#but cooped up going a little stir crazy perhaps

[odo-apologist]

Smegtober #16: Future

     “No.”

     “Look, Lister–”

     “Sir–”

     “C'mon, buddy–”

     “No, absolutely not! The fact you're all even considering it is crazy!”

     Though that, perhaps, wasn't far off. They'd definitely gone a bit crazy over the past few years, cooped up on Starbug. Stir crazy, space crazy, likely some combination of the two. Tensions frayed more than ever before, Rimmer's temper erupted with growing frequency, The Cat had practically reverted to his early day habits of slinking off alone, away from the group like a stray–as much as one could on a vessel as cramped as this, and Kryten fretted and hovered with an energy bordering on obsessive.

     It's your fault, whispered a small part of Lister's mind he was forced to push down more and more frequently these days. After the accident when they found the time drive, Lister was no longer able to take shifts in the cockpit, no longer able to go along on derelict raids (and neither was Kryten, who was adamant about staying to look after him), no longer able to do much of anything. He regretted any callousness he showed Rimmer before the hologram had become hardlight; he now could empathize with the feelings of helplessness and frustration that came from the lack of a body. Perhaps that's why it was Rimmer waiting to explain things to him once he regained consciousness. That, or Kryten was too hysterical and The Cat would never be an ideal candidate to break bad news.

     But despite that, now that they recently found a faster-than-light drive on board another ship and got it running, the other three had turned to him as the last word on this proposal, even though they all seemed set on convincing him.

     “It's not like we're going to be dining with Adolf and Eva!” Rimmer exclaimed.

     “No, but it'll be close! In some court of Elizabeth where they'll be looking down on the rest of the country and saying, ‘Let them eat cake.’”

     “Wrong royals, Listy.”

     “The attitude's the same though, eh? I thought you learned that after your 600 years by yourself–selves.”

     Rimmer grimaced, but it was The Cat who continued. “You don't have to worry about taking care of a body anymore, man, you already lost yours. But what about me? I've still got to eat. Some of my favorite suits are getting baggy, and that is a greater tragedy than anything they’ve done.”

     “I'm afraid, Mister Lister, that the recent raids haven't provided much in the way of a food supply.”

     “Haven't provided much of anything, really,” Rimmer cut in. “The faster-than-light drive we found was a miracle, as well as the only useful thing we've come across in ages.”

     Lister did notice then, through the optical equipment to which Kryten had hooked him up, that Cat's jacket was hanging a little loose, that the outfit itself was not as pristine as it would have been in years past. There were deeper lines in Rimmer's face, some slight graying along his temples. Kryten looked the same, but he could guess that the stress and effort of their time on Starbug (of caring for Lister) had taken its toll on his internal wiring.

     “So we're going to go up to some crazed dictator for help? That's the solution?”

     “What would you have us do? Go up to some peasants’ hut, knock on the door and say, ‘Sorry there, miladdo, we know you're starving and probably dying of the plague but could you spare us some fresh fish?’”

     “What about a later time, our time?”

     Kryten and Rimmer shifted uncomfortably. The former replied, “It might be best, sir, to try to avoid a time when JMC and Diva Droid are operational. Not to mention that, in such times, we'd have more advantages.”

      “Technological?” If Lister could, he'd sit up straighter. “Are we gonna threaten to blast people out of existence?”

      “No!” Rimmer replied hastily. “...Not unless we really had to. But–” he continued quickly before Lister could speak up again– “we were thinking more along the lines of financially.”

      “Turns out some of my shiny things mean a lot to some of those old monkeys.” Another warning sign. The fact that Cat was open to the idea of trading away some of his stash of trinkets meant things were dire.

     “And materials for new clothes. I haven't been able to make a new vest in years and that is way too long!”

     “They could buy us food, good food, something other than weevil and moss.” Taking in Rimmer's look of longing, Lister wondered, under these circumstances, if he had eaten anything recently. He didn't need to, but now had the ability to. And he knew, from the incident when they'd swapped bodies, how desperate he could get to sate his hunger.

     “Yeah, food and cloth only possible through the suffering of the people under them.”

     “Was our period any different, Lister?” Rimmer shot back. “You think some of your t-shirts didn't come from people slaving away in some sweatshop on Titan? Do you think JMC was a humanitarian effort? Of course not! That didn't stop you from buying those shirts or working for this company. You benefited from that, and we can do the same thing now. Or would you rather we wither away here in this crowded scrapheap?”

     If Lister still had a face, it'd be twisted in disgust. Not just towards Rimmer, but towards himself: a bit of him could see a logic behind what he said. “What about you, Kryten?” He turned to the mechanoid for some support.

     “Mister Lister, you know that I'm programmed–”

     “Don't give me that ‘programming’ smeg, Krytes; you've broken from it for years now.”

     Kryten, with the decency to look apologetic, said, “Human morality is a very fluid thing, sir. What was permitted one century becomes reprehensible in the next. We can't change that, but we can do what's best for the crew.”

     “Exactly! I don't care what your dozen-greats grandparents did, bud. I hate to say it, but I agree with Goalpost Head.” They all agreed: a rare thing to see from them, especially these days.

     Lister, who always thought he was a decent man, who thought he could do the right thing, felt something in him relent. If he didn't, he'd have to live with the guilt as his crew–his friends–wasted away, and that was something he didn't think he could endure. Taking a first step into their new future, Lister agreed. It's not the worst thing they could do, the most immoral people they could turn to. Of course, they knew better than that.

[shadowqueenjude]

She glanced sideways at her companion, who had peeled off his outer layers of clothing to reveal the sweat-drenched shirt clinging to his body. They rounded a hedge, and Celaena rolled her eyes when she saw what waited on the path ahead. Every morning, more and more ladies found excuses to be walking through the gardens just after dawn. At first, it had just been a few young women who’d taken one look at Chaol and his sweaty, clingy clothes and halted their walk. Celaena could have sworn their eyes had bulged out of their heads and their tongues had rolled onto the ground. Then the next morning, they’d appeared along the path again—wearing even nicer dresses. The day after that, more girls showed up. And then several more. And now every direct route from the game park to the castle had at least one set of young women patrolling, waiting for him to walk by. “Oh, please,” Celaena hissed as they passed two women, who looked up from their fur muffs to bat their eyelashes at him. They must have awoken before dawn to be dressed so finely. “What?” Chaol asked, his brows rising. She didn’t know whether he simply didn’t notice, or he didn’t want to say anything, but … “The gardens are rather busy for a winter morning,” she said carefully. He shrugged. “Some people go a little stir-crazy being cooped up inside all winter.” Or they just enjoy the sight of the Captain of the Guard and his muscles. But all she said was, “Right,” and then shut her mouth. No need to point it out if he was that oblivious. Especially when some of the ladies were exceptionally pretty. --- She found Dorian watching her with a half smile, an amused gleam in his eye that made her want to slap him. The prince then glanced at Chaol and chuckled. “And here I was, thinking that all the ladies were out so early for Roland and me. When all of them catch a vicious cold, I’ll let their fathers know that you’re to blame.” Chaol’s cheeks colored ever so slightly. So he wasn’t as ignorant of their morning audience as he’d led her to believe. “Lord Roland,” he said tightly to Dorian’s friend, and bowed. Chaol ignored the man as Yrene finger-combed her tangled hair and spoke to the ancient woman in his tongue. “I take it the good crowd this morning is thanks to you?” Light words—perhaps an attempt at normalcy, considering what had happened in the library. The old woman smiled—such warmth. She was brighter than the sun peeking above the compound walls. “The girls heard a rumor of a handsome lord coming to teach. I was practically trampled in the stampede down the stairs.” She cast a wry grin to three red-faced girls, no older than fifteen, who looked guiltily at their shoes. And then shot looks at him beneath their lashes that were anything but. Chaol stifled a laugh.

Friendly reminder Chaol is hot af😭😭😭

[demona-andariel]

A Simple Act of Kindness - 11 / ??

Fandom: Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

Pairing: Thomas Hewitt (Leatherface) x OFC

Summary: Elizabeth wakes up in a stranger's home. Her fate to become another victim of the Hewitt family is all but sealed till a simple act of kindness changes her life forever.

Warning: (Encompassing the whole story in no particular order) dead dove, rape/Noncon, violence, forced marriage, kidnapping, cannibalism, explicit sexual content, loss of virginity, angst

Author Note: Minors DNI!

Word Count: 3,263

Chapter 11 - The Gas Station

Elizabeth stared at her reflection in the mirror as she brushed her hair. She needed a haircut. It was getting far to long for her liking. She needed a lot of things, actually. She was starting to go a little stir crazy, being cooped up in the house for an amount of time she was unsure of. A month, perhaps? Was this her life now? Stuck in the same house without even being able to go outside?

The family didn’t always stay inside, in fact, usually one of them stayed around to keep an eye on her, generally either Luda Mae or Thomas. Sometimes Uncle Monty “kept an eye” on her. She wanted to go out. She wanted to do something else. Sleeping, eating, cleaning, fucking, there was more to life than that. But they couldn’t trust her and she knew that.

Elizabeth cocked her head to one side and took a step back. Butterflies filled her stomach as she flattened her clothes on her body, staring back at herself. She turned to look at her side profile. She poked her still flat belly then sighed. She wasn’t pregnant. At least, she had to believe she wasn’t pregnant. She had no noticeable symptoms. She felt safe with her IUD, yet there was still that chance, however small it was. Maybe if she got pregnant she’d have more freedom. Maybe she wouldn’t be watched as carefully. Maybe she’d be able to escape.

Elizabeth shook her head to clear her thoughts and get rid of the ��maybes”. She didn’t want to get pregnant. She didn’t want kids. She especially didn’t want kids for the Hewitts. Despite her acceptance of Thomas, denying him what he most wanted seemed like a proper punishment for what he did to her. 

“One day at a time, Liz,” she whispered to herself. It was really the only thing she could do. The Hewitt family controlled her life now. And it was better to make the most out of her situation. She was doing what she could, which really was as simple as keeping Thomas happy. Sex and the possibility of having a child kept him happy. 

“Lizzy dear,” Luda Mae called from the main floor.

Elizabeth cringed slightly. Although a common nickname for Elizabeth, she always associated being called “Lizzy” by her brother and close family and friends. It was Liz to everyone else who knew her and Elizabeth to strangers or people she didn’t like. Yet, she had a feeling if she mentioned she’d prefer to be called Elizabeth by the Hewitts they’d ignore her.

Without another glance at the mirror she walked out and into the hall, stopping in front of the stairs. 

“Lizzy!” Luda Mae shouted with more emphasis behind the word. “Oh, dear,” she said, putting on her most friendly smile, noticing that Elizabeth was looking down at her. “Well come on, dear,” she said, beckoning for Elizabeth to walk down the stairs.

She did but with hesitance. “Is everything alright?” Elizabeth asked. Her heart picked up its beat when she spotted Thomas. He wore one of his better looking suits and tie. On his face was a mask. Although similar in style and look, she couldn’t help but notice that there was still something different about it.

“Of course, Lizzy,” Luda Mae said sweetly. “Everything is just fine. Come.”

Elizabeth flashed an alarmed look at Thomas who seemed to smile and nod his head. That gesture felt oddly unsettling. 

“Where are we going?” she asked, as she followed the two to the front door.

“Thomas, make sure you put those boxes in the back of the truck,” Luda Mae said. She gave Elizabeth a clear once over then nodded. “Let’s go.”

A brief moment of panic hit Elizabeth. They’re going out? She stared at her arms. She wore a T-Shirt and jeans. The burn scars along her arms were plain to see. Not that she was ashamed of them. She just wasn’t a fan of people staring and asking questions. The weather and her relative comfort with the Hewitts seeing her scars, made it unnecessary for her to try and cover them up. Thomas was especially fond of looking at them.

“We ain’t got all day, Lizzy. Don’t doddle,” Luda Mae called.

Elizabeth looked up at Thomas who only smiled and nodded again.

Elizabeth followed Thomas out of the house, pausing for a moment on the front porch. It was hot and dry and not the least bit welcoming to stand there and breath the air, yet she did. She closed her eyes for a moment, relishing the thought of actually leaving the house. She walked down the small set of stairs and headed towards the truck. Thomas opened the door for her and helped her in before closing it behind her. She looked over at him in alarm as Luda Mae got in the driver’s side. 

“Don’t worry, Lizzy. He’s just gonna load up the truck with the supplies we need,” Luda Mae said as she started the vehicle up. 

Elizabeth buckled herself in and shrank back. Supplies? She cringed at the thought of what that could mean. She used the review mirror to watch as Thomas loaded up the back of the truck with boxes. Once he finished, he hoped in the back and closed the tailgate, giving it loud bang so Luda Mae knew she could go.

