#but most w time grew to just want to be freed and be able to pass on in peace. more hostile ghosts become vague wisps of what they were bef

[surreal-duck]

es rarepair week 2024 day 1 | AU/future

lil ghostic au of mine!!! yuzuru and the rest of fine are long since trapped souls in an abandoned mansion of which rst come across while looking for shelter during a storm :] it doesnt um. particularly end well

[obssessivethorn]

More Yuu Headcanons

Here are some more TWST headcanons of our favorite little shrimpy prefect that I pulled from the depths of my mind which needed to be freed. This mainly builds off of my first Yuu hc, so take a look at that if you'd like!

[Yuu Makes Constant References No One Else Gets]

[Masterlist]

Yuu humming/singing Two of Hearts if they’re in a relationship w/ Ace or just hanging out with him as a friend

Yuu refers to the cast as handsome as a casual fact and is surprised when most of them are confused/surprised/flustered by this 

“What? The guys in this school are handsome. That’s kinda just a fact.” 

Yuu being nostalgic on their Birthday 

Deuce: “I bet your family’s celebrating your birthday even if you’re not there.”

Yuu: (hopeful) “yeah. Or, who knows, this could be a whole Narnia situation and no time has passed there at all.”

Ace: “Narnia?”

Yuu: (somber) “oh, just some popular story back home. Maybe I’ll tell you guys some time.”

Ace and Deuce always wanting to hear about stories from Yuu’s home world but being too scared that it will make them sad 

Fem!Yuu being really excited to meet Deuce’s mom because they’ve been surrounded by  only guys at an all boys school for months 

Bonus: Dylla absolutely adores fem!Yuu and is more than willing to help fashion some more feminine clothing for Yuu if they ever wanted.

Bonus +1: fem!Yuu wanting to meet the cast’s moms and sisters whenever the boys mention them.

Bonus +2: All the boys’ families just accepting Yuu as their child regardless of whether they’ve met or not simply because of how often the boys talk about them 

Yuu getting really giddy and excited when they’re able to travel to a new place in twisted wonderland other than Sage’s Island (i.e. cast’s hometowns, etc.)

Yuu asking Crewel for help whenever/if they want to dye their hair 

Based on a voiceline, Crewel canonically bleaches half his hair white and maintains that to keep with his style (the dedication of that man is inspiring)

The moment Yuu realizes they’ve fallen too far down the rabbit hole and are now attached to everyone in twisted wonderland, meaning their leaving will hurt more and more with each passing day. 

The feeling of being incredibly torn between their previous life they were forced to abandon, years of work they had put in to reach the goals they wanted to accomplish, and the new friends, experiences, and opportunities before them in this new world. So they push the feeling down further with each day. Force themself to ignore the inevitable. 

They don’t want to think about the idea of who will take care of Grim when they’re gone? Or how Ace will get his assignments done if they’re not there to force him to do it. Or or who will calm deuce down enough before he gets into a fight and ruins his goal of being a perfect honor student? 

Who will be there if someone else overblots?

This one I kinda stole from Private Thoughts of a Moray Eel by @mochinomnoms, but I love the idea of Yuu, Ace, and Deuce being so close and completely comfortable with each other. I mean, they’ve gone through literal life or death situations together from the start, so it makes sense that they would be closer than most. 

But not just the closeness we see in game with them being a main friend group who always hangs out. But close physically, in the sense that there are few boundaries left between the three. 

For a few examples, I like the idea that the three will commonly be seen cuddling together or leaning on one another when they’re lounging in the courtyard or around Heartslabyul/Ramshackle. 

Ace often times has his arm around the shoulders of Yuu or Deuce. Sometimes leaning in to whisper something stupid or gossipy in their ear. 

Yuu has taken to giving the Adeuce duo kisses on their foreheads and cheeks as thanks or as a goodbye when they head back to Ramshackle with Grim. 

Deuce grew a habit of holding Yuu or Ace’s hand when he gets ticked off by some oaf he wants to punch. The two will respond by giving his hand a squeeze or rubbing a comforting thumb across the back of his hand. It’s a silent thing, no one outright acknowledges it, because it’s become such a common practice for the three. 

Another habit Deuce has developed is that he’ll face-plant directly into the lap of whoever is sitting down after a long day. The first time he did it, it was Yuu’s lap and it spooked them so much they accidentally threw their phone at Ace’s face. Deuce felt horrible after that, but after some reassurance, he started doing it more often. Albet, making sure the landing was softer than the first time. 

In response to Deuce planting his face on their thighs, Ace and Yuu both took to immediately playing with his hair and massaging his scalp with their free hand. 

Yuu’s way of asking for comfort when they're stressed or scared (which they will always refuse to admit, they swear, they just need them as a human shield! It’s just for defense!) is by hugging one of the two around their torso and ducking their head into the crook of their neck to hide their face. Most times, the hug from the back so whoever they’re hugging can’t see what they’re feeling. But they of course still love hugging from the front because the two will always respond by immediately wrapping their arms around Yuu and rubbing their back. 

Because of this slightly abnormal friendship, (I failed to describe the abnormal part here but I can always write more) there have of course been some rumors started about them being in a romantic relationship. Are they polygamous? Are Ace and Deuce fighting over Yuu in an epic and dramatic love triangle? Is Yuu playing both of the boys? Are there hidden feelings between the three they all refuse to talk about? 

While most of the school and some of their friends wonder this, the trio completely ignores it. As if the rumors don’t exist at all. When asked about their relationship or if anything being said is true, all three of them look at each other, shrug, and say completely different things. 

Jack: So, are you guys in a relationship?  Epel: Yeah, you’re all awfully close for just friends.  Sebek: Please, the details of their relationship have nothing to do with us! But if you three are romantically involved in a relationship with each other then I will support you entirely as long as it does not affect my lord.  Ortho: Well, let’s hear them out first, are you three dating each other?  Ace, Deuce, and Yuu: *tangled in a cuddle pile on Ramshackle’s couch with Grim asleep on the arm of the couch next to them* [simultaneously] Ace: Maybe. Deuce: No? why? Yuu: Only on Tuesdays. 

The main part taken from Private Thoughts of a Moray Eel is the idea where Ace and Yuu visit Deuce’s home one summer and Deuce’s mom Dylla immediately believes the three are an adorable couple. 

Regardless of whether they are, aren’t, or are secretly pining, Dylla would decide in that moment that she had two new children she would die for. (Whether through adoption or as an in-law, should secretly hopes she can have Yuu as her child) 

AdeuceYuu is probably my favorite ship in all of Twst but this concept of them being physically affectionate and comfortable with each other transcends simply being a romantic headcanon and something I personally believe to be true as platonic and any other relationship dynamic you can imagine. Because let’s be honest, all three of them need comfort from others after going through so many overblots. And who better to comfort you than the ones who stood beside you through most of those experiences.  

Yuu being seen by the cast as a very passive and soft-spoken individual who couldn’t hurt a fly even if they tried. Only, the projected image of the protag they’ve come to accept is shattered when they witness Yuu tearing a random student a new one after said student had pushed them over the edge after a very stressful day. (Separate HC post for that concept coming soon) 

Yuu, who stood against beasts, overblots, and literal titans and gods, being too scared to ask for extra ketchup in Mostro Lounge. 

Additionally, Yuu who lives with a direbeast, being afraid of squirrels (don’t ask me why, this just feels correct, so we’re going with it)

The first idea that got me to start writing twst headcanons: Yuu having a very different way of speaking in Twisted Wonderland than they do back home. Because many of the references and slang they typically use in everyday speech doesn’t make sense to anyone but them in TW, they talk less and have a very plain way of speaking compared to most people their age. Here’s how I imagine this specific scenario goes:

When hanging out with Adeuce and Grim one day, Ace brings up (jokingly) how boring the prefect sounds when speaking. 

Yuu makes a comment about how they speak very differently from how they do back home.

This piques Ace and Deuce’s interest. 

While Deuce is more reluctant to ask, Ace begins asking questions and hounding Yuu for examples and for them to say things in ways they normally would. Deuce and Grim eventually join in on the barrage of questions. 

Finally, and a little hesitantly, Yuu decided to give them one day where they talk in the way they normally would back home. 

In this case, that means a lot of references, stupid internet jokes, and generational slang.

While the majority of it goes over the heads of Yuu’s friends, prompting more questions than it does answer, it’s still a day in which they see a whole new side of Yuu. One that’s evidently more relaxed and natural for the beloved prefect. 

It’s a confusing day for most, listening to Yuu speak as if they’ve lost their mind and started spewing nonsense, but it also became one of the highlights of the school year for the cast.

I have plenty more headcanons i can rip from the crevices of my mind, so if you would like to see more let me know! I love thinking of these silly little moments and dynamics and overall making the main character feel a little more real and personal for myself and hopefully others.

@thisisafish123 (you asked to be tagged for a part 2, not exactly sure if this counts for you but I hope you enjoy!)

[astra-galaxie]

🫂😬👻💝💔❤️‍🔥 for zara tien??? ‘w’

I hope that when I write season 6, I can do Zara and the team justice! I appreciate getting requests like this because they help me think about their characters in ways I wasn’t able to while playing Travel in Time!

(Nothing against the season itself, the gameplay just sucked, and I couldn't get into it like I could with the other seasons.)

That being said, please enjoy these headcanons for Zara!

🫂 A friendship headcanon

Zara will always have her friends’ backs, no matter how big or scary her opponent is. She never backs down from a fight, especially to protect someone she cares about. She has given people countless black eyes, cuts, bruises and even some broken bones. If you think you can get away with hurting one of Zara’s friends, then you better have a good hiding spot because Zara WILL get her revenge!

👻 A headcanon about what scares them

Zara is scared of being alone. Growing up, she didn’t have many people she could trust or rely on; for the most part, she raised herself. And while she likes having alone time, that doesn't mean she wants to be alone. That is why she tries to spend a lot of time with Theo and Kai. Even when they’re apart, Zara doesn't feel alone, but she still prefers having at least one of her boyfriends or a friend with her to fill the void she fears.

💝 A headcanon about their love language

Zara loves giving and receiving physical affection. Head pats, hugs, kisses, holding hands, and cuddling always make her feel loved. She grew up touch-starved, and while she didn’t realize how much it was hurting her since she had gone without it most of her life, Zara came to use touch as a way to show her love. And with Theo and Kai, she can give and get double the affection!

💔 An angsty headcanon

SOMBRA nearly successfully recruited Zara. She was 12 at the time of their defeat by the Bureau and had been targeted as a potential recruit during their final year of operation. She hadn't gotten far enough into the program to be experimented on, but she did participate in The Hunt alongside other recruits. She thought the things SOMBRA was promising were good and that she would help the world become a better palace, but after the Bureau freed her following The Hunt and she was placed into the Spring Angels Foundation, Zara realized how terrible SOMBRA was.

She’s yet to bring up her past with SOMBRA to her team, mainly because of Jack and Marina. She’s seen them look at her as if they should remember her, but Zara’s always deflected their questions. Maybe one day she’ll tell them the truth, but for now, that secret is best left in the shadows…

😬 A headcanon about the worst thing they’ve done

(I moved this one to relate it to the angsty headcanon.)

Having been recruited by SOMBRA, Zara did many things to prove her worth to them. Along with participating in The Hunt, she also committed minor crimes for them, like stealing. One such crime involved her breaking into a small shop to steal their money. SOMBRA had given Zara a gun to defend herself, but she was scared to use it. Given the late hour, she thought she wouldn’t need it, but she got caught while stuffing the money from the safe into her bag. In the ensuing panic, Zara shot the man who caught her, thankfully not killing him, but she did shoot him in his kneecap. Zara couldn't believe what she’d done and ran before the cops arrived, but the man’s screams of pain still haunt her.

❤️‍🔥 A romantic headcanon

Zara HATED when Theo and Kai were fighting over her. She loved both of them but had no idea how to tell them or if they would accept her feelings. But being stuck on a time machine gives you plenty of time to figure things out. In the end, Zara confesses to Theo and Kai, and in turn, the men are able to set aside their rivalry and replace it with love.

The downside to being stuck in a time machine is that you're stuck in a ship with your teammates, which leads to them being almost caught and caught in several intimate situations. But Zara, Theo, and Kai didn’t care if they got caught; as long as they were being caught together, it was fun, especially when Jack once walked in on them making out and left screaming that he needed to bleach his eyes.

There we go! Another ask down and on to the next one! Thank you for the request!

[sophia-sol]

I've been thinking some more about my gender presentation of late. I mean, thinking about how I dress and present myself to the world is kind of medium-key on my mind all the time, but this year I'm trying to more deliberately work on figuring out what kind of wardrobe and styling makes me feel happy and comfortable with myself.

And I've been making great progress with that, and it's very exciting, when I look at myself in the mirror and go "YEAH!!!" instead of just being like "well I have no arguments with this outfit."

When I was in my late teens, I stopped wearing pants. Full stop. Skirts or dresses all the time, for every occasion, in every weather. And I kept this up for….dear lord I just did the math and I think it's 10 or 11 years of absolutely no pants, with a couple years on either side with majority-skirts but occasional pants. At my peak I had a collection of over 50 skirts, most of them real statement pieces. I did the skirt-wearing for a number of reasons, some of which I was able to articulate at the time and some of which I wasn't.

But I think that ultimately one important facet of it (which I absolutely did not understand at the time) was that if I wore something so distinctly female-associated as a skirt, was known for it in fact, then I could experiment with gender in other ways without being concerned I would be seen as rejecting my assigned gender. I was wearing a big ol' flag of femaleness on my bottom half at all times! So I was able to inch towards a more masc presentation in other ways without totally freaking out and shutting myself down. (I mean, I still freaked out. I have a dreamwidth post from 2016 about how scary and forbidden it felt to wear men's button-up shirts, and get a more masculine haircut. Even with my skirts! But I was able to make those forays, despite the difficulties.)

But as I grew in my confidence in wearing more masc clothing, the skirt-wearing eventually fell by the wayside. By 2019, I was wearing pants one day a week, on fridays, feeling daring at the pants-featuring outfits I put together. And then the pandemic began, and I spent multiple years being able to wear anything on my lower half and not have anyone outside my household see me, and never having to use public washrooms. And freed of having to worry about what opinion people would have of my gender, I found myself almost never wearing skirts anymore. My default became men's pants and men's shirts, and I only bothered pulling out a skirt with the thought that I really ought to make more use of my excellent skirt collection, which by this point had been pared down to only the very best skirts.

But with my new default of men's clothing, I kind of ended up wearing just any old thing. Especially in the first year or so of the pandemic, I did not want to venture out into shared public spaces, so going to stores to try on clothes was right out, and I just ordered a few things online to fill in the basics of what I needed, based on what fit me and looked respectable and wasn't too expensive.

These outfits didn't exactly spark joy, but they were easy enough to wear, and felt comfortable, both physically and genderwise. And eventually I realized that it no longer felt comfortable to put on a skirt.

(did I maybe cry a bit at the realization that it was time for me to pack away my skirts? look, obviously I did, they were a huge part of my identity for so long, and I still love them, even if they're not something I want to wear anymore!)

But one of the other big things my carefully curated collection of skirts did for me was that they allowed me to dress in ways that were dramatic and visually interesting and off-beat, they enabled me to make statements with my clothing, and standard-issue men's clothing is uhhhhhhh not that.

So I've been working, of late, to develop a coherent and consistent and more me-feeling style and way of dressing now that I don't wear skirts. It's a work in progress, not least because the kinds of clothes I want to wear are hard to find! There are some significant gaps in my wardrobe to be able to fully make the clothing statements I want to all the time. But already I'm making enormous strides.

And dressing myself is FUN again, the way it used to be in the heyday of when I most enjoyed wearing skirts! I think I've spent the last 5 years at least not having fun with my clothing, when I always used to love putting together outfits. I thought it was just a casualty of growing older, but NO, I just needed to figure out a new approach to clothing that would make me happy again!

I don't know whether my current gender presentation will be a long-term or permanent thing for me. I used to derive a great deal of genuine joy from my wonderful skirts, after all! And it's impossible for me to have feelings about clothes that are siloed from society. I exist in a society, and my sense of how people see me based on my clothes is an intrinsic part of the collection of feelings I have about the clothes I wear. At least, it is right now. Who knows what will happen in the future! But for now: I'm having fun.

