#but really maggie needs to take these other two under her wing and start a support group 😅😅😅

[slashingdisneypasta]

🖤 When Maggie shoved the explosives into Freddy's gut, kissed him on the cheek and said 'Happy Fathers Day'. 🖤

🖤 When Glen dismembered Chucky with an axe, yelling 'Are you proud of me now?' 🖤

🖤 When Sam stabbed Ritchie 22 times, saying 'Never fuck with the daughter of a serial killer' 🖤

[mimisempai]

The words you deserve to hear

Summary

Aziraphale, with the help of her new assistant Muriel, organizes the books in the bookshop after the recent events and Gabriel's odd filing system.

When Muriel suddenly asks him a strange question, "What's the Ritz?"

With this little question, Aziraphale will realize just how much he shattered Crowley's dreams that day.

Notes

It's time for Aziraphale to face Crowley's hurt and for Crowley to receive the apologize he deserves.

On Ao3

Rating G -  1560 words

Aziraphale sighed. It had been three hours since he'd started putting his books away. Now that peace had returned, he could finally concentrate on his bookshop and repair the damage. 

"Aziraphale, I've brought the next box," he turned his eyes to Muriel, who had just arrived with their arms full of the said box.

When Metatron had left, he'd left Muriel behind. The angel expressed a desire to learn more about books and to stay on Earth. Since the angel didn't have a very high status in Paradise, they had probably forgotten about their existence or decided they weren't that important. Their loss, thought Aziraphale, who offered Muriel to help him. He didn't regret it. Muriel was eager to learn, had a kind disposition, and didn't shy away from the task. As it happened, there was an empty apartment next to Maggie's above the record store. So Muriel lived there now and it didn't take long for Maggie to take them under her wing.

He turned to the angel, grabbed the box and thanked them. Gabriel had managed to disturb half of his books with his absurd way of organizing. He was about to grab the next book when Muriel cleared their throat.

"May I ask you something?"

Aziraphale replied softly, "I'm listening."

Muriel asked, "What's the Ritz?"

Aziraphale explained before asking again, "Why are you asking me that?"

Muriel, dancing from one foot to the other, explained, "Well, that's something Mr. Crowley said to me the other day."

Aziraphale smiled fondly and told them gently, "You can just call him Crowley."

"Ah... Um... okay. Well, when you left with Metatron, Crowley was surprised to see me at first, and then he said that when you came back, he thought you would need some time for the two of you, and that you would have an extremely alcoholic breakfast at the Ritz afterwards. And he insisted that I shouldn't be there. Aziraphale?"

Muriel paused, seeing the angel's lost expression and not quite knowing what to do, they asked, "Did I say something wrong?"

Aziraphale shook his head and replied, his throat tight with emotion, "Muriel, can you leave me for today?" 

Then, seeing the angel's expression, he continued, "You are not to blame, not at all. But I must do something."

Muriel lifted their head and said softly, "I'll be with Maggie if you need me."

Aziraphale, lost in thought, didn't even hear them come out.

His head was spinning with one thought. 

He'd almost ruined everything. 

Crowley must have been looking forward to finally being alone with him, having a good time at the Ritz, and Aziraphale had blown it. 

He had so much to make up for. All the dancing in the world wouldn't be enough.

Aziraphale looked around and his eyes fell on the spot where Crowley had stood when he'd confessed his feelings to him.

Right there behind the red chair.

The scene unfolded before him.

He remembered how Crowley had for the first time looked so unsure of himself.

“We've known each other a long time. We've been on this planet for a long time. I mean, you and me.”

Why had Aziraphale not noticed then how shaky the demon's voice sounded? How jerky his breathing had become? He had probably struggled to open up to Aziraphale and hadn't seen anything.

“I could always rely on you. You could always rely on me. We're a team, a group. Group of the two of us. And we've spent our existence

pretending that we aren't. I mean, the last few years, not really.”

It all came back to Aziraphale, and he was horrified at how blind he'd been as Crowley bared his heart. He hadn't seen the tears in the demon's eyes, hadn't heard the sobs in his voice.

“And I would like to spend...”

Aziraphale didn't realize he was crying as he replayed the scene in his mind. Crowley so overcome with emotion that he couldn't finish his sentence. Crowley who had run out of words. 

“I mean, if Gabriel and Beelzebub can do it, go off together, then we can . Just the two of us. We don't need Heaven, we don't need Hell, they're toxic. We need to get away from them, just be an us. You and me, what do you say?”

And Aziraphale had shattered Crowley's hope. In that moment, so convinced he was in the right, he'd trampled on the heart Crowley had laid bare for him. 

The angel fell to the ground, right where Crowley had stood that day. 

What had Aziraphale said?

“But... Well, obviously you said no to Hell, you're the bad guys. 

But Heaven... Well, it's the side of truth, of light, of good.” 

Truth, light, good?

Really good, yes, the way he'd reacted to Crowley's confession. He felt even more incredibly lucky that Crowley had forgiven him. 

Aziraphale couldn't forgive himself, he was so ashamed. 

He should have been happy. But instead, he had brushed Crowley's confession aside as if it didn't matter.