Elizabeth wasn’t sure if it was the truck or road, or both working together, but the ride was rather bumpy. The truck itself was loud due to age and most likely maintenance. 

“Helping to keep the house nice and tidy is all well and good,” Luda Mae said with a chuckle, interrupting the blessed silence. “But, I think it’s time for you to actually earn your keep ‘round here.”

“Earn my keep?” Elizabeth absentmindedly asked. She was barely paying attention as her eyes wandered and examined her surroundings. She was right. There was a whole lot of nothing except for long open plains with overgrown vegetation and a forest. She could get lost in the forest, easily caught running through the plains. Fuck, there were animals around too. What if she stepped on a rattlesnake? Escape was impossible.

“We own a local gas station,” Luda Mae said. “Well, more of a general store ‘round here. My niece has been taking care of the shop while we helped you get adjusted to your new life. But she ain’t cut out for that type of work. Math was never her strong suit, nor talking to strangers. ”

Elizabeth frowned. “You want me to be a cashier in your store?” she asked.

Luda Mae flashed her a grin. “Don’t worry, Lizzy dear,” she said. “You won’t be alone. I’ll be ‘round to keep you company. If not me then Thomas. That way if something comes up we can help ya. But today it’ll be a short trip. Get you familiar with the place.”

Elizabeth looked out the window again. Escape. It had been a long while since she’d given that thought any serious consideration. Her heart fluttered a little bit. But, at least now she’d be allowed outside of the house and enjoy a new surroundings. Was this even real? She’d been cooped up for so long she figured she’d never be allowed outside. Naturally, under supervision, but that didn’t matter. They rightfully couldn’t trust her not to leave with the first stranger who would offer her a ride out of town.

Her heart skipped a beat at the thought and she stole a glance at Thomas through the rear view mirror. A twinge of regret and pain hit her momentarily. She swallowed back some saliva and returned to attention to the outside. If she left he’d be devastated and for some reason that thought hurt.

Luda Mae drove the truck round what Elizabeth could only assume was the store she’d been talking about, parking the truck in the back. 

Elizabeth opened her door, making Thomas whine at her as he jumped over the side of the truck. 

“Sorry,” she said softly. He clearly wanted to act the part of a gentleman. “I’ll remember next time.” She reached up and touched his mask. She’d felt the human one, this one didn’t feel the same. It still gave her the creeps. He cupped her hand then placed his own on his mask. For a moment, it looked like he was going to take it off, before he shook his head. 

She examined him for a moment, before nodding her head. “I understand why you’re wearing your mask out here,” she said softly. People can be cruel. She had little doubt that he’d been made fun of for the majority of his life by strangers. “Do what you need to do to be comfortable.” She wanted to kiss him to assure him, but she wasn’t quite sure what that mask was made of. It didn’t look entirely human, luckily, but that didn’t mean much. 

Not giving him the chance to try and kiss her, she turned her attention towards the building. It wasn’t what she expected. She wasn’t sure what she expected, but the building looked almost abandoned. She would have thought it was abandoned driving by it.

“Thomas, you know where to take them boxes. I’ll show Lizzy around,” Luda Mae said as she slammed the driver’s side door. 

Elizabeth followed Thomas to the truck’s tailgate and reached for a box the moment Thomas lowered it. He grabbed her hand and shook his head. 

“Is it that heavy?” she asked. “You’d be surprised by how much I can carry.”

Thomas gave her a look then shook his head again, letting her hand go.

“Come, Lizzy,” Luda Mae said as she grabbed Elizabeth’s arm. “That type of work is for the menfolk.”

Elizabeth allowed Luda Mae to take her into the store. For how bright and sunny the outside was, the moment they stepped into the building the world went grey. There were hardly any windows, and the ones that were around were covered with dirty off-white lace curtains, while the glass itself was almost a light shade of brown. 

Luda Mae let her go. “Henrietta?” she called out as she walked towards the front. 

Elizabeth examined her surroundings. The outside of the building certainly reflected the inside. The place was old, filthy and run down. The floorboards creaked with nearly each step. The Hewitt’s house was in a somewhat similar position, although Elizabeth had managed to make the parts of the house that she most frequented more presentable. This place seemed like a nightmare to try and clean. It was dark, dreary, dusty, and smelled. The backroom she was in seemed more of a storage area. She walked along the shelves, staring at the cans of food that had collected dust and cobwebs. 

Shaking her head, she made her way toward the large main room that Luda Mae had gone in. Entering the bigger room, she swallowed back her urge to scrunch up her face in disgust as the smell intensified. Rotting meat.

“Lizzy, this is my niece Henrietta,” Luda Mae said as she motioned towards the woman behind the bar counter. 

“Hello,” Elizabeth answered absentmindedly. It was rather rude of her not to look at Henrietta, but she couldn’t help herself. How did people live that the Hewitts? Hell, was it the whole town?

Elizabeth cleared her throat and shook her head. “Sorry. Very rude of me. Hi, Henrietta,” she said, walking towards the woman who hadn’t moved. She held out her hand. 

Henrietta hesitated before shaking Elizabeth’s hand, giving her a shy smile. 

“It’s nice to meet you,” Elizabeth said.

“Nice to meet you too,” Henrietta softly replied. She was older than Elizabeth, most likely closer to Thomas’s age. She was thin, sporting a pixie cut for her brown hair. Elizabeth couldn’t help but study her for a moment. Shy, yes, but there was something about her that made Elizabeth slightly wary. 

“Henrietta, why don’t you show Lizzy around, get her acquainted with the store. I’m going to make sure Thomas is putting things where they belong,” Luda Mae stated. Without waiting for an answer, she walked off. 

Elizabeth looked around again, easily spotting where the rotting meat smell was coming from. There was a meat display freezer that held the offending smell. She walked over to it, and swallowed back her bile. Flies swarmed the area. The freezer wasn’t working. Who knew how long it’d been since it last worked.

A hand touched her hair, making her jump.

“Beautiful,” Henrietta said softly as she lightly touched Elizabeth’s hair.

“Oh, thank you,” Elizabeth replied, gently pulling her hair away and putting it up into a ponytail. 

Henrietta smiled at her. 

“I’ve been meaning to get my haircut,” Elizabeth said, opting for some small talk.

Henrietta’s eyes widened. “Oh no, Lizzy,” she said. She paused for a moment. “I’m sorry. I do hope it’s alright to call you Lizzy.”

Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in surprise. That was a first. No one had asked her for permission. She pressed back the urge to say no. “That’s fine,” she replied, forcing a smile.

“You have such long beautiful hair. It would be a shame to lose it all,” Henrietta said as she touched Elizabeth’s hair again. “So soft.”

“Luda Mae’s been nice to me. Got me some supplies I asked for,” Elizabeth said. Henrietta clearly wasn’t listening as she grasped Elizabeth’s arm with the more prominent burn.

“So beautiful and yet with this ugly scar,” she commented.

Elizabeth gently pulled her arm away. “Everyone has scars, Henrietta,” she said. “Just some you can see and others you can’t. Umm… so, what is it that I’m supposed to do?”

“We don’t get many visitors around these parts,” Henrietta said. “It’s relatively peaceful. More come for the gas.”

Elizabeth nodded. She couldn’t blame them. Who would want to buy rotted meat? “Must get pretty busy at night,” she said, nodding towards the bar. 

“Perhaps,” Henrietta said. “But, you won’t have to worry ‘bout that.”

Elizabeth shifted her stance uncomfortably as Henrietta examined her. 

“I’m sorry, how rude of me,” Henrietta said, quickly focusing on Elizabeth’s face. “Just, we don’t get many people looking like you ‘round here. And for you to be with my cousin. Your kind of folk don’t generally look at him with kind eyes. It was his sweet nature that caught your attention wasn’t it?”

Elizabeth opened her mouth to reply but then thought better of what she was going to say. Yes, he had a sweet nature. To those he cared about. Closing her mouth, she smiled. “Are you married, Henrietta?” Elizabeth asked.

Henrietta’s face turned a deep red as she looked away, both from embarrassment and being shy. “I have not been so lucky as to find someone so sweet and caring like my cousin,” she said. Raising her eyes to look at Elizabeth, her eyes brightened. “You must come visit and have some tea with me and me ma. Do you have family?” Henrietta quickly put her hand to her mouth, shaking her head. “I’m sorry. I-”

“Don’t worry, Henrietta,” Elizabeth cut in. “I do have family, but they’re estranged. My brother was the only person very close to me, but he’s gone now.”

Henrietta let out a shy smile. “Well, perhaps we could become close friends, like sisters.”

“Perhaps,” Elizabeth automatically said. It was clear that Henrietta wasn’t going to show her around, so she did so herself as she took mental notes. There was quite a bit she could do to fix up the place. Henrietta followed her. 

“Are there bathrooms?” Elizabeth asked. 

“Of course,” Henrietta said. She went behind the bar counter, grabbing a large wooden block that had a single key on it. “Only customers are allowed to use the bathroom.”

Elizabeth followed her outside. They walked towards another rickety shed. The smell was enough for Elizabeth’s imagination to conjure up an image of what the inside would look like. Opening the door, Elizabeth gulped. Exactly what she expected. Filthy, shit covered walls and port-o-potty. A perfect match to the rest of area. 

“Thank you,” Elizabeth said with a nod of her head, doing her best not to breath in the awful smell to much. 

Henrietta closed the door and the two headed back into the main building. “Only give the key to those who paid for something,” Henrietta said. 

Elizabeth nodded. She looked around the main room again. Her wish to leave the Hewitt’s home had been granted. And here she was. In a building that was worst the one she’d left. From one pot into another. She snorted then started to laugh. 

“Are you alright?” Henrietta asked in surprise. She looked at Elizabeth with worry.

Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, I’m fine,” she said, but she couldn’t control her laughter. What had she expected? That any place in this godforsaken hellhole would be decent and look more modern and civilized? How silly of her. 

She rubbed her face with her hands, letting out a loud sigh. Her eyes noticed a figure in the corner of the main room. “I’m alright, Thomas,” she said, flashing him her best smile. He gave her a nod, raising his hands to his face. He paused then sighed before lowering them, keeping his mask on. 

Suddenly, it hit her. She strode over to him, raising to her tiptoes as she grabbed his arms for support. “You did this for me?” she asked him, cocking her head to one side. “I told you I wanted to go out and you made this possible?” She gazed into his eyes, looking for the answer. She couldn’t quite read them, but he did look happy that she seemed content.

He leaned down and kissed her, and although she didn’t like the feel of his mask on her face, she didn’t pull back or away. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she let him pull her up for a moment in a tight hug, before he set her back down.

Settling back down onto her feet, she placed her hands on her hips, turned and sighed. “Well, not a bad looking little store,” she lied. How would the family feel if she cleaned up the place? Really cleaned it up? It would take her some time and a lot of energy. A project. Something to occupy her mind. It got her away from the house, away from the basement, away from the constant reminder of what was expected from her, of what had happened to her.

She was safe. A small weight lifted off her shoulders. She glanced over at Thomas who was inspecting the room. She’d done it. She never really thought about it, until that moment. Thomas had been doing little things to make her life better. Hell, he helped nurse her back to health. He left her gifts and was being more considerate during sex. The Hewitts even got  most of the items on her list that she wanted. But, this was a huge step. They were taking her out of the house, out into the world where she could scream for help if she saw the opportunity. 

Thomas looked down at her, feeling her stare. She smiled and leaned into him, bumping her hip against his thigh.

“Thank you, Thomas,” she said softly, wanting her words to reach him more than anyone else. “I’m really grateful.” 

He beamed at her words, making her heart fluttered. She rather liked it when she made him happy.

Chapter 12 - To Be Wanted

[ash-blythee]

Location: Night Market Status: Closed ( @antiquecritique )

Perhaps it's an odd event to go to as someone visually impaired, but Val's been cooped up in their home all afternoon and have been doing absolutely stir crazy. Brainstorming, writing, editing. Phone calls with an editor, then the agent, then back to their assistant. Val wants to get out and explore.

So Jupiter walks dutifully by his side - a dark shaggy dog with amber eyes that take in the sights for Val. His concentrated energy and enchantment all keeping Jupiter walking, looking, exploring for them. Meanwhile the author is in their usual clothes for an evening out- a loose and long linen shirt that's basically a dress, open a touch too much. Pendants and necklaces, rings, bracelets. Their curls are pushed off their face and they walk with one hand on Jupiter's broad back. People seem to part ways a bit to allow them through.

