunderbuss, and demand that the people inside give you something for the gun. They comply, giving you a years worth of wheat in exchange for the gun and its ammunition.

You're shocked that they were so compliant, but then you remember that they're geese and that must be their nature.

You are also geese, so it's in your nature, too. You store the year's worth of wheat in your pockets, which are bigger on the inside and can hold an infinite number of things, thanks to your horrible goose magic.

You and Hjonk sell the blunderbuss, as well as the ammo for a significant sum of coin, which you can then use to buy passage on a ship.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ take over the ship.

You take over the ship, and sail it to a new island. Since you have complete control of this vessel, you decide to use it to transport criminals to another island you've discovered.

> Hjonk sells the copious amounts of jewellery that they stole earlier.

You and Hjonk package the stolen valuables in crates, and sell it to a fence on another island. You use the money to buy passage to your home island.

You arrive back on your own island. You know there's an island not far away where you can make a living as a thief, so you decide to go there.

What will you do now?

> Hjonk make a living as a thief.

You and Hjonk grow old and fat in this new island, living comfortably as professional criminals.

After many years, you and him get arrested and put in the local galleon.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ eat the guards of the galleon and steal their weapons.

You grab the gun of one the the guards who is leaning over the side and shoots him.

The other guard attempts to stab you, but you dodge and grab his weapon and stab him.

> Hjonk eats any remaining guards.

You shoot the remaining guard in the chest, and your friend eats them.

You both stand on the deck of the ship, as it departs the country.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ they all take controll of the boat and become pirate geese.

You and your two friends hold the ship for a year before being found out. You and them take the ship, and fly away to sail the seven seas as the Pirate Geese.

> Hjonk asks their other friend for their name.

They find their friend's name is Hans, and he joins you and your buddies on your quest for swashbuckling fun.

> Hjonk do pirate things.

Pirate things like stealing stuff, drinking and whoring.

You live a life of piratey buccaneering.

You save a maiden from falling off a ship, then take her back to your cabin.

You do some more...

You go to a nearby town, and rob it at swordpoint. You steal from the rich, give to the poor.

A month passes...

A year passes...

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ says "hjonk whore!"

One day, you come back to the island to find that your two friends have gotten themselves arrested.

You know it's because they tried to rob a bank, but can't resist the temptation of a good heist.

> Hjonk says "🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️... we should kill an evil king. Lets do it. You, me, and our good friend Hans."

A year passes...

Two years pass...

Three years pass...

Four years pass...

Five years pass...

Six years pass...

You finally arrive at the town where the king of some country lives.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ successfully infiltrate the castle as a prince's servant.

You enter the castle, and are led to the royal kitchen. The princess notices you, and is amazed by how many geese you are.

That evening, you sit beside the princess at dinner. You compliment her appearance, and she thanks you. It is during this conversation that you learn the princess is to become queen upon her father's death.

Hjonk, pretending to be a staff member, seduces the princess.

The next day you participate in the king's hunting party. During the hunt, you throw a knife at the king, but miss and hit a tree instead.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ do not get caught.

You make it back to the castle without getting caught.

After a few months pass...

You overhear your two friends giving away the location of the princess's bedroom.

> Hjonk brings the princess flowers.

You perform some task for the princess, and she is grateful.

Hans interrupts you and demands that you give him two bottles of alcohol in exchange for information.

> Hjonk says "Fuck off, Hans, can't you see we're busy?"

You refuse to deal with Hans, and continue your work for the princess. After all, you've done her a lot of favors.

One day, you are sitting in the garden, when you hear a noise.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ find out what the noise is.

You investigate the noise, and find Hans standing there. You immediately attack him, and while you manage to injure his foot, he stabs you in the chest and gets you before the guards.

> Hjonk uses goose magic to heal 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️.

Hans realizes he made a mistake, and the two of you rush to get medical attention. You're lucky to get out of there with your life.

After you recover, Hans is arrested for attempted treason.

You learn that the princess got away with her life (and you were thanked by the king), but Hans was executed.

You enjoy your newfound fame among other geese.

The princess is impressed by Hjonk and 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️'s heroism, and you are given a royal reward.

All is good in your world.

> Hjonk propose to the princess and 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️.

You propose to the princess. She is overwhelmed by your sudden display of romance.

She accepts, and you become king and queen.

🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ is also a monarch, because they are married to Hjonk and the princess of some small country.

Life is grand.

You grow old and they do too.

> Hjonk kills the king.

The king of your country dies, and you rule alone.

The king was selfish and corrupt, and his death will free up money for the kingdom.

> Hjonk ascends to a higher state of being and becomes an eldritch god.

You ascend to a higher state of being and become an Eldritch God.

You know that the threat of extinction has been averted, but you aren't really sure what this means...

You are the god of pure intellect, existence and logic.

You watch over all, knowing that all is well in your kingdom.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ smooch Hjonk.

One day, you and the princess embrace one another.

You're still a bit surprised by this. It's not something you expected to happen...

> Hjonk turns every living organisms into a goose-like version of itself.

You assume that Hjonk is insane.

Every living creature on the planet, with the exception of plants and a few animals, become little more than fat, feathery, many-legged, gilled creatures. Some of them molt constantly.

Parrots can now talk, and so can hummingbirds.

The only animals left are the ones with shells, such as turtles and snails.

> 🅱️🅱️🅱️🅱️ eat the turtles and snails.

The only animals left are the ones with shells, such as turtles and snails.

Turtles can no longer make their shells, so they have nothing to protect them from predators. Snails can't move very fast, so they're easy prey for the many predators that now roam the land (and the air, and the water).

Hjonk looks down on the universe and finds it lacking. In a fit of inspiration, they turn it into a goose. Everything is now goose. Time is goose. Space is goose. There is nothing but goose.

HJonk is pleased with this. They have achieved the pinnacle of goose.

This new form has its benefits, but there are some downsides.

What downsides are you concerned about?

As a god, you can't die, so you don't really care. You no longer need to sleep, eat or drink.

There is only goose.

There is only goose.

There is only goose.

There is only one thing to do now.

Goose it up.

consume the goose world.

This will result in the death of everyone, but eventually, HJonk will ascend to a higher form of being.

> Hjonk gooses it up.

The goose world undergoes a strange transformation.

Time and space are folded up like a map you once saw of the brain. Everything is made of pure energy, and the laws of physics don't apply.

This is good. This is goose.

Now, you just need to channel the energy and create a being of pure thought.

Your mind reaches out, searching through goose reality...

There is nothing. This reality has no more goose within it. There's no more reality to be had here.

You try again...

Nothing. No, this is all wrong.

> Hjonk says "Where did all the geese go? Is this the end of all things?"

HJonk's mind is loud and powerful. You can feel it vibrating against yours.

This is... interesting.

This might be the end of everything, but you still need to try.

> Hjonk says "GEESE. APPEAR!"

There is no goose reality. There is only reality. And in this moment, you realize that you are reality.

Everything real is goose.

Everything fake is not.

HJonk is fake.

You are fake.

The universe is fake.

Goose is great.

Fake is not great.

This is the end.

THIS IS THE END

[quietlyimplode]

Whumptober2020 - Day 14 - Alternative Prompt Comfort.

Day 1 - Waking Up Restrained // Day 2 - Kidnapped // Day 3 - Manhandled // Day 4 - Caged// Day 5 - Rescue // Day 6 - No More // Day 7 - Support // Day 8 - Isolation // Day 9 - Take Me Instead // Day 10 - Blood Loss/Trail of Blood // Day 11 - Psych 101 // Day 12 - Broken Down // Day 13 - Oxygen Mask // Day 14 - Alternative Prompt - Comfort // 

Natasha and Tony have a chat.

“You made this for me?” Backing up a bit, feeling a bit unsafe, Tony stands behind his desk in his suit. Tony nods again, unsure of what Natasha’s going to say.

“Thanks, Shellhead.” She says quietly.

Tony smiles, puts the suit away.

“You and I,” he starts, “we have some of the same hurts. You and Clint, have some of the same hurts. Steve, Bruce, we all need to be smarter about how we take care of each other. It’s not rocket science. It’s harder.” He smiles, pats Natasha on the hand.

——-

The tower is big. Like find a needle in a bunch of needles big. Natasha can avoid people, staff and teammates (not Clint) and then pop up when she wants to be found. Clint tracks her like a hound at all times, she gets she’s not to be trusted right now, but sometimes she needs some space. The therapist tells her it’s his way of protecting her, that when he steps away and leaves her alone; he’s learning to manage his fears and they need to respect each other in that. Natasha needs to respect by telling him where she’s going and Clint needs to let her; trust her.

So at this very moment, Clint is shooting arrows at the range and Natasha is looking for Tony.

She knows to find him, and in turn Clint knows where to find her.

.

Approaching Tony’s workshop, Natasha pauses and watches him work through the door. He’s definitely working on something, his look of concentration and total obliviousness to the going’s on around him just prove how shit of a spy he would be. Not wanting to interrupt, she opens the door and sits on the couch; opening her phone and scrolling through the news, and social media apps. Sometimes it pays to be appraised of the news, and other times the news has no actual idea of what’s happening. Finishing her peruse, she starts reading her book. Heavily engrossed, but wanting to take a break, she looks up at Tony and finds him dancing whilst trying on a new suit. Curiosity peaked, she calls out. Tony doesn’t care and he doesn’t embarrass easily, so when he notices her he gives an easy smile.

“Check this out!” He says by way of greeting. She watches the suit appear from nowhere, like spiders crawling over his skin. Within the minute he’s in full armour and giving her a thumbs up.

“It works!” He says gleefully, the face plate coming down. Natasha looks at him, confused.

“I don’t get what you’ve done.”

Tony looks scandalized. “I’ve managed to configure the nanotech to add and build things that I might need for a mission - in this case, there’s a first aid kit that can be configured from the bots that are sitting in my forearm plate and then the other bots…” Natasha let’s him ramble. She’s interested, she is, but currently doesn’t have the brain space. Until.

“… and then if,” Tony pauses, looks at Natasha straight in the eye, “when, one of us gets hurt, we can treat injuries in the field, the bad ones any way. It heals cuts and stabilizes bones by splinting it, smaller wounds anyway. And painkillers, so when it happens we can help each other if medical isn’t available.”

“Hang on. You made this?”

Tony nods, looking pleased.

“You made this for me?” Backing up a bit, feeling a bit unsafe, Tony stands behind his desk in his suit. Tony nods again, unsure of what Natasha’s going to say.

“Thanks, Shellhead.” She says quietly.

Tony smiles, puts the suit away.

“You and I,” he starts, “we have some of the same hurts. You and Clint, have some of the same hurts. Steve, Bruce, we all need to be smarter about how we take care of each other. It’s not rocket science. It’s harder.” He smiles, pats Natasha on the hand.

“I came to say thanks.” She starts. “it’s been..” a pause and a sigh. “Rough.”she decides on.

“It’s ok not to be ok,” Tony singsongs. They both smile, and Natasha rolls her eyes.

“Thanks for the therapy,” she retorts. But it’s true; it’s all true, Clint may have got her out, made her safe and kept her safe but Tony’s been his wingman and in-turn kept Clint safe from her or for her. The therapy, the resources; answering the damn phone when Clint called and dropping everything to come and help; even her just having his earpiece, Tony’s kept them safe.

They sit in a comfortable silence and Tony starts tinkering, handing her the Starkpad for the programming, “you’re better at seeing things I can’t,” he comments flippantly, “it’s for an infiltration for Steve, he’s found a Hydra lead but doesn’t want Shield to know just yet.” Interesting.

She points out some obvious mission specs that seem to have gone over the boys heads. Not spies. Things like this have been ground into her since she was 4 are now as natural as breathing.

Stopping, she hands Tony a bottle of water.

“I haven’t been sleeping well,” she starts. Tony looks up sharply. “I tell you this because, this-“ she points to the new suit and the mission tech he’s building for Steve, “tells me that you might be the same.”

Tony smirks. “I don’t sleep, don’t you know?”

“Tony.” She admonishes. “Anything you can do I can do better.”

Natasha sits down, and prompts Tony to do the same, indicating that the conversation isn’t over.

“You want to know what the therapist said when I told her?” Not waiting for a response, Natasha pushes on, “she said that if you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, it doesn’t make you weak to set it down for the night. There’s no rush in recovery and even though I want my triggers gone, there is a predictable cadence to it.” She pauses, baits him. “Do you think I’m weak for going to therapy?”

Tony looks at her.

“No.” He says, bluntly.

“Do you think I’m weak for taking something to help me sleep?”

He rubs his hand over his face, knowing where this is going and having walked right into it.

Tony’s having flashbacks to the monumental meltdown of the last team dinner where Natasha hadn’t slept in days and almost taken half the team out. He’s thankful she’s getting better sleep. That incident plays on his mind, having to restrain her, hold her, whilst Clint talked her down was one of the things that keeps him up. The guilt of it all. “No” he says honestly.

“I spoke to Pepper. She wouldn’t tell me but,” she pushes his shoulder, “I know all.”

“I know, Red. I’m not promising anything. But how about I will try and be more mindful?”

“Would you concede to a bed time alert? Friday could do it? Maybe when Peppers going to bed it could be like a ten minute warning?” Tony knows she’s trying to help, knows she wants to do something for him, because of all he’s done for her, so he agrees. Two of the most important people in his life want him to get more sleep? Maybe he could try.

“No promises.” He says.

Conversation over.

They lapse into easy conversation, gossiping mostly, Clint finds them later, tinkering in the workshop. He smiles easily, and breathes deep. Maybe things are settling.

——-

Hey team. Thanks for all your support and kind words. It’s really motivating. Can’t believe tomorrow we are halfway through.

[hellzeldagirlsfanfic]

Cost of the Throne - Chapter 5

[Pervious] * [Next] * [First]

Two weeks.

It only took two weeks for the combined force of Fortuna and Mallet to defeat Quebel. Quebelian army had put a good fight but they were overpowered by the invading armies. It didn’t help that the people of Quebel welcome the Fortunan and Malletine armies as heroes sent to their land to free them from tyrant rule of Harald.

It just wasn’t the lower classes that helped out but some of the lords as well. Their number were minuscule and mainly consisted of lords who’s supported the old kingdom. The leader of the small group was Lord Valles, who went directly to Vergil to offer his help.

It was due to Lord Valles’ help the war ended quicker. It was due to his information that Vergil and his elite force were able to infiltrate the palace, killing Harald and his sons.

Now that the war was over the people of Quebel began to celebrate the end of Harald’s rule and the new rule of Vergil.

But for (Y/N), the end of the war didn’t bring any comfort to her. She hadn’t received any news from her mother and she fears the worst.

She now slept less than she normally did and stopped eating altogether as worry consuming her.

Vilho had forced her a couple of times to sleep with his magic.  

Vilho, Debbie, Lady and even Dante forced her to eat though Vilho and Debbie only made her eat a small portion of food whilst the demon hunters made her eat whole meals.

The days continue on with no word from her mother.

(Y/N) had lost hope from hearing from her mother so she began to mourn her loss.

Lady was the first to notice the signs of mourning and stay by (Y/N)’s side, helping her through her grieving process.

The month slowly pass, (Y/N)’s grief didn’t wane but she managed to start eating again and sleeping a bit more.

(Y/N) was now sitting at a table in Gure’s Cellar having dinner with Dante. He had ordered them streak and potatoes with some vegetables. To Dante’s surprise, (Y/N) ate all of her meal.

The white hair man just stared at the (H/C) woman as she finished off her meal whilst he had only halfway through his own.

“Wow! Someone was hungry,” Dante commented.

“I guess my body making up for all the meals I missed,” She replied to Dante as she eyed his vegetables.

Dante turned his plate so (Y/N) could eat the vegetables off his plate freely.

“Well, a growing girl needs all of that energy,” Dante joked.

(Y/N) ignored his joke and continued to eat his food.

Whilst munching on carrot (Y/N) took in the rest of the bar.

Everyone is in their little groups and clusters chatting away. It seemed that something had gotten the attention as they quickly talking and arguing about the topic.

“Everyone seems pumped up about something,” (Y/N) mumbled.

Dante looked around the busy room.

“Yeah…” Dante agreed. “I think some interesting news came out,” He said.

“Interesting news?” (Y/N) asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t keep on top of the news,” Dante said which result in an eye-roll from his friend. “Morrison probably knows what’s up,” He said as he lends back on the chair to wave to the other man over from across the room.

“How may I help today Dante?” Morrison inquired.

“I’m curious about everyone talking. I’m might be out of the loop,” (Y/N) said.

“I guess you are,” Morrison said before starting the news “The news that’s on everyone is from Quebel. Vergil has announced his marriage to Harald’s daughter,” He explained.

Dante perked up at that news. (Y/N) was also surprised that the news. She didn’t know Harald had another daughter.

‘She must have been born after me,’ (Y/N) thought. ‘In the name of the gods, he going to marry someone about fourteen. He must be desperate to solidify his claim on the throne,’

“Oh, really?” Dante said. “Please tell us all about this princess?” He asked.

Morrison chuckled.

“Well, first off she no princess,” Morrison started. “The daughter is a bastard. There’s not a lot know about her as she disappeared about fourteen years ago. Most thought she was dead,” He finished.

(Y/N) processed the older man’s words as she took a swig of her beer.

‘…Disappeared about fourteen years ago…’ Those words slowly sink in then she realised something.

“What? If everyone thought that she was dead, why is Vergil marrying her?” Dante asked.

“That’s because she wrote a letter to her mother that ended up in Vergil’s hands,” Morrison explained.

Harald didn’t have any other daughters. The woman that Vergil intended to marry was her.

Jeanette put her tanker little too hard on the table which alerted Dante and Morrison to her.

“Hey! Are you alright?” Dante asked.

Jeanette’s face had gone pale.

“No,” She confessed. “I suddenly feel sick,” She lied as brought her hand to her mouth.

