#but it put me down the path to accepting that anger that rage that fury

[crimxonwrites]

Blood-painted kisses | Aemond Targaryen x female!OC | Chapter 6 ❝A small victory❞

☽➛ Summary: Nothing satietes Maehrys Velaryon's hunger as well as revenge. Growing up at the Red Keep as the bastard of Rhaenyra Targaryen did not come trouble-free. Her childhood consisted of bitter words and repulsive looks from nearly everybody in the castle. As she grew older, Maehrys grew meaner. Once the Velaryons return to King's Landing to defend Luke's claim as Lord of Driftmark, Maehrys decides that it is time for the people who hurt her in the past to pay.

☽➛ Warnings: swearing, bullying, mentions of blood, overall 18+!!!!

☽➛ Pairings: Aemond Targaryen x female!OC ( enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers again?? romance is a subplot)

Masterlist

Chapter 7

The fire's cracking echoes in my head as I watch my mother break down. I have seen my mother cry before; she has suffered enough heartache. But this time is different. This time, I feel she shares my anger. My heart races, and tears start falling down my hot cheeks. Luke is dead. My innocent, dearest little brother is dead at the hands of my one-eyed uncle. I was a fool to think he would ever change, even now, after he has... reduced his cruelties toward me.

A crushing weight settles on my chest, squeezing the breath out of me. The pain is unbearable, a deep, gnawing ache that refuses to relent. Luke, my sweet Luke, with his bright eyes and infectious laughter, is gone. The memories flood my mind: his mischievous grin when he played pranks, the way he would cling to me when he was scared, his boundless energy and curiosity. How can the world continue to turn without him in it?

My uncle's face flashes in my mind, his single eye cold and unfeeling. The rage burns through my grief, a scorching fire that threatens to consume me. He took Luke from me, from us, and for that, I will never forgive him. But even my fury cannot mask the overwhelming sense of loss. Luke's absence is a gaping void, an abyss that swallows everything in its path.

I start running towards my chambers, my feet moving without thought. I must do something; I am tired of sitting and watching the Hightowers and my silver-haired uncles plot to destroy us. I cannot allow myself to grief.

"Princess, is everything—"

"Luke is dead, Alisha." I bend my knees in front of the scorching hot chest that holds my three dragon eggs. Thunder roars outside the palace’s windows, and I know a storm is coming. Suddenly, I am struck by panic. Arms shaking, I lift the chest and place the cloak over my head.

"Whatever do you think you are doing?" Alisha's voice rises, and I jump. I turn around, hands burning.

"I cannot bear to be purposeless to my mother..." I choke on my own tears. "To my family anymore." Suddenly, everything goes quiet, and a ringing sound makes my ears ache.

Before Alisha can speak again, I take the chest and sprint through the door. I dodge the knights and household folk with ease, as they are also distracted by my sweet brother’s death. The palace of Dragonstone is buzzing with panic, sorrow, and derangement, making it trouble-free for me to leave. I hear dragons' cries and roars coming from the dragon pit, and my body acts on its own. I grip the chest tighter.

My grandsire passed just a few days after we returned to Dragonstone, and Alicent has already planned to usurp my mother by putting Aegon on the throne. My drunk, good-for-nothing, and irresponsible uncle. My heartbeat quickens when I think about Aemond. Before we left King’s Landing, we shared a kiss. I have tried not to think about it, about how my stomach turns, and my heart skips a beat when it comes to Aemond. I was a fool.

He murdered my baby brother.

The cold air sends a chill down my spine, and I am reminded of the weight of the chest I am holding. My arms start burning. Even if my dragons hatched, they would be useless to me. There is no guarantee they will accept me, and they will be too small to fly if it comes to war. When it comes to war. I do not have the luxury of waiting; time is not on my side. I start climbing a hill, my body throbbing with pain. I do not know where I am going, and I do not know if I am returning alive. When I arrive at the top of the hill, my palms are burning. I feel the first drops of rain on my hot cheeks as I look up at the jet-black sky. The winds are strong, and the moon peeks from behind a cloud.

“Ouch.” I drop the chest on the wet grass as steam starts rising out of it, and my heart drops. Could it be? My dragon eggs are hatching.

I open the chest, my hands trembling, and I see the first crack on the middle egg. The shell splits further, revealing a small, horned hatchling. Its scales are the colour of deep, rich mud, glistening with a sheen of newborn moisture. Its eyes, a striking shade of honey, peer up at me with a mixture of curiosity and confusion. It lets out a high-pitched screech, its tiny wings unfurling slightly as it takes in its surroundings.

Shortly after, the second egg begins to fracture. The pieces fall away, revealing a hatchling that is the spitting image of Syrax, with gleaming, pale gold scales that shimmer in the dim light. This dragon’s eyes are a fierce, bright yellow, filled with an innate sense of pride and defiance. It growls, a surprisingly deep sound for such a small creature, and stretches its delicate wings, testing their strength.

Before I can fully process the first two, the final egg starts to crack open. A long-necked hatchling emerges, its scales a soft, buttery yellow. Its wings are larger in proportion to its body, giving it an almost ethereal appearance. This one is quieter, its cries softer, more like chirps. It lifts its tiny wings, attempting to fly, but only managing to flutter slightly before settling down.

The three of them are no bigger than small dogs, yet their presence is monumental. They wobble towards me on unsteady legs, their honey-coloured eyes filled with a babe-like curiosity and a glimmer of recognition. I wonder if they hatched because they felt the sorrow in my heart, the burning need for purpose and revenge.

This is all I have ever wanted.

I am overwhelmed with a rush of emotions, watching the three warm-coloured hatchlings. They are beautiful, each unique, each a miracle. The muddy-scaled hatchling with its piercing honey eyes, the golden Syrax lookalike with its proud yellow gaze, and the delicate yellow dragon with its ethereal wings. Their cries fill the air, hot steam rising from their tiny bodies as they nuzzle against me.

They have all chosen me, I think, and I hope that I am right. I smile, feeling a strange mixture of maternal pride and fierce determination. I may not have a war dragon, but I have dragon blood, and they know it. The hatchlings' shrieks become more alarmed and nervous as the moonlight is stolen by a black shadow, and all three of them jump into my arms. Holding the hatchlings, I swiftly turn around, and my eyes are met with a pair of gigantic, emerald-coloured dragon eyes staring at me from above.

At first, I mistakenly thought that the huge dragon before me was Vermithor, who had decided to take a stroll into the night, but I soon realize that this dragon has black scales and is much bigger than Vermithor. I squint my eyes, attempting to figure out who this dragon is, but before I come to any conclusion, a low grumble shakes the ground beneath me. My hatchlings grow restless, and suddenly, I am hit with a realization. I let the hatchlings go, putting them back on the ground, and they wail, frightened. The coal-black dragon lowers its head and squints its eyes at my hatchlings. With a sharp snarl, the dragon swallows my three hatchlings, the earth shaking under its weight.

“Sȳrje.” Very well. I speak, and in a second, my hatchlings are gone, but I do not feel sad. The dragon keeps his emerald gaze on me, and I study him further, noticing the two massive horns sticking out of his forehead like obsidian towers.

This must be Cannibal, the largest and oldest of the three wild dragons roaming Dragonstone. He has never had a rider and is often depicted as a wild, violent beast. I feel the ground shake once again as the gigantic dragon lowers its wing before me. I lift my arm up, reaching for its head. His growls become louder, and I watch his two long horns reach for me as his neck stretches out. His abyssal black scales absorb all the moonlight, giving him a shadowy presence.

“Dohaeres, Cannibal.” Serve, Cannibal. I waste no time and take my first step forward towards his shoulder. The dragon growls, but I do not feel menace in its voice. “Dohaeres.” Serve. I take another step towards him and look up. His body is immense, and with no dragon saddle, the chances of me mounting him and not perishing are low, but not non-existent. Cannibal lowers his body even more, puffing hot steam out of his nostrils. I make contact, touching the side of his shoulder, and I tremble when I touch his freezing scales. He shifts again, and I take a step back, almost falling to the ground.

“Lykiri.” Calm down. I say in a comforting voice. With haste, I use the side of his wing, his tilted horn, and his scales to climb on his back. Before I can process that I am on dragon back, Cannibal suddenly gets up, startling me. I grab onto him and pray to the gods that I will not fall. His scales are rough under my body, my thighs already aching, but I brace and tighten my grip.

The dragon takes off with a growl, and I lower myself, hugging his back tightly. He was starving. He was starving, and he claimed me. My heart beats faster and faster, and I feel the dragon’s blood run through my veins. I am reminded of my grandsire’s words: The idea that we control dragons is an illusion. I was completely helpless before him, and he made his decision. I am not in control.

His long wings cut through the thick clouds as we make our way above them. Cannibal rumbles, sending vibrations through my whole body. The air cuts my skin, and he picks up the pace, flying above the clouds. I straighten my back, looking around, trying to decipher where we are headed. My cloak flies off, followed by the bow that was holding my long hair together.

I cannot help but hold tight and admire this majestic dragon. His huge, black scales shine in the faint moonlight, each one like a perfect shield. His wings, vast and powerful, cut through the night air gracefully, despite his massive size. The beat of those wings sends vibrations through my entire body, a reminder of the incredible power beneath me. My heart is full of sorrow and pride, each emotion battling within me. The sorrow for Luke, my beloved brother taken too soon, feels overwhelming. Yet, pride swells within me, for in this moment, I am connected to a creature of legend, a dragon few have seen, and none have tamed. I wonder if Luke sent Cannibal to me from beyond the grave. The thought is both comforting and haunting. Could Luke, with his gentle soul, have reached out from the afterlife to guide this magnificent beast to me? I imagine his face, his innocent eyes filled with curiosity, now watching over me with a wisdom beyond his years. Perhaps it is his spirit that stirs within Cannibal, a final act of brotherly love to protect me in my darkest hour. As we continue to soar through the night, the stars above us and the world far below, I allow myself to believe that Luke’s spirit is guiding me. His presence feels real, and I whisper a silent promise to him. I will be strong. I will carry on. And I will make sure that his death is not in vain. With Cannibal beneath me and Luke’s spirit within me, I am no longer just a grieving sister. I am a rider of the largest dragon that has ever lived, a symbol of hope and defiance against Aemond and the others who seek to destroy my family.

I must have lost track of time, and we must have been flying for a while because I look at the horizon and notice the first sun rays peeking above the sea. All around me, we are surrounded by sea and salt.

"Where are we going, boy?" I whisper, and my body starts to shiver. Without my cloak, I am left with my evening dress, not suited for flying and absolutely not suited for dragon back. I tighten my grip and dare to look past his head. My eyes widen as I realize where we are. King’s Landing. He has flown me to King’s Landing. Panic rushes through my whole body, and my stomach rumbles. Does he know I am angry at my uncle? Does he feel my anger and my hunger for revenge? Will he burn down the palace?

" Daor, Cannibal." No, Cannibal. I say, lowering myself again, attempting to be as close to him as possible. I cannot show the greens that I have claimed a dragon, not yet.

Cannibal lowers himself, and I almost slip and fall. He begins his descent upon King’s Landing. I start climbing his back, grabbing onto every scale I can get my hands on, and slowly making my way up to his head. I thank the gods he does not have a long neck like Caraxes, and I continue my climb. I am close to his head when I hear the first scream and look down. A sailor on King’s Landing beach has spotted us. Soon, more folk start screaming as Cannibal reduces altitude.

"Lykiri." Calm down. I say, grabbing his horns. Cannibal growls again, and soon enough, he makes his way to the Red Keep, the castle’s towers shining dimly in the morning sun. I drown in panic. I do not know what to do.

"Dragon!" I hear the guards shout.

The dragon screeches, a deep and frightening growl, and I feel we are hit by arrows. None of them pierce him, though. Cannibal does not stop, and he circles around one of the castle’s towers, ignoring the White Cloak’s countless arrows that are being thrown in his direction. I recognize the tower we are circling because I’ve been inside the chambers not long ago. Aemond’s chambers. I lower myself and pray that nobody sees that Cannibal has a rider.

“Daor!” No! Feeling powerless, I yell. “Dohaeres.” Serve.

-

Before I can process what happened, Cannibal takes off and I am left on Aemond’s balcony. Cannibal has taken off as swiftly as he landed, disappearing above the clouds. I am unsure if I was spotted, or if the guards saw that Cannibal has a rider. One thing I know for sure is that Aemond has not noticed my arrival.

Thankfully, I do not leave anywhere without a dagger. I take it out of my grater and make my way to the door. The sun has not yet risen, and it is difficult for me to see through the window. But I can hear.

“Maehrys, Maehrys, Maehrys.” Aemond’s voice is trembling, filled with something that makes my heartbeat quicken. Does he know I am here? 

I look back, hoping to see Cannibal in my proximity, but it is hopeless. There is no going back. I hold my breath and open the balcony door as quietly as I can. I thank the Gods that Aemond has his back turned on me and is sitting in front of the fireplace on a chair. The first thing I notice is his eyepatch, slanted on the small table beside him. The second thing I noticed is an empty flask of wine next to the eyepatch. He mutters under his breath, words I cannot understand, and puts his head in his hands. I slowly and swiftly make my way to him, holding my breath and hoping he does not hear my heartbeat.

Suddenly, I cannot hear again. Suddenly, my heart tells me to pierce my dagger through the back of his skull. Suddenly, I am two and ten again, relentlessly harassed by my uncle.

I grab the chair he is sitting on and turn it around, my muscles aching and my heart pounding. With a swift kick, Aemond falls on his back, startled. Before he has time to react, I put all my body weight onto his, placing his left wrist under my right knee. I grab his right hand with my free hand and place my dagger underneath his chin.

“Maehrys?” He asks. Aemond’s cheeks are flushed and wet, his good eye is wide open, and his sapphire eye is reflecting the fireplace’s fire. I waste no time and apply pressure onto his throat with my dagger.

“Why?” I ask, swallowing hard. For the first time in my life, I do not act out on my anger, and decide that before I kill my uncle, I want to get as much information about the greens as I can.

“I did not mean to kill him!” he exclaims. The desperation in his voice gives me a rush and I loosen the pressure on my dagger. “I just-“ he chokes. “I just wanted to scare him, get revenge because he took my eye.” I apply pressure again. He does not react. “I lost control of Vhagar.” I can smell the alcohol in his breath and the regret in his voice.

“He was but a child.” Once again, I feel tears run down my cheeks.

“I was a child too.” He speaks. “When he took my eye, when Jace and Aegon laughed at me because I did not have a dragon.”

“And now you do.” I cut a bit deeper, a small river of blood ran down his neck.

“I’m sorry.” He whispers, and my tears fall onto his face. “I’m sorry, Maehrys.” I feel his long leg kick my back and I wince in pain, loosening the grip on my dagger. In a heartbeat, he knocks it out of my hand and throws me on the floor, his body now on mine, holding me with great strength. My heart beats faster than before and I squirm, hopelessly trying to get him off of me. My mind is foggy, and I lose control of my body, kicking the floor, attempting to grab anything in my proximity, but all my efforts are for nothing.

Aemond’s grip tightens, his breath hot and ragged against my ear. “Please, Maehrys,” he whispers, his voice a mix of desperation and regret. “I never wanted any of this.”

But his words do little to soothe the storm inside me. My heart is a cauldron of rage and grief, each beat echoing the loss of my brother, the betrayal, and the pain. I look into Aemond’s eyes, searching for any sign of the boy I once knew, the uncle who could have been different. But all I see is the man who took Luke from me, and I cannot forgive that.

With a final, desperate surge of strength, I try to push him off, my nails digging into his arms, but he is too strong. My movements grow weaker, and I feel the fight leaving my body. Tears of frustration and sorrow stream down my face as I lay there, pinned and powerless, the dagger just out of reach. The weight of my helplessness crushes me as Aemond’s face hovers inches from mine, his eyes filled with a torment that mirrors my own.

“Why?” I ask again, choking on my tears, my voice breaking under the weight of my sorrow and rage.

“I told you, I lost control of Vhagar,” he answers quickly, his voice tinged with desperation, but it isn't enough for me.

“No,” I say, shaking my head. “Why were you saying my name before I attacked you?” I try to stall, needing to understand, needing something more from him.

His one good eye, filled with a mixture of pain and something I can’t quite place, locks onto mine. “Maehrys,” he begins, his voice trembling. “I was calling for you because… because I needed you. I needed to tell you how sorry I am, how much I regret everything.”

“Regret?” I spit out the word, feeling the hot sting of betrayal and grief. “You think regret will bring Luke back?”

“No,” he whispers, his voice barely audible. “Nothing can bring him back. But I needed you to know that I am not the monster you think I am. I needed you to hear it from me, to see that I am suffering too.” His words hang in the air, a desperate plea for absolution that I am not sure I can give.

Then, without warning, he crashes his lips onto mine. It is not a kiss of love, but of desperation, anger, and regret. His lips are forceful, almost punishing, as if trying to convey all the emotions he cannot put into words. I try to resist, but the intensity of the kiss overwhelms me, drawing me into the storm of his feelings. Our tears mingle, the salt stinging the rawness of the kiss. His hands grip my arms tightly, almost painfully, as if afraid I will disappear if he lets go. The kiss deepens, a fierce battle of wills, a collision of our broken hearts. I taste the wine on his tongue. My own anger and sorrow surge to the surface, and I kiss him back with equal fervour, letting all my emotions pour into that single, heart-wrenching moment.

Our kiss is broken by Cannibal’s screeches, and I seize the moment. While Aemond is distracted, I push him off me and make a run for the balcony doors. I open both of them and sigh in relief when I see my dragon, the powerful wind wiping away my tears. I wait a few seconds before turning back to Aemond.

"Have you ever wondered how I managed to get up here?" I ask Aemond, a sadistic smile forming on my face.

"You—" he starts, but I do not let him finish. He has said and done enough for one night.

"I am no longer dragonless," I tell him, basking in the horrified expression that crosses his face.

Cannibal puffs hot air out of his nostrils, a sign he wants me to climb him. The sound of his wings flapping stops, and I hear one of the outer walls of the Red Keep almost giving way under his weight. The dragon lowers his wing, and I successfully climb it.

As I settle onto Cannibal's back, I take one last look at Aemond. His face is a mix of shock and fear, emotions I never thought I’d see in him. The satisfaction of seeing him so vulnerable fills me with a sense of triumph. But there is no time to dwell on it.

Cannibal takes off, and the rush of wind engulfs me, scattering my thoughts. The kiss, the fight, the fleeting moment of connection—they are all left behind in the chaos. My focus sharpens as the Red Keep becomes smaller beneath us.

In the sky, I find a small victory. I have my dragon, my escape, and for now, that is enough. The pain and confusion of tonight will have to wait. There is no time to process what just happened, no room for lingering on the emotions that battle within me. All that matters is the freedom of the open sky and the powerful beast beneath me, carrying me far away from the nightmares of the past.

With a final screech, we are vertical again, his wings fluttering with violence and speed, and I am almost thrown off him. My whole body jerks violently as the dragon ascends, and I lose my grip momentarily, my fingers slipping from the rough scales. The world tilts and spins, and I see the ground far below, a blur of grey stone and green foliage. My heart leaps into my throat, and a scream escapes my lips as I feel myself sliding, the wind tearing at my clothes and hair.

I claw desperately at Cannibal's scales, my nails scraping against the hard surface. My legs dangle precariously, and my body is aching as we gain altitude. The dragon's immense wings beat powerfully, each stroke sending a rush of air that threatens to dislodge me completely. I manage to catch hold of a small ridge on Cannibal's back, my fingers digging in with all my strength. My arms burn with the effort, muscles straining as I fight to pull myself back up.

"Cannibal, please!" I cry out, my voice barely audible over the roar of the wind and the dragon's growls. He seems oblivious to my struggle, focused entirely on his flight. The cold air bites at my skin, and I feel a sharp pain in my palms as they begin to bleed, the rough scales cutting into them.

I cannot die. Not now, when I am no longer dragon less. Not now, when I have a fair shot of defeating Aemond. Not now, when I finally do not feel powerless anymore.

I cannot die.

Also read on: AO3

Taglist: @watermel0nsugarhigh @ondereleutheromania@literishdegree99

[violetueur-archive]

GRAVE SUGGESTIONS ASK MEME » ACCEPTING

@fallesto​​​ asked:  ‘  there is absolutely nothing  &  no one who can stop me.  ’

Hands, those vile hands upon her again, even as she fought back like every time before ( though she knew it was pointless ). How much better it might be, to remain lifeless and silent like all the others, for struggling only led to one result, but for as much fear as she held for her cruel captor, it was paired equally with visceral hatred— a feeling that evoked the burning flame of rage within her, one that battled with the chilling sense of dread, both threatening to consume her the longer she was made to endure such torture.

She had killed her abuser once before, adolescent hands stained by the blood of another as in that moment she had given in, giving herself to the embrace of wrath, a fury that ignited within her, scorching away all terror and allowing her to free herself from the shackles. And when she had stepped away from that body and chosen the path he’d forced upon her, she had carried that anger with her. Both a blessing and a curse it had been, to give her the drive to survive and push through all the pain, but it had slowly eroded away at her very soul, plunging her into an isolated loneliness that drove all others away. Only after meeting her mentor did she finally start to break away, believing she would no longer need it. That crutch that had helped to free her had become obsolete, as she grew strong enough to never fear being under another’s thumb again.

Yet, HE WAS CRUSHING HER beneath his feet.

That anger still existed within her, enough to keep her gritting her teeth and resisting his efforts to break her, but it was not as strong as it used to be. She had become too comfortable it seemed, embracing the safety and protection that had been promised to her, because that small flame was being slowly but surely extinguished by his actions. A small flicker was all it was now, wavering with every new horror she endured and every bit of unimaginable pain he subjected her to. Maybe it was to be expected— stubborn and spiteful as she was, Nicolette was no fool. In a world like this, compared to people like him...

SHE WAS NOTHING.

A speck of dirt upon the ground that he walked, that’s how she felt, right now. Normally, someone like him wouldn’t be an issue, skinny and physically weak, she could’ve easily crushed him with this strong, battle-hardened body of hers, but... this place wasn’t normal. The people here weren’t normal, at least not the normal she was used to. Even with how much stronger she had become thanks to Reinhard’s training, Nicolette knew she could not beat him. She only managed to kill him once, and it did nothing, and she had paid the price for it. Her abilities meant nothing in comparison. Fighting back was useless, and would surely end in her permanent death ( but at this point... her spirit had been so damaged that even that started to sound like a welcomed mercy ).

❝ I already told you— I’m not putting that fucking thing on! ❞ Yes... fighting back was useless, and maybe dying would release her from this torment, but she did it anyway, even like this. She could not die, not when there was someone who needed her. Someone who was coming for her. ❝ I have no need for a dress, because I’m NOT marrying you! ❞ She spat, expression twisted beautifully in disgust as the white down was shoved away. She had fought back against the other women trying to help dress her, ignoring all their advice and insistence to act obedient and remain silent. Lest she incur his wrath.

But it was too late to worry about such things, wasn’t it? He had already killed her... over and over again, without ever letting her stay dead. He certainly seemed attached to the idea of having her specifically, though she knew not why. She watched as his face contorted with fury, and he began to spout his usual nonsense about his violated rights, and while she tried to brace for it, nothing could ever prepare her for the wave of pain that would hit following her disobedience. That heavy wind struck her entire body as it flew backwards and connected with the wall with enough force that she felt her own head crack as it slammed back against it. Briefly her vision blacked out, and a scream became choked in her throat, before she slumped to the ground and gasped for air. 

He closed the distance between them with leisurely steps, reaching out to run his fingers through long, plum colored strands of hair before the wedding dress was dropped into her lap. That hand moved to her neck, squeezing with enough force to snap it, but the damage was undone in seconds, as it slid back up to cup her tear-stained cheek. All the while, he was talking— this man, always always always always talking. He seemed to hardly know how to do anything else but play with his broken dolls and talk. By this point, Nicolette could hardly listen, the sound of her own rapidly beating heart filling her ears ( or, it wasn’t really her heart now, was it? ).

❝ I've already decided, you will be my wife, even if you are hardly bride material... you will learn. You’re lucky I'm such a loving and patient husband, or I would have punished you more harshly than this. ❞

She shuddered, feeling hit with the urge to be sick the longer his horrid voice spoke out— how it permeated through her very flesh like poison, same as the feeling of his hands against her bare skin, tightly gripping both shoulders as her clothing had been torn, forcing her to look up at him. ❝ He will come for me... ❞ Came her reply, a mere whisper as she couldn’t muster the strength to speak it any louder. That fear was beginning to take hold of her, again. That flame was flickering. ❝ My knight... he will come. ❞ And he would not die... not like the others that Regulus— Sin Archbishop Greed, had claimed to have killed. He wouldn’t. He couldn’t. He was all she had left... she could not lose another man she loved.

❝ It’s dangerous to speak of another man in front of the man you’re set to marry... but your heart, it already belongs to me. I chose you, after all, you should feel blessed. You’re special, which is why I am being so merciful. Let the sword saint come— regardless, I will have you.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING AND NO ONE WHO CAN STOP ME. ❞

[stardustprompts]

the poppy war - r.f kuang   sentence starters change tenses/pronouns as needed !!  some lines have been edited for clarity / length / ease of roleplaying tw :   drugs , death , murder , nsfw , prostitution mention , language

‘take off your clothes.’

‘why would anyone drug themselves before a test?’

‘you’re about to be a very lucky girl, sweet.’

‘wow that’s great. really great. Terrific.’

‘your folks are assholes.’

‘well fuck the heavenly order of things.’

‘don’t you have actual responsibilities?’

‘I don’t want to get on _____ ‘s bad side.’

‘you would make a terrible prostitute. no charm.’

‘what is so wrong with getting married?’

‘do you want to die?’

‘everything is spilling out of my head as quickly as I put it in.’

‘please do not commit spousal homicide.’

‘give me a way out of this shithole.’

‘hello, I’m praying.’

‘I seduced him with my nubile young body. you caught me.’

‘you can’t scare me into a confession, because I’m telling the truth.’

‘and that means you’re shit at your job.’

‘if you cross them—- if they even think you’ve looked at them funny—- they can and will hurt you.’

‘it’s easy to lose a language when you never speak it.’

‘you’re offending them with your very presence.’

‘they’ll make you an outsider, because you’re not like them.’

‘no matter what they say, you deserve to be here.’

‘I’ll kill you. I will fucking kill you.’

‘I went out in the sun once. you should try it sometime.’

‘oh, you’re the one ____ hates.’