"Angel?"

He turned his head sharply in the direction of Crowley, who had just entered the shop. Seeing him kneeling on the floor, the demon threw his glasses on the table before rushing over and kneeling before him, calling out in a worried tone, "Angel? What's wrong?"

Aziraphale felt the tears return in full force at the demon's immediate concern. 

He raised his hand to Crowley's face and brought it to his cheek before saying in a voice choked with tears, "Crowley, I'm so sorry. I hurt you so much. I saw nothing, I heard nothing. Please forgive me. Forgive me."

Crowley, looking confused, grabbed Aziraphale's wrist and asked, "But what do I have to forgive you for?"

Aziraphale chuckled sadly, "That you even ask shows me how much better you are than me. Forgive me for treating your confession with such disrespect. You didn't deserve it. I-"

Crowley interrupted, "Angel, Metatron messed with your head pretty good back then. You're not res-"

Aziraphale shook his head vigorously, "Stop, Crowley, stop right now. Yes, Metatron had a lot to do with it, but I have my share of responsibility, and I don't want to deny it anymore. Because I made you suffer. I made you suffer. Crowley, I made you suffer, and I sincerely apologize."

Crowley took a long breath and, locking eyes with Aziraphale, said in a clear voice, "I forgive you."

Aziraphale swallowed and replied softly, "Thank you," then wrapped his arm around Crowley's neck, pulling him against him and holding him in his arms, muttering over and over, "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."

Crowley wrapped his arms around the angel in return and replied softly, "It's all right, angel, it's all right now."

Aziraphale stepped back slightly and replied, "Not quite." 

The demon looked at him quizzically. The angel continued, "Crowley, will you do something for me? Will you finish the sentence you could not finish that day? Remember just before you spoke of Gabriel and Beelzebub?"

He saw that Crowley had understood when the demon stood up, and once on his feet held out his hand to Aziraphale to help him up. When Aziraphale was on his feet, not letting go of his hand, Crowley cleared his throat before saying in a slightly shaky voice, "I would like to spend..." he paused, swallowed several times, then Aziraphale took his hand in his own and said, "It's all right, Crowley...go ahead."

Crowley nodded, "I want to spend the rest of my life, the rest of eternity, with you. What do you say?"

Aziraphale released his hand and cupped the demon's face in his hands, saying softly but firmly, "I say yes. Let's spend the rest of our lives together. Let's spend eternity together."

The demon closed his eyes and breathed deeply. He opened his eyes abruptly when he felt the pressure of the angel's lips on his, before closing them again, not wanting to lose any of the feelings of the moment. He wrapped his arms around the angel to hold him tighter, deepening the kiss. 

Moments later, they parted to catch their breath, forehead to forehead, their breaths mingling, and remained so in the exact spot where Crowley had first uttered those words. 

Then, this time, it was Crowley who pressed his lips to the angel's, prolonging the kiss, gradually replacing bad memories with new ones. Better ones. 

Much better ones.

It was only the first step. 

But it was enough for now.

*********

Muriel walked through the door of the coffee shop and no sooner had they stepped through the door than Maggie and Nina rushed up to them and asked in unison, "Well?"

Muriel frowned before answering, "Well, I don't know. I saw Aziraphale and Mister Grumpy hugging very tightly, so tightly I couldn't see their faces, in the middle of the bookshop. Is that a good thing?"

Maggie and Nina exchanged a knowing look before looking at Muriel with a big smile on their lips.

"It's perfect, Muriel. Perfect."

The two women took Muriel by the arm, each on one side, and led them to the counter.

Nina said, "I'm going to treat you to some hot chocolate, my little bee."

Muriel liked hot chocolate, so they didn't protest. But they thought humans were a little strange.

However, they seemed happy, so Muriel was fine with it.

_________

Still not beta'd

Still not my native language

Still hoping you'll enjoy this story  🥰

Still thanking you for bearing with me 😝

Ineffable Growing Love series : here (After season 2)

Ineffable Husbands masterlist : here (Before season 2)

[facepalming-since-chernobyl]

Debunking lies haters spread about Mon-El – misogynist

Misogyny is a wide definitions and includes prejudice against women, social exclusion, sex discrimination, hostility, patriarchy, male privilege, belittling of women, violence against women, and sexual objectification – so it’s not “just” typical hate.

And yes, Mon-El said/did some questionable things. Aka about Eve “She wanted to please me. On Daxam, when a woman wishes to please a man...” and the fact he had no problems with moving the copying machine with her (Crossfire ep) and the line “things was easier on Daxam when I objectified women and didn’t care about anyone“ (the Mxy ep) and didn’t do what Kara said or how SCs like to say, he didn’t respect her.

But here we have few problems here.

First of all Mon-El is from a planet, where people behaved this way. And I write people, not men, because Daxam was a place when all of them where doing things like this. Do we have evidences that women were treated only like sexual objects and exist only to please men? No. Why? Because after all, Rhea - a woman, was the most powerful person on that planet and held true power, not Lar Gand, who was murdered by her and there were no consequences. No patriarchy here. No male privilege here.