At one point, they end up at a table with some intriguing stones, another purveyor closeby. Jupiter has to crane his head to get eyes on the wares, and Val's agile fingers shift over them slow. "What d'you think, hm? Genuine?" Val asks, and then turns their head in the direction of the man beside them - Jupiter's eyes turn too, taking in the other. "Look a little like tumbled glass to me." They point out with a little smirk, unfocused eyes glinting mischievously.

[yzeltia]

Wolraha Week

Chapter 7: Adventure Characters: G'raha Tia, Keith Summers Rating: T Notes: In my head, Mephina granted Keith's wish for them to have the experience of having a baby promising he'd of course adopt from his homeland down the line and she goes for it and has the help of the others to make his wish come true by locking them in the Crystal Tower and magicking away 13 years then rewinding it on the two husbands after. Idk, probably never going to disect it too much. Thanks for indulging me!

Slumped back in a chair, Keith kicked his shorts off then started to rub his face, G'raha already in bed with a book open in his lap.

"Did Khenna finally exhaust you of storytales for the night," the Miqo'te asked, not looking up from his reading.

"Yeah. I'm running out of ideas. Bedtime really should be your territory y'know."

"And why's that?"

"Well, cause…you're older than me."

"By a sun!"

"Technically yeah, but you have to add all your time on the first in there too. You're old enough to be my grandpa when you think about it. Great - Ack!"

Keith laughed as he was pelted by a pillow from the bed, G'raha's book now cast aside and ears folded back.

"Finish that sentence and you'll be needing that pillow on the floor."

The Hyur chuckled then got up to crawl into bed with his pouting husband, putting an arm around him as he flopped back. Beaming, Keith kissed on G'raha's shoulder, eyes up at the grumpy Scion until his ears laxed. Soon the Miqo'te sighed then pulled back to stare up at the ceiling.

"It is still strange to think I have a daughter that will be half my age in two years time. She'll be old enough to go off on her own adventures or perhaps to the Studium. Quite possibly she'll find a way to fit in both. It just…doesn't feel real."

"It was though, yeah? It's all hazy, but it's all there. The going stir crazy cooped up in the tower while you got all moody. Enjoying a different room every night. The baths, the food. It was wonderful to start."

"Yes, for you. I was the one gaining weight and getting sore. All those stairs were awful toward the end."

"Hey, I made sure to give you foot rubs and made it so you didn't have to lift a finger toward the end. I put in a lot of work getting those node thingies to work."

"Hitting an on switch hardly compares to having your body carry an entire living being that it wasn't made to carry!"

"Hey! I didn't know the gods were gonna do that to you! You're the one who encouraged me to ask."

"I didn't think they'd say yes," G'raha said.

Keith jumped, eyes wide as he searched the other's face in disbelief. The Miqo'te sensing the impending panic quickly put his palm to the other's neck.

"Not that I regret a single moment. You have to admit it's an unheard of feat of magic, or at most, a buried subject."

The Hyur settled down, soothed by the touch, "Such wonderful magic. Maybe I was a little useless to start but when G'k came into the world I didn't want to ever let her go," Keith sighed, rolling onto his back, pulling the other up under his arm.

"I wish you'd kept that feeling. As I recall when she was about six you lost her playing hide-and-seek," G'raha laughed.

"Oi! It's not my fault someone inherited a giant skyscraping palace! I'm surprised there weren't times when we lost one another."

"True. We rarely parted company though."

"I couldn't bare the thought of being without either of you even for a second…despite the time shenanigans involved."

"That's a big word. Gold star."

"Shut up," Keith laughed, nudging his husband with an elbow before letting out a deep sigh while putting his hands behind his head, "I wish we could have given her a normal childhood though. Friends. I mean she's getting along with Khloe, sort of. Still, I at least always had my brothers. Maybe if we had-"

Keith was silenced as a pillow whacked against his face, "You stop that right now. I'm not going through that all again. We agreed we'd adopt when we settled down more after our next big adventure. It was even your idea. You promised Mephina and the others."

Keith chuckled then moved the pillow away, "I know, I know. And I still will honor that promise…Though, I don't think any adventure will beat that one. Thirteen years in just as many minutes. Thirteen wonderful years."

The Hyur smiled then reached over G'raha, picking up a framed portrait of their family, showing it to his husband beside him. The two leaned in then kissed softly before hunkering down, G'raha pushing his head under Keith's chin while the latter draped his arm over him, clutching the picture tight.

[hexellent]

@adventurousblur asked:

there’s a little basket full of treats from his mothers home region in Japan, waiting for Sonic whenever she gets back to her place of residence. “ from one blue blur to another- have fun on this new adventure! “

The last week or so was...exhausting to say the least. In fact, the time leading up to the doctor's appointment wasn't much of a walk in the park either. And by this point, she was more than ready to drop into bed and nap for at least three days straight.

She thought perhaps going for a small walk would be nice, so she isn't cooped up going stir crazy in the house, but it lasted maybe 30 minutes before she turned back. This whole baby junk is gonna be quite the toll huh..? A hand on her belly, she smiles. 'Wouldn't change it for the world...'

She's so deep in thought she almost trips, not noticing the basket at first. Wonder who left this here....

Scooping up the gift, she reads the not left on it, and a warm smile blooms on her face. Well isn't that the sweetest thing?

She really should return the favor sometime.

[legaciestolda]

@myersbprd moved for beta from x

if the woman is honest, she isn’t surprised upon the revelation that locator spells were failing to work. bella may not have been involved in this shadow world that was hidden within their own for more than a few years, however, she’d learned quite a lot in that time. it hadn’t just been her father’s instruction or the histories of jake’s tribe but books she’d gained access to through her father’s connections and her own familial ones too. for once bonnie and bella had become aware of each other’s crash courses into this world, they had begun to bond in a way they never had during the few and far between family gatherings that they had attended together growing up-- even if they were on opposite sides of the country. ironic that they both found themselves tangled in the webs of magic and vampires. in any case, a whole new world had been opened up to her that reached far beyond the little edward had introduced her to and bella knew, at least in theory, that there were a variety of factors that could block locator spells. victoria was anything if not resourceful and bella was fairly certain the red-head knew she wasn’t a lone sitting duck. they both had resources and allies. though why anyone would throw their lot in with a psychopathic vampire bella couldn’t quite fathom. then again, she supposed, if victoria wasn’t using a witch, it was entirely possible one of her newly turned fledglings could have some kind of blocking power. 

she’s been there and done that already, perhaps too many times, though bella’s fairly certain she’s about to go stir crazy if she remains cooped up in the dining room any longer. besides, maybe a fresh set of eyes might catch something her and her father had missed. “anything’s better than staring at maps.” a shrug of her own shoulders follows his, her features upturning into a small grin of amusement. everything had felt so heavy lately, it was nice, if only for a moment, to have something light-hearted brought into play, even if it was merely a pun. “i’ll grab my coat and--” she pauses, dark hues drifting toward the living room couch where the young werewolf slept. if they woke him up she had no doubt that he’d want to join them. after all, he’d been bugging leah and jake to go with them earlier. but-- she wasn’t sure what exactly they could be met with tonight especially now that more people were at play on bella’s side. no, it was best to let him sleep for now. he’d no doubt end up in the fray soon enough anyway. “--lets go out the kitchen door, let him sleep.” she nods toward the living room before getting up from her chair and walking quietly to pick up her coat. “maybe we should walk. it’s only a few blocks to campus and my truck is just gonna draw attention. i still don’t know what everyone has against it. it might be a little rusty but it runs solid.” most of the time.

[tuwam]

hah

@urianius

“you know you don’t have to check up on me always.” minsoo’s training has been upgraded, since security measures and procedures at the institute have increased. they’ve reasoned with him that, since hanna is in constant danger he needs to make sure his endurance is prepared for whatever she faces and that it in turn, may help her draw on strength to survive. 

minsoo’s argued they can heal him or toughen him all they want, he’s not actually there facing it, helping her. but in between frequent trips to the infirmary, and one-on-one sessions with kae, he’s grown tired of being treated like an in-house patient. when the sparring pushes him to the limit, or hanna’s got a visit from someone particularly unpleasant, he’s kept longer. for as long as daniel is here, they monitory and run necessary tests to track their bond, that keeps him in the infirmary ward even longer.

he’s cooped up and irritable almost everyday. other than that he’s tired, hungry, fed up with the world and wishing this process would speed itself up.

yeonhee, has been nothing but accommodating. so much so that he doesn’t mean to direct his anger at her, but she’s the closest proximity, and mina will have his head if he snaps at a superior like daniel one more time. he can’t help it, the man looks at him like snapping his neck would be easier than keeping him alive. minsoo can’t relate to that sibling love, on the upside, anytime anyone comes in it’s to relay news of the sibling developments at the institute, all which he misses out on while they run these stupid spells and activations on him.

he’s sore and he feels like a lab rat. when yeonhee isn’t studying, she tidies up the room, checks in on him, brings food. she doesn’t need to, he’s perfectly fine being miserable and irritable, he’s been working on matching the very glare daniel gives him when he enters. the girl’s just so damn hard to keep a rugged face around. she’s always smiling when he snaps, getting different food to ease his stomach, headache.

‘i’m not going to die, you don’t have to coddle me.’ maybe it strikes a nerve, quite a few warriors have been brought under her and hanbyul’s care from recent attacks, and not made it. yeonhee halts her cleaning and he thinks he sees her lips twitch from the corner of her mouth.

‘i’m not coddling you, i’m doing my part.’ “what, did they put you on babysitting duty?”

perhaps he’s irritated, minsoo’s always been a bit of a busybody, often gave minjae a run for his money when it came to who could cause mina headaches or be seen sprinting down the corridors with any of the girls brandishing a steele after them. it’s just how he’s lived his life, he’s quick, he’s cunning and he does what he needs to in order to get by, the adrenaline is what he enjoys.

so sue him if being studied and cooped up like this is making him a little stir-crazy. after the announcement he gets to see everyone run off to lessons and classes, to lunch, but with daniel here it’s tests, private lessons and check ups every other day. he hasn’t been permitted on missions just yet, just sparring and training in class, but they keep an eye on him, nervous for any news, any reports that could lead them to hanna. he gets it, he does, but he’d rather be out searching for the damned thing that took her.

he brought that up to mina and got one look and decided he never would again.

‘sometimes, doing your part is fighting in other ways.’ “easy for you to say, you like it in here.”

minsoo is a brat, he knows this as well. he knows he likes to judge people on the minute things he’s observed, and make them self-conscious and nervous. he likes reading them too. but perhaps, and this is only judging on the look yeonhee practically shoots him after he speaks, perhaps he was wrong. only one other person has proved to strike him with that kind of look before, and she’s the one they’re fighting to rescue.

‘where i am useful, is where i’d like to be. i can be useful here, or on the field if i wish, that is my strength, you - seem to lack the versatility to make the best of any situation - because you’re spoiled.’

minsoo is stunned. granted, it’s the most he’s ever seen the well-mannered girl speak. her voice is still even, tight by the way her mouth curls, but it isn’t raised, she isn’t yelling, or frowning really but somehow he feels as if this hits worse. 

“i’m not spoiled---” ‘someone wants to help you find your partner, your parabatai, most places would send you into the field as bait. mina cares about you all. and you would willingly throw yourself into danger, what about hanna then?’ “....i can’t just sit here.”

yeonhee huffs, and minsoo feels it as if she’s called him spoiled again.

‘you’re not just - sitting here, you’re training, you’re learning. kae is taking time to train you when he’s got classes to worry about, squads to track. they’re making you stronger because you’re not fodder to them and you’re whining that you’re not out in the field coming back only to be put in a coma?!’ 

she was mad, she was definitely mad that despite their efforts, more and more warriors were brought in with extensive injuries that they’ve never had to handle in such bulk. it means something’s coming, something’s changing with the demons and everyone’s limits are pushed. it’s why minsoo would rather be out there in the field.

‘imagine what we could do if we track yeonhee, save her, find what is holding her? you think you going out there and dying is the better option?!’ it isn’t, but he’s just- he’s so restless. yeonhee’s words resonate, deeper than he’d thought they would for when he first made his comment. perhaps it was needed, perhaps he’s underestimated how much the new change in events at the institute has pushed everyone’s patience. he’s not the only one who’s restless. 

“i’m - i’m sorry.” ‘here. it should help with your headaches, i think daniel and hanbyul are coming for some tests later so make sure you eat.’ the food doesn’t need to slam on the tray for him to feel her anger. minsoo flinches and before he can get out another word, she’s out the infirmary.