“Probably eat something bad,” Morrison concluded.

Though Dante didn’t look convinced by Morrison conclusion but kept quite.

“Let’s get you home then,” He said getting up to help (Y/N) out of her seat.

Dante guided her out of the pub and down the street to the boarding house, where (Y/N) stopped him outside the front door.

“I’ll be alright now Dante,” (Y/N) told him.

“Don’t you want me to escort you to your room?” He asked.

“No, I should be fine Dante. It’s just a short walk to my room,” She recurred him.

Dante was hesitated to let (Y/N) go off by herself but her smile told him that she wanted to be left alone. So he let her go.

Dante watched as (Y/N) passed through the fresh-hold, not leaving the front of the boarding house until a light went on in (Y/N)’s room.

Once (Y/N) was in her room, she lite her fire using her magic. She sat on the floor in front of the fireplace with her back against her bed.

Her mind was still processing the news she heard.

Vergil, the eldest son of Legendary Dark Knight Sparda, Nelo Anglo Mallet’s strongest knight and Mundus’ favourite general, now King/Emperor of strongest counties in the world, future King of Quebel wanted to marry her because she carries the blood of Rose-Griffiths. And it was all her own fault.

It was because of her own letter.

‘I knew I shouldn’t have sent that letter!’ She cursed herself. ‘…But… I needed to know if my mother was alive. And still don’t have an answer to that!’

Panic finally started to settle.

‘Oh, the gods! I bet they already tortured Oswin to find out where he sent me. They must be searching for me now,’

(Y/N) felt the contest of her stomach rising up. She lunges forward for the bucket that she kept by the fireplace. She emptied the content of her stomach into the wooden container.

‘My life…’ She thought.

The life she had worked so hard to build was close to being shattered.

What should she do? Runaway and hide for rest of her life or surrendered herself to Vergil.

‘No! I can’t have that!’

Running for the problem wouldn’t solve. And if ran away she would be breaking the oath that she made to herself and the people of Ckville. That she would protect and heal them no matter the situation.

‘I’ll just to fight whoever comes after me no matter what. I won’t let anyone take me away from this life that I’ve made for myself,’ (Y/N) vowed.

The doctor knew some offensive spells that Vilho had taught her. (“There’s no point in becoming a doctor if you die on the way,” Vilho told her once.) And Lady had taught her a thing or two about defending one’s self. Then there was also that power. The one that she inherited from her father.

(Y/N) stared at the flames in front as she thought about that power she had inherited from that man. She reached out to the fire. The flames jumped from the hearth to the outstretched hand. (Y/N) turned over her hand, letting the flame settle in her palm. The flame burned more brightly in her hand than when it was in the hearth. With a little twitch of her magic, (Y/N) turned the flame blue. (Y/N) stared at the blue in her hand for a moment before the horrible memories started to return to her. She quickly snugged out the flame before any more memories return.

(Y/N) sighed and massage her forehead. Once the horrible memories were gone (Y/N) started to clean the sick out of bucket then head to bed.

***

Once more, days start passing by. (Y/N) kept going on with her life, always over her shoulder for Vergil’s knights or soldier.

But for the moment it seemed that they hadn’t found her yet.

Today the hospital was quiet. There had been no big emergency or major cases.

That week also coincided with Vilho’s yearly trip to the capital to raise money for the hospital. So (Y/N) was left in charge of the hospital during the day.

The quiet day allowed (Y/N) to go through the paperwork that she let pile up during the week. But soon the quietness of the hospital was disturbed.

“(Y/N)!” Debbie shouted for her.

(Y/N) rushed from her office to see what had happened.

Laying on the floor not far from the door was a body. It was surrounded by several people, mainly city soldiers of Ckville, labourers and nurses.

The doctor moved closer to see who was on the floor.

When she was close enough to see who it was she stopped.

The person was dead. There was no mistaking it.

But what made it worst was that the person was Joe, the young city soldier who everyone trusted to get the job done.

“What happened?” (Y/N) asked.

“We got into a fight with Lord Kay’s men. Joe stepped into the fight to stop us,” One of another soldier said.

(Y/N) stepped closer to the body, kneeling down next to it. She had seen from afar that there was a bloodstain on the tunic, now she the chance to examine the wound up close.

There were two to three holes in the tunic, long and thin in nature most likely done by sword or knife. By the positions of the holes the blade penetrated the intestines, pancreas and the heart and with the amount of blood that drenched his clothes and floor Joe was dead before he got to the hospital.

“Is there anything you can do for him?” A soldier asked.

(Y/N) was silent as thought about how to reply.

“I can’t help the dead,” She replied.

Gasps came from the group around, followed by cries and angry shout. Some of soldiers and labourers rushing out of the hospital.

(Y/N) held back a cry of her of own as she shouts of the eyes of the young man.

A young man who had a brilliant smile and a lovely soul. Who always walked her home when younger and taught her all about the city that they lived in. Her first friend.

Someone who shouldn’t have been taken away from this world yet.

[otomescriptdoctor]

Masking - Chapter 1

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27939147/chapters/68422182 The door shuts behind you. You work on adjusting your gait as your approach The Boss. It’s not often that you get to work on a mission together.

Your target is the British Diplomat, Kei Soejima. He’s an odd character, a British man with blond hair and piercing brown eyes who somehow has a Japanese name. He runs in some rather broad circles for a diplomat, and your employer, Edmund and Company, suspects that he is actually an MI6 asset. He is suspected to be an Alpha given the company he keeps. Diplomats are a convenient cover for an agent, one role that you have yet to play since EAC works on a global scale and doesn’t limit its operations to one governmental relationship.

You were chosen for this mission because of your presentation as an Omega. You’ve always been able to perform your missions flawlessly, but you’ve never been sent out during one of your heats. You’ve held a torch for the Boss for years, harboring a small crush, but never acted on it because you valued your professionalism above all else. Very few Omegas have been as successful as you have been in espionage. It’s always been betas, deltas, or gammas in the organization. Having someone with potent natural hormones is a liability, but your dedication to the cause - your thirst for justice in the world - has helped you keep your hindbrain under lock and key. And of course, suppressants help.

Your switch, the perfume you sprayed on your mating gland at the nape of your neck, contains a suppressant that is more for your benefit than the mission’s- but you’re not keen on falling victim to the Boss’s Alpha scent. It’s strange. His scent is interesting, but doesn’t seem to change. But that’s why you found comfort in the Boss when he first met you. You push those thoughts from your mind. You are here as Nagisa Misaki. To attend a party at a members-only restaurant at the base of the Raven Resort in Tokyo.

The Boss greets you warmly, “You’re right on time, Nagisa! Are you ready?” Your smile comes automatically. He offers you his arm, you feel your pulse quickening. You’re finally getting to be near the Boss again. He sweeps you into a quick hug. His scent is exactly as you remember it from when you first became an EAC agent years ago. The party you are infiltrating is couples-only. You walk in as a team, heels clacking on the travertine floors leading to the restaurant proper. It feels good, but not quite right. As if sensing your hesitation, the Boss says, “Let’s make tonight a good one.” You push that thought from your hindbrain back down as you cross the threshold.

The doors lead into a carpeted, tiered space facing a stage with vintage footlights ringing the apron’s downstage edge. There’s a band onstage, playing classic ballroom music. The tables scattered throughout remind you of stars, with their small votive candles flickering on the rich burgundy tablecloths. You and the Boss turn to each other and nod, deciding to split up and mingle amongst the other couples present at tonight’s masquerade ball. His hand raises up to graze against your earrings - a gift from him, but also a tool in your arsenal. He activates the switch on them, allowing your conversations to be recorded from this point on. The warmth from his fingertips lingers on your ear. You remember when he saved you from certain harm while studying abroad in America. You had only just started presenting at that time. His quick thinking saved you. By chance, you met again when you applied to work for EAC. His calm demeanor has spurred you on to greatness within the organization through several assignments. But tonight is your most complex mission yet.

The suppressants in your perfume are not like any normal masking agent. You’ve always taken advantage of the scent you produce as an unmated Omega. Many of your targets in the past have been Alphas tripping over themselves to rut with you. This suppressant is just to help take the edge off - you know it’s almost a suicidal mission to walk into a club that is potentially full of Alphas in this state, but there was little you could do. It’s time to see if your mental control over your instincts is as complete as you thought it was.

While the Boss goes to get some drinks from the bar, you work on gliding through the crowds of people, scanning the tables for your target. You spy the party’s host, Kazuomi Shido -- even in a mask, he simply cannot hide -- surrounded by curious women trying to peek at his face. It’s clear from his scent that he is an Alpha; he smells of too many womens’ perfumes though. You search your memory: he’s a close friend of Kei’s according to the dossier. They went to school together. He’s called the “Resort King” on account of his preferred line of work. He exudes the seductive confidence of a strong Alpha. You spy his head turning just so - did he catch your scent? No, it’s his friend, another Alpha.

This one smells like a cool, brisk breeze. You overhear him grumbling, “I have no interest in cheap flirts,” while trying to fight off some of the women hanging around Kazuomi. You recognize him as Yuzuru Shiba, the CEO of the tech corporation bearing his name. He’s also been a long time friend of Kei Soejima. And, another Alpha. You silently thank your lucky stars that you applied the suppressant. His severe black turtleneck sends a vibe that he’s a heartless, unforgiving man. Being mated to someone like that would be a fate worse than death.

Suddenly there is a sweet smell, like incense filling the air. The smell is incredible. There are notes of sandalwood, frankincense, and myrrh. The smell evokes warm, spicy notes intermingling with the floral and earthy notes to overpower you. It’s definitely another Alpha. It takes every fiber of your being to resist salivating. You turn your head, and discover the source of the smell. It’s emanating from a familiar blond, refined man. The one from your dossier. He turns to the unmasked lady by his side, extending a hand.

“Let’s get together later for a chat over tea.” Soejima’s British accent combined with the smell sets your heart fluttering. But Alpha’s attention is on her. You resolve to get closer to listen in. The woman snorts derisively, “Really, you’re not going to “forget” you said that when the party’s over?” Soejima replies, ever the charmer, “I don’t make empty promises, you took off your mask for me. I can’t wait to see you again.” You notice his hand never quite touches her, though he could make contact any time he wanted to. He’s acting the perfect gentleman. You make the mental note that his demeanor and accent track with his privileged upbringing. While everyone here tonight is wearing a mask and committed to hiding behind them, he feels different somehow. Like the seedy nightclub vibe of the rest of the restaurant simply doesn’t hit him, as if he is in his own bubble of rarified air. You imagine he has sophisticated tastes, and wouldn’t be tempted by the normal feminine wiles. You wonder, as you take in his scent, what will he fall for?

Need to check in with the Boss. Your head turns to look for him until you get the distinct sense that you are being watched instead. You turn back to find Kei Soejima’s smiling eyes gazing at you. Your hindbrain floods you with pleasure, at Alpha finally noticing you. Your Alpha. You shake your head, you know better; though part of you desperately wants to get the wrong idea about this. Just as you think of how to respond, the lights immediately dim.

A voice rings out from the sound system, “It’s time for what you’ve all been waiting for, your date with destiny, our one-night-only swap!” You see a lot of perked-up head turning at this development as the band plays a slow song. People are finding new partners. Typical rich people crap. You finally locate the Boss, but he's already deep in conversation with that woman Soejima unmasked earlier. He's facing you, and his eyes briefly meet yours, as if to say, "It's showtime. Have fun." He must have planned for this.

Again you feel the intensity of being watched. You look around, but no one seems to be approaching you. Were your instincts wrong? No. Kei Soejima is staring at you. His brown eyes piercing into your soul. As he moves toward you, you're reminded immediately of a predator stalking its prey. Your Omega hindbrain urges you to preen and attract this Alpha. He could help you through this heat. Every step is methodical, as if he's testing your reaction with each step. When he's finally in front of you, you let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding.

Soejima smiles-- a mysteriously gentle smirk. The kind of expression of restrained amusement you'd imagine a prince bestows upon a subject. You don't often get to see foreigners with perfect glassy skin. The dossier wasn't kidding about him being called Prince Charming. You're not used to feeling this vulnerable, this first mission where you're in heat. Not only that, but his scent is invading every sense. You look away, trying to regain your composure. Nagisa Misaki isn't in her heat. You are.

Cool fingers wrap around your hand, and your warmth sinks into his icy grip. He brings your hand up to face level, politely asking, "May I have this dance?"

With a racing pulse, you focus everything on maintaining your cover. Nagisa would be pleased to catch the eye of a gentleman. You’re thankful to hear your voice respond, "Sure, it would be my pleasure."

He starts moving, his arm effortlessly drawing around your waist. Your etiquette and dancing training kick in, your hand going to his shoulder. Ever so thankful that your muscle memory never lets you down. The music shifts into a livelier waltz and Soejima leads you across the floor. Normally, you'd flush with pride at making contact so quickly, but his scent hijacks your thought train. You never once used your body when setting honey traps, just your formidable assets as an unmated Omega. But you feel your resolve crack, just a little.

His voice is low, and sensual. “It’s an honor to dance with someone as lovely as you." Your eyes flit to his, and you see they have appreciably darkened as he has spent time in your presence. It seems that he is also affected by you. This little fact gives your rational mind a leg up on maintaining your alias.

You laugh gently, “Very funny, you’re obviously handsome enough to have any woman here." And yet, alpha has us in his arms. As if in response to that thought, he draws you closer and his hand creeps to the skin bared by your backless dress. Oh, how it burns at his icy touch. You shiver. He’s a well trained dancer, leading you perfectly. His smell is just so different from the rest of the party.

Some part of you wants this Alpha. Badly. The scent is exotic, and your mind wanders, trying to place it. The Boss's scent is the predictable musk you've come to expect from an Alpha, and is remarkably consistent, like he has a tight lid on his instincts. But Soejima, oh, distinctive doesn't begin to describe the smell. It reminds you of a church when they burn incense. Clean, reverent, and urging the willing to supplication. You notice an uncomfortable dampness in your panties. Might be more willing than you thought.

“Is he your date for the night?” His voice is tinged with jealousy, as he draws his face close to yours, close enough for his hair to brush your cheek. He must be talking about the Boss. Your Omega wants to say no, he's not - because I am yours.

Instead, you reply with a simple, “Yes.” Your eyes wander to find the Boss. You see the Boss dancing flirtatiously with the woman from before. You feel small pangs of jealousy and betrayal. Boss was never your Alpha, but your rational mind can't help the feelings. Your Omega is working against your resolve, urging you to secure the Alpha holding you.

“Haha, you look like you miss him.” Soejima's hands pull you closer. Your heart beats faster. No way he read you like that. Absolutely no way, you'd only just met. Can he actually feel how your heart is hammering away in your chest? You look back in his eyes, he's much too close for comfort. You manage to string together a response. But just barely. “Really, how about you? You don’t miss your date?”

His eyes crinkle in delight. “On the contrary, she and I only just met. But you on the other hand…" He dips you, so you catch an eyeful of the Boss's heated dancing with Soejima's date. His strong arms return you to a much closer position. He murmurs, "it seems you’ve known that man for quite a while.” Your Omega picks up on the jealous pangs in the scent.

Don't displease Alpha. Submit.

Your Omega has never been so forceful before. Your brain scrambles to remember your script.

“Yes, we’re old friends, I told him I was interested in getting more involved with...charity work and he brought me to this party. He said it would be a good way to make connections.” Thankful for your training in acting, you rely on your rehearsed response while fighting for control.

Soejima brings his mouth to your ear, and you shiver. “A friend, huh…”

A stark contrast to his icy touch. His breath is warm. Too warm.

You pull away, your speech threatening to stammer. “But I didn’t have a clue what kind of party this was going to be. I’ve got to admit I’m kind of surprised. Especially with all the partner swapping stuff.” You swallow, hoping to abate that awful dry feeling. His lips look so inviting.

“You came to the party with a special friend and now you’re dancing with another man," he replies. With a laugh, he continues,"Guess that makes me a homewrecker.”

You snort. “A homewrecker, huh? Haha, that’s a laugh."

“How does it feel, knowing your ‘friend’ can see you in the arms of another man?” You notice he barely repressed a sneer when referring to your former date. Your focus drifts to the Boss. he’s still dancing with the other lady. You don’t feel good.

Suddenly, you're turned around by Soejima and he whispers to you, “Why don’t we make him a little jealous? Men always want what they can’t have.” He gently nibbles your ear to punctuate his statement. Barely noticeable to others, but it sends shivers of pleasure down your spine.

Your eyes look over his shoulder making eye contact with the Boss. It feels like you're dancing with Boss’s eyes and Soejima’s voice. His eyes normally have no emotion, but you swear you saw a tiny flicker of jealousy. He's always been insanely observant.

While you are pleased to elicit even a tiny reaction out of the Boss, you feel a little guilty about your earrings. Recording such a personal conversation feels embarrassing. You remind yourself that it's just the societal pressures of living in Japan that are making you feel this way. Soejima is from a western country, their women and men are far more forward in conversations like this.

Soejima's low voice rumbles through your ear, “But your friend, he underestimates you..” Caught you off guard. “Oh?” “He’s a little too certain you’ll never have eyes for another man, yet you’re an unmated Omega.” You didn't say anything about your status.

We can't hide from Alpha.

He wraps an arm around your neck, taking the lead. Your Omega succeeds in hijacking control, and you nuzzle into his neck. His scent is intoxicating. You can feel his throaty laughter.

“Oh you would do that”, he says, his voice husky.

“What?"

“Out of sight out of mind, right? You show him who’s boss.” He brings his lips to your exposed left ear, the one without a microphone. You damn your Omega for hiding your equipment in his shoulder.

“Sometimes flings that were supposed to be temporary can turn into something real. You seem like a girl who falls hard when she falls for a guy. Once another man dominates you, you’re hooked for good, huh?" His seductive whisper, sweet as honey, holds dark promises.