[lcngliive]

Was that [JODIE COMER]? Oh no no, that was just [ASTRAEA], an [ORIGINAL CHARACTER] from [STAR WARS]. They are [THIRTY] years old, use [SHE/THEY], and [ARE] aware that they are not actually from Washington DC. Too bad they can’t stray from this city for long.

how long has your character been here

they have been here for seven years now at this point.

what is your character’s job

she doesn’t have one, unless you count manipulating rich people one?

where has your character been pulled from in their fandom

after they were killed trying to save their apprentice.

has any magic affected your character

nope!

and any other information you might find useful for us and the other members to know!!

hello friends!! this right here is astraea!! my newest character, they are an oc character from star wars - but pre plagueis - so they have no idea abt all of the events of the clone wars or the rebellion eras! 

their life started out normal, just like any other force-sensitive child - the jedi order came to her parents - they willingly gave their child over because they had another on the way. 

she grew up on the jedi temple and was trained in the ways of the jedi - but on a mission with their master, they encountered a sith lord, who killed their master and took astraea. 

they were sure that the jedi would come for them, to save them and bring them back to the jedi temple - but no one ever came, all calls in the force had been ignored. 

that was when the sith lord who had taken her put his plan into action - he needed a new apprentice after his had been a failure and he had killed them. 

and so their torture began. 

their master was not a kind man and would punish astraea for anything she did wrong - when she was appointed as a padawan learner and given a jedi master to work with, they were still learning and unsure of themselves - this was something that was taken advantage of. 

over the next ten years, astraea was tortured into submission, into the perfect little apprentice - or at least that was what they had allowed their master to think - beneath the surface, she was seething and waiting for the proper chance to strike. 

and so they did. one night while on a mission to kill a jedi - instead of striking down the jedi knight, she killed her master, the man who manipulated and tortured her. 

after that astraea fell away from the world once more for a few years, perfecting the skills they had learned and earned the name darth vehemens, becoming a fully realised sith lord. 

they were no longer the young padawan that the jedi order failed, astraea was now a different person, violent, cruel and manipulative - most of which was traits that she learned from her master. 

they continued travelling the galaxy, learning all they could, cutting down any jedi they crossed paths with and taking down anyone who stood in their way. 

while on a scouting mission, they found a young force sensitive child who was about to be sold - astraea killed everyone where they stood and freed every single slave, she never wanted another person to feel trapped like they had been years ago. 

astraea did not treat them like her master did - she was still firm, but used techniques that were more remnant of their training as a jedi padawan.

an attachment became apparent between master and apprentice, moving to a more familial bond, rather than that of a master and apprentice - they became mother and daughter and astraea is fiercly protective over kore. 

this bond was eventually what became their downfall - the jedi council at the time had learned about their apprentice, taking it upon themselves to try and seize them and bring them to the jedi order - dubbing them young enough for the teachings of the sith to be erased. 

they had settled on the planet of lahn in the outer rim, being able to blend in with the variety of different species that inhabited the world - but it wasn’t enough, the jedi order found them, sending some of their best masters and knights. 

astraea fought well in the beginning, but was wounded by an attack they didn’t see coming, they died in their apprentice’s arms, while still keeping the jedi back from them until they no longer could. 

astraea’s last words to their apprentice were those of love and of how proud they were of them. 

here in dc:

astraea has been here in dc for a while, they have been in the background of things, knowing full well that there are other force users in the city, but waiting for the right moment to reveal herself to them - they learned early on to mask their force signature, not allowing another force user know that they are there. 

astraea has once again been reunited with their apprentice, who is more like a daughter than a student and they are glad that she’s safe and back with her.

possible wanted connections:

friends that she’s made here - despite being p evil, astraea is still a cool person to hang out with :) she’s nice to the people who are nice to her - so some friendships would be good? with either like-minded people who are kinda evil like they are would be good, either that or anyone tbh???

past relationships - she’s not one to settle down, so there would probs be a lot of these ??????

[islesnucks]

hi bae can i request a barzy blurb based on dress by taylor swift? ty 🥺

a taylor swift song inspired barzy fic? hell yeah that’s like my two favorite things in the word together

requests are open so go send something if you feel like 

also this turned out a bit longer than I expected

I DON'T WANT YOU LIKE A BEST FRIEND - MAT BARZAL X READER

Word Count: 1.9 k

Warning: none

Summary: after Mat introduces you as his best friend and it affects you more than it should, you end up confessing your feelings for him 

Masterlist

Add yourself to my taglist!

His words hadn’t left your mind the whole night, they were on loop, replaying over and over in your brain. ‘This is Y/N, one of my best friends.’ That’s how Mat had introduced you when you arrived at his family’s friend’s wedding, to which he had invited you as he’s plus one.

You knew you and Mat were just friends, you have been for a long time, and it surely wasn’t the first time he introduced you like that. Maybe this time hit differently because you had just come to terms with the undeniable fact that you had fallen for your best friend, no matter how cliché that sounded.

You couldn’t pinpoint the exact moment when it happened. It just happened slowly without you even realizing. Suddenly seeing him hit on random girls at the bar made you feel sick. Suddenly his hand on your lower back guiding you through a crowded room felt different. Suddenly your name coming from his lips made the world stop. You didn’t know what turned the switch in your brain from platonic to romantic love and made you look at him with new eyes, but once you realized it there was no going back and the thought of Mat and you becoming something more was always there painfully present in the back of your head.

“Y/N?” you heard Mat call you, bringing you back to reality. You looked at him still a bit lost in your thoughts. ”Are you okay?” he asked with his eyes stuck on the windshield as he drove you home after the wedding had ended.

“Yeah, I’m fine. Why?”

“I don’t know. You’ve been a little off all night.” He noticed, he obviously did. Because he’s Mat, he’s your best friend, he’s one of the most attentive guys you know and he knows you better than you know yourself sometimes. So he obviously noticed, but that didn’t mean you couldn’t keep on pretending.

“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about.” you replied failing to sound as confident as you wanted to. Mat didn’t say anything and the car fell back into silence. 

You looked outside the window, trying to distract yourself and calm down. You weren’t far away from your place, in just a few minutes you’d be in your apartment. Mat had noticed something but he didn’t know what it was, so you could send him a text explaining you had a headache or something to get him off your back and just move on.

At least that was the plan but then Mat turned off the car and got out of it with you. You thought he was walking you to the building door like he had done many times, nothing strange. However he walked into the building with you and got into the elevator.

That’s when you started to suspect something was happening. You looked over at him confused and he just smiled at you, like nothing was going on. So maybe he was just walking you to the door. You decided not to think too much into it because if you did your heart would start racing and would notice your nerves, the last thing you needed was to give him more reasons to believe something was going on.

As you opened the door Mat was quick to walk into your apartment and you watched him with furrowed brows as he took a seat on your couch, casually like there was nothing weird with it.

“Excuse me? Can I help you with something?” you asked, stepping in front of him.

“I know something’s up Y/N. You barely talked today and you didn’t cry, I’ve seen you cry at stupid commercials and you didn’t cry at a wedding.”

You rolled your eyes walking away from him because you knew you couldn’t lie to his face, he’d notice. “I’m fine Mat I promised I just had a headache.”

“No you didn’t. When you have a headache you massage your head and you get sleepy, that’s not what happened today. It’s more like you were gone.” You hated how much he knew you, it would be harder to convince him but that didn’t mean you wouldn’t try.

“Well I’m sorry I don’t always have the same gestures Sherlock.” you replied, irritation was clear in your tone. Mat let out a deep sigh and got up. It wasn’t his intention to argue and he could see you were getting mad, he just wanted to know what was going on.

“Y/N I know you-” he started to say as he approached you but you were tired of hearing that speech.

“Can we not do this right now? I’m tired Mat, I just wanna go to bed.” you said with a defeated look, lowering your town. He looked at you for a minute and decided to push his stubbornness aside. He knew he was right, he’d bet a million dollars on it, but he also knew you were exhausted, he could see it in your face.

Mat walked till he was in front of you, inches away, and suddenly wrapped his arms around you, pulling you into his chest. He held you tight as one hand went up to your hair to stroke it. You were surprised at first but then he felt you relax in his embrace. He placed a kiss on top of your head as he balanced slightly from one side to the other, keeping his face buried in your hair.

“You don’t have to tell me what’s going on okay? Because I know something happened, don’t even try to pretend it didn’t. I just wanna know if it’s something I did, that’s all I need to know because I can’t leave you here alone knowing I may have done something to upset you.”

His voice was soft as he spoke against you. Tears started to build up in your eyes and you tried to push them away as you debated what your next move would be.

If you told him it wasn’t about him he'd leave and you could move on pretending nothing happened and dealing with your unresolved feelings. If you told him the truth you didn’t know what would happen. However you knew that regardless of how he felt about you he’d be nice to you. The man was hugging you tight about his chest, refusing you to leave until you told him it wasn’t his fault because he wouldn’t be able to live with himself knowing he did anything to hurt you.

Maybe it was the wine you had drank. Maybe it was because you were emotionally exhausted and unable to think clearly. Or maybe because you were tired of pretending. You didn’t know the reason why you decided to be honest and tell him how you truly felt, but you did that.

“You introduced me as your best friend today, that’s why I was off the whole day, I just kept thinking about it.” you mumbled against his chest, breaking the silence.

“Did you want me to introduce you differently?” He pulled away a little to be able to look you in the face, but his arms were still around you.

“Yes- I mean no. I-” You stumbled on your words, trying to find the right way to explain everything. “What you did was fine, I am your best friend, that’s right.”

“Then why did it upset you?” You rested your head face against his chest again, not having the courage to look him in the face as you confessed what you were about to confess.

“Cause I don't want you like a best friend Mat. I haven’t for a while now and I just don’t know how to deal with this. It’s not your fault, I don’t know what happened or when or how. I have these feelings for you and I guessed it hurt a bit to hear you calling me your best friend, even though that’s exactly what I am.”

After you spoke the room went silent again and you started panicking. You looked up at Mat who was already looking down at you and all you could see was shock. Suddenly your worst fear was real, you had screwed up your friendship with him. It was over. You felt the familiar knot in your throat and tears blurred your vision.

“Sorry ignore everything I said. Just forget it okay?” you said as you freed yourself from his embrace. Still no reaction whatsoever from him. “Shit. Shit. Shit. I feel so stupid.”

“Y/N.” he said, but you were too distracted pacing around the room and rambling to hear him.

“You know I even spent hours shopping for the perfect dress that would magically make you see me as more than your friend, do you know how stupid that sound? What am I? 15 years old?”

“Y/N listen-” he tried again but there was no getting to you, you were too lost in your own jabber. It was like once you started you couldn’t stop and you’d surely later regret all you were confessing.

“I’m an idiot. I really thought you could maybe by some miracle feel the same and-”

“Y/N!” he said now in a much louder tone so you would hear him and place his hands on your sides to stop you. You were surprised, not even realizing he had approached you at some point.

“Please stop.” he added now on a lower more tender tone, it almost sounded like a plea.

Now that you looked at him the initial shock had been replaced by something you couldn’t make out. His face was unreadable as he stated leaning in and before you could even question what was going on his lips were on yours.

You were surprised at first, eyes wide open not being to process what was going on. But once the initial shock was over you kissed him back. It’s embarrassing how many times you had thought what kissing him would be like, but it turned out to be even better than you could have imagined. His lips caressed yours gently, even a bit shily. Your hands met on the back of his neck and his slid down your sides to your waist, pulling you closer. 

Then a thought found its way into your brain.

“Wait.” you mumbled against his lips and he instantly pulled away. “I need to know you’re not doing this out of pity.”

He chuckled letting his head fall back before answering. “I’m doing this because I also don’t want you like a best friend. Because you do look amazing in that dress. Because I’ve wanted to kiss you for so long now. Because-” 

Your smile grew wider with every word and your cheeks turned red. You could tell he planned to keep on going, and you were surely going to ask him to tell you the rest later, but now there was only one thing you wanted.

“Ok, ok. I get it. We can go back to kissing now.” you said making him laugh, already tugging him closer by his neck and his laughs died in your lips.

-

hope you liked it! likes and reblogs are always appreciated!

taglist: @glassdanse @2manytabsopen @tazeboes @barbienoturbby @sweetlittlegingy @petey-patty @mcsteamylove98 @ttylfedora @chieflawyerpastatoad @iwantahockeyhimbo @cherrymaybank

[wakaoujisenhime]

girl you’re probably gonna hate me for this but can I get some steamy hcs with gojo in a skirt or in women’s clothing in general?? pls bby 🤲🏻

A/N: … (ಠ_ಠ)

Tags: Gojo x reader ✅  smut (18+) ✅  cross-dressing ✅  slight edging ✅ ❚ femdom ✅

image/art source: Pixiv (by bobobong)

━━━━☆ ━━━━☆ ━━━━☆

so, thanks to Jujutsu Tech which decided to host some kind of special event for its students and staff you were stuck with organizing the venue for this past few weeks

you were quite stressed out and had good to no time to talk, let alone meet, with your boyfriend Gojo who was one of the main stars of this event (or at least that is what Ijichi told you)

as the days to the event came closer you couldn’t help but be excited about seeing just what that white-haired man had come up with…

.

..

you sighed deeply and pinched the bridge of your nose as you refused to look at the center of the venue’s room

there stood your tall boyfriend who had been dolled up in such a way that you almost didn’t recognize him as he came to greet you some moments ago

his hair had been ironed so that it resembled a bob, a black headband successfully removing the smaller strands of white hair from his face

the man’s lips were glossy and had a pinker color than what you were usually used to, whoever did his makeup had applied just the right amount of rouge to his cheeks that it seemed as if he was constantly blushing

the outfit with which he was so proudly walking around consisted of a baby blue shirt, which seemed to be a few numbers too small for him since it emphasized his taut body features; a tight and black pencil skirt that stopped a few inches before the middle of his thighs, covering almost nothing in the process; some dull black stockings that began right where his skirt ended, and of course a pair of red heels in which he surprisingly could walk almost effortlessly (emphasis on almost)

you couldn’t deny the fact that he looked good in that getup, but more importantly, you were more upset than anything right now

tonight the two of you were supposed to finally spent time by each other’s sides after such a busy week and yet your boyfriend had decided to play the clown once more

“Hey hey, cutie, why the upset face? Should big sis Satoru bring you something to eat or drink?” he asked in a slightly higher pitched voice

you simply glared at him before turning your back and joining Nanami and Ijichi who were standing in the corner of the room

.

some time passed and after greeting each visitor of today’s party you once again found yourself standing in a corner, sipping on your drink

“(Y/N), come with me for a sec”

your boyfriend came up to you, grabbed your hand, and was now dragging you off to god knows where without giving you even the slightest hint or time to protest

after literally throwing you in one of the empty rooms, the tall man slammed the door shut and glanced back at you, his normally beautiful eyes now harboring an enormous amount of menace within them

“What the hell was that Satoru?! I almost choked on my drink!”

without answering you, he turned to face you and kneeled, leaning his chin on the palm of his hand; “Ah yeah…? What a shame, but don’t worry, I’ll let you choke on something else instead”

you wordlessly looked up at him and watched as he raised his skirt, exposing the black lace thong he’d apparently been wearing for this entire evening, and you couldn’t help but swallow audibly at the sight of his slightly erect cock, straining the delicate fabric

he was quick to make you go along with what he wanted and didn’t waste any unnecessary time in stuffing your mouth before you could utter even a single word

as he slowly grew larger inside of your mouth you had to slow down his hips’ movement by either tugging on the hem of his skirt or pinching the soft flesh of his thighs

Gojo giggled at your pouting expression and finally decided to let go of the strands of hair he’d fisted, so that he could help you out with deep-throating him, finally allowing you to breathe for a couple of seconds

between your coughs, you tried to ask him just what the hell has gotten him so agitated, but he remained silent, pulled you up on your feet, and trapped you between himself and the table a few meters behind you

he let his finger run across your bottom lip, then proceeded to kiss your neck, going down to your collarbone while he slowly unbuttoned your shirt

luckily for him, your bra’s hooks were at the front so he happily undid them and started kissing your breasts

he played with your nipples for a short while before continuing his journey down to your trousers

the man didn’t lose any time in quickly removing the last few pieces of fabric which were stopping him from enjoying the view and pleasant smell of your most precious body part

as quickly as he’d freed you, his mouth and tongue were equally as fast to begin exploring your already wet insides, while his fingers probed around for your weak spot

the moment his eyes picked up the slight tremble of your thighs he knew he’d been successful, so he continued targeting that one spongy spot within you as his blue eyes looked up at you in curiosity

“W-Wait, Satoru! I’m going t-to–“

and just before you were about to cum he slowly licked your labia one last time before cheekily grinning up at you

This little…!

you took a tight grip on his collar, pulled him up on his feet, and looked him directly in his eyes

words were useless at this point, because not short after he aligned his precum covered tip with your entrance and slowly slid it in

Gojo wasn’t particularly thick, but the way his shaft stretched your walls never failed to make you mewl in pleasure 

you couldn’t deny the fact that the way he was dressed up tonight made you feel hotter than usual and you weren’t the only one

seconds after he’d bottomed out inside of you, he hissed out a silent god, yes, and swiftly removed his headband while you helped him undo the buttons on his shirt

now that the two of you were raring to finally let loose and let your accumulated desires free, you kissed each other passionately 

the rhythm your lover set for his thrusts was neither too slow nor too quick, but just perfect

you wrapped your legs around his hips, allowing him to penetrate you deeper and to continuously caress that one special spot of yours

since neither of you had reached a proper orgasm yet it didn’t take you long to find yourself in the same situation as before

“Just a little bit longer” he stammered as he wrapped his arms around your body, pressing your chest towards his own

the way your nipples rubbed against his own added to the friction and caused your walls to tighten up around Gojo’s shaft

he groaned and leaned his forehead on yours as he tried to keep his fast thrusts up, despite your tightness that refused to let him go

after a few precise thrusts, he pushed his entire body weight on you and halted as soon as he’d reached orgasm

the way his warm seed splattered against your walls made you cum not short after and you wrapped your trembling arms around his neck as you kissed him

while your tongues clashed against each other, the white-haired man continued thrusting at a slow pace, helping you ride out your orgasm

you looked at his face and noticed how all the sweat had ruined his makeup and smiled to yourself, knowing that he wouldn’t be able to return to the others in that state

“Are you still mad?“ he then asked softly, big and beautiful blue eyes looking directly at you 

you giggled and shook your head slightly as you gave his cheek a soft kiss

the way he smiled at you warmed your heart and you couldn’t help but engulf him in yet another tight hug 

Having him play the clown once in a while isn’t so bad after all...

· · ─────── · ❀ · ─────── · ·

.alternative ending for my dom moots out there (or those who simply wish to see this man get ruined):

Gojo slumped forward, leaning his forehead on your shoulder as he relished in the afterglow of his orgasm while you did the same

you came down from your high rather quickly, unlike the tall man in front of you, whose body was still lightly twitching from all the stimulation

a grin spread across your lips as you slowly let your hands wander down his lower back, way down to his buttocks

it didn’t take him long to realize what you were up to, so he mustered all the strength he had to stop you mid-movement and shook his head

“What’s wrong baby, got something to say?” you asked cheekily, knowing fully well that he wasn’t in the state to formulate a proper answer and only whine pathetically as some sort of retort

his weak grip on your wrists wasn’t nearly strong enough to stop you from lifting the slightly tattered fabric of his skirt up the curve of his rosy asscheeks and start massaging and spreading them apart

after a couple of seconds, you took a tight grip of his soft flesh and began moving his hips back and forth

“N-Ngh! No (Y/N), d-don’t! I- ah, a-am too sens-…sensitive!”

his pleading moans just turned you on even more and only motivated you to strengthen your grip

you took a glance at the man’s face and observed the way his eyes widened ever so slightly with every thrust you forced him to make, the way his beautiful white hair stuck to his sweaty forehead, and those beautiful glossy and parted lips

That’s not enough…I want to ruin him even more

with that thought in mind, you started meeting his thrusts at a quick pace

you could feel how his big hands gripped at your shirt and slightly pulled at it, teeth piercing your exposed shoulder as silent whimpers escaped his mouth

“You’re close, aren’t you? …So why are you holding it back?” you asked with a slightly annoyed voice as you took a fistful of his hair and yanked his head back, exposing his neck and the absentminded expression on his face

with a wide grin, you spread his buttocks apart and slowly slid your finger in until you found that one spot that was bound to make him cum whether he wanted to or not

not short after, he emptied his second load once again inside of you with a grunt, and unexpectedly for you his orgasm was way harder than before and caused his knees to buckle, almost making him fall over

out of instinct, you held onto him and if it weren’t for his quick reflexes the two of you would’ve fallen over

“I’m ok…don’t worry, j-just….give me a minute” he whispered as he tightened his grip onto the table‘s edges

with a warm smile, you simply nodded and gently caressed his hair, “Mhm, take all the time you need.”