[amerraka]

i didn’t have internet or a ship when i was 12

i did, however, have internet when i was 13 on an old clunky computer mom got for her work. i got to look at it after my school work and her work. i didn’t look for anything about any ships... but I did look for x-files fanfiction, which I was really into. i mean i loved x files. my uncle introduced me to it, that one with the vampires with buckteeth... i mean that one where mulder and scully tell dif versions of the same story. i found some random site, it had a good x files fnafic, i still remember it was about lightning. and some more. i wasn’t into shipping at all, romance was barely on my radar. i mean it was barely on it til ... i started writing aio fanfic only a few years ago. then suddenly this romantic side blossomed in me somehow, along with shipping jason and connie out of the blue. i mean, in the process of writing Fallout.

idk if i’ve ever been OK... as a kid i was. or thought i was, except for the times i had to talk to strangers and my bossy ‘friend’ would come over after school when i’d rather play imaginary horse games, and my dad always had depression and would yell at me for keeping the fridge door open too long and call himself a lump on a log...

i would listne to aio and read read read and watch PBS shows like arthur and carmen sandiego and reading rainbow and play my imaginary horse ranch game roping my sister into it, i would do school work and go to parks.

as a teen, tho... got Angst. i rmember getting a white in the fair for my 1st horse show, 3rd place, and i was so mad/sad i went and cried in the car for like an hour. i mean-- not just 3rd place but it’s the danish system where ppl who are most worthy get blues no matter how many there are... and lots got blues and reds and i was like the only one who got a white. that was a first emotional episode

actually the 1st was when i had to go to camp to teach kids bible clubs and mom wanted me to and i didnt want to and cried against it but went anyway. mom said she didn’t force me but she was the director and it was Expected .... and it was horrible. supershy kid gahh i hate thinking of that time... hate hate

ok

then at my 14th birthday we went to New York through canada wiht my grandparents and we stopped at a hotel and i wanted to watch tv. bc they had cable! but mom wanted me to go walking on the beach not stay cooped up in the hotel. but it was my birthday, why shouldn’t i get to do what i wanted? so i was verrry upset then...

and most of teenagerhood was shoving anything down and doign what mom said and going to horrid youth group where i had nothing in common with anyone, and having to talk to Strangers and that horrible time when i went to church convention for 2 weeks with my youth group and the person i had most in commmon with ws the 7 year old daughter of one of the youth leaders. who is married now and has a life unlike me.

then college was... fun. studying the things i liked. hard but i got good grades, graduated... and was adrift adn still am. writing, writing fanfic occasionally, have a lovely cat and warm family... but i’m not ok. bc i have no place in the world and its getting later and later and.... i have nothing to show for being alive.

so i immerse in imaginary games, just like i did as a kid, bc i don’t know how to do anything else. i know how to hide, not cope. I mean-- i love fiction. it’s more fun and interesting than real life, at least the life i’m capable of. i wish i could exist solely in it. unless i can possibly have the life i want... and i dont know how that’s possible even tho i’m trying but trying my best i fear will never be enough...

so i immerse in fanfic and tv shows and it doesn’t get better in the outside world and i get less and less compatible, lol, if i ever had any chance in the first place, an extremely sensitive extreme introvert, can’t even make and keep friends online, get freaked out by every mean word some random person says...

retreat into stories. when my story should be ruling my world. at the top of my game... writing my life story.... moving toward something grand. what i imagine each day for myself but seems to get farther and farther away as my sisters get closer as they are normal....  not some weird obviously homeschooled awkward socially inept person who failed her internship out of college and crashed cars 6 times before she learned how to drive decently.... um...

i could go on forever bc this story has no solution and isn’t a good one.

fiction is my only salvation, such as it is, only temporary, til i’ll have to go out into the cold world that i don’t fit in, don’t want to fit in such a harsh manipulative thing, and probably fade away as a homeless person

"are you okay" girl i am on ao3 looking for fanfiction from my comfort ship when i was 12 what do you think

[bgnmagic]

Acceptance a/b/o Merlin Fanfic

Merlin nearly got caught by the guards posted outside Arthur’s chambers as he snuck out. However, having been trapped in the prince’s rooms for nearly three weeks Merlin knew their habits already. Easily distracting the pair with a simple spell, Merlin caused a tapestry to move further down the corridor and they went off like puppies to investigate.

Good riddance. He needed to get outside. Merlin knew his alpha, Arthur, meant well by keeping him hidden, but not getting to go outside was making Merlin go stir crazy. The injuries he’d sustained from when Arthur had rescued him were on the mend. He could walk without a limp now and his shoulder only hurt minimally when Merlin tried to raise his arm over his head.

Hoping he could slip out and away to the forest while Arthur was busy in a council meeting all afternoon, Merlin continued on his way out of the citadel. The hard stone walls surrounding him only seemed to enforce the feeling of being imprisoned. Merlin knew he could leave at any time, the only issue being whether or not Arthur would come with him.

Finding out who his mate was in such a chaotic way only added to the confusion he felt. Arthur had rescued him from certain death after a bandit attack only three short weeks ago. They’d been literally thrown together under extremely stressful circumstances.  All of which Merlin was actually okay with, it was the small detail of Arthur’s father being a magic hating crazy man that made things difficult.

Merlin wasn’t sure if he should be happy or worried that Uther hadn’t come to drag him away to be executed yet. The man had seen Merlin’s magic the same night Arthur brought him to Camelot. That had been a terrible first greeting. Welcome to your new home, where we hate magic and don’t like it when people find their true mates. Good luck with everything, get out before we kill you!

Shuddering at the memory, as it was the first and only time Merlin had seen Uther so far, he hoped getting some fresh air would help clear the fog in his brain. It was obvious that Arthur felt their bond very deeply, considering he kept standing up to his father anytime the king came to shout about their budding relationship. Merlin could hear them argue clearly through the closed door to his little room.

Arthur had turned his antechamber into a mini nest for Merlin. His alpha’s reasoning was the antechamber was easier to defend if need be. They’d already gone over escape plans and what to do should Uther come to take Merlin away. It was all quite romantic if you didn’t focus on the reasoning behind it. However, the window with its little cushioned seat wasn’t enough fresh air for Merlin, he needed to be outside, and he needed to feel the earth under his feet.

Avoiding the main courtyard Merlin slipped out through the back gate of the citadel. It was wide open at this time because the maids were doing laundry. Merlin had a view of this particular exit from his room so he knew the schedule. Once his feet hit the dirt path he broke out in a run. Feeling the air rushing past him felt wondrous. The smell of the trees and flowers filled his nostrils. Gods, he’d missed this sensation.

Coming into a clearing a few minutes later Merlin immediately flopped down into the grass and lay there looking up at the clouds floating by. Grinning from ear to ear he let all the worries and stress from the past weeks melt away. It was easy enough to keep going, continue on away from Camelot, never to return. A small part of Merlin wished he could, but the reality was that he’d found his mate. There was a bond there whether he wanted to admit it or not. Arthur was his alpha. The one roadblock they had yet to overcome was Uther’s wish that Merlin be put to death. Arthur insisted that he would run away with Merlin if it came down to that, but he wasn’t sure the prince would be willing to leave his title behind simply for the likes of a peasant omega.

Pushing the thought aside Merlin tried to clear his head. He came out here to find peace not get worked up about Uther being a complete tyrant. Merlin lost track of time watching the clouds and birds fly by. Planning on only being gone for an hour at most Merlin was unexpectedly shocked into alertness by an alarm bell ringing in the distance. Something had happened at the citadel. He’d tarried too long, getting back inside with an alarm going was near impossible.   He’d seen it once before when someone had escaped the dungeons.

Standing up in a rush, Merlin tried to think of what to do. He could wait for the alarm to end but everyone would still be riled up, Merlin would be caught for sure. Groaning at his own foolishness Merlin began heading back, he’d have to hide and see if he could sneak back in, though deep down Merlin knew it wouldn’t work. Not without using a lot of magic, and that didn’t seem like such a great idea considering what Uther would do to him if Arthur wasn’t there to help.

When the turrets of the north tower came into view Merlin slowed his pace. Simply walking up to the door he’d left through was all good in principle, but actually doing it was quite another story. He couldn’t stay out here all night! Desperate to know the reason for the alarm Merlin opted to hide behind a large tree and wait. Maybe it was another escapee? The guards could easily claim he was the wanted man and kill him on the spot.

Nothing ever went right for Merlin; he was doomed to always be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Suddenly stuck with the idea that he might never see Arthur again made his chest constrict painfully. They barely knew each other but Merlin was having a hard time imagining life without his alpha. Damn their bond! Why was it so strong?!

Lost, wallowing in his own misery Merlin missed the frantic shouts coming from the citadel. After a moment he figured he was going crazy because Merlin was sure he could his own name drifting through the air. Peeking out from behind the tree he listened, waiting to hear the call again.  Sure enough, someone was urgently screaming his name. Oh shit.

Ducking back behind the trunk Merlin attempted to not die of panic. Why were they looking for him? Only Arthur or gods forbid Uther should have discovered his absence. There was no need to send off a bloody alarm just for an omega. Something else terrible must have happened. Maybe it was time to enact their escape plan but Merlin had ruined everything by sneaking out. Visions of armed men ruthlessly chasing Arthur through the citadel crossed his mind, causing his anxiety to spike further. Uther might try and kill his only son, the man seemed like the type to do it, he was unhinged.

The sound of a door bursting open followed by more worried calls of ‘Merlin’ forced him to look once more. The fading afternoon sun cast the man that came running out of the gate in a halo of gold light. It was Arthur; he stopped briefly and looked around, clearly fretting. When a knight came running out after him, Merlin almost used his magic to throw the man back, but upon closer inspection it was Leon. He’d been there with Arthur when they’d found him that fateful day in the forest.

Leon looked just as worried as Arthur. Unable to understand why they looked so upset Merlin waited a little longer before revealing his hiding spot. If no one else came out after them perhaps it was safe after all. Merlin was about to step out when another shadow framed the doorway. It was the king; he looked much the same as when Merlin had seen three weeks ago. Angry, uncaring, and mean.

The fear of seeing him again made Merlin’s knees weak. He didn’t want to hurt the king, but if he had any intent to maim him, Merlin wasn’t going to back down. Distracted by the figure of Uther, Merlin was unaware that Arthur had stopped walking around.

Arthur took a deep breath and turned on his father, “I can smell him, he’s still nearby. If you’ve done anything to him I swear I’ll --.”

“You’ll what? Arthur, I believe we’ve been over this a thousand times already. I’ve given my word that I won’t kill your mate.”

“Forgive me if I don’t completely trust you on that matter yet,” Arthur spit back before spinning around and heading off into the trees, straight to where Merlin was hiding.

Arthur, Merlin had learned was very good at following scents. Hence the reason they’d even met in the first place. Merlin’s distressed, I’m probably going to die, scent had lead Arthur straight to him, much like it was doing right now.

Unable to hide any longer Merlin leaned out and smiled sheepishly. Arthur was in his space a second later roughly pulling Merlin into a fierce hug.

“Thank the gods, I thought father had you taken away,” he exclaimed with worry. “Are you hurt?” Arthur asked pulling back to gently cradle Merlin’s face in his shaking hands.

“Sorry, I needed some air; I thought you were going to be in your meeting longer. I planned on being back by then.”

“You scared me half to death, if anything had happened to you I don’t – I,” Arthur trailed off with a pained look.

“I’m sorry, I’m fine, I just couldn’t stand being cooped up anymore. Are we safe? Why is the alarm going?” Merlin asked quickly.

“Huh? The alarm, I just told you I thought I’d lost you.”

Merlin’s brain skidded to a halt; Arthur had raised the alarm for him? “What? But why? I’m just an omega.”

“Merlin,” Arthur chided, “You’re more than that, don’t ever think that. Let’s get back inside; I’m sure my father won’t wait on us for much longer.”

Arthur went to pull Merlin along back towards the gate door, but he stopped after a few feet. “Why is Uther waiting? Why is he even here, he looks like he wants to stab me.”

“Merlin, that’s the reason the meeting ended early, we don’t have to hide anymore. I managed to convince father and the council to stop meddling in our affairs,” Arthur replied.

“I don’t understand.”

“Idiot,” Arthur sighed fondly, “shut up and come with me.”

If it weren’t for the smile on Arthur’s face Merlin would have bolted back into the woods. Nodding he started walking again and tried to avoid looking directly at the king. This tactic didn’t work well when Arthur drug Merlin right in front of his father.

“Father, do I have your word that you’ll allow this partnership to move forward?”

Uther scowled but nodded all the same, “Yes, but enough talk, I’m tired of standing here.”

“That’s it? Are you really alright with this now, after threatening to kill me?” Merlin blurted without thinking.