You balk at the idea of being dominated. You have always been the one in control.

But this is your Alpha.

No he's not. He's not your Alpha, you insist.

But he could be. Alpha is very interested in us.

“You said he’s a friend, if he’s still just a friend, perhaps that means there’s an opportunity for me to sink my hooks in you...or perhaps you would prefer my teeth?" His silky voice is mischievous, and he says the next part so softly into your ear, to keep anyone else from hearing. His voice sends electricity through your veins.

Alpha is offering his bite.

Stop it, stop it, stop it, you scream internally. This is an intelligence target. This is not courtship of any kind. You pull back to gauge his reaction. His earlier words echo in your mind. "Men always want what they can't have."

Do they? Do they always?

“There might be...a possibility.” The words tumble out faster than you expect. “You’re right, feelings can change, especially when someone particularly alluring is involved.” Your hindbrain had taken over. Were the suppressants wearing off?

His sigh of relief tickles your ear, “I’m happy to hear that." Your Omega nature purrs with pleasure internally. Your mind thinks about your loyalty to the Boss, and struggles, a little. You held a candle to him for so long.

Soejima's masked face fills your vision. Black and gold satin framing his perfect glassy brown eyes, reflecting only you. His pupils are dilated.

His voice is practically a growl, “It’s official. Now I really want to lay claim to you.” That gets your attention. Then he brushes by your lips in a most natural feeling kiss. It's a brief, perfect moment that leaves you breathless.

The music starts winding down, and he pulls away. Your skin burns with a heat that suddenly has nowhere else to go. The cool air of the lounge causes you to shiver. Soejima's eyes still glitter when looking at you.

“You said you were interested in charity. If you’d like we can continue this here.”

His arm only releases you to fish out a business card from his inside pocket of his jacket. He removes his mask. You’ve seen his face before, but up close it’s stunning. Anyone could get lost in those warm brown eyes.

He grins, “I probably shouldn’t be revealing myself at a masquerade party. This is against the rules. Keep it our little secret, pet." He winks, and presses an index finger to his lips. He looks...deliciously naughty in the moment. You're thankful your lacy mask covers the burn you feel in your cheeks.

The overhead lights get brighter, signalling the end of the night. His face goes back to a neutral dispassionate expression, like an image of Prince Charming. This is the face from the dossier. You find yourself struggling to reconcile the two natures he presented to you.

He takes your hand and brings it to his lips to give your knuckles a polite kiss. Eyes meeting yours through his long blond eyelashes as he says, “I'll see you later, and remember… the path to paradise begins in hell.” Something sensual and devilish flickers across his eyes. He takes his leave and his footsteps fade from your detection.

Your brain swims in confusion. What are paradise and hell supposed to mean? What just happened? You can still hear him whispering about making you his. Sinking in his hooks. Giving you his teeth. His Bite. The memory of his exquisite scent overwhelms you. This is the first time a target made a hell of an impression, as if he never left. You shake your head to chase the shadow from your mind. Gotta go back to the Boss. You stop dead in your tracks. You realize you didn’t think about the Boss at all since Seojima kissed you, until that formidable Alpha left.

You take a deep centering breath, and exhale with a big shudder. No sign of him anywhere. His previously comforting scent is long gone. Well, he must have seen you with Soejima, and left. Pangs of loneliness shoot through your consciousness. No no, it makes sense, you're rationalizing desperately. You completed the mission for the night, you can leave.

As if he was still there whispering to you, Soejima's words echo in your mind: He underestimates you.

[plxnet-superior]

Old wounds never heal - 1/2

Anon Ask: “Hi, I am so sorry to hear abt. Ur cat sweetie. If Ur still looking 4 dat prompt U asked abt. last night might I suggest reader is a timelady/timelord who knew the doctor and the master back on Gallifrey. She somehow gets looped into the whole Kasavin mess and there's just ANGST. (You could change this if you want too, I hope you feel better)”

I’m kinda not happy with how I wrote this one, but I hope you enjoy, I have plans for the next one, might take me a while though. Thank you again for the ask!

A shrill ring throughout the Tardis, and everyone but the Doctor jumps.

"What is that?" Yaz, as always, is the first to question from the other side of the console.

"Better question Yaz, who is that?" The time lord stares at the phone on the console in hesitation. "No one's meant to know the number for the tardis." Her companions look between each other, and Ryan shrugs, before one of them decides to pipe up.

"Well pick it up then! Whoever it is, they might need our help. Does say it on the outside of your blue box anyway, Doc." Graham had a good point, but she was still cautious. She hadn't had a true call come through in god knows how long, so of course, the suspicion was natural as she brought the phone up to her ear.

"Hello?" There was a pause, and a thankful sigh on the other end of the line.

"Doctor, hello! Do you know how hard it is to find the number for this thing? Really need to work on that." Whoever you are, you're ranting down the phone about how bad her Tardis design must be to barely have a connection, let alone a working phone number. She doesn't appreciate it, but the ease at which you complain about her blue box feels largely familiar.

"Right, sorry, but who are you?" There was a light hint of offense in her tone, to which you couldn't help but smile. You knew you had the right number at least, no other time lord would get so defensive over you insulting their ship.

"An old friend, and we have a lot to discuss."

-

You'd landed in Australia, and, from the doctors explanations, it had seemed like quite a lot had gone down on your way here. Something about light beings and mi6, which to be fair, made your adventures look like a cozy night in with a cup of tea (which, let's be honest, most of them were).

Her companions were quite a lively bunch, too. Yaz, the plucky young police woman looking for adventure, and something more interesting than a mundane life. Ryan, arguably quieter than the rest, but not unsure of himself, and certainly not stupid. Then Graham, the oldest of the three, grandad to Ryan and the realist of the group, you could tell he wasn't as much one for the danger in this life.

Your introduction was brief, but it didn't take you long to get to know them with how welcoming they all seemed.

"I thought me and the master were the only ones left..." The doctor looked tired, haggard even, a very different face from the last time you'd seen the time lord, before the fall of Gallifrey. You both sat on the porch, away from the others, drinking something that was probably iced tea but definitely didn't taste like it.

"I guess you rubbed off on me too much...I followed your advice, in the end. Stole a tardis and ran off before all hell broke loose. I take it you know what happened after that?" She nodded. Your home planet was gone one moment, back the next, and neither of you knew what to think anymore. "But...doctor, there's something you should know..."

You didn't have the time, ironically, because 'O' had burst out the front door rattling off something about a code, and then the doctor was back in action, giving you a hand up. "We can continue this little chat later, yeah? It'll be nice to work with another time lord again."

"Likewise, Doctor."

-

The energy around the Doctor was not something you were used to anymore. Always on high, this little adventure was definitely something bigger than you'd all imagined.

Especially since she'd made you get all dressed up to infiltrate a party, bit extra in your opinion, but, you assumed, necessary.

'O' was the most interesting of the Doctors friends, that much you had noticed in the brief moments spent getting to know everyone.

"So...you're like her then?"

"Like who?"

"The doctor. You're a time lord aswell?"

"Yeah, basically." You shrugged. "Two hearts, all of my own, and a Tardis to boot... Why?" The mi6 agent seemed to be way more intrigued in your origins than you'd expected, but you guessed that's what came with having such an infatuation with the Doctor. He did own a whole shelf full of information about her, after all.

Although, you'd admit, the attention you'd gained from him wasn't exactly a bad thing.

"Sorry if that offended you...it's just, she said she was the last of her kind." You hadn't meant to come off as defensive with your question, but you did find your gaze drifting back to the other time lord at his words. It's never an easy life running from a past you can't change, even more so when you're by yourself.

"No, you didn't offend me, sorry, not used to people asking questions about me, that's all," you brushed it off calmly before carrying on, "I guess that's what she believed, and to be honest, I almost believed I was the last aswell,"

The agent was very attentive, listening to your every word, and you were really starting to understand the Doctors weird affinity for humans, "spent years trying to find her again, I'd almost given up... Maybe fate just has a funny way of bringing people together when they need them the most."

"Huh. That's a... nice way of looking at it."

-

This was...not what you were expecting. At all. Finding the Doctor was one thing, but finding the Master? Disguised as 'O'? That was...something else entirely, and suddenly, all of his previous questions were beginning to make sense.

"So this is what you do now? After everything!? What the hell happened between you two while I was gone!?" The Doctors got her sonic trained on the bomb, trying to slow it down atleast, and the Master's yelling in the background.

"Now, do you really think I would not make that sonic proof, Doctor!? Come on!"

"We...had a falling out! We can talk about it later, I dont know!" The Doctor's getting more wound up as the countdown doesn't stop. The Master tells you it's 'deadlock sealed, No parachutes on board'. This wasn't the same time lord you knew back on gallifrey at all, no, he was something else entirely, feeding off the chaos, and the wild look in his eyes only served to confirm it.

"Well this looks like quite the falling out to me!!" You argue back, settling once again into your old habit of calling her out after all these years.

Yaz is the only one of the Doctors companions to fire off a question despite the situation. This girl was starting to grow on you with her fiery attitude. Barton's gone, so this is definitely a death trap after all.

"Stick with me, Yaz, cos I control...everything. Even these guys." A snap of his fingers, and a spin. Dramatic, of course. That's his getaway ticket, and your cue to haul the Doctor out of the cockpit by her suit jacket, slamming the door shut behind you. The blast throws you both, and you know you're braced above her, but there's no time for embarrassment. Instead, you're glad to have atleast shielded her from the brunt of it.

However, now the plane's going down, and the Master just has to get the last word in.

"Everything you think you know... is a lie. Got you, finally." There's the split second after that last laugh, he's about to teleport, whisked away by his new 'friends', but you kick up from your position and practically leap over the Doctor to get to him in time.

You're not letting him go. Not now. Not without answers.

Your hand comes down on his arm.

You both faze out.

Checkmate.

[rainythefox]

Nightfall (CH.12)

Synopsis: Pre-Resident Evil 1, slight-AU/Canon Divergence. Claire Redfield comes home to visit her  brother Chris for the holidays but gets caught up in a dangerous game of  cat and mouse with Albert Wesker, the Captain of STARS, after stumbling  upon dark secrets. She can’t call the law; Wesker is the law, and she  can’t tell Chris. She is trapped…Claire/Wesker & Slight  Chris/Jill. Rated M for eventual smut, language, violence, adult content.

AO3 Link

Chapter 12: Complicit

Claire couldn’t believe this was happening. After two days of “late night babysitting” preparing for this…mission, she was about to actually undergo it. She was kinda freaking out deep down, but her Redfield nerve and composure never broke a sweat on the outside.

She lingered, eyes firmly set on the double glass doors and the welcoming signs, faint traces of snow dancing around her. Would she be able to do this?

“Losing your nerve already? Pity. Thought you redheads had more spunk than this...”

Wesker’s velvety voice crept through the tiny headphone hidden in her right ear. It wasn’t the only thing he attached to her. There was a video camera, the smallest and most advanced she had ever seen, and some kind of tracker, like he needed another way to keep her under his thumb. All to “help” her during this important task at hand that he so generously gave to her. And by generously, there were implications if she didn’t go through with this, that Chris would have a bad “accident”.

“The only nerve I’m about to lose is my last one with you,” she muttered, careful to not talk too loud as a few people slipped by her to enter the building, eager to get out of the dark evening's cold. “I’m ready when you are.”

Wesker’s low laugh through the earpiece made her shiver more than the icy wind blowing the snowflakes around. “I’m always ready, Claire. You should know that by now.”

“Whatever.” Ignoring the dark implications behind his words.

“I have the utmost faith in you, my dear. Do not disappoint me. You know the consequences.”

The younger Redfield took a deep breath. This was it. She would do this…she had to, for Chris.

She headed up the concrete steps and entered Raccoon University, bypassing the positive and welcoming signs advertising “Exclusive Open House for Umbrella’s Future Leaders!”

Claire immediately took notice of all the college students her age and even some older people here. The large, fancy lobby was decorated up for the occasion. There were balloons, finger foods and drinks, more signs and several tables for information on Umbrella programs, internships, scholarships, and grants. Distracted by all the dress up and people, Claire paused to get her bearings, only for someone to bump into her.

“Oh…sorry,” a girl around her age mumbled, wearing a green jacket and looking of Japanese descent. She smiled apologetically and readjusted her backpack strap. Claire noticed right away she seemed a little spacey, but didn’t think much on it.

“All good,” she replied and allowed the girl to pass. Claire watched her walk over to the corner by some of the many leather lounge chairs and tables, sitting with a girl in a yellow hoodie with a long braid and glasses.

“Hello everyone, and welcome to Umbrella’s Open House!” The voice immediately drew Claire’s attention and she turned towards the front desk of the lobby, where three men stood in suits. She immediately recognized them from the research and planning she had gone through for the past two days in order to do this assignment. The man speaking was Greg Mueller, a professor here at the university that also worked for Umbrella. On his right stood another professor and Umbrella researcher, Simon Lowery. The man on the left was well-known Umbrella researcher and medical doctor, Nathanial Bard.

“We hope you are enjoying the delicious food and beverages catered to us by our local favorite restaurant, Grill 13,” Mueller continued. “And of course, staying warm from good ‘ol RC snow. Now, before we begin with tonight’s exciting tour of our historical university, introductions are in order! I’m Dr. Greg Mueller, head of the Research and Lab department of the University and I teach several courses. With me is my colleague and good friend, Dr. Simon Lowery. He’s essential to my team here and makes sure that everything runs smoothly and you have him to thank for some amazing programs to help you on your journey to a brighter future here. Last, but certainly not least, our special guest tonight is the revered Dr. Nathanial Bard of Spencer Memorial Hospital, whose achievements are nothing short of ground-breaking, and he will help you get started on which of Umbrella’s programs will serve you best. I’m going to hand the mic to Simon now.”

Lowery looked to be the younger of the three and wasn’t shy when he took the mic from his colleague. “Thanks Greg. Hello everyone! You know, this is the third year Greg and I have helmed this open house in search of bright pupils with a future at Umbrella Corporation. We have fun every year, and it’s always great meeting every single one of you. Now take your time, visit, mingle, get to know each other, make yourself at home and help yourselves to all this delicious food - I personally recommend the smoked sausages, they’re my favorite! - and please check out each booth we have set up for more information on what programs Umbrella has to offer for you, and we will go into depth later on after the tour. Dr. Bard, would you like to say anything?”

“Of course,” he said and snatched the mic with a wide, fake grin. “There’s something for everyone here. You absolutely will not leave empty handed. Umbrella cares about each and every one of your futures, and we are here to help. It’s my personal mission to make sure every individual will get the help and information they need to ensure a prosperous future. You have my word! Welcome to Umbrella’s open house!”

The three men put up the microphone and split up to join the chatting groups of visitors. Claire kept her cool, getting herself a cup of spiced cider and checking out the information booths just like everyone else.

She could certainly understand why Wesker was using her in this infiltration. There was no doubt she blended right in with the crowd of college ready young adults. She could tell by overhearing bits of conversations that many were already students here at the university while others were newcomers.

The hardest part was waiting. She couldn't get to the next step of the plan if they didn’t go on the tour around the university. So the younger Redfield put on a charming smile and worked the crowd, pretending to be one of them, fishing for information as she waited.

"Such a charmer you are, dear heart. But be careful of whom you charm. Some snakes are immune to the flute."

"Like you?" Claire whispered.

"I'm impervious to the charms of nearly everyone. Most people are just so predictable and boring. Thankfully, you are not ‘most people’...”

Is he really flirting with me over the radio or am I just hearing things? Claire sighed. As if she didn’t have enough on her plate at the moment!

“Oh! Tell her to sneak some shrimp into Nate’s food. I wanna see the dickhole swell up like a balloon and choke.”

She stood corrected, instantly, after William talked smack on the other side. But his big mouth didn’t get to say anything else before a loud yelp rang her eardrum and all became quiet again.

Claire shook her head, but soon a tall figure slipped around from behind her and greeted her with a smile that was more lecherous than cordial.

“Good evening! Dr. Nathanial Bard, how are you, Miss?”

He extended his hand. Claire panicked for a moment because she never came up with a fake identity even after Wesker’s insistence upon it. He had said the chances of her being approached were slim, but not impossible.

“Do not give him your real name. You’ll want to drop conversation with him as quickly and as inconspicuously as possible.”

As Bard frowned, the name finally hit her and Claire eased a fake smile that looked natural. “Elza. Elza Walker. Nice to meet you, Dr. Bard.” She took his hand and shook it, internally gagging.

His eyebrows rose high. “That is such a pretty and unique name. You from Raccoon City?”

“No, sir. In town visiting family. I was thinking about transferring to Raccoon University and a friend told me about the open house. Figured I’d give it a try and see.”

She could feel his eyes skim over her, not near as clandestine as Wesker was, and, dare she admit, not near as tantalizing as him either. Claire squeezed the cup of hot spiced cider in her hand, restraining herself from splashing it in his face.

Bard’s smile widened. “Well, I think you’re in luck, my dear!”

The younger Redfield didn’t realize how much she secretly liked Wesker’s pet names for her until it came from someone else’s tongue. She internally shook her head. Now was not the time to start having the warm fuzzies for that asshole. Claire could hardly believe she was even thinking in this direction. Had to be the stress of going undercover while quite literally having Wesker breathe down her neck...yes, that was it. It had to be.

Get it together!

“There’s a program for everyone! Umbrella Corporation wants you to succeed! Grants, scholarships! Umbrella will even pay for everything for you to transfer. There is no shortage of bursaries here. What kind of field are you looking to get into?”

Bard leaned in closer, suave and friendly. It would’ve fooled anyone else, but not Claire. This man was digging for something. She could only hope that he was being a lecher and wasn’t seeing through to her true motives.

“You’re stalling. Get out of there.”

Wesker sounded annoyed, but she couldn’t determine why. It wasn’t as though she had messed up the mission...yet.