‘you’d be a prick too if your family was both rich and attractive.’

‘honestly? I think he just comes in here to get high.’

‘I think you’re flattering yourself.’

‘unless you’ve got a weapon, don’t aim for the face. the neck’s a better target.’

‘we aren’t here to be sophisticated. we’re here to fuck people up.’

‘this is the only kick you’ll ever need, really. a kick to bring down the most powerful warriors.’

‘power dictates acceptability.’

‘he hasn’t done anything to earn my respect. all he’s done is act high and mighty.’

‘you’re nothing. you shouldn’t even be here.’

‘consider me bullied and intimidated, just let me sleep.’

‘he’s playing with her. he’ll end it soon.’

‘they’re good at fighting, but not much else.’

‘spend a lot of time looking at ____’s eyes do you?’

‘a betrayal of that sort would not have been out of character.’

‘come on, you belong here too.’

‘they’re not going to get rid of me like this. not this easily.’

‘I’m calm! I’m extremely calm!’

‘you’d rather kill your own people than let the opponent’s army walk away?’

‘you don’t let an enemy walk away if they’ll certainly be a threat to you later.’

‘he can’t stop raving about you.’

‘oh, don’t pretend to be bashful. you love it.’

‘you’re a walking disaster.’

‘anyone this obstinate deserves some attention, if only to make sure you don’t become a walking hazard to everyone around you.’

‘I heard he got drunk on rice wine last week and pissed into ____’s window. he sounds awesome.’

‘it’s me, your favorite person in the whole wide world.’

‘I do not have a problem. you are making up this problem for reasons unbeknownst to me.’

‘you’re killing the mood.’

‘they were weak as shit. scrawnier than you, even.’

‘you’re a real asshole. you know that right?’

‘your state of mind is just as important as the state of your body.’

‘sometimes you must loose the string to let the arrow fly.’

‘because I want to break his stupid face.’

‘he’s the most dangerous when he’s desperate.’

‘from this point on you’re just going to be a danger to yourself and everyone around you.’

‘you’re too reckless. you hold grudges, you cultivate your rage and let it explode, and you’re careless about what you’re taught.’

‘I knew I was the only one that could help him.’

‘they honed his rage like a weapon, instead of teaching him to control it.’

‘one urinating statue for my easily entertained friend.’

‘I don’t believe in gods. but I believe in power.’

‘one might say you’ve been obsessed with ____.’

‘don’t look to your left. pretend you’re taking to me.’ / ‘I am talking to you.’

‘we’re studying very weird things.’

‘I don’t actually know what I’m getting into.’

‘here is what happened: you called a god, and the god answered.’

‘you know that if you don’t get answers now, the hunger will consume you and your mind will crack.’

‘you’ve glimpsed the other side and you can’t rest until you fill in the blanks.’

‘supernatural is a word for anything that doesn’t fit your present understanding of the world.’

‘I’m supposed to take it as true that you’re a god?’

‘I’m not a god. I am a mortal who has woken up, and there is power in awareness.’

‘are we getting high? oh, wow. we’re getting high.’

‘ah. the law. so inconvenient. so irrelevant.’

‘we are not madmen. but how can we convince anyone of this, when the rest of the world believes it so?’

‘the price of power is pain.’

‘I understand the truth of things. I know what it means to exist.’

‘prey do not question the motives of the predator. the dead do not question the living. mortals do not challenge the gods.’

‘I killed for you. I would have done anything for you.’

‘I have seen the end of things. the shape of the world has changed.’

‘war doesn’t determine who’s right. war determines who remains.’

‘it’s alright. I know what you are.’

‘I thought I was the only one left.’

‘we have developed the power to rewrite the fabric of this world. if we don’t use it, then what’s the point?’

‘I don’t mess with that shit. it screws you up.’

‘I understand the appeal, I really do, but I like having my mind to myself.’

‘he’s a charmer. like a new puppy. you think he’s adorable until he pisses on the furniture.’

‘there’s no routine. no discipline. nothing you’re used to. am I right?’

‘so you’re the last of your kind. that’s sad.’

‘If you hold the fate of the country in your hands, if you have accepted your obligation to your people, then your life ceases to be your own.’

‘____ feared, and so he held you back.’

‘great danger is always associated with great power. the difference between the great and the mediocre is that the great are willing to take that risk.’

‘don’t ever let go on that anger. rage gives you power. caution does not.’

‘don’t give in... you’ve been so brave... but it takes more bravery to resist the power.’

‘the nature of this god is to destroy. the nature of this god is to be greedy, to never be satisfied with what he has consumed.’

‘so. screaming at rocks. is that, like, normal behavior here?’

‘fix this. prove your worth. do your fucking job or get out.’

‘I saved your life. doesn’t that make us at least a little square?!’

‘I was scared of you. and I lashed out.’

‘I thought I was better than you, and I’m not. I’m sorry.’

‘when I killed it, it felt like murder.’

‘look, I’m happy to discuss this, really, but I’m currently leaking life out three different wounds and I think I may pass out. would you give me a moment?’

‘well maybe ____ should get his head out of his ass.’

‘ ____ is more fragile than you think.’

‘look, asshole, I don’t need you to tell me what to do.’

‘they say he can read the future. shatter minds.’

‘you misunderstand the nature of our relationship. I am not your friend.’

‘he’s not human. he—- I don’t know what he is.’

‘but ___ was never allowed to be human.’

‘do you trust me?’ / ‘no. but that’s irrelevant.’

‘you don’t know what true suffering is.’

‘I have seen more than my fair share of suffering.’

‘that boy is beyond redemption. that boy is broken like the rest.’

‘I don’t want to be saved! I want power!’

‘that power will destroy everything you’ve ever loved. you will defeat your enemy, and the victory will turn to ashes in your mouth.’

‘we’ve missed something. something’s been laid out for us, but we can’t see it.’

‘fretting won’t make the dead come back to life.’

‘there was nothing human in those eyes.’

‘It was a nightmare, and I couldn’t wake up.’

‘I don’t need your pity. I need you to kill them for me.’

‘whatever it takes. swear it on your life. swear it for me.’

‘I won’t judge him. I don’t dare, because I don’t have the right. and neither do you.’

‘you asked me why I wouldn’t stop him. now you understand. you can’t stop an avenger. you can’t reason with a madman.’

‘I am afraid of what he might do in his quest for vengeance. and I am afraid that he is right.’

‘I am about to do something terrible. and you will have a choice.’

‘they give nothing to the universe, and the universe owes them nothing in return.’

‘you cannot survive my death.’

‘you’re trying to deceive me. you don’t get to deceive me.’

‘this is not the way. this path leads only to darkness.’

‘when are you going to stop being such a damn coward? what are you running from?’

‘you will turn the world to ash, and only demons will live in the rubble.’

‘you dress up your crusade with moral arguments, when in truth you would let millions die if it means you get your so-called justice.’

‘you have not cared about anything for a very long time. you are broken.’

‘I am terrified. but only because I’m starting to remember who I once was. don’t go down that path.’

‘your country is ash. you can’t bring it back with blood.’

‘I’m so sorry. I tried to warn you.’

‘you know the worst part? we’re so close to home.’

‘did you miss me? did you miss this?’

‘I just gave him some of his favorite medicine.’

‘resistance here means suffering. there is no escape. no future.’

‘you have nothing to fight for anymore’

‘what are you defending? you owe ____ nothing.’

‘we were disposable. we were tools. tell me that doesn’t make you furious.’

‘I am sick with fury.’

‘I will die on my feet. I will not die a coward. and neither will you.’

‘we could stay here. we could stay here forever. we wouldn’t have to go back.’

‘you’ll have to live with the consequences. but you’re brave ... you’re the bravest person I’ve ever met.’

‘I have lost everything I care about. I don’t want peace, I want revenge.’

‘I don’t need to sleep. I need to feel nothing.’

‘do you want forgiveness? I can’t give you that.’

‘we avenged him. he’s gone, but avenged.’

‘you have to believe that it was necessary. that it stopped something worse. and even if it wasn’t, it’s the lie we’ll tell ourselves, starting today and every day afterward.’

‘aren’t you supposed to be a seer? do you ever see anything useful?’

‘we have an enemy whom we love.’

‘I’m going to find and kill everyone responsible. you cannot stop me.’

‘oh I’m not going to stop you.’

[wannabemobwife]

Guns, Glamour and Goodfellas - Chapter 16

Chapter 16: Things We Supposedly Lost in the Fire

Dad!Mob!Tom x Mom!Mob!Reader

-Pairings: Tom Holland x Reader, Rosie Holland x Henry Osterfield

-Warnings: Grief, barely suicidal thoughts, fire

-Words: 4K

Author note: Tom and Y/N don’t really age, I think of them as like Barbie and Ken, never aging. Final chapter will be up tonight around 9-10 PM PST. Sorry for the wait, you guys are so patient. Love ya.

Chapter 16: Things We Supposedly Lost in the Fire

Words: 4K

There you were, standing alongside your husband, daughter and friend as the building before your eyes erupted in a blaze. Smashing windows as the remaining members of Wilson’s mob, funneled their way out of the burning warehouse. Coughing up all the inhaled smoke.

One by one, people bursted out of the doors gasping for fresh air. Their lungs constricted from the dark ash that bled through the sky. You just stood there, next to your family, taking in the sight before you. As sirens rang through the air

The smoke and flames kept raging on, but there was still no sign of Parker.

That was 5 days ago. Now, you were in the present, trying to survive. The fire that took 3 days to put out, claimed the lives of your son Parker, Carter Wilson and multiple men.

Everyone was dealing with Parker’s demise differently. Harrison and Henry had so generously offered to stay with all of you for the time being. You took them up on that.

You refused to leave your room for a week, barely acknowledging Tom and Rosie. Tom would try to get some reaction from you, but you would lay there, catatonic. Oblivious to the outside world. Maybe coming down for a cup of coffee but then heading straight up back to your room.

Parker was your baby boy, words couldn’t express how you were feeling. A piece of you was missing.

You would walk down stairs and catch a glimpse of all the photographs perched everywhere, showcasing you, Tom, Rosie and Parker’s greatest moments. Everything reminded you of him.

The car keys flooded back memories of first teaching him how to drive. You were so scared. Every parent feels the same but it is hard to relinquish control of your car and put your life in someone else’s hands. You would flinch anytime he broke a little too hard. Always pushing on your imaginary brake.

“Ok, now put the car in drive. Make sure you keep your foot on the brake.” You began, instructing Parker how to drive.

You thought it be best if Tom taught Rosie and you taught Parker how to drive. You didn’t need twice the amount of heart attacks. “Ok, what next?” Parker asked after shifting from park gear to drive gear. Or so he thought.

“Give it a little gas now.” “Ok….” Parker barely touched the accelerator and the car shot backwards.

“PARKER! AAAAHHHHH!” You screamed as he lost control of the car. He slammed so hard on the brake, sending you flying into the dashboard. Your head knocked into the front, instantly creating a splitting headache.

“Oh, mom are you okay?” Parker questioned, preparing himself for your outburst.

“No, switch seats I’m driving home. That’s enough for today. The problem was you were in reverse and you hit the brake way too hard.” You explained with a calm voice, inside you were seething with anger. Pressing your hand to your head to try and subside your head.

“How did I know R stood for reverse, it could have been the R in drive?” Parker mocked sarcastically. “Honey, I love you but your dad is going to teach you from now on.”

You drove home safely and immediately went to the kitchen for an ice pack. Your head was throbbing. Tom greeted you, he was reading in the living room.

“How did the first lesson go?” Tom asked, noticing the scowl with adorned your face.

“Why don’t you ask Parker?” You snapped, pressing the cool ice pack to the soon to be bump on your head.

“Ok.… Parker any idea what your mom is talking about?” Tom inquired, knowing to not press you with anymore questions.

“I may have gone a little too fast and slammed on the brake,” Parker mumbled

“There’s more to that story,” you barked. Of course Parker was leaving the part of going in reverse instead of drive.

“I may have picked the wrong gear…” Parker divulged.

“HE WAS IN REVERSE!! NOT DRIVE!!” You shouted.

“Oh—“ Tom started to say but was cut off by you again.

“And then when he braked, he stopped so hard my head hit the dashboard.” You explaining, throwing your hands up in fury to point at your head. Tom started to chuckle. He tried to suppress a laugh but you were not having it.

“Are you laughing?” You thundered.

“Umm… no.” Tom’s entire expression totally changed as he saw the daggers you were shooting him.

“Tom, it’s not funny. Our son doesn’t know the difference between drive and reverse.”

“Guys, I’m still right here.” Parker chimed in as you spoke of him as if he wasn’t in the room.

“SAY SOMETHING!” You snapped at Tom’s defeating silence.

“Parker be more careful next time.” Tom explained to Parker.

“That’s it? Seriously?… Next time, you drive with him and you will feel my frustration and pain.” You sighed, giving up on this fight.

Life was so much simpler then, you were just trying to raise two wonderful kids. Helping them along the path of life, but there are always detours. You never expected life to have this many bumps. You especially didn’t expect your son to not live a full life. One full of wonder and joy.

Tom had his own way of mourning. He began to relish in his kills, channeling all his emotion into running the mob. Spending night after night bashing in skulls. Coming home with blood drenched clothes.

You understood everyone worked through their grief differently but his way seemed unhealthy. Tom had a few quarrels with anyone associated with the Wilson mob. He blamed them for the death of Parker.

Tom was currently, in his warehouse torturing some poor sap who was a well known capo of the Wilsons. “Tom, give it up. He’s not going to talk,” Haz told Tom as the continued to torture one of Wilson’s soldiers in front of him.

Carter had died along with Parker in the fire and Tom didn’t really know who the new leader was. All he knew is that he still wanted revenge.

“He’s right, you should just kill me. I know to keep my mouth shut unlike your dead son,” the soldier barked, warranting a swift strike to the jaw.

“Don’t you ever fucking mention him again. Your leader killed him. I should do the same to you to receive a smidge of compensation,” Tom snarled as he wrapped his hands around his throat, cutting off his airway completely.

“Tom, come on. He’s not worth it. Let him go,” Haz pleaded as the man started to turn blue.

“Haz, I can’t. How can I let him walk free, when he is the reason Parker is dead?” Tom explained, loosening his hands.

“That was Carter, not some menial soldier. He probably has a family like you,” Harrison talked Tom down.

“You’re free to go,” Haz concluded as he untied the poor man in front of them. He bolted for the door as quick as possible.

“Haz, I can’t do this. I need Parker here. He was supposed to be doing this. Not me… I feels unreal how much I miss him,” Tom cried.

“I know. We all miss him.”

“I couldn’t even protect my own son. Do you get that? And this can’t be the end. I can’t just move on, knowing I’m supposed to bury him tomorrow,” Tom swore.

“Tom, it will get better,” Harrison consoled him.

“How? I can’t just have an open ended statement. I need a solution. Something to fix this ache in my heart. How can I make this pain go away?” Tom pleaded.

“Tom, there is no answer. You just have to try and work through your grief and eventually move forward.”

“You know, Parker asked me the same thing right after Charlotte died. He needed the pain of her death to be lifted from his shoulders. I told him he needed time, but I lied. I knew he could never move on. That this would stick with him for years to come. That’s how I feel right now. There is no remedy except trying to make those bastards pay. Can you let me do that?” Tom exclaimed.

“Tom, I… yes, I can. Only because I know that is what you need right now. Someone to have your back. And I promise I always will.” Harrison tried to comfort his grieving friend but it was hard. Hard to explain to Tom that it only seemed like his world was ending.

That night Tom came into your shared room looking half dead. He had black eye and bruises that littered all over his body. From that moment you knew you both couldn’t keep living like this. You couldn’t keep shoving down your feelings and refusing to face the world, same with Tom but instead of shutting people out the was instigating fights left and right.

“Tom, I need to talk to you,” you sighed as Tom entered the room

“Yes, baby. Anything. I’m just happy to hear your voice,” Tom replied, surprised you were speaking to him. This was his first verbal conversation with you in days.

“We need to make a change, we can’t keep living like this. It isn’t healthy,” you began but was faced with a heart broken Tom.

“Y/N, don’t say that please,” Tom pleaded.

“Tom, we aren’t moving forward. We’re stuck.”

“No, Y/N we can move on from this. Please don’t leave me.”

“What? Tom, I would never. I need you more than you need me,” you questioned.

“Seriously doubt that. Baby please don’t scare me like that again. If I don’t have you. I don’t have anything,” Tom whispered as he came to your side, wrapping his arms around you.

“Tom, you’ll always have me. But what I was meaning to talk about is, I think you need to step away from the mob for a while. You aren’t dealing with losing Parker healthily. Killing people for sport doesn’t help process your pain.” You said, trying to fight back the tears.

“Y/N, I’m not ready to accept it. He can’t be gone. Our son can’t be gone,” Tom cried out.

“Tom, I’ve been feeling the same way. Instead of working through our grief together, we’ve been fighting our own battles and it is doing more damage than good. I’m drowning here, I need you. I need you next to my side to help me through this because I wake up most mornings and have thoughts that I should never think about. Like I don’t want to live this life anymore or live at all.”

“Love, I didn’t know. Y/N, I don’t ever want you feeling that way.”

“I know but I don’t want to feel this way either. We need to get away. Eventually far from the mob, maybe travel like you always wanted to,” you sniffled, wiping away tears.

“Y/N, you know I want that but, I can’t just leave. Our life is here,” Tom explained.

“I’m not saying now. But I can’t live out my days in this house, all I see is him and everything that we’ve lost. I can’t do it anymore. It’s killing me. Don’t you see that? I need to know that we will have our happy ending somewhere other than here. Once Rosie has graduated. In three years, we leave. Please give me that, you pleaded.

“Y/N, I promise. In 3 years we can start our happily ever after.” Tom agreed. You finally had a date in mind. You needed to find happiness somewhere else that wasn’t tainted with Parker’s memory.

Everyone was suffering, Rosie however was very good at hiding it. She was the rock when Parker passed. She knew if the roles were reversed, Parker would be there for everyone.

She threw herself in the mob and other aspects, refusing to let herself break down like the rest of her family. She was mostly consoling Henry. Henry had a hard time adjusting to life without his best friend. He tried to be strong for Rosie but nights she would find him crying himself to sleep.

“Are you coming to bed?” Rosie asked as Henry was held up in living room.

“I don’t think so just yet, I have to finish this,” Henry sighed in frustration, while lounging on the couch.

“What is it?” Rosie asked, coming over to snuggle with him.

“Parker’s eulogy. Did you finish your’s?”

“Umm, yeah I did.” Rosie responded, in reality she hadn’t even thought about it. Planning on making it up as she went tomorrow.

“It’s just killing me. To actually think of him as gone, especially because of tomorrow. I’m not ready to say goodbye,” Henry cried, trying to fight back tears.

“I know. I miss him too,” Rosie responded. Henry started breaking into a fit of sobs and Rosie moved to comfort him. “It’s okay, I’m here.”

“Why are you not sadder? I haven’t once seen you break down, like everyone else,” Henry sniffled.

“I don’t know, maybe I just went through the stages of grief quicker. I’ve already accepted it.”

“Ok well, glad you aren’t as sad as me. Then we would have two blubbering messes. I know this probably a huge turn off,” Henry muttered, stopping to blow his nose. She chuckled in response but Rosie knew something was off. She shed a few tears looking at the building blazing that night but she hadn’t cried since.

Quickly changing the subject to not seem like a heartless wrench she asked. “What are you writing about? Can I have a sneak peek?”

“That’s the hard part, I was trying to think of a story about Parker and I’s friendship but I keep coming up blank. Either he wasn’t actually my best friend or I’ve just repressed all memories about him.”

“Oh baby—,“

“It’s ok. I’m okay.… I’m sorry Roo, but could you help me?”

“Of course, what do you have so far?” “I have the title “Parker’s eulogy,” and that’s it,” Henry said, reading off the words written on the paper he had been staring at for an hour.

“Oh okay, well. Maybe you should talk about a funny story between the two of you.”

“Ok, I have one. Once upon a time…”

“Henry, you can’t start a eulogy with once upon a time.”

“You didn’t let me finish, once upon a time I met this boy and he had the most adorable, and at the same time, beautiful sister. She is so perfect in so many ways. I grew hopelessly in love with her. To this day I still am.”

“Aww, as much as I love that story it barely mentions Parker.”

“Roo, it’s too hard. I can’t sit here and reminisce all the times we spent together. I can’t write down stories that I’ve already lived. I can’t tell them to others and start referring to him as a ‘was’ and not a ‘is’. I’m not capable of telling the story of how one year where both our families went skiing, Parker and I snuck on a black diamond slope without permission and both ended up with a broken leg. Or the story of how I knew Parker and I would be best friends forever, I shouldn’t be the only one telling it, he should be here too. It’s not fair. Why could’ve it been me?”

“Henry, don’t say that. I don’t know what I’d do without you. But that seems like a good anecdote, write about that.”

“Rosie, you don’t get it. I can’t, I physically can’t do it… I’m sorry but I don’t understand why you aren’t sad. It’s weird. My best friend is dead and the weird part is that HE WAS YOUR BROTHER and you don’t even seem the least bit bothered by it,” Henry thundered, his sad voice morphing into an accusatory one. “Sorry, I was just trying to help…. I’ll see you tomorrow, night.” Rosie finished quickly excusing herself without so much as a goodnight kiss. She knew Henry was going through something but he didn’t have to take it out on her. She quickly made her way to bed and waited for the next day to come.

The day no one was actually prepared for.

The day of Parker’s funeral. Everyone’s final goodbye to your son.

Everyone managed to dress appropriately, in all black to symbolize your mourning. The day however was rather beautiful, a bright blue streaked across ever corner of the sky. Not a single cloud in sight, which was near impossible thing in London. Parker would’ve loved a day like this. For one he wouldn’t be at a funeral, especially not his own. He would be at the beach or going for a bike ride under the gorgeous sun.

The weather kind of taunted you. How dare the day be beautiful the day you bury your son. You knew it was silly but it felt like a cosmic joke of some sorts.

People started gathering at the cemetery. Nikki, Dom, Harry, Sam and Paddy were already there to help you and everyone else get through that day.

Nikki was mostly concerned with helping Rosie. She knew you had been a little checked out lately, no fault of your own, you were grieving. Nikki just wanted to make sure Rosie was dealing with her emotions, not shoving them aside.

“Rosie, I understand if the eulogy will be too hard. I can read it for you,” Nikki offered, catching a glance of Rosie going over he eulogy underneath a tree. “No, it’s ok. I should be the one to do it,” Rosie exclaimed.

“Parker would understand. All your emotions couldn’t be more valid. Have you allowed yourself to cry over him yet?” “Don’t worry I did. Odd question though, thought you’d be wanting me to be strong. I have been for everyone else.” “Rosie, you don’t have to with me. I’m here for you, flower.”

“I’m fine grandma, I should check on mom.”

“It’s okay, I’ll send Harry,” Nikki concluded, grabbing her phone to shoot Harry a text.

“Mom, I gonna get Y/N to eat something” Harry said, calling out to Nikki.

“Really, how?” “I came prepared. Granted it is only chocolate but baby steps. How’s Rosie? Is she freaking out about the eulogy?”

“She says she can handle it. I believe her. I just don’t know where that girl got all her strength. Certainly not from us.”

“I have a clue…” Harry explained, his eyes wandering to you sitting in the front row.

“Come on, the proceedings are about to start.” Nikki said, pulling her son to meet everyone else, atop the small hill.

The person officiating the ceremony was standing behind a chestnut colored casket, about to be lowered into the ground. There were 3 chairs, for you, Tom, and Rosie. Everyone else stood as they witnessed Parker be lowered into his final resting place.

Tears manage to fall throughout the entire day, but they came more frequently as Rosie stood up to deliver her eulogy. Rosie somberly walked near the casket, passing the dozens of roses on top. She was clutching to her note cards, her guideline to the hardest goodbye ever.

“My brother was the greatest person I ever knew. He had already dealt with so much loss, it is unfair that we are gathered here today to mourn him. I’ve been trying to think of what to say, maybe an amusing anecdote or embarrassing story. Maybe one where he demonstrated bravery. But I think I’ll just say what all of us having been thinking. It feels unreal that he is gone. He was my twin and I can honestly say not having him beside me, feels like a piece of me is missing.” Rosie began, fighting back the urge to cry.

“He would always manage to bring a smile to my face even the darkest of times. I’ve celebrated every birthday with him, every school event, my entire life with him. We were supposed to be the same age till the end of time together. I miss him more than I can bare but we have a chance to honor him and not mourn, it is what he would have wanted. My brother was always there for me, especially at my weakest. From carrying me into the house after I fell on my tricycle and skinned my knee to comforting me with cupcakes and ice cream after a break up. We all need that person in our lives. And Parker was my anchor, my savior and my best friend. If you have that person now, please give them a reminder of how much you love them. Parker and I both know I should I’ve said more often, he the same. I’m sorry P. And with this flower, I finally say goodbye to my guide post, my better half, my brother. We will always miss you.” Rosie finished and quickly wiped the tears that had fallen with the back of her hand.

She glanced over at you, bailing into Tom’s shoulder. Her words moved you to a whole other level of grief. This whole time you had been grieving for yourself. It’s not selfish, but you realized just how bad everyone else was hurting.

After the funeral, everyone made it back to the manor for the reception. Hors d’oeuvres made their way around to guests, conveniently managing to skip you. Harry was still getting on your nerves, hoping you’d eat something.

Harry would constantly bring food beneath your nose, waving an assortment of healthy snacks and candy in front of your face. He was determined to get you to eat something even if chocolate melted in his suit pockets.

“Hey, Y/N/N. How are you holding up?” Harry asked, finding you staring blankly into space. “I’ve definitely been better,” you responded, chuckling at your current state.

“Y/N, can you please eat something?” Harry asked, shoved food in your face. “I’m fine, thank you though,” you blatantly stated, probably for the tenth time.

“Come on, I have your favorite,” Harry smirked. “You have MnM’s?” you quipped, your ears perking up.

“Yes…”

“Ok give them to me.” You nearly lunged to grab the bag from his hands. In truth you had been starving yourself, you were hungry but couldn’t find the will to eat. Sweets were sure better than the fancy finger food your cook was serving.

Everyone else seemed to be within their own world. Tom had immediately gone back to talking shop, more like who are we gonna kill next week. People seemed to disappear, one in particular, Rosie. You asked Henry, to try and find her. He scoured the house in search of her and eventually found her in Parker’s room. For days the door had been locked, no one wanted to confront the reality of his bed not being slept in or his clothes not worn. It would reaffirm that he is gone and it was going to take a long time to heal.