But his haters love to forget the line: “on Daxam we drugged themselves to feel nothing“. We aka all people. That was the toxic culture that promoted the system where people were not dealing with feelings, but suppressing them with drugs. What caused not carrying about anything and objectifying was a part of the system.

“The more the merrier“ line, that some people say was lesbophobic and Mon-El wanted to have a threesome with Alex and Maggie is simply stupid. He was talking about having a PARTY, not having sex. Also in that bar scene he showed he was not  prejudiced against homosexuals. Daxam was a horrible place but every sexuality was seen as normal and accepted. Also, no sex discrimination.

Next, “On Daxam, when a woman wishes to please a man.” WISHES. When a woman doesn’t want to please a man, she doesn’t. SIMPLE AND OBVIOUS. What also means he never sexually harassed anyone and there are no evidences for that. I will write another piece about how some really gross people accuse him of rape and other things that didn’t happen, but that will appear in the future.

Also, friendly reminder that Eve WANTED to hook up with him. She was a woman who knew  what she wanted and did what she wanted. Making her some a clueless victim is a disrespectful for HER.

Secondly, when haters talk about his relationship with Kara is how he disrespected her as a woman.

The problem is they both clashed not because of their sexes but because of their races. They clashed because she was a Kryptonian and he was a Daxamite. They clashed because of their absolutely different upbringing.

 He didn’t listen to her?

Kara Danvers : I am trying to help you fit in and you keep messing it up.

Mon-El : Okay, I'm trying very hard to be Mike, okay? But it is not as easy as you make it sound, Kara. I'm used to doing my own thing.

Kara Danvers : Well, you don't do your own thing here. You do my thing.

Mon-El : Um, okay. And if I don't want to do your thing?

Kara Danvers : Then find another mentor.

We talk about an alien who was on Earth like for two weeks and was brought to a CatCo to start a job. I repeat, an alien from totally different culture was brought to a totally new environment to behave like a human and work. Ever heard about cultural shock? And he TRIED. But was not ready. And Kara admitted it herself, later in the ep:

“When I was younger, I had no idea what I wanted to be here on Earth. And I had a family to help me and guide me, but... ultimately I had to make my own choices. And I was trying to impose those choices on you because when you landed, I was-I was just so excited to have someone to take under my wing. To look after. I never got to do that with my cousin. But you are your own man. And your life here on Earth is going to be very different from mine, and that's fine. That's great.”

Because guess what, he was not a dog and not doing what someone else asked is not always disrespectful. It’s you know, not being a slave and having your own mind :) Also, saying someone should do what you want is not mentoring or teaching and Kara explained that herself.

When they clashed after he beat Brian, once again, it was not about her being a woman, it was about how they were using their powers and how they both seen it differently. And it once again, in the end, was about the differences between a Daxam and Krypton.

So what, he was misogynist because he was jealous of Mxy? Because he didn’t do what she asked him to? Because he was arguing with her? Because he was overprotective? Yep, we can all agree it was a shitty behavior. Once again, I understand why he behaved like that – his upbringing in Daxamite culture, ignoring the feelings and getting drugged instead of dealing with them – but his behavior was NOT PORTRAYED AS SOMETHING GOOD. And Kara CALLED HIS SHIT OUT. And after some thinking HE ADMITTED and what is more important, UNDERSTOOD HE WAS WRONG.EXPLAINED himself in a way that made sense. APOLOGIZED. And didn’t repeat this mistake.

Because you know, this was his character arc from being a problematic frat boy of the universe, to finally understanding his character issues and fixing them. That was his story. And I’m kinda surprised how people can admit the tv shows are full of macho idiotic males and how out culture is teaching them how to act wrongly and mistreat women and then when they have an actual arc of man who grasped his shit and become better, they hate on him like no tomorrow. I guess males should stay shitty for their whole lives???

And lastly - look how many times he praised her, how many times he said how awesome she was when she kicked Mxy and other idiots’ asses and how proud he was, how he has learnt to respect her decisions, how he tried to please her, how he walked away when she asked him without a word, how he was able to say how worthless he was, how he played the role of a housewife when she was dealing with criminals, how many times he gave her emotional support and simply was there when she needed it, how he took her side and could admit he was wrong - like, misogynists do stuff like that? Since when?

Yes, he was a jerk and he didn’t have any idea how to treat women, but he has learnt. Keeping things he has done in the past and ignoring his development is like depriving humans of the ability of making mistakes and learning on them. And this is a base of whole damned humanity.

[teshadraws]

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Seekers of Soul

[Chapter 21] (32 Pages)

<< First | < Previous | Next >

Tobias and Nia make the journey to Ghatha!

-

“Are we getting close?”

Tobias swallows back an annoyed growl, trying to keep his temper under control. He will not snap at his partner. Or light her on fire. “For the fourth time, Nia, we’re almost there. Stop asking before I turn us around.” 

The riolu shrinks into herself with a sheepish smile. “S-Sorry. I’m just excited.”

Tobias doesn’t answer, hoping Nia will finally fall silent and let them walk through the forest in peace and quiet. He doesn’t mind going on this trip to Ghatha, and although he’d never admit it, he isn’t even that annoyed by Nia’s presence anymore. Most of the time.