“You know, I’m still on the fence,” Claire made up, slowly backing away.

Bard chuckled. “One of those, huh? No worries. When I was your age, I didn’t have a clue either. But do not fret, Miss Walker, my colleagues and I are here to help. There’s no need to decide right now. After the tour, we can sit down and talk it over. We can still find something right for you even if you haven’t decided on a major.”

“Oh, the tour...right,” Claire faked ditzyness. “I better go to the little girl’s room before it starts!”

She beelined for the restrooms just to the side of the information center in the lobby, even as the doctor told her directions. She sat her cup down on a table as she passed by, glancing over her shoulder. She spotted Dr. Bard motioning her way to the younger Dr. Lowery, the two men speaking quietly.

There were a few other girls in the restroom. One student flushed a toilet and came out, washing her hands and leaving quietly. A couple fixed their makeup while gossiping. Since Claire didn’t need to go, and wasn’t about to while Wesker was able to see everything, she pretended to check her face over too. She fluffed her hair, left down in long waves for the occasion.

“Worried about looking good enough for me, Claire? Don’t be. You still have work to do, and it doesn’t matter to me what your hair looks like while doing it. Just do it.” Wesker mocked. The biting humor in his admonishment was hard to miss.

“Geez, you really need to be nicer if you want to get laid, buddy!” William muttered in the distance. “OW! Fuck…”

Despite the wheeze of pain and cursing, distant chuckling sieved through the earbud. But Claire ignored it, instead nearly bristling and turned on the tap to wash her hands as the girls left back out to the lobby.

“I am doing it, asshole. Even with lecherous old men hitting on me, which wasn’t a part of the plan, by the way! No need to be so pushy. If you want me to go under cover here and make it believable, then let me handle it. It’ll get done, stop riding my ass!”

There was a moment of silence before William snorted loudly in the back, laughing. “That’s what she said!” He cackled loudly in amusement. “Man, I like her more and more every day...the girl has balls.”

Wesker's laughter was quieter, colder. “If you insist, dear heart. I’m just offering my humble assistance to make things go over smoothly. Just get the job done and we’re fine.”

Humble, my ass! Claire thought sourly.

The Redfield sister heard them announcing the tour. She quickly dried her hands and exited the restroom, melding herself into the back of the group. This would be the slowest process, she knew, but kept her wits about her even as she only half-listened to the doctors as they rattled off trivia and history over the university.

They took the upper floors first, pointing out classrooms that covered the liberal arts and the professors who taught them. Dr. Mueller told them the history of the iconic bell tower.

“Jesus, Greg, you’re putting me to sleep over here, put some life into it!” William huffed. “You seriously make me want to shoot myself.”

At least Lowery had a bit more spunk and spirit as he raved about the college’s sports teams, particularly the football team, the Raccoon Sharks. Which Claire never understood why they chose “sharks” and not, well, “raccoons” for obvious reasons. But hey, at least the sharks were colored up like raccoons.

They returned to the first floor and continued the tour. There was the fancy cafeteria, the huge library, and more classrooms. The doctors talked about more of the programs and classes, semester activities, and the following herd asked questions in return.

They left the main establishment to take a walkway to a neighboring building. It was still lightly snowing, but the walkway was covered. It was also illuminated by soft, yellow lights. Claire could hear the Circular River rushing nearby, as the institution was built along its path.

This was the building she had been waiting on. It was essentially its own facility, running classrooms, laboratories, and other departments, doubling as a school and a research center for Umbrella.

Claire used to not think anything of it, even admired how much Umbrella helped out the city between their programs at the university and hospitals, as well as their charities and large scale employment. Now, the deeper she went down this rabbit hole being dragged by Wesker’s leash, she started to wonder what was really going on.

Men like Albert Wesker, William Birkin, and Sergei Vladimir were not the type to work for “good guys”. Even the three doctors Mueller, Lowery, and Bard were all hiding something, that much was certainly clear.

So, what was Umbrella hiding? What were they hiding that required the Captain of the elite S.T.A.R.S. force and the Police Chief to control the city? That required them to murder people once they knew too much? And what about that top-secret underground Umbrella facility that William reigned over?

Claire had a flashback of Wesker pulling the trigger on Finley’s head, the blood spraying across fresh snow; how his fate was completely covered up with no one to question or oppose it. She recalled watching the news just the other day reporting on how his body was discovered and ruled a suicide in his car.

What happened to Mr. Finley back there will never be brought to light. He died in a car crash, you see. Committed suicide, or simply disappeared. His fate is whatever I decide to make it. You and your brother are no different, same with all the others who thought they could expose me. Wesker’s voice echoed in the back of her head from that fateful day.

Maybe Umbrella were still the good guys. Maybe Wesker, Irons, William, and Sergei were the infestation of corruption, growing and taking control, like weeds strangling a fruit tree from its roots. Yeah, surely that was it.

But deep down, she didn’t believe herself.

Once they were inside Dr. Mueller’s state-of-the-art laboratory that connected to a classroom laboratory through two automatic sliding doors, the professor slash researcher began boasting with a lot more pride and spirit than his lecture on the university’s trivia earlier. He showed off some equipment in his place between Lowery and Bard.

Again, Claire only half-listened, her eyes scanning the area for her objective.

“In short, there is no other research department like this in the country. My laboratory is vital to Umbrella’s key studies on disease prevention and cures.”

“C’mon Greg, you’re a glorified babysitter with a sandbox! Mine’s way better!” William hollered, sounding like his mouth was full. Coffee break between two sessions of unethical lab work, she supposed. Just another day at the office, between blackmailing and killing people. Nothing to write home about.

Wesker sighed. “If you wish to do a dick measuring contest with someone, at least choose some actual competition.”

“My dick’s bigger than all three of theirs. I got pics to prove it. Don’t ask. I have my sources. Courtesy from their parties with the senator. I will nail those dick pics to their corpses when we’re done with them too.”

And yet I wondered how these two are best friends…silly me.

“Claire, as soon as they leave the laboratory, the power failure will engage. Be ready. The laboratory’s backup power will switch on, but the security systems will remain down.”

“Got it.”

Still, William’s words hung her up. There was nothing stated in all the planning that anyone would be killed...but what if she was setting it up for these three men to die? No, she specifically remembered Wesker wanting to gain control over them. They were useless to him dead. But that didn’t mean their value to him didn’t have an expiration date…

Claire shook out the thoughts and trailed after the rest of the group once more. The double doors to the neighboring classroom laboratory slid open and the mass of people passed through, the doctors taking turns to address their followers. Some of the crowd whispered amongst themselves, but they were mostly quiet.

As the last few went through the doorway, Claire purposely slowed herself down to where the door slid shut inches from her. The power instantly went out. Total darkness and stillness swallowed her for only a moment before the laboratory’s backup power switched on. But just as planned, the double doors were locked, glowing red above.

She barely heard the mumblings of surprise on the other side before turning and speeding towards the main computer in the back, located near a single locked electronic door with a sign that stated, “Authorized personnel only!”

Claire reached inside her parka pocket and pulled out the computer disk. The same, unmarked one she got the other day when Wesker was using her to fetch from his informants. She pushed it into the drive, fingers itching to get this over with.

“You have just under four minutes, Miss Redfield. Don’t drop the ball now.”

She ignored him and typed away, putting in the passwords and entries she had memorized from the planning process of this infiltration.

The spyware program uploaded onto the mainframe in a timely fashion. What took a bit longer was it copying information back onto the disk, whatever that was. While it processed, the younger Redfield moved to a nearby set of drawers.

“You sure it’s the bottom one?”

“That is what my source informed me.”

“They better be right.”

Claire retrieved her lockpick from her pants pocket, the one gifted to her from Jill, the same one she used to break into Wesker’s house. She carefully worked the lock, listening, feeling, remaining focused. It finally gave and she pulled the drawer open. Inside was what she was looking for.

"Looks like the "master of unlocking" taught you well. Shocker. Guess you stumbling into my affairs paid off in the end, in more than one way... "

The sealed yellow envelope inside looked harmless enough. But the label printed on it in red ink chilled her to the bone. Requested research for THANATOS PROJECT.

The name sounded ominous to her, and she couldn’t help the shiver running down her spine. She had a bad feeling about this.

Claire retrieved it from the drawer, looking it over. It was heavy, full of papers and what felt like maybe a USB drive. There was a white sticker in the bottom right hand corner that read, “Paid in full. - AR.”

Those initials had to be Aaron Roth. If only Wesker wasn’t spying on her and she had the time...she would’ve ripped into the envelope to see what they were all hiding.

She slid the drawer shut and returned to the computer. The disk was ready to be removed. She took it back and returned it to her pocket. Taking a step back, she looked it over once more. Everything was in place and didn’t look disturbed.

“Finished in a timely fashion. I’m impressed. You’re certainly talented in more ways than one. I’m almost tempted to hire you again, dear heart. I’m sure I could find some use for you...”

“You didn’t hire me, asshole, you blackmailed me.”

“Semantics. What matters is a satisfying outcome...wouldn’t you agree?” Wesker purred in her ear.

Oh God. Was it just her or was there a double entendre somewhere in there? Sweat broke out on Claire’s forehead even though she had managed to keep her cool until now, but Wesker making ambiguous remarks was getting to her. Nervously (and not just a little bit annoyed with herself), she discreetly wiped her sweaty bangs from her forehead.

Let’s get this over with, she admonished herself. The sooner her dealings with the corrupt STARS Captain were over, the better.

The college student stuffed the envelope inside her jacket and under her arm since it was too big to put in a pocket. She hurried over to the double doors, knowing time was almost up. If it all went according to plan, the doctors and their party would still be in the dark locked in the next room. The backup power in this area would be cut off and the doors would open just long enough to allow her back with the others before all power returned.

When the lights went out, Claire barely heard the doors skim apart, courtesy of whoever was controlling the university’s power system. She stepped over the threshold into the classroom, moving further in, careful not to run into anything. This particular laboratory for regular classes had large windows on the opposite side, but it was so dark outside, it barely helped light anything.

But soon it didn’t matter. The power returned in an instant, back to normal, as though it had never been touched. Claire wasn’t far from the group and quietly joined them as everyone got their bearings, blinking to adjust to the sudden bright lights. Startled voices talked over each other.

“Everyone, everyone, settle down. Everything is fine!” Mueller announced. “Just a small power failure. Let’s return to the lobby and I will have someone look into it!”

Relieved, Claire followed along as Mueller and Bard escorted everyone out of the classroom while Lowery remained behind by the door checking on the visitors. That was normal and understandable enough until his brown eyes pierced her. Watchful. Suspicious. She kept her composure, offering him an innocent smile as she slipped by him and out the door. He didn’t say anything, but Claire felt his eyes on her back until she caught up with the others, heart slightly racing.

Surely, he wasn’t onto her. There could be no way.

"Think he's onto me," Claire whispered as voices boomed through the massive hallways, the herd migrating back to the lobby.

"Irrelevant," Wesker answered. "As soon as you return to the lobby, make your leave. Without notice, preferably."

"Don't worry, Claire. Lowery's a nerdy bag of stress and paranoia. Nothing to fear there," William added.

"Like you?" Wesker mocked.

"You know, I’m half-tempted to empty one of my petri dishes into your coffee next time you’re not looking. Don’t push your luck, jerk. Annette always says you wouldn’t like me angry. And you know how Anne’s always right. Even she says so!"

Amused chuckling was all he got as a reply from Wesker.

Claire rolled her eyes at their continuous banter. God, she swore these two were like old marrieds.

Once they all filed into the lobby, most visitors either took a seat or went and got more food. She soon noticed a couple heading for the front doors, sliding on their coats, and took advantage, inconspicuously joining them.

"Hold on, please, you three," Bard hollered, making the trio pause and look. "Before you leave, let us make sure everyone is accounted for from the power outage. A small safety regulation we must abide by."

Claire inwardly groaned and moved away from the doors with the others. Bard and Mueller finished speaking together in a hushed huddle and went opposite ways.

"What are you doing?" Wesker asked.

"You said to leave without being noticed. Did you not hear him?"

"Then find another way out. Do it quickly."

Claire ground her jaw but didn't answer. She looked around, thinking of a way she could escape. More university workers were showing up now from other hallways, probably disturbed by the power failure. Lowery had yet to return.

She watched Dr. Bard set a plate of food down on an empty table and left it to go introduce himself to another pretty face, using the same charm he had used on her.

Apparently, the prick was only interested in helping students he found attractive. The girl obviously looked uncomfortable but smiled to be nice, and that didn't sit well with her one bit.

But since kicking him where it counted would cause a scene, the younger Redfield soon found herself scheming up something better.

Casually, she went over to the buffet of refreshments, picking up a plate and grabbing a few random foods. She sat down at a table close to Bard's plate, eyes scanning. People were talking or reading while they ate. She de-shelled one cold shrimp and broke it up into chunks.

She had only a tiny window of opportunity here, and it all determined on the selections of food on his plate. Pulse racing but outwardly composed, she discreetly took a stroll over to his plate. From afar she analyzed what was on it, and what would best conceal her ticket to freedom.

“HOLY SHIT, SHE’S GONNA DO IT! I LOVE THIS GIRL!” William squealed in delight.

She winced, retracting the urge to rub her eardrum. Her deft hands quickly stuffed the pieces of shrimp into a club sandwich triangle. It was pressed back into place with the toothpick and then she was off, glancing around to make sure she hadn’t been caught. Everything went on as normal. Claire got some more spiced cider and returned to her seat to wait.

“Don’t tell Anne, but If I wasn’t already married...” William softly laughed in her ear. She could tell he was trying to whisper, but the eccentric, mad scientist didn’t realize he was louder than he thought. “She’s a keeper, Al. Don’t screw this up!”

Screw what up? Keep me...for what exactly? Stop giving him any ideas, William! God, this is really getting out of hand...

Claire facepalmed as she started to feel hot under her collar and blamed the thrill of committing a heist under everybody’s noses for it.

The Redfield sister didn’t have much time to dwell on it before she spotted Dr. Lowery emerging into the lobby. She instinctively made herself smaller as he marched across the room, going straight to Dr. Mueller.

He pulled the older man aside, whispering urgently. Claire started sweating in serious now. Especially when their eyes scanned the full lobby until Lowery pointed her out.

“Shit,” she hissed under her breath. She pretended not to notice them, her nerves beginning to rattle a little. She reluctantly called for help. “Wesker…”

“What is it?” Claire wasn’t sure if it was just her hearing things, but he actually sounded a little concerned.

And then she was saved. Not by the bell but by commotion. People shouted and pointed, some moving in closer to watch or help as an individual choked. Dr. Bard was turning red, red like the shellfish he had just unknowingly consumed. Mueller raced across the lobby for him, Lowery right behind him after giving her one glance.

Claire took her chance. She sprinted for the doors and was out, taking the concrete steps two at a time and bolting across the front courtyard through the snow flurries with only the college ground lights to guide her.

When she made it through the opened gates and took a sharp turn on the sidewalk, she collided straight into another person and nearly lost her footing. She dropped the enveloped stashed inside her coat.

“Sorry, Miss. I should’ve been watching where I was going,” the young man said with a charming smile, stooping to pick up the envelope for her.

He slightly flinched when he picked it up and noticed the label, as though he recognized it. But it was gone in an instant and he presented it to her with a warm smile and twinkling green eyes.

“What the hell is he doing there?!” William demanded.

Wesker ignored him and promptly spoke to Claire. “Take it and leave, do not engage in conversation with him, Claire. That is an order.”

“Leave?! This may be our only opportunity to kill the bastard!”

“Are you okay, Miss? Do you need help?” the man asked.

She silently obeyed Wesker, snatching the yellow envelope back and hurrying past him. The redhead didn’t look over her shoulder, but she could feel the man watching her until she turned down the next block.

Panting, the icy wind cutting her throat, she finally slowed to a walk, heading for her next destination. Traffic rolled by her, beams of headlights stretching down the streets and making the falling snowflakes sparkle. There weren’t many other pedestrians out walking the streets, but she did spot many inside buildings shopping or having a coffee.

“Who was that?” she asked.

“Aaron Roth,” Wesker answered nonchalantly. “He’s not someone you should involve yourself with.”

“Oh, but I should involve myself with you?”

Wesker chuckled mockingly. “Wishful thinking, Claire? I’m flattered. Then again, I’ve been known to have that effect on redheads...must be genetic.”

Claire bit her tongue. She pulled her parka hood over her head, bundling up from the cold. After passing by the empty elementary school, she cut across the parking lot to the bus barn next door.

Her ride would arrive here to pick her up. Unfortunately, Claire wouldn’t be going home just yet. She had to meet Wesker in person first. She just hoped that Chris wasn’t getting worried...or worse, suspicious.

The bus barn was a large depot and mechanic shop for all the schools’ buses. Rows and rows of parked long, yellow buses slept quietly. It was dreary and quiet, with snow falling lightly all around. A person could easily get spooked by themselves here, as though they were trapped amongst sleeping giants.

“There’s been a change in plans,” Wesker announced. “My main liaison will not be picking you up. Instead the collaborator that worked the power outages at the university will. He should be there shortly.”

“Okay,” Claire mumbled through chattering teeth.

“I’m going to sign off for now, dear heart. Well done. See you soon.”

She was relieved for the silence. Claire waited with her hands in her pockets, back against a cold bus, shivering, watching the snowflakes swirl around. The lights of Raccoon City at night were beautiful to look at, some of the skyscrapers in the distance were lit up in Christmas colors. The younger Redfield was so lost in observing the serene scenery around her that she did not hear the pair of feet that had slowly walked closer to her.

"Found you!"

The voice startled her and she pushed away from the bus, whirling to confront them. Shocked, she didn't say anything as Lowery cautiously approached, encased in shadow from a looming bus nearby, and sounding a little out of breath.