[nautiscarader]

wendip 14

(Ao3)

Wendy Corduroy never expected *that* to happen in a weirder place. Frankly, she wasn't sure that it would happen any time soon, but if she would guess, she wouldn't have chosen their travel van, parked on an Appalachian trail, just a few hundred feet from a cave where they have just found proof that the Bell Pepper Witch was real (and quite a nice person, actually).

And yet, there he was...

Dipper Pines, her boyfriend, with whom she has spent the last two weeks on the road, was on his knee, holding a familiar object - a malachite, green ring, now definitely without any curses lingering on. Wendy now realised why did he need to visit that witch again...

- Wendy Blerble Corduroy - he spoke with quivering voice - Will you make me... - Yes!

Wendy didn't let him finish, before her strong arms brought him from his knees and let him collapse on her chest, as the two slumped onto the elongated seat, while their mouths kept searching for each other.

She was already a wreck of emotions, boiling inside her head, and his kisses were only bringing more of them. If someone asked her yesterday, if she was ready for marriage, she would have scoffed at them, saying she preferred her life the way it is now.

And yet, the moment she saw Dipper, her entire world view has changed, and once more with the help of the chestnut-haired man she would now be able to call her fiance.

As their kiss went on, Wendy's hand slipped between their heated bodies, reaching for his belt, but his hands were faster and soon her finger was adorned with the ring Dipper wanted to present her before they'd inevitably celebrate.

- There, now we can-

And once more, Wendy's lips were on his, but now her hand was gently pushing him down her body, back into the position he started with.

- If you like the tradition so much, then get back on your knee, lover-boy.

Her fingers entwined with his slightly ruffled hair, as she gently settled on the edge of their van's seat, spreading her legs to accommodate her lover.

Dipper's hands moved her hips gently into the air to slide her pants, together with her panties in one quick swoop. Instead of tossing them to the side, they just dangled around one of her ankles, as the two young adults were too preoccupied with each other.

Dipper's kisses adorned the underside of her thighs closing on her puffy lips adorned with her neatly trimmed red bush that guided him towards it.

It was a satisfying experience to hear Wendy's usually calm and restrained voice break and uncover the needy, impatient side of hers, while Dipper's tongue caressed her sex, ensuring that every square inch of her will not be left unkissed.

- Yes... yes... - Is that all you're going to say? - he asked suddenly, looking up from between her thighs, and seeing a mischievous gleam in her emerald eyes. - Yes. - she answered at once, pushing him back into place, as she relaxed against the pillows.

She didn't have to act at all; the feeling of Dipper's tongue moving in-and-out of her pussy made her repeat that word like a mantra, until her legs twitched, nearly bumping into one of the cabinets.

She almost lost it, when his fingers brushed and then circled around her clit, and his name as almost spilled out of her mouth, but when she was about to do it, their eyes met, and she saw a satisfied grimace on his face, or rather part of his face that was visible.

- You liked it, didn't you? You want me to keep teasing you for next week and a half, don't you? - ...yes. - she said somewhat sternly, commenting on Dipper's deliberate choice of prolonging the foreplay, receiving only a victorious grin in return.

But soon he was back on track, kissing, nibbling and sucking on her folds, while her ring finger slid across his head.

Wendy kept repeating her only allowed word, her hand pressing his lips against her sex, knowing well she will soon taste the results of his work in her mouth when they will kiss.

And indeed, a moment later her body shook with first, powerful wave of climax, followed by a few weaker ones that made her body thrash, and gently rocked the van from side to side.

- Yes! Yes! Yes! - she moaned, trying to stay within the silly predicament she's created for herself.

When Dipper emerged from between her legs, she expected him to tease her with more question she wouldn't be able to answer, but fortunately, he asked a much simpler one, as he started fumbling with his belt.

- I think it's your time to get down on your knees...

Dipper said cockily, and this time, Wendy replied without any hint of sarcasm or disdain.

- Yes.

And with that, she effortlessly slid to the ground, partially by how shaky her legs were, as the orgasm still radiated through her body. She looked up at her boyfriend, sitting now in her seat, one of the rare moments where he truly was taller than her. She reached to his zipper and slid down his pants and trousers in one go, freed his cock, sampling the familiar musk and just a bit of his cologne.

She remembered the first time she tasted him, on his eighteenth birthday. Poor Dipper couldn't last twenty seconds before erupting in her mouth. He did make up for his eagerness later, though, making the night unforgettable for her as well...

It was time for her to feel blissful moan from above her head, as Dipper proclaimed his love for her again, throwing his head back and letting her take care of him.

But Wendy wasn't going just to kiss and lick him. Her fingers slid up and down his shaft, making sure her new ring caressed every ridge it could find, contrasting its cold with warmth of her palm.

- Oh, yes... - he gasped, looking down at the red-head.

She closed her lips around his cock and as her tongue circled around his head, she murmured something, without taking eyes from her future husband. She spoke slowly, making sure that her voice vibrated along his cock, caressing him in the most delicate of ways.

- We-Wendy! - he moaned - That's-that's cheating!

And though he couldn't recognise her before, her next word that reverberated against his skin was definitely "Yes".

She continued praising him, telling him how much she loved him, and how she was afraid when he leapt off that mountain a few weeks ago... With all of her feelings rushing back, she bobbed her head, knowing what will happen soon.

Wendy took one more breath of air and welcomed the taste and smell of her nerd's seed in her mouth, slowly coating her palate, as he kept spilling her name over and over again.

- Wendy... Wendy...

And just to give him extra bit of pleasure, she talked to him again, with her mouth closed around his head, to ensure that not a drop of his saltiness would leak out.

- Did... did you enjoy the drink?

Dipper received a loud, guttural gulp, as Wendy swallowed his hefty load, and proudly showed her empty mouth, which answered his question better than any words.

She jumped from her knees into his laps in a split of a second, making their lips meet, allowing the two to taste each other's scents, while their half-naked bodies coiled on the small seat.

With her crotch sliding back and forth against his cock, he came back to full power in no time, and Dipper had no problem slipping in in, as the two began making love, for the first time no longer as just boyfriend and girlfriend...

- Wendy... - he huffed, feeling her warmth enveloping him - We're-we're gonna be living together... - Yes... - she replied,. unable to hide her excitement - And...and have adventures every day... - Yes...! - And... and file joined taxes!

Their eyes met, as she shot him with a piercing, icy stare, about to start their first row as an engaged couple.

- Sorry, had to test you.

Using her moment of indecision, Dipper flipped her to her back, watching as her eyes widen for a split of a second, before they were filled with the familiar warm and excited look. Though the angle wasn't as optimal as he wished, his hips rolled back and forth, making powerful thrusts, which resulted in Wendy forgiving him for tricking her.

- Yes... yes...yes!

Wendy spilled this word between kisses to her neck, cheeks and her breasts, while his grunts grew in intensity and volume, minute by minute, until they culminated with Dipper stuttering his warning.

- W-Wendy - he huffed - I'm gonna- - Yes! - But are you- - Yes...

Wendy spoke in a smoky, low voice, fixating her emerald eyes with him, mimicking the same, sly expression he wore when he taunted her..

- W-Wait, Wendy - he asked, stopping his hips, much to Wendy's disappointment - Was-was that a "yes" for "yes", or "yes" for "no"...?

Suddenly Dipper felt the lock of her legs tightening behind his back, as the red-head brought his face against hers and whispered.

- Yes... - Oh, gods, I love you, Wendy...

And just in case her soon-to-be-husband was going to chicken out, she crossed her arms behind his back and dug her nails into his shoulders, to ensure he would deliver exactly what she wanted, exactly the way she desired. Wendy's worries were unsubstantiated - as Dipper would find it very difficult to pull out, even if he wanted to. The sheer thought that he was making love not to his girlfriend, but his fiancée, gave him enough willpower to continue

His final cry was as shattering and embarrassing as every single one she heard so far, but now it came from the mouth of her soon-to-be husband, and her name made her tighten her muscles a moment before her body gave up together with his.

- We-We will need a proper, big house, won't we? - Yes...

Wendy's words kept spilling into Dipper's ears just as his seed flowed closer to her womb with each pulse. Her words mixed with Dipper's grunts, as the two slowly calmed down, enjoying the serene, quiet moment they've just made more magical.

For the longest time, the two lay in each other's arms, savouring their mixed scents and warmth, as their breathing slowly became regular again.

- So, mr Corduroy... - Wendy spoke, as she regained her senses - Did you like my gift? - Yes... - Dipper murmured, still buried between her freckled breasts - And would you like more of it? - Yes! - And would you like to actually set up the bed instead of doing it on this small-ass kitchen seat? - Yes... - And are you gonna do this to me every day from now on, and make me breakfast in bed?

Without hesitation, Dipper leaned forward and kissed her.

- Yes.

The two laughed before their lips met again, and the cycle of love began anew. Wendy never clarified what her "yes" meant, but a few weeks later she revealed what her wedding gift was - and to their excitement, it was definitely positive.

[mrsmaybank]

Midsummers But JJ x Reader -Everything

Content: Angst, Then Fluff, Then Smut, Then Fluff again. Kook!Reader

Summary: Misummers episode but make it JJ x Reader. 

T/W: Violence, Smut, Language, (Sexy) Use of the word slut, ignorant family

A/N: This is so fucking long (I’m sorry) but I like it! It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and its pretty packed. That being said, ty for reading at all lol. 

“Mom how could you even say that?” You gulped back tears and looked at your mother in both hurt and disgust. How could she be so insensitive, so cruel, and so nonchalant about the somebody you cared about so much. 

“I didn’t like you hanging out with those marina rats in the first place! It won’t be the last time one of your gross friends ends up in a jail cell. That boy is just like his father, a dirty degenerate.”

“Don’t say that!” you spat out at her, tears burning your eyes, “You don’t know what you’re fucking talking about.” 

She slapped your face hard, you felt your cheek burn and blood start to pour out of the little skin breaks. You knew that it was wrong to word it like that, but you couldn’t contain it. JJ was the love of your life. And he was nothing like his father. 

“Watch your damn mouth girl. Get dressed, look pretty, and smile. If you could stop being selfish for one minute, you can enjoy tonight. It’s very important to your family.” she rushed out and slammed the door. 

Midsummers was not your thing obviously, but you usually didn’t mind it. Kie was there, and Pope too, and a couple hours in, you and Kie would sneak off to the Chateau to smoke with JJ and John B, your parents too busy drinking with their obnoxious friends to notice. You’d text them later, Went to Kie’s. The only friend they approved of, solely because she was “A good girl, just confused about her place in society” just like you. Your parents were judgmental and snobby and it disgusted you. They really thought they were better than your friends because they had money. Your mother especially, and she grew up on The Cut. It makes you want to vomit. You sat down at your vanity looking in the mirror and all the nice things around you. You started to sob, five miles from here, there were people with no power or water, working harder than you ever would have to, just to feed their families. And another couple miles away, was your boyfriend, and best friend, a boy who would die to protect you, walk through fire to make you happy, and took anything that came at him, was in a jail cell, taking the blame to protect another one of your friends' future. And here you were, in your million dollar home, in your beautiful room, getting ready to go to a fancy party with fancy people. 

“Fuck.” You wiped your tears. Your heart beats hard in anxiety. JJ had the survival instincts of a cockroach as Kie would say, he had a way with words and could talk his way out of tricky situations. That wasn’t what you were distressed about. You were ridden with fear about what his dad was gonna do to him. You started to hyperventilate. You felt disgusted by your privilege, disgusted with your family, and disgusted by everything around you. But there was nothing you could do. 

You’d spend the night nodding courtley in your white dress, faking a smile and politely introducing yourself to random rich people. 

“Why do you still look like that?” Your mother bursted into your room once again. “Get ready right now, or I swear to god, you’ll never see the light of day again.” 

You nodded and started to put make-up on and slipped on the white silk dress your mother bought for you. It was long and tight at the top, clinging to your body perfectly. As beautiful as you looked, your soul felt empty. 

Your eyes were red with tears, and your lips were puffy, you looked in the mirror. You definitely looked like you had tried to cover up sobbing, but you didn’t really care. You remembered a moment before you and JJ had even started dating. 

You and JJ were watching the sunrise on the beach, you on one of your runaway episodes, trying to escape the tight grip of your mother. You both knew you police were searching for you everywhere, and that as soon as you were inevitably found, you’d be in a heap of trouble, but somehow on that beach, in that moment there was nothing that mattered except the sound of the waves and the company of each other. 

JJ asked you a simple question, “How do you feel?” 

Your response was genuine, “I don’t know. Everything is wrong. Things aren’t okay at all, and yet somehow, I feel alright.” You looked at him with a smile, his blonde hair sparkling in the sunrise’s glow. You put your head on his lap and looked up at him. “It’s ‘cause of you J. You make me feel like everythings alright.” Tears started to stream down your face, “You’ve treated me with more kindness then anybody I’ve ever met.” 

He wiped your tears and just nodded, happy to hear that he made you feel like that. “Always.” he said. 

“I must look so stupid,” you said trying to clean your face.

 “No.” he said. “You look so pretty, even when you cry.” 

You got in the car, your mother lecturing you on what was expected of you tonight. “Be who you are. A well brought up girl, with a beautiful smile, and manners, and etiquette. You are not the pogue delinquent filth you glamorize.” 

Your older sister added “Now that you actually look like you belong in this family, try acting like it.” she said with a fake smile. Your brother just snickered and your father nodded in agreement. 

You tuned them out, knowing if you listened you wouldn’t be able to control your mouth and would wind up with another dull bruise on the side of your cheek. 

Finally you had arrived, and your family practically fled from your side instantly. You’d think mom would have me on a fucking leash after that. You thought. But no, as much as your mother yelled at you about what you should be, and how you should act, nothing was more important to her than climbing up the social ladder and socializing with the Outer Banks bourgeois. 

Your sister and brother sat down with their Kook friends, making sure you knew that you didn’t belong, and they certainly didn’t want you anywhere near them. They act like I want to sit with them. 

You spotted Kie and Pope by Heywards oyster table. 

“You look gorgeous.” Kie said, You smiled and thanked her. 

“Not as gorgeous as you.” You tried to return the compliment, but it came out gloomy and monotone. 

“What’s wrong?” Pope asked. 

“JJ.” your voice cracked and tears swelled at the thought of his current state. 

“The last thing JJ would want you to do, especially while you’re dressed like that, is worry about him.” your friends reassured you. 

The night went on, but your nerves were anything but calmed. Kie and Pope tried their best to try and cheer you up, but it was to no avail, and they themselves were worried about him too. 

You sat on the stairs towards the back of the club, drawing circles in the sand. The dull throbbing of your head was starting to bother you. You got up towards the festivities, walking over to the bar to ask for a ginger ale that could maybe cure your dehydration. 

You sipped slowly, other than the lingering sting of anxiety, your mind empty. That was until you heard a familiar voice. 

“Mr Dunleavy! I see you got your drink, that's wonderful. I’m actually gonna down that.” It was none other than your boy, JJ, in a typical JJ situation, being escorted out by security. 

“JJ!” you ran to him and he freed his arms from the securities hold to spin you around and kiss you on the lips. “My pretty princess.” You smiled. “This is my girlfriend.” JJ started to tell the guard, who just scoffed. 

You’d never been so happy to see somebody in your life. Your smile faded when you noticed the bruises and cuts on his face, you started to say something, but the guard shoved him and kept moving. 

“Hey! You can’t do that!” you started. “I’m a member of this club! And I.. I invited him!” 

Your sister stepped in, “No she didn’t,” she tried to reassure the party goers watching. 

JJ pushed the guard into a table and smiled at you, you instantly grabbed his hair pulling him into a passionate kiss. His hands went to your waist and he smiled into the kiss. “You look fucking amazing.” 

You smiled and adjusted his tie, “Spiffy.” He jokingly gagged. 

More of the crowd began to stare at the situation, and you saw your mother walking with the intentional enunciated walk ever, stomping her feet and flaring her nostrils. You pointed it out to JJ and you both laughed out loud. “Don’t move a muscle young lady!” she shouted at you. 

JJ grabbed your hand and you both started running to the exit of the club porch. “Mandatory power hour at Rickson’s Kie!” he pointed with his free hand at her. “You too Pope!” 

You quickly let go of JJ’s hand to grab Kie by the wrist, and he kept running. “Lets go!” You smiled excitedly. 

You saw out of the corner of your eye Pope taking off his stuffy apron. 

“Workers of the world unite! Throw off your chains!” You giggled at JJ’s antics, the rest of the party looking in horror. 

Your mother was still doing her best to chase you while still maintaining her poise, and it just made you laugh more. You and Kie ran hand in hand, Pope by Kie’s side to JJ and John B across the field, you only let go when JJ pulled you into a hug spinning around, putting you on his back right after. 

You both turned around to face the party, most of the guests turning their snobby noses up in disgust, and you both peaked Rafe at the same time.You flipped him off together and you saw your mother practically faint. 

The rest of the night was insane. John B’s revelation and then him falling from a fucking tower and all. So many things happened, and your brain was having trouble processing. When JJ    had finally gotten word that John B was going to be okay, the pair of you left the hospital and headed back to the Chateau. 

You sighed and laid down in the bed that was now known as JJ’s, taking a hit of JJ's juul.