But by Entei’s fire, Tobias has his limits. There’s only so much excited rambling he can handle in one short walk to the flight outpost.

“O-Okay, actually important question.”

“Hm.”

“Should I eat before we fly? Or, uh...”

Tobias finally cracks a grin. “Or are you gonna barf your brains out? Dunno. Guess we’ll see.”

Nia‘s nose scrunches up at the mental image. “You sound a little too happy about this.”

“I will definitely laugh if you puke.”

She shoots him a playful glare, so Tobias adds, “If you want an actual answer, I wouldn’t eat before we go up. If you’re fine flying then you can eat on the way there. If not, then we won’t immediately tick off our ride by puking all over ’em.”

Nia fidgets nervously with the strap of the satchel thrown over her shoulder. “That makes sense. I’d like to be on good terms with the Pokémon carrying us 10,000 feet in the air.”

There are a few minutes of quiet after that, and Tobias takes advantage of them to enjoy the cool morning air. Dawn sunlight is filtering through the trees of the forest, clearing away the chilly fog of the night. He notices that the green leaves overhead are starting to shift to gold, catching the morning rays. It really is going to be fall soon.

“Are you nervous?” Nia asks. “About flying?”

Tobias mourns the loss of silence with a sigh. “You do know my final evolution is half flying, right?”

“Well, yes, but that doesn’t mean you can fly now. So I just wondered. Have you ever flown before?”

For a heartbeat, memories slip by before Tobias can stop them. Vivid snapshots of sitting atop a broad orange back, wings spread endlessly wide on either side of him. His hands, much smaller, clutching tight to warm scales, the blue sky seeming to go on forever in all directions, the wind whistling by and stealing away his laughter.

Tobias shoves the memory from his mind, holds his breath until he knows it won’t shake. Keeps his eyes glued to the foliage around them. Eventually, he manages to say, “I’ve been flying before. A long time ago.”

Maybe Nia can hear the lump in his throat, because she falls silent with a tiny, “Oh.”

They continue on, Tobias focusing his senses on the world around them to distract himself from the memories suddenly trying to rise up and choke him. His heart twists inside his chest, and it takes everything in him to blink back rising tears.

The trio. The outlaws. Focus on them, on taking them down. Focus on what he needs to do.

“Is that it?”

Tobias snaps out of his musings to look up, and sure enough, the outpost is in sight. It’s still halfway hidden by the trees and undergrowth, a lanky structure of white-painted wood, but it’s definitely what Maggie pointed out to him from the mail floor, years ago.

A quiet rabble of voices meet them as they get closer. Calm conversation, occasional laughter. The two of them emerge into a small clearing, and there it is: a tower reaching almost too high up to see the top. Roosts of moss and hay and twigs are haphazardly wedged here and there throughout the structure, and flying Pokémon of all kinds flit about. Some are napping, others chatting, and a few are on the grass, talking with clients.

“Wow,” Nia breathes, eyes wide with wonder.

A talonflame is the first to notice them, and glides down to meet them with a respectful dip of his head. “Greetings. Looking for a lift?”

Tobias nods. “We’re guild members under August. We need a ride to Ghatha.”

The talonflame tilts his bright head, humming thoughtfully. “I don’t take on distances that far, especially with fighting types on-board. But I think I know who can give you a lift. Wait here.”

The fire type beats at the ground and lifts off again, flying high into the roost. Nia follows him with her eyes, brow furrowed.

“Fighting types can be squirmy in the air, and talonflame are already lightweights,” Tobias explains, snorting. “Don’t look so offended.”

Nia’s troubled expression clears, and she gives him a thankful nod for the explanation.

A large, winged silhouette takes off from one of the perches, circling down to land before the two of them in a gust of wind. A braviary. She’s huge, easily four times the size of Tobias and Nia, with navy and crimson feathers and a soft mane of white. She’s clearly a sturdy Pokémon, with a few scars visible on her body, cutting irregular patterns through her feathers. Most startling of all is the closed, puckered skin over where her right eye should be, a thick scar running across the area and cutting into her beak. A bright yellow designated flyer’s scarf is tied around her leg. To say she’s impressive-looking would be an understatement.

“Hey there, folks! Name’s Felicity,” the braviary chirps, her voice bright and sharp. “But y’all can just call me Fliss. I hear you two are hoping for a ride to Ghatha.”

Nia looks as awed as Tobias feels by the flying type’s presence. “Y-Yes, ma’am!”

Fliss laughs, loud and hearty. “You sure look spunky for a fighting type at the outpost. You ever flown before?”

Nia opens her mouth to respond, then pauses, a distant confusion glossing over her expression. Tobias has seen that look before. Are her memories acting up again?

He’s about to cut in when the riolu blinks back to the present, hesitantly answering, “U-Uh. No? I-I don’t think I have, at least.”

Fliss gives Nia a curious look but doesn’t push, instead giving the riolu a firm nod. “Well, I’ll do my best to keep it a smooth flight. Since you’re both small, it’ll only be 400 poke for a one-way trip. Discount since you’re in the guild.”