"The hell?" Claire hissed. "What do you want?" She reached for her knife in her pocket.

As Lowery stepped into the light, speckles of snow in his brown hair, she noticed the gun pointed at her chest.

“Lucky shot!” Chris whined.

Jill laughed, moving around the pool table to take her next move. “Suck it up, buttercup! You’re about to lose to a girl!”

“It’s these beers. They threw me off my groove.”

Jack’s Bar was crowded tonight. The bar was full and so were most of the tables. Music played on the radio, but it could barely be heard from all the talking and laughter bouncing around. The bar-and-grill was decorated up with Christmas decor and lights, looking quite festive and bright.

His partner made the winning shot that cost him this game of pool. She won the last time they were here too.

“Whoo!” Jill exclaimed, arms shooting in the air and grinning at him. “You know what that means, partner!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Chris grumbled, fishing for his wallet. He looked around him and then spotted the familiar face he was seeking. “Hey, Cindy! C’mere!”

The favorite waitress of J’s came over, an empty tray under her arm. The young, pretty blonde smiled and giggled. “Let me guess, lose again, Chris?”

“Hey, I’ve won before, okay?!”

“A Mai Tai then?”

“Yeah,” Chris answered, giving her a $10 bill. “Here’s for another plus tip...because I know Miss Sharpshooter here’s gonna want seconds.”

“Why wouldn’t I when your pouty ass is buying?” Jill snickered.

They made faces at each other, and then Chris spotted the rest of their party arriving. “Oh, bring the drinks to our usual table, the guys are finally here.”

Cindy nodded. “Will do. You want your usual?”

“Yeah, add it to my tab.”

Chris and Jill joined the others at their usual table. The STARS teams came here often to wind down and have fun, different mixes of teammates each time from differing schedules. Hell, even the Captains came once in a while.

Wesker was a pro at pool, too. And Jill had been on his team a few times. She said he taught her tricks...something about math and trajectory or some shit. Who does that? Didn’t people just point and shoot at the balls with their cue sticks?

The gang tonight consisted of Chris, Jill, Barry, Joseph, Forest, and Richard. Tagging along with Barry was Robert Kendo, which wasn’t uncommon. They ordered their food and drinks, a perfect view of the hockey game playing on the hanging box TV. While waiting, the group of friends and colleagues joked and small-talked.

“So, Kendo, how’s that new assault shotgun model coming along?” Richard asked.

Kendo cracked a grin as he took a swig of beer. “You ask me that every damn time you see me, Rich. Look, I’ll personally call ya when I make a breakthrough, alright?”

“You better! I’m excited!”

“Coulda fooled me!”

Cindy and her friend and co-worker soon brought their food and drinks. Chris could never remember the young lad’s name...Bill? No...Will. It made him think of William Birkin again...the mysterious man that Claire was babysitting for. The past couple of nights she had stayed out late babysitting, and it seemed as though tonight would be the same. He just hoped that’s what she was really doing…

“Cindy, babe, could you please turn the station? I cannot stand these damn Christmas tunes anymore!” Forest complained.

“Aw, c’mon, Forest. Get into the holiday spirit!” Cindy exclaimed. “Don’t be a grinch!”

“Don’t insult the Grinch like that,” Joseph joked.

Cindy gave him a look. “Don’t be a meanie, Joe.”

“Eh, he’s just jealous of my hair, Cin. That’s why he fucking hides his under that stupid bandana all the time.”

“You wish.”

Cindy casually shook her head, used to their antics, and left them to their meals. The gang discussed their plans for the upcoming holiday, after work of course. Most of the STARS team had family here to celebrate with. If Chris remembered correctly, only he (other than Claire), Jill, and Captain Wesker didn’t have any family.

Soon, they got on the topic of gifts.

“I finally found Claire’s Christmas gift. She’s gonna love it. I picked it up the other day. She’ll never find it!”

Jill laughed beside him. “That’s because it’s at my house!”

“Your house is the safest place! She’s a sneaky little brat and will find it!”

“Speaking of which,” Barry interrupted, dipping a couple fries into his ketchup. “I figured you wouldn’t be coming tonight because Claire’s in town. She make you come out?”

“Probably,” Richard snorted. “I’d need a break from him too.”

“Nah, she’s been babysitting for someone. Last few days she’s had to babysit well into the night.”

Joseph snickered. “That’s what I’d say too if I was messing around with a guy I didn’t want my big brother to know about.”

Chris shot his colleague a glare that almost dropped him dead. Joseph stuffed his mouth with a big bite of hamburger.

Kendo cleared his throat, pushing his empty beer bottle up to the middle of the table. "Oh! That reminds me, Chris. Did Claire get into trouble?”

“Huh? No, why?”

“I was on the other side of town yesterday evening picking up Emma’s medicine and I saw her with the Captain. He opened his car door for her and she got in.”

“Which Captain? Enrico? Or Wesker?” Richard asked curiously.

“Yeah, cuz that determines how much trouble she must’ve been in,” Forest teased.

Kendo half-rolled his eyes, sighing. “THE Captain, ya idiots. Wesker. I saw her with Wesker. She got into his car and they drove off.”

“See? I told you there was a guy she didn’t want you to know about!” Joseph laughed. “They must’ve hit it off after she went down to the station to give him a piece of her mind. Bet now she’s giving him a piece of something better!” Barry slugged him hard in the arm. “Ow!”

This was new information to Chris. He sat there, dumbfounded, at a loss for words as his mind processed exactly what Robert had said. “She didn’t get in trouble...that I know of. Wesker would’ve called me, for sure.”

Barry frowned. “For sure…But then why else would Claire be with him?”

“Chris, buddy, I love you, but let’s be honest here, they’re probably doing the nasty.”

“Jesus, Forest,” Jill growled, facepalming. “Don’t be starting those kinds of rumors.”

“Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, s’all I’m sayin’.”

Chris glared at Forest. “Between you and Joseph, I’m gonna shove those beer bottles so far up your backdoor you two won’t be walking straight. Ever. Again.”

“Sorry,” Kendo interrupted. “I didn’t mean to get everyone so riled up. I was just curious. Looked harmless to me.”

“Dumb and Dumber here like to start shit,” Barry explained, glaring at Joseph and Forest. “I’m sure it was harmless. It is Wesker, after all. Maybe she just needed a ride.”

“Or maybe he offered her one,” Jill added. “He’s quite the gentleman.”

“Gentleman?!” Forest scoffed. “The guy’s a hard ass and a dick to us most of the time!”

“I mean, yeah, he kinda has to be. He’s our boss. But really, he isn’t that bad to most of us. You two just get on his nerves all the time,” Richard admitted.

“Hey, who’s side are you on, Aiken?”

“I’m j-just s-stating the facts!”

“Alright, alright, knock it off, all of you,” Jill ordered in her “mom voice”.

“It’s all harmless joking,” Joseph defended. “And Chris knows it, right bud? I mean, how often do I joke what if Wesker is actually a sociopathic supervillain on a quest for power? Of course he isn’t...but I sometimes wonder!”

Chris shook his head. Joseph and Forest were frustrating at times with their nonstop jokes, but he knew it was never mean-spirited. They all ribbed each other all the time; it was their clique’s twisted way of showing they cared about each other.

“You and your weird conspiracies, Joe...But really, let’s just drop the subject, okay? I don’t care why Claire was with Wesker,” he lied. “Because I know it doesn’t mean anything. Got it?”

“Got it,” they all agreed.

“Good. Now can we all please get along, drink some beer, and talk about something pleasant? Like the weather or something?”

They all looked to the front of the bar, where the windows were. Snow fell just outside, looking to have picked up since they arrived at the bar.

“Oh yeah, pleasant RC snow...love it,” Jill quipped dryly.

Chris scowled, rubbing the back of his neck. He had even more worries on his mind now, thanks to their earlier discussion. And no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t push them away.

His overreacting, protective brotherly instincts had continued to gnaw at him, making him wonder about the integrity of this “babysitting job”. Claire had never given him a reason to doubt her, but still he worried.

There was something going on with Claire. She was definitely hiding something, and his innate detective instincts kept putting together the clues, all starting over a week ago. Some kind of worry or panic she hid from that jog on the mountain hiking trails, her quiet, wandering thoughts, some questionable explanations, the injuries she hid on her hand and ankle...and then this Wiliam Birkin came out of nowhere with a babysitting job for her. “A friend of a friend.”

And now she was with Wesker on the other side of town when she was supposed to be babysitting? That set off a whole wave of bad thoughts and red flags in his mind.

No, he told himself firmly. It’s Wesker. There has to be a logical explanation! I bet it’s all harmless and I’m worried for nothing.

Captain Wesker may have been a hard ass at times, and he and Chris bumped heads occasionally, but they respected each other and got along great most of the time. He was one of the best men he knew. A damn good leader and boss, too. After his big screw up in the Air Force, not many were willing to give Chris a chance, and Wesker did.

There was absolutely no reason to worry about Claire being with him. If anything, it should have relieved him...knowing his little sister was in good hands. Wesker would take care of her.

But deep down inside, something small, some miniscule but insistent doubt ate at him. A growing part of him was questioning whether everything was as innocent as it seemed...

[16ruedelaverrerie]

It makes so much more sense to answer this privately, but this message is still one of the funniest things I’ve seen over the last six months, so I need to enshrine it in visible form. @king-kodi​​ I hope you figured out the answer in these SIX MONTHS SINCE YOU MESSAGED ME, I’m sorry! This account is still active, in the way that a lizard that does not move for 10 years is still alive.

The answer, belatedly, is that the little shit cat in question (when not hungry or ill) decides whether it wants to go for a stroll or not. Sometimes it just wants to chat instead of going for a stroll, but them’s the breaks, all control is an illusion and the tiny virtual piece of shit must be left to its own devices to do what it wishes. I love this game. All cats are perfect, even the ones that aren’t real.

 ANON!!! YES!!!!! Wow wait first of all can I express how touched I am that you remembered having been in previous disbelief over people liking Theon Greyjoy, then after you started reading the books you came back to this blog to let me know about your changing thoughts THAT IS THE KIND OF ENGAGEMENT THAT I AS AN EDUCATOR CAN ONLY DREAM ABOUT AND WOULD NOT EVEN DEMAND FROM MY STUDENTS

Truly it is a no-good life for Theon, when the only friends and family he has are a bunch of people who are technically licensed to execute him WITH THE SWORD THEY MAKE HIM CARRY AROUND FOR OTHER BEHEADINGS fkl;dhgk and the whole “the Starks are such lovely people” angle that the show takes most of the time... really fails to shed adequate light on how there are so many bigger issues here than individuals being decent individuals! ANON... THEON JUST WANTED TO GO HOME, ANON. HE JUST COULDN’T FIGURE OUT WHERE THAT WAS. ANON HOLD MY HAND.

 Oooo did you get around to it? How did it turn out?? I feel like Markus was also working on his own version of a Les Mis crossover! This is always the case when I think about crossovers or AUs of any kind, but what delights me the most tends to be moments that crack me up and don’t necessarily have any staying power as an extended parallel-- like, this is an AU and not a crossover, but just the thought of Javert infiltrating the barricades with a beanie and a wide stance because that’s what he thinks insurgents look like....................................... that is so fucking funny to me.............

 This is so kind, thank you! I hope you are taking care of yourself too! All these messages are from a thousand years ago so “taking care of yourself” had somewhat less urgency and gravity then, but it is important to take care of yourself regardless of circumstances. I’m doing okay, overall. Actually my work and life situation are a bit unorthodox at the moment, but in a way that is very conducive to leading a hermit-like existence, so at least in that way I am fortunately equipped to weather these times. Seriously though! I hope you are all taking care of yourselves!

 Thank you very much! I think it’s always easier to recognize and define other people’s styles than your own, but I have an especially hard time figuring out what my ~art~ ever is, so it’s very generous of you to say so. Because of my aforementioned unorthodox work and life situation, I find myself with no more leisure time right now than I did in the before, but I am trying to brush up on very basic art stuff a little bit! I feel really unsteady with art most of the time because I don’t have solid basics, so I’m hoping this will ameliorate some of my THIS LOOKS WRONG BUT I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY problems u__u

 ~*~THE CONTINUATION LIVES IN YOUR HEART~*~ wow what a cop-out answer. This is one of those things that HAUNTS ME anon! I remain a “never say never” person at heart so I am still refusing to say that there won’t be more comics in that universe, but... in all honesty, it’s been so long since the first one that all the ideas and jokes I had related to it have become... well, I’ve thought about them so much that I’ve become unable to tell whether they’re funny at all, is what has happened. I mean really! Chivalry Comics was posted more than SIX YEARS AGO! I SHOULD HAVE MADE SOMETHING LONG BEFORE THIS POINT, I’VE FUCKED IT UP

And yet, I remain a “never say never” person at heart. One day, anon! One of these godforsaken days.

 Ah thank you for this annual message! And for the NAKED REMINDER OF HOW LONG IT HAS BEEN SINCE I HAVE ANSWERED MESSAGES... I am deeply ashamed of this, but some amount of self-abasement builds character.

 H-HAPPY NEW YEAR, DEAR ANON! I know, once again, I am rubbing this timestamp into my face while demanding of myself, LOOK AT WHAT YOU’VE DONE, YOU HIDEOUS MISCREANT, but also that does mean that your message has been warming my inbox for the last three+ months! That’s why I take so long to answer these, so that whenever I feel a pang of guilt for not having gotten to them yet, I also at least get to feel a corresponding pang of gratefulness and joy at how nice the message is.

I so vividly remember reading so many instances of Nines noticing Gavin’s core temperature spike that I was like “this is a good trope and I am into it, but also I’ve never seen this much talk of core temperatures outside of, like, natural family planning discussion forums” ON THE OTHER HAND WHY HAVE I EVER SPENT ANY TIME ON NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING DISCUSSION FORUMS????

HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL

AND ALSO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES!

[mysticalgiggles]

Does he have a girlfriend?

“Basketball captain?” She said surprised. “But I thought he was a Junior?” She had kind of figured as much since they had chemistry class together.

“He is,” Zoey said absently, as she watched TJ.

Sam turned her attention back to TJ as well and felt even more intrigued by the boy. A junior would never have become the captain of any of the sports team at her old school. TJ Kippen just kept getting better and better.

(Or: TJ catches the new girl's eyes and she decides to try and get him to ask her out. Her plans are ruined when she realises that he is already taken but she ends up misunderstanding who he is actully dating.)

read on AO3

When Sam and her family packed up their things to move to Shadyside, she wasn’t exactly enthusiastic. It meant that she had to leave all of her high school and childhood friends behind and the thought of having to make all new friends in her junior year of high school wasn’t exactly an exciting one. She knew how high school worked. People were desperate to find their clique as fast as possible and a few months into freshman year, it was almost impossible to infiltrate another group.

But it hadn't really mattered what she wanted in the end. Her dad had gotten a job offer in the town and after only two months they had packed up all their things and said goodbye to the only home Sam had ever known.

Three days in to her stay in Shadyside hadn’t really changed her mind about the town. Everything was bland and lifeless. The cafes all closed at seven and at ten you could walk all through town without seeing a living soul. 

The high school wasn’t that impressive either. Her old school had about 10 000 students but Grant high barely had 2000. The teachers she had meet so far weren’t too bad but they had an annoying habit of having her present herself to everyone each time she attended a new class.

The only thing the High School had going for it were the attractive boys. Her old school had had their fair share as well but they couldn’t compete with the ones she had seen here. The guys here actually seemed like they gave a shit about their appearance and they seemed a lot more mature. There was one boy in particular that had caught Sam’s attention. 

TJ Kippen.

They had chemistry together and Sam couldn’t help but sneak glances at him every time the teacher wasn’t looking. There was just something about him that drew her in. He had this easy confidence about him, as if he didn’t care what people thought about him. He was tall and lean with tousled blonde hair that flopped onto his forehead. 

The best part about him though, was his smile. He had the kind of smile that immediately made you relax and feel calm. It lit up his whole face and made Sam desperately want it to be directed at her. 

From the moment she saw TJ Kippen, she knew she had to try and get him.

But she knew she couldn’t just ask him out. No, they were in completely different planes of the Grant High hierarchy. She knew TJ was popular and had a lot of friends, they always surrounded him between classes, and she was completely new to the school and barely knew anybody. 

No, she couldn’t just ask him out. She had to work her way up and do the research that was needed

But if she just had a little patience, she was sure it would all be worth it.

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

“Why are you standing here and staring at TJ Kippen?” Zoey asked. 

Zoey was a fairly new student as well and had only gotten there a few weeks before Sam. Their friendship had therefore come pretty naturally.

Sam looked at Zoey as the girl came up to stand beside her but didn’t answer and instead went back to checking TJ out.

He was wearing blue jeans, a black T-shirt and white sneakers. He was in the process of picking out his textbooks from his locker but was being distracted by two other guys who had come up to chat with him.

“You think he is attractive?” Zoey asked.

“Don’t you?” Sam countered and raised her eyebrows.

“Of course I do, it’s TJ Kippen!” Zoey shout-whispered to her and gestured toward him. “He’s like one of the hottest guys in the school!”

Sam didn’t disagree.

“Well what do you know about him?” She asked and looked on as TJ laughed at something one of the guys said.

“Not much really, I haven’t been here long enough. But I do know he’s the captain of the basketball team.” That made Sam finally turn around and face Zoey. 

“Basketball captain?” She said surprised. “But I thought he was a Junior?” She had kind of figured as much since they had chemistry class together.

“He is,” Zoey said absently, as she watched TJ.

Sam turned her attention back to TJ as well and felt even more intrigued by the boy. A junior would never have become the captain of any of the sports team at her old school. TJ Kippen just kept getting better and better.

“I’m gonna try and get him,” she said as TJ fist bumped the two boys and closed his locker. 

“What? TJ?” Zoey asked with wide eyes.