Groaning loudly Uther turned and held his gaze, “My son brings back a wounded, magic using omega claiming he is his mate, how did you think I would react?” the king answered coldly.

“I thought you’d be happy for him,” uttered Merlin. Hearing that Uther didn’t even believe the feelings of his own son was disheartening.

“Perhaps I will in time,” Uther replied. “Consider yourself very lucky that I’m willing to turn a blind eye to this – arrangement, but be warned omega, if you so much as use a lick of magic against us I’ll have you burned.”

Uther’s use of influenced alpha speech made Merlin flinch. He hated it when alpha’s did that, it wasn’t like he was ignoring him. Merlin was in fear of his life. Why on earth would he not pay attention?

“Acknowledge me omega!” Uther demanded.

“Yes, my lord!” Merlin answered, trying mightily not to shake.

The king growled once in response and without another word turned and stalked back towards the citadel. Suddenly feeling exhausted Merlin ducked his head and grabbed Arthur’s hand. The prince squeezed back and then they were all heading back inside. Merlin kept his head down as they walked through the corridors. The king had gone off somewhere and even Leon had disappeared. When the doors to Arthur’s chamber appeared Merlin let out a sigh of relief.

The second the door was closed and bolted Arthur pulled Merlin close and held him tightly. “Are you alright?” he asked softly. “I can tell you’re upset, I mean I know why, my father isn’t exactly an easy man to deal with on the best of days.”

“I’ll get over it; I don’t want to cause trouble, yet that’s all I’ve done despite doing nothing but be me, magic and all.”

Arthur stepped back and pouted, Merlin was learning this meant his alpha was feeling things but didn’t know how to talk about it. For being as protective as he was Arthur was terrible at talking about his emotions. “I know it’s been odd these past few weeks being together with only our bond to rely on,” Arthur sighed. “I trust that you’re my mate but we still have so much to learn about each other.”

At the mention of their bond Merlin began nervously shuffling his feet. “About that, what exactly is the next step for people who find their mates? Obviously we seem to get along, when you’re not being a complete prat of cour--.”

“Hey! I’m not a prat!”

“Yes, you are. Not all the time but you throw things at me and that’s not nice.”

Arthur sighed and shook his head, “You were trying to steal my last sausage for breakfast, you can’t do that.”

“You’re my alpha, I should be able to take your food Arthur.” Merlin had the pleasure of watching Arthur shudder and groan at his use of the influenced word.

“Watch it Merlin, I’m trying my best not to claim you right where you stand. If you keep doing things like that I’m not going to be able to hold back.”

At the mention of claiming, Merlin sobered again, “Seriously Arthur what’s next? I don’t have to stay in your rooms all day so what do I do and how do we become a true bonded pair?”

“Oh, right, um well I bite you and then you can bite me and that’s it.” Arthur didn’t go into any more detail and Merlin felt that there should be so much more to this process.

“Wait, that’s it? We bite each other and we’re bonded for life?”

“I think so, I’d have to ask Gaius to be certain, but I always thought that was how it worked. I know that the paired omega’s I’ve seen around the citadel have bite marks on their gland and their scent changes, or maybe my perception of it does.”

“I’m aware that paired omegas have less trouble with alphas, that would be a welcome change,” Merlin admitted.

“I’ll never let anything harm you Merlin!” Arthur exclaimed stepping back into his space, grabbing his biceps and squeezing.

“Yes, I’ve gathered that, so um, when are you going to bite me?”

Arthur looked confused and went back to pouting, great; his alpha was being emotionally stunted again. “Erm, well, we’ve not even kissed yet so maybe we should try that first?”

Right, all they’d managed so far was massive amounts of cuddling. Merlin had been bed ridden for the first week due to his injuries so all they could do was hold each other. Arthur was solidly built so Merlin had no complaints about sleeping on him. However, the only other stuff they’d done was talk about their lives and hold hands so far. Kissing seemed like fun but that might lead to something more and Merlin wasn’t sure he’d be able to push Arthur away if it came down to it.”

Arthur took Merlin’s brooding silence as a rejection to the idea and quickly back tracked, “We don’t have to obviously, we could lie on the bed and relax. You’ve not had a chance to sleep in here yet. The bed in the antechamber is too small for us to fit comfortably, you can stretch out in here,” Arthur enthused as he gently pulled Merlin over to the giant bed.

“I dunno, maybe we should go do something, now that your father isn’t out to get me. You could show me around the citadel, if you want?” Merlin asked hopefully.

“If that’s what you want, we can go on a little tour, but first, um,” Arthur paused and was pouting again. “Can I mark you before we go out? I don’t want any other alphas to think you’re available.”

Oh, shit. That actually made sense; Merlin didn’t want anyone trying to approach him at the moment. Not that they would with the crown prince accompanying him but it was always better to be safe than sorry. “I guess so; I don’t want any trouble if we go out. How do we?” Merlin asked unsure of who should make the first move.

“Relax and tilt your head, I promise I’ll be quick.”

Merlin did as instructed and waited. Arthur’s scent permeated his senses a moment later as the prince stepped closer. Next came the gentlest of touches on his neck, Arthur’s barely there stubble was touching his bare skin. Closing his eyes to keep calm, Merlin gasped when Arthur held him even tighter and pushed out his scent.  

The feeling of euphoria was so intense Merlin could barely breathe. Every nerve in his body was singing in pleasure, nothing else registered to him. His surroundings had blacked out and Merlin was only aware of the desire to be completely joined with his alpha. Breathing deeply Merlin sucked in Arthur’s scent and revealed in its warmth. If he died right now Merlin would be a happy omega, why did no one mention this absolutely intoxicating practice before? Getting marked was pure heaven.

“—lin, Merlin?! Can you hear me?” Arthur’s panicked voice asked, breaking through Merlin’s pleasure induced fog.

“Wha? M’here,” Merlin answered, not sure why Arthur was acting so strange. However, as the room began to come into focus again Merlin found he’d been literally swept off his feet by Arthur. “Wha’s goin’ on?”

“Are you alright? You scared me half to death!” Arthur asked as he carried Merlin over to the bed.

“That was amazing, we need to do that more often,” replied Merlin.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I? I went to mark you and you went limp and I had to pick you up. What happened?”

“This fucking happened you clotpole,” Merlin answered right before he grabbed Arthur’s shoulders, and tugged him down so he could rub their scent glands together again. This time Merlin pushed his scent as much as he could. If Arthur could mark him so intensely then Merlin could too! Arthur’s full body weight collapsing on top of Merlin a few seconds later meant he’d done his job properly.

“Oh my – gods,” Arthur rasped in between breaths. “Is it – it supposed to feel that good? That felt amazing!”

“Why didn’t we try -- this sooner?” Merlin asked trying to wiggle out from underneath Arthur’s bulk.

“Merlin you broke me, I can’t move,” Arthur whined.

“Shit, does that mean we can’t go on the tour anymore?”

“My legs are jelly and my brain is mush, gods you smell so good. What are you doing? Come back here I need you,” Arthur demanded as he chased him across the bed. Merlin’s attempt at escaping failed miserably when Arthur grabbed his legs and pulled him across the covers. “Mine,” was all Arthur stated as he buried his head into Merlin’s thigh.

Giving up on getting free of Arthur’s grip, Merlin sank into the bedding and began playing with Arthur’s hair. The alpha made some sort of noise half way between a growl and a moan. Guess he liked having his head scratched. “Should we at least request dinner before you pass out and trap me here until morning?”

“M’not moving.”

“Arthur,” Merlin whined, “I’m hungry, let’s celebrate not dying and get drunk.”

“Okay that sounds like fun, but you’ll need to help me to the door, whatever you did to me broke me.”

Merlin laughed and smiled fondly at the blond alpha currently trying to squeeze the life out of him. “Promise me we’ll at least get to see the citadel tomorrow, okay?”

“I’ll show you around don’t worry,” Arthur huffed. “Right now I want to eat so we can mark each other again afterward, that was fun!”

https://archiveofourown.org/works/33486670

[abrunettefangirlnerd]

Insecure

Pairing: Steve Rogers x reader

Oneshot

Summary: feeling insecure about your looks, Steve helps you to see what he sees.

You put away the last bit of the laundry. Life has been crazy this whole last week. The guys have been on mission after mission, meanwhile the aching pain in your side hasn’t subsided. Bruce, not to your delight, thinks you shouldn’t even be training. But you would go completely stir crazy laying in bed or on the couch all day.

             What the boys know won’t hurt them. Besides, you want to try to stay in shape. Anytime you are under bed rest, you feel like your muscles turn to mush and your totally body fat sky rockets. Being insecure your whole life about your looks, you finally started to feel comfortable with all the cardio and weightlifting.

             Especially around your friends from before becoming an Avenger. They all know you are a part of the team, your costume doesn’t exactly hide your identity. Neither did the fact that you blew up a baseball with your bare hands in college because it scared you. At a game the batter hit the ball into the crowd, it was coming for you, you threw your hands up in defense but never felt the ball hit your skin. Instead the ball fell to the ground in the small pieces that were left.

             Fury found you shortly after. Explained to you that there are others, a team, a family that you could be a part of. You accepted the offer and never looked back. For once you felt like you belonged, but every once in a while some of your insecurities come flooding back.

“Hey gorgeous,” Steve’s deep voice creeps around your door frame. Joining your curled up body on your bed, Steve brushes your free hair behind your ear. “I have a surprise for you. I know you’ve been cooped up in this building for two weeks, so I brought your two friends from home.”

“Really?” You slowly sit up, griping your side. It feels like forever since you’ve seen them, and you’ve missed them desperately.

             Steve nods his head with a smile. And before you know it, you leave Steve to smell the burning rubber from your rapid departure. Running through the pain, you make it to the corridor to see your long-term friends standing in awestruck wonder at the architecture.

“Oh my god! Christi! Abby!” You manage to apply your breaks just in time to keep from barreling the girls to the floor. Collecting your composure, you wrap each in an arm and offer a big group hug.

“Safe to say you like your surprise?” Steve appears by the stairs with a smug smirk.

             Letting go of your girls, you race back toward Steve. Leaping into his arms, the pain doesn’t present itself until Steve’s arms securely wrap around you. Steve gets in a spin or two before putting you down. Kissing your temple, Steve apologizes for hurting you but you just shrug it off.

               The girls and you end up in the art studio down the hall from your room. The movie Book Club plays in the background as the three of you attempt to paint while drinking your glasses of wine. Christi wants to know everything about the male Avengers. She is on the market for a boyfriend, and thinks a superhero will be a perfect match. However, Abby just wants to know about you and Steve.

“You two ARE dating right?” Abby takes a sip of her wine and wiggles the brows.

“We haven’t really put a title on it yet,” you can feel the warmth from the wine spread to your face. “We are definitely more than friends, but he has been so busy lately. Maybe once I’m back on the field we can talk about it.”

             The girls tell you how impressed they were that Steve came to get them. They assumed when he got back from missions, the two of you would be inseparable. Honestly, they aren’t wrong but you also get your fair shared time with the others on the team. But that’s Steve, he is very big on personal space. It’s something you are very thankful for. Even though the two of you aren’t officially together it is easy to get lost in someone else and forget the world around you.

             After painting, you move into the movie room. It is getting late, and you all are getting fairly tired. Sitting on the couch your gaze wanders to your thighs. In your peripheral you see the thin outline of your own friend’s thighs and notice how drastic the change is. You pretend not to notice the difference in body types between you and your friends.

             Suddenly all insecurities from college and high school come flooding back. The fact that you were admiring your own body in the mirror just hours ago escapes you. Any feeling of accomplishment from your workouts, training, missions no longer exists. Not next to Christi and Abby.

             You know it’s not their fault, and you’re not bitter toward them whatsoever. Christi eats a lot of junk but just so happens to be gifted with the perfect metabolism gene. Abby just does her own thing, no workouts and no dieting, but it works for her. You have always had more fat to you. Before becoming an Avenger, home workouts never did a thing and changing your diet did nothing as well. Since being here you have lost 20 lbs but you are still 10 – 15 lbs heavier than your friends next to you.

             Agreeing on a childhood favorite, you grab a blanket and curl up in a ball. The more coverage you provide the greater the lie you can tell yourself of what lies beneath. The girls follow suit and the three of you talk and make comments about the movie until the three of you pass out.

             Only a few hours later your body atomically wake up around 7:00 am. No matter the time you fall asleep, or the quality of sleep, your body always has a habit of waking you up early in the morning. The only other person in this building that I normally awake at this time is Steve. Though, after the rest he probably needed after the mission he is most likely still in bed.