Tobias nods and gestures for Nia to let him rummage around in their satchel. When he pulls out their team poke pouch, Nia pulls out her own personal bag as well. She grabs 200 poke, handing it to him and answering his questioning frown with a small smile and a shrug. “I’m the one who wanted to go on this trip in the first place—it only seems fair that I pay a little extra from my own cash.”

Tobias doesn’t argue, accepting the poke and gathering it with the other 200 from their team earnings. Fliss holds out her leg, and he dumps the coins into a thick pouch strapped securely to her foot, which she ties shut with her beak.

“Great! You two ready to set off?”

Tobias and Nia nod, and the braviary crouches down low, belly to the grass and wings spread wide to help them get on her back.

Nia freezes, wide-eyed. “W-Wait, there aren’t like, safety harnesses or something? S-Seatbelts?”

Tobias rolls his eyes as Fliss guffaws. “Don’t be silly! We wouldn’t be flying grounders around if we weren’t confident in our ability to keep ‘em safe.”

“But what if we f-fall?”

“Then I’ll catch you,” Fliss replies simply. “Look, hun, what’s your name?”

“N-Nia.”

“Look, Nia. I’ve flown all over the world, and I’ve taken a lot of passengers along with me. Haven’t dropped a single one—promise.”

The riolu still doesn’t look convinced, and Tobias groans. “Arceus, would you just get on? Pokémon do this every day!”

“And the winds are in our favor today, too,” Fliss adds, motioning Nia forward.

The riolu steps up to the braviary’s side, and then uses the offered wing as a boost to climb onto Fliss’s back. Nia sits, paws hesitantly holding onto her feathers. “A-Am I hurting you?”

Fliss laughs, making the riolu jump. “You’re light as a feather. Feel free to hold on tighter if you need to, I’ve been through worse.” Then she turns her gaze to Tobias. “Up ya go. What’s your name?”

“Tobias,” the charmander replies, watching Nia as she fidgets. “Where should I sit?”

“Probably in front, so the little fighter’ll have something to hold onto.”

Right, that makes sense--even if he really doesn’t want her clinging to him the whole flight. Tobias climbs up the braviary’s back and plops down in front of Nia, carefully setting his legs on either side of Fliss’s feathery shoulders and letting his tail curl over his leg.

“Hold on tight to my feathers, now!” Fliss calls. “Riolu, if you get scared just hold on tight to your partner.”

“Or don’t,” Tobias mumbles under his breath.

“I-I think I’ll be okay just holding on,” Nia says, voice high and unconvincing.

“Suit yourself! We’re taking off, so if you need me, tap my back three times!”

And with that, Fliss beats her wings hard, powerful gusts of wind tearing at the grass and billowing out in all directions. Slowly, they rise up, and Nia squeaks from behind Tobias.

Tobias can’t help a sudden burst of excitement. He watches eagerly as the forest sinks around them and they rise higher and higher, above the treeline, into bright morning sky. It’s windier up here, a little more chilly.

It feels like freedom.

The wind smells fresh and whistles past them as they gain altitude, fluttering his scarf and Fliss’ feathers. The world stretches out around them, all at once remarkably small and endlessly large. There’s forest as far as the eye can see, making up Bethoc’s Haven. Tobias laughs, unable to contain the giddy feeling in his gut. He’d forgotten how exhilarating it was to be in the sky like this. To fly.

“All right! Hang on, kiddos—we’re off!”

Tobias grips the braviary’s feathers and grins, thrilled as Fliss snaps out her wings and catches an air current. They shoot forward, picking up speed in an instant.

Nia screams, and then there’s a pair of arms locked around the Tobias’ middle, squeezing the life out of him. Tobias chokes, immediately moving to pry the riolu’s wrists away. A quiet whimper stops him, buried in his shoulder and just loud enough to be heard.

The snarl dies in Tobias’ throat as he hesitates. He doesn’t want Nia pressed so uncomfortably close, arms determined to cut off his breathing, but…he also hasn’t heard her this scared in a while. Plus, shoving her off would probably break the unspoken rules of their Tobias Not Being a Jerk team agreement, so. He sighs, resigning himself to this embarrassing situation and forcing his body to relax.

At least the sights are a distraction. The view really is gorgeous, an expansive sea of forest, leaves just starting to turn from green to warmer shades for the fall. The day is bright and brisk: perfect flying weather. Tobias feels a bittersweet tug in his chest, but tips his head back to enjoy the wind and sun on his face with a content smile.

After a few minutes, Tobias peers over his shoulder, only able to see the top of Nia’s head, her ears still pinned flat to her skull.

“Hey,” he calls.

She doesn’t answer, but the hold around his torso tightens.

“It’ll help if you look around.”

The riolu shakes her head against his shoulder, a muffled, “No!” barely reaching his ears.

Tobias rolls his eyes at the childish response. He knows that fighting types tend to have problems with heights and flying, but this is just ridiculous. He is not going to have this flight ruined by Nia cowering in terror and slowly cracking his ribs.

Plus, this is too beautiful a view to miss.

“Just try looking around.”

Nia whines again. “Why?”

“Because we have three more hours of this and I’m pretty sure you’re trying to suffocate me.”