He took off his shirt, and laid down next to you, snuggling into your chest. 

“Hey baby,” you put the juul in between his lips and he inhaled hard, as you played with his hair. 

 You tilted his jaw so you could get a good look at him, his precious face littered in bruises and cuts, and you knew why. His father. 

“Jay-” tears started to stream down your cheeks. “It’s so selfish of me to cry I-” 

“Hey,” he sat up to cup your face, “Hey. I’m fine. It’s nothin that hasn't happened before.” 

Perusal, your boyfriend was trying to put on a strong face to keep you from worrying, but you knew him all too well. In the sense that he wasn’t okay, but also that he didn’t wanna talk about it, he just wanted you to tell him how much you love him. 

“I love you baby. You’re my world. You know that right? You know how much I care about you?” 

He nodded and pulled you into a kiss, “Yeah baby?” He slid his hand up your thigh and leaned in closer to your ear, “You know what my first thought was when I saw you in that dress?” You gasped as his hand worked up your leg to begin rubbing your clothed clit. Wetness pooled almost instantly. “I wanted to rip it off and fuck the shit out of you right there.” That sentence was enough to make your pussy throb, and you gasped as JJ pushed your panties to the side, dipping his two fingers into you. 

“Oh baby, you’re so fucking wet.” You nuzzled your head into his neck and shoulder, biting down on his shirt to try and have some control over yourself. 

“Nuh uh,” he tsked. “Wanna see your pretty face. And hear all your pretty sounds.” His free hand positioning your face so you were looking right into his eyes. 

At that, you were a moaning mess. Right before your release, he quickly removed his fingers and showed you all of your stickiness in his hand, dripping to his palm and down to his wrists. 

With one hand, he grabbed your throat, the coldness of his rings sending shivers down your spine. The other pushed his sticky fingers into your mouth, and you began sucking hard, closing your eyes and pretending it was his cock. 

“Oh my god. You’re such a good girl baby.” 

You heard him sliding his shorts down, quickly letting go of you to lie you flat so he was hovering over your body. 

 He started pressing wet kisses on your neck, sucking hard to give you purple marks, so everybody knew you were his. “Your mine, you know that?” 

You nodded and shimmied your shirt off. “You know exactly what I want huh baby?” 

He massaged your boobs gently, worshipping your body. 

“JJ. Fuck me already.” 

“So needy.” 

He placed his hard cock right in front of your entrance, sliding up and down before slamming into you with no warning. 

“Oh fuck!” you screamed at the pressure of his dick against your walls. You could feel every vein and ridge, every throb. 

“Be a good fucking girl and take it.” He said in between grunts. 

You felt your clit rub against his skin every time he was fully inside. He grabbed your waist so every time he bottomed out he could slam back into you even harder.

He kept saying the most insane things in your ear, each word bringing you closer to coming. 

“Good fucking girl.”

“Let me hear how good I'm making you feel baby.” 

“You take it so well baby.” 

“Such a good little slut for me.”

“Fuck” he moaned slamming into you, impossibly harder. You clenched around him as he buried his dick into you.Thrusting without bottoming out, hitting your g-spot repeatedly. Your walls began to converge, as JJ said, “Cum for me baby. Yeah, baby-“ he grunted loudly as you came on him, his sticky load began shooting into you, drenching your walls. 

“Jesus christ.” he said panting, flopping down next to you. “I love you.” 

“I love you too JJ.” You cuddled up to his chest, “More than anything.” 

He placed a quick kiss on your forehead and you both drifted off into a peaceful sleep. 

 Again, very sorry this was so long and if it sucked. 

[squidpro-quo]

For the prompt : Jaskier is kidnapped and used as leverage against Geralt (I'd be forever grateful if you did this op)

    Thank you so much for this prompt! A perfect opportunity for angst and whump and hurt and comfort, i can only hope i fit it all in here. This was a load of fun!

Jaskier strained against the rope tying his hands together, reminded of another time when the same circumstances had led to his life changing—he’d argue for the better most of the time—and now it might just happen again, except the change to his life will be that it ends. His fingers are turning numb, with how long he’d been held in the stone room it’s no wonder, only a question of how much longer until they figure out that it was all for naught. Bribing the innkeep, getting the herbs necessary to drug him, the fortified hold they’d decided to hole up in? It was all too much effort for a lost cause, but he’d kept his mouth shut for once knowing that if he spoke a word of the futility of their plan, then they’d have no reason to keep him alive anymore. 

    The door creaked; the sound of the key scraping in the old lock had him struggling to scramble as far away from the door as possible, his body protesting every movement even as he knew it wouldn’t help. They’d made up their mind. 

    “How’s the little songbird now? Ready to sing a sweeter song?” The man that entered had a grin with the curve of a sickle, sharp and cutting, to offset the fact that his lisp would have undercut any threats made in anyone else’s mouth. The sharp whistle of his breath through the cracked crags of his teeth accompanied his heavy steps and Jaskier bit back a retort about his singing’s quality in favor of staving off the inevitable by just a few seconds. 

    “No refrain? I’d heard it was hard to shut you up, not the other way around. Guess some things just end up embellished into lies, don’t they?” The look in his grey eyes grew hard.

    Jaskier knew what was coming, he might have found himself in trouble more times than he could count but he’d learned when to expect a punch by the set of a man’s shoulders. This time was no different. The blow caught him across the temple, leaving his ears ringing and the ache in his head redoubled after he’d just started to regain some peace from the pain. He slipped sideways down the wall, unable to catch himself when he couldn’t feel the stone beneath his fingers, to the hoarse laugh of the man he’d realized was the orchestrator of it all. Jaskier rested his forehead against the cool stone floor, hoping it would take away some of the pounding that he felt reverberating through his skull. Like metal clashing against metal, the clanging sounded deceptively close despite the fact that he knew it was only his tired mind playing tricks on him. 

    “Talk,” the man ordered, in a deceptively soft tone, forcing Jaskier to look up at him to read his lips and discern his meaning. “You can talk to that monster, but not to a human?”

“What do you want me to say?” Jaskier couldn’t hold his tongue any longer, though his own voice sounded muted and echoing inside his head. His fear had been a thin veneer before, but now it was being poked through with the usual thorns of irritation and the aching need to be glib. “That I haven’t seen him in months? That I don’t know where he is? That I doubt he knows, or really cares, where I am either? You didn’t understand it the last time I said it, but I guess the constant whistling can get in the way of listening comprehension.” 

“The entire continent knows you’re companions, traveling together, dining together… sleeping together,” the man raised his eyebrows, before continuing, “You know him better than anyone.” 

“Do I?” Jaskier swallowed, to get the dry taste of irony out of his mouth and to keep from retching at the way the world turned blurry before him. “If sleeping together was all it took, I’d have several dozen of those I’ve courted lining up at your doors. So I’d say you’re out of luck on that shaky limb of logic.”

It was a good joke, considering he’d likely die just from the surprise of Countess de Stael riding up so many months after leaving his poems as ash in her fireplace. Or Geralt, who last he’d seen was firmly in the arms of someone Geralt had risked his life for against all odds and against all wishes, her own included. Not that she’d seemed to mind at the end. 

“Is that a note of pity I hear?” 

“I can’t do many things, fight a murderous band of men for example, but I know when I’m not wanted. I don’t begrudge anyone that.” He didn’t, he loved freely and indiscriminately, pouring his affection into the world along with his quips and commentary as an inexhaustible resource. Because what better way to try and stay a memory in someone’s heart long after the flare of passion has gone cold. He couldn’t help it if Geralt had been a never-ending well for him to attempt to fill, not realizing how he’d fallen down into it in the process and the answer he’d been chasing had been merely his own deluded echo in return. 

“He might not come for you now then—” Jaskier had a brief moment of hope at the contemplative look on the man’s face, the sliver of mercy amidst the cold calculation. “But he’ll surely come for your headless corpse. If your songs have even a fraction of truth, he’s the sort to be mad about that kind of thing.” 

Cold ice slid down Jaskier’s spine, because the man was right. Geralt was nothing if not a righteous man, perhaps surly and grumpy to a fault, but he’d fight anyone that threatened the helpless, never mind that it happened to be Jaskier. He’d written songs about it after all, he’d know. Blood pounded in his ears, the sound seeming too loud in the confines of his terror and he could almost imagine the keep itself was resounding with it, the thump of his heartbeat bouncing through the walls in an irregular series of bangs. 

The man snatched his attention back when he slid his axe free of the belt at his waist, hefting it for a better grip and leaning down to yank Jaskier upright. 

“Wait! Wait, what if you just let me go? There’s a new idea, worth considering—”

“Don’t worry, if it really doesn’t matter who ends up dead as long as it’s someone he could’ve saved then we have an endless supply of who to use. As you’ve said, it doesn’t take anyone special,” the man said, rank breath wafting into Jaskier’s face, and he wished that wasn’t the last thing he’d ever hear. 

Axe shining in the flickering light of the torch, the man shoved Jaskier into the right angle despite his best efforts to scrounge together enough strength to resist. The man lifted his arm, already evident that he wouldn’t be able to make it one clean cut and didn’t particularly care, and swung. 

Jaskier had closed his eyes, content with the darkness if that’s all that was left of life anyway, and so the sound of wood breaking from close by and the short gurgle of a last breath was all he knew before there were hands on his face. 

Calloused, rough, and warm, familiar from the many years and he leaned into them so quickly they were all that held him up. He didn’t need to open his eyes to know, but he did anyway because he needed to see, to remember the sight of Geralt leaning over him, engulfing him in his shadow and tracing the bruises on his face with a touch so gentle he could’ve sworn it was a dream. 

“Jaskier,” just the rumbling timbre of Geralt’s voice was enough to make Jaskier realize that he’d been worried, chest heaving and sword bloodied from his rush through the keep. To him. 

“Cutting it pretty close, no?” Jaskier snorted, relief making him lightheaded. Relief that he wasn’t dead, that Geralt was there. “Did you get it? He was about to cut my head off, that  kind of death offers so many opportunities for pithy jokes. Would be a shame to waste it…” 

“I came as fast as I could,” Geralt said, tone not plaintive in the slightest but desperate, as if he thought Jaskier was really doubting him. As if he hadn’t been doing just that not a few minutes ago. 

Jaskier swallowed, this time to keep the words, all the damning and too honest words he wanted to bare before Geralt, down and keep what he’d been willing to carry to the grave with him just a while longer. 

Before he could find anything to say, Geralt pulled him close, palms brushing over his ruined doublet and down to Jaskier’s deadened hands, enveloping his fingers in a grip he could’ve sworn was trembling just slightly. His other hand slipped into Jaskier’s hair, until he felt the spot last touched by the man lying dead at their feet. 

Jaskier hadn’t meant to flinch but he saw the way Geralt’s eyes narrowed at the movement and tried to stand on his own to make up for the moment of weakness. 

“In the area, were you? I don’t think you’ll get much coin for this job.” He wanted to ask, wanted to see if he was more trouble than he was worth but he didn’t want to hear the ugly answer.

“I was already searching for you, when I heard.” Geralt’s hand stayed on his back, just like when he’d carried him around in the djinn’s aftermath. “Last time I saw you, you were covered in your own blood, like now. You left… and I didn’t know where you’d gone.” 

Jaskier stumbled, both from the way the room seemed to spin beneath his feet at the change in altitude as he got up and the fact that Geralt had followed him this time, sought him out and found him. 

“I got into yet more trouble, as you can see. Nothing new there.” He rubbed his newly freed hands and grimaced at the red welts the ropes had left behind. He’d have to wear his longer-sleeved wardrobe to cover those up. He looked up to find Geralt’s gaze still raking over him, the furrow in his brow the one that always formed when he was considering something. “Did you need something?”

“You shouldn’t be alone.” 

“W-what?” Jaskier stuttered. “What does that mean?”

“I’m trouble,” Geralt continued, looking like he was choosing his words carefully. “And you are too.”

    “Thank you for the astute observations… Where are you going with this?”

    “I already said it. That you shouldn’t be alone.” 

    Jaskier waited, but Geralt stared at him with the same set look on his face as when Roach gave him a neigh instead of a bump in the chest, unsure what to say. But words had always been Jaskier’s forte, even if he swallowed them down sometimes. 

    “Are you saying you think trouble loves company?”

    Geralt nodded, and that was enough for Jaskier. He’d never be empty of what he poured into the world, and so when something spilled into him instead, he overflowed. Geralt’s empty well might just have a bucket of water inside it, and he’d managed to fish it out after all. 

prompts open

[newtafterdark]

Taste of Metal - Chapter 2:   Safe Inside Familiar Walls AO3 Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/26157634/chapters/63644236

Summary: What if the overwhelming VR experience Gordon went through, had a deeper purpose than just being a simple simulation & a freelance debug job for him? But most importantly- what if Gordon Freeman listens to Metal & used to be in a band? aka. the "Metalhead Gordon AU"

- - -

Gordon couldn’t sleep, as much as his body wanted him to.

The pain was one thing, but the number of unanswered questions was the overwhelming main reason he had curled up in a blanket, staring at nothing with wide eyes like a startled cat.

Tommy had not moved much after he had teleported them both into Gordon’s apartment, aside from grabbing a water bottle and some painkillers from the kitchen for the shaken scientist.

“D-Do we just wait? I don’t… I don’t know what to do a-about any of this. What even is “this”? What happened? H-How are you even REAL?”, Gordon stammered.

Tommy gave him an apologetic smile from his spot at the end of the bed.

“I just am, Mr Freeman. We all were- uhm- we all are real! I… wanted to tell you during everything. We all did! B-But the code didn’t let us.”

“But you can talk about it now! What changed it?”

Tommy appeared a chunk more nervous at this question but continued anyway-

“You.”

“M-Me??”, Gordon stuttered as he found himself in the focus of Tommy’s vibrant glowing eyes once again.

“We didn’t think someone could alter the code of the simulation like you did, Mr. Freeman... Y-You freed us.”, Tommy said with a warm smile- “I… all of us will do our best to explain everything to you once everyone is here.”

“In my apartment?” Tommy rubbed the back of his neck nervously. “We thought bringing you here would be the safest option for you. It’s a place you know and would feel comfortable in. I-In general but also to talk about everything that happened?”

Gordon nodded slowly.

“I… yeah, I guess that makes sense. And when you say “we”... are you sure everyone will make it out alive without our help?”

“Absolutely!”, Tommy's laugh lines deepened at the edge of his eyes- “I think they are just wrecking the place now for fun now! :)”

That left Gordon silent for a few seconds.

“Oh. W-Well… I…”, Gordon let out a short shaky laugh- “Sorry that I keep you from joining the fun... and that I can’t add support myself-”

Suddenly, Gordon found himself being held once more. Tommy hugged him gently, his chin resting on Gordon’s head.

“A-All of us want you to be safe first, Mr… … Gordon. Fun mayhem comes second! And… a-and I am rather here with you than g-getting overwhelmed with the noise… as fun as destroying a facility might be.”

Gordon chuckled, brushing away a tear he hadn’t noticed falling. “Oh… uhm, thanks. For being here and… the foresight and all that. I don’t think we’ll be safe here in the long run though…”

The taller scientist tilted his head at that. “Why would you leave your home behind? You don’t have to when anyone who could tell on us has other problems to deal with. Much... much bigger problems at that!”

“What… okay, you actually need to sit my ass down and explain what the fuck is happening. Because... this vague shit? Not helping with my still high-stress levels, my man.”

“Resonance cascade………....2”, was suddenly muttered too closely into Gordon’s left ear, almost making the man yeet himself off the bed-

“OH SHI-”

Gordon stared, almost frozen in place.

“B-BENREY?”

The guard (or former guard now? had he even ever been one, to begin with?) was propping himself up on the bed beside Gordon, his lower body no-clipping through it. Seeing this happen in real life turned out to be way trippier than Gordon could have ever imagined.

Yet aside from that… and the very much scary boss encounter they had had with him in the simulation, Benrey looked relaxed. Comfortable even.

“Yo, Feetm-”

Instantly, Benrey got tackled by Gordon. Aggressively, yes - but not with ill intent. Benrey let out a startled wheeze but soon stared in shock as he was tightly hugged against Gordon’s chest.

“I still have no idea how any of this is happening, but I am so fucking happy to see your annoying ass alive, holy SHIT!”, Gordon laughed, ignoring the pain in his stump as good as he could.

Tommy let out a snort as a few pink sweet voice orbs escaped Benrey.

“uhhhhhhhhhhhh… You too, man? Wasn’t sure if you’d make it on your own… decided that Tommy was the best. He always is, but… ya know. For getting you out. Smarter than all of us combined, ya know?”

Tommy waved Benrey off with a blush but smiled.

“Y-Yeah but all that matters is that everyone’s okay. Do you think the rest of the team will be here soon? I w-want us to tell Gordon what happened. He… he really needs to know. There were enough secrets in Black Mesa. :(”

Gordon slowly let go of Benrey and sat up, returning to cradling his arm. He let out a sigh.

“You can say that again. I… I don’t know how much you all know about my side of things, but the bastards never really told me the most important details on any of the projects they assigned me to. I always had to peace everything together myself… which was frustrating as all hell...”

Now it was Benrey’s turn to let out a huff as he pulled himself on top of the bed and got comfortable laying down with his hands behind his head. Gordon decided to look past the fact that the man was still in full guard get-up, including his helmet and boots. At least he looked surprisingly clean...

“Yeah, that was, uh… their whole schtick. Always has been.”, Benrey said, scratching his cheek with- … that was an entire third arm he just grew and Gordon decided to look past that even quicker than the full guard-getup.

Suddenly the door to Gordon’s bedroom opened, making Gordon jump and hold tighter onto his aching arm- until he recognized the friendly face of Darnold…and the very large golden retriever that pushed the door further open to let herself in.

Gordon’s tense shoulders relaxed a bit at the sight of both of them.

“H-Hey...”, stuttered Darnold, giving Gordon a nervous smile and wave- “I just wanted to let you guys know that Sunkist and I checked the area and the apartment. Everything’s clean.”

Sunkist let out a soft woof at the sound of her name and then opted to rest her head on the bed near Gordon. Man, she really was huge. And very much 3D now. Another thing to add to Gordon’s “oh damn I’m starting to feel real overwhelmed by this entire situation”-list.