               You crawl off the couch carefully trying not to wake the girls. A searing pain ripples through your right side to your leg. Biting your lip helps keep your internal scream from moving up your throat. Shimmying the rest of the way out of the room, you head towards the locker room to start training.

“What do you think you are doing?” His surprisingly stern voice echoes through the training room as soon as you enter.

“STEVE! Seriously, one day you are going to give me a heart attack.”

             Ignoring Steve’s original question, you make your way to the punching bag. You feel the need to build up your strength in your left arm. Perhaps if you get your strength back up the rest of the team may be convinced to let you back on the field early.

             Hearing your fist hit leather, the sounds doesn’t over power the feeling of you skin shift. My body is ultimately made up of fat! I’m not even muscle, just fat and bone! Tears sting  behind your eyes as the comments of from arrogant assholes from your past echo with each punch.

She’s easier to aim for, (Y/N)’s bigger than the others!

(Y/N) is a nice friend. I know she likes me, but you look more like my type.

             As each voice filters through your ears each punch against the bag gets harder and harder. The sound radiates through the training center. Completely in a trance, you don’t notice Steve’s gaze on you as he approaches closer. Right before he gets too close you realize your leg muscles need a workout as well, and you take off towards the track.

“(Y/N)!” Steve shouts but the pain in your side is all you can focus on.

             Wheezing, your arm wraps around your right side in attempt to console it. The pain radiates down the side of your body toward your leg once again. With each step you start to feel like jello.

             The sound of your body hitting the ground registers before the additional pain does. Dazed and confused how you got there, you feel a presence next to you. They place both their hands on each side of your face and examine for any blood. You’d swat them away if it wasn’t for the sudden want of physical touch.

“Steve, do you think you’d prefer if I was skinnier?” Sleepiness invades your senses.

“What are you talking about?”

             You don’t say anything else as Steve scoops you in his arms. All you do is point to your thighs and the little pudge on your stomach. Steve says nothing as he carries you to your room. All he does is place a soft kiss to the side of your head before laying you down on your bed covers.

“Where is this coming from?” Steve inquires, but you only shrug your shoulders. The both of you know that you do. Steve doesn’t press though, which you are thankful for.

“(Y/N), you’re brilliant. If it wasn’t for Stark or Banner you would easily be the smartest person I’ve ever known.” He soothingly brushes his fingers up and down your arms, luring you to sleep. “Outstandingly stunning. Though if we must talk specifically your body?”

             Steve delays by gently pulling your body onto his. Resuming the touch of his fingers against your arm, you wait for him to continue. The butterflies in your stomach ache as much as your injury pain. Assuming the worst, you’re not sure if you really want to know or not.

“I assume this trip of insecurity is due to your friends being here.” No offensiveness rises within you. You’ve told Steve about this before. “No, you’re not as thin as them. But they’re not as fit as you are. I know you hate your thighs the most, but doll trust me they are mostly hard muscle. Of which I find way more attractive than being super skinny, but unable to effectively fight.”

“I’m sorry-,” you start before Steve cuts you off with a kiss.

“You don’t need to be sorry. I get it, and I love you.” And this time you kiss him.

Tags: @mrs-captain-evans​ @crowleys-squirrel​ @princess-evans-addict​

[digressfromreality]

The Fall of Baby Might

Lana Yagi had been famous from the moment it was revealed who her father was, All Might, Japan’s number one hero. But had that revelation been worth it: the media scrutiny, the burden of legacy, the crippling seeds of doubt? Did Lana crumple under the pressure?

Izuku x Lana x Tomura

Part 7/Part 9

Part 8. The emptiness is heavier than you think. (Teardrops by Bring Me the Horizon)

The moment she opened her eyes, she couldn’t deny the truth of the situation. She was a piece of shit human being.

She groaned; she had no idea what time it was. It was the longest she had slept in for months. Lana held her face in her hands still trying to contemplate what the hell she should do.

Why did she drink? She knew.

Fuck…she knew better.

Why did her dumb drunk ass search for comfort from the one person she shouldn’t?

Was it the fact that she felt guilty about agreeing to leave? Perhaps. Was she trying to quiet her mind and just relax for one moment? Eh. It was his eyes, his gentle eyes. Drunk her knew it would be one of the last times she would be on the receiving end of those green eyes. Drinking had turned her into a desperate animal, practically withering away from the sexual frustration and grief. She had given little choice to Izuku, it was fuck her now, or she was going to lose her goddamn mind.

In the blackness of night, Izuku would never know that one of the many hickeys weren’t from him, or that his whore of fiancée previously had Shigaraki’s cum smeared down her leg.

During her throes of passion, her mind kept flashing between the man who was taking her in the moment and who had wrecked her earlier in the day.

Tomura’s shuddery gasps, his low baring groans, the filthy insults he whimpered under his breath, it left her literally dripping for more.

There’s something almost...flattering when Izuku took her. Before it bristled her anger, but now his unrestrained sounds were so...so alluring. His body was honest, expressing vividly the pleasure it felt buried deep inside her.

“Ah!” The pinch of pain was quickly replaced with a delectable heat. “Tomura.” He licked the mark he made on her neck, he needed to remind her and everyone else who she belonged to.

“When did you become such a lush, giving in to urges?” Izuku whispered as he grinded into her.

She nearly screamed by the time she hit her climax. She was spent, a couple sweaty kisses to Izuku’s face, she turned over to sleep. Leaving all the problems of today for her hangover ass to deal with tomorrow.

****

Even his breakfast in the mornings seemed to be better than usual, although Lana had been skittish and unapproachable when she had return, Izuku could feel the dynamic shift in his and Lana’s relationship. She had appeared to be manic and fearful in the first few months back, but now, Lana had made progress.

Izuku flushed at just thinking about it, but they even started being intimate again. She had initiated it roughly a week ago.

He had thought she had fell asleep, so he kissed her and was ready to lie down next to her, until hands hooked around his head pulling him deeper. “Please,” she whispered. Making his heart thud like crazy, was this happening?

Lana wet hair smelt incredibly sweet, and her skin was soft, with her consent he marked every inch that he could. A lick, a nibble, a bite, her moans stirred the lust he had pushed deep down within him. It had been so, so long. He desired everything about her, god his heart was pounding.

He was a little embarrassed, cumming so quickly that it would put his teenage self to shame. But she didn’t seem disappointed or upset. Falling asleep with a satisfied sigh before he had a moment to catch his breath to apologize.

He turned to see her slumped over the table, which made him happy she didn’t see his burning face. Lewd thoughts this early in the morning was something that she didn’t to be burdened with.

She tapped her fingers nervously, that date that Tomura had given her was looming over her head. She needed to leave, but in way that Izuku wouldn’t follow her or try to employ people to follow her in his place.

Lana was going to have to be brutally honest, if not, mercilessly cruel in how she crushed his feelings for her. Tomura would have to be there to take her away, because Izuku would block her from running.

She flinched, feeling Izuku press his warm lips to her temple. It made her skin crawl; she didn’t deserve his tender affection. He forced a smile, it was okay, but something about Lana’s temperament seemed off.

He sat down after putting down the last plates of their breakfast on the table between them.

“Honey, would you want to take a trip somewhere?” He had been contemplating taking her back to special place of theirs.

“Yes?” He slid his hand over hers, trying to soothe her anxiety.

“I feel cooped up and I bet you do too. Perhaps we just go somewhere, just the two of us?” Just the two of them? Did he know? Her eyes flickered upwards, no Izuku wouldn’t be this calm. Coincidence. Helpful coincidence.

She knew this was for the best. But she would grit it, and bare it with a simper, just for Izuku. Everything was to appease her lover now, to mask the pain of her betrayal later. “Sure, that sounds like fun.”

He smiled thrilled at the prospect of their upcoming plans. Lana on the other hand, wanted to drop into the depths of the ocean.

[fluff-and-such]

BOO! (for Izual?)

    It started with Tyrael, as most of Izual’s issues typically did. His Archangel was going on about this-that-and-the-other, and Izual nodded along, listening best he could whilst trying to get his paperwork done. Fortunately, he’d become quite good at multitasking when it came to Tyrael. 

    As the aspect of justice, Tyrael frequently became upset by that which he perceived as unfair, or things that he could do nothing about. 

    “I have spoken to him many times about this! But he refuses to stop, even when given punishment details.” Tyrael crossed his arms, wings twitching fitfully. 

    “When have punishments ever deterred your brother?” Izual offered, signing off on a page and starting the next. He thought he heard Tyrael snicker, but when he looked up the angel was glowering crossly. Hm. Odd. 

    “It’s not just him though. He’s recruited Balzael to his side, and the two of them are a terror! A menace!” Tyraelwas gesturing broadly to try and convey his upset. “I can scarcely get anything done with them trying to startle me at every turn. I can’t even enter my chambers anymore without first checking for one of them.”

    “So long as Hadriel is not working with them, you should be safe.” Focussing on the words was getting difficult with Tyrael’s resonance so frazzled. 

    Izual knew that part of the problem was that Tyrael would rather be chasing his sibling about in this odd game of hide-and-scare. He knew how little Tyrael cared for being stuck in an office working, and how much of a siren call this was for him. This was part why they worked so well together - Tyrael could always be relied upon to dive into things, and Izual would cover the paperwork and organize the troops behind him. 

    Inarius and Balzael were taunting him. How unfair. 

    “Perhaps you could interest them in another target?” Izual didn’t regret the words the moment they were out of his mouth. But later, after Tyrael had finished his rant and been on his way, he got the distinct sense that he had just invited more trouble upon himself than he needed.

~~~~~

    It wasn’t so much that he had forgotten about Tyrael’s rant, and more that he simply hadn’t given it much thought. Inarius-and-Balzael getting up to shit was not exactly a new occurrence. 

    Out of their little group, they were the most prone to getting stir-crazy. Izual could easily deal with the times between battles, as they allowed him to catch up on things. He suspected Hadriel actually enjoyed being cooped up, for they more often than not had to drag him into socializing. 

    Firmly in the middle was Tyrael, a satellite caught between fits of rambunctiousness, and stoic adherence to his position as Archangel. 

    Tyrael had complained long and at length about his brother so many times that Izual had at no point bothered to count. Balzael was almost equally so, although Tyrael was less likely to be as hostile about their mutual friend as he was Inarius. Izual was used to the complaints, and used to their being tension between those three. 

    He had assumed, quite wrongly, that it was just another rant, and not a warning of things to come. 

    “Hey there pal!” Smack.

    “Son of a-!” 

    Izual nearly decked Inarius when the other appeared abruptly behind him and clapped him on the sides. The other angel skittered back when he lunged, and then he was charging after him, cursing and shouting the whole way. 

    While he (most admirably) managed not to assault the advisor, he did chase him all the way out of the Courts. Inarius cackled the whole way, and Izual decided that he was simply too joyous to really do anything about. It was nice, sometimes, seeing the increasingly-frustrated-and-disinterested-Inarius so lively. 

    He’d put it out of his head as simply another attempt to rile him. Inarius was awfully good at riling after all, and it was a skill he applied liberally wherever he saw fit. 

    Keeping the advisor at bay was simple enough, so Izual didn’t worry too much about it. 

    Then it was Balzael, startling him while he was in the middle of cleaning Azurewrath, and with a shout Izual had swung the blade in a wide arc at his friend. The other dove out of the way with a yelp and a, neatly missing having his wing shorn off. 

    “You stupid prick, I could’ve swept that head from its idiot shoulders.” Izual grumbled. Balzel laughed breezily, hands going to his hips and wings flicking in a challenge. 

    “Ah, but you were so open my dear!” The other angel declared. “I simply had to take such a  ripe opportunity…”

    “Yes well, then you’ll have to indulge me on this opportunity to kick your ass.” Izual grabbed him by the neck armor, and started for the training grounds. With a squawk, Balzael was tugged along. There was no animosity between them though, and their sparring was light-hearted.

    Odd behavior from his friend, but not malicious. Izual decided not to worry about it. 

    A week later, when he was trying to rest in his personal quarters, Izual decided he probably should start worrying about it. 

    “How in the hell did you even get in here?” He demanded, pinning Inarius down. Balzael was frozen to the nearby wall, and grumbling while he melted himself free. 

    “I have been studying magic.” Inarius giggled. “Once you know how to teleport, getting in and out of things is pretty-” zoop and the angel vanished out from under him. “-simple. “ 

    Izual grunted as he fell a short distance, and stood to find Inarius aiding Balzael with the ice-predicament. Crossing his arms, the angel shook his head. 

    “I would apologize, but you are the ones who startled me awake.” He sourly commented. “What do you two have to say for yourselves?” 

    They both favored him with innocently-sunny looks. Inarius pulled Balzael free, and they both stood before him like the unruly children they were. Arms behind their backs, wings cast down in the perfect mockery of submission. 

    “Aww, we’re sorry lieutenant.” Balzael cooed, wings wiggling suggestively. “It won't happen again! Please don’t punish us…” 

    “We promise to be good.” There was nothing goodly about the way Inarius stared at him. Izual just shook his head, and settled his wings from theway they were starting to poof up. Stupid bastards.

    “Why are you even- you know what, I don’t want to know. Go on, get out of here.” He pointed towards the door. “And don’t come back. Seriously, stay out of my room.” 

    To his vague surprise they floated easily out, although Inarius was smiling wickedly at him the whole way. The door shut on them, and Izual was very sure they would not be obeying his command to stay out. 

    He supposed it wasn’t so bad. Annoying, but not bad.