Nia manages to loosen her hold, just a bit. Tobias can breathe again, but the riolu is still quivering, face tucked away.

“Nia.”

“No! I’m n-not looking!”

“Just look up! Don’t look down, idiot, that’ll make anyone’s stomach jump.” Nia doesn’t respond. Tobias peeks back at her again. “Okay, what’s it gonna take for you to look.”

“Take me back to solid ground!”

Despite his frustration, Tobias snorts a laugh. “Too bad, pick something else.” No response. Stubborn. What would entice her enough to surpass her fear? “I’ll, uh…Tell you about the landmarks we pass if you look. You mentioned wanting to know more about geography or something, right?”

Nia shifts against his shoulder, hesitant but clearly interested.

“You’re such a nerd,” Tobias snorts.

“I-I like learning stuff,” she defends. At least, that’s what he thinks she said. It’s hard to properly hear anything up here.

“Well, you have to look for me to teach you, otherwise you won’t know what I’m talking about.”

Nia slowly lifts her head, still tucked close to his shoulder with her eyes squeezed shut. A few seconds pass.

“We’re gonna land in Ghatha before you open your eyes.”

“J-Just give me a sec.”

“Look up first, not down.”

Tobias can feel the riolu take a deep breath. Then, she cracks her eyes open, looking up into open blue sky. He watches as the riolu blinks, then lets her eyes open a bit more, squinting ever-so-slightly against the wind. Good.

“Still alive,” he teases.

“S-So far,” Nia shoots back.

Tobias moves his gaze away, to the forest underneath them. Even without looking straight down, there’s a huge chunk of the region visible. Mostly trees for now, a few fields and clearings, but a set of mountains can be seen faintly in the distance.

“Try looking forward,” he suggests.

“Y-You sure?”

He shrugs, the movement odd with the weight of the riolu still wrapped around him like a scarf. “Gotta do it eventually.”

The riolu seems uncertain, but takes another deep, bracing breath. Her ruby eyes flick a degree down from the sky overhead, looking forward as they fly. For a moment, her expression drops into something awestruck, and Tobias almost smiles.

Then she shrieks a terrified sound, and is back to burying her face into his shoulder.

Tobias groans. “C’mon!”

“J-Just give me a bit, o-okay? I...I’ll try again in a bit.”

Tobias huffs an irritated breath, disappointed. How can Nia not love this view, this feeling of freedom and speed? It’s so soothing being up in the air like this, effortlessly gliding over miles of woodland that would take them hours—days, even—to cross on foot. The brightening sky is slowly changing the hue of the treetops below them, cooler grays coming alive with color, and there’s just something hypnotic about the gentle dip and rise of Fliss’ flying, the slight shifts between air currents. He almost feels like he’s in a trance, with the heat of the rising sun and the balancing bite of the wind, Nia a warm weight against his back. Tobias could probably fall asleep up here, if he tried.

After a while, the fuzzy silhouettes of the mountain range become more visible, fading into existence as towering peaks of white, their tops cloaked in eternal snowstorms. Even the winds feel colder as they fly on a current slightly closer to the mountains, though they’re still a great many miles away.

“You can kinda see the Silenfroar mountain range from here,“ Tobias says, far too casually. “We’re passing by right now.”

Nia’s curiosity is too much for her, and she tentatively lifts her head to peek over Tobias’ shoulder.

“To the left.”

Nia follows his instruction, and all at once he sees amazement take over the fear. She unfolds, ears pricking up, head lifting, the hold around his gut loosening until she’s lightly gripping his sides.

Tobias can’t help it—no one can see him up here anyways. He grins, gazing at the mountains as well. “Pretty cool, huh?”

“They’re beautiful!”

“There’s a village on top of those mountains!” Fliss shouts over her shoulder, catching their attention. “I hear they aren’t fond of outsiders, so I’ve never been there myself!”

“August trained up there for a while!” Tobias yells back. Maggie had mentioned it once or twice, quoting it from the rillaboom’s younger days. Apparently the treacherous Silenfroar settlement is infamous for being an incredibly challenging training ground—or so August says. “He’s still on good terms with ‘em, from what I hear.”

“Whoa,” Nia murmurs, still mesmerized by the intimidating mountain peaks.

Tobias shifts his own gaze down to look at the landscape below them. The trees are starting to thin out a bit, meaning that they should be hitting the Bethoc Bluffs and the Obsidian Sea relatively soon. Tobias is nervous about crossing the stretch of open ocean between them and Ghatha, but Fliss seems strong—

A tiny eep! of fear is Tobias’ only warning before Nia grabs him in another death-hug, crushing the breath out of him.

“Arceus, Nia, give me some warning!” Tobias wheezes, pulling her arms a bit looser. She’s stronger than she looks. “Is this how you’re gonna be the whole way?”

“N-No, it’s getting better! J-Just, uh. Slowly.”

Tobias rolls his eyes and focuses back on the flight, determined to enjoy the peaceful feeling of it all. As they fly, the landscape transitions from forest to rocky pines as they near the edge of the region. They pass several different settlements and tiny villages along the way, the homes and Pokemon living there barely visible from their height. Some are set up in clearings, quaint little homes and businesses clustered close together, and some are nearly hidden by leafy treetops, a bit more spaced apart.