“Rosie? You in here?” Henry whispered, knocking softly on the door. It creaked opener evening a distraught Rosie, crying on her bed.

Tears streamed down her face as she croaked out, “Hi.”

“Oh, Rosie,” Henry consoled as he moved to embrace her. She broke into a fit of sobs.

“He’s gone. He said he was right behind me,” Rosie looked up, with puffy red eyes.

“Shhh, it’s ok. I’m here,” Henry said, moving to bring her in his arms.

“I should’ve never left him behind. I keep blaming myself. If I never left him, he would still be here.”

“Roo, baby. You can’t do that.”

“I know, I know but I can’t do this. I’m not ready for him to be gone,” Rosie cried, into Henry’s suit. Tears never bothered to stop coming. She completely broke with him, all the pain and grief she had been hiding was now in the spotlight. Rosie wasn’t ready for a goodbye, none of you were.

Everyone eventually came to the same conclusion, that all the scars in your heart will heal with time. Even though the sadness never fades, you learn to grow with it.

Guns, Glamour and Goodfellas Masterlist

Taglist: @dummiesshort @thenoddingbunny-blog @adriannauni @allthisfortommy @bi-lmg @quaksonhehe @housepartyprotocol

[sassooda]

Worlds Away JJK AU / Chapter 36 - No Longer Alone 🔞

w/c - 7,680

               “Kokoro really was a fool…I almost feel sorry.” Genghis is in the mood to celebrate as he quietly snickers through the Titer compound, planning to share the news with Getou. He passes through a crowded windowless but well-lit room heading towards the southern bunker. Nearly all of the clansmen and women bow to his presence as he cheerfully ambulates through their earthy corridors, submitting their trust into him. He enjoys the gestured acclaim, knowing full well this position being his was long overdue. After searching over the room joyfully, he becomes momentarily sidetracked as his first turbulent encounter ensues. The young Titer that served Mugoi before appears in front of him, blocking Genghis’s direct path. ‘Now to reform these loose ends…’, he thinks to himself as he assesses the young Titer’s despair. “You there, what is your name?” Genghis sees the hatred in the young man’s face.

               “…Itgeltei.”, is all the young man offers while still trying to remain fearless in front of the now most masterful man of the clan. “Itgeltei Baidal.”. His chin-length black hair waves with the wind as his deep brown eyes feign revenge.

               Genghis smirks to the spiteful response, understanding that the poor wretch has lost his own mentor and is raging with emotions. “You can come with me now, there is still much work to be done.” He motions for the young Titer to follow him but the single energized stomp in response makes him halt his resumed stance.

               “YOU KILLED MASTER KOKORO!” Baidal surges his energy and aims it at Genghis with tear filled eyes. “…and my SISTER!” His shaking limbs continue to quake as he takes a deep breath and prepares to at least injure the newly appointed head before being killed himself. “You have to pa-…”.

               Genghis, without lifting a finger, uses his presence to immediately suffocate the young man who is now clear with regret. “I certainly did not kill Mugoi or Okhin, that was the enemy.” The fear pricks its way to the surface as the young Titer now seems to recognize exactly how unmatched he is and this entertains Genghis, “See, I never inherited the ancient techniques but I’m the top dog now for a reason…”, Genghis slowly approaches while Baidal chokes, surely feeling compressed as he opens his mouth to breathe but is unable to suction in any air. “…I have learned other ways to instill my goals.”. After reaching the young Titer, he looks around to all of the surveyors that stand winded with horror. “YOU ALL UNDERSTAND WHO IS IN CHARGE NOW, RIGHT?!”. Genghis darts his eyes back to Baidal who’s face has since turned red and puffed from the lack of oxygen while he continues to struggle. A woman near the door cries, “Yes! We do Master Genghis!”, and all of the Titers before him that are able, drop to the floor to offer an extensive bow. “Alright then!”, Genghis releases the young Titer with a smile and watches him crash to his knees, gasping. Genghis kneels down before him and holds out a hand, “If you’re willing to redirect your hatred to the right place, you can still serve your clan to the upmost, Baidal.”, but he’s met with still resentful eyes and understands that the young man will need time to decide his own fate as his hand is swatted away. “If you cannot however, you serve no purpose at all. Consider my offer.”. Genghis then turns to continue walking to Getou before the young man did something hasty, not wanting a scene to erupt with so many witnesses.

               After Genghis leaves that corridor, Baidal hunts the room for any indication that he had supporters on the matter but feels completely alone as everyone looks down or simply continues with their business. ‘He may be powerful but he needs to be stopped.’, Baidal’s frustration peaks as he’s still trying to regain his breath, knowing that Genghis could have crushed him if he wanted to. Beneath his heaving he mutters the words that would have caused him death had they been heard, “He was supposed to stay locked away.”. Only by being Kokoro’s understudy did he become privy to the horrifying information of Genghis’s past and the true reason he was sent to death by the hands of Satoru Gojo to begin with. Baidal knows that there was never any love between himself and Getou, being that Kokoro committed atrocities himself. ‘I have to find allies…’, knowing he may have to outsource beyond his clan in order to have the backing necessary. ‘What does he have planned for Master Getou?’. Baidal thinks to check a few more friends before leaving the compound, his anxieties feeling all too real to ignore.

               Genghis is back to his excited mood as he feels the weight of Kokoro’s lack of existence uproot his very soul. ‘Kokoro was a mediocre man and never should have been given this role.’, he resounds internally as he feels that although that wasn’t the exact future he saw, he knew Mugoi was likely to expire at the hands of Fushiguro. “I do admire this Toji’s strength and he will certainly give us another edge until his time comes as well.”. He pretends to be kind as more Titers bow on foot to him as he passes, loving the thrill of being the faux head. The red clay-made walls and ground signify his descent into the compound, “Now we just have to work on Getou with the girl…”. Genghis smiles wider, ‘She’s truly perfect. What she’s capable of…what I’ll have her do…’. Genghis has yet to reveal all of his plans to Getou but will do so when he feels the time is right but not a moment sooner and for good reason.  Upon turning the corner towards Getou’s quarters though, he feels the gravitational presence. “Such a grown child…”, but hurriedly runs towards the door with slight apprehension, knowing there were some of the help in there with him.

               Getou is furiously releasing his gravity manipulation throughout the room. He’s yelling out but the sound means nothing in particular as he pins weaker Titers that were only there to serve him. “What am I supposed to do with THAT?!”, in pure fury he asks one of the servants as he points to the shattered bowl with water spilled all around it. “She’s…SHE IS DISGUSTING!”. The servants cry out unanimously as his fit continues but Getou purposefully doesn’t kill any of them. He looks to a younger male Titer who is already crying, “You really suggest that I should just accept this SHIT?! She’s tainted!”.

               Genghis bursts through the door, “SUGURU! STOP THIS AT ONCE!”, and uses his crippling presence to counter the waves of gravity. They’re no match for Getou’s abilities but they can at least bounce some energy back to him, thus giving his attention to Genghis. “RELEASE THEM!”.

               Suguru faces his mentor and reluctantly quells his technique, allowing the four pinned servants to scurry away through the door behind Genghis. “I wasn’t going to hurt them…but I may hurt bird bitch. You cannot SERIOUSLY expect me to want her.”. Getou now sits to the chair beside him and takes out his bun knowing he made a mess of it. ‘At least Fushiguro took action…’.

               “What happened in the small number of hours I’ve left you?” Genghis sees the shattered bowl and immediately understands that Getou saw something he didn’t like. He takes in the state of the room, all of the different craters formed about as he nears. ‘We’re lucky this part of the structure didn’t collapse…’. He’s a little irritated.

               “I will not have her as my wife.”, Getou huffs. He seethes at the images in his brain that depicted Elska, Naoya and Gojo sharing sexual relations. “She is not suited to be ANYONE’s wife!”. He accidentally snaps his hair band apart while trying to put his hair back up and becomes further infuriated. After grinding his teeth together, he tosses the useless hair tool across the room before running his hands through his long black hair. He sees Genghis nearing him and tries to recollect himself so he doesn’t seem immature. ‘Why the fuck did I have to see that?’.

               “What happened little one? What is SO bad that you feel you can justify this tantrum?” Genghis needs his words to cut but not in a way that will dislodge Getou further. He understands that sometimes he just may need a parental figure and is attempting to gratify this part of Suguru.

               “She…”, Suguru’s words silence for a moment before continuing, “…she was having sex with Zenin and Gojo…”. His fists clench reflexively as the thought of Gojo enjoying himself, living care free. It wrenches his intestines together. There’s a lack of response from Genghis, so he lowers his voice to exact his reasoning, “She fucks everyone.”, he cackles in annoyance, “Everyone but me that is.”. Getou remembers her glare when he left the room they held her in at the base. “I knew Zenin was oddly territorial with her but I never would’ve guessed this debauchery. He hates Gojo too…so I thought.”. Getou reels over the loss of his cohorts once again as he’s no longer alone but it doesn’t really feel like it.

               Genghis knows Suguru is expecting him to be riddled with disgust as well but he’s isn’t. ‘Is he..?’, Genghis is not even upset anymore as he feels that was confirmation of Suguru’s jealousy, whether Getou knows it or not. ‘Maybe there is hope for us after all…’. He lets a few seconds pass to simulate that of someone who cares. Genghis loves Suguru like a son but he also loves his own future as well along with his grandiose plans for their clan. With a small sigh he brings a chair and places it opposite of Getou and sits down. “Look little one, are you sure tha-…”.

               “SHE HAD GOJO INSIDE OF HER WHILE SHE WAS GAGGIN ON ZENIN!” Getou almost doesn’t catch himself in time to control the surging energy flowing through him. ‘Gojo… of all people.’.

               “Hmmm…”, is all Genghis offers while he thinks of how to diffuse this situation.

               “HMMM??!!!” Suguru mocks and then hollers, “What the FUCK kind of response is that?!”. He sees the glint of anger that flashes across his mentor’s eyes and decides to calm down. It’s a matter of respect.

               Genghis raises an eyebrow at how perceptive Getou can be at times although he needs to learn to be like that always. “I can see why that would bother you…”, but Getou scoffs as he turns away. “Her nature…it’s solidified but ever changing it would seem. We may not have the time we originally thought.” Suguru looks back to him now as he’s obviously curious as to what that could mean. ‘She’s already creating a small but powerful army.’.

               “What is that you know, Master?” Getou’s back to his collected demeanor as he’s eager to understand what could cause Genghis to seem so offhand on the ordeal. He looks around the destroyed room and feels slightly embarrassed, especially if there’s some kind of explanation.

               “When she drinks from the hybrid, his curse blood fuels her own. This is what I was trying to elucidate to you before.” Genghis checks to make sure he has Getou’s undivided attention. When he’s satisfied by his pupil practically hanging on the edge of his seat, he continues, “She has awakened to a small degree and with her kind, that means a growing appetite for many things and less inhibiting emotions in exchange.”. Getou’s eyes narrow in response but Genghis proceeds, “When we get her here, you’ll have to sate her needs little one so it’s best you understand now.”. He’s anticipating a rebuttal but it doesn’t arrive, ‘Good, because if you don’t, I will...and that may cause some problems.’.

               Getou is still mildly confused but understands enough that he’ll have to feed and fuck her. “I’ve already tried that, it didn’t work.”. His thoughts take to the last time he saw her, while he was working his way in.

               “You stabbed her, broke her wings and then forced yourself between her legs… let’s understand the difference here, Suguru…”, Genghis shakes his head as he didn’t want to be so blunt but at the same time, there’s no room for error there, Getou must comprehend that.

               “And she called out for Naoya when I did.”, Getou’s patience are being tried at this point. He knows he was wrong in his approach and even with his brutal nature. He also is hesitant to express anything in regards to that scent that provoked him.

               Genghis interrupts the pity party, “Because she’s afraid of you Suguru…and rightfully so!”. He softens his eyes for his pupil for just a moment, “I could never imagine expecting any other outcome. I’ve never even thought to do something like that to a woman.”, Genghis lies with complete knack.

               Getou exhales heavily and turns his gaze to the shattered bowl, “That doesn’t explain why she’s fucking everyone…”, he loses himself in those same images again and runs his finger along his scarred cheek. His eyes widen as he’s suddenly remembering the aftermath, “Toji attacked them though, I’m guessing Kokoro succeeded?”. He switches his view back to his mentor with inquisitive eyes.

               Genghis decides to hold off of the details about Elska and Toji following the incident. ‘She really is getting her fill though…’, but smiles to her ways as he watched them that day, all of it, from afar. He then tilts his head upwards and tries to hold his happiness inside as he delivers Mugoi’s fate, “Kokoro perished by the hands of Fushiguro… and Oda.”.

               Upon hearing of Mugoi’s death a small smirk appears initially but then he’s overcome with the fact that he’d always planned on taking out Kokoro himself. “How can he be dead? Isn’t he under the same technique?”. He hopes the bastard can return for more.

               Genghis allows his grin to sneak through after seeing Getou’s reaction, knowing they’re both pretty glad the fuckers gone. “Yes well, they didn’t use any techniques to kill him, they just utilized that nature of theirs. If he were killed with a cursed ability, yes, we could have reversed that.” Genghis chuckles lowly, “I told him to be extremely cautious but he ultimately underestimated this Toji gravely. To be fair though, I wasn’t expecting the girl to behave as she did…she killed Okhin viciously as well.”.

               Getou catches on to his master’s amusement and it rubs him as odd, “You said the outcome would benefit me…did you know this would happen?”. He’s decided to place that weird display in the back of his mind for the time being. ‘Okhin too?’, Getou barely knew the Titer woman but was aware of her loyalty to himself and their cause and feels regret that she lost her life.

               “I did.”. Genghis leans toward being honest about this bit at least. He waits to gauge Getou’s response and becomes eased when he can tell that his knowing won’t be met with hostility. “Mugoi wasn’t a very good man and he had no business leading this clan. His strategies were half-baked and his desires to lead were misplaced.”.

               “I never did like him…I actually hated that fucker and owed him for Kechi and Eso...” Getou sighs as there’s yet another thing to be grateful to Elska for. “Serves him right.”. ‘I wonder how she did it?’. Getou ponders on her mysterious existence and wonders what else he may not know about her. He thought he was well informed before but sees that’s not the case at all.

               Genghis smiles genuinely as he proceeds the conversation to nourish the seed he’s planted, “So…you were watching her?”. He gives a playful shove to Suguru, “You can’t hide the fact that you’re interested…I can already tell.”.

               Getou’s face becomes deadpanned at his mentor’s words. He’s self-conscious about the truth in the statement, not really being sure as to when it happened nor why. He looks back at the shattered bowl, “I was seeing if there were any tactics I could formulate based on their own.”. He feels another light push and it’s clear that Genghis wasn’t buying it. ‘Why is she so important to even him?’. He sighs in frustration, “Yes, ok? I was watching her…although I regret it now.”. His eyes widen during the statement, showing he meant it desperately.

               Genghis releases a loud cheer into the room, “ALRIGHT!”. He pats Getou on the shoulder, “This is great little one! You shall have her then!”. He can barely control his pride as he knows this step was imperative to conquer. “We will have to secure her soon before the others reach her to do the same.

               Getou wants to ask about the others mentioned but figures it pertains to the clans also aiming for the same goal. He becomes tactical, “I think we should draw them in and crush all of their shaman.”. This time, when preparing her quarters, he would take a note from Naoya and make sure she can at least be impressed by their offer. ‘Would it really make that much of a difference though?’, he’s unsure of what lies ahead because of what’s occurred in the past.

               Genghis leans forward with approval, “That is a wise idea but we should bait them first.”, he smiles maliciously, “I think we should take your lover first and give them a location.”.

               Getou blushes against his own will and tries to mask it with haste, “Whatever, that’s fine. I need to prepare an area for her.”. Suguru stands up, cloaked in agitation as he worries about what could be wrong with him. ‘Why…am I feeling so…awkward?’.

               “Don’t be ridiculous, you only need to prepare another room for yourself.” Genghis can’t believe that he’s having to hold his pupil’s hand through this but laughs to the confusion painted on Suguru’s face, “She’s going to be staying with you.”.

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               “Cho, how do you know this? ARE THEY NEARBY?” Naoya knows Choso is also very fine tuned when it comes to sensing other techniques, primarily the Titers for having worked around them for so long. Naoya still is looking around to silently ask everyone to be on their guard.

               Choso doesn’t remove the box from his pocket. He keeps his fingers wrapped around it though and tries to figure out a way to communicate that won’t bring them to a disadvantage. His stillness unnerves everyone but Toji tries to calm the room, understanding there’s a purpose for it. Choso decides to try something. After standing, he uses his right hand to point at his pocket and while still holding the box inside of there, he flicks it a few times with his finger, creating sound.

               Gojo is the first to catch on and decides to give it a codename, “The bento box!”. He smiles to Choso’s relieved nod and turns to face everyone. “Do you remember the yellow fish delivery we received earlier?”, Toji scrunches his face but then the connection is made. “I believe that Choso’s saying he can tell by the bento box it came in.” Elska now seems to get it as well.

               “Baby? When did you eat yellow fish?” Naoya approaches her with a coy smile as the remaining members in the room sigh in frustration, thinking he was too dense to comprehend. Megumi scoffs being out of the loop and apparently feels ashamed of Naoya’s gestures. When within arm’s reach, Naoya snags Elska by the hip and kisses her cheek while whispering, “We will protect you princess.”. He feels her pull away only enough to look into his eyes. He knows she trusts him, it’s written all over her face and nothing could make him happier.

               Elska is lost in Naoya’s warm expression until a realization hits her, “Does…does that mean they saw…everything?”. She becomes completely uncomfortable at the thought and welcomes Naoya’s arms as they wrap around her fully this time. While burying her face into his chest, she can feel the bass from his voice as he laughs awkwardly above her. ‘Greeeaaaaat…’.

               “Well at least it was worth watching…I can attest to that!”, Gojo’s eyes brighten as he recalls the three of them on the bed. ‘It was…perfection.’. Nanami sends narrow eyes over to him which he can feel instantly and against his rowdier judgement, decides to leave it at that.

               Toji scoffs while looking at Gojo, “You’re the fucking worst, you do know that, right?”. He’s never been able to stand Satoru’s need to gloat about everything, especially when it comes to her.

               Gojo warps himself behind Elska, “Oh…but she loves it…” and ruts his pelvis into her rear.

               Naoya uses his projection technique to pull her away afterward, “You’re too fucking much Gojo, don’t expect that shit to happen again.”. He actually really enjoyed the threesome for the most part but sees that he stoked an already heated fire within Gojo by participating. ‘This guy is not right in the head!’.

               “Sati! Why would you do that in front of everyone?!”, She’s not felt Naoya’s technique first hand like that and stumbled with collecting herself after being moved with such speed. ‘Did he seriously just hump me?’.

               Nanami yells, “SATORU!”, with absolute disapproval as Megumi scowls heavily beside him.

               Choso loses himself in thought after hearing Gojo’s mischievous giggles. ‘Do they know that this connects their energy to us? I can tell when they’re spying…’. He twirls the box within his fingertips in his pocket as he tries to formulate an explanation as to why the Titers left it behind if this was genuine. He looks back over to Toji now, ‘Is he really ok? What did this do to him?’. Choso’s eyes now take to Megumi and his heart sinks knowing that they’ve only just begun their father and son relationship officially, ‘I have to figure this out before it’s too late.’. He still hears the voices of everyone else but doesn’t register that his name is being called. The surging energy from the box also ceases and he quietly states, “I think they’re done for now…”.

               Toji sighs, “Thank god, those fucking creeps have nothing better to than to use ourselves against us.”.

               Naoya and Elska both relax into each other knowing they can likely move more freely now. Naoya smiles at her but then continues what they were originally talking about. “I’ll get you some sweets baby!”. He now turns to Choso who is still in his own mind, “Cho!”, Naoya is waving at his friend, “Does that sound alright to you?”.

               Elska chimes in, “I swear I won’t bite you again!”, she looks around to everyone, “Although I am due for a feed soon…”.

               Naoya gasps, “Well I’ll stay too!”. He’s weary of her feeding from Choso for many reasons, his personal ones at the forefront though.

               Toji huffs, “I think you two should make yourselves scarce when we come back.”, his vision glaring between Naoya and Gojo. “You two have had enough today.”.

               Gojo wants to say something smart to rile Toji up but decides that maybe that wasn’t such a huge demand. He looks to Naoya and whines, “Let Toji feed her tonight…”. He kicks at nothing to display his disappointment but knows that he owes the giant this much at least.

               Naoya grabs her hands now and looks down to her with his weak protest, “Baaaby…”, but then sighs as he can understand where Gojo is coming from, “…Ok…but tomorrow you feed from me!”. He smiles gleefully as he secures one of his favorite past times. Of course, he enjoys the feeling her bite surges through him but more than anything else, he loves how much she enjoys drinking from him. It certainly makes him feel needed and with all of the testosterone surrounding her now, he appreciates the affirmations he receives from her, this one especially. ‘If only I had my own fangs…’.

               “If she drinks too much of you boy, she’ll get fucking cavities.”. Toji laughs to his own joke though as he meant nothing foul by it, he’s actually surprised he didn’t receive more resistance from either of them on the matter of feeding.

               “What are you guys about to do?” Choso now feels he missed something important.

               Elska and Gojo chuckle at the fact that Choso indeed tuned them all out moments ago.

               “They’re going on a food run while you stay with me, if that’s ok!”. Elska smiles and continues, “You can take a shower too if you want, I won’t leave the room but you’ll still have privacy in there.”. She walks over to the bathroom and pulls out a fresh towel from a neat stack that lays on iron shelving next to the tub.

               “And make sure you’re clothed when you leave the bathroom…”, Gojo’s tries to make his tone lighter but he’s serious. “I saw what you’re hiding underneath those clothes, you thick ass stallion!”, and laughs to Choso’s widening eyes.

               Choso recalls Gojo complimenting his body before  and becomes flustered by the accusations being launched at him and quickly defends himself, “Elska! I promise I wouldn’t try to do anything sexy to you!”. He hears Gojo roar into laughter and anchors his eyebrows in a way that show the silver shaman that he’s been teased enough for one day.

               “I would hope not.” Megumi makes his quiet presence known again as he’s only just calmed down after seeing his sensei hump her…and then there’s the feeding. He turns his nose up and hollers while leaving for the door with Nanami, “GIVE HER SOME SPACE.”.

               “Doll, I’ll be right back alright?” He grins when she nods in anticipation and he can sense that she’s as eager to feed from him as he is to feed her.

               “Umm…I will too, don’t forget that part old man…”, Naoya finally releases his hands from her as he forces himself away and towards the door. “Be right back baby!” He blows her a kiss from the doorway but waits impatiently for Gojo to make his exit.

               Gojo now grabs her hands and with a serious face says, “Love, just be careful and wait for Toji. We will back after you have some time.” He smiles, “Don’t bite Choso in case it’s related to that other you ok?” He kisses her on the forehead gently before stepping back and taking in her comfortable and casual appearance while relishing on his recent lush memories of them. He glances to Choso, “If anything happens, make a portal to Naoya but we should be back really soon.

               Choso nods and is glad that there was reiteration over him being the source of her nourishment. ‘Gojo is far more intelligent than he typically lets on…’. After everyone leaves the room, the silence engulfs them. “I uhh…I guess I will take a shower now.”, and dutifully heads into the bathroom.

               “Wait there’s a trick!” Elska rushes past the door before he can close it in order to reach the faucet. The temperature designated knobs are actually reversed and she didn’t want Choso to fall victim to ignorance’s cruelty. Once adjusted, she stands up tall and smiles, “Now, you’re all set!”.

               “I tend to take lengthy showers, please do not be alarmed by this.” Choso feels the steam beginning to take form and is ready to wash the day away. She giggles and says “That’s totally fine, relax a bit.” Before switching on the fan and shutting the door behind her. As he undresses, he folds his new pajamas neatly on the counter, planning to put them back on when he’s finished. For a moment he freezes as this doesn’t make sense, how can he watch her while he bathes? ‘Oh, they were way ahead of me with this one…’. He forms his observer window, focuses it on her and leaves the curtain parted so he can check it from time to time.

               Elska isn’t sure why but as soon as the words, “Relax a bit” left her, she felt the urge to do so herself. ���Well…he did say he takes long showers…and they’re no longer watching us…”, she walks over to Choso’s unintentional gift and honestly just wants to try it. After grabbing it, she cautiously makes her way back to the bed, dropping her new ace sweatpants to the floor before laying on her back. Her mind brings her back to Naoya and Satoru taking her and becomes flooded with arousal. “That really was…amazing.”. Her nimble fingers press the tiny rubber button located on the bottom of the little pink mouse and jumps with excitement when it turns on. ‘This shouldn’t take much time at all!’, and gleams to its vibrational impact. The thought of Naoya extracting her pheromones and orgasms while Satoru filled her mouth sends a sensation between her thighs before the vibrator ever reached its target. She self consciously listens for any sudden movement in the bathroom, wondering why she was really about to do this right now. ‘I just feel like I need to…’, but is trying to ignore the fact that she’s seen plenty of action for one day, at least normally. Once the silicone bullet reaches her clitoris, her body tenses up by the sensations it sends through her and she quietly gasps with a wide smile.

               Choso is rinsing his hair, enjoying the scented products that fall and mix into the water. ‘How does my hair feel this smooth after just shampoo?’, he’s amazed and feeling anew. After applying the thick conditioner, he decides to read the ingredients from the bottle located at the other end of the tub. When he grabs it, he turns to check his observer window to make sure everything is alright. “Oh my…”. His eyes are wide and the shock from what he’s seeing steals his attention thus causing the shampoo bottle to be dropped onto his foot. “OW!”.

               Elska hears the commotion and immediately closes her legs for cover. She’s panting lightly as she was already pretty close to being done with this test drive but still calls out, “Chos…Choso? Are you alright in there?!”. She sits up as she listens carefully for a response.

               “I uhhh…Yea!! I’m great! Just…dropped something!”. Choso feels his heart pounding through him and when he looks down can see his chest beat along with it. ‘I should’ve just told her the truth!’, he panicked though. He stands at the end of the tub where the water barely touches him as he breathlessly waits for a sign that she’d either stop or continue. ‘Does she not know I’m observing her?’. He watches her settle back into the bed but has failed to notice his instant erection until this point and whispers, “Damnit…”. When she places the mouse back on her sensitive areas, he can see her face twist in pleasure and cannot help himself. Choso begins to stoke his member as his human desires take over and shudders to the wonderful sensations it sends through him. Elska moans quietly but Choso is audibly attached to his window so he hears it. He watches her placement of the toy and is surprised to see that it’s used to for surface features rather than being for inside. He continues to pump his hand, gaining speeding even while the water threatens to stop his motions, moaning himself as he studies the visual before him. “Women…they’re such…beautiful creatures…”, he whispers through his small gasps.