Tommy pet Sunkist’s head gently and nodded. “Thanks, Darnold! And that’s good! We are several miles away from the facility... but it’s better to be extra safe and see if anything is weird here!”

Darnold sat down on the floor beside Tommy.

“I’ll go check again in a few minutes… I don’t trust this supposed freedom just yet.”

Gordon opted to just nod at that. Speech was slowly failing him as his senses dulled slightly from exhaustion. He leaned back against his bed frame.

He was about to close his eyes as the sound of space being wrapped and time getting bent to his left pulled him right back into high alert-

Dr Coomer and Bubby stepped out through the portal that had formed way too close to the boxes with Gordon’s vinyl record collection, followed by G-Man who closed the portal with a wave of his hand.

“Hello, Gordon!”, Dr Coomer exclaimed, eyes bright and happy as he spotted the man currently half bundled up in his blanket- “Looks like you made it here with good Tommy’s help without... ehm… further harm.”

Bubby scanned Gordon’s form with his eyes and frowned.

“They actually did it, the bastards. Shouldn’t surprise me, but...”, he motioned at the air without aim, seemingly not being able to put his frustration into words.

Gordon just smiled softly at them, exhausted to all hell and back but so relieved and happy that the entire Science Team had made it.

He also noted that Dr Coomer’s limb enhancements were far more visible in real life than in the low-poly form he had been used to. It was interesting to see and the tech guy in him really wanted to ask the man about the intricacies of how they worked. But… later. That could wait.

Bubby on the other hand… there was something off about how Bubby looked. Gordon couldn’t quite pinpoint it, but he supposed that Bubby’s lore of having been created artificially must have carried over into his real-life form as well.

But once again, this was something for Future Gordon to ponder about.

Present Gordon wanted to know about the general “ok, what the fuck just happened???”, before diving into information that he wasn’t even sure he had the right to know about.

He noticed G-Man giving his stump a glance as well before the suited man materialized a simple wooden chair for himself and sat down on it.

Bubby and Coomer opted to join Darnold and Tommy on the floor.

With everyone finally seated, G-Man opened his briefcase and pulled a very heavy-looking folder out of it. Its casing reminded Gordon of the pattern and colour of a missing texture error.

“I am… certain you have a lot of questions, Mr Freeman.”

Gordon closed his eyes, inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. He opened his eyes again, looking at everyone in the room over once more before nodding.

[the-gedonelune-times]

Happy Ending: By My Side

Summary: Gedonelune, the prestigious royal magic academy is waiting just for you! The door has opened a whole new world of possibilities for your future. For the next thirteen days you’ll be undergoing the provisional trial to see if you have what it takes to become an official student. Along the way you’ll be meeting new faces and going on exciting new adventures. But be warned, shadows are being cast on the land, if you dive to deep, you may find yourself being swallowed up by the chaos. Your journey begins now, will you be able to banish the darkness?

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Unhappy Ending

Normal Ending

The minute the two forces of magic collided came a powerful explosion that sent Lily and I flying backward, our barrier completely destroyed. When we got back onto our feet, Raspatil was readying his next attack, his arm gripped his bladed staff before swinging it down with a force so powerful that the ground below shattered, sending large debris in every direction. He used this to his advantage to charge at us. Despite his size, he was rather fast, giving us a small window of time to plan our next attack. 

“I need your help.” Lily looked at me with serious eyes. 

“Tell me what I need to do.” I gripped my wand tightly.

“I’m going to transfer some of my magic to you, I need you to set up a barrier. I just need a little bit of time to be bought, but I have a plan.”

I nodded. “Alright.”

A light began to shine dimly by her heart. Her hand gathering that light as she pressed it to her chest before holding it out to me, showering me in particles of light. Immediately, I could feel a surge of incredible power wash over my body. It was around that time when Raspatil attacked once more. I quickly recited an incantation, putting up a barrier of light. It wasn’t as strong as the one Lily had put up, but it was at least proving useful in buying her some time. 

Small cracks began to form as Raspatil continued to bring his bladed staff down on the barrier, I tried to keep the flow of magic as steady as I could, but to no avail, the barrier was going to shatter soon. I could only hope that what Lily was planning to do would be ready soon. Behind me, there was a bright light, followed by a gust of warm air. When I peeked over my shoulder, I saw multiple summoning circles surrounding Lily, as the light grew, ropes of different colored light began to shoot out, striking the sleeping golems in the room. 

I felt a hand on my shoulder. “You can go ahead and let the barrier break now, we need to get to to higher ground.”

“But how? There’s no stairs or even walls to scale up on.”

“Don’t worry about that, I’ll take care of it. I just need you to hold on tight and trust me, okay?”

I wasn’t sure what she was thinking, but despite that, I decided to take a leap of faith as she scooped me into her arms, her wings flapping behind her as we took to the air. Once we were at a good height, we watched the battle that was unfolding down below. Raspatil was cornered by the now awakened Golems. Each one wielding a large stone sword as they began to fiercely attack the snake-like being. The sounds of the weapons and magic clashing left a ringing in my ear, even from this height, the noise was almost ear-splitting. 

I could see that Raspatil was getting frustrated, its annoyance clearly showing as it slid its tail along the ground before shooting upwards, knocking most of the golems to the ground, some even shattering from the force of impact. I thought it was over, but the remaining golems began working together, each one shooting off rapid magic attacks. Raspatil managed to dodge a majority of them, but he ended up faltering and found himself in a losing battle. A cloud of smoke enveloped it and with a scream, Adonis was on his knees, clearly wiped out from his exertion of magic.

I was impressed he was even able to last that long. 

Lily’s wings began to flap slower this time as we gently touched back down on the ground. She told me to stay put in case something bad was to happen, but I refused to leave her side. 

“Why do you insist on still putting up a fight?”

“Why do you?” Lily asked while raising an eyebrow.

“That…” Adonis smiled “...is none of your damn concern, now is?”

“Actually it is.” With the wave of her hand, vines began to grow from the cracks of the stone floor in the Ark; coiling around Adonis’ arms, binding him. “What business do you have being here?”

“I was looking for something, but it seems that something is right in front of me.”

“Huh?”

Adonis laughed dryly. “Who would have thought the seal of life, was right here in front of me? All this time I thought it was that damned crystal. I guess this makes things a little harder on me. Point is…”

Tendrils of darkness began to coil around his ankles and up the vines that Lily had summoned, tearing them with a simple attack. Once freed, Adonis began to get cloaked in a dark miasma.

“Lily, he’s going to transform again!”

“We have no other choice then…” Lily looked sad as her voice trailed off.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m going to summon a powerful attack, but when I do, I need you to start running as fast as you can, don’t stop, don’t look back, okay? I’ll be there to get you.”

“What are you-”

A golden light began to form at her feet while small electric-like currents began building up. Her whole body was being showered in particles of light and I watched with bated breath when a beam of golden light shot out into the air. I could hear Lily calling out to me, telling me to start running and I did. I know she had told me to just keep going, not to look back or anything of the sorts. But I couldn’t do it, what if something happened and I needed to go back and help her. What I saw though was incredible. Multiple beams of light were now shooting into the sky, sealing off any means of Adonis escaping. Meanwhile one of the beams had formed right above Adonis and shot downwards before creating a barrier-like object that trapped him. 

Within mere moments, I could hear Lizzy scream out as a loud blast shook the entire area. Massive pieces of the Ark were falling down all around me and I had to act fast to avoid them. I looked back once more to see a figure charging at me before scooping me into their arms tightly before sending a magic blast at one of the Ark’s walls, creating a massive hole before flying right through it.

“Lily?”

May your souls be finally free from that cursed place. It’s no longer a home, it is but a horrifying reminder of the suffering you all faced.”

“You intentionally brought the Ark down?”

“I had to. If I didn’t, Adonis might have beaten us. We can’t keep fighting like that without one of us getting tired. You were already being put in a lot of danger and to be honest..” Lily sadly smiled. “I also did it because I want my people to finally seek a peaceful rest. They died there...and in a way, that Ark was almost like a cursed tomb for them. I…”

“I’m sure they’ve found peace, Lily.”

“I hope so. “ She spoke with softness as she held me tighter.

“What about Adonis? Is he okay?”

“I don’t know. Knowing his power though, I’m sure he’s found a means of escaping, but he definitely won’t be unscathed from it. Let’s not worry about that now, okay?” Lily smiled. “We have a trial to get you to.”

I looked at her with widened eyes and then up at the sky, which felt like an eternity since I had last seen it. The sun high in the sky, making it already noon. “How are we going to get there in time? I don’t know if we’ll catch a train in time!”

“Who says we’re going by train? I can get us there faster than any train!”

Lily giggled while her wings began to flap harder, drastically increasing our speed. It didn’t take long for us to make it back to the Gedonelune. In fact, withing a few minutes we were already flying over the town and headed straight to the academy. Once there, Lily gently got us back us to the ground before letting me down. She had wanted to come and be there for support, but given that she wasn’t a student, she wasn’t sure how that would go. Nevertheless, I grabbed her by the hand, leading her to the auditorium where Schuyler, Nadia and Persephone were, all of them widened their eyes when they saw Lily come in.

“I-Is that a…”

..dragon?”

Nadia had asked while Persephone had finished her sentence. I saw Schuyler cross his arms.

“I would like to know who this is and why you’ve brought them here.”

I was about to answer when Lily stopped me. “My name is Lily and I’m here to offer my support to them. I would go into more details, but I think it would be best to leave that for after the trial is over, wouldn’t you agree?” Lily’s sweet voice was offputting considering that she had left even Schuyler speechless.

With the clearing of his throat, he beckoned Persephone to hand over my acceptance letter that she had retrieved from my room and explained what I needed to do. The minute I put my letter on the scale, it began glowing, teetering left and right until it finally rested on one side. I held my breath and looked at the others, Nadia was the first to congratulate me.

“You made it! You passed your trial, I knew you could do it.” She beamed while giving my shoulder a playful nudge. 

Next came Persephone who gave a small pat on my back. “Good to see you’ll still be around. As much as it pains me to say it, you Day Class students can make things a bit more lively around here.”

Next, I turned to Lily, who had her arms wide open, which I ran into for a hug. “I knew you’d be able to do it, I’m so proud of you.” She smiled while her eyes began to water.

My acceptance letter disappeared in a puff of smoke and I was then asked to head back to the Headmaster’s office and wait to receive my cloak, it was the one thing I didn’t get during my trial. I was a little hesitant to go when I realized that Lily was asked to stay behind and have a conversation with Schuyler. Persephone and Nadia urged me to go and were kidn enough to walk with me there.

I felt like I had been sitting there for hours despite it being only about 15 minutes since I had gotten there. When the door was opened, I quickly jumped to my feet. Inside walked not only Schuyler but Lily as well.

“Miss Bloom here has explained the entire situation. Normally, punishment would be bestowed upon any student who broke Academy rules, but considering the circumstances, that won’t be necessary. In fact, considering the info Lily has given us, it can be used to help the Ministry track down the person responsible for the holding cell incident.”

After a little while, both Lily and I were sent on our way. I was to go back to the dorms and Lily had to go back to the village. I offered to walk with her and she wasted no time in accepting that offer as we now headed to her house.

It was quiet when we got there, not to say that it wasn’t quiet the first time I came here, but coming back after the terrible incident that had occurred a few days back, gave this place an eerie feel. We had made it to the stairs leading to the porch when I felt Lily’s hand let go of mine. She walked up and went into the house first, I followed closely behind and nearly jumped out of my skin when I felt a hand touch my shoulder. I knew it wasn’t Lily’s so I quickly whipped around, drawing my wand out on the possible attacker, only to take a step back away in surprise.

“Hey, do you know what time it is?”

A sleepy Lacan rubbed at his eyes as he dropped his hand from my shoulder and looked over at Lily.

“Oh hey Lily, how are you….” Lacan’s eyes went slightly wide as he began rubbing at them, trying to make sure that he was imagining things. “...your….wings! Lily!”

Suddenly he ran and gave her a hug. As if on cue, Willem and Felix had entered the room we were at, asking what all the commotion was about. They stopped right in their tracks when they saw Lily. Lacan dropped his hold on Lily, giving way for her to run and hug the others. She began to cry causing Felix to do the same as he held onto her. 

After the heartwarming scene, Lily and I explained the situation.

“So, when Lily broke the curse, the ones on the tampered Belladonna leaves broke as well?”

“Looks that way.” I answered.

“Lily I- huh? Hey, what’s that?” Felix asked curiously.

A small piece of paper floated down and landed in Willem’s hands. His eyes scanned over the contents while a grin spread on his face. 

“Willem, what has you smiling like that?” Lily asked before taking a sip of some of the tea that Willem had mad, after doing some thorough checking of course.”

“Lily, this is an acceptance letter, addressed to you. It seems it’s not the best with navigation and found me instead.”

Lily, practically choking on her drink, quickly put her teacup down before reaching for the note. Her smile was bright when she read the note for herself. She then looked at me and threw her arms around me before kissing my cheek. Drawing a few gasps from the others as she began shouting in glee.

What started as a journey of trials and dangers had finally came to a happy ending. Fears were shared and tears were shed, but we managed to make it through….together….

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the future

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few years had passed since I had graduated from the academy and a lot had happened. After graduation, Willem had given Lily word that there may be a way to revive the Dragonkin and her own species. The two of them worked tirelessly for an entire year before their efforts had finally borne fruit. They managed to resurrect a few of each species, some who ended up enrolling in the academy which surprise! I was a professor at. I was in charge of their classes, I taught them about the modern world and about a human’s way of life. They, in turn, taught me about their ways of life. 

Lily had opened up her own flower shop in town after the only one in town had closed down. She’s popular in town for how well she takes care of her flowers. On her days off, when I was working, she would come and see how I was doing.

Speaking on how we were doing, Lily and I were officially engaged and living happily in the village. We had our own house and garden which Lily and I took care of, pouring the love we had for each other, into making sure the plants grew strong. 

“You’re off tomorrow, right?” Lily asked as she wiped the sweat off her forehead.

“Yeah, are you?”

Lily nodded. “I was thinking we could go out. We haven’t done that in a while.”

“I’d love nothing more.” I smiled before giving her a small kiss.

Lily, even though her hands were covered in dirt, wrapped around my neck as she kissed me back lovingly. Our journey before and during the academy might be over. But that doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be more down the road. There were still so many memories and adventures that I would be making with Lily in the future. My heart and mind beamed with excitement at the thought. We had come this far because we had done this together, with Lily by my side, I knew I would accomplish anything. 

[sonicringbond]

Sonic Ring Bond: The Journey - Scene 25

The story continues, and we’ll be doing a bit of a character moment in this one, I’m trying to think about how to introduce it, but honestly it may just be better to jump right in...

    “You’re lost, aren’t you?”

    “Just means no one can find us easily!” With a cheerfully raised finger, Rosy drew forth a groan from Draw.

    “Just what is wrong with you, you weirdo girl!”

    ~Draw didn’t have to keep calling me names, but it was starting to feel like a nickname by now. But he wasn’t wrong either. I was lost.

    ~It wasn’t the bad kind of lost though. I had collected a lot of Rings while running to the rescue of the odd little creature that called for help, so I could always make a Ring Gate to leave at any time. Though I guess that could make me more lost. But really, Draw and I are fine!

    ~Somewhere under the pretty mountains, the winding caves and tunnels had led us into an amazing place! Water shimmered like the night sky underfoot and massive crystals grew out of the walls. And… well out of everything. There were trees growing everywhere too, but not enough to feel like a forest. The occasional cloud drifted by overhead as well blocking out how the cave walls themselves looked like the night sky. Fireflies and other glowing bugs looked like shooting stars as they sped about, and it was all really well-lit to as the crystals glowed and made it kind of like it was daylight. Of course, all the floating platforms and grass lined tunnels boring into the fake night sky made me want to go exploring, but I couldn’t leave Draw behind and he was tired of the piggyback ride I was giving him.

    ~Admittedly, I was getting kind of frustrated too. The weird little creature we rescued was avoiding me and kept hiding behind Draw whenever I tried to look at it. If I looked out of the corner of my eye though I could see it letting Draw look at it before it noticed me and hid again though. It was really starting to ruin our walk through these pretty caves.~

    “You don’t suppose it doesn’t like me, do you?” Rosy asked as she tried to lean back to catch sight of the tiny flying creature before it ducked behind Draw again. Her cheeks puffed up in response and Draw laughed at her expense.

    “Keep making faces like that and it definitely will be!”

    “Ooh~! This isn’t the time to be mean Draw,” Rosy chastised her koala companion. “Someone stuck it and all of its friends inside of those robogolems–”

    “Autogolems,” Draw interrupted Rosy with his name for the clockwork golems.

    “And that reminds me too much of that mean old Eggman from back home,” Rosy continued, her cheeks growing even larger at Draw’s correction.

    “I still don’t get the name. It just sounds like you like food too much.”

    “Ooh~! It’s not like that at all!” Rosy whined thrusting her hands down at her side coming to a stop. “He really is a mean old man and shoves animals into his robots. He wants to shove me and my friends into his robots too, and if not for Sonic he would succeed too! He’s really scary, even scarier than Ix.”

    “If you say so,” Draw shrugged and put his hands on the back of his head. Looking over his shoulder he spotted the glowing creature staring at him and smirked. “She really is a weirdo, isn’t she?”

    The creature nodded its head, which comprised the entirety of its body, and Draw’s smirk grew even larger. “Oh, so you can understand us. Shame you don’t have a mouth to talk with. –Gya!”

    “It can understand us!” Rosy excitedly tackled Draw as she tried to get a look at it. Naturally, it ducked away and Rosy’s face started to grow red as she puffed her cheeks up even further. “Ooh~! If only I could make Ring Bonds like Sonic and Ix! Then we could get over this problem and talk, and you could tell us why you’re following us even though you seem to be so scared of me! Why didn’t you go with all of your friends anyway when we freed them?”

    Rosy’s tone and demeanor became much more sympathetic as she directed a more curious question at the creature, but it simply continued to hide from her. With a sigh she stepped away from Draw and reached into one of the sleeve puffs of her leotard.