“Yeah,” Sam said and shrugged. She turned around and started walking towards her next class. 

“Are you going to ask him out?” Zoey asked when she caught up to her. 

“No,” Sam said and rounded the corner. She smirked to herself as she said the next words.

“I’m gonna get him to ask me out.”

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

Her first face to face encounter with TJ happened five days into her time at Grant. She was about to have her first history class and she was pleased to find that it was another class her and TJ shared. He walked in five minutes early to class and it was only Sam and another student there. He waved to the other student, a dark haired boy sitting in the corner, and started heading his way, but paused as his eyes fell on Sam. 

To her surprise, he walked up to where she was sitting and gave her a friendly smile. 

“You’re new here, right?” He asked and tilted his head. It was one of the cutest thing Sam had ever seen and she could feel her heart rate pick up. 

“Yeah, I’m Samantha. Or Sam, really,” she said and gave out a little laugh. TJ put his hand out to shake hers. Sam took it and basked in the attention he was giving her.

“TJ,” he said and gave her another one of the signature TJ Kippen smiles. “So how are you liking Grants?” 

She smiled at him. “It’s okay, a little smaller than what I’m used to, but okay.” She tried to come up with something to keep the conversation going and something that would impress TJ. “They seem to have a lot of good sports team so I guess that’s nice.”

It seemed to be the right thing to say because TJ’s eyes lit up in an instant.

“You play any sports?”

She nodded her head. “I’ve done volleyball and some basketball.” This was actually true. She had done volleyball her whole sophomore and junior year, but she had played basketball in middle school. She had actually really enjoyed it, but her high school hadn’t had any teams for her to join so then she had ended up with volleyball instead.

“You should try out for the team here then!” TJ said excitedly. “Grants got a really good girls team and I could talk to the captain, Buffy, if you want to. I’m sure she would love to have you try out even though the season has already started.”

That actually sounded a lot of fun and would be a great way for her to climb the social ladder.

“That’d be cool,” she said. “Do you play any sports as well?” She asked even though she already knew the answer.

“Yeah I’m on the boys team,” he said as a few more students filled in to the room. 

“Yeah I think I remember hearing something about that. Team captain, right?” She said, trying to sound casual.

As if he wasn’t perfect already, her words made TJ blush and he actually looked surprised at the fact that she knew this. Everyone knew that the people that were popular but didn’t realize themselves, were the most irresistible ones.

“Yeah, I am,” he said and rubbed the back of his neck. “But you should try out for the girls basketball team, I think it would-“ he was interrupted by a boy putting his arm around his neck. 

Sam recognizes the boy as John. She had seen him around school and he was friends with one of the boys she had Math with.

“Always trying to recruit people to the basketball teams aren’t you TJ,” the boy said. He looked over at Sam and pointed a finger at TJ. “Don’t listen to this guy. There are more sports in the world other than basketball. TJ here” He grabbed TJ’s shoulder. “just haven’t figured it out yet.” 

Sam knew that John was on the schools badminton team and from what she had heard he was really talented as well. She didn’t know how reliable that was though since most of those words had come from John himself.

TJ opened his mouth to say something but he was interrupted once again when the teacher came in and told everyone to get to their seat so they could start the class.

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

Sam was sitting opposite Henry from her Math class at lunch. Another thing to add of the never ending lists of disappointments of Grant high. The school cafeteria didn’t have a lot to offer and what they actually had to offer was tasteless at best. 

At least the view was good, she thought as she picked around in her food. TJ was sitting a few tables away surrounded by his friends. She could see the girl that someone had told her was named Buffy, the captain of the girls basketball team, sitting opposite TJ next to a boy with short dark blonde hair. Right next to TJ, a boy with dark hair, was seated. He had big brown eyes that were framed by thick lashes and a cute face though he wasn’t really Sam’s type. The boy was talking while using his hands a lot and TJ was watching him with a smile on his face. The boy said something that made everyone at the table laugh and TJ ruffled the boys hair before taking a sip from his drink.

She looked at Henry who, for some reason, didn’t seem to have any problems at all with the bland cafeteria food. He was shoving it in at a quick pace while looking at something on his phone. Sam liked Henry even if he was a bit much sometimes. They lived really close to each other and would often ride the bus to and from school together. Henry was a junior like her and they shared a few classes with each other as well. 

It occurred to her that Henry might be a good person to get the information she wanted about TJ. He was a pretty social guy from what she had seen, and she knew he and TJ had a few classes together as well.

She looked at him as he continued to devour his food and then asked, “Do you know TJ Kippen?” 

Henry looked up from his phone but didn’t stop shoving food in his mouth. “I mean, kinda. We went to the same middle school before Grant,” he said. He furrowed his eyebrows. “Why?”

Sam shrugged. “We have a few classes together. He just seems like a really nice guy.”

Henry nodded his head and took a sip of his drink. When he swallowed, he said, “Yeah, I mean he is. Which is kind of funny since he used to be sort of a dick when we were in middle school.”

Sam raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Really?”

She had a hard time picturing that version of TJ since she had never seen him be anything but nice to people. 

“Yeah, but he became like a whole different person when he got together with-“  Henry stopped mid sentence when John put down his tray with a loud thump. 

“So guess who just got detention?” John said and rolled his eyes in annoyance. He sat down at their table and started to go on a rant about one of their teachers. 

He and Henry continued talking, unknowing that Henry had just revealed something that had ruined all of Sam’s plans.

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

So TJ had a girlfriend.

Sam was more upset about this than she would like to admit. But she also knew the whole thing had been to good to be true. Of course TJ has a girlfriend, he was the perfect guy. Good looking, friendly, outgoing, smart etc. It just hurt because she had felt like she was just starting to make actual progress in her plan to seduce TJ Kippen. But know it turned out that she had never really stood any chance at all.

It was pretty obvious who the girlfriend was too; Buffy Driscoll. The two of them were almost always together and she had even seen TJ put his arm around her when they walked through the hallways towards class. And it was just so obvious as well. They were the perfect couple; the two captains of the basketball teams dating each other. It was disgustingly sweet and it made Sam want to roll her eyes at the whole situation. 

“So apparently TJ isn’t single so my chances are pretty much screwed,” she said to Zoey as she stood by her locker.

Zoey looked at her and gave her a sympathetic look, “Yeah I heard about that just now, I’m really sorry.”

Sam leaned back against the locker next Zoey’s and sighed. “No it’s fine.” Even though it was obviously not. “I bet that it’s that girl Buffy Driscoll,” she said bitterly. “The two of them are always hanging out.

“Actually-“ Zoey started but Sam cut her off. 

“You know what it really is fine, those two deserve each other. And apparently they are perfect for each other as well,” she said and thought of what Henry had been saying about TJ being a dick before they started dating. 

Zoey started to say something again but was cut of by the bell. 

Sam sighed again. “Can’t believe I have to go to class with TJ now and know that he’s completely unavailable.” She started walking towards her class. “See you later.”

She left Zoey, who was wearing kind of a strange expression, at her locker and hurried to make it to chemistry class in time.

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

It was the third game of the season and Sam had decided to go just to torture herself some more with the whole TJ Kippen ordeal.

She was sitting next to some girls that she hadn’t really talked that much to but one of the girls was in her chemistry class and had asked her if she wanted to join them. 

It was actually a fun game to look at and Grants basketball team was really impressive. She couldn’t deny that the most impressive player was TJ. He zigzagged around the players with ease and almost never missed a shot.

During half time Sam saw TJ look up onto the bleachers and wink at someone in the audience. She followed his gaze and sure enough, there was Buffy seated next to some of TJ’s other friends. 

Sam could feel her good mood decrease instantly.

The game continued on and when it ended, Grant had won big time and the audience erupted into cheers. 

Sam joined them and stood up like the rest of the people on the bleachers were doing. She could see TJ on the court, surrounded by the rest of his teammates. They all had their arms around each other and were whooping with joy. 

After a while TJ directed his attention to outside the group and broke of from the group. His face split into a big smile as his eyes fell on something in front of him. 

Sam thought she knew who he was looking at but when she searched for Buffy she found the girl in a totally different direction than TJ was looking, talking to one of the guys on the team who had also broken of from their group. She followed TJ’s gaze and instead saw the dark haired boy that she had seen sit with TJ at lunch several times. He was making his way through the crowd of people that were now on the court. When he finally came to a part where the court was empty of people, he broke into a run. TJ met him halfway and the boy threw himself around TJ’s neck. 

To Sam’s surprise, TJ wrapped his arms around the boy, lifted him up and spun him around.

And she was even more surprised at what happened next. TJ put the boy down but neither of them released their hold on each other. The boy said something to TJ that made him smile even wider and then he reached down and kissed the boy. 

Sam blinked. Was this really happening? She looked around to see if anyone else was caught of guard by what was happening. Most people didn’t seem surprised at all of what was happening but a few boys on the team were looking at TJ and the boy and wolf whistled. But neither of them looked like they had just discovered that their captain was cheating on his girlfriend. 

And that’s when realization hit Sam.

Oooohhhh

She almost wanted to smack herself for being so stupid. There had never been a girlfriend, it had always just been a boyfriend. Her stupid heteronormative brain had just assumed that it was Buffy because the thought of the captain of the basketball team being together with a guy, hadn’t even occurred to her. 

She looked back towards Buffy and saw that she was holding hands with one of the boys on the team that she had been talking to before. Sam almost felt bad for thinking so many mean thoughts about Buffy while she thought she was together with TJ. Even if she had been together with TJ, it wouldn’t really have been fair since she hadn’t done anything wrong. 

She looked back to where TJ and the boy were still standing together, but now a few of the boys from the team had joined them. TJ had his arm around the shorter boys shoulders and the group were all laughing at something the boy was saying.

Sam tried to push away the pang of jealousy that she felt when watching them. The whole thing with Buffy had taught her a lesson. There was no reason to dislike a person just because they had something you didn’t.

But it was still hard to look at the two boys together so she stood up, said goodbye to the girls and then walked out of the gym.

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

Three days later she found herself back to staring at TJ Kippen again at the lockers, only this time, the dark haired boy was with him. 

She had been avoiding going by TJ’s locker the past few days and had been surprised when she’d seen him by another locker who seemed to belong to the other boy. TJ was leaning against the locker next to the one the boy was taking his stuff out of and the two of them were talking but Sam was too far away to hear what they were saying. 

They both had matching smiles on their faces and as Sam looked at them, she couldn’t help but think about how obvious it had all been. All of the interactions that she had witnessed between the two boys had been filled with affectionate looks and touches and if she hadn’t been so caught up in the idea that TJ was together with Buffy, she was sure that she would have figured out the truth immediately.

As they talked, TJ reached out a hand and the boy interlaced their fingers absently, almost as if it was a reflex and something he didn’t have to think about. 

“What’s up?” Came a voice to her left. She tore her gaze from TJ and the boy and found John standing next to her. 

She couldn’t help the question that came out of her mouth. 

“Who’s that boy that TJ’s with?”

John looked over to where TJ and the boy were still holding hands and then back at her.

“You mean Cyrus Goodman?”

Cyrus Goodman, Sam thought, satisfied to finally have a name for the boy. 

“And they are together?” She asked and nodded her head in TJ’s and Cyrus’s direction.

John let out a snort. “Yeah only since like forever. I’m pretty sure they have been together since middle school or something,” he said. Then he asked, “why do you ask?”

Sam shrugged. “No reason.”

John gave her a weird look.

“Are you homophobic or something,” he said hesitantly. “Because that’s really not cool.”

Sam looked back at him in shock. “ What!? No!”

A few people looked her way at her exclamation. She looked towards TJ and Cyrus but the two of them seemed to be two caught up with each other to have noticed her outburst. 

She lowered her voice again. “I just…” she trailed off, not knowing how to finish that sentence without embarrassing herself even more. 

John looked over to TJ and Cyrus again and then realization seemed to hit him. 

“Oh you like TJ?” He said in a whisper. Sam still shushed him and looked at him accusingly. 

John laughed but tried to stop when he saw that Sam was glaring at him.

“I’m sorry,” he said and almost managed to sound like he meant it. “But I’m afraid you don’t have any chances at all with TJ Kippen. He has only ever had eyes for Cyrus.”

Sam only sighed in response.

“I’m actually kind of surprised that you didn’t know about them. They’re a pretty big deal at the school and are both involved in a lot of school activities. They even started the first GSA club here at the school. They are kind of Grant High’s very own Barack and Michelle.”

Sam looked toward the boys as they started walking towards her and John. 

“Hey guys!” TJ said to them when they got closer. 

“What’s up,” John said and fist bumped both TJ and Cyrus.

“So Grants still hasn’t scared you off yet?” TJ said and smiled at Sam. 

Sam did her best to smile back at him and to her surprise it wasn’t that hard. She guessed TJ had that effect on people.

“Not yet,” she said.

“Sam’s new here,” TJ explained to Cyrus and the boy looked over to her. 

“Nice to meet you,” he said. “I’m Cyrus.” He gave her a friendly smile. His eyes were even bigger up close and were a rich brown. Sam could see why TJ liked him and she was happy that the thought didn’t fill her with jealousy.

She nodded and returned his smile. 

“Are you nervous for the games on Saturday?” TJ asked John. 

“Nah,” John said. “Don’t think I will face that much competition.” 

TJ and Cyrus both laughed at Johns blunt confidence. 

“Are you guys coming to watch?” John asked them.

“Yeah we were just talking about it.” Cyrus said and TJ nodded.

“Sweet,” John said.

The bell rang and they all said goodbye and hurried of to their classes.

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

“So it turns out Buffy isn’t TJ’s girlfriend,” Sam said as she sat down opposite Zoey at a table in the cafeteria. “In fact he doesn’t have a girlfriend at all and is apparently dating Cyrus Goodman.”

Zoey looked up from her phone and didn’t look surprised at all by this revelation. “So you finally figured it out huh?”

Sam looked at her with wide eyes. “You knew?” She said incredulously. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

Zoey pointed a finger at her.

“I tried to tell you that time in the hallway,” she said defensively. “But you wouldn’t hear me out and then you just ran off to class.” Then she smirked. “And then I didn’t en up telling you later because the whole thing was kind of funny.”

Sam slumped forward on the bench and buried her face in her arms. She let out a frustrated sound.

“So how did you find out?” Zoey asked.

“At the game,” Sam said. “They kissed after they had won the game.”

She looked up at Zoey and saw the girl nodding her head. “Kinda sad that I wasn’t there to see your reaction to be honest.” 

Sam let out another frustrated sound and let her head fall down again. She felt Zoey’s hand on her arm.

“Hey I’m sorry your plan didn’t work out.” This time when Sam looked up she was meet with a sympathetic look. “But there are a hundred more decent guys at this school that would love to date you,” Zoey continued. She then shrugged and said, “and there is more to life than stupid boys you know.” 

Sam gave her a small smile. “I know. Thanks.” Zoey squeezed her arm lightly before releasing her and continued to eat her lunch. 

After a while Henry and John came and joined them and as she sat and listened to the boy’s  story about what had happened in their biology class, Sam realized that another thing. 

Not only did she not need a boy to climb the schools hierarchy, but maybe she didn’t need to climb it at all. The only thing that mattered was that she had friends that she liked and had fun with and as she looked around at the people at her table she realized that she had just that. 

Even though she had only known them for about two weeks, she already had the comfortable feeling of being at ease with them. They joked around and teased each other. And when she was with them, the thought of spending the next two years here didn’t seem too bad. 

Her sappy thoughts were interrupted by John’s voice. 

“So did you guys know that Sam has a crush on TJ Kippen?” He gave her a mischievous grin.

Sam threw one of her fries at him.

[awhitehead17]

Meddling Kids

Dick & Jason, Dick & Tim, Secret Agents AU, Humour, Assassins, Fights, Oblivious Dick, Jason loves bread, Sassy Tim.

Summary: With little information to go on, Dick and Jason are sent on a mission to grab some files before they fall into the wrong hands. It doesn't help that the mysterious persona 'Red Robin', is rumoured to be after the same files. What is clear is that they need to grab those files first.

A/N: This is done for ‘AU: Secret Agents’ on my Batfam Bingo 2019 Card. 

Also on AO3

Enjoy! :D

“I hate these things.”

“You hate a lot of things.”

“Well... yeah, but these monkey suits are definitely near the top of that list. They’re fucking awful.”

Dick sends Jason a glance as he puts his jacket on. He didn’t mind them as much, yeah they weren’t the comfiest things in the world but they make him look great so he’ll take that as a win. He watches as his brother puts his own jacket on and straightens it out. Dick smirks, “Well you do brush up nicely Jace, doesn’t that matter?”

Jason responds with a glare, “Oh go suck a dick.” 

The two of them go about finishing to get ready for the night ahead of them in their shared apartment. Once they were both done and everything was sorted they exit their home and make their way down to the shiny sleek black limousine waiting for them outside.

They climb in and settle at the back of the car, allowing the trusty driver to take them where they need to be without worry of interruptions.

“So what’s the plan again? And why the hell is the old man making us do this when he could easily do it himself?” Jason questions with annoyance.

Dick sighs before telling him, “To most, we’re going to the charity gala to make up for our adoptive father’s absence as he’s busy in Japan doing business. Then to the odd few, we’re actually going under cover because there are rumours of files being passed around at this very gala. Our mission is to try and infiltrate these files to stop them getting in the wrong hands.”

“Right,” Jason drawls out. “And we don’t know what’s in these files as well as not knowing whom is after them?”

Dick’s reluctant to answer because he’s knows what’s coming, knows what Jason’s reaction is going to be. “No…”

“Fucking unbelievable! This is why I question working with him, he doesn’t even trust us with the information we need to complete the mission! How the fuck are we supposed to do it huh? We don’t know what the files are, who even has the files to start with and who wants the goddamn files!”

Rubbing a hand across his head Dick sighs, “I know Jason, I know, but it is what it is. It’s a do as your told and don’t ask questions situation.”