               Elska is working towards her climax, intermittently edging herself when she feels she’s too close, not wanting to end the pleasure so soon. She thinks about how Toji always tries to stimulate her with his hands while he works himself into her, causing her toes to curl. ‘Toji and this would be incredible…’, she pictures him with his wings and fangs out, using his mass to pin her against the bed as he thrusts through her. In this fantasy, he would hold the mouse down against her, forcing her to endure the bliss while locking glowing eyes. “Holy…oh…yes…”, she whines out underneath her breath as she feels her moisture gather. She imagines him smugly smirk above her before saying, “Doll, you’re so fucking wet for me.”, but realizes that would be much more of a Satoru thing.

               Choso is no longer even bathing by this point but has opened the curtains further so he can still receive the warmth from the water as he continues towards his own relief. Every time her body arches or she whispers confirmation to how good she’s feeling, his hand increases speed by itself. He looks down to see how unbearably hard he is and bites his lip as his vision takes back to his technique. His mind is plaguing him as he doesn’t have a direct desire to sleep with her but she’s always the subject of his sexual thoughts. He imagines himself sitting between her knees, administering the mouse. “Mmmm…”, he groans while thinking of her furrowed brow and flush expression being the product of his placement. His hand grips his girth and he momentarily seethes and hisses to the building rise coursing through him. He whispers her name to his own dismay, feeling that it increased his ability to reach his orgasm. The water falling down his back has become cooler but it doesn’t deter him from this interesting experience.

               She is now daydreaming about Satoru’s aggressive behavior. ‘He would most definitely use this mouse as a tool to dominate.’, and the thought of him bending her over while making her hold it to herself almost makes her unravel. He’d say things like, “Awww love, what’s the matter? Can’t handle it?”, and she would have to respond to him before he’d smack her ass…but maybe she would keep quiet on purpose. He’d likely grab her by the throat and raise her up from behind so he could hear her clearly as he spreads her from within. She gasps to this and arches her body again as she nearly lost herself. Her eyes open widely though as she’s sure he would attempt anal next…but she wouldn’t necessarily fight him. ‘If I ever tell him that I actually like it, he would try it all of the time though…’, and the idea of him relentlessly trying to impale her in that manner slightly decreases her arousal.

               Choso is all but minutes away from being spent. He’s staring intently into the observer’s window and ignores her change in demeanor. Instead, he’s now wondering about this taste that women provide. He still isn’t sure you’re supposed to lick them there but the probability of it being allowed makes him imagine how he would. The expression on her face is back to be pleasant so maybe if he would take his tongue to the same spot where the mouse is located, he could cause this too. His eyes are closed at this point, while he hastily grips and rhythms with his hand so when she cries out, his imagination runs wild and he imagines inserting himself into her. That was a mistake though because in this moment, he’s releasing his contents all over himself and the tub while he fails to cease his motion.

               Naoya’s sweet but domineering nature saved the day. While reliving old memories of when she was his prisoner, she remembers the sexual tension that made her crave him even more. While envisioning them on their sides again, she smiles to the desperation felt that consumed her, making her take him in his sleep. “Oh…Naoyaaaaa…”. It really didn’t matter what he would try with her, Elska was likely to allow him wantonly, she trusts him fully in this realm. In her sexual dream however, he’s given glowing red eyes and golden wings. He would brush her hair aside while rocking his hips while they lay there but he’d also lean down to pierce her neck. “God pleeeeassee…”, she begs the universe to at least be able to simulate what his fangs would feel like. She cries out though in real time and releases a wave of pheromones as her legs tremble, the orgasm following immediately after. She lies there panting, not having removed the mouse from her hand, nor has she budged to change her position. Her eyes take to the little mouse though while she heaves and feels her arousal seeping out, “This was actually a wonderful gift Choso!”. She smiles and feels the cold chills that are result of her thin layer of sweat. She goes to sit herself up but finds she just doesn’t have the energy in this moment. Her eyes dart open as she recalls, “CHOSO! SHIT!”, having temporarily forgotten that he was in the bathroom, only a few feet away. She sits up tensely to gather herself as the door is pushed open. She screams, “DON’T!”. She feels so ridiculous as she knew Toji’s door no longer latched.

               Choso heard her scream and although he’s a mess he launches out of the shower. “Elska! What’s wrong?!”.

               Toji stands in the doorway first inhaling the scent before noticing Elska’s position and eyes the mouse next her on the bed. The fact that she wasn’t dressed on her lower half clearly gave it away. He feels himself get a little excited but its all but crushed as a wet and naked Choso barrels out of the bathroom door. “What the f…”.

               Elska quickly covers herself before Choso has a chance to turn around but she can’t help but stare at him against her better judgement. His body is so refined and built, his lower half just as impressive. She doesn’t feel any desire to experience him but she can still appreciate a good work of art. When their eyes meet, Choso turns beet red and flails his hands in an attempt to shield them from his usually hidden parts. “I thought something was wrong!”.

               “The fact that you’re out here butt ass naked is the something that’s wrong buddy…”, Toji glares at the being and huffs. Toji points his finger toward the door and says, “Go get some fucking clothes on! What were you doing in there to still be bathing?!”. A realization hits him and he growls at the possibility that Choso was relieving himself in his shower. “How the fuck were you planning on protecting her if you were in there the entire time?!”, Toji demands an explanation.

               Choso looks away from Toji and to the floor, “Well…I was watching her still…I just multitasked.”. He can feel Toji’s presence intensify immensely and wonders if he should have just lied and apologized.

               Elska folds over in the bed and curls up in embarrassment. ‘Does he mean…he watched me do that?”, she too mortified to ask or even look at either of them.

               Naoya now walks through the door, “CHO! WHAT THE FUCK!?”. He sees Elska hiding in the bed and after seeing his friend’s bareness, freaks out. “WHAT DID YOU DO!?”, he runs to Elska who’s actively deflecting any interaction and he assumes the worse. “Baby! What happened?!”, He then sees the pink mouse on the bed and feels his left eye twitch. He snatches it from beside her and charges Choso, “YOU THOUGHT TO USE THIS ON HER?!”. He sees the surprise in Choso’s eyes and even through his anger, realizes that he jumped to conclusions.

               Elska understands this is taking a wrong turn so she sits up again and says, “I used it on myself! Choso was just taking a shower and bolted out here when I screamed!”.

               Naoya stops now, being only about a foot away from Choso. “Baby, what caused you to scream?”, he now looks at the toy with a raised eyebrow, ‘Could it really be that good?’. Choso’s eyes meet it too and the being blushes further.

               “She screamed when I came through the door, boy, calm down.” Toji is now pinching the bridge of his nose in aggravation to the endless web of miscommunication that spins between them. He walks over to Naoya and steals the mouse. “You guys need to scram for a few. She needs to feed and I’m tired of there being a god damn peanut gallery.”.

               Choso immediately rushes into the bathroom to change as Naoya pouts while walking back to Elska. “Baby, I’m parking right next door and I’ll be back as soon as you are finished.”.

               “We actually are switching rooms tonight!” Gojo now strolls in, having listened from the hall. He comprehends everything that just happened, from the dual masturbation to the sad accusations that were pointed to Choso. If he hadn’t stayed behind though Megumi would’ve seen everything before being shooed away and that’s the only thing that bothers him. ‘Toji is going to have to handle that soon…’.

               “This is my room you silver fuck, I don’t want to move.”, Toji defends his messy territory that has suffered from the multiple people using it.

               Elska is further jolted by Satoru’s sudden appearance but calmly asks, “What are you talking about Sati?”. She’s now quickly donning her ace pants while trying her best to make it seem like she’s no longer bothered by what may have taken place with Choso. ‘I’m just glad that topic got skipped over…’.

               “We’re going to a bigger room, with a bigger bed.” Gojo winks at her as he’s still bent on proving to her that the additional company can be worked with. “But you two can still feed here, I’ll have Naoya and Choso help me set everything up!”. His eyes take to Toji, “Surely you can understand why this room’s defenses are no longer suitable…”. He glances to Elska and brings his palms up to the situation they’re in with an expression that says, “Think about it.”.

               “I swear if it’s poorly designed, I’m going to snap. Color scheme and layout is everything Gojo…”, Naoya rolls his eyes as he’s really not in the position to refuse lodging but wishes he didn’t have to share everything with his cousin and him.

               Toji howls, “You fucking broke the door in the first place you cunt!”. He never knows how far the silver shaman will go but is slowly wondering if there are any boundaries at all. Becoming further irritated, he starts to manually push everyone towards hall. “Get the fuck out!”. Naoya is still protesting to being forced to leave even as Toji shuts the door in his face, hearing his whining through the wood. “Jesus Christ…they’re such fucking handful…”.

               Elska giggles to Toji’s vexation but sits on her knees as the large man returns toward her, sitting on the bed.

               Naoya is still on the other side of the door, “Choso is in there you old fart!”.

               Toji’s eyes narrow to the bathroom but before he can say anything, Choso quickly races out with soaking hair and practically runs to the door leading to the hallway. He now sighs and slouches over on the edge of the bed, “Doll…sometimes it’s so much to navigate through…”, he looks to her, “…are you not overwhelmed by all of this?”. His hand finds it’s way to her cheek after he orients his body more towards her. They’re eyes respond to each other, him not knowing who’s began glowing first.

               “It is…a lot…”. She admits while nuzzling into his hand. “…but look at how you three loners are no longer alone.”, she means it and smiles genuinely as that part does lift her heart. She watches Toji scoot back onto the bed but to his knees and her teeth peer through her lips as she gathers he’s getting straight to it. With slow motion, she crawls over top of him until she’s perfectly seated in his lap and his arms are securing her body against him. Looking down from now overhead, she chuckles, “Just like our first time…”, and brushes his hair from his face as she happily takes in the details of his rugged features. “I’m really sorry about earlier Toji…I really wasn’t expecting Sati to take us away like that. I really wasn’t expecting any of it actually.”.

               Toji can sense her guilt and feels like he should address his prior purpose. “Doll, I was just worried Gojo was taking things too far…like before. I didn’t trust that he would have your best interest at heart which is why I was so angry.”. He lifts his chin so he can tuck her head underneath it while holding her, “I am with you no matter what, never forget that.”. Toji closes his eyes as he feels her relax and cackles, “Naoya already said he wasn’t going to do that again but I feel like Gojo will still try.”. He pulls her away and bends his neck to the side to give her full access with a smile.

               “You’re too good for me, Toji…”, she laments while eyeing his neck. Instead of immediately biting him though she turns his head back towards her for a deep and passionate meeting of the lips. He responds by send his tongue into her mouth, causing her to whimper as she grips his sleek black hair with her right hand while holding his throat with her left, not even meaning to. Both of their fangs form as soon as he breaks their lustrous kiss and he again positions his head to the side as she lowers her own. She can hear him groan as her teeth skip across the skin of his neck and right as she’s about to puncture him, Satoru’s presence can be felt.

               “LOVE WAIT!” He runs over to the bed as Elska didn’t seem to even flinch. “Choso made a valid point!”, Toji’s glowing eyes finally meet his so he continues, “If Toji has Titer energy in him, this is about to be another fucking catastrophe!”.

               Toji swiftly blocks Elska from his neck and rolls over so she’s pinned to the bed, being startled by her reaction.

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Tagging : @angelofthorr

[izzyaro]

Yet another Clyde and Emily thing, because the idea would not leave me alone. It got quite a bit longer than expected.

It was meant to be a quiet evening out.

It was the end of a tough mission. They’d made the profile, caught the UnSubs, and saved a lot of lives. They definitely deserved a break. The locals had recommended a nice little pub, which turned out to be lively and half full of students, and Clyde had offered to get the first round. Sean had gone outside to call his wife, Jeremy was chatting up a young lady on the table next to them, and Emily and Tsia found a quiet corner where no one was paying attention to them.

“We needed this,” said Emily with a sigh. 

Her muscles ached from hours of being on the alert, and she couldn’t help a moan when Tsia rubbed gentle circles into her shoulders. “Oh, that feels good.”

Tsia’s answering grin was wicked. “Later I’ll show you what else I can do with my hands.”

Emily shivered. Tsia glanced round, and leaned in for a quick kiss. Emily’s eyes fluttered shut, but as Tsia drew back there was a sudden commotion from behind them. Both of them spun round, and Tsia sat bolt upright.

“What the hell is he doing?”

Clyde stood by the bar, but he wasn’t collecting their drinks. He had a yelling skinhead in a wristlock, and the ice cold fury on his face was enough to have Emily lurching to her feet.

“Clyde!” 

Clyde didn’t so much as glance at her. His whole attention was on the young man he had pinned. Emily swore and started to shoving her way through the crowd, but the bartender was already there, a frown on his face.

“Sir, let go of him-”

“I’ll let go,” Clyde growled, “when he tells me what he put in this girl’s drink.”

The mood changed in an instant. A young woman standing nearby went pale. The bartender immediately zeroed in on the now-silent skinhead. “What’s this?”

The man glared, and Clyde spoke up, blue eyes sparking with barely-controlled rage. “He dropped a tablet in that drink a she looked away. I’d be surprised if it was the only one.”

“Fuck off,” the skinhead snarled, only to yelp as Clyde tightened his grip. “Oi, you’re breaking my arm!”

“Then stop moving,” Clyde snapped back.

The skinhead swore, and Emily finally managed to push through to them. “Clyde! I think he’s got the message.”

Clyde finally looked up, and Emily had to suppress a flinch at the expression on his face. It took all her years of training to keep her voice steady, “He’s not going anywhere.”

Clyde held her gaze for a long moment, then finally shoved the man away from him. The skinhead lurched up, swearing like a sailor, but Tsia planted herself in his path.

“Take one more step, and I’ll show you what a broken arm really feels like.”

“What is going on here?”

Emily had never been so glad to hear Sean’s voice. Their boss took in the situation, Clyde shaking with anger and the gawping crowd, and set his jaw. “Clyde, get some air.”

Clyde glared at him for a moment, then jerked his head in a nod. The crowds parted for him without a word, and Sean took a deep breath. 

“I trust someone’s called the police?”

“I did,” said another bartender, holding up her mobile. She was glaring at the skinhead. “I saw it too. We don’t tolerate that here.”

Emily let out a long breath. She hadn’t doubted Clyde, but another witness was always helpful. She crossed over to the trembling young woman.

“Are you all right?”

The girl’s eyes shifted from her spiked drink to Emily. “I…He would have…”

Her shivering intensified. Emily wrapped an arm around her. “I know, but you’re okay. You’re safe now, I promise.”

The girl gave a strangled sob, and Emily pulled her into a proper hug and let her cry. Tsia caught her eye, eyes flashing with anger and sympathy, and Emily rubbed gentle circles into the girl’s back.

“It’s okay. It will all be okay.”

After a long minute, the girl gave a shuddering sob and drew back. “How…How do I know he didn’t do it earlier?”

Emily’s stomach lurched, but the bartender who had called the police was already there, “An ambulance is on the way too. I didn’t see anything, but it’s better safe than sorry.” She bit her lip. “I’m so sorry this happened.”

The girl sniffed. She was silent for a moment, hands fiddling with a loose thread from her shirt, before she looked back at Emily. “That other man, the one who stopped him, is he your friend?”

“Clyde?” Emily asked. “Yeah, he is.”

“Will you thank him for me? Please?”

“Sure,” said Emily gently.

She glanced round, but though she could see Jeremy and Sean talking with the newly-arrived police, there was no sign of Clyde. Alarm spiked through her chest, and the bartender coughed. “I can stay with her, if you want to find him?”

Emily glanced at the girl, who sniffed and nodded. “I’ll be right outside if you need anything, okay?”

Both of them nodded, and Emily caught Tsia’s eye. Her girlfriend hesitated, then sighed. “You’ll get more out of him by yourself,” she murmured. “I’ll follow in a few minutes.”

Emily squeezed her hand, grateful for her understanding, and headed out of the pub. 

The November wind bit at her cheeks, and she pulled the sleeves of her sweater down to cover her hands as she squinted round. She ignored the skinhead being guided into the waiting police cars, instead scanning the passersby. There were a fair few spectators, but there was no sign of Clyde.

Emily bit her lip. Clyde could take care of himself, but the only time she had seen him that furious was when Tsia had been attacked by a particularly stupid racist. She had never seen him lose control of himself like that before, and it had scared her.

Now, she was becoming increasingly scared for him.

There was only an unbroken line of shops to the left, but there was an alleyway round the other side, and instinct had Emily moving towards it. 

The only light came from the streetlight on the other side of the road, but it was enough. Emily let out a shaky breath, and made her way past a pair of bins to crouch in front of her friend.

“There are nicer places to get some air, you know.”

She was expecting a reply, even a sharp one, but Clyde said nothing. His knees were drawn up to his chest, and he continued to stare blankly at the opposite wall, and Emily’s stomach twisted.

“Clyde? Can you hear me?”

Clyde blinked, but the shudders running through his body had intensified, and Emily bit her lip. She touched his arm, and when he blinked again she gripped his hands.

“Clyde, listen to me. You are safe. I’m here. There’s no danger.”

Clyde’s breathing hitched. He squeezed his eyes shut, breath coming in ragged gasps, and when Emily shifted her grip she found his pulse fast and thready under her fingers.

“Damn it,” she whispered.

It had been a while since he had a panic attack, and she didn’t want to think about what might have triggered it, but she couldn’t stand by and let her friend suffer.

“Clyde, look at me.”

Clyde’s jaw clenched, but Emily kept talking, “Clyde, I’m here. You know me. You know I won’t let anyone touch you. Look at me, Clyde.”

Clyde finally blinked up at her, eyes wide with panic, and Emily squeezed his hands. “Good. That’s really good. Now, I need you to list every Queen album in order for me, all right?”

For a moment she thought Clyde was too far gone to hear her, but then he sucked in a shuddering breath. His lips moved silently, too quietly for Emily to hear, but she could feel his shivering easing a little, and when he finished he no longer felt like he would fly apart. Emily managed a smile.

“Good. That’s really good. Now do every song that appears on ‘A Night at the Opera’.”

Clyde swallowed. “‘Death on Two Legs’,” he rasped. “‘Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon. I’m in Love with My Car. You’re My Best Friend'…”

He went through both sides of the record, and then did it backwards, and when he finally sagged back against the wall his shivering had eased so much it was almost unnoticeable. Emily sat back on her heels.

“Are you all right?”

Clyde nodded. His face was very pale, and he didn’t meet her eyes. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

“You don’t have anything to apologise for,” said Emily firmly. 

Clyde didn’t look convinced, but he also didn’t seem like he had the energy to argue. Emily kept hold of his hands. She didn’t want to pry, but she couldn’t leave this alone.

“The girl at the bar told me to say thank you.”

If she wasn’t watching so closely she would have missed his flinch. It took him a moment to reply, “I did what anyone would have.”

Emily eyed him. Clyde was the most private person she had ever met, but she did know him. The last time she had seen him like this had been when a bad case had triggered memories from Bosnia. If this was something similar…

“Go on and ask.”

Startled, Emily blinked up. Clyde still wasn’t looking at her, and his shaking had worsened again. “Clyde-”

“I know you won’t let it go. Just ask so we can go back to pretending everything is fine.”

Emily chewed on her lip for a second, but he was right. She couldn’t not ask. Not if there was any chance that she might be able to help.

She still had to take a deep breath first.

“What happened?”

Clyde was quiet for so long that she began to think he had changed his mind, but just when she was on the verge of suggesting they head back to the hotel he took a deep breath.

“I was in my first year of uni.” 

His voice was so quiet she had to strain to hear it, and then it was all she could do to keep herself steady. Clyde continued, eyes fixed on the floor, “First week actually. Went out with my new classmates. I had one drink.” He squeezed his eyes shut. “I remember nothing of the rest of the night.”

Bile rose in Emily’s mouth. She had to swallow hard before she could speak, “Did you report it?”

Clyde gave a weak huff. “You think anyone would have believed a student was forced to take drugs? Back then?” He shook his head. “And…Cambridge wasn’t exactly accepting.”

It took a moment for Emily’s brain to process that, and then she could only stare at him. “You…Clyde…” She stopped, and tried again. “Did they…?”

“I don’t know,” Clyde whispered. He scrubbed his hands over his face, and finally looked her in the eye. “I had bruises and I hurt, but I don’t know what happened, Emily. I don’t know.”

His voice was rising and the panic was threading back into his voice, and Emily threw caution to the wind and pulled him for a hug. Clyde sagged against, trembling like a leaf, and Emily hugged him tight.

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

Clyde made an incoherent noise in the back of his throat, and Emily caught the nape of his neck. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

She brushed her fingers through his hair, and felt him slowly relax against her. Tears burned at her eyes, and she blinked them away before they could fall. Clyde needed her right now.

“What do you need?”

Clyde gave a brittle laugh. “The ability to travel back in time and tell my younger self not to be a bloody idiot?”

Emily flinched. “You cannot blame yourself for that!”

“Of course I can,” Clyde muttered. “I was stupid.”

Emily drew back to look him in the eye. She could tolerate a lot of things, but she couldn’t listen to that. She was opening her mouth to argue when she had a better idea.

“Was that girl in there stupid?”

“What?” Clyde demanded. “Of course not.” Then his eyes narrowed. “That’s different.”

“How?” Emily asked, and somehow she managed to keep her voice calm. “She’s roughly the same age you were. She hasn’t had any training, just like you hadn’t. What makes her situation so different from yours?”

Clyde opened his mouth, then closed it again and looked away. Emily sighed. That wasn’t a battle she was going to win any time soon.

“Okay,” she said. “Is there anything I can do for you right now?”

Clyde met her eyes for a split-second before ducking his head again. “You’re already doing it.”

A flicker of warmth pierced through the shock and fear, and Emily took both his hands in hers. “I’m not going anywhere.”

The corner of Clyde’s mouth twitched into a weak smile. Emily chewed on her lip, then glanced up as a shadow fell across them.

“There you are,” Tsia said. “I was beginning to think you’d gotten lost…”

Her voice trailed off as she took in the scene, and her eyes hardened. She crouched next to Clyde. “I really will go and break his arm, if you want.”

Clyde choked out a startled laugh, but shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but he’ll get what’s coming to him.” His amusement faded as quickly as it had come. “Is that girl all right?”

“She’s fine,” Tsia assured him. “She’s on her way to the hospital, but she wasn’t showing any symptoms.”

“Good,” said Clyde quietly.

Tsia quirked an eyebrow at Emily, who grimaced. She squeezed Clyde’s hands. “How about we get back to the hotel?”

Tsia nodded, but Clyde frowned. “I need to give a statement.”

“Tomorrow,” said Tsia. “There was a room full of witnesses,” she continued, when Clyde’s frown deepened. “Yours can wait ’til you’re not about to pass out.”

It was a mark of how rough he was feeling that Clyde didn’t even try to protest. He accepted the hand up Tsia offered him, and rubbed a hand over his face. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I’ll be fine.”

Emily glanced at Tsia, and saw her own concern mirrored on her girlfriend’s face, but she just nodded. “Okay, but if you ever want to talk-”

“I know,” said Clyde. He managed a faint smile. “Thank you, Emily.”

“Any time,” said Emily softly.

He was still pale and shaky. Emily couldn’t help pulling him into another hug, and Clyde clung to her like a lifeline. There was so much she wanted to say, but she had to swallow down the lump in her throat first.

“You know, that girl is safe because of you,” she said softly. Clyde stiffened, but Emily kept talking, “That guy won’t be hurting anyone else, because of you.”

“She’s right,” said Tsia. Emily smelled her perfume as she drew closer. “That girl will be okay.” She paused, and added more softly, “You will be too.”

Clyde was silent for a minute, then gently disentangled himself from them. He turned aside, and when he looked back his eyes were clear.

“Thank you,” he repeated.

Emily shook her head, and Tsia elbowed him very gently. “Stop that. We’ve got you.”

Clyde looked at the two of them, and for the first time in what seemed like hours a small but completely genuine smile touched his lips. “Yes,” he said quietly. “I believe you do.”

“Finally,” said Tsia, but her expression was very fond and very soft as she looked at him. She wrapped her arm around Emily’s waist, and held out her free hand to Clyde. “Let’s get back. You look like you could sleep for a week.”

Clyde gave a faint huff, but he took her hand and something in Emily’s chest settled. They would be okay. She would make sure of it. 

[lifeofkaze]

An Art of Balance #8

Orion Amari x MC

A/N: I did it, under 2.000 words, hooray! And not because that’s actually HALF of a chapter that I had to split due to way too many words. Sigh. As always, Katriona Cassiopeia belongs to my amazing friend @kc-needs-coffee, I love borrowing her so much <3

Warning: mild swearing

 Word Count: ~ 1.700

______________________________________________________________ 

Chapter 8: Rain & Thunder

Much to her dismay, Lizzie had been right.

Skye had decided to cope with her emotions by converting them into anger, most of it directed at her. Although completely unwarranted, they hadn’t exchanged any words above the bare minimum since the incident at the Quidditch stands. Lizzie had tried to talk sense into her at first, but after a few attempts she had given up.

If Skye was intent on making Lizzie her emotional punching bag, good riddance to her.

As the usual mediator between the girls, McNully had suggested to get Penny to reason with her, but the blond girl had downright refused.

“She is embarrassed because of me, I’m the last person she wants to see right now.”

So they had had no choice but to accept Skye’s stubbornness and leave her alone. It pained Lizzie to be shut out by her friend once again, but there was nothing she could do to set things right. She only hoped they would work things out in time for the match against Ravenclaw.

 *

Lizzie shivered as she fastened the buckles of her Quidditch gloves tighter. The air in the Hufflepuff changing room was freezing, the icy winds howling outside making her wish the match was already over and done with.

The cold had hit them earlier than usual this year. It had been raining ceaselessly for the last week and today was not an exception. Even over the sharp gusts of wind Lizzie could hear the rumble of the excited crowd that had gathered on the stands to watch the match Hufflepuff versus Ravenclaw despite the horrific conditions.

It was almost time for the teams to enter the pitch. Lizzie could feel the familiar flutter in her stomach settling in. Even after all these years, she had to fight hard to keep her cool before every single match. Pacing up and down, brimming with anticipation, she glanced over to Orion. He was fastening his captain’s armband above his jersey, looking as deeply relaxed as ever; nothing seemed to be able to shake him out of his balanced state of mind.