    “I’m really trying to be nice and just want to help, but maybe I should just ask my cards. They seem to be able to hear you so maybe… Though it’s a little hard talking that way.”

    Looking back, Rosy saw the creature peak out from behind Draw and looked right at her. Her face lit up with joy believing she finally got through to it, until it shook its head in denial. Absolutely crestfallen, Rosy whined her disbelief aloud. “Why~! I don’t get why you’re being so mean! I’m just trying to help!”

    With a defeated sigh Rosy slumped to the ground, her legs forming an awkward “W” shape as her rump hit the ground.

    “You’re not actually giving up, are you?”

    “No. I’m just taking a break,” Rosy looked up at Draw summoning back up the positivity from her endless supply. “I just need to take the time to think of how to get through to it and help it realize I just want to help and be its friend.”

    “It could just be you?” Draw suggested earning a new cheek puffing look from Rosy. He was not ready to be dismissed so easily though and offered a bit of help in his own way. “When I asked it if it agreed that you’re a weirdo girl it nodded in agreement.”

    “What~!” Rosy whined in further disbelief. “It thinks I’m weird too? Ugh! You two should just make a Ring Bond you’re already so close.”

    Flopping onto her back and kicking her legs out before letting them flop down, Rosy stared up at the faux night sky of the cavern. It looked beautiful to her, and the Rings spinning on the ceiling made her think of holding one as Sonic held it opposite of her. She could see the depths of his green eyes and had a terrible feeling of yearning for him.

    “Ooh~! What am I saying? Only Sonic and Ix can make Ring Bonds and neither of them are here. Though I’d definitely rather have Sonic here.”

    “I’d rather have your golem,” Draw shared his opinion curtly. “Then I could destroy it and we could go our–”

    Draw did not finish his thought as the Ring-colored creature flew out in front of him and shook its head. “What? You think I should keep traveling with this weirdo girl?”

    The creature nodded and Draw wrinkled up his face. “You’re turning out to be a bit of weirdo too.”

    “Don’t call people names,” Rosy reminded Draw and was promptly ignored as the creature shook its head.

    “Well, talking like this isn’t normal either.”

    The creature nodded in agreement.

    “So, what do you want to do about it?”

    Looking around a moment, the creature bobbed in the general direction of a string of Rings that was within reach for Draw. Tilting his head, Draw took a guess at what the creature wanted to do.

    “You want to try one of those Ring Bond things?”

    The creature nodded and Draw grew even more curious. Rosy also grew curious and sat up. “It wants to try? Can it really do it.”

    “Dunno,” Draw shrugged, but the insistence of the creature as it flew in circles around him, always stopping for a moment to align itself and his line of sight with the nearby Rings, seemed to assure it. Draw however frowned. “I guess this thing wouldn’t know that Rings are taboo.”

    “Well, it shares the same color as one,” Rosy laughed not knowing what else to really say to demonstrate it. She knew nothing about the creature, despite how much she wanted to learn. Now though she had an opportunity and stood up, dusting off her bottom as she did.

    “Why not just try?” Rosy attempted to prompt Draw into giving in to the creature’s request. “At most nothing will happen, and you won’t even collect the Ring. Though if you do, I could always give you a good slap and knock it back out of you!”

    “You’re just saying that because you want to get back at me for always calling you names!” Draw panicked at Rosy’s playfully mischievous toothy grin.

    “May~be,” she winked at him teasingly making him take a panicked step back.

    “In that case no way! Those things are taboo and cursed anyway. And knowing you’d hit me… I definitely don’t want anything to do with them!”

    “Come on!” Rosy pleaded but Draw shook his head fiercely.

    “Uh-uh!”

    “Ooh~! You’re just helping out. I promise you it won’t hurt at all!”

    “And why should I believe you? You just want to hit me!”

    “No I don’t. I was just teasing you a little. It’s only fair with how often you call me names.”

    “Well, you’re a weirdo girl! Of course I’m going to call you names!”

    “Ooh~! That does it!”

    “Wait, what are you…?”

    Taking another step back as panic started to fully set in, Draw watched Rosy’s hand as golden motes of light formed before giving way to the sudden appearance of a Ring. “Helping!”

    With a frustrated shout Rosy moved to throw the Ring and Draw turned and bolted. Rosy was ready though and threw the Ring so it would come down in front of him. Her bad mood was serving her especially well as she glared at the creature and prompted it to chase after Draw. Even more impressively, her throw resulted in Draw’s pumping fists to accidentally reach out for the Ring as it came down in front of him.

    “Oh no~!” Draw cried out as he could not stop himself.

    As his fist collided with the Ring, the creature smashed into it from the other side, staring directly into Draw’s eyes as long as it could. As the two touched it, the Ring stayed a moment and glowed brightly before dispersing into a flurry of golden motes. There were far more than would normally appear from a single Ring being collected and they swirled around Draw and the creature before being absorbed into them both.

    As the spectacle ended Draw looked down at himself in horror, his hands shaking with disbelief. “What did you do to me?”

    “It’s a Ring Bond! You two really made one! I can’t wait to find out what it shared with you!”

    Excited as Rosy was though, she stopped short of taking a step forward as sounds in the distance caught her attention. Turning her head to follow the sounds that made her ears twitch she paused a moment before speaking. “Voices?

    “Wait here Draw,” Rosy instructed the mortified child. “I’ll go check it out while you figure out what our little friend shared with you~✩”

    “It is not my friend!” Draw shouted after Rosy, who had already bolted off with a wink. Draw could never keep up with her speed and felt helpless. Though not entirely.

    Turning his head Draw gave the creature an angry glare. “So, what dd you do me?”

Scene 25 · CLEARED An Elusive Companion, to be continued

-----

And how’s that for a little surprise. I’ve introduced yet another character that can create a Ring Bond! There is obviously more going on, but I’ll save the answers to those mysterious for next time.

I hope everyone enjoyed and I hope I’ll be able to keep entertaining you! Thank you!

-----

Special Thanks to Cutegirlmayra Story by @JoshTarwater/SonicFanJ Inspiring Song – What Makes the Sky Blue – Tsutomu Narita – Granblue fantasy Original Soundtrack: Promise

Fair Use Disclaimer

Sonic the Hedgehog and all affiliated characters and logos are the express property and Copyright© of SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS used without permission under Title 17 U.S.C Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976 in which allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. “Fair use” is use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be considered copyright infringement. The Sonic Ring Bond: The Journey alternate universe (AU) consumer written work of fiction is a non-profit transformative work primarily for personal use and can and will be taken down without warning or prior notice at the request of the copyright holder(s) should it not be recognized under “fair use”.

*Sonic Ring Bond logo created by DEE Art – twitter.com/daryliscute.

Sonic Ring Bond AU and Sonic Ring Bond: The Journey are the creation of Joshua David Tarwater/ynymbus/sonicfanj/@Joshtarwater and is to be, including all contents herein considered for all legal purposes the property of the Sonic the Hedgehog intellectual property (IP) and copyright owners, SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS. All story contributors via prompt, suggestion, written scene, art, and all and every other contribution acknowledge that all contributed material is forfeit for legal purposes to SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS upon official request from SEGA SAMMY HOLDINGS.

[ttooccaa]

Seeing the Ups and Downs

I just wrote a Soulmate AU bartuardo fic! I hope somebody likes it.

It’s under the cut. Here’s the Ao3 link as well.

Summary: Almost everybody gets a tattoo (or tattoos in some cases; also known as soulmarks), either when they are born or when their soulmate’s born, that represent their soulmate(s), the tattoo is just an outline, until the soulmate is met, afterwards it fills itself with colour.

That’s great and all, but Ed has never had one and just as he’s accepted that he’s probably never going to get one, it happens, problem is it’s 14 years too late, he’s been kidnapped by aliens, so he’s still unconscious and has no idea he even got one. On the upside, he might die long before he has to meet them and deal with everything so that’s… just peachy.

Santa Fe

December 14, 22:45 GMT-3

Ed had just officially ran away from home, it was surprisingly easy, he just had to wait for his abuelo to fall asleep in front of the TV, Ed had gotten really good at sneaking out, practice made perfect as the people say.

He had ran away before, but it was never serious and the police always found him anyways, but this time was different, it felt different. Honestly, he still didn’t know if it was real or not, as of right now he had one goal, get to America (and his father?) without being caught by the police.

Well, first stop, the bus station.

As he was walking through the dark streets, barely lit by the street lights, he once again thought how lucky he was not to have a soulmate. He had just recently convinced himself it was  something good, before he was sad, sure that he simply didn’t deserve one, that he was not worth it, but after seeing how restricting it was to have one, Ed started thanking his lucky star he was born without a tattoo. He was free to do whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted without caring if somebody might or might not be upset. It was also lonely, but recently he has really been trying to see the bright side of things.

Downside: I will probably be alone and lonely my whole life.

Upside: I am free.

Porto Velho

January 21, 20:16 GMT- 4

Ed was quietly sitting on the ground in an old, decrepit building, surrounded by other runaways and homeless people. He was eating a very stale and disgusting sandwich from a local gas station, while listening to other people talk or at least trying to, Portuguese was definitely not his forte, good thing their group was a mixed one and most everybody either knew spanish or english.

The person next to him moved and a guy took his place. “Hey!”

“What’s up, Lucas?” He greeted, mouth full with bread.

Lucas was one of the few people Ed had met while in this city, Lucas was older, twenty something, really skinny and tall, dirty blonde hair and a lot of small and medium sized scars all over his body, a few on his face. He was a nice enough guy, but really sad, he tried to hide it, but he couldn’t, Ed had seen him go into his depressive state once and it was more than enough. From what he heard it happened often.

They stayed in silence, until Lucas broke it “Have you met your soulmate, Edu?”

The Argentinian swallowed the last of the sandwich and answered “Don’t have one.”

Lucas nodded his head “So you’re one of those people.” He smiled gently, his gaze far away.

“What about you?”

“Oh, yeah.” His smile grew and his eyes started to glisten.

The silence stretched for a bit, until Lucas continued “She was perfect, god, I would’ve done anything for her, I did do everything I could and more for her. She was beautiful and smart and absolutely perfect.” He was still smiling, though tears were forming in his eyes.

Ed has started to feel uncomfortable, but his curiosity got the better of him “What happened? If… ugh… you know, you want to tell me…” He was blushing a bit.

Lucas nodded his head “Don’t worry, it’s not like it’s a secret. She left me.”

“Oh, I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Hahha, not like that! I meant, she just left me, for another, said I wasn’t good enough for her and she was right, you know, I really wasn’t, still am not, now more so than ever.” Tears were slowly rolling down his cheeks, he looked like he was no longer in the room mentally. He probably wasn’t, relieving the good ol’ times he had with his soulmate. Lucas spoke up once again “Only reason, I’m still here, I hope she will take me in one day.”

Ed was shocked, he had heard of soulmates leaving before, but he mostly thought that they stayed together, no matter what. He had always thought that your soulmate was your perfect person, the one always here for you, the only one you can truly trust with everything, turns out he was wrong… very wrong.

Downside: I’m still going to be alone and lonely my whole life.

Upside: I will never have an abusive psycho for a soulmate.

Mitú

February 10, 23:01 GMT-5

The Argentinian had just arrived in the city, thanks to a bit of hitchhiking and a lot of walking, being on the run was exhausting and miserable…

He walked through the streets, the only thing he wanted was to find a somewhat safe spot and just crash over there and fall asleep. It’s not like he was afraid of somebody stealing his things, he didn’t have anything valuable left. Also no money, but right now that really wasn’t current Ed’s problem.

Just as he was considering passing out on a street corner and hoping for the best, he saw it, a bench! But not just any bench one in a secluded but still pretty lit part of the park in front of him. Ed gathered whatever strength he had left and walked to it. He took a blanket out of his backpack and laid down on the bench, his skateboard against his back and the backpack a pillow. He quickly felt sleep overtake him.

It felt barely like minutes had passed, but suddenly he was being woken up by a hand over his mouth and strong arms wrapping around him, he barely had time to register what was happening to him, yet alone panic as he lost consciousness once again.

Downside: I got kidnapped.

Upside: I (most likely) will not live long enough to be alone and lonely my whole life.

Taos

April 1, 18:15 MDT

Now Ed felt like even more of a freak, not only was he one of the few thousand people without a soulmate, but he also had weird, superpowers thanks to a gene inside his body… because aliens. He didn’t think his life could get any worse, at times like these he almost regretted running away from home.

Ed did, in a way, reach his goal - he was in America and with his father. He had forgotten just what a hoot his dad was, but Senior quickly reminded him by throwing his only son inside STAR labs like a lab rat.

He was walking towards one of the changing rooms at STAR labs, it wasn’t enough that aliens had experimented on him and the other abductees, apparently his dad also wanted to take a stab at it

Ed rounded a corner and opened the door of what he hoped was a changing room, he also hoped he would be alone, but no such luck was found. He opened the door, while Virgil was mid tacking his pants off.

Ed quickly started to close the door “Sorry, dude, I’ll leave you be.”

Virgil quickly recovered “Nah, it’s cool.”

The Argentinian went inside and opened one of the lockers, all of them contained the same white jumpsuits.

He took his vest off, then his scarf and finally his T-shirt. He started unzipping the jumpsuit.

“Damn, dude, cool soulmark.” Virgil whistled.

Ed looked at him like he was seeing him for the first time “What…?”

The other teen rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly uncomfortable “Well, ugh, you know, the thing on your back, unless it’s just a tattoo, than cool tattoo, but aren’t we a bit young for tattoos, I-I mean you do you… hahha.” Virgil was bright red and rambling.

“Calm down. Look, I don’t know if this some kind of American humour I don’t understand, but I don’t have a soulmate and therefore a soulmark. Whatever you’re talking about was probably a parting gift by the Reach.” Ed was trying to reason, feeling a little nervous, like he had ever since he’d been freed from the Justice League and been able to form more coherent thoughts than ‘Everything hurts.’

He tried to deny to himself over and over again the weird itch he’d been having on his back, hasn’t even looked at it, scared at what might be or might not be there.

Virgil looked thoughtful for a second “I’m not an expert, but it sure looks like a soulmark to me. Wait, I’ll take a picture, so you can see it.” He took his phone out and snapped a picture, before even Ed realised what was happening.

The phone was suddenly in front of his face and there it was right in the middle of his shoulder blades… a round clock? He took the phone from Virgil and zoomed in on it. It was a clock alright, but missing both of his handles, in the middle of it was a big lightning bolt, almost like the one the Flash had on his costume. He started at it for several minutes straight, then even tried to twist his head around to see it.

Ed threw the phone back at Virgil, who caught it while panicking a bit and dashed to one of the bathroom mirrors. Ed turned around and then twisted his neck uncomfortably and there it was - a clock…

Virgil approached him once again “Hey, man, you feeling good?”

Ed blinked rapidly, overcome with emotion, it was neither a happy or a sad one, tears were forming in the corners of his eyes “I-I… I didn’t think I had one, I don’t how to feel, I don’t even know what’s going on anymore.”

He had started to breath rapidly “First I lived months on the streets, absolutely miserable, then I w-was kidnapped and experimented on by Aliens! Then I got superpowers, and now I have a soulmate tattoo.” Everything was becoming blurry, he didn’t even know what he was saying anymore.

Virgil rushed in and helped him sit on the cool ground, he helped him with his breathing and Ed slowly started to calm down.

“Feeling better?”

“Yeah, yeah… thank you.”

Virgil slowly reach out and hugged Ed, the later hugged him back and buried his face in the place between his neck and his shoulder.

Downside(s): I’ll probably never meet him(?), while I’m trapped in START labs and also WHAT KIND OF AN AGE DIFFERENCE IS 14 YEARS?!

Upside: I’m not alone.

The Warworld

May 30, post-03:36 UTC

‘Why did we have to listen to Virgil and come back to save the superheroes or whatever they called themselves?’ Ed thought for the what felt like the hundredth time, while teleporting behind a couple of Reach soldiers and taking them down.

Asami signalled to him in which direction to go ‘Finally, we’re getting out of here.’ He teleported next to her and they took off.

That’s when he saw him or at least felt him run past him, Ed suddenly felt this pressure on his back, his skin felt thigh and sensitive. He was so confused, but decided to chalk it up to the adrenaline from the battle and think about it later.

When the door burst open and Ed saw Nightwing, Miss Martian and a sphere he couldn’t be happier.

Everybody quickly got onto the ship.

Ed couldn’t help but steal a couple glances at this Impulse character, he hadn’t met him, but that’s what the others were calling him. He didn’t know why he was so nervous around the guy, he felt dizzy and like he might throw up. His stomach was in knots, he wanted to talk to him, but something was stopping him.

He sweared he felt Impulse’s eyes on him.

After Nightwing’s dismissal of Arsenal, they were just about ready to leave, but Ed wasn’t so sure, he wanted to leave, but he also wanted to stay, not because of Nightwing and his offer of joining some Justice League for kids thing, but because of the speedster, he felt this pull towards him. But still, he walked through the portal created by the Fatherbox in tow with his friends and Arsenal.

Before that he stole one last glance at the speedster and saw that his eyes were also trained on him.

Downside: My back really itches.

Upside(?): Is it possible for soulmate tattoos to appear late without a reason?

Taos

July 5, 09:37 MDT

Ed was currently once again at Star Labs, this time luckily not as an experiment. After what happened those few months all he wanted to do was lay down somewhere and sleep for as long as humanly (meta-humanly?) possible. But that wasn’t an option, at least not now. He was helping his father move some stuff around and get settled into STAR labs, after it was rebuild.

In the end he had decided to stay with his dad, maybe they will grow closer, maybe they won’t, no matter what happens, he was just happy that everything was over and that getting a citizenship was easier than ever, thanks to being kidnapped by the same aliens the American government trusted before their attack. It was a sort of “Sorry the Reach experimented on, want to not sue us, but instead live here, you illegal immigrant?”

The teen’s mind quickly drifted away and he started focusing on more interesting thoughts, such as the speedster. He still couldn’t explain why the guy wouldn’t get out of his head, he had a speculation, but that was impossible, right?