~~~~~

    Outside of the lieutenant’s quarters, Inarius looked at Balzael. Balzael looked at Inarius. They shared conspiratorial grins. 

    It wasn’t that Tyrael had directed them to harass their grumpy friend. But of course, when they had heard how much he was complaining, they’d had to back down (much fun as pranking the Archangel of Justice was.) It had been unfair to taunt him when he was busy. 

    Finding a new target had been Izual’s idea after all. And he was a most entertaining target.

[sinister-official]

EARLY DAYS

WORD COUNT:  1.3k // SUMMARY: In which Olivia wakes up. // ERA: Predebut

Olivia thought.

In her current situation, it was all she could do. Oh, she could speak, and swallow, and swivel her eyes about behind her bandages to no end, but her arms and legs were limp and lifeless, as weak as an infant's. When she’d first became aware of her situation, there hadn’t been any feeling at all in them, and panic had flared in her chest, hot and stifling, before she’d realized that she wasn’t actually paralyzed.

Her actuators, though, were infallible. They were made of metal, unlike her weak, fleshy limbs, and they could keep moving when her legs gave out underneath her, or when her arms grew too sore to lift. She could see through them, through the cameras mounted on their ends, and through them she could see that she was in a hospital, with a man - Japanese? - watching over her. His pulse had spiked. He's scared.

Her actuators crept over the floor towards her, sliding into her bed, handling her bandaged form with care. They manoeuvred by touch, nosing up her back, until they uncovered a knot of scar tissue at the base of her neck. They left it untouched.

When the microwires re-interfaced with her spine, it felt like coming home.

Who needs weak, badly-designed eyeballs when you could have high-definition, high-quality cameras?

"Mirror," Olivia rasped, and the Japanese man pointed to her right. Her actuators turned to look, and there was a door. Slowly, careful-as-you-please, the harness crackled over her stiff, sore hips, gliding over the gauze, and slotted into place, supporting her spine. The pressure was familiar, applied evenly from her hips all the way up to her ribs (since when could I feel my ribs?), and as her actuators lifted her out of bed and into the bathroom, she saw herself, suspended a foot above the ground, hanging limply from her actuators. She couldn't see a single square inch of skin that was uncovered, apart from around her mouth.

Let's change that.

One of her actuators unsheathed a blade (oh, it's dull; I'll have to replace it). The bandages had been applied deliberately and carefully, to apply pressure to her whole head, and as they fell away, Olivia realized just how constricted she'd been.

That realization, however, paled in comparison to her new face.

Wow.

She had cheekbones, now, and her eyes were larger. Her double chin had vanished, and the spray of acne that had been the blight of her high school years (among other things) seemed to have been wiped from existence. She was bald, though, and her eyes -

"Fuck," Olivia hissed, and squeezed them shut.

"Your eyes haven't been exposed to light in months," a woman said, dryly, from behind her, and one of her actuators spun around. "Take it slow."

"And who are you?"

"Call me Natsuko," said the woman, who seemed to be as old as Olivia herself. "It’s nice to meet you in person, Ms Choi."

-----

The hospital in which she had been warded was located on the outskirts of a Japanese city, one of the smaller ones. They’d told her the name of the city, but Olivia hadn’t bothered to devote any effort to retaining it. She wasn’t sure, but it seemed as though she was the only patient there.

“We use it to house injured personnel,“ Natsuko told her, glancing up from her phone to answer her question, and Olivia nodded absently, sunglasses perched on the bridge of her unfamiliar nose.

Her eyes were still adjusting, as was the rest of her. The doctors said that it was good that she hadn’t tried to walk immediately upon waking up, because her legs wouldn’t have been able to support her weight. They were putting her through a physiotherapy programme in the desolate, hastily-retrofitted underground basement, and it was this programme that she was currently enduring, arms quivering as the treadmill beeped and the electrodes plastered to her scalp fizzled.

“I’m getting stir-crazy,“ she said, between abortive, heaving pants, and Natsuko nodded sympathetically.

“That’s understandable. Honestly, if you weren’t getting a little cooped-up, I’d have been worried.“ She leaned against one of the handrails. “I’ll talk to the doctors. We should be able to let you go out on a few… eh… night-time excursions.“

“Great.”

Natsuko shifted. “I’ve been meaning to ask you about something else, actually,“ she began, carefully, and took Olivia’s grunt as permission to continue. “Now, as we understand, there’s a lot of people who are currently searching for you, yes?”

Olivia nodded. Her legs were sore, but she couldn’t find it in herself to be tired of how they pumped and glided beneath her. They’d made her so tall.

“Have you ever heard of the phrase hiding in plain sight?“

“What?“

“You see, there’s this little project of mine,“ Natsuko muttered, leaning in, and Olivia, intrigued, listened. “Imagine, if you will, being adored by millions. You’d be called upon to film commercials, or to model. You certainly have the looks for it, after all.“

Adoration.

It was a novel concept, to be sure. Olivia had never been adored before. There was a boy in high school who had asked her to meet him behind the bleachers, like in the movies, but that had just been the set-up to a particularly cruel prank. Apart from him…

“Blouses and skirts,“ Natsuko enthused. “Lipstick and mascara. There’d be a full complement of staff whose job it would be to make sure that your every need is met.“

Olivia had never been one for blouses and skirts. She’d always preferred hoodies and sweatpants, baggy clothes that concealed her pudgy figure and allowed her to fade into the background. Now, though…

“Think of it as… oh… making up for lost time.“

Olivia squinted. “What?“

Natsuko blinked. “What?“

“What's making up for lost time supposed to mean?“

“Just a turn of phrase.“

“Hmph,“ Olivia grunted. The treadmill was finally slowing down, after an interminable period of time, and she called her actuators to her as it ground to a halt. “And if I say no?“

“Well, according to the terms of our prior agreement, you’ll remain in our employ for a decade or so, producing technology to our specifications.”

Inwardly, Olivia winced. She’d been desperate, exhausted and shaken when she’d signed that contract, all those months ago. (How long has it been? A year? More?) They’d placed it in front of her, and she’d signed it without a second thought. “A decade?“ she repeated, numbly.

“A decade,“ Natsuko confirmed, and as her actuators tramped past the shorter woman, Olivia wondered if it would be wiser to flee in the night and try to make it to China on her own. She discarded the idea almost immediately, of course. “Perhaps more. I’d have to check, of course.“

“Can’t I renegotiate?“ Olivia tried, attempting to hide the sinking feeling in her stomach.

“No.” Natsuko looked as though she might smile, just to rub it in, but her expression didn’t change. As Olivia’s harness tightened over her waist and lifted her off the treadmill, her head tilted upwards to continue looking at her. “Besides, we’ve already delivered on our end of the bargain. We’ve shielded you from your pursuers for the past few months, and we’ve made you unrecognizable. We’ll continue to protect you from them for as long as the contract stipulates.“

Which is more than a decade. What if they come and get me after my time is up?

I deserve it.

Olivia inhaled.

No, I don’t.

“And I suppose that if I go along with this enterprise, you’ll reduce my…” Olivia searched for the phrase, “… term of service?“

“We’ll reduce it to five years, but we’ll keep in touch with you for as long as we need to. Just to make sure that you haven’t been brought in or captured, of course.“

That makes it easier to decide.

“I’ll think about it,” Olivia said.

“Please do,“ Natsuko answered, smiling thinly, and left.

[bittermarrow]

heya! thanks for answering my inquiry from earlier :) could i get a horror-tone fic or h/cs (your pick) of yandere!bubba with some gore?

A/n: This fic kind of took a mind of its own, I apologize If it wasn’t what you had in mind considering it’s not really horror-toned, more angsty, and isn’t really all that gory unless you count the per usual dismembering of humans… I didn’t expect this to turn into what it did!

Side-note: The reader here is gender-neutral! 

Warnings: Yandere Bubba, unhealthy relationships, graphic gore. my dumbass can’t come up with titles.

Words: 1.8k+

…

Ride or Die

It hadn’t taken long for Bubba to get this overly-attached to you, clinging to your side wherever you went like a moth to a flame that wouldn’t bite back. It was innocent at first. You didn’t mind his desire for closeness, or support, or even his sometimes overwhelming meltdowns when you’d been out of his sight too long. You’d just figured he’d never had a meaningful relationship like this and he’d grow out of it. For a while that excuse held up, it wasn’t like he he wasn’t angry that you weren’t there with him all the time, he was afraid. Afraid that you’d abandon him.

You’re not going to pretend wasn’t a worthy concern either, you’re a free-spirited type who loves to travel and marvel at the world’s many riches. Natural and Man-made alike. It wasn’t in your nature to stay in one place too long. Soon you’d get restless and antsy. Staying put this long has made you all sorts of stir crazy. And you’re living in a house full of cannibals, who wouldn’t want to leave?

Time after time you’d tell him “I’m not going anywhere, Bubba. I promise.” And while it satisfies him in the moment, the next you find yourself being dragged away from doors and windows as if you’d jump at the slightest chance to hit the road.

It was frustrating to say the least. You loved Bubba, you truly did, but you missed your old life. Going from motel to motel with different friends and cool strangers, attending to pool parties and raves all over the states, knowing the best connections to get in. You missed your freedom, your independence… and boy was it one hell of a mistake to voice that forlorn thought to your love. He put you on lockdown for a week! You weren’t allowed outside, or out of his sight for longer than two seconds. It was bad enough you couldn’t confide in him anymore since he’d only freak out, and bottling it all up was unhealthy.

But shit, this relationship was unhealthy! If this was going to work, you needed some kind of leeway, some kind of freedom! Enough is enough, you need to put your foot down. You either need some space or you’re high-tailing it out of here for real.

You square your shoulders even though your eyes swirl with anxiety, and look up to Bubba who is currently gutting last night’s catch. You cringe at the sight of their open chest, their ribcage visible from where you sat, surrounding a cave of thick blood and muscle. You shake out of it and find your voice once more.

“Bubba,” He jumps slightly, even though you know he’s always aware of your presence in the room. He makes a sweet, questioning sound in response like he enjoys the sound of his name on your tongue. “We need to talk.”

His chitters nervously under your gaze as he processes your words, but nods for you to continue while simultaneously trying to continue working. You flinch when you hear a sickening crack as he tugs on what sounds like a bone, and take in a shaky breath, gulping down your nervousness.

“I’m restless, Love. I’m not built for this life, I want to stay here with you, but If I’m going to you’re going to have to give me some sort of freedom. I can’t stay cooped up in this house all the time, it’s no good for me and you know it.” You decide to be straight with him, and if he starts being difficult then you can resort to a little sweet talk, but for now, you just want to get your point across.

He makes a pained, whimpering type noise and you don’t let it get to you, knowing it’s as much of a manipulation tactic as it is pitiful. He shakes his head with a grunt the cleaver coming down on the meat with a bit more force than normal, and the impact makes you jump in your seat. He notices and starts babbling apologetically. He abandons the dismembered corpse on the working table, really just a slab of what looked like an old wooden crate.

You decide to let him come close and wrap you up in his arms, despite the irritation of knowing he’s dodging the subject. You sigh and hug him close to you, but you aren’t backing down, not yet.

“Bubba, It’s either you let me go places on my own, or I’m going to have to… have to…” You trail off, when he starts shaking, no doubt trying not to cry. He was so emotional, so sensitive, and it hurt your heart to upset him like this but you couldn’t live like this either. “Or I’m going to have to go.”

That’s all you needed to say for the dam to break, he drops to his knees on the floor before you where you stay seated on a chair just a ways from his work table. He’s sobbing and babbling uncontrollably into your stomach, hand scrambling for purchase, you take his hands in a brief moment of panic and wince at the force of his grip. You’ve never been good at seeing your Bubba cry, so naturally, you wrap him up n your arms, bending over him to cradle his head to your chest as he cries. You shush and coo soothing words into his ear as you rock him, hands carding through his dark curls comfortingly.