Tobias has traveled to villages like those in the past, he thinks, with Maggie. Usually to treat a severely ill Pokémon or purchase rare herbs. He can’t really recall much about those trips, and certainly not any of the tiny towns’ names. Fliss, however, seems to know them by heart. She calls out each village’s name as they soar over them.

Nia leans forward to hear the braviary better as she speaks, hanging onto every windswept word. After the second or third village, Nia leans back, tightens her grip on Tobias, and cranes her neck to catch a glimpse of the town below. She retreats almost immediately, and Tobias isn’t sure whether to encourage her or make fun of her, so he settles for both.

“Wow, don’t get too adventurous,” he drawls.

Nia gives him a powerful squeeze in retaliation that makes him cough.

From there, the flight is quiet and uneventful, Nia’s face once again hidden in Tobias’ shoulder as the charmander enjoys the wind whipping past them. He doesn’t speak again until he can finally see the glitter of the ocean on the horizon, meaning they’re almost to the bluffs, where the region drops off into the sea.

He taps Nia’s arm to get her attention. “Ever been to the ocean?”

There’s a moment of thoughtful silence, and then, “I-I...don’t think so? I don’t remember seeing the ocean, at least.”

“Now’s your chance.”

That catches Nia’s attention. Slowly, the riolu peers over Tobias’ shoulder. Then she gasps and straightens up, ruby eyes blown wide with wonder. The ocean and the scraggly cliffs of the seaside are coming at them fast.

“Beautiful, ain’t it?” Fliss calls. “That’s the Obsidian sea! We’ll be flying over it for another hour or so before hitting Ghatha.”

Tobias isn’t particularly fond of the sea himself, for obvious reasons, but he does have to admit that it’s pretty to look at. And the salty air smells nice.

To Tobias’ surprise, Nia stays where she is, watching with open awe. She doesn’t even flinch as they finally meet where the water touches the cliffs, Fliss’ wings carrying them out over open waves. The water is dark with slices of white waves, choppy ripples reflecting pieces of the sky. The braviary’s flight levels out into a gentle glide, and she slowly lowers them closer to the water until they can see their own reflected shadow speeding across the waves.

Tobias holds on tighter to Fliss’ feathers and brings his legs up higher, feeling a pang of fear in his gut. If something were to suddenly happen to Fliss and they dropped into the sea, he’d be a goner this far from the shore.

A wave crests underneath them, spraying up a salty mist. Tobias leans away from it, hissing, and Nia laughs. It’s so unexpected that he looks back at her, caught off-guard by how she suddenly looks totally unafraid. She’s leaning right over Fliss’ side, watching the ocean waves with delight, one paw outstretched to catch more of the ocean spray, one paw still gripping Tobias’ side. Tobias blinks. He knew the height was an issue for the fighting type, but seeing such a drastic shift just from them lowering their altitude is really…something. Too bad Tobias feels like he’s currently dangling over certain death if Fliss gets so much as a wing cramp.

“S-So you haven’t ever like...crashed or anything, right?” Tobias yells, turning to look forward again.

Fliss’s back rumbles underneath them with a laugh. “‘Course not, hun! You think I’d offer to fly a fire type across the ocean if I had? We’ll be fine, trust me.”

Tobias takes a deep breath and tries to relax. It doesn’t work. Nia leans forward to catch his eye. “Hey, you okay?”

Tobias snorts, eyes forward and resolutely not on the ocean below them. “Fantastic.”

Nia stares at him with a little frown, before her expression clears. “Oh! It’s the water, huh? I didn’t even think of how scary that’d be for you. Sorry.”

Tobias doesn’t answer, trying not to feel embarrassed by how tense he is, and for a moment Nia is silent too. Then she leans forward, past him, and yells, “Hey, Fliss? Can we go a bit higher? J-Just a little!”

Fliss turns her head to give Nia a confused look, and Tobias does the same. “Odd request from a fighting type,” the braviary says. “But all right.”

Fliss tilts her wings and flaps, catching an updraft that takes them a bit higher. They’re still over open water, but it feels less threatening when it isn’t clawing at Tobias’ feet and spraying his skin with salty, stinging mist. He relaxes, and both of Nia’s paws hold firmly to his sides again. When he glances back at her, she still has her eyes open, looking out over the horizon. She doesn’t look quite as at-ease as she was before, but she doesn’t seem terrified, either.

Nia notices his stare and furrowed brow, and shrugs with a little smile. “S-Seemed like a good compromise to me. Better for both of us to be a little uncomfortable rather than either of us being completely terrified, right?”

Tobias blinks, surprised by the explanation. He…guesses that makes sense. If it keeps him from getting sprayed with stinging water and Nia from breaking his ribs, then he’ll take it. He nods and looks forward again.