Just as Ed thought that, a strong gust of wind hit him from behind and Kid Flash was standing right in front of him, though it didn’t quite look like him.

Ed blinked a couple of times “Ugh, hi?”

Kid Flash smiled, a bit awkward “I just wanted to… thank you! You know for freeing us and helping out after.” He rubbed the back of his head.

“Yeah, yeah I mean, I guess you should be thanking Virgil for the rescue, he insisted.” He cringed at himself ‘Wow, Ed, real smooth.’

Impulse blinked, awkwardness settling between them “Anyways… I’m Impulse! Well Kid Flash now, rebranding.” He said proudly, but full of sadness, while extending his hand towards Ed.

Ed looked at it for a second than took it in his own “I’m Eduardo or just Ed for short.”

The moment he said that and their hands touched Ed felt a burning, yet calming sensation on his back. He flinched and so did the speedster.

Without thinking the Argentinian teleported to the bathroom/locker room close by. He poked his head out of it and signalled for the new Kid Flash to follow him inside.

The brown haired speedster was currently looking at the inside of his left arm, but quickly followed Ed inside.

The stared at each other, neither saying anything.

The Argentinian swallowed and shook his head ‘Dios mío, this is so awkward.’ “So, ugh, there’s no other way to say it, but I’m going to take my shirt of to check something, yeah?” He felt like he might die of pure embarrassment alone, he was bright red and fidgeting awkwardly.

Kid Flash also grew increasingly red with each second “Yeah, of-of course, I’m gonna see something for myself as well.” He nodded once and reached for his left glove.

Ed quickly took his arms out of the T-shirt and left it hanging around his neck. He looked in the large mirror, twisting his neck uncomfortably and that’s when he saw it from the corner of his eye – his soulmark completely filled in. The clock was simply black and white, but the lightning bolt was like a real one, full of oranges and yellows with little sparks flying all around the clock.

His emotions were so mixed up, he was happy, ecstatic even, but also nervous and definitely scared… very sacred.

He put his shirt down and turned towards the superhero, who had taken his glove off and pushed the sleeve of the yellow costume up, exposing his inner arm. There right above the inside of his elbow was a stylised sun – a golden sun, simple, yet very beautiful.

Kid Flash slowly ran his fingers over the tattoo “Wow, I mean - I just –“ tears were gathering in his eyes.

Panic overtook Ed “Hey! Is that from happiness, is something wrong? Are you unhappy? You know I’m also very emotional right now.” He was rambling.

The hero sucked in a big breath, clenched his eyes shut, then exhaled, opened his eyes and looked straight at Ed. He smiled slightly “Yeah, I’m fine.”

Ed also returned the smile, his cheeks growing hotter “So, we good?”

Kid Flash grinned “We good, well I think proper introductions are in order!” He reached for the cowl.

The Argentinian was definitely a bit surprised, he wanted to know his… soulmate’s identity, but he also didn’t want the other teen to be uncomfortable or feel like he was forced to reveal it.

“It’s fine, if you don’t wanna, I mean I’d like to… but you know, if you don’t want to, that’s cool too.” He tried to sound nonchalant, he wasn’t sure he succeeded.

Kid Flash shook his head “If not now, then when?”

He took the cowl off “Name’s Bart Allen!”

Ed studied his face for a bit, he was quite simply, pretty damn attractive, not that it mattered, but it was still a nice touch. He smiled brightly and shook his hand once again “Pleasure to meet you.”

Bart winked “Believe me, the pleasure is all mine.”

Ed raised one of his eyebrows, still smiling, his cheeks had a light dusting of pink. Then it hit him, after all of the emotions of meeting his soulmate and confirming it was him, logic had started kicking in once again.

He let go of Bart’s hand “Sorry, I have to ruin the moment, but why did my tattoo appear just a couple months ago? No offence? But you don’t look like a one year old.”

The speedster rubbed the back of his head “Well, if it makes you feel better I was also quite shocked when I came here from the future and suddenly had a soulmark.” He was smiling brightly.

“Wait! The future?”

“Hah, let’s say we have a lot to talk about.”

Ed didn’t mind that at all “How about we have that conversation some place other than the bathroom?”

Downside: I don’t know anything about my soulmate (from the future?) and neither does he about me.

Upside: I am more than happy, that we can do that together.

[eclecticstarlightconnoisseur]

Edinburgh To Boston - Chapter 11 - Redux

Good evening all, Here is the next chapter of Edinburgh To Boston. I hope you all enjoy it. We met some old friends and a person oft-spoken of but never seen.

Chapter 12 is nearly done.  It is in the revision stage then off to my lovely beta @curlsgetdemgurls whom without her, this would not exist. Many, many thanks Emma for everything.

As always, I look forward to your thoughts, comments, and respectful criticism.

Without further delay, I give you...

Edinburgh To Boston

Chapter 11

Redux

“Rabbie, ye wee gomeral! Dinna stick yer brother’s head in the snow, aye. He canna breathe in there.” 

Rabbie MacLennan was busy shoving his brother Davey’s head deeper into a snowbank. At his grandmother’s reprimand, he let go and ran off cackling to himself.

There must be something wrong with that boy, she thought. She hoped she wouldn’t see him on one of those Most Wanted Shows when he grew up.

Davey freed himself from his frozen entombment and found himself covered head to toe in snow looking rather like a scrawny snowman. Shaking himself like a dog, he removed much of the fine flakes sticking to his hat, hair, face, and clothes. 

“Wait for me,” the lad called racing after his brother to see what other devilry they could stir up.

Maizie gave a long-suffering look toward her husband that said: Do something.

Harry, in the language of the long-married, returned the look, asking: Like what?

She glared back at him, I dinna ken. They’re your grandsons, do something. 

Jamie and Claire observed the mayhem headed their way. They turned and looked at each other smiling.

“Lass, it’s Harry and Maizie. I dinna think we would ever see them again.”

Jamie raised his arm waving it furiously loudly calling out, “mo charaid.”

“Come along a nighean,” he said laughing and pulled her along. He moved toward the elderly couple with a decided determination.

Harry looked up recognizing their acquaintances from the plane, took off his cap and began waving it in his own brand of frenetic gesticulations calling out, “Hallo.”  

“Ye see who it ‘tis, my love? ‘Tis the lad from the plane with his lass,” he said with a broad smile plastered across his face.

Smiling she began to wave as well. “So ‘tis. They look happy, do they no’?”

“Aye, they do.”

The men reached each other and began the time-honored male ritual greeting composed of handshakes, hugging, and back pounding.

Observing this male disposition, it occurred to Claire that this habit of pummeling each other in a form of welcome might be the reason that men were impervious to superficial pain.

The ladies, however, greeted each other more genteelly, clasping each other’s hands, kissing a cheek, and exchanging pleasantries. 

Of course, it was just like men to wander off in pursuit of their own conversations while leaving the women to mind the store. This entailed clearing the snow off a bench for them to sit and keep a watchful eye on the two rapscallions. Bloody men.

“How goes it, lad? Ye look happy and I might add so does the lass.” Harry cast a glance back toward Claire.

If it were possible, Jamie’s cold-reddened cheeks would have turned scarlet.

“We, ah, talked, and found the truth between us. She, um, weel, she loves me as I do her. So, we are together,” he smiled so brightly it would have rivaled the sun. “I still dinna ken how ye were so certain about such things.”

“Laddie, it is as plain as the nose on yer face.  A blind man could see that ye love each other and belong together. ‘Twas not hard at all.  All ye two needed was a push in the right direction.”

Harry turned his eyes to gaze intently upon Jamie. His expression hardening like a stern schoolmaster about to chastise an errant student.

“Remember lad, she is a braw lassie, strong, capable, independent. Dinna underestimate her. But, she can be very fragile, delicate, and her heart, once given, can be easily broken. Take care of her, love her rightly and if ye do sae she will be yers forever.”

“Aye, sir I will. Ye can trust me.”

A snowball whizzed by Harry’s hat, missing it by a fraction of an inch. He looked up and saw his grandson Rabbie hanging upside down, monkey-like from a tree. His younger brother stood below with a stockpile of frozen missiles.

“Oi, ye wee scoundrels, what are ye about then?”  Harry stormed toward the tree where the lads were. Jamie keeping pace brought up the rear as reinforcement.

Davey hopped up and down trying to get his brother’s attention wanting him to pull him up into the tree and away from his Grandda’s grasp. 

“Jump Davey, jump.” 

Rabbie extended his hand as far as he could and with one final long stretch, he just managed to grasp his brother’s hand. With a mighty pull, he brought Davey up and out of reach of his grandsire.  The lads sat swinging their legs back and forth from their high perch enjoying the view of their frustrated and angry grandfather below.

“Do ye want them down?”

Harry snorted, “I do.”

“Now listen here, lads.  Either ye come down or I come up. And ye willna like it if I do.”

“Yer auld. Ye canna climb up trees,” said Rabbie with a smirk on his face.

“Aye, I can. I climb trees, mountains, and rock walls.”

“Are ye Spideyman then?” asked wee Davey with a hopeful look on his face.

“Nay, but I ken him.”

“Ye do???!!!” The little boy’s eyes widened becoming positively goggle-eyed. 

“Aye, he came to the hospital where I work to visit with the sick bairns. He told me all his secrets for climbing. If ye come down, I’ll tell ye.”

Davey looked awestruck.  Rabbie looked at Jamie with skepticism.

“I dinna believe ye,” he said eyes narrowed to slits and glared.

“I have pictures of Spider-Man and me. He taught me some of his spidey moves.  I have a video too if ye want to see it.”

Davey was beside himself with excitement. Rabbie, however, more of a doubting Thomas required proof. The two laddies were busy trying to scramble down the tree. Rabbie older and bigger pushed his way forward wanting to be first. 

Davey had another idea.  He hung down from the branch by his fingertips, “Catch me, Grandda,” and let go dropping five feet straight down. 

Harry ran forward hoping he would be in time to catch the rascal and not drop him. Jamie got there before Harry, opened his arms and caught the boy in the nick of time, saving him from serious injury. 

“Lad, do ye no’ ken that ye weigh as much as a good draft horse when ye fall from that height? Ye nearly broke my back.”

The wean laughed, “Can I see the pictures now, please?”

He set the child down, pulled out his phone and scrolled through the pictures. The lads were enamored by them and began acting out the poses they saw.

Jamie Fraser had convinced a friend to dress up as Spider-Man and come to entertain the children. He posed, signed autographs, took pictures, and gave out little gifts. At the end of the wee party, a spectacular Spider-Man cake was rolled out and happily and messily consumed by all.

Each year Dr. Fraser planned a different event for the children.  Wherever he worked or trained he would manage to beg or borrow, cajole or arm-twist enough money to plan a wee party for the weans. All done in memory of his brother Willie. The children broke his heart.  For some, the hospital was their home, for others they would never leave it.  Some of the lucky ones would get well enough to live their lives but not without experiencing more than any child should have to.

Claire and Maizie sat on the bench talking of this and that while keeping a watchful eye on their men.

“Are ye happy then, lass?”

Claire looked up first to Jamie then to Maizie. 

“Yes, very happy.  Happier than I have been in a long time. Probably happier than I have ever been in my whole life.”

“Aye, I thought so. I can see it in the way ye look at him. And in the way he looks at ye,” she chuckled softly.

“Yer man, he is a Highlander, is he no’?”

“Yes, why do you ask?”

“Weel, they are proud men, strong of body and spirit, honorable to be sure, disciplined, loyal, courageous, patient and honest. Can ye handle a man like that lass? He can and will be a handful at times.” She looked at Claire searching her face for the truth. “Oh, and did I mention stubborn? Once they have made up their minds, there is no turning them back.”

“How do you know all this?”

“My man is a Highlander too. It has been a bonnie life with him, never dull,” she chuckled. “I wouldna change him or the life I had with him for anything. He has been a challenge at times, but I set him straight,” Maizie said with a wink.

“Oh, and one more thing lass, if ye dinna kent it yet. They have hearty appetites in bed!”

Claire opened her mouth to say something, thought better of it and shut it. She felt the heat of her embarrassment rising up her face.

“I see ye ken what I say is true,” she laughed heartily. 

“Well I...ah, well, mmm, damn.” Claire flushed a lovely shade of pink.

“Enjoy his love for ye lass. ‘Tis a blessing. I still do,” she said with a lascivious smile.

She looked up at the sky, seeing that the sun had begun to lower, checked the time on her watch. 

“‘Tis late. I need to get my lads home, dry and fed.”

“Harry! Harry! Get the lads, ‘tis time we were going home.”

The boys and the men’s heads snapped up at the words going home.  

“A leannan,” he said in his most silky voice, “the lads are having such a good time. Might we be able to stay a little longer?”  All four members of the male contingent shook their heads in unanimous agreement to this request.

“Ye can have ten more minutes, then we must leave. ‘Twill be getting dark soon,” Maizie said with a shiver.

Claire had been watching Jaime play with the boys, roughhousing, laughing, throwing snowballs at each other, helping to build a snowman, and generally acting like one of the boys. Her hands went reflexively to her belly. He was meant to be a father, she thought. She worried if she couldn’t give that gift to him would he hate her? Worse yet, would he leave her?

“Dinna fash, lass. Yer time will come too,” she observed Claire’s hands protectively on her abdomen.

 “I wasn’t able to before with, with my ex-husband.”

“If he’s yer ex, then perhaps it was for the best. Looking at yer lad there, I think things will be different this time.”

“I hope you’re right,” she said with a hopeful look on her face.

Looking toward the men hard at work making the most of the last few minutes of playtime, Maizie called out, “Come along lads, ‘tis time for our suppers.” 

The male heads rose up at the mention of food.

They bid farewell to each other, repeating the ceremonial handshakes, hugs, and backslaps. The boys were counseled to listen to their Mam, Da, Grannie, and Grandda, eat their vegetables as Jamie would be seeing Spider-man again when he got back to Scotland. Rabbie and Davey nodded their heads solemnly and promised to be on their best behavior and (Blah!) to eat their veggies too. 

The women embraced, Claire, thanking Maizie for all her advice. She kissed her cheek softly and bid her goodbye.

“Come along Spider-Man, let’s get you back to the hotel and out of those wet clothes, shall we hmm?”

“Will ye help me out of my wet clothes then, mo ghràdh? I’m so cold and wet that I think my cock will snap off.”

“That my dear would be a catastrophe,” Claire said with a smirk.

Jamie began to speak, instead, he wrinkled his nose, squeezed his eyes together, and let out a volley of sneezes. He began to sniffle. 

“Hmm, things seem more serious than I thought. Let’s get you back to the hotel and warm you up.”

“Aye, sounds like a good idea.  Will ye warm me then, Claire?” There was a twinkle in his eyes as Jamie waggled his eyebrows at her.

“Men!” she snickered.

**********

They lay nestled together in the twilight of sleep, neither fully awake nor fully asleep. Warm. Complete. Filled with love. His arms enclosed her.  One hand cupping her breast while the other drew around her waist bringing her closer. A finger idly traced the slope of her breast coming to rest on a nipple. Stroking it lightly, it came alive under his touch hardening, rounding, wanting. Her arse settled fully in his groin wanting to eliminate any space between them.

“Does it ever stop, the wanting you? Even when I've just left ye. I want you so much my chest feels tight and my fingers ache with wanting to touch ye again.” 

She wiggled closer feeling the effects of her movements against him. 

“I want you too, always,” she mumbled sleepily.

His lips pressed soft tender kisses to her neck and felt her quiver.

He turned her onto her back raining a succession of heated kisses along her chin, chest, down the hollow between her breasts.

“Mo nighean donn, I hunger for ye.”

He blazed passionate kisses down her body paying homage to her.

Reaching her navel, a distant grumbling sounded from within the depths of her abdomen.

Jamie startled, “Sassenach, yer making wee noises, but no’ the ones I was hoping for.”

“Hmmm, seems I’m famished.”

“For food?”

“Mmhm. It’s been a long time since breakfast and we did have a busy afternoon.”

 “Aye, we did.” He rested his head on her belly. “Would ye like me to order room service or would ye like to go to the restaurant?” He hoped she’d pick room service.

“Well, I bought a new dress to wear for the last dinner at the conference. It would be a shame to not get to wear it.”

“Alright then, lass, the restaurant it is, but first I must have my dessert.”

********

Jamie sat on the end of the bed showered, shaved, and dressed in his charcoal grey suit, white shirt, and blue tie.  He hummed a rhythmless tune while his foot tapped in a futile attempt to keep time. Taking out his phone, he idly scrolled through the news, and his social media accounts watching the videos of dogs and cats engaged in ridiculous antics.

His eyes drifted back toward the closed bathroom door wondering what was taking Claire so long. To save time they had showered together. He had soaped her up, sliding his hands over her slippery body becoming captivated with each curve, and rounded area of her body.  Ah Dhia, that sweet fat arse of hers. He would never tire of fondling it. And what she did to him. Lathering him, she stroked him with her soft wee hand turning his legs to jello. Christ, the lass knew just how to… His pants were becoming uncomfortable. He stood up adjusted himself and walked to the bathroom door.

“Claire, are ye alright, lass?”

“I just need another few minutes, Jamie.”

She’s been in there for at least a half-hour. What takes women so long to get dressed?

He walked to the large window and watched the lights of Boston twinkle like fireflies on a warm summer’s night.

He heard the sound of the bathroom door open and Claire stepped out.

She was a vision in red. The dress was floor-length, long-sleeved with a high neckline. It hugged every curve of her body in a sensual way. Her hair was up with tiny tendrils draping around her face and neck. Her makeup lightly done except for the red lipstick accentuating the bow of her lips.

“Do you like it?”

He mouth opened and he gaped at her. His eyes sweeping over the sweet long lines of her body. 

Her walk was sultry. Her hips swayed. She exuded sexuality. Jamie placed his hands on the swell of her hips. He swallowed, “Yer beautiful, mo nighean donn.” She was mesmerizing. He could not wait to have her on his arm walking through the hotel and into the restaurant, the envy of every man there.

 She lightly pressed her mouth on him leaving a trace of her scarlet kiss on his lips. Seductively she traced her thumb across his mouth erasing the crimson mark. 

“Claire, I... ”

She gave him a knowing smile, “Let’s go then.”