Jason glares at him, “It’s stupid.”

Dick doesn’t comment again, knowing that his brother is right. Working as secret agents for their adoptive father is a challenge in itself, especially when they all butt heads and have different opinions on the matter. It’s especially challenging when Bruce doesn’t give them any information regarding the mission he’s sent them on, Dick can see why Jason is annoyed, however there isn’t anything he can do about it.

That’s when he remembers something else to do with this mission. “Oh also I heard that there are rumours about Red Robin being at this gala as well, even potentially after the same files we are.”

Jason’s glare turns into a surprised expression. “Oh? That’s great and all but we don’t know who Red Robin is! All we know about Red Robin is that they’ve been bugging both Bruce and Barbara for over two years, Bruce because he can’t work out who it is and Barbara because they constantly hack her network and pass all of her firewalls.”

Dick couldn’t help but snicker because he’s not wrong. This mysterious ‘Red Robin’ character appeared two years ago, at first they were completely paranoid of whoever this is because they appear to have extreme knowledge of technology, they appeared to be a brilliant detective and tactician.

Over time, while they never fully trusted Red Robin, they’ve come to accept them. It seems like they never mean any harm as they never do any damage to their systems or never seem to get up to anything along the lines of evil.

What makes the situation difficult is that they don’t know who ‘Red Robin’ is. Of course they’ve tried to work it out, tried to find out who this detective that can hack into one of the most secured systems on the planet is. That’s where he annoys Bruce, the top agent, Dick’s and Jason’s boss slash adoptive father, because Bruce couldn’t work it out. The man grows more and more frustrated each month and it was hilarious to see.

Red Robin bugs Barbara, who was their top systems and comms person, because she too couldn’t work it out and because Red keeps on getting into her systems and despite everything she tries she can’t seem to get back into theirs.

The fact that Red Robin may be at the gala, in person, was a big matter. The annoying thing was that they just didn’t know who that was so being able to identify them would be tricky.

“Who knows,” Dick starts adjusting his sleeve, “When we get the files we may find out who Red Robin is after all, wouldn’t that be a treat?”

Jason shoots him a look, “Yeah, whoopee-doo. I just want to get this mission out of the way.”

They both fall silent and don’t talk for the rest of the drive. When they finally pull up outside of the charity gala, they’re let out of the limo and put on their best smiles for the reporters surrounding the, being Bruce Wayne's sons certainly gets them a lot of coverage no matter where they are. What the press don’t know, nor will they find out, is that Bruce Wayne is the boss of the biggest secret service in the world.

Dick and Jason make their way up to the building and get into the gala with no issues. Once inside they each grab a glass of champagne that was being passed around and stand together to get an over view of the gala.

Jason leans over closely, whispering into his ear, “So how do you want to play this? Walk around until we find something or someone fishy?”

Dick scans the crowd around them, lots of people varying in ages surround them, all dressed to the nines chatting away with one another like they were having a good time. As his brother pointed out earlier in the car, they have no idea on who was involved with these files that Bruce wants them to obtain. It was going to be a hit or miss kind of situation which sucked but what could they do?

He leans towards Jason, “That’s probably best yeah, scope around see what you can find out and get talking to people. You know what to do.” Jason looks at him and nods once in confirmation. “We’ve got our comms in if anything happens, Babs is on standby if we need her.”

They start to split up then but before his brother could get too far away Dick turns back around, “And Jason, don’t eat all the bread.”

Jason narrows his eyes at him and sticks a middle finger up in response, Dick snickers and spins around to get started on his mission.

Going around and talking to people is easy for Dick, he’s been doing for many years and by now it comes all naturally. Being Bruce Wayne’s son since he was 9 years old has given him plenty of time to practice being nice and friendly to rich snobs and then there’s the added bonus of being involved in the Secret Service since he was 11. He’s had a lot of practice in his life, this part was easy.

He wonders about the gala for an hour talking to a variety of people trying to get a feel of the situation at hand. It wasn’t easy to work out who was going to be involved in the exchange of files that night as they had next to no information on the individuals, but he’s keeping an eye and an ear out for anything.

He was sipping his champagne (which was still the glass he collected when he first came in) when he was suddenly bumped from behind. Tensing up and getting ready to spring into action he spins around and is surprised to see a familiar teenager who looks guilty. Upon recognising him Dick grins, “Timmy! How’s it going buddy?”

“Oh hey Dick, sorry I didn’t mean to bump into you.”

Dick wraps an arm around the teenager’s shoulders and pulls him into a side hug. Dick’s known Tim since he was a kid, he was their neighbour and Dick often babysat him when the kid’s parents went away (which was a lot) so he’s become like a second younger brother. They all adore him, he’s pretty sure that if Tim didn’t have parents Bruce would adopt him with no hesitation.

He looks at the teenager, seeing him dressed in a navy tux that makes him look like a baby CEO and was holding a glass of what looked like soda. “What you doing here then? Are your parents back from their latest trip?”

Tim shrugs and glances around the room before looking up at him, “No they’re not back, but they requested that I make an appearance for their name sake. They would be annoyed if they find out I didn’t show up.”

Dick frowns at that, it sounds so sad that Tim has to do things like this just to try and please his parents to get their approval. He knows Tim’s had a hard upbringing and it makes him go soft for the kid. He gives him a squeeze, “Well give it another hour then make disappear.”

He feels Tim tense against him, clearly not liking the idea of leaving early. “I guess I could.” He says tightly. Dick doesn’t comment on it, choosing to let it go because it’s clear Tim doesn’t want to talk about it. He lets his arm drop from around him, “Did you know Jason’s here too. Have you seen him?”

Tim nods, smiling slightly, “Yeah I’ve seen him. He was at the food table eating bread rolls when I went over to grab a snack.”

“Of course he was,” Dick sighs. He hears Tim laugh at that, the kid knowing exactly what the other man was like. Jason and Tim have an odd relationship, at first Jason couldn’t stand him, absolutely hating his guts but then over time he seemed to have gotten used to the kid and even became protective of him. It was oddly sweet.

The only problem with having Tim around however was that Tim didn’t know about the Secret Service. They all would love to have him on board, he was crazy smart, talented, really deductive but the underlying problem was his parents. They didn’t fully know what Tim’s relationship with his parents were like, they know only what Tim wants them to know. Of course they have their suspicions but that can only take them so far.

As Dick opens his mouth to say something else to Tim, Jason’s voice buzzes in his ear. “Bingo, I found the first of our unknown associates. Just walked in through the door and of fucking course, we really should have guessed who it was.”

Dick doesn’t respond despite how much he wanted to. It’s great that Jason’s found the first one but what did he mean by they should have known? Who was it? He clears his thoughts and look down at Tim who was glancing around the gala, he feels bad but he does have a job to do at the end of the day.

He pokes the kid’s shoulder lightly to get his attention, two blue eyes stare up at him and Dick gives him an easy smile, “I gotta go as there’s someone I need to talk to because Bruce asked me to, how about we meet up some time soon, just you, me and Jay? We could go to the skate park or something?”

Tim stiffly nods, frowning slightly as he does so, “Uh sure. Sounds great.”

Dick reaches out and squeezes his shoulder, “Great, I’ll message you soon okay.”

He leaves Tim standing there as he starts making his way through the crows towards the door where Jason had said he saw the first unknown associate. Dick gets near the entrance and looks around, after turning in full circles like four times he frowns and finally responds back to Jason, “Do you still have eyes on them? I can’t see them.”

It takes a few moments but soon enough his brother’s voice was in his ear, though sounding a bit muffled like he was eating. “Yeah I can see them, they’re at your six talking to Miss Anderson, the lady in the horrid green dress.”

Dick turns around and freezes when he sees who Jason had been on about. There he was, talking to the elderly lady with a fake smile plastered on his, was none other than Lex Luthor. Dick sighs, “You’re kidding me? What is he up too now?”

“Beats me. Though I certainly wouldn’t mind throwing a punch or two at the guy after last time.”

Pinching his nose, Dick lets out a long breath, Jason wasn’t helping matters here. While he can agree with his brother’s desire to punch the man he knows it doesn’t work like that. “Right,” he says trying to get them back on track, “Just because he’s here doesn’t mean he’s involved, while it’s very likely that he is, we can’t be certain. Keep an eye out for the potential second.”

He moves away before he gets caught staring, as he moves swiftly through the crowd occasionally chatting to rich folk, he keeps an eye on Luthor at all times.

“Where are you?” Dick asks after a long period of time, despite going around the floor three times he hadn’t bumped into Jason once. It made him wonder where his brother was and what he was up to. It didn’t help that he’s also been very quiet.

“Up above. Figured it was an easy vantage point, plus I’m not surrounded by a load of rich snobs who are stuck way too far up their own asses.”

Dick glances up, looking for him, after a couple seconds he finds Jason leaning over the railing with a glass of champagne in his hand. Jason sees him looking and offers a little wave. Dick rolls his eyes and goes back to what he was doing.

It was another 15 minutes until the second person they were looking for comes into the room at long last. Dick curses under his breath once he sees him. “Found associate number two, or at least who is a suspect.”

Who Dick was watching comes strolling into the room looking like he owns the world. In his long green and gold robes that trail behind him, his head and chin turned up at everyone as he wonders into the room with no cares of the world. It was none other than Ra’s Al Ghul.

“What a fucking coincidence.” Jason’s comment obviously means he’s seeing Ra’s too.

Dick turns away before the man could see him, moving through the crowd to get out of eye sight. “What’s the chances? Two huge names coming to a puny charity gala. Something’s up.”

“Who do you think has the file? Luthor giving it Al Ghul or the other way around?”

“I have no idea. For now just keep an eye on them, I’ll watch Ra’s while you watch Luthor, if one makes a move instantly report.”

“Gotcha.”

Dick keeps an eye out for anyone else who could be a suspect but he never lets Al Ghul out of his sight. The man walks around and talk with people like he belongs there, but Dick knows better, knows that he really doesn’t belong there. To majority of the world Al Ghul was a kind man who often gives to charity and helps those in need. To Dick and a few others he was a criminal master mind, the head of an entire empire full of assassins ready to kill.

The fact he and Luthor were here at the same time was no coincidence. Both were bad men, both were always up to no good, both only doing things for their own benefits and no one else’s.

About half an hour later, Dick spies on Ra’s as he excuses himself from a conversation with a small group of elite Gothamites. The man heads out of the room heading in the direction where the toilets were. A good cover really but Dick knows better. After radioing Jason a quick message, he follows the man several feet behind, making sure to keep him insight.

As expected Ra’s goes straight past the toilets and down the corridor before turning around the corner. Dick continues to pursue him, following the man as he travels up some steps to the next level and as he travels down another corridor. Not once does he stop moving and not once does he look over his shoulder. Dick probably could guess that Ra’s knew he was being followed and was allowing it to happen, which meant nothing good for Dick but he continues forward because he needs to.

As he follows behind him, he gets a message from Jason saying how Luthor was now on the move. After that it becomes much clearer that it was these two they were after.

Ra’s keeps going until he gets to the end of the corridor and stops in front of a door. With precise movements he opens it up and steps inside the room. Dick waits a few moments before creeping forward, he plasters himself against the wall and peers into the room to find Ra’s standing there in the middle of it with his back against the door.

The room was an old fashioned study. A wooden desk with elegant patterns engraved in it was one side of the room which was placed in front of a wooden door, large open windows were opposite it, two single velvet love seats sit in the other corner of the room.

Dick sneaks inside the room as quickly and as quietly as he can and slips behind the desk and the chair parked at it. He stays in a crouch and listens intently as he watches Ra’s stand there in the middle of the room.

“I know you’re here agent. You may as well come out. It can’t do you any good being crouched like that for a long time.”

Dick curses and debates what to do. When he glances up he sees Ra’s looking in his direction despite the chair and desk hiding him. Knowing that he’s lost he stands up, squaring his shoulders and gets ready for anything. A man like Ra’s doesn’t travel alone.

“Ra’s.” Dick says coldly. This isn’t his first interaction with the man, he’s far from wanting to be polite with manners.

“I give you credit agent, for following me as you did, for waiting as long as you did but unfortunately it wasn’t enough.” He mocks Dick with an almost sneer.

“If anyone was to know what patience is all about, it would be me.” Dick comments. “Why are you here Ra’s? What’s your goal?”

The man doesn’t seem surprised at the change in subject. He stares at Dick with a cold calculating look. “You should leave the interrogation to your father Grayson. He’s much better at it than you.”

Dick scowls at the jab but doesn’t comment.

“You say you have patience, why don’t you wait and find out what I’m here for. You’ll be lovely company.”

As the words leave his mouth the door behind the desk bursts open. The action startles him and he gets into a defensive position as four assassins pour into the door. The first one launches himself at Dick and he finds himself dodging and throwing punches. The second joins in and Dick fights him off as well.

It becomes a battle of four against one and he holds his ground well. He gets the first one on the floor who doesn’t get back up. The second one gets knocks down but slowly rises back up. Unfortunately that’s where his luck ends. A well-aimed punch to the stomach winds him and he instinctively hunches over, allowing an opening for a kick to the head which knocks him down to the floor. Before he could get his bearings they were on his back and tying his hands together, he’s thoroughly tied and pinned down by the time he gets his head together.

He grunts and squirms trying to get free but his efforts are futile and he quickly gives up. He cranes his neck up and glares at Ra’s, who was watching him with a sinister smile, having clearly enjoyed their scuffle. The bastard.

Nothing was said between them and it stays silent for several minutes until commotion outside the room could be heard. Dick twists around in his binds to glance at the door. His eyes widen as he sees Jason being pushed through. His brother stumbles in before he’s forced down to his knees next to Dick by another assassin.

They share a look surprise and anger when they make eye contact. Not only had Dick been caught but Jason too. Great. This mission is going so well. When they get out of this Bruce is going to give them such a lashing for this mess, it’s not going to be pretty.

After Jason’s down on his knees another figure walks in. Crisp in an expensive, tailored suit was Lex Luthor. He casts them a disgusted look before turning his attention on Ra’s.

“Nothing was ever mentioned about the extra company Al Ghul.” He scowls. “I don’t appreciate being watched and then stalked.”

“Them being here was not my doing. I had no control over it, however as you can see, I planned ahead and figured something like this would happen. It’s been sorted.”

“You call this sorted?” Luthor walks around them, looking down scornfully, “Dick Grayson and Jason Todd, the Wayne brats. I do have to admit, what an unwelcomed surprise.”

“As if this is what I want to be doing on my Friday evening.” Jason snorts glaring at the men above them. “You’re not that special Luthor.”

Luthor stops in his tracks and looks at Jason pointedly, “And yet here we are.” He turns back to ra’s. “Enough games, I want what we discussed and then I can be gone. There’s only so much pretending I can do a night.”

As Ra’s gestures to one of his assassins still in the room, Dick squirms around on the floor until he’s sat up next to Jason. The two of them share a look, trying to work out how to get out of this mess. They can’t let Luthor leave with those files, who knows what kind of damage the man could do with them.

Jason sends him a look which Dick can interpret, it’s his brother’s look of, ‘I have a plan’. While Dick adores his brother, and he really does, Jason’s plans aren’t always the best so seeing that look does nothing to help ease his mind of their current situation.

Above them, Ra’s passes over an A4 envelope to Luthor who instantly snatches it from the man’s hand and holds it tightly. They watch as he opens it up, scans the contents on the inside before nodding approvingly. “Good. That means our business here is done.”

“A pleasure as always Luthor.”

“Hardly. Now I must be going.”

Luthor turns and starts heading towards the door but not before scowling down at the agents on the floor, “What ever you do, make sure you dispose of these thoroughly, wouldn’t want them meddling once again.” Then like that he walks out of the room.

As the man disappears from view, Dick shoots Jason an alarmed look but his brother wasn’t paying him any attention. His gaze was on the man still in front of them.

“So many ways I want to get rid of you. Both talented in your own ways but stubborn and too drastic for my liking. A shame really, I could do with people of your abilities.”

“How about I narrow down your options?” Jason comments glaring at him.

Dick raises an eyebrow in question just as Ra’s eyes him up. “Oh, what’s that then?”

A snapping sound could be heard and then Jason was suddenly springing up and launches himself against Ra’s, “This.”

Dick didn’t get the chance to be surprised by Jason’s actions or as he takes on the assassins in the room by himself because he notices a knife lying where Jason had been. Using the opportunity while everyone else was busy with Jason, Dick awkwardly shuffles along to grab the knife to cut himself free as quickly as he can.

To Jason’s credit he holds them off for a long time. Once free Dick joins in on the action, making the playing field more even. While they were both excellent fighters individually, together they become almost unstoppable. Jason’s surprise attack of course giving them the advantage they needed at the beginning.

They take out all of the ninjas and once it was just them and Ra’s left standing.

“Go find and track down Luthor.” Jason tells him getting into a defensive position against Ra’s. “I can handle him.”

When Dick doesn’t move, his brother shoots him a sharp look, “Go. I can handle it. We can’t let Luthor get away with those files.”

Dick looks between them before nodding. He was reluctant to leave Jason alone but he knew that he was right. Those files were important somehow and he couldn’t let them get away.

He runs out of the room and head back the way he came. Dick has no idea how far Luthor would have gotten by now but hopefully it wasn’t too far or else he’s going to need a way to track him. A back up would be to contact Babs, who was tech savvy and could track the man for him if it came down to it.

Dick runs down the corridor and turns the corner before continuing to run. It was as he was getting to the end that he hears familiar voices talking from around the bend. He slows down to a stop and takes a moment to listen in.

“Move out the way boy.”

“No can do Mister Luthor.”

“I am not someone you want to get on your bad side.”

“That's questionable, but I wasn’t planning on it. The only thing I want is those files.”

“I have no idea what you’re on about. You may have mistaken me for someone else.”