It’s always hard to get Bubba to calm down once he’s been worked up, and even once he’s simmered down he’s all hiccups and sniffles for a good long while after that.

“Shh, hey, it’s okay, it’s okay…” You whisper to him as he shakes in your arms, hands having gravitated to surround your knees in the same iron grip. You know that the best way to go about this was to comfort and coddle him now, trying to pry more with him in this state could only result in him throwing a tantrum. But, you aren’t going to give in to his pleading, you’ll love on him willingly, but you’re no pushover. You wouldn’t be able to stand another lockdown.“You’re alright, baby, I’m here, you’re alright.”

He starts to settle down under your gentle reassurance and soft praise, as he always did when he had a breakdown. As you suspected he’s still hiccuping, the tremors causing his body to jerk into each one. He’s at least stable enough to continue talking to you decide, though you keep him cradled to you. Knowing he’ll want to be held when you start talking again.

“Bubba, you still have a choice to make, I can’t stay cooped up here all my life. I only stay here for you, and if… and if it truly hurts you so much that I might leave…” You sigh, hands petting his neck and shoulders soothingly as he remains quiet for you, letting you speak this time. “Then hell, Bubba, come with me.”

He’s tense now, and the look in his big brown eyes is nothing short of violent mortification. He shakes his head rapidly, whimpering into your wrist as he seizes one of your hands to feverishly leave kisses on your flesh. He’s scared. And you know why, the thought of leaving the family he has, no matter how abusive they may be must truly terrify him.

“I know that scares you,” You chuckle half-heartedly, the sound bittersweet on your lips as you caress his cheek through his mask, eyes drifting away from him. “But the person I’ll become If I stay here too long scares me.”

You can feel the tears welling up in your eyes, glossy and warm as they start to drip down the side of your face. You reach a hand up to hastily wipe them away, eyes still avidly avoiding his own. You couldn’t help it, crying. You’d kept these feelings in for so long that it’s almost too much to handle without falling apart like Bubba just did. 

“I wouldn’t mind taking you with me, we’d have lots of fun together,” You say, a half-hearted smile on your lips as you bring your solemn eyes down to his. The dreamy look in them shocks you, could it be that he wants that too? The thought pulls at your heart-strings, and you smiled wider at the thought of driving around the world with him, his head sticking out the window like a puppy as you show him things he’s only ever seen on the television. “We wouldn’t have to worry about food, Drayton, money… I have some friends that could get me my old job back, we could go anywhere we want.”

“Would you like that?” You ask, wearily, and Bubba looks away anxiously. But he nods after a moment of deep thought, but he looks back to the table where the carcass sits open, blood pooling over the side. 

You realize that he’s worried about how his family will survive without him, and you yourself are stumped on that detail. But this is about the two of you, his brothers shouldn’t be able to control his whole life like this.

“I know it’ll be hard to leave them behind, but we can always come back and visit, whenever you want. I think… I think they’ll be okay.” You almost felt like a teenager running away with a boy, like those cheesy, ride or die films about the goodie-two-shoes female lead and the bad boy sweeping her off her feet to a better life.

Perhaps that made you the bad influence and him the angel, but you find that it doesn’t bother you.

Bubba doesn’t feel like he can bear to part with you now after he’s been subjected to your affection this long. After his obsession with you has grown this great, the thought of you leaving him after all of that almost physically pains him as it crosses his mind. All other coherent reason and worry for his family that he cared so deeply about faded into the background, silhouettes as you and your light became his whole world. 

He couldn’t let you go alone, let you leave him, leave without him.

He seethes at the thought, the pit of blackness gripping him in the jaws of his love. The impulse of infatuation and obsession circled him like hungry wolves, feeding on the morals he still had left until all that remained was you.

He’d protected you, killed for you… and now he was going to leave for you.

[the-awkward-outlaw]

A New Adventure - Pt. 4

Motion of Things to Come

Warnings: spoilers

Masterlist

Read on AO3

A week has passed since you found Arthur. He’s adjusted better than you thought to life inside your home. Over the weekend, you even took him to the grocery store for your weekly trip. You told him if it got to be too overwhelming to let you know and you’d leave and come back another day, but he took it very well. He asked a lot of questions that attracted funny glances from a few people, but he seemed fascinated by it.

He was even more fascinated when a guy on a motorcycle zoomed past you on the way home. Despite it being February and still the middle of winter, it was a warm day. Not unusual for Utah. People always take advantage of the warm weather when it comes around. 

You can tell Arthur’s getting stir crazy in your home, being cooped up all the time, spending long hours alone while you’re at work. Sage, your dog, is his only company. You feel bad, but you just can’t risk him getting into trouble. 

It’s Friday afternoon and you decide to take him for a walk in the park where you met him. Since it’s at the foot of a mountain, he’s welcome to explore it. It’s not pretty by any terms, mostly just dead grass and some dried up sage bushes, dormant in the winter, but it���s still outdoors. 

Arthur’s mood picks up quite a lot more than you thought it would as you walk down the street towards the park. You let him hold Sage’s leash (you’ll let her off once you actually hit the park). Arthur doesn’t stare as much as he did when you first met him. 

Despite his frustrations at being cooped up, he’s been sweet and kind to you. You know from playing the game he has a quick temper, but it hasn’t shown. Perhaps he’s trying to keep it down because he knows how much you’re helping him, how much you’ve already helped him. He’s responding extremely well to the antibiotics. 

Once you reach the park, Sage goes running off, barking wildly purely for the fun of it. Arthur watches her with a fond smile. 

You ask him what he watched on Netflix today while you were at work. He’s long since finished that history series you started him off with and has tentatively ventured into more adventurous shows. He recently stumbled into the Planet Earth series and has found it fascinating. You’ve come home the last few days to find him sitting on the couch with his journal in hand, his eyes staring amazed at the animals on the screen. 

He talks about the most recent episode he saw, one documenting the migration patterns of wildebeest in Africa.

After a short period of comfortable silence, Arthur asks you about your job and if you like it. 

“It’s alright,” you say. “I’m just a processor now.” You explain what that is. “But I only have three more months to go before they decide if they want me as an appraiser. I have to take some classes if they say yes and then I can start working from home.” 

Arthur’s eyes brighten when you say that you can work remotely. He’s probably just happy to know he’ll have a companion that can actually talk back. 

When you reach the cave where he came out of, with the funny drawing that ended up being the portal that brought him here, you both stop.

“You ever think of going back?” you ask, fearing the answer.

“Yes,” he says. “But I don’t know if I can. Not unless I wanna die.” When you ask what he’s talking about, he admits that a few days ago, he snuck out of the house and went back to West Elizabeth. Everything was exactly the way it was when he left. His horse was even nibbling on the same patch of grass. However, he said the full effects of his TB slammed into him. It was as though he’d never taken any of the medicine. When he returned here, he was back to healing and he did feel better. 

“Guess that means that unless I wanna die, I’m stayin’ with you,” he finishes. 

Your stomach does a backflip. Of course, you doubt anything will ever happen between the two of you. He probably finds you weird or is just uninterested in you in that way. Not that you blame him. It’s not like anyone’s ever found you attractive, desirable or even remotely interesting. 

“So I guess when it comes to your world, it’s like a Narnia thing,” you say. 

“A what?” he says brusquely. 

“Nevermind,” you say quickly. You’ll show him those types of movies when he’s a bit more familiar with movies that have a lot of CG and thick plots in them. 

You keep walking away from the cave, following the natural trails around the foot of the mountain. Sage looks back on the pair of you every few moments, wagging her tail furiously. 

“Shit,” you say, looking ahead. Further up the trail, you see a pair of female deer grazing. Sage isn’t afraid of deer at all. Most dogs probably would be because of their size, but you’ve lived out here since before she was born and you got her as a puppy. She’s used to deer and she even likes to bark and chase them. One time though, a doe that probably had a fawn hidden close by got mean right back with her and nearly kicked her in the head. It took everything you had to get Sage’s attention and she ran back with a furious deer on her tail. 

Arthur just chuckles. “Ah, I wouldn’t be too worried,” he says. “She’s a smart girl.” 

“Yeah, but she has her stupid moments.” 

As if to prove a point, Sage looks at the deer hard, sniffs and then looks back at you. She trots back to you and then stares hard at the deer again. Then she gives a loud “borf” and the deer look up. Upon spotting you, they leap away into the grass and disappear. 

“See? Smarter than you think,” Arthur chuckles. 

Suddenly your hands bump into each other as you walk. You both pass awkward apologies and “it was my fault,  you’re fine”. However, you can’t help but feel like your hand’s burning where his touched yours. 

The next morning, you take him to the Smith and Edwards Hardware store in the south end of the valley. You love coming here, it has all sorts of odds and ends for decent prices. It’s also definitely a store Arthur would like. There’s hunting gear, camping gear, things for owning and riding horses. And most importantly: clothes fit for a cowboy. 

After first meeting him, you bought him a couple of cheap shirts and jeans, but they were generic and, as mentioned, cheap. You could tell he didn’t like them and was fine wearing his blue button up shirt. 

When you get to the store and go to the shirt section, you spread your arms and say “Mr. Morgan, go find whatever clothes you like and pick to your heart’s desire!” 

“Morgan?” you hear a voice say. Turning around, you find a boy in his early twenties maybe. He’s looking hard at Arthur. “Hey, you do look just like Arthur Morgan! Nice cosplay, man! You’re killing it!” 

He asks Arthur to take a couple of pictures. Since you’ve introduced him to the widespread functions of phones already, he’s not shocked by the camera in the man’s hand. He is shocked that he recognized him, but he graciously takes photos with him with a flabbergasted smile.

When the man thanks him and walks off, Arthur turns to you. “A’right, spill,” he says. 

“What?” you say, trying to sound dumb. 

“How in the hell do so many people know me? You knew my name the second you set eyes on me and so did he. What, am I a historical figure or something?” He scoffs at this thought. 

“Not exactly,” you say. You haven’t brushed up on the game or video games at all in fact. 

“Listen, Arthur, I know it’s not ideal, but I will explain it all when it’s the right time. When you’ve gotten a little more used to… this world, I’ll show you. You might not like it though.” 

He just huffs. “Fine. But at least tell me the general idea of it. I deserve to know that much at least.” 

You really don’t want to do this in a store where other people can hear you, so you tell him you’ll explain it in the car. 

Arthur just shrugs his shoulders and goes around picking out a few shirts and two pairs of jeans. You browse the isles of vintage candy for a moment, stalling to go check out. How in the hell are you going to explain this?

The inevitable comes and soon you’re in the car, driving home with Arthur. He brings the subject up again. 

“Okay, Arthur. There’s something called a video game. Video games are a sort of… type of visual story telling but not like movies. You get to play the main character of the game and kind of experience it as if you were them. Well, a couple years back, a game came out that focused on you after things fell apart in Blackwater for the game. It follows you until…” 

“Until what?” he says in a deep growl. This is clearly not what he was expecting. 

“Well, until you end up… dying.” 

He sighs heavily. “It’s the TB, ain’t it?” 

You nod, deciding not to go into the complications of the four possible endings in the game. “Yeah. Then the game switches perspective to John Marston a few years after. It won a lot of awards and people raved that it changed the industry of video games. It made a lot of waves. Think about it, Arthur. You’re famous!” 

He sighs again and looks out the window. “Famous for dyin’ or bein’ a damn fool, I guess. I think… Dutch has changed, Y/N. When we got back from Guarma, and when we were there too, he just… liked killin’ folk I think.”

You grab his hand and squeeze it reassuringly before you can stop yourself. “I know, Arthur. I’ve played the game. A few times, actually. And I know what happens to Dutch. But you try. You try your hardest to help him see reason and when that doesn’t work to get John and his family out. You’re a good man, Arthur.”

“I’m not, Y/N. You don’t know the things I done.” 

“But I do, Arthur. Obviously not everything, but I know a good chunk of it. I know a lot more than you think, in fact. Now I don’t have a lot of faith in people. Think everyone is out for themselves, more than happy to step on the little people. I’ve been one of them for longer than I care to admit. But trust me when I say I know you and you’re a good man. You may have made some poor decisions, but who hasn’t? We’ve all done things, said things, intentionally hurt people and later regretted it. But you try. You try to do better, to make up for them. Besides, no one’s inherently good or evil. We all have both inside us.” 

He sighs again and looks at you as you stop at a light. His hand flips up to meet yours and you swear you feel him squeeze it. “Thank you, Y/N. I got real lucky when I stepped out of that cave and bumped into you.” 

You’re glad the light turns green so you have an excuse to look away and hide your blush.