She turned to reach for her clutch and then he saw it. The dress was backless. The gown laid her bare from the nape of her neck to just above her gluteal cleft exposing the dimples of Venus on her back. It hugged her buttocks emphasizing the roundness, the fullness of her.

“Sassenach! Yer no’ going downstairs like that are ye? Christ woman, I can see clear down yer arse.”

“No, you can’t. I had the sales girl take a video of me moving in all different directions in it and you can’t see anything. I checked. Want to see?” She said smugly.

He didn’t want to see and he didn’t want any other man to see either. The woman would be the death of him.

Deciding to use another tactic, he inquired, “Won’t ye be cold then?  Would ye want my jacket, lass?”

“Oh, you’re right, I forgot my wrap.” Walking over to the garment bag she took out a matching stole and wrapped it around herself.

“Better?” she asked batting her eyelashes at him.

“No! It only covers half of ye. Claire, ye canna go out like this,” he sputtered.

“Hmm, I see it’s doubled.” She gave it a little shake to open it completely. She swirled the silken fabric around her back like a matador twirling his red cape in front of a snorting raging bull.

“Is it better now?”

The edge grazed the top of her natal cleft.  Any movement she would make exposed her.

“Aye, ‘tis better,” he conceded, “but no’ by much.”  

Seeing that Claire would not give up on going to the restaurant wearing that, that dress Jamie conceded defeat. 

“My Lady, may I have the honor of escorting ye to dinner?” He extended his arm offering it to her to take.

“I would be honored, my Laird.” She reached out placing her dainty hand in the crook of his elbow feeling him draw her close to him.

He hoped they would make it through dinner without incident.

**************

Brian Fraser looked at his youngest son, drooping and moping about over some lass who would not give the lad the time of day. To make matters worse, Jamie had seen the girl kissing another boy in a remote part of the school library. “Laddie, if the lass is no’ interested in ye, then mayhap she is not the one for ye.  Pining away for her will no’ help.  Remember, be careful about what ye wish for, because ye may just get it. When ye find the right woman to love, ye will just ken it.”

Jamie Fraser got just what he had hoped for.  Male heads turned as they walked into the restaurant.  He was the envy of every man there and he didn’t like it. In truth, what he didn’t like was the way men looked at Claire. Some looked at her with a straightforward appreciation of her beauty while others leered at her with outright lust on their faces. It roused his jealousy and need to protect her. His eyes, a search beacon, swept across the sea of men on guard for any potential threat to her or her virtue. Being in love with Claire Beauchamp would not be easy. 

Jamie so deep in his need to be on guard that he missed the way Claire looked at him. She was fully aware of how the women looked at him. He was beautiful. That fiery mane with soft curls at the nape, ocean blue eyes that you could drown in, broad back, lean muscular body, and his hands. Ahh, his hands. Hands that held her and played her body like a fine instrument. Stroking it, coaxing it making it crescendo. He is perfect in every way.  And yet, he doesn’t know it.

The maî·tre d'hô·tel seated them in a secluded area of the restaurant thanks to the generous bribe, er um, tip Jamie gave the man.

Finally, he felt he could relax. They were seated in at a cozy table for two away from the general traffic of the hotel. 

The restaurant L’Orchidée was beautifully appointed. White and violet linens dressed the table while a napkin folded into the shape of a flower sat upon a gold charger awaiting their dinner choice. Candlelight created an intimate mood. Crystal goblets and wine glasses sparkled as they waited to be filled.

The Sommelier appeared suggesting wines to pair with their dinner. Jamie fluently speaking French ordered for them.

“Are ye happy, mo ghràdh? I mean that we are together? Do I make ye happy?” He reached over picked up her hand and began to rub his thumb across her knuckles.

“Happier than I have ever been in my whole life. Do I make you happy?” she asked shyly.

 He interlaced their fingers together, “Sae happy.” He hesitated for the briefest of moments then continued, “My heart has been yours since first we met. In truth, you hold my soul in your hands. I am yours, my Sassenach, body, and soul forever.”

The waiter came to serving their dinner. A lovely glazed salmon with a tomato romesco seasoned with garlic, almonds and spices, heirloom carrots and wild rice for Jamie. Claire chose roast chicken rich with a sauce of garlic, herbs, and butter, potato mille-feuille, summer squash with wild mushrooms.  The Sommelier appeared pouring their wine selections and bid them bon appétit.

They ate and drank, savoring their meal as much as each other’s company. They talked, laughed, touched, cast shy glances at each other, acting like lovers do.

Jamie’s other vice, besides whisky and Claire, was chocolate. A dessert of a triple chocolate mousse cake accompanied by a froth of whipped cream flavored with Frangelico and a scattering of crushed hazelnuts completed their meal. He insisted on feeding her. He cut off a piece of cake swirled it in the flavored cream offering it to her. She opened her mouth accepting the sweet morsel. Her mouth became coated with the intense taste of dark chocolate and fatty hazelnut whipped cream. An unctuous drop lingered on her lips. His finger swept across her mouth removing the offending particle.  Her pink tongue peeked out and licked the tidbit from his finger.

He brought her hand to his mouth pressed a tender kiss to the palm of her hand. His breath warm and moist on her skin making her quiver and her heart flutter. 

“Mo chridhe,” he whispered huskily. “I need ye, Claire. I need ye sae bad.” He licked his lips looking at her with darkened wanting eyes.

Jamie was intent on his love and did not see the man approach.

“Hello, Claire,” said a male voice with a cultured English accent.

Claire felt ice run up and down her spine. She knew that voice all too well.

She set her lips in a taut grim line. “Hello, Frank.”

[shadowthrone-ammanas]

The Queen’s Jealousy

So, Moonjumper's kinda a thing. There's a fanon thing going around where he's The Prince's body based off how he's dressed making it seem like the devs possibly intended for him to be The Prince before they decided to remove him from the game. So that's where this idea came from.

Also, I call The Prince 'Lukas' in this fic because I've read a couple fics where he was called 'Lucas' due to that being the name of Snatcher's voice actor. I like the name so I decided to just go with it and spell it with a 'k' instead because I prefer that spelling.

*

Vanessa was upset again; Lukas was spending too much time focusing on his studies. He was maybe spending more time on them than was strictly necessary because he didn’t want to spend time with her but it was important. It was his passion and since he was going to marry her one day, making him King someday as well, he needed to know this stuff.

That didn’t mean he didn’t love her, of course not. She was the… love of his life. He would make it up to her… one day. For now, he’d just get her another bouquet of flowers and pray it placated her for at least as long as his break from his lessons lasted.

Which was what brought him to the marketplace. A pretty young redhead manned the flower stall, possibly the daughter of the man who normally ran it? It didn’t matter though, she knew what and where all the flowers he requested for his bouquet were and bundled them up just as prettily.

“Thanks,” he said as he handed over payment, adding a whole extra gold as a tip because he was in a good mood. He took a breath to follow it up with a ‘have a nice day’ but paused at the sound of a familiar gasp of dismay. He glanced over in that direction but the crowds had already closed in, concealing whoever it had been. If it was anyone at all. His ears were probably just playing tricks on him, there were lots of sounds all around him after all.

Lukas turned back to the flower stall attendant. “Have a nice day.”

“You too,” she replied as he started to move away.

 -

He dilly-dallied around the marketplace for a while a longer. He didn’t want to go see Vanessa yet; he was stalling. It had been a while since he’d last had a chance to come here so he was going to enjoy it for a bit longer before returning to his love. But because he’d already bought the flowers – in hindsight he should’ve brought them right before leaving but he hadn’t been planning on staying long – he couldn’t justify staying for much more than an hour. Thus, he quickly found himself knocking on the door to Vanessa’s manor.

The door servant quickly answered it. He was tense, head bowed, and silent which suggested Vanessa was full on angry now, ready to snap at any servant who dared to even mildly inconvenience her. But… she couldn’t be mad at Lukas, right? He hadn’t seen her since that morning when she’d cried about how little time he was spending with her, saying he didn’t love her anymore so what was the point of even existing anymore? She’d then locked herself up in her room, freeing him to head out to get something to placate her with. So it would probably be fine to approach and apologize and assure her that he did love her and always would. Regardless he was already here and seen by one of her servants meaning he had no choice in the matter.

She was in her room, door wide open, sitting on the cushioned seat at the foot of the bed. Back to the door, the rigidity of her posture made it clear that whatever had angered her was still making her furious. Not a good time to approach. He’d retreat, come back later when it was…

“Luke.” He voice was filled with ice. Too late, she’d heard him come in… somehow.

“Uh… hey Vanessa.” The quiver in his voice made him angry with himself. He sounded like a sniveling coward.

“How could you?”

“How could I what?” He hadn’t done anything? Why was she mad him now? He’d brought her flowers for fuck’s sake.

“You know what you did.”

“Actually no, I…”

“Guards,” she interrupted. “Lock him up.”

Armor clanking, the guards standing watch outside of her room stepped in. Before Lukas could process what was happening, they grabbed him under the arms and started dragging him away.

“Vanessa, wait! You can’t do this! Let me go!”

But his pleas fell on deaf ears, she didn’t even turn to look at him as her guards dragged him away, too strong to be bothered by his struggles.

They brought him to the cellar, to the back. One guard pushed him up against the wall while the other two put shackles around his upper arms. They then stepped back.

Lukas let out an undignified yelp of pain as suddenly all his weight was put on his shoulders; his feet were a good foot or so off the ground. “Wait,” he said as the guards started leaving. “You can’t do this to me! How long are you going to leave me here?”

They didn’t answer and soon he was alone in the dark.

He grunted as he lifted his feet and pressed them flat against the stone wall behind him. If he could just get some weight off the chains holding him up… but it was no use. He gave up after a few minutes.

Vanessa was just having an especially bad fit for some reason. She’d release him soon and would then apologize profusely and then tell him much she loved him and was nothing without him and was trash for hurting him, just like she’d done on the rare occasions she’d slapped or actually hit him with a thrown object. And then she’d go back to being sweet and loving… until he did something else to upset her.

 -

Hours passed. An unnatural cold settled in, chilling him to the bone. The pain in his shoulders built steadily. Every move he made, to shift or in a desperate attempt to find a way to alleviate it, made it worse. It was the most excruciating pain he’d ever felt.

Never again! He was done with Vanessa. This was going too far. He was going to end it as soon as she freed him. … Hopefully that would be soon.

 -

It wasn’t. Time dragged as sleep alluded him. Hunger and thirst set in as the pain in his shoulders peaked, becoming a constant misery that could almost be ignored. At some point, he wet himself, adding shame to his suffering. His hate grew too, rivaled only by exhaustion. The cold seemed to grow as well, unnaturally, though it was possible it just felt like that too him because he body was weakening.

At some point he passed out, hunger, thirst, and sheer exhaustion finally over overpowering the pain and suffering enough to allow him sweet blissful unawareness. He was awoken by the scuffing of feet on the stairs.

He looked up but it was too dark to see and they weren’t here yet. But a person meant salvation… right? His torment was over? … Right? He’d do anything for that to be the case.

Finally, a small light came around the corner. A candle flame, held I someone’s hands. Even that was enough to make it feel like daggers in his light deprived eyes.

“I did it, Luke.” It was Vanessa. There was an odd quality to her voice that hadn’t been there before. It sent chills down Lukas’ spine even as her mere presence filled him with rage. “There’s no one to bother us anymore my love. They’re all frozen solid, especially that wretched flower girl and your whore of a teacher. They can’t tempt you away from me anymore, no one can.”

Lukas was finally able to open his eyes and look at her. She looked… different; her clothing tattered, her hair a mess, an odd discomforting glint in her eyes – were they glowing slightly red? Surely not, that was just a trick of the candle light… right? There was something else though that Lukas couldn’t place and made him feel almost nauseous to look upon.

“What did you do?” he asked through gritted teeth, his voice rough and painful from lack of use a and a dry throat. She’d mentioned his teacher and the flower girl – why her though? he’d spoken to her once – meaning she’d killed them? Really? She wasn’t that fucked up, was she?

“While you’ve been away with your studies, I’ve been studying some stuff on my own. Magic to be precise. I froze everything and everyone. I shattered your teacher and the girl you cheated on me with. So, it’s just us now. It’s just you and me now, forever. Aren’t you happy?”

“No! What the hell you, crazy bitch?” It couldn’t be true, could it? She couldn’t have killed everyone… right?

The disconcerting smile on Vanessa’s face vanished, replaced with an even worse frown. “Don’t call me that.”

“I’ll call you whatever the fuck I want, you’re being a crazy bitch!” Lukas would’ve slapped her if he could. True or not, the words she was saying were awful.

Her frown deepened. “Fine. I was going to let you down but since you clearly have not learned your lesson, I’ll leave you down here for a couple more days.” She snapped around and started walking away.

Lukas took in a breath to tell her to stop and come back to let him down, beg for mercy essentially. He bit back on it though. Anyone other than her and he would’ve without hesitation but he’d rather die than beg for mercy from her.

Despite that resolve and the anger at her words, his heart sunk at the distant sound of the cellar door thumping shut a short while later. He was once more alone with his suffering and the darkness.

 -

“Friend…” a hollow voice pulled him out a doze that wasn’t quite sleep.

He lifted his head to see nothing but the usual darkness. Was he imagining things now too? Just what he needed to add to his misery, insanity.

“Good, you are awake…”

Lukas jerked back up. “Hello? Can you help me?” Whoever or whatever it was it clearly wasn’t Vanessa so… it had to be here to help him, right?

“I can help you and I will if you agree to help me…” Placing the location of the speaker was impossible. It sounded almost like it might just be in Lukas’ mind.

“W-what do you want me to do?” Under different circumstance Lukas wouldn’t have trusted such a voice in a million years but he was desperate. Everything hurt, he was dying of thirst, he needed it to end. “I promise whatever it is I’ll do it as soon as I’m able. Just… please let me down, please.”

“I need a vessel. Yours will do. Let me have it…”

“What does that mean? And… what are you?”

“You can call me Moonjumper.” That didn’t answer the question. “And by ‘vessel’ I mean a body…”

“What?”

“You are going to die anyway. Within the next couple of days if the witch does not come back to free you. So, let me have your body. In return, I will free your ghost. You will be a shadow but you will be free of your shackles…”

“A… a shadow?”

“A powerful ghost but still a ghost so not alive. Do we have a deal?”

Was Lukas crazy for finding that idea appealing? … Yes, without a doubt, it was death that was essentially being offered to him; death with a side of a mysterious entity taking his corpse. But… the alternative was suffering for longer and waiting for Venessa to come back. If what she’d said was true, assuming he lived long enough for her to return, she was going to keep him here with her indefinitely, just the two of them. Surely any fate was better than that so…

“Deal!”

For several seconds there was nothing, not even a sound from Moonjumper, whatever it might be. But then a strong force seemed to tug on Lukas. A nauseating feeling of something ripping accompanied it. It stopped just as suddenly as it had started it. But with it the pain, hunger, and thirst stopped too. It was amazing!

Shaking with relief, he opened his eyes to find he could suddenly see in the dark. Far better than he would’ve liked because he was staring at himself, hanging limp in shackles. It took a bit of the joy of release out of the moment.

Suddenly his body jerked and spasmed, making the chains rattle loudly. Colour drained from its face, fading to grey. Its eyes opened. They were empty, just white, no pupils. “It was a pleasure doing business with you…” the voice came out of it, unchanged other than being a bit louder. Whether that was a blessing since it wasn’t using his voice, or a curse because it was still using his mouth to speak, Lukas couldn’t decide. Before he could respond, it vanished, leaving the chains hanging open and empty.

Lukas shuddered, not from cold though, he barely felt the cold anymore. Maybe giving whatever that thing was his body hadn’t been a good idea. But… he couldn’t find it within himself to care… yet. He might later but for now, he was free and no longer suffering! He couldn’t help but smile for that reason alone, his face felt weird while doing so, like his mouth was stretching up further than should be possible. He didn’t care though. He had to get out of here. First though…

He looked down at himself. His body – ‘form’ was probably a better word for it now – was different. He had no legs but a long tail instead. His arms were long, his hands rounded and strange. He sensed other changes, his face and neck, but without a mirror he couldn’t see them. So, he moved on.

He hesitated at the bottom of the stairs. Surely his new form would allow him to traverse along less mundane routes. … How though? … Eh, he’d figured it out later. Getting out and checking on the veracity of Venessa’s claims came first. He did however change course to exit the cellar through the back entrance, leading outside.

He didn’t have the key though so… he’d get to try out his new ghostliness some after all. It was surprisingly easy to slip through the crack between the doors, all he had to do was try. It felt like becoming one with the shadows.

Outside snow had piled up all around the manor. A lot, more than even the deepest of winter should bring. And it was still snowing. Something was wrong; very, very wrong.

He quickly moved on, unbothered by the cold even if he felt it a bit more out here. First, he went to the town. It was frozen over too. Blocks of ice that housed the bodies of residents littered the streets. Outside of town was more and more snow. Finally, he reached the forest. There was snow here too but not as bad, some of it looked to have blown in from the manor. And it wasn’t as cold so given time the now might clear out.

But… everyone was dead. Venessa had been telling the truth. She’d really killed everyone so it’d just be the two of them. … She was a crazy a bitch all right and Lukas never wanted to see her again.

What did he do now though? What could he do? He’d given up his body to an unknown thing and was a shadow, a powerful ghost, according to Moonjumper. What could he do with that power though? Could he destroy Venessa? She clearly had some powerful magic of her own too so could he take her? Did he even really want to try? … No, not really. If he ever saw her face again, even if it was a literal million years from now, it would be too soon. So, unless she came looking for him, he’d leave her to her frozen manor, to wonder its halls alone for the rest of her miserable life, that was a better form of revenge anyway.

What did that leave him with though? … Well, there were the numerous ghosts he’d come across in the frozen town, wondering around lost and confused. Maybe… he could do something for them? He could try anyway. If it worked, he could get them to work for him and together they could try to rebuild something of meaning in the forest, away from the manor and its foul Queen. He’d always wanted to take on a position of leadership and ruling over a bunch of fellow ghosts didn’t sound too bad. This whole death thing might actually be kind of exciting.