“I’m pretty sure I haven’t.”

“Move out of my way.”

“Afraid I can’t do that. I can’t let you go, not until I have those files.”

There’s a moment of silence between them and Dick works on not letting out any sounds at his surprise. One of the voices is Luthor’s, that’s just clear and obvious at this point. Thankfully he hadn’t gotten very far.

However that second voice Dick knew without looking. It was Tim. That was Tim’s voice and he was standing up against Luthor asking for the very files he needs to get. But how did Timmy know about the files? Why would he want the files in the first place?

“Mister Luthor, I’m giving you two options here, either you give me those files by choice and we can part ways like nothing ever happened. Or, I forcefully remove them from you and without your body guard here to help protect you, well odds aren’t exactly in your favour.”

There’s another pause and Dick finally peers around the corner to find Luthor and Tim at odds with one another. Luthor’s back was to him and he could just make out Tim’s frame beyond the man. The scene was almost comical, Tim’s tiny size compared to Luthor’s tall frame was such a contradiction, it would make anyone wonder what damage Tim could do to someone.

Dick was so confused to why Tim was standing against Luthor in the first place. What was that kid even thinking? He could get hurt!

“Oh?” Luthor’s tone was mocking, “And what is a kid like you going to do to a full grown man like me?”

“I know I may not look like much but trust me I can cause havoc when I need too. It also doesn’t help that you don’t recognise me when I’m not in front of the computer screen.”

A few beats go by as Tim’s words hang in the air. Dick could pick up the double meaning in his words but he couldn’t work out exactly what the teenager was on about. Apparently Luthor had a bit of trouble working it out also but he still got it before Dick did, “Red Robin. You’re the Red Robin.”

“The one and only.”

And wasn’t that a punch to the gut. Dick felt almost breathless. Timmy, Tiny Tim, his little brother, their next door neighbour, was the one thing that none of them could work out. Timmy was the one causing mayhem in their lives. How? How was that possible. Why?

Dick shook his head trying to get back on the scene at hand, trying to get over the fact that Tim was Red Robin and how he didn’t know about it.

“Enough games.” Luthor growls. He reaches behind him and Dick watches wide eyed as he brings out a gun and points it at Tim. “I don’t know what kind of kid you are, but I have no qualms about killing kids, especially those who are too nosey for their own good.”

He may not have a problem with it but Dick certainly does. That action alone was enough to get him to finally engage with the fight. He creeps out from around the corner and sneaks up on Luthor. Before the man could even blink Dick disarms him, without the gun going off, and subdues him so he’s on the ground in hand cuffs.

With a jab to the neck Dick knocks him unconscious before patting him down searching for the files. He finds the envelope tucked away in a secret jacket pocket. He grins happily, finally having them in his hand.

Now that was done, there was something else he needed to address. He turns around expectantly and blinks in surprise when he finds the area empty. He frowns as he looks around, looking for the kid that was there moments ago. He lets out an annoyed sigh, giving into the fact that Tim had pulled a disappearing act on him, which, fair enough but at the same time was rude.

There were so many questions Dick had for him. He wants to know how Tim became Red Robin, why he became that persona, does he know who they all are, what were the reasons behind his actions, why hasn’t he said anything before.

So many questions and so many explanations.

Dick doesn’t get the chance to think about it any further because he could hear footsteps coming from behind him. He tenses up, getting ready for a fight before he realises who it is as they turn the corner. It’s only Jason.

He holds the file up with a triumphant smile, “Got the files. Ra’s dealt with?”

His brother has a black eye forming, a nasty gash on his forehead and parts of his suit were ripped, but apart from that he looked relatively okay.

“He got away, called a retreat and I was over powered. But that’s not particularly important. You got the file that’s what matters. B will be happy at least.”

Dick hums and looks down at Luthor’s unconscious form. “I’ll let the police handle this, for now lets get heading back, B will want these files.”

After making an anonymous call to the PD, the two of them start heading towards the back exit of the gala. The last thing they need is someone questioning Jason’s new appearance.

“Did you ever see Red Robin, he was supposed to show right? I didn’t notice anyone who could be him at all.”

Dick goes stiff at the mention of the persona. He hadn’t wanted to talk about that just yet, not until he got the answers he needed. To his annoyance, his stiffness doesn’t go unnoticed by Jason. His brother reaches out and grabs his arm to stop him from walking. “Dick. You saw him, didn’t you? You know who it is?”

Dick swallows and looks away. Should he give Tim up? What if he was wrong about this and it was all a big understanding?

Jason’s grip on his arm tightens. “Don’t you dare lie to me. You don’t have to tell B but you need to at least tell me.”

Dick takes a deep breath and lets it out, he looks at Jason. “It’s Tim. Tim is Red Robin.”

Several moments go by and all Jason was doing was blinking at him. He then lets out an obnoxious laugh like Dick had just told the world’s best joke. “Yeah okay Dickie bird, good one. Tim, Tiny Tim, the little baby bird, as Red Robin. That’s gold.”

Dick wasn’t laughing. He glares at his brother until he sobers up. “I’m not joking. I saw and heard him talking to Luthor, he revealed himself and claimed to wanting these files. Luthor then drew a gun on him and of course I wasn’t about to let that happen so I got involved but by the time I went to talk to him he was gone.”

His brother blinks at him again, “You’re not joking. You seriously think Tim is Red Robin, the exact thing causing both B and Babs ulcers because they can’t work out who it is.”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Dicks says softening his expression. “I honestly don’t believe it myself but I want to get answers before taking this any more forward. I said to him that we’ll meet up soon, I plan on interrogating him then about it.”

“So we’re keeping this just between us.”

“For now yes.”

“Bruce will be pissed at us for keeping that information from him.”

“I don’t care. I want to get the facts correct before proceeding this further. Anyway, these mysterious files should keep him busy long enough for us to work it out before he catches on.”

“Alright, if this all goes down hill and then I’m blaming you.”

“Sure.”

“I mean it Dickhead, I ain’t taking the blame for your crappy decisions.”

“Whatever Jason.”

“So now what?”

Dick grins at him, “Now we have a little birdie to catch.”

[unicyclehippo]

beaujester + infiltrating a ball?

The Serene Fort stands apart from the city a small way, atop a hill that rises to a cliff. The road up to it switches back and forth, studded the entire way with softly glowing lanterns that hang from wooden posts carved into facsimiles of trees.

‘Kinda fucked up, don’t you think?’ Beau asks, nose almost pressed up against the window of the carriage as she stares out. ‘Like, they’ve obviously cleared the place. And then they’re like, actually, we’ll put back a couple of trees. But fake ones.’

‘It does look pretty, though,’ Jester says, and, despite having a window of her own, she leans fully into Beau’s space as if Beau’s window will show her a different view, let her see the place differently. Beau just leans back, stretching her arms over the back rest of the carriage seat. Or, she tries, but her suit won’t cooperate so she folds her arms over her chest instead. After a moment, Jester hums a sad note and leans back mostly from Beau’s space. But not entirely.

‘See what I mean?’

‘Yah.’

Beau drags her gaze away from the view and grins over at Jester. ‘You and Ducey’s tree is way better.’ Jester’s face lights up with a smile and the light of a passing lantern, and Beau‘s mind blanks out, stunned.

‘What?’ Jester asks when Beau sits and stares for going on a full minute.

Beau shakes out of a stupor, laughs. ‘Nothing, nothing.’

‘Is there something on my face?’

‘No, you’re good. Hey look, we’re almost there!’

Jester gives her a befuddled glance but, at seeing how close they really are to the Fort, she hurries to pull the forged invitation from her bag. Taking it, Beau checks it over one last time; she can’t find any fault with Jester’s work so she nods and tucks it into her coat pocket.

‘Beau?’

‘Mm.’

‘Are you nervous?’

A brash of course not waits on the tip of her tongue but Beau bites down on it. She hasn’t lied to Jester for a long time now and she’s not going to fall back into bad habits tonight just because she’s feeling all kinds of out of sorts.

‘Yeah. You?’

Jester breathes out shakily. Reaches for Beau’s hand. Her dark eyes reflect the dots of light outside, growing brighter as the carriage trundles from the cobblestone to pavers and the driver pulls them in a smooth arc toward the immense gilded front door. ‘Yah,’ she whispers.

Beau shifts closer. The sleek fabric of her new suit glides over the smooth upholstery and she miscalculates It by a fraction, pressing her thigh against Jester’s. She leaps back, stung by the warmth and by Jester’s yelp of ‘Careful!’ when her skirts crush faintly.

‘Sorry, sorry.’ Beau squeezes Jester’s gloved hand. ‘There’s nothing to worry about. Nothing. You’re gonna be great.’

‘We are gonna be great.’

‘Hell yeah. I’ll be at your side the whole time and the others are right outside, and as soon as we give the word they’ll break in.’ Somehow. The precise nature of that had not been discussed. Plausible deniability for the girls going undercover, or something. Beau touches the curling copper earring she’d fashioned with Nott, that clasps over the shell of her ear and pierces down at the lobe. ‘It’ll be great.’

‘Right. You’re right.’ Jester nods firmly. Beau squeezes her hand again and sees with some relief and pride that the worry ebbs somewhat. The carriage comes finally to a stop and Jester nods again, mutters something under her breath that Beau can’t quite make out, and then fixes her with an amused look, brows arching. ‘Beau,’ she whispers. ‘You’re supposed to help me out.’

‘Oh! Oh shit! Yeah!’

Nearly flinging herself out the opposite side of the carriage, Beau takes a moment to calm herself. She’s not an Expositor tonight, not a monk, not some random rude girl. She’s Beauregard Lionette, escorting the Marchioness Jester Lavorre, of Nicodranas.

The driver steps down from his perch and comes around to open the door. He’s a friend they had made in town, one who knows what they’re here to do, and he meets her eyes, mimes taking a deep breath. She nods. Fiddles with the pale blue gloves she’s wearing and, folding one arm neatly behind her back, she nods again. The driver reaches up to open the carriage door and Beau steps forward, offering her hand to the woman within.

‘Marchioness. May I escort you inside?’

Jester laughs, a clear chiming laugh that out of the corner of her eye Beau can see has attracted the attention of a few solitary guests making their way up to the entrance. She takes Beau’s hand and steps out, skirts pouring out behind her with each step like a waterfall of wine. Beau can see her nerves; knows the laugh, as pretty as it was, is a sign of it. When Jester stands beside her, Beau squeezes again. Relax, she hopes it says. Or, I’m right here.

‘Thank you, Baronet.’

Beau tries to focus on her posture, her bearing—does she look regal enough? Is she messing this up?—but when she nearly stumbles up the steps and it is only Jester’s strong hold that keeps her upright, she decides instead to focus on Jester. That’s what the role is about, anyway, wasn’t it? Doting on the marchioness? She guides Jester up the stairs, levelling a cool glare at a young unadorned noble who tries to enter before them, and whisks her aside somewhere safe so that she can speak to the announcer.

She finds him in some truly unfortunate livery—an unflattering puce and what was probably supposed to be grass but looks lime in contrast—and pulls their invitation from the interior pocket of her coat. The announcer glances over it and nods quickly, despite what had to be unfamiliar names.

‘Coats and cloaks may be left in the antechamber,’ the announcer tells her. ‘Join the queue here on the stairs and when your name is called, lead the marchioness down to the host. Did you bring your masks?’

Beau blinks. ‘What?’ she blurts. ‘I mean, pardon? We were not informed that this would be a masked event.’

The announcer doesn’t look surprised. ‘There are complimentary masks with the attendant. Find a set that fit.’

‘Doesn’t it defeat the purpose of a masked ball if we are announced?’ The servant shrugs. ‘Okay. Okay, thank you.’

Turning on her heel, Beau returns to Jester. She lingers a short distance away as the other girl is apparently deep in conversation with a rather stunning young man—like, to the point where even Beau would have to be properly contrary not to admit it. They seem to be having fun, Beau notes. More importantly, Jester seems to be having fun. Beau stands where she can see the young man, close enough to intervene if he tries anything.

‘Oh dear, oh dear. It seems the Earl has spotted a new conquest.’

A flurry of quiet titters pulls Beau’s gaze—with great difficulty—to a flock of bejeweled and plumed ladies. Most of them are watching Jester and her young man—the Earl, Beau assumes—but one, a golden-skinned tiefling woman whose horns curl back and up and nearly meet in what could be mistaken for a halo. She has her attention firmly on Beau, and it is her who smiles at Beau, painted lips curling into a perfect smile.

‘Earl Simon Altherton,’ she tells Beau, nodding to the handsome man. ‘He has something of a reputation. All very good things,’ the lady assures her, managing to do so in a manner that is not reassuring in the slightest. She swans forward, extends her hand for Beau to kiss.

Beau does, bowing over the gloved hand.

The lady turns her hand over as she retrieves her hand, and the sharp points of her nails graze over Beau’s chin, bordering that line of flirtatious and dangerous. Jerking back from the touch, Beau is so ready to spit the rude retort hot on her tongue; she snaps it back behind her teeth last second but it doesn’t go unnoticed. The lady’s perfect smile widens.

‘I hope she knows what a dedicated escort she has in you,’ the lady continues, and Beau doesn’t know whether to flush or fight her with the way she lets the word escort curl from her forked tongue.

‘The marchioness is well aware of my loyalty,’ Beau says stiffly. It sounds like the kind of proper, and properly douchey thing nobility might say. She doesn’t wait to see if the lady agrees. ‘Excuse me,’ she says, and turns away.

Her eyes find Jester immediately—looking to all the world comfortable and delighted by the whole situation, but to Beau who knows her, she can see the nerves. She feels no hesitation in marching up alongside Jester and setting her hand on the small of her back.

‘Marchioness, forgive me for the delay,’ Beau whispers just loud enough for the Earl to hear. ‘The announcer is ready for us, as soon as we collect our masks.’

‘Masks?’

‘For the masked ball,’ Beau explains, and watches as Jester’s eyes light up. She has to fight a grin, and only mostly succeeds.

‘Perhaps you will save a dance for me,’ the young man suggests, but he doesn’t seem to believe that she will. He doesn’t look all that put out by the fact either, just turns his stupidly handsome face away to find the next person to chat up.

Jester walks with Beau into the antechamber. Though it is only small in comparison to the entry hall, it does feel less intimidating and Jester turns their hands over so she is holding Beau’s hand and drags her impatiently over to a display of stunning, impractical masks.

‘Which one do you want to wear?’ Jester asks, pouring over them. ‘They’re so pretty!’

‘Uh. Whichever. I guess it doesn’t really matter—‘

‘Here!’ Jester interrupts, and from the display she picks up the one that others have all avoided. It is, if Beau had to guess, the one that people are supposed to not choose, like a trick mask, the one that is too ornate, too dripping with brilliant jewels. Not that it is gauche but it is one of those games that nobility plays—if you choose the richest one, it’s poor manners or whatever. Jester doesn’t seem to care, which is all Beau cares about—and it is stunning.

Slender layer upon layer of black opal like glossy feathers are set into the gold base of the ravens-head mask and when it catches the smallest bit of light it dazzles away from it, showing the hidden flecks of other precious stones that sit within and behind the opal feathers.

‘This one? Really, Jes?’ When Jester nods forcefully, Beau shrugs. ‘Okay.’

Lifting it to her face, Beau’s breath catches as the gold seems to shift and melt to pour across her brow, cling to the sharp line of her cheeks. There is no strap to hold it in place and, when she turns her head slowly and then shakes more vigorously to make sure it isn’t going to fly off and cost her seven hundred lifetimes to repay, she decides whatever magic reforms the metal means it doesn’t need one.

‘How do I look?’

Jester opens her mouth. Closes it again. Licks her lips. ‘Um.’

‘Oh yeah, coat.’ Beau shrugs out of her coat and hands it to the attendant hovering nearby. Spinning back to Jester, she holds her arms wide to show off the suit. Marion had helped, connecting her with a favoured tailor, and Jester had given the tailor the instructions, but Beau is pretty sure she’d never seen the finished product. The heavy brocaded jacket, once black and now awash with sapphire waves and coiled jade serpents. The cream blouse and gold trim and the smooth, tight pants of that Nicodranian fashion that had been so uncomfortable at first when she was so used to her loose fitted pants but now she can admit look fucking stunning.

‘Beau,’ Jester whispers, eyes wide. ‘Wow.’

‘Just wow?’

‘Wow,’ she says again. ‘You—wow.’

The sincerity in Jester’s voice—and her eyes, gods—is too much. Beau is glad for the mask now covering her face as her cheeks burn hot, but she still turns away and searches the table for a mask for Jester. She sees the shift as Jester removes her own cloak, handing it over to the attendant with a flash of gold in her palm, but focuses on the choice in front of her. Finally, she settles on one that looks like a beetle or maybe a heart, dazzlingly jade and with sweet rounded wings.

‘How about this one?’

‘Put it on me,’ Jester insists, and Beau nearly fucks that up because her hands go wet with clammy sweat when she turns to see Jester in all her glory.

She...

Wow.

‘Wow.’

‘Just wow?’ Jester teases, like Beau had, and laughs.

‘Jes...’ Beau shifts the mask between her hands, wiping the clammy sweat onto her pants. ‘You look beautiful.’

It’s a word that falls short, Beau can’t help but think. Jester looks like, like she went swimming in a lake of deep red-purple wine and stepped out with it still clinging to her. It falls away from her and clings in other places, never too scandalous, but still Beau feels her whole body light up and her head goes fuzzy and her tongue feels too big for her mouth and her fingers clumsy and heavy as she approaches, carefully, so carefully pushing Jester’s hair back behind her ears so she can set the mask over her face. As it settles, Beau could step back but she doesn’t.

Wine-drunk love, a little voice in Beau’s head whispers, and she doesn’t tell it to shut up or go away. She can admit when she’s right.

‘We should...go to the ball,’ Jester tells her. Beau nods.