Trying to distract herself, Lizzie’s mind wandered back to their last tutoring session in the greenhouse a few days earlier. They had talked about her strained relationship with Skye and discussed tactical options for the match ahead. Developing strategies for possible scenarios while trimming leaves or repotting plants had become somewhat of a habit for them.

Unfortunately, Rowan got left out of the conversation when she and Orion started discussing team matters; and while Lizzie did feel guilty about not exactly furthering her friend’s ambitions, somehow, she just couldn’t help herself. She had always found Orion easy to open up to, but since they had started sharing something besides Quidditch, Lizzie had discovered he was much more faceted than she had thought before.

Sensing her nerves, Orion casually strolled over to her and put his hand reassuringly upon her shoulder.

“Relax, we’ll be doing fine. Just remember our strategy. If the universe does not interfere, we will come out on top.”

A derisive snort behind them had them turn their heads. Skye, who was leaning against one of the poles supporting the huge tent, was shaking her head in disbelief.

“Our strategy is bollocks if you ask me. Ravenclaw’s Beaters are far too skilled for this nonsense you came up with. Cassiopeia almost never misses a target and I know personally what it does to you to take a Bludger from Rath.”

“This is not the time, Skye. We have agreed on a plan and we are sticking to it. Changing everything now will severely unbalance our team. More so than it is already,” Orion replied calmly, but Lizzie could make out an edge of tension to his voice.

“We wouldn’t have to change anything if the plan was decent. I could have come up with something better suited in a heartbeat,” Skye huffed.

Lizzie’s had heard enough. She was already on edge as it was, and Skye criticising Orion mere minutes before the beginning of the match was enough to make her snap. She abruptly turned around fully to face the other girl.

“Tell you what, Skye I’m so fucking great Parkin. Orion’s strategy is sound, Orion’s strategy is valid and Orion’s strategy will help us win this thing. If you have a problem with this, I suggest next time you don’t run off practise as soon as your feet hit the ground, just because you have a problem with your overinflated ego!”

Skye’s face turned red, her eyes narrowed to slits. “Who do you even think you are, you- “

“That is enough, I believe.” Orion firmly stepped between them, keeping them apart with his hands, their eyes shooting daggers at each other. For a moment, his calm eyes caught Lizzie’s, begging her wordlessly to back down before things got even worse.

Lizzie was not nearly done with Skye; all the times she had been the target of her unwarranted anger were bubbling to the surface with force. But the steady look in Orion’s dark eyes cooled her fury enough to let her draw a deep, steadying breath. Without a word she spun around and stalked to the other end of the changing room.

As Orion called their team towards the huge blackboard at the far end of the changing room soon after, she tried to put her racing mind back to order. This was not the time for fights.

She sat down between Everett and Lucy, watching Orion prepare for their obligatory moment of vivification. Now he was all captain, entirely focused on the task ahead of them.

Listening to his enthusiastic speech, Lizzie felt herself relax. Her boiling rage subsided as her mind focused solely on what was to come. The tingling sensation in her stomach turned to burning excitement to finally get going. Even Skye seemed to be listening attentively.

“This match will set the tone for the rest of the season. Together, my friends, we will vanquish the challenge ahead of us. We will fight for one another as we will fight for the Quidditch Cup. We will fight and we will win, as one team,” Orion concluded his speech.

“One team!” they echoed, firing themselves up. Everybody grabbed their broomsticks and headed towards the exit of the tent when Orion called Lizzie and Skye back. Both girls eyed each other warily, neither saying a word. Orion sighed, his frustration palpable.

“My friends, I hope both of you take our motto to heart. We are one team. We need to be a union to succeed. Especially the three of us; we need to work together in harmony, or we will have a hard time against our formidable opponents.”

Lizzie said nothing, waiting for Skye’s response. She already felt sorry for having had a go at her, and just before the match at that. But she was adamant not yield to her this time. If Skye felt the need to fight, she could very well have that.

Skye’s expression was motionless, however. “I think we need to go. Madam Hooch blew her whistle twice already, won’t wait for us much longer.”

Without so much as another look at them, she turned around and jogged out of the tent, leaving Orion and Lizzie behind.

 *

Lizzie was breathing hard. They were one hour into the match and it was exactly as Orion had feared.

Ravenclaw was destroying them.

The other team was in the lead, the score standing at 70 to 30. Lizzie grit her teeth every time McNully announced another shot had made it past their Keeper.

The Hufflepuff offence was utterly teethless. Most of their passes got intercepted and Andre, playing as Keeper for Ravenclaw, managed to block most attempts at his goal posts. Where Lizzie usually felt connected to Orion and Skye, she could have been alone on the pitch for what it was worth today.

Their defence was in shambles as well, the gushing wind making it almost impossible for the Hufflepuff Beaters to accurately aim a Bludger at the attacking Chasers. In fact, one of Everett’s Bludgers had almost knocked Orion out earlier.

This was not a problem Ravenclaw’s Beaters seemed to have though. Rath had been tailing Skye for the whole match, while KC had been keeping a sharp eye on Lizzie. They were effectively cancelling them out of the action, the Ravenclaw Chasers taking care of stopping Orion.

Frustrated, Lizzie wiped the stinging rain out of her eyes and gripped the Quaffle harder when a flash of blue robes and fiery red hair shot past her.

“Cassiopeia is overtaking Jameson, what is she up to? We are about to find out!” McNully’s magically enhanced voice echoed over the pitch, drowning out the roar of the crowd and the thunder rolling in the distance.

“A Bludger has set its path into Cassiopeia’s direction, there is only one way she can stop Jameson from a shot at the Ravenclaw goal posts, a good old-fashioned Bludger Back-Beat!”

Lizzie had seen it as well. The Bludger was racing towards KC who, with a quick glance over her shoulder, swung her bat expertly behind her, redirecting the Bludger towards Lizzie with full force.

She quickly leaned to the side, as the iron sphere shot towards her, but the distance between her and KC had just been too short. The Bludger grazed her shoulder, knocking her off course, a dull pain spreading in waves from where it had hit her. Gripping at the handle of her broomstick, she had to let the Quaffle go. It was immediately retrieved by a Chaser in a blue robe.

Meanwhile, McNully was practically losing his mind up in the commentary box. “And she did it! Cassiopeia pulls the Bludger Back-Beat off like a true professional! Only 12,9 % of all Beaters are able to hit their target with this technique! Ladies and gentlemen, this girl truly is Ravenclaw’s Rising Star!”

Lizzie grunted in pain and tried to catch sight of the Chaser with the Quaffle through the curtains of sleet. She would need to have a word with McNully later on.

Listening to him almost gave the impression he wasn’t as partially impartial as he set himself up to be.

[jafndaegur]

Noise of Rain | Chapter Five

These are Two Different Worlds, She Walks the Borderline—

Sesskag

a/n: we're coming to the close of the first half! Yay! I think this will probably have about five or so more chapters. Thanks for reading this guilty indulgence of mine~

...

Sesshomaru had taken Rin to a village about a day's worth of travel from the Burial Mounds. They had happened to be in the area, and while his ward went to shop for her supplies, he thought about their next step of travel. Particularly because a bothersome idea had crept into his mind ever since they arrived.

He wanted to go visit the miko in the mountains.

Since the last time he had checked-in on her, he'd noticed they were still struggling to put together their little crop fields. Humans, so fragile and needy that if they could not somehow pertain the correct soil for their crops, they would die. Hah.

So he'd provided lotus pods out of his magnanimous generosity… he was starting to sound too much like Jaken. 

Maybe he should leave the little imp behind for a while, refresh his mind and ears from the presence of the squawky toad.

Going to the miko's would generate that reprieve—

Before he indulged the thought any further, he squashed it with the sharp pinprick of his claws against his palm. 

Since her sudden change, something drew Sesshomaru to her. Curiosity is what he would like to name it, a strange girl with the power to suddenly obliterate the most dangerous hanyou this world had seen; obviously despite his anger that he wasn't the one to kill Naraku, her actions had caught his eye. Perhaps it was the sheer brutality of her powers, a miko easily and without pause tearing apart a living creature. While he enjoyed the sight with a great deal of satisfaction, that was uncharacteristic for the young miko. The daiyoukai huffed, if he didn't know any better, the resentful energy that the miko claimed to use was drastically changing her temperament.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. The girl should feel so lucky that he graced her with the constant barrage of thought. Under normal circumstances he would have never cared. Which ultimately brought him full circle again to the main question at hand.

Why did he care, now?

"Lord Sesshomaru!"

Rin's voice cut through the air as if she were standing right next to him. She knew better than to call him when in a town unless it was something important. He sped through the street, chasing the child's delicate scent like a marked path. Damn the humans staring at him, he didn't care. If someone had dared to cause a single scratch upon Rin's flesh. Well.

It'd been a long while since he'd razed a village to cinders.

Sesshomaru halted immediately though. 

Rin walked ahead with a skip, her arms full of gauze, salve, and food. She didn’t look for him however, she looked to the side—where a figure accompanied her. Not just any figure, the miko. 

He took in the sight of her, his eyes narrowing. Her hair was shaggy and unkempt. Her clothes too big and overly wrinkled, they hung off her body with an almost scandalous air to them and he wondered if she knew how to actually properly tie her yukata. It was her eyes though, that dawned the answer to his question.

Because a small smile worked its way on her face as she talked with Rin before eyeing her attention to him. And it was those blue wonders that had been so alive and vibrant before that were now dull and tired, hollowed by sleep circles and darkened bags.

The miko who'd had twice as much liveliness as Rin, the miko who stared everything down with joy and easy-going laughter, was now a husk of a human. And that bothered him.

Because there was no explanation for her change.

"Sesshomaru!" She waved with the hand holding her fife, and he had the sudden urge to grab it and chuck it into the heavens.

"Lord Sesshomaru! You came!" Rin pranced up to him with a proud grin. "Lady Kagome mentioned how nice it would be to see you."

"Rin." He narrowed his glance. "This one is not here for your beck and call."

"I know!" She chirped eagerly.

"I wasn't sure when the next time I could see you would be. It's already been quite some time." Kagome admitted with a sheepish look. "And Rin assured me you were nearby."

Sesshomaru hummed.

"Would you like something to eat?" She continued hurriedly, squeezing Rin's hand gently before pulling away from the child. "My treat."

He wondered if she should really be making such an offer. Still the youkai inclined his head.

His ward cheered and the miko seemed to relax. They wandered down a small path in the town that led to a patio restaurant. Fried fish and pork could be seen on the grills, and the smell of rice and soup filled the air. It was homely.

"Tea, sweet soup for the girl, and two spicy plates!" Kagome ordered before ushering them to a table at the corner. 

It was obvious the other diners were wary of the little group. The rumored Edo Matriarch and a daiyoukai certainly did not make for pleasant clientele. And yet Kagome seemed to brush aside the tense atmosphere for chatter. This was the first time in a long time that Sesshomaru had heard her so carefree and well...like her old self. He indulged her.

Their food was brought out quickly, a small bowl of soup and sweet smelling fruit was handed to Rin. Two bowls of rice topped with red-sauced beef were placed in front of him and the miko. She looked ecstatic.

"Things are slow going in the Burial Mounds but what can I say. That place is pretty inhospitable. It's taken a lot of energy to set up our living there, but it's coming along."

The demon lazily ran his fingers through his hair before giving his tea a delicate sip. "This one has noticed depleted demonic presences in this area. Would that be your doing, miko?"

She hid her giggle behind the back of her hand. "I have created a new tool to draw in and horde resentful energy. Without any malicious or evil just floating around willy-nilly, there's no place for lesser youkai to feed on that negative aura."

He felt a nerve twitch. Could she really do such feats without corruption? There were reasons why meager demons fed on prevalent evil atmospheres.

"Don’t look so concerned," Kagome's smile thinned and she went to absentmindedly twirl her fife. "I've got it under control."

He wondered.

She picked up her chopsticks, laughing when Rin eagerly thanked her for the soup, and started to eat the food with gusto. Sesshomaru felt a small twinge in his chest. Maybe he pondered ceaselessly over nothing. 

He would have thought that if it weren't for the sharp blast of yellow light that flashed from the folds of the miko's robes.

She hissed and withdrew one of her yellow talismans. The red writing glittered before the paper combusted. a curse flew past her lips and she stood immediately from the table.

"Sorry Sesshomaru, this is an emergency." She bolted then, haori fluttering as she fled from the patio. 

The daiyoukai pinched the bridge of his nose, gaze sliding to Rin. "Do you have any money left over?"

"Rin saved a few silver pieces," her little mouth twisted with concern. "Is everything okay my lord?"

He rose as well. "Pay for the meal, find Jaken. I will return later."

She nodded. "Be safe Lord Sesshomaru."

The wind seemed to bend around him as he sped after Kagome, ignoring her startled yelp as he wrapped his arm around her waist and sent them flying for the Burial Mounds. Her hair whipped around like tendrils of ink.

"Miroku is waiting outside of the cave at the center." She urged him. "You'll have to wait there if you want to stick around. There's going to be a massive lash of resentful energy and I cannot handle you transforming into your true form."

"Doubt in my self control is not a good look for you," he growled.

"Nonetheless," she muttered. "Two out of control powerhouses may be beyond my reach if that were to happen."

He wanted to ask what she meant. But the monk came into view and they touched down before he had the chance. Miroku rushed to them. Roaring could be heard from the cave along with the frantic shouting of the demon slayer.

Kagome shot a panicked look to the man before running inside the cave. Sesshomaru followed her without question or care to the monk's protest.

She had been right.

The amount of evil aura permeated the small space like a fog, and it weighed heavily on his baser instincts. He clutched Tenseiga, allowing the serene energy to calm his raging inner-self.

Kohaku fought his sister in a fit of rabid rage. His eyes completely rolled back and white, and hair strewn from his usual ponytail. Unlike pass times as Naraku's puppet, he had an unnatural and unrestrained power about him that thrummed like a barrier. Sesshomaru snarled.

Kagome's music filtered through the air and the dark energy flooded towards her, which she accepted with open meridians. Kohaku's fury diverted to her and he rushed her without mercy. Sesshomaru’s temper snapped and he'd enough. He lunged forward, claws intent on putting the whelp in its place.

The music stopped. "Don't hurt him Sesshomaru, he doesn't kno—"

That hesitation. One moment. And the mindless boy rushed past the dog demon and attack Kagome front on.

To her credit, she defended well. Her fife parried his first punch, body whipping around as she stoutly kicked him in the chest. He recovered quickly and barreled straight into her, head and shoulder pushing into her torso. Slamming her straight into the wall. The miko gasped out, blood flying from her mouth as she fell to the ground with a stagger. Sesshomaru yanked the boy back and sent him spiraling across the cave. He helped the miko up, eyes widening as the light in the cave flickered.

Her eyes bled red and her balance wobbled. The resentful energy seaped into her body in torrents and in that instant Sesshomaru realized that there was nothing he could do to stop the stream.

Kagome reached into her robe and drew forth a dark grey amulet in the shape of a phoenix. The energies spiraled into it. Her eyes flashed bright crimson, and the daiyoukai loathed to admit that his control waivered. But Kohaku fell to the ground, immobile and screaming. Kagome threw the amulet into the air and caught it with a chant. The dark energy stopped its movement and it became stagnant again. Sango ran to her brother's side, cradling him close while sobbing his name.

Kagome sagged.

"I thought," Sesshomaru grit his teeth. "You said everything was taken care of."

The miko looked at him with a bloodied and tired smile. "I've lied to you before, haven't I?"

"You will stop immediately." He growled. 

She hid the phoenix amulet back in her robes, and leaned against his side. He had the strongest urge to push her off and storm away. And yet even now, he found himself gravitating to her side.

[ladyanput]

Seeing Green Ch.9

Alright, here’s the chapter where you all find out I can’t write action scenes worth crap.

Chat Noir had left her alone, shivering in the cold as freezing air blew in through the warehouse's broken windows. Her limbs were beginning to feel numb, and her wrists were raw and bloodied from all of her vicious tugging to try and get free.

She faintly heard the sounds of footsteps and Chat Noir appeared in her vision once again, holding a small plastic bag. He smiled as he knelt beside her once again, blissfully unaware of her growing shivering.

"I got you the perfect outfit now, my lady." Chat grinned excitedly, reminding Marinette of a toddler about to show their messy art to their parents. A very deranged toddler, that is. He pulled a red mask out of the plastic bag, it was obviously made of some felt material and had crudely drawn on black dots. She flinched when Chat put it on her. "There we go, now you're perfect, Ladybug."

"Chat, no, Adrien, please let me go. I- I can't feel my fingers." She begged, then flinched when he got close. He kissed her without even listening to what she said, and when his tongue invaded her mouth, a sob left her.

This was supposed to be her partner, someone she could rely on and fight with until the end. They had been through so much together, yet here he was, lost in some sick fantasy that he refused to let go of. When he pulled back, he had a look of euphoria on his face as he stroked her cheek.

"You taste so sweet, but I alway knew you would be. You're my beautiful Ladybug after all." Chat hummed, reaching into the plastic bag again. He withdrew a pair of silver rings, sliding one onto Marinette's left ring finger, the other onto his own.  "There we go… Our own perfect happily ever after."

"What?" She croaked out, her voice dry. She shivered as another cool breeze swept over them.

"I dreamt of us having a big house, three beautiful children… I always knew you were meant for me when you stood up to Hawkmoth on our first day as heroes." He nuzzled her cheek gently, then nuzzled her cold, grey earrings. "I'd rather you be yourself right now, but I can pretend. I always know how to play pretend really well."

"Adrien…" She felt the bile rise in her throat, thoughts of Adrien's past nightly activities flashing in her mind and fear flooded her further. She squirmed when his body pressed close to hers as he cuddled close. Her voice rose in pitch as hysterics set in. "Please..  Please, don't!"

"What?" Chat stopped his kisses on her neck and his green eyes studied her, before widening, looking almost hurt. "Ladybug, I'd never do that to you… I'd never hurt my precious Ladybug."

Marinette closed her eyes and tried to think of Damian, of her friends back at the hotel, of Eva. They must be looking for her, they had to be. They wouldn't leave her alone here, would they? Surely they cared. Right…?

Chat was looming over her face once again, his smile wide. Marinette tried to turn her head away from him, but he forced her chin over and his lips were on hers once again.

---

Nightwing watched helplessly as Robin savagely beat up a thug that had mentioned to them that he had seen a guy in black leather carrying a girl towards the warehouse district. 

There was obvious frustration and anger radiating off of Robin, his desperation to find Marinette clear to the rest of the team. They all felt the same, but they couldn't afford to go in rashly and end up getting the girl hurt, especially with the black cat's destructive powers that Tim told him about.

"Robin, that's enough." Batman stepped forward and grabbed Robin's shoulder, pulling him back roughly, leaving the thug curled up in fetal position on the ground. "Killing him won't help us get to her faster."

"He has her. I know the police couldn't find anything, but who the fuck else would have her?!" Robin turned on his father, his body trembling with the rage that just kept bubbling inside of him. Usually he was good with his emotions, of being able to control them, but when Marinette was in trouble all of that training seemed to go out the window. "If he's such a fucking creep that he spies on her at night, what else could he do to her?!"

"Yes, but keep in mind he's most likely transformed, and from what Red Robin saw in those videos, these Miraculous' powers can withstand a lot of damage." Batman shook his head and turned towards the direction of the warehouse district. "Everyone, move. If you see Chat Noir, proceed with extreme caution, we don't want casualties today."

The team made their way towards the warehouse district, eyes peeled for any signs of movement. It was a cold winter's night, the air biting deep and cruel. Worry spiked dramatically as Robin thought of how cold Marinette must be. He was sure the stupid tomcat was too much of an idiot to even think about bringing her winter coat, especially since it was snowing outside.

"I don't see anything down at the south end." Red Hood reported over his comm as he looked into every warehouse that he could. Lots of abandoned warehouses, but no Marinette, and no furry freak.

"Guys, I think I've got something." Black Bat's voice sounded slightly strained as she watched the scene inside of the warehouse from her perch by one of the windows. Marinette tied to a pole by her wrists, shivering hard with her lips looking rather blue. When Batwoman dropped in beside her, she grimaced at the sight of the crude mask put on the young woman's face, or the cat themed hero forcing kisses on the barely conscious girl.

"I want to skin him.." Batwoman hissed through clenched teeth as she watched Chat adjust a bridal style veil onto Marinette's head. "She can barely keep her head up."

Black Bat couldn't respond due to Robin shoving his way past them and rushing his way into the warehouse, sword drawn, a look of murderous intent on his face, Nightwing hot on his heels.

"Robin, wait!"

Chat looked up at the sound of commotion, only to be knocked back and sent flying across the room by a superb kick from Robin. Batman cursed under his breath and when he accepted the planned surprise attack was compromised, went in and joined the rest of them.

Chat got to his feet and brushed off the kick as if he had been swatted with a damp towel. His green eyes narrowed furiously at the sight of the Gotham heroes, his clawed hands curling into fists.

"What are you all doing here? Get away from my Lady!" He snarled when he noticed Red Robin knelt beside Marinette, cutting away the ropes that had cut so deep into her wrists. He made his way towards them, but was intercepted by Black Bat who tackled him. "I'll fucking kill all of you!"

"You had no right to kidnap her!" Black Bat snapped back as she struggled with him, getting right in his face as they both strain in their fighting. "She's not some toy you keep around to play with, pervert!"

She didn't get a chance to react when he wrenched her arm and it popped out of its socket, the air leaving her lungs. Chat then grabbed the back of her head and slammed it down onto the concrete floor, making her see stars.

Red Robin carefully helped Marinette stand, though the shivering girl pressed into him, desperate for any trace of warmth. With a soft curse, he took off his cape and draped it over her shoulders. 

"Did he hurt you, Marinette?" He whispered, watching as Robin wailed on Chat, their weapons meeting with loud clashes. Carefully he began moving her towards the entrance of the warehouse. 

"No, but… but he…" She swallowed thickly, reaching up and taking off the crude mask and the cheap wedding veil. Red Robin felt disgust at the sight of the ring on her left hand. He slid it off of her finger and tossed it onto the floor. "Just kissing, that was it."

"Let's get you out of here, you're freezing." He whispered, but frowned when she struggled against him.

"No… I need Tikki… to take Chat's ring." Her words slurred, her lashes fluttering as her lids felt heavy, but she took a step towards where Chat was currently trying to strangle Batman.

Chat's gaze rose and he snarled when he saw Marinette was untied. He took a threatening step towards her, but Robin stepped into his path, swinging his sword. The black cat met the sword with his staff and hissed at him.

"You're trying to take her away from me. She's mine, she belongs to me, not some pretty boy spoiled brat." Chat hissed, shoving Robin back only to charge at him. The two struggled as Robin kept getting knocked back by the inhumanly strong cat themed hero, but that only fueled the young assassin's anger.

"She's not property! She doesn't belong to anyone!" Robin snapped, aiming for Chat's head, but stopping short when the cat reached out and grabbed his wrist. This was Ladybug's partner? A guy who acted like he was owed the girl he had feelings for? That he automatically got her because of some stupid delusion of soulmates? "I'll cut your fucking hands off for what you did."

Chat stared at him, before grinning. Then in a swift move, he crushed Robin's hand, then reared back and smashed his head into his.

---

Marinette stumbled her way towards the exit, shivering wildly as Tim supported her. She went to thank him, but he was ripped away from her and sent flying across the room, slamming into one of the concrete poles.

Chat wrapped an arm around her waist and held her against him, his expression one of deranged fury.

"If any of you come near us, I'll destroy her. Cataclysm!" Marinette felt the blood drain from her face as he held his powered up hand inches from her face. "If I can't have her, I'll never let anyone else! She's mine, and if I can only join her in the afterlife, so be it!"

"Adrien!" Marinette let out a shrill scream, drawing the attention of the remaining conscious heroes. She struggled, mentally begging for Tikki to hurry and find her. "Adrien, please stop!"

"No!" Chat snarled right in her face, his grip tightening on her, making her wince. "You're mine, Ladybug!"

"She's not Ladybug."

All eyes turned to the warehouse doors as they were thrown open, a strong wind bursting in, filling the place with flurried snow.

And there stood Ladybug, hands on her hands and a furious expression on her face.

"M- my Lady. But how..?" Chat began to tremble, dropping Marinette in his shock, sending her sprawling across the floor. "Ladybug, you're here!"

"I can't believe you, Chat? Kidnapping a civilian? Threatening to kill her? And here I thought you were my partner, a superhero!" Ladybug shook her head sadly, hugging herself. "And here I thought I was falling in love with you…"

"No, wait, Ladybug, please!" He stepped away from Marinette and made his way towards his Ladybug, reaching out towards her. "I thought you were being stolen away from me! You do love me, you know you do! You see? I was doing this for us!"

"Oh Chat…" Ladybug gave a thin smile, then narrowed her eyes. "I'll have fun kicking your scrawny ass."

Ladybug burst into orange smoke and a pair of feet planted themselves firmly on Chat's chest, making him sprawl onto his back. Everyone stared at the woman standing on Chat's chest.

Her violet eyes sparkled with amusement, body clad in an orange bodysuit, what looked to be a black collar around her throat, the Fox Miraculous dangling. Her fox ears twitched every so slightly, her fluffy tail curled up tight.

"Hello kitty cat. You know, what you did was highly illegal." She purred, then stomped hard on his throat.

"Are those high heels?" Marinette hissed, narrowing her eyes as she watched Chat throw the fox heroine across the warehouse, then him spreading after her, claws unsheathed as he went at her with his Cataclysm. 

"Hey Sugar Cookie, I think this belongs to you!" The fox unfurled her tail, Tikki darting out and rushing towards her Chosen.

"Marinette! You're safe!" Tikki cuddled to her chosen, only to flinch back when she felt how cold she was. "Hurry, transform and take Chat's ring!"

"Tikki, spots on!"

---

Chat swiped furiously at the mysterious fox, maddening fury pumping through his veins. This bitch used Ladybug's persona against him. He couldn't wait to turn her to ash.

"You're getting rusty, Tomcat. Must be all of those times you'd laze around and let Ladybug do all of the work." She taunted, running backwards as Chat kept trying to swipe at her with his Cataclysm. But Chat managed to trip her by smashing the back of her knees with his staff, and he grabbed her by the throat. He inched his powered hand closer, but it halted when a familiar spotted yo-yo wrapped around his wrist.