After that it’s silent, save for the roaring wind and the crash of sea waves below them. They’re making good time from what Tobias can tell, but they’ve still got a bit of traveling ahead of them. Tobias has taken to closing his eyes and losing himself in the relaxing sensations of the flight when Fliss makes a mildly surprised sound that puts him immediately on edge. He looks around, not seeing anything, then follows the braviary’s gaze down to the ocean, heart jumping in his chest when he sees the shadow of a Pokemon speeding along below them, serpentine and absolutely massive, easily multiple times longer than Fliss is large. Before he can get concerned, Fliss takes them higher, safely out of range of the mysterious Pokemon.

“By Yveltal’s wings, that’s a big ‘un!” the braviary cries out. “Must be a gyarados. Likely travelling to Ghatha too.”

Tobias watches the shape, frowning. It’s still matching their pace perfectly, nothing but a dark blur broken up by the choppy waves. A gyarados, huh? He can’t remember seeing one before so he can’t be sure, but something about the silhouette seems…different from what he remembers in the books.

“Th-That’s a Pokemon?” Nia asks, clinging closer to Tobias. “I-It’s huge!”

Tobias doesn’t respond, watching as the shape suddenly falls back and out of sight.

Nia cranes her head back to watch it go, then leans into him again with a more relaxed grip. After a moment, she asks, “‘By Yveltal’s wings?’ Yveltal is one of the, uh...the legendary Pokémon, right?”

Tobias nods. “God of destruction, but also a deity of flight and war.”

Nia blinks, looking startled. “War?”

Tobias glances back at her. “Yeah. Hasn’t been a war in centuries, but a lot of Pokémon still look to the war deities for help in battle.”

After a beat of silence to digest that information, Nia hesitantly says, “I’ve been meaning to ask, a-and I hope this isn’t like…offensive? But, uh. What exactly is the deal with legendary Pokémon? I’ve heard people reference them and I’ve read a couple of books but are they, like...real Pokémon?”

Tobias bites back a sharp retort. He’s not allowed to snap at her for asking questions about the Pokémon world, no matter how ridiculous they are. “Did you not have gods in your world?”

“Well,” Nia says thoughtfully. “From what I can remember, there were different...religions, in the human world. So, like…I think my family believed in one god and one god only. But some people believed in a different god. Or multiple gods. Or no gods at all. And there wasn’t ever really any hard...proof, I guess? Of any of them existing. So I guess I’m wondering if it’s the same way here.”

Tobias frowns. “The gods here are real Pokémon, as far as we know. According to records and some of the older Pokemon, we used to see them and interact with them regularly, but in the last century or so they’ve just...disappeared. We don’t know if something happened or they just abandoned us or what.”

“You don’t sound all that worried about it.”

Tobias shrugs. “What’s there to be worried about? The situation’s been the same ever since I’ve been alive. Nothing’s changed for me.”

“But most Pokémon still believe in them, right?”

“To an extent, yeah.”

“Do you?”

Tobias pauses and looks up at the endless blue sky, thinking about how to respond. He hadn’t ever given it much thought, honestly. “…Maybe. My parents prayed to a few of them, and Maggie is pretty devout even if she keeps it quiet. I don’t really know if I believe in them or not. All I know is that if they used to be real, they aren’t watching over us anymore.“

“Really? Why do you say that?”

Tobias feels something tighten in his chest as he remembers rain and fear and a terrible sense of being completely alone, no matter how much he cried for help.

“Because they sure weren’t watching over me when I needed them.”

Nia goes quiet. Then, softly, she says, “I think I believe in a higher something, but I don’t know for sure what that is. Especially now, coming here to this world. I’m just more confused than ever.”

Tobias makes a noncommittal noise in his throat.

“I’ve read about some of them,” Nia continues. “You’ve mentioned an, uh...Entay?”

“Entei,” Tobias corrects. His parents had taught him to pray to the legendary beast when he was young. “Protector of fire types and children. Part of a trio alongside Suicune and Raikou. Suicune protects water types and watches over lakes and rivers. Raikou protects electric types and watches over storms.”

“Oh! I think I remember seeing a picture of those three. They kind of looked like…dogs? Or tigers, maybe? Weren’t there two birds, too?”

Birds? Tobias thinks Nia has called some of the flying type Pokemon that before. “Probably Lugia and Ho-oh—deities of the moon and sun. Lugia controls the seas and protects ocean voyages, and Ho-oh controls the Summer and Autumn seasons. Protects from fires.”

“Wow,” Nia breathes, sounding fascinated. “That’s so specific! And there are a lot of other ones, too, right?”

“Yeah, but they’re not all that specific. Like…Mew is just called the Mother of All Pokémon, so she’s more of a common deity. It’s said that she’s willing to help any Pokémon because in a way we’re all her children or something.”

“I think I remember Mew. Little pink cat Pokémon?”

“She’s definitely pink.”

“Okay. So is there like...a god above all the other gods?”

“There’s Arceus,” Tobias says, slowly. “I guess they’d be the closest thing. Although that’s one Pokémon they say no one ever saw, even when all the others deities were pretty common. They say Arceus created the other legendaries, who in turn created us.”

Nia’s silent again, probably thinking, and Tobias takes advantage of the brief moment of quiet, closing his eyes again to fully enjoy the sun against his face. He really missed flying.

“But not all gods are like...good, right?” Nia asks eventually. “