"Not so fast, Chat Noir! You're not hurting anyone." Ladybug smirked and ripped the black cat backwards, while Red Hood appeared and tossed one of the boomerangs. He tossed it at Chat, who instinctively caught it with his free hand, and it crumpled into dust.

"Looks like you've lost the upper hand." The fox grinned and bore her claws, slashing at Chat's face, blood splattering and he was sent stumbling back. Batwoman ran up and slammed her fist right into his face, hearing the satisfying crunch of bone. "Ladybug, now!"

As Batwoman, Red Hood, and the fox combined barely pinned down Chat Noir, Ladybug rushed forward and grabbed his wrist, plucking the black cat ring from his finger.

"Adrien Agreste." Ladybug's voice was cold as his transformation slid away, leaving the bleeding teen glaring up at her with furious green eyes. "As the Guardian of the Miraculous, you are hereby retired as the Black Cat holder."

"You can't do this to me! I am the Black Cat, you can't take my ring!" Adrien snapped and struggled, only to freeze when Red Hood took out a gun and held it to his head.

"Move a fucking inch and I'll fucking end you, you disgusting creep." He snarled, body tense. He was itching to end this kid.

"I contacted the police. They'll be here soon." Red Robin made his way over to them, his arm hanging at an odd angle at his side. He eyed the fallen Batman, Black Bat, Robin, and Nightwing. "Jesus, we all practically have military training and he took out over half of us."

"Oh!" Ladybug's eyes widened a fraction, before she stepped back and threw her yo-yo into the air. "Miraculous Ladybug!"

---

Robin's eyes slowly opened, and he saw an angel. Marinette smiled down at him, before taking his hands, now perfectly healed, into his own and helping him stand. Without a word, they tightly embraced and she wept softly into his chest.

"I'm glad you're safe, Angel." He whispered, stepping back and wiping the tears away. She was still shivering, but it had subsided some. "You're safe though?" 

"I'm fine. He didn't do anything to me." She assured him, before turning back to the entire Bat squad who had gathered around, everyone's wounds miraculously healed. "Where's the perv?"

The fox lady, who stood off to the side, pointed to the entrance, where Adrien was tied up, his nose broken. He then noticed Marinette cradling her right hand and the bloodied knuckles and smiled. 

"So…" Marinette turned and crossed her arms, smirking at the fox. "What do I call the heroine who decided shoulder pads and high heels were a smart choice for a superhero costume?"

"I managed to do flips and cartwheels in these heels, so you don't get to judge." The fox pointed a cautious finger at the young teen, smiling. "But I guess you can call me Lady Vixen."

There was a high pitched beeping and soon as the flash of light disappeared, Evangeline stood there, hands on hips.

There was silence for a moment, then a clattering sound. Red Hood had dropped his gun. 

In a swift move, he took off his hood and tossed it aside, his messy dark  hair framing his face. Suddenly, Eva's eyes widened in alarm.

"What the fuck? Jaso-" Before Eva could say anything else, Jason grabbed her by the shoulders and kissed her. Marinette felt her cheeks heat up and an uncomfortable giggle left her as she shied her eyes away. How long had this been going on?

"You're a fucking crazy woman." Jason muttered, resting his forehead against Eva's.

"I had to save Marinette. She couldn't transform without that red fairy." Eva shrugged, though she seemed to have a rather dreamy smile on her face.

"Yeah, but your form was terrible." Jason grabbed her by the waist and tossed her over his shoulder like she was a sack of flour, before he began striding towards the entrance past Adrien. "You and I need to work on that flexibility of yours."

"Jason, what the fuck are you talking about?" Eva struggled in Jason's tight grip, and Marinette watched as her expression went from confusion, to realization, then to a cherry red eagerness. "Oh.. OH!"

Marinette felt her own cheeks heat up, but she quickly turned back to Batman, clearing her throat.

"Thank you all for saving me. I really appreciate it." She smiled, snuggling into Robin's warmth as they heard sirens in the distance. 

"That power of yours comes in handy. I was sure I'd be in the hospital for months." Black Bat grinned, gingerly touching her healed shoulder.

The police quickly arrived, and Adrien was hauled off to Gotham Prison, with a call being sent out to his father.

Marinette was taken back to the hotel, where the entire class was waiting for her in the lobby. Juleka, Rose, Kim, Alix, and Nino all rushed forward and gathered the shivering girl into a tight hug, allowing her to leech off of their warmth, all the while Commissioner Gordon explained everything to Miss Bustier.

"There must be some mistake." Miss Bustier shook her head, looking rather frazzled. She couldn't let this get back to the parents, back to the school board. "Adrien is just a child, you can't arrest him. He just made a mistake, that's all!"

"A mistake?" Gordon's brows shot up in bewilderment before he shook his head. "Listen, Miss, kidnapping isn't a mistake. Holding a terrified girl captive for several hours isn't a mistake. Keeping her bound, in the cold and letting her starve isn't a mistake."

"Marinette probably coerced him into doing it!" Lila spoke up, stepping forward with tears in her eyes.

"She's been obsessed with him for years, he probably couldn't take it anymore. She blackmailed him into some sick fetish game or something to finally get her to stop. Marinette always did like getting all of the attention!"

Alya crossed her arms and glowered over at Marinette. She just had to go and get kidnapped and ruin the entire trip! If Marinette hadn't come, she'd still have her boyfriend, would still have money, and her phone wouldn't be off after her parents decided to cancel her cell subscription. Now she couldn't even update the Ladyblog!

"Why you little…" Alix took a threatening step towards her, but froze in her tracks when she saw Bruce Wayne and Damian making their way into the hotel.

"Good evening, Commissioner Gordon. I heard Marinette was found and we rushed over as fast as we could." Bruce smiled as he shook the Commissioner's hand, watching as his son gathered Marinette into his arms and hugged her tight. "I contacted her parents. Funny thing, they were never told their daughter had been kidnapped."

The glares the adults in the room sent Bustier made her go pale. Eva would certainly have a field day when she got wind of this.

"And I believe that she isn't really safe under the care of such a… mediocre caretaker." Bruce's smile was kind, but his eyes were deadly. "Her parents gave permission for her to stay with us until they get here to take her home."

The class was quiet as Damian guided Marinette over to the elevator, before Alix began laughing, practically doubling over from it.

"Fuck, this is too perfect! Marinette gets to live that pretty princess life you're always boasting about having, Lie-la." She taunted, and the Italian's hands curled into fists as she glared after Marinette and the Wayne heir.

Once in the privacy of her hotel room, Marinette took a seat and gingerly touched her hurt wrists. Plagg hovered over her, looking guilty before he floated down and sadly nuzzled her hand.

"I'm sorry, Gumdrop… I should have reined him in better. I could have stopped him." He whispered, tearing up as he looked down, eyeing her wounded wrists. "I could have stopped him from doing this. But he learned how… how to control me."

"Don't blame yourself. I know he wasn't a true Black Cat." Marinette smiled, scratching the kwami gently between his ears, causing him to purr. Tikki went and hugged Plagg close, the two of them settling on one of the pillows. "But… I think that this madness that overtook him, it was always within him. He chose which path to take."

"We'll find you a new cat, don't worry.." Tikki whispered, hugging Plagg tightly. But Plagg wasn't paying attention, he was staring straight at Damian.

"Well.. We should get you back to the mansion. You'll need all the rest you can get." Damian gathered up Marinette's luggage, eyeing the red and black box she picked up and putting it back into it's secret compartment.  Once it was all gathered up, he kissed her. "Let's go home."

"Home…" Marinette smiled and nuzzled him, having a feeling she was finally where she was meant to be.

---

"Nathalie. Get us some tickets…" Gabriel glanced back at his secretary. "We are going to Gotham to get my foolish son."

[hawksmagnolia]

The Depths Part 4

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1,184

Author’s Note: Sorry this is a day late! 

This is Part 4 - Links to Parts 1-3 are HERE.

THIS IS NOT ENDGAME CANON. Sorry, not sorry. It’s my world and I can do what I want. 

Please reblog and leave me some love. It really does mean the world to me! This has been an absolute labor of love and I can’t wait for next Friday. -xo- Allie

Despite Thor’s timely arrival, Bucky knew they were struggling. He’d long been out of ammunition and had taken to using the serum in his veins and the sharpest knife he’d been able to find. They’d learned Stark was battling Thanos somewhere in space so they had to defend Earth on their own. 

Suddenly the Outriders stopped. All of them. Every beast on the field locked in place.

They went from feral, violent beasts to near catatonic with their heads tilted. 

“What the fuck?” Bucky looked towards Steve who looked as confused as he felt. Around them, people were slowly getting to their feet and checking each other for injuries while warily watching as the sky to the west erupted into black boiling clouds and when everyone looked to Thor, he shook his head.

“That is not my doing.”

The crack of thunder was enough to make them all wince but the outriders continued their stillness but they slowly began to sway to some unheard music.

Bucky stared at them and then realization dawned over him. He turned back to the swirling mass of clouds that was over the area of his Wakandan home and the nearby village. 

And the lake.

The pearl on his wrist felt hot, throbbing like it was alive. 

He looked back at the hypnotic sway of the beasts and grabbed Steve’s arm. “This could be very good or very bad. We have to get over there. Keep everyone else here.”

“Buck…”

“Don’t ask. Not yet. I just need you to trust me.”

Steve stared at him for a moment and then nodded. The two of them took off towards the storm, Steve relaying for everyone to stay in place and on their guard while they investigated.

Bucky’s blue eyes never left the twisting clouds as they covered ground super soldier fast. 

“This is completely unsettling.” Steve glanced at Bucky as they passed another pack of non-moving outriders.

When they crested the hill that overlooked the valley where the village and lake were, Bucky grabbed Steve’s arm to stop him.

The grass beneath their feet had frozen and crunched under their boots. Both of them stared at the piles of bodies, some human but most were the frozen remains of the invading aliens. At the concentric circles that surrounded a tiny specter in white with her hands to the sky.

“Oh shit.”

I stood on the banks, a water wraith in all her glorious fury. I pulled down the clouds, draining them of their moisture until it filled my hands…and then filled the lungs of the monsters that dare attack the people I now consider mine. 

You don’t have to be in the water to drown, the water just has to be in you.

I made my way towards the heart of the village, each beast that attacked gave me more anger to use against the next. 

It was one of the smaller villages, only housed a dozen or so families. Those still alive were hiding in the largest home.

“Go.” My voice was soft but harsh, but I didn’t want risk raising it and accidentally using the power building up inside me. “Go to the water.”

They ran past me, filing to the lake’s edge. 

The lake shallows now filled with creatures of all shapes and sizes from friendly faced otters to massive ancient turtles. They waited patiently to ferry the survivors towards a small island towards the center of this side of the lake. The last one was the village elder, a soft spoken woman, bent with age. She stopped and put her hand on my arm. When I turned to face her, she tapped her ear. It was packed with bees wax and cloth. She smiled knowingly before she climbed onto the back of a turtle who began to slowly make his way away with her. 

Above me, the sky was an angry bruise, black as pitch as the power in my veins built. I closed my eyes and began to hum, just enough to still the creatures as they poured over the hill. When I opened my eyes, I was surrounded by them. They formed multiple ring around me, swaying hypnotically to the beat of my music. 

I shift my weight, still unused to the sensation of legs, of feet planted onto soil that is splattered with the blood of innocents mixed with the black blood of evil. I feel the air around me grow colder, my breath pants in plumes of steam. The creatures began to shiver, I raise my voice enough to hold them locked in my thrall. 

It doesn’t matter the species. If they have blood, they have liquid in their veins. 

And all liquids freeze.

“What the hell is that?” 

“It’s not a what. It’s a who.” Bucky clenched his fist as the temperature continued to drop. He was more than a little shocked at how fast it was plummeting around them. He could feel Steve’s eyes on him and when he met his gaze, Steve’s blond brows were almost at his hairline.

“Is…she?” Bucky nodded and Steve continued. “Is she on our side?”

Bucky’s gaze was back on the figure. “Yeah. She is. She’s fighting for us. Even though I told her to hide.”

“You know her?”

“She saved my life.” He glanced down at the pearl on his wrist, feeling it thump in tandem with his own pulse as her words echoed in his head.

“The world is not a safe place. I accept this. I am not running away scared. I can fight.”

My Tear begins to sing, its twin is near. Which means Bucky is far too close.

But I can’t stop now.

Tears begin to stream down my cheeks as I try to dam the coming tide within me. The tsunami of rage that will destroy all in its path.

Including him. I stagger, unbalanced on unsteady legs. Ice blooms like lace under my bare feet. To some it might be pretty.

People often forget that ice is also so very deadly. 

I drop to my knees, tilt my head back and lose myself in the song.

“Cover your ears!” Bucky shouts as soon as she begins to fall. “Warn the others!”

As they clap their hands over their ears, the sound hits them. Both of them drop to the ground as soldiers are trained, face down in the grass as the Outriders around them began to shriek followed by a wet, crunching sound. Over and over, each of them wincing at the muffled sounds until a silence so abrupt follows that it’s almost a physical ache in their heads.

Bucky tilts his face to the side. All he can see are the contorted carcasses of dead outriders. As  he sits up, he’s shocked to find that they’re all dead. They look as if something…someone had exploded them from the inside out. Each of their bodies is flayed open and the hollow cavities inside are white with frost. Both he and Steve are covered in gore and damp from the grass that is no longer frozen. 

Both of them sit on their heels, knees in the muck as their twin blue eyed gazes towards the village where the bodies have formed a gruesome fence for the tiny white figure who is curled on her side in the fetal position, white hair fanned away from her. 

It’s then he notices how silent, how still the pearl on his wrist is.

“Fuck. No!” Bucky lurched to his feet, boots sliding on the melting entrails as he dashes towards the village, Steve right on his heels.

As they vault and weave their way towards their hero, Sam’s voice comes across the coms.

“I don’t know what happened but half these guys exploded with ice and the other ones turned on each other…Stark just radioed in. They’ve got the stones. Guys?”

In the dark, I hear my mother’s voice.

“Do you want to know a secret? It’s not a song my sweet. It’s a scream, one that drives men to their deaths not because of it’s beauty, but because of the horror is causes. And you, my beautiful daughter, were doubly blessed with the touch of winter. You can command the flow, the sound even the shape of water as a siren. Little fish, you have the ability to wield it like a sword. Never forget you were made to be a warrior.”

I have never felt pain like this before. I feel as if my skin has been peeled from my bones.

My throat constricts as I try to cry out, the muscles spent from the rush of power. My lips are cracked and bleeding.

Sirens bleed red too.

I can hear the faint echo of a heartbeat and I wonder briefly if its mine.

I am so very tired. 

Bucky drops to his knees at her side. She looks so tiny like this. In her siren tail she’s almost double him including her tail but now she’s small, almost fragile. She’s lost the color she’d gained while here, her pearlescent ivory now back. The only color on her body is the scarlet stain of blood across her lips.

Scooping her up he strides towards the shore cradling her against his chest as he makes his way to deeper waters. When she is submerged to her neck, her head lolling against his shoulder. Her pale hair swirls around them like a lacy net and the wet fabric of his shirt clings to her body.

“Is she alive?”

Bucky turned and saw Steve standing on the muddy beach. His best friend looked exhausted, was covered in muck and blood but still his earnest face held questions.

“I’m not sure.”

“What…was that?”

Bucky shifts her in his arms. He isn’t sure if she’s alive. But her gills had flared open when he’d brought her here and then sealed shut. It gave him hope.

“She saved me. I fell into the Bering Sea, figured I was dead. Accepted my fate. And then she swims up. Steve, I thought I was back in cryo. She carried me to the life raft. When I asked to see her again, she gave me..

“The pearl.” Steve finished. “But how did she get here? We’re a long way from Alaska.”

“She followed the pearl. When they put me in cryo here, she thought I was dead. So she swam.”

“From Alaska?”

Bucky nods, continuing as he watches her face for any sign of life. “Eight weeks ago she shows up here. She’s been here ever since.”

Realization dawned on Steve’s face. “She’s the mermaid. The villagers were being serious when they said there was a mermaid in the lake.”

“Siren.”

“What?”

“She’s a siren, not a mermaid.” Bucky is able to hold her in one arm as he pushes wet strands of hair away from her face and behind her delicately pointed ears. He hadn’t even known they were pointed. 

“Whatever she is, she just gave us enough time to win. She’s got a lot of heart in that tiny body.”

Bucky swallowed a hard knot in his throat as he surveyed the wreckage that was the aftermath of a siren’s song. 

When he looked back into her face, he found her eyes the ones that were the exact same color as his own looking back up at him. 

Tag List : @nano–raptor @cchellacat @eurynome827 @jobean12-blog @book-dragon-13 @aesthetical-bucky @marvelgirl7 @sallycanwait68 @buckys-broody-muffin @softpeachbarnes @godofplumsandthunder @azurika-writes @ikaris-whore @this-kitten-is-smitten @randomfandompenguin @bucky-plums-barnes @bugsbucky @littleredstarfish @emilylyoness @hailmary-yramliah @daughterofsteven @crushedbyhyperbole @theycallmebecca @nomadicpixel @bluebell-24   @sevans-is-my-weakness @sebastiansloserclub @justvnash @worldofmarvelaficionado @undiscovered-misunderstood @throwmyheartawayagain @jewels2876 

[beybladefanfictions]

On My Own - Chapter 1

(Description: A retelling of Kyoya’s arc in Metal Fury where he leaves the group. Because Kyoya is one of my favourite characters and the execution of that arc has been bothering me for nearly three years. Character’s thoughts are in asterisks.)

“Special move: king lion crushing fang!” Kyoya exclaimed, swinging his arm forward.

The wind in the stadium began to pick up, swirling into a tornado and lifting every Beyblade into the sky.

“I’ll send every one of you flying! Do you hear me?!” Kyoya roared, no longer caring what happened to any Bey besides his own.

“Kyoya!” Gingka called, though the rest of his words were drowned out by the roaring wind. 

Out of nowhere, Pegasus charged toward Leone’s tornado, crashing right through the wall of wind and slamming into Leone.

Kyoya glared at his rival. “Gingka?! Why you-”

“Now, Horuseus!” Nile’s voice cut him off. “Mystic zone!”

A yellow glow emitted from the middle of the tornado before it cut through it. The wind died down. Several Beyblades rained down from the sky like hail while others flew back into the bladers’ hands. Kyoya caught his Beyblade with a grunt.

“How dare you get in my way, Gingka!” he growled as his rival caught his own Beyblade, glancing over his shoulder as Kyoya yelled at him, “How about you and I settle things right here and now! What do you say?!”

“What are you talking about Kyoya?” Gingka asked, turning to him. “You need to chill out.”

*Chill out?!* Kyoya stiffened with anger.

“Gingka…” Kyoya narrowed his eyes at his main rival. “Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten who I am already.”

“Huh?” Gingka’s eyes were wide.

“I told you from the start: I’m not teaming up with anyone!” Kyoya could feel the others’ gazes on him as he spoke, “The reason I am with you is so I can defeat the others that possess the power of the star fragment and then, finally, I will defeat you! It’s so I can settle the score with you!”

“Kyoya?” Gingka’s voice was high with disbelief.

“Kyoya, buddy…”

Kyoya glanced up at Benkei as he began to speak. He stood with Nile and Demure, their former teammates on Team Wild Fang. Confusion was plastered on each of their faces.

“But you’ve worked so hard with us to get this far,” Yuki protested, “How can you say something like that after all we’ve been through?!”

“That’s right, Kyoya,” Gingka added, his tone surprisingly stern. “Listen, if you say you want to battle me, I won’t run or hide. That’s not the way I roll. I will accept your challenge any time.” Kyoya turned to Gingka with a growl. He was going on one of his ‘I’m a noble hero’ speeches again.

*I don’t want to be a hero! I just want to live my life without all this other nonsense getting in the way!*

“But think: what possible good would the two of us fighting do?” Gingka continued, “It won’t be too late for us to have a battle after we defeat the Great Evil and prevent Nemesis’s revival. Can’t you see that, Kyoya? Right now we must work together: Yuki, Dynamis, King, you, me, as a team. All of us. Can’t you understand that?”

Kyoya could see reason in Gingka’s words but he wasn’t about to admit it out loud.

“All of us together?” Kyoya asked.

He cast a glance at Aguma, one of the legendary bladers, standing on the side of Johannes’s group. Aguma’s words earlier rang in his head. *Just admit you believe that guy’s nonsense because it makes you feel like some sort of saviour!*

Kyoya let out a growl. *I’m no saviour!*

“I’m done here,” Kyoya growled, turning and stomping toward the temple’s exit. “You all can do whatever you want on your own.”

“Kyoya!” Gingka gasped.

“Kyoya, pal!” Benkei exclaimed, his footsteps echoing behind Kyoya. “Please wait for me!”

“Don’t follow me,” Kyoya ordered, keeping his gaze straight ahead.

“K-Kyoya…?” Benkei stopped, his voice cracking.

“Kyoya!” Gingka called again.

“No!” Benkei’s voice cracked as he fell to his knees.

Kyoya forced himself not to look back at him. *I don’t need anyone! Not even Benkei!* Once he was out of eyeshot of the others, Kyoya broke off into a sprint down the mountain. He didn’t know where he was going. All he wanted was to get as far away from the group as possible.

Once he reached the foot of the mountain, a misty forest stretched out in front of him. Kyoya stopped to catch his breath. The night air was still with only the soft rustling of the leaves in the breeze to break the silence. Kyoya felt himself relax a little. He was finally alone, after weeks of constantly having Gingka and the others suffocating him with their constant presence. Kyoya gazed at his Beyblade. Leone lay on its side in the palm of his hand.

“I don’t need anyone but myself and my Leone,” he muttered, clenching his fist around the Bey.

Putting Leone in his pocket, he continued into the mist. *I’ve survived the African wilderness before,* Kyoya reminded himself, *I can do it again.*

*No one can accomplish anything all by themselves!* Aguma’s words during their battle rang in Kyoya’s mind, making him stiffen with rage.

“Just you wait,” he growled, his eyes narrowed. “I’ll prove to you, to everyone, that I’m good enough on my own!”

He let out a yawn. Kyoya stopped and looked around. There was more than enough wood he could use for a fire, and maybe some food if he looked hard enough. Kyoya shook the thought away. *If I stick around here too long, the others will find me. I’ll have to travel during the night.*

Kyoya continued through the mist, his head bent low as he forced himself to stay awake. Would the others really care if they found him? He thought he had made the fact that he didn’t want to travel with them anymore perfectly clear. *Gingka and Benkei might try to get me to come back. They’re clingy like that.*

Kyoya walked throughout the entire night through familiar territory before finally reaching a savannah. The sun had just barely risen in the sky. However, Kyoya only stopped to rest once the misty forest had completely faded from view. *I’m finally free.* 

He gazed out at the savannah. There seemed to be no dangerous animals around, just herds of zebras and antelopes grazing in the grass. Kyoya gazed at his Beyblade. *I can handle whatever the wild wants to throw at me.*

“Admit it!” Kyoya stiffened as Aguma’s words echoed in his mind, as if the blader were here with him now. “No one can accomplish anything all by themselves! Just say it!”

Kyoya yowled with rage. Getting to his feet, he launched his Beyblade ahead of him blindly. The wind roared around Kyoya, rustling the tall grass and flinging branches and leaves to the ground. The zebras and antelopes fled in different directions, yelping in alarm. A cracking sound split the air. Leone had ripped right through the trunk of a tree, leaving only a stump behind as the rest was lifted into the tornado.

Kyoya let out a grunt, feeling his rage ebb away. The wind died down as Kyoya retrieved his Beyblade and continued forward as if nothing had happened. He continued forward until the sun began to set. After getting food and starting a fire, Kyoya laid down on the ground, using his cloak as a blanket. Kyoya closed his eyes. However, sleep refused to find him. 

“You pretend that you live alone, but you’re really part of some travelling bey circus group, isn’t that the truth?!”

Aguma’s words continued to ring in his ears. Kyoya tossed and turned on the ground, clenching his jaw in frustration. He tried to redirect his thoughts. Almost immediately, they drifted toward Gingka and the others. Their last conversation played in his mind: Gingka and Yuki trying to convince him to stay, Benkei trying to follow him, and the others staring in disbelief. They had to have left the temple by now. Kyoya wondered if Nile and Demure were taking them across the savanna right now, or perhaps they had already reached the city where the airport was. Kyoya sat up, clenching his jaw.

*I don’t care about them!* he insisted to himself, *I’m not one of Gingka’s little lackeys! I’m a lion, a fierce lion that lives alone in the wild!* Kyoya let out a grunt, laying back down. *Why do I have to keep telling myself this?!*

He hardly got a wink of sleep that night or any of the following nights. Even as his body was exhausted from constant travelling and training, he couldn’t get the nagging thoughts to leave him alone. Aguma’s words made him bristle with rage. Meanwhile, there was a strange pang in his chest when he thought of Gingka, Benkei, and the others, as if they physically weighed him down. Kyoya did his best to ignore it.

During the day, he could focus his attention on his travels or his Beyblade but during the night, it was nearly impossible to escape. Eventually, Kyoya stopped trying to sleep altogether. He spent his nights by the fire, keeping an eye out for predators or other threats. Of course, Kyoya knew it was unhealthy to get as little sleep as he was but he didn’t know what else to do.

During his travels, Kyoya stumbled upon some mountains. There was a clear way around through flatter terrain but of course, Kyoya decided to climb the mountains. Who would he be if he didn’t take the harder path on purpose? He recalled his time in Wolf Canyon as he pulled himself up the vertical cliffs, barely holding on and scrambling to find footholds a few times.

Victory surged through him when he reached the top of one slope. He roared with triumph. However, the triumph quickly turned to rage as Aguma’s words echoed in his ears: *In the end, you’re nothing but talk. Just admit you believe that guy’s nonsense because it makes you feel like some sort of saviour.*

Kyoya’s eyes narrowed. He charged forward across the flat expanse of the mountain, his heart blazing with newfound rage. Ahead of him, Kyoya spotted a slim body of water. Barely thinking, Kyoya dove his face into the river for a drink. It had been a few days since he had even seen water let alone had a drink so he hadn’t realized how thirsty he was. Kyoya backed out of the water with a grunt. Locks of his hair now stuck to his face, getting in his eyes. Kyoya grunted. Standing up, he pushed the stray locks behind his ears and continued forward.

He followed the river for a while before stumbling upon a flat range full of conveniently placed pillar-like rocks. *Perfect,* Kyoya thought, unsheathing his Beyblade.

“Let it rip!” he yowled, launching his Beyblade right at one of the pillars.

Leone burst through it with ease, slicing through each of the other pillars in mere moments. Stones sprinkled to the ground around Kyoya.

“King Lion reverse wind strike!” he called, directing Leone higher into the sky.

Leone flipped over mid-air, spewing out a tornado that lifted every rock in the vicinity and split them into smaller rocks while throwing them around. Once the wind died down, pebbles fell from the sky like rain. Leone landed in the middle, still spinning. Kyoya looked around and instantly spotted an even bigger rock tower a few paces away.

“Go again!” Kyoya commanded, gesturing to the cliff. “King lion crushing fang!”

A tornado formed from the ground this time, charging toward the cliff and instantly splitting it to pieces. Leone flew toward Kyoya and he caught it with a grunt. Kyoya stiffened when footsteps echoed around him and before he knew it, he was surrounded by about seven strangers, each pointing a Beyblade at him. *These guys look like chumps.*

“Don’t move!” one of them ordered.

“What’s up, kitties?” Kyoya spat, glancing over his shoulder at one of the men.

He stiffened, “Uh, I told you not to move,” he retorted lamely.

*I didn’t.*

“You’re always coming to attack the village!” another one exclaimed, straightening up a bit.

*I didn’t do that either.*

“But today we’re going to get rid of you!”

“You’re just a stinkin’ monster!”

“Monster is not nice,” Kyoya grunted. The men surrounding him shrank back a bit, fear plastered on their faces. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Kyoya continued, readying his Beyblade. “But if you want to battle, I’m ready, boys!”

“Let it rip!” the villagers called, launching their Beyblades in unison.

“I’ll show you, chumps!” Kyoya exclaimed, launching Leone at the line of Beyblades.

Instantly, Leone sent a burst of wind in every direction, throwing the villagers and their Beyblades to the ground. Every Bey fell still on the ground as the wind slowed.

“So, you still wanna battle?” Kyoya sneered, feeling no triumph at the easy win.

“Sure, pal,” one of the villagers grunted, putting his Beyblade on the launcher.

“Wait,” a new voice cut in. Kyoya turned to see a new person, he assumed it was a new person at least, approaching the group. “Everyone calm down, okay? This is not our enemy.”

The man spoke with a more commanding voice, making Kyoya think he was some sort of leader to these people.

“Chief!” one of them gasped, getting to his feet and pointing accusingly at Kyoya. “But he used crazy intense skills!”

“Take a good look at that person’s Bey,” the chief ordered.

Everyone gazed down at Leone, which was still spinning steadily in front of Kyoya.

“It’s different from the monster’s Bey,” the chief explained.

“Sorry, I guess you’re right,” one of the villagers sighed, dipping his head.

“Sorry, we apologize, sir,” the chief replied, nodding to Kyoya.

Kyoya grunted as Leone flew into his hand, coming to a stop.

“What’s the matter with you people?” he blurted out without thinking. However, he did genuinely want to know what the chief meant by “the monster’s bey.”

The chief bowed his head, looking somewhat ashamed as he explained, “The deal is here a mysterious monster attacks us with a fearsome and deadly Bey.”

Kyoya’s eyes widened. “A fearsome bey?” *Now THAT sounds interesting.*

“Usually, it stays in the ruins on the mountain…” The chief gestured to a mountain top just ahead of them, though the top was obscured by a cloud of fog. “But sometimes, it comes down to our village causing tons of trouble and steals food. We were out looking for it when we heard beast-like howling so…”

“We thought the monster had appeared again, my friend,” one of the villagers finished the chief’s thought.

Another one took a step closer to Kyoya and dipped his head. “We’re sorry, sir.”

Kyoya listened to their story in wonder. *A monster with a Beyblade… sounds like a good opponent.*

“After seeing how strong you are, we have a request,” one of the villagers spoke up before Kyoya could walk away.

“Could you please get rid of the monster for us? Is that possible?”

“Uh- me?” Kyoya asked, gazing at them with wide eyes. *What do they want from me?*

Kyoya gazed at the villagers, seeing that many of their gazes had changed from fear to admiration.

“We need your help,” they admitted, “The people of this village cannot compete with the monster’s bey. If you would lend us your strength, we would be very grateful.”

“Grateful?!” Kyoya demanded. *So they want me to be their little saviour… just like Gingka and the others. Gingka...* Kyoya’s eyes narrowed.

“If there is anything we can do for you, we will do it,” one of the villagers was saying.

“STOP BUGGING ME RIGHT NOW!” Kyoya exclaimed, leering at the desperate villagers. Some of them shrank back in fear. “Stop begging me! I don’t need your reward!”

Kyoya straightened up, getting his composure back as he continued, “So a mysterious monster with a bey? In the ruins on the mountain? Is that the deal?” Kyoya smirked as he gazed at the mountain. “Interesting. Sounds like the perfect opponent for my training. My name is Kyoya and this is Fang Leone.” Kyoya held out his Beyblade. “We’re gonna have some fun.”

Without another word, Kyoya began walking toward the mountain.

“You’re going after that monster…?” One of the villagers exclaimed from behind him. “For fun?!”

Kyoya stopped again, glaring at the villager from over his shoulder.

“Yeah?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “What’s the big deal? I’ve fought worse.”

The villagers exchanged excited glances, immediately cheering and exclaiming things about their village being saved. The chief on the other hand eyed Kyoya suspiciously.

“Be careful, young man,” he advised, making Kyoya’s jaw clench. “You don’t know what you're getting into.”

“I don’t need your advice,” Kyoya growled, “I can manage alone, unlike you.” He flicked his cloak like an over the top Broadway character before continuing forward, his gaze intent on the clifftop ahead.

“Why does everyone want me to be their saviour all of a sudden?!” Kyoya grunted as he made his way toward the mountain. “What part about me being a loner don’t they understand?!”

*I’m doing this for myself!* Kyoya thought as he began to pull himself up the mountain. *Not them! I don’t help anyone and I never will! Those villagers were weak to beg for help like they did! They should learn to fend for themselves like I have!*

Kyoya froze. Did he really wish that upon them? Kyoya thought leaving the group and proving he was a loner would make him feel better but so far, his nagging thoughts had only become more constant. He had less to distract himself when he was alone. After everything he had been through, Kyoya couldn’t imagine that the most annoying person he would have to deal with was himself.

Kyoya struggled to push the thought away. He reached the top of the cliff, continuing forward through the fog. There was a wall of man-made bricks up ahead. Something fell to the ground, the thump echoing off the mountains and making Kyoya stiffen. Among the ruins, he spotted a moving outline. Kyoya smirked.

“There you are,” he muttered, dashing into the ruins.

It wasn’t long before Kyoya was confronted by a shadow: one that loomed over him like a tree. Kyoya stiffened.

“So, you’re a monster are you?!” Kyoya demanded, clenching his jaw.

The shape did not reply. It lifted something and Kyoya could make out the distinct sound of a readied Beyblade launcher.

“Huh, let’s do this then!” Kyoya pointed his own launcher at the shadow. He waited a few moments, expecting the figure to launch their Beyblade first but after a few moments of idling, Kyoya decided to make the first move.

“Let it rip!” he exclaimed, launching his Beyblade toward the ground.

Another Beyblade flew out of the fog to meet it in a clash. Kyoya squinted. The opponent’s bey was mostly light green but with an orange spin track. It seemed somewhat familiar…

“Looks like you’ll give me a good fight,” Kyoya mused, revelling in the power the opponent’s Beyblade radiated. “Hit him hard, Leone!”

“Oh, no you don’t!” Kyoya stiffened at the sound of an even more familiar voice. The attacker’s Beyblade weaved around Kyoya’s attack, looping back around and clashing with Leone.

“How do you like that, monster?!” the voice demanded again. It sounded like a young boy, one Kyoya had met… “You’re going down! Buckle up!”

“I know that goofy voice,” Kyoya growled, turning to Leone. “Lion Gale Force Wall!”

A tornado formed from Leone. The wind from Kyoya’s special move blew away the fog, revealing a small orange-haired boy.

“It’s you!” Kyoya exclaimed, his eyes wide.

*What is Yu doing here?! What even are the chances I’d randomly find someone I know from Japan all the way out here?!*

“Woah, Yoyo!” Yu exclaimed, his eyes wide when he noticed Kyoya.

“Don’t call me Yoyo!” Kyoya retorted, clenching his fist. He had nearly forgotten about the insultingly childish nickname Yu had given him and now he wished it stayed that way.

Kyoya and Yu stopped fighting for a few moments.

*So the sunlight projected a shadow onto the mist making Yu appear as a huge monster,* Kyoya reflected. He let out a grunt. *What a dumb trick to fall for.*

“I just can’t believe that Yoyo is the monster,” Yu was muttering to himself, “I’m so disappointed.”

“Huh?” Kyoya looked up at the kid with wide eyes. Before he could protest, however, Yu continued.

“I misjudged you. Attacking the villagers and stealing food? Unbelievable! Why would you do such a thing?!”

Out of nowhere, Libra crashed into Leone. The clashing sound echoed through the mountains but Kyoya paid little attention.

“What are you babbling about, Yu?! I haven’t done anything like that!” Kyoya was blazing with indignation. *I may be a loner, but I’m not a monster!*

“Don’t lie to me, okay?!” Yu exclaimed, “I don’t know what happened to make you do it, but things like that just aren’t cool, right?!”

Libra attempted to charge toward Leone again. Kyoya commanded his Beyblade to dodge, making Libra drift past him harmlessly as he glared back at Yu.

“Look, goofball, I just heard about the monster from the villagers and came up to get rid of it, alright?” Kyoya growled as Leone slammed into Libra.

Yu shrank back. “You-you aren’t the monster, Yo-yo?”

“No, I’m not! Our shadows on the mist just made both of us look like monsters! That’s all!”

“Shadows?” Yu tilted his head to the side. “Then where’s the real monster I ask you?”

“I don’t know!” Kyoya let out a grunt. “This was a waste of time.” Leone flew into his hand. Before Kyoya could turn to leave, Yu dashed toward him with a look of wonder.

“Hey, wait a minute!” Without warning, Yu snatched Leone out of Kyoya’s hand and gawked at it. “Is this Leone still?!”

Yu began rambling about the Beyblade. Kyoya snatched Leone back, unable to come up with a suitable remark for this kid’s insolence. Besides, he was still talking:

“Where did you get it, Yo-yo? Where did you get it?”

Kyoya raised an eyebrow. “Where, you ask? You haven’t heard anything from Tsubasa then?”

Surely Tsubasa would tell Yu about something this important? Those two were pretty close friends.

“Tsubasa?” Yu seemed taken aback. “Tsubasa was suddenly called away by the WBBA. I haven’t heard from him since, not one word.” He shook his head. “I ended up having to go on my training journey all by myself, even after he promised to come with me. Isn’t he a huge meanie?”

“You’ve been alone this whole time?” Kyoya asked, surprised to find himself feeling somewhat sympathetic for the kid.

Yu nodded. “That’s why I’ve been so anxious to battle with someone. You know what I mean? Hey now, why don’t you battle me?”

“Battle you?” Kyoya asked, his eyes widening.

“I want to try battling that new Leone!” Yu’s face lit up with excitement. “Wouldn’t that be awesome? You’ll do it, won’t you old pal?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Kyoya growled, turning away. “I don't have time to play with you, understand?” He began to walk away.

“Wha-what’s that supposed to mean, exactly? Since I last saw you, I’ve been training reaaally hard and have gotten a lot stronger. So come back and fight like a man!” Yu’s footsteps echoed behind Kyoya before the kid suddenly stopped in front of him. Kyoya stopped as well.

“Hey, hey come on! Please?” Yu’s tone turned to one of begging. He grabbed Kyoya’s hand, shaking it up and down as if he were trying to give him a handshake. Kyoya just stood there awkwardly. “Yo-yo, let’s battle!”

Kyoya slapped Yu’s hand away.

“I told you not to call me Yo-yo!” Kyoya exclaimed, glaring down at the kid.

He instantly broke out in a tantrum, whining and stomping his feet on the ground. “You’ve just got to battle me! Come on, come on, come on!”

*I am not equipped for this,* Kyoya grunted inwardly.

“I’ll even give you a head start!”

Kyoya’s jaw clenched at those words. “A head start?!” he demanded. “That’s real rich. I don’t need a head start to battle the likes of you!”

“So that means you’ll battle me, right?” Yu asked, smiling hopefully.

Kyoya’s jaw dropped slightly. He let out a grunt. *Dangit.*

“Hold on!” Yu exclaimed, running past him. “I’ll whip up a stadium for us!”

He launched his Beyblade onto the concrete ground. Moments later, a flash of energy exploded from Libra, shooting up into the sky and making the ground vibrate as if an earthquake was occurring. When the light cleared, there was a spherical hole in the ground of the ruins. It was shaped like a classic stadium.

“It’s all done!” Yu announced, “So let’s battle, okay?”

“I have no choice,” Kyoya grunted, resting his hand on his forehead. “I’ll finish this thing quickly and be on my way.”

*He’s no Gingka, but Yu is no easy opponent either.*

[bestillmyslashyheart]

its a thin line between bliss and agony

It’s a strange thing when your world is so small. When it’s so dark you can’t see anything even in the few seconds your eyes are open.

Booker’s world was water. Water so deep that the sun could never reach it. It was dark and it was cold, colder than anything he’d ever felt, and the pressure was so heavy he knew it would kill him if the water didn’t. 

He should have thought it through a bit more, put himself in a box or a coffin, protected his body from the creatures he shared his watery grave with. But he hadn’t; hadn’t thought much beyond making sure his body stayed down where it needed to be. And in the brief moments he was capable of conscious thought, he didn’t much care. Those moments were few and fleeting, mostly occupied with the knowledge that he was right to suffer. His family had suffered while he stood by and did nothing. It was only right that he now do the same.

There was a strange sort of bliss in that feeling. In knowing that he was paying for the crimes he had committed against his own sons.

As he choked on yet another lungful of water, Booker thought he might finally understand that whole penance thing Nicky used to go on about.

---

Nile watched the man struggle in her dreams and forced herself awake. There were nightmares and then there was whatever this was.

The lights turned on a moment later and she turned to see the other four in varying stages of waking up, their attention on her. “Sorry,” she apologized weakly. Nile ran a hand over her throat and tried to be too obvious about how she was savoring every breath she took.

“What is it?” Andy asked. Nile shook her head. 

“Talk to us,” Nicky urged. 

Nile looked over at them, the four immortals who had crammed themselves into two twin beds in order to give her her own space. “Nightmare,” she offered.

Nicky sat up. Behind him, Joe put his elbow on the bed and propped his head up with a hand. His other hand was on Nicky’s hip. In the bed next to them, Andy had pushed up to put her back against the wall while Quynh had her head in Andy’s lap, her eyes wide open despite the fact that she was clearly still half asleep.

“I saw a man.”

“Probably Booker,” Joe told her. “He’s the other one of us.” Right. They’d told her earlier that there was a fifth member of their team. A man named Booker who had died as part of Napoleon’s army, about 200 years ago. He’d taken some time off from the team. They said she’d keep dreaming about him until she met him but that probably wouldn’t be for too long, once he knew she had joined them.

Except- “he was drowning,” Nile admitted. The other four snapped to alert, Quynh and Joe sitting up, now wide awake. “He- there was a chain around his ankles and he was deep underwater. He drowned, came back, and drowned again.”

“Andy,” Quynh said slowly. “When was the last time you spoke to Booker?”

Andy shook her head. “The last time we saw him,” she confessed slowly. “He needed a break. Said we’d meet back up in ten years.”

“That was eight years ago,” Nicky said softly. 

“Have either of you spoken to him?” Andy asked, looking to Joe and Nicky. They both shook their heads. “Shit.” She started to get up but Quynh held her down.

“There is nothing we can do right now, Andromache,” she told her. “We do not know where he is.”

Andy turned a hard look on her. “Someone put him into the water,” she spit out. “He is dying. Over and over and over again. Has been for who knows how long. And I did- we didn’t know.”

“We will find him,” Joe said. “We will.”

Nile cleared her throat gently, half wishing they wouldn’t hear her. No such luck, however, as a moment later she had their undivided attention again. 

“Is there anything you can tell us? Any clues as to where he is?” Andy asked. She was tense, her body primed to move, and her focus was a physical thing that Nile almost wanted to shy away from. 

“It was dark, I could barely see him. And it was cold, colder than anything I’ve ever felt.”

“The ocean,” Joe declared, sounding resigned. “He’s at the bottom of the ocean.”

“He-” Nile swallowed. “He wasn’t-”

“Wasn’t what?” Nicky coaxed gently.

Nile closed her eyes and pictured the man she had seen. He’d been still in death, his body hovering in the dark sea, tethered only by the chain around his ankles. Then he’d awoken. And his body remained still, even as it fought for air that didn’t exist. “He wasn’t fighting,” she confessed softly. “He was just- it was like he accepted it.”

“No,” Andy corrected after a moment of utter silence, her face stony. “Like he embraced it.”

---

Andy killed everyone in their path. It was easy, knowing that it was to keep her family safe. Knowing it was the only way to find Booker. There was a lot of ocean in the world, a lot of places too deep for the sun to reach, and if they had to look at every inch of it they would but Andy knew there was a faster way.

“James Copley.” The man was literally shivering in his boots in front of her. Andy didn’t know what she looked like but from the carnage she’d left behind her and the rage she felt at the man in front of her, she couldn’t imagine it was pretty. “Booker.”

Copley’s eyes widened. “What about him?”

“You had to find out about us somehow,” Andy replied. Behind her, three very familiar sets of footsteps entered the room, a fourth set right behind them. She gestured to the board of photos and news articles behind Copley. “Eight years ago, you met myself and Booker. We didn’t tell you how many were on our team or what their names were and yet you know a whole hell of a lot about us. Which means you got it from one of us.”

Copley started nodding earnestly. “Yes. Booker spoke to me about you, about your gifts.”

“Why?” Nicky asked.

“He- he believed we could do some good with it. If the gift could be shared, then people could stop suffering.”

“That doesn’t sound like Booker,” Joe mused.

Copley swallowed audibly. “He wanted to know if the gift could be taken away.”

“That sounds like Booker,” Joe and Quynh said in unison.

“Where is he?” Nicky stepped forward, standing next to Andy now. He was always the most outwardly mild mannered of them all but right now Andy almost wanted to take a step back. There was a cold fury in Nicky that she’d only seen a few times in the last millennia. Joe always referred to it as a remnant of his time as a crusader when he’d been powered into battle by the righteous anger of a holy man defending his faith. Andy had never put much stock in righteousness  but even she had to admit it was a powerful thing when wielded by Nicky. 

Copley didn’t say anything and Nicky crouched down to his level. He didn’t touch the man but he didn’t need to. Copley looked about ready to crawl out of his own skin just to put any measure of distance between them. “Where is he?” Nicky asked again, his voice quiet.

“I don’t know,” Copley told them. He was lying.

Nicky shook his head. “You are lying to me, James. So I will ask you again and I suggest you do not lie a second time. Where is Booker?”

“The ocean,” Copley confessed.

“We know,” Andy told him. “But we’re going to need you to be more specific.”

Copley struggled to his feet. Neither Nicky nor Andy moved an inch except for Nicky to also rise to his feet. Standing up, the space between them was minimal. Copley edged around them nonetheless and grabbed something from the board. It was a folded piece of paper with no markings. 

He held it out to them. “He left this. Said to give it to you when you came looking.” He scoffed. “I thought he was kidding. After all, why would you come to me looking for him?”

Andy glared at him. “Why would you try and turn us into lab experiments?” She snatched the paper from his grip. “What does it say?” She started to unfold it.

“I don’t know,” Copley replied.

“You didn’t read it?” Nile asked. The paper was folded a few times but it wasn’t sealed and Andy could see from the wear and tear that it had been opened and closed many times.

“I can’t.”

Andy finally got it open and stared down at the page. It was a letter, long enough to take up the whole page but not nearly long enough for everything she’s sure Booker had to say. Scanning quickly, she realized it was written in no less than five languages. One for each of them, she mused. 

“Joe,” Andy called. Joe came over and she held the letter up. “When we get him back, you really need to help him with his Arabic.” Joe looked at it, his eyes easily falling to the section written in his own native language, a dialect that hadn’t been written down for centuries except when Joe tried to teach it to Booker. It was a mess, the handwriting awful and half the vocabulary wrong.

The Genoese was much better though Andy spotted a few modern Italian words sprinkled in. Quynh’s language and her own were only slightly better than the Arabic.

Andy ignored those four sections and focused on the French. It was a goodbye and an apology. He’d done this to himself, deciding that living in a world where he’d stood by and watched his sons die was too much. Was too hard. The four of them would be okay, he said. They’d lived a long time before him and they would be just fine after him. But he couldn’t keep going in the world as it was. As he was. 

He couldn’t die. So he’d found a way out anyway. 

He asked her to leave it, to leave him. To not go looking for him.

The others had crowded around her at some point, each of them reading the letter alongside her.

“I see,” Nicky mused after a few minutes. He looked at the letter a little longer and then nodded. “Copley,” he said, raising his voice slightly.

“Yes?” Copley replied. His voice was higher than it had been earlier.

Nicky didn’t look at him as he asked for a third time, “where is Booker?”

Copley looked confused. And also slightly ill. “He said the letter would explain?”

“Oh it does,” Joe agreed easily. He turned away from Andy and stared at Copley. “Now tell us where he is.”

“He-”

“He did not get where he is on his own,” said Quynh. “Someone got him out to wherever he is and helped him weigh himself down and maybe even helped him into the water, if the weight was too heavy for him to move himself.” Copley took a step back. “Tell us where he is.”

“He did not want to be found,” Copley admitted.

“We know.” Andy carefully folded up the letter. “Now take us to him.”

---

It was less than two weeks from Nile’s first dream to when they pulled a man shivering and gasping for air onto the deck of a boat. Andy, Quynh, Joe, and Nicky were still in their diving suits, each of them struggling to get them off as fast as possible.

In their absence, Nile fell to her knees next to the man she’d only dreamed of. He had flipped over to his hands and knees and was taking in deep shuddering breaths. The sun was hot overhead but his body was shaking as if it was winter. “Hi,” she said softly. She reached out but let her hand hover over his shoulder, unsure if her touch would be welcome. He didn’t reply. Nile hesitated for a moment longer before deciding that she didn’t care that she didn’t know him. She put her hand across his back and laid her cheek on his shoulder. “I’m Nile,” she introduced herself.

The shaking under her increased but she didn’t think it was from the cold. “Sebastien,” he replied. “But you can call me Booker.” He coughed once. “Why’d you have to be in the damn desert?” He asked weakly. Nile was confused for a moment before it hit her. The others had dreamed of her before they’d met so of course Booker had too. “I forgot how hot it was.” 

Nile scoffed. “Why’d you have to be so damn deep? I didn’t think it was possible to be that cold.”

“Sorry,” he told her sincerely. 

“Don’t apologize,” she replied. “It’s nice to meet you.”

She thought Booker might have replied but two strong hands grabbed his head as a body slammed to its knees in front of him. Nile pulled back to see Nicky in front of Booker, staring at him intently. “Do not ever do that again,” he warned. 

“Or what?” Booker asked.

“Or you will never get rid of me. Joe will get jealous of all the time we spend together.”

“As if I would not be right there with you,” Joe argued. He was at Booker’s side, opposite Nile and he maneuvered the man into a kneeling position only long enough for him to wrap his arms around him and squeeze tightly. Nicky let him though his hands never left Booker. 

Nile heard Andy and Quynh approach and stood to get out of their way. A moment later, Quynh was hauling Booker to his feet, uncaring of Joe and Nicky. The two men rose with them, however, neither relinquishing their holds. Quynh pressed her forehead to the side of Booker’s, the only part of him she could really reach and said something that Nile didn’t understand. 

Booker started nodding, slowly, then frantically. At this point, Nile figured it was safe to assume that the water on their faces was not just from the ocean and she stepped further back to give them some privacy.

The group hug continued for a long while, the three of them clutching at Booker while he held tightly back. Andy stood a step away. Still very much with them but not touching, not yet. When Nicky and then Joe stepped back, Andy slotted into their place.

“Sebastien,” she said softly.

She said nothing else. After a minute, Booker collapsed into her arms, Quynh’s arms falling away. 

Andy held him even as Booker’s knees gave out and they fell back to the deck. She held him as he sobbed, though her own face remained dry. “Never again,” she finally said. Nile wasn’t sure if it was a request or an order.

Nonetheless, Booker replied, “never again.”

on ao3

[wscldier]

okay okay i’ve watched the episode again and i have thoughts. they’re under the cut below since i can’t post original stuff without like a million personals finding my blog

note these are not in order, so pls watch the episode fully before you read

sebastian goddamn stan deserves a goddamn oscar nomination already. i felt more emotion dripping from that scene in wakanda than i’ve ever felt in my goddamn life. his sadness, his fury, his confusion, his rage and his pain. the way he’s convinced that he’s gonna hurt ayo or do something terrible and then the immediate relief he felt afterwards? the confusion at it though, he’s free but now what? he’s free to do what? seb, you are one of the most talented underrated actors right now and honestly watching that scene was incredible. the man’s ability to portray so many emotions and really make you feel with single looks is just... it’s something else. holy moses.

also thank you for showing us how skilled bucky is, like speaking Xhosa? yes. he would have learnt that during his time in wakanda and he must have picked it up FAST 

z*mo is a bitch and i hate him. no seriously. guy is a n*zi in the comics, just because he did a couple of dad moves doesn’t redeem him for what he’s done

sam standing up for bucky against z*mo is just excellent. z*mo saying all super soldiers have to be eliminated and sam asking “what about bucky?” because sam knows bucky didn’t have a choice in the matter. 

sam is also talking to sharon. keeping her in the loop. 

as for the power broker... i honestly don’t think we’ll get a reveal on who he is. i personally believe it’s another computer that z*la downloaded himself onto ( it would explain how the powerbroker is so well connected and can text karli ) or it’s general ross ----- who back in the incredible hulk pushed for the super soldier serum to be made. i think it’s much more likely to be z*la but i’m curious to see where it goes. again, i think the power broker is going to be a slow reveal. we might not even get an idea of who he is until the armor wars movie.

karli using sarah as bargaining against sam was cold and cruel

again, highlighting that bucky is massively talented and skilled, that he actually holds back a lot when he’s fighting and he can actually run and jump and move at incredible speeds. very good. i also think it’s interesting to point out that bucky didn’t get the “true” version of the serum. so people saying he’s nerfed against other super soldiers can shut up. these guys got pure unfiltered serum. bucky got a botched version.

sam using his counselling to try and talk karli down? heck he was getting somewhere as well and fucking w*lker turns up

i knew... i knew w*lker was going to do something stupid like take the serum. i knew that it was gonna send him into a blind rage i knew it was going to make things bad. 

killing battlestar? that was... i mean i was expecting something like that to be the catalyst behind w*lkers rage. but i’m still a little disappointed that even in a racially charged piece of media, the black character gets killed. maybe that was the intention, maybe it was there to highlight, it’s not for me to say, but it made me feel uncomfortable.

the dora milaje can get it. and will ayo accept my hand in marriage please and thank you.

bucky shouting “looking good john” whilst w*lker is fighting ayo is one of the funniest things i’ve ever seen in my life then him asking ayo to talk about this? 

okay over the last like 10 days all i’ve seen is like people laughing that bucky can remove his arm. i am glad finally that it proved something that only wakandans with knowledge about this technology can remove it. bucky can’t slip it on and off like a fucking glove. every tiktok i saw talking about it made me groan internally 

also, bucky’s anger is so justified. like z*mo is using leverage against him, and he’s pissed as hell because the wakandans have done nothing but help and save him and he promised them he’d give them z*mo and he can’t do that till z*mo gives him the information. bucky’s anger is rightfully justified and z*mo is pushing him over the edge. it’s heartbreaking to watch.

the ending was... it was... oh god. it was extremely gory and i’m surprised that the house of mouse allowed the writers to push the show that dark. whether you like it or not, that shield is sold to thousands of kids across the world, it’s on toys, lunchboxes, folders, pencil cases. to soak the symbol like that with the blood of... okay he maybe wasn’t necessarily innocent, but he wasn’t exactly guilty either is... extremely hard-hitting. like extremely hard hitting. 

i noted that after w*lker took the serum i heard traces of orchestra playing the same low mechanical tune that they use to introduce the winter soldier theme. now, this might be a coincidence given that h*nry j*ckman is the music producer, but also because h*nry j*ckman is the music producer i’m inclined to think it’s not. w*lker for better or for worse is a tool used by the US government. he is the antithesis of what bucky was to hydra. the perfect soldier. the perfect weapon. whereas steve broke away from that the second he got the serum, it seems w*lker is falling down the path that bucky was put on.

i genuinely think that bucky is going to have to fight w*lker because no one else is strong enough. 

sharon is around but not in the episode nearly enough. i wanted more. i’m glad though she’s being the coolest spy ever. i’m hoping we get more interactions with her sam and bucky next episode.

the shot at the end where everyone is crowding around w*lker? bucky and sam looking on? that was... haunting.

[duker42]

Poly relationship with Mike and Levi 🥰: Someone tells M and L the reader cheated on them ( choose with whom) They are really hurt and confront her with it. She is shocked that they believe such a lie. She busts into tears and tells them how much she loves and respects them 🥰 end it with some fluff please ..... I need some romance in this relationship 😘 ( Sorry for my bad English)

💜Lies💜

Levi glared at boy has he continued to talk at the table, completely unaware that he was being zeroed in on by the Captain.

“I have to tell you, she’s the best damn girl that I’ve ever slept with.” He boasted as the other boys of his table hung on to every disgusting word.

He wished that Mike were there. Desperately. That damn hound dog would be able to sniff out if he was lying in a second, putting Levi’s mind at ease. He didn’t want to believe the kid at all, but he had mentioned her birthmark.

Their conversation was crude and disgusting, Levi blocking out the ridiculous boasts of youth until Y/N’s name slipped from Paul’s lips. His eyes had snapped over to the table and his ears strained to hear every words that poured out of the kid’s mouth concerning one of his lovers.

Mike, Y/N and Levi had been in a relationship for almost a year. Kept under wraps for multiple reasons, the simplest being that it was no body’s business but their own. Erwin knew of course, but had never said anything more than they were damned lucky after that memorable encounter.

His fury had risen has the solider had described Y/N’s wanton nature with accuracy. She was uninhibited in bed, enthusiastic and experimental. The kid had it pegged. Levi had still hung on to shred of doubt until he hand mentioned that small strawberry birthmark on her lower hip. Something he would have never seen until she didn’t have trousers on.

He had risen from the table, his heart aching at the betrayal and his eyes hardening as he angrily made his way back to his office to suffer alone.

~~~~~

He had shared his discovery with Mike on his arrival back from patrol. The taller man had been doubtful as well until Levi had mentioned that Paul described her birthmark to perfection. His green eyes had widened at the news and his jaw had set in anger.

They both knew that Y/N would come to them tonight. It had been a week since they had been together. Was that why she had cheated? She wasn’t being given enough attention? She had always claimed that they more than kept her satisfied, even if they weren’t together everyday, but apparently not.

~~~~~

Y/N had eagerly anticipated being back in her lover’s arms. She had missed the warmth of their touch and just being with them. It was difficult to stay away sometimes, she wanted to spend every night with one or both of them, but she knew that for now it wasn’t the best idea.

There was a story that she had to tell them though. It was sure to spark a bit of jealousy in Levi, and Y/N shivered as she thought of how demanding he was when that green monster was raging behind those cool grey eyes. She grinned to herself, she was sure to be left sore and sated by the time he was done with her.

When the door opened, her stomach flipped at the expressions on their handsome faces. It wasn’t one that spoke of love and anticipation for the night to come. It was more deep seated anger and underlying hurt.

“What’s wrong?” She asked as she pushed the door shut and walked over to Levi.

She reached out and tried to put her hand on his cheek, but he dodged her touch and grabbed her wrist. Her own face displayed her shock, he had never avoided her touch in private since they had begun their relationship.

His face was mottled with anger and he was throwing her a look filled with disdain, as if she had suddenly become something disgusting. He pushed her hand down as he spat “We weren’t enough? Didn’t spend enough time fucking you?”

She looked over at Mike, trying to figure out what the hell was going on, but her tall blonde giant simply had his arms crossed and looking at her with a milder version of Levi’s look.

“What are you talking about, Levi?” Y/N asked, confusing riddling her voice as she searched his eyes.

“Don’t deny it. I almost lost my breakfast having to listen about how you gave that brat the best blowjob of his life and let him fuck you into the mattress.” He growled out harshly.

Tears sprang into her eyes as she realized her lovers, her men, where accusing her of cheating. Something that she would never do. She wondered if this was because of Erwin joining them that one night. She hadn’t done anything else with him, never wanting to plant that doubt in their minds. The only people she was with was Mike and Levi. And normally they all waited until they were together unless it was a special circumstance.

Levi and Mike tried to ignore the tears that were spilling from Y/N’s eyes but it was so damn difficult. She wasn’t a crier, never sobbing at the drop of a hat. It was unnerving to see her body shaking as the path of the salty tears made their way down her face.

“Who said that I cheated?” She demanded. There was no way she was going to accept this, she wasn’t giving them up without a fight. But how could they believe that about her? Hadn’t she shown them over and over that she belonged with them?

“Y/N, Paul was telling everyone about his time with you. Even mentioning your birthmark.” Mike explained quietly.

He was so confused. He hadn’t been there to smell the deception on the boy, but Levi wasn’t one to make rash judgement calls. Plus there was the fact that no other men in the Scouts but him, Levi and Erwin should know about her birthmark. It was pretty damning in his own mind, but her scent only told him that she was confused and scared. Not hiding something.

Her reaction to his statement wasn’t hot denial like they expected, it was laughter. They both watched, shocked as she bent over laughing loudly. It wasn’t graceful, it was a harsh and sarcastic bark, signifying she wasn’t happy in the humor. There was some joke they were missing.

“I’m going to lose the best fucking thing that has ever happened to me because that asshole walked into the shower room yesterday.” She commented blithely, her face bitter.

Both of them gaped at her, trying to reconcile what she had told them as she continued on.

“He came into the women’s shower and saw me naked. He was embarrassed but that didn’t stop him from being a dip shit and trying to hit on me while I’m hiding myself behind a soaking wet towel.” She explained. “So I guess his form of revenge at my rejection was to tell everyone about us supposedly fucking.”

She looked sadly at the men that she loved. “I would NEVER cheat on the two of you. I love you both so much that it’s hard to stay away. I want nothing more than to sleep beside you every night, wake up to you every morning. More than that, I respect you both way too much to every try and hurt you that way. If my feelings were to ever magically change, I would be an adult and tell you, not sneak around behind your back with someone.”

Her words filled them both was a sense of shame for believing the boy. They should have asked her rather than accused her. Levi’s head was down as he thought about his mistake in not believing there was an innocent explanation for him knowing about the mark on Y/N’s body. He had let his jealousy overrule his common sense.

Y/N walked up to him and tried to touch him again. He let her this time, his body ridged as he expected her to slap him. She didn’t, just pressed her hand against his cheek and leaned against him. She left Mike shuffle over, pull the both of him into his arms as they all sighed at the flurry of emotions of the moments before.

She pulled back slight, leaning up to capture Mike’s lips first and then turning to the pale face of her other lover. She pressed her lips against his gently and felt him respond. She didn’t take it further, just opened her eyes dreamily as she broke the kiss. “I love you, Levi.” She turned to the taller man. “I love you, Mike. Only you two.”

Levi sighed again and looked up at the other man. “I’m sorry. I fucked up.”

Y/N laughed, lighter now. “I can see how it would look bad. If another girl were to describe the breathily little moans you make, I’m pretty sure I would beat her ass first and question her later.”

Levi scowled at her. “I don’t moan.”

Mike snorted and Y/N just grinned at him. “Sure you don’t.”

“Whatever, idiots. Let’s go to bed. I need to feel you both close to me.” Levi said as he pulled away and walked towards the large bed in the corner of the room.

Y/N knew that for the moment, passion was suspended. There was more ways to convey you love someone than by sex. It seemed they needed to spend a bit more time bonding together without the thrill of lovemaking. She was content with the idea of spending the night trapped in her lover’s arms with light loving touches and kisses between them. As long as she had them, she didn’t care about the stupid lies.

Tomorrow however, she was kicking Paul’s ass for making that shit up.

Mobile MasterList

[blackandblueandstars]

Captive Pt6

TRIGGER WARNING: Some violence

Pt1  Pt2  Pt3  Pt4  Pt5

When Amy opened her eyes, all she saw was darkness. Her head throbbed as she tried to remember what had happened.

Slowly, her memory came back to her, climaxing at Rheya's smiling face staring down at her. Right...she'd been drugged. She mentally kicked herself for letting Rheya get one over on her. She'd known that Rheya might try to poison her, but she never would've guessed that she'd do it the way she had.

Now she was...somewhere. It was cold and dark, quiet. Maybe the basement, or a cellar? She stood, carefully feeling her way through the darkness with her hands.

She brushed over something -- it was rough, strong. She continued to follow its path, leading to a thicker segment. Part of it poked her face as she felt along it, and something about it made her feel sick. As she reached the base, she suddenly realized what she was touching.

“Oh!” she gasped, jumping backwards into the dark. She landed hard on the cement behind her, knocking the wind out of her lungs. She couldn’t believe it. Surely, Rheya wouldn’t put her with it...would she?

Of course she would, thought Amy. She saw Amy’s reaction when she first saw the tree. She knew that this would be the perfect way to torture her, to lock her up with Gaius. She turned, her stomach rolling.

She could still feel his power emanating from the roots, the roots that bore into the very cement she was sitting on. The darkness around her was thick and inky, she felt as if she was staring into Gaius’s very soul.

“Breathe,” she reminded herself. This was good, after all. She was exactly where she needed to be, thanks to Rheya. She just needed to pull a stake from the tree, and then find a way to escape. Easy-peasy...right?

The air was thick, and Amy struggled to force it into her lungs. Her hands shaking, she began to feel around the rest of the room, trying to find something -- anything -- that could help her.

She could feel dirt beneath her hands, protruding from the cement. She found a second wall quickly, following it to make her way to a corner. On the third wall, she felt what had to be a door. After some further examination, she found a handle which, of course, was locked.

“Okay,” she said to herself. “So I need someone to let me out.”

Just then she heard a creaking sound and a small panel of light illuminated the room. She glanced around, seeing the tree in the dismal cell and...fuck. There was a lot of white, dusting the wall and floors like snow. How many vampires had been murdered in this room?

“Well, well, well,” Amy heard as footsteps approached her. Rheya came into view, with Serafine following close beside her.

“Rheya,” Amy said icily.

“It’s really a shame to see you here,” she said smiling. “When Serafine told me she was suspicious of you, I hoped her feelings were misplaced. But then you didn’t drink with me. Amy, my darling, why don’t you trust me?”

Amy shrugged. “I don’t trust anyone,” she said snarkily. “Don’t take it personally.”

Rheya’s smile was stiff and forced, her eyes blazing with rage. The anger she showed set Amy on edge. “Well,” she said, cocking her head. “Unfortunately, I can’t trust someone who cannot place their trust in me. You can stay here, for now. Hopefully we can convince you to see reason, for real this time, before the sun rises.”

Rheya’s eyes rose to a wide window at the top section of the wall.

“So that’s what happened to all of these poor vampires?” asked Amy, trying to hide the fear she was feeling. “And here I thought you were looking out for our kind.”

“Oh Amy,” said Rheya, stepping closer as Serafine watched. “I always take care of my flock. These vampires, much like yourself, intended to harm my people.”

“So, what?” Amy said, anger rising. “Fall in line or die?”

Rheya laughed. “Ah, I hope you change your mind,” she said as she turned to leave. “I’d hate to lose that fiery spirit. You’re fine to have around.”

The light began to disappear again as Rheya’s final words echoed back into the darkness.

“Think about it.”

Amy was angry and scared, a dangerous combination. The darkness swirling around her, she crept towards Gaius’s tree in the middle of the room. Once she felt the bark under her hands, she set to work punching, pulling, kicking on the tree.

“I defeated you!” she shouted at the tree. “I will defeat her too! And I’ll use you to do it, you god-damned selfish son-of-a-”

The branch gave as she yelled, sending her face-first into the floor.

“Ugh,” she groaned, reaching out for the stake she’d managed to sever. She spit on the tree, her anger getting the better of her. “Fuck you, Gaius.”

She slowly got back to her feet, looking around the dark cell. She had the stake, but she was stuck in this cell and morning was on its way. How was she supposed to stop Rheya if she was stuck here...or worse?

Amy sighed, running her hands over the stake. “There’s got to be something,” she said to herself. She thought through everything she’d seen and heard since she made it to the mansion, trying to think of something that could help.

She sat there for an hour, unsuccessful. Just when she was about to accept defeat, she heard the door creak open again.

“There is nothing you can do to make me trust you!” she shouted to Rheya in the dark. But when the footsteps stopped at the door of the cell, it wasn’t Rheya who was looking back at her.

“Serafine?” Amy asked, eyes wide.

Part 7

Tag list: @h-doodles @scarlet-letter-a0114 @wildsayeed @lightning-fury  @galaxyside-0 @blogsupitssam  @ilovetaylor13m @la-guera-69 @adrianrainesworld @iam-the-fuckin-queen @hela-odinsdottir @jen825 @sheyah @lifesadance96 @theoblivionforest @kamilahsayeed-owns-me @sayeedbound @scaryqueenbee @made-me-deep-blue @kamilahismyqueen @caliseds @eleanorbraidwoodmanor

[stardustloki]

It took a few regenerations

“It took her years, several of the child’s regenerations,” In short, we’ve all been talking about how awful it was that the doctor was basically experimented on as a child and must have been killed multiple times in the process so I decided to write a very angsty fic about it. Enjoy...? It’s here on Ao3 or you can read more under the cut...

The little girl hummed almost inaudibly to herself, staring at the ceiling and deliberately not thinking about the needle currently sticking into her arm. This wasn't that bad after all, the tests were only a little bit uncomfortable and sometimes a tiny bit painful. And it was the least she could do to help Tecteun. The woman had selflessly taken her in after finding her next to the portal, when she'd been alone, and scared, with no memories and just a blank space that rang with static whenever she tried to recall what was through the portal, where she'd come from. She had been hungry and thirsty and she would have died, and then 'regenerated' (that was what Tecteun called it), and then died again (and then regenerated and then died again? - well, that was what they were trying to find out).

And not only had she been saved by Tecteun, she'd seen incredible things with her, they'd had the most amazing adventures together, exploring across the galaxy. Tecteun was one of the most brilliant (and one of the only) people she'd ever met.

It was just, sometimes, it seemed that her adoptive mother could be fascinated by the universe and all it contained but in a distant and clinical way, not in a way that was filled with wonder, in one that wanted to take it apart and analyse it, understand how it worked no matter what the consequences of this were. She was reminded of a time when they'd found a small, fluffy alien. It had been injured and had whined and cried out as the blood had seeped out of the gaping wound in its stomach. Tecteun had just watched, had ordered the child do the same, writing down observations and gripping the crying girl's wrist tightly so she wouldn't get involved and try to comfort the animal. Tecteun had grimaced as the child had sobbed all the way through the animal's dissection.

But that wasn't what was happening here, so that didn't matter. Tecteun loved her, she had told her so many times, and her actions only proved that. She wasn't treating her like she had that animal. And besides, hadn't she been just as desperate to find out what was so special about her, about her gift?

Tecteun wanted to know what was so special about her, what made her tick, and that was okay, because the child was paying her back for taking care of her and she wanted to know too.

The child's eyes snapped open and she stared wildly around the room.

"Hey, hey, it's okay, my child," Tecteun said, stroking her hair with one hand. She looked up to see her mother scratching something hastily down.

Her mother seemed weird, a bit further away than usual. Her perspective seemed to be off. And though she didn't hurt anymore (that was nice), her arms and legs felt very different. She looked down at her hands. They were a pale, peachy colour. She looked down further and saw the dried blood on her now too-large clothes.

"I regenerated again," she whispered, her breath catching in her throat. "You killed me!"

Her mother put down what she was working on and leant over to embrace her. The girl didn't know what to do. Whether to scream, to push away and struggle from the woman who had hurt her or to accept the comfort. Her thoughts were swirling round her head, too loudly. She settled for sobbing harder.

"Now then, there’s no need to be over-dramatic, I don't think I killed you did I?" her voice was sweet, but it had a harsh tinge to it that brokered no argument. "You can't really die, can you, you're just temporarily inconvenienced and then you're back, good as new. Isn't that fantastic? This increases the possibility that you are fully immortal! Now, I know that hurt a little, and I didn't mean for this to happen, but mistakes are always made in science and progress, and look what we've discovered. This can hardly be a mistake, can it?"

Several days later, eating a bowl of light soup (the only thing she could stomach after the morning tests) she reflected that it was strange. It was like she really did die, in a sense. Her personality was different, what she liked to eat was different, her mood was different, but something in the core of her being stayed the same. That and her memories told her that she was her. But she had died.

The third her, the little blonde girl, had flinched and cried a lot. This boy was different, he was angry, and he struggled, there was a fire inside of him that was burning, burning, burning. It was a fire born of desperation and fear and anger (though he didn't have a right to be angry at Tecteun, not really, she loved him, she'd rescued him, she'd taken care of him, she was allowing him to be a part of the most revolutionary science anyone would ever see).

It was Tecteun's mission to detail every fragment of his genetic material. Even though he really wanted to help her, he really did, the tests hurt, they were exhausting, and he had nothing to do. It was rare that he was allowed to play with the children that he heard laughing outside everyday. He had to sit there, to be still, be quiet, not complain. Tecteun was nice enough to tell him about her work sometimes, but it wasn't enough, the rage bubbled beneath the surface.

One day it overflowed. Tecteun had poked and pinched and taken samples and he'd grown more and more restless. She'd promised him he could get up from the chair after she'd taken the blood samples. She hadn't let him.

"Let me go, you have to let me go outside, you promised!" he pleaded as she pushed him down again.

"That was before I hit a breakthrough with your blood," she muttered, reaching for the thin tool that would burrow into his ear and take a few cells from his brain. That was what had killed the last girl, Tecteun hadn't set it properly. "Science doesn't wait for boredom or childish games. Sit back down, I said!" she ordered and pushed him down harder.

He saw red. "No!" he screamed and shoved her with all the strength he could muster. The surprise of the action and the fury and desperation that gave it force caused Tecteun to loose her balance and she went tumbling down amongst her instruments.

Four didn't hesitate. He ran. He would run far away. He wouldn't let her catch him. He couldn't.

He sprinted and stumbled along the paths, the sharp stones cutting into his bare feet. He didn't care. He had to get away. Had to find a place to hide because it wouldn't take that long for Tecteun to get to her feet and he had a feeling that she was faster than him, could catch him, that those times Tecteun had raced his first self she had only lost to make the girl happy.

He burst into the first house he saw. He recognised it, one of his friends (well, One and Two's friends - he hadn't been allowed to play here after the second regeneration) lived here.

The family were sitting on cushions on the floor, playing a card game, and they looked at him in shock as he entered. One of the younger children recoiled and hid their face in their mother's robe.

"Please, you have to help me," he begged, tears streaming down his cheeks, though whether they were from fear or rage was impossible to tell. "She's hurting me, she won't stop testing me, I don't want this, I don't want to be part of science anymore. I don't want to go back, I don't want it to hurt."

He shook as he scanned the room for his friend. That could have been him, he thought, just no longer a child. But he didn't have time to say anything.

"You're Tecteun's... child?" the father asked, getting to his feet, his head tilted in askance.

The child nodded and as the father surged forwards opened his arms for the embrace.

It didn't come.

Instead the man grabbed his arm roughly and started dragging him to the door.

"Hey, stop, what are you doing! Get off me! Get off!"

"Shut up, freak," he hissed as he opened the door and shoved the boy outside.

"But you were kind to me... you... you liked me... you let me have sleepovers with G-"

The slap cut him off.

"And I regret doing so," the father said, hauling him back down the path. "What you are is unnatural. Everyone says so."

The boy didn't go quietly, he kicked and bit and screamed and hit, lashing out like a ferocious animal, unyielding and snarling. But all too soon Tecteun came storming into view.

"You shouldn't have something like that out here, Tecteun," he man hissed as the child twisted and writhed in their grips. "You should take it back to where you found it."

"His body will revolutionise our understanding of everything.... Look, you're making this very difficult," Tecteun snapped as he fought desperately. She shook him. "I've done so much for you, I just want to understand how it all works. How could you be so ungrateful?"

The boy shrieked with everything his small lungs could muster as he was brought into the lab. He relaxed momentarily after they passed through it only to find himself shoved into the store room and the door locked behind him.

He hammered on the door and screamed and screamed and screamed. Rage tearing him apart.

"Let me out! Let me out!"

But his rage slowly exhausted itself and the fear took over again, his screams collapsed into sobs and he scratched hopelessly at the gaps around the door.

"Let me out," he whispered, his voice cracked and raw. "Let me out..."

No one came for two days.

The boy knew this because the room got darker and colder at night, but during the day it was moderately more bearable. Moderately.

When the door scraped open he flung himself at her feet, grasping at her legs deliriously and hanging on tightly. The furious part of his brain was pushed right to the back of his mind.

"Right, child," Tecteun said softly as she drew one of his shaking arms upwards. "We just need to get this in you and then we can put this all behind us."

He blacked out as a searing pain shot through his left arm.

When he came to Tecteun was carrying him in her arms. It felt deceptively safe there.

"Wha..."

"I just put something in your arm, dear," Tecteun said. "To make sure you don't run away again. I can't let you be selfish and ruin everything."

Four tried again, of course, and again. Before he had got even fifty paces from the house an unbearable pain from the chip in his arm made him black out. He understood then. He raged and destroyed Tecteun's lab while she slept.

He lay in the chair of the partly repaired lab with a fresh bruise blossoming down one side of his face.

Tecteun gave him two pills to swallow. He gritted his teeth but did so obediently.

"In your next regeneration you will be quiet and helpful, won't you?" she asked. "You won't cause trouble and you'll do as you're told so we can solve this together, won't you?"

The boy nodded stiffly, his vision was blurring and he felt that something was wrong with that sentence, he wasn't sure what though...

When he opened his eyes he immediately started scrabbling at his clothes, they were far too tight and where they hadn't ripped they were cutting into him.

"How are you feeling?" A voice asked to his left. It was Tecteun.

The last time he had seen her she had given him something, some pills. Had she? No. She wouldn't have, would she? Well... the child decided, if she had done he had deserved it, he had been fire and rage, determined too keep fighting, he hadn't been good and quiet, he hadn't helped to advance science.

"Clothes too tight?" she asked.

He nodded.

"Come on let's find you some, quickly, we need to finish a few more things here afterwards."

He trotted after her obediently.

He was a boy this time, he realised as he got dressed. He knew it because he had the thing between his legs. That was the only difference he could see so far between being a boy and being a girl. Being the first girl had been the best, he decided, she'd been the happiest, she'd had the most fun, she was the she of before.

He shook as he let her run more tests, but he bit his tongue and didn't say anything. And when he let her replant the tracker which his body had pushed out during the regeneration process silent tears ran down his cheeks, but he blacked out before he screamed.

The girl who came after him was desperate and feisty, but she lacked the blaze of the caged animal that Four had had. She inherited Five's penchant for hiding under beds and in small spaces, as if the dark shadows would save her from the needles.

She hadn't lasted long. Tecteun said she was sorry, but she was fairly certain she had cracked the secret of her immortality and needed to study the process of regeneration once more. She tried to fight, but Tecteun injected her with something before she had time to move properly.

When he woke up again he was a boy, a boy who didn't see the point anymore. He didn't struggle as Tecteun ran some last tests, he felt nothing as she took samples. Nothing mattered. Not him. Not the advancement of science, of Tecteun. Who cared about that anyway.

He watched slumped in the corner as Tecteun regenerated for the first time. He felt he should be feeling something, relief maybe, but he just couldn't.

After a time of gleeful experiments on herself (or was that himself now, the boy didn't know) Tecteun came over to where he was sitting and ran a hand through his hair affectionately.

"Is it over now?" he dared to ask, it would be nice if it were, it would be nice if everything would end.

"No my dear, it's only just beginning," Tecteun laughed lightly and he noticed that the manic tinge that had enveloped Tecteun towards the end of her first life was still there, still fighting to break though. "After all, I think there would be many grateful people here who would jump at the chance to live forever. We can't stop now, can we?"

Despite the haze of nothingness wrapped around him the boy shivered.

She escaped once, across the universe, as far as she could go.

She almost felt relief when they caught her and she overheard that the only way to keep her under control was to wipe her memory. At least she would be free of her whirling, strangling thoughts.

At least then she wouldn't have to remember what they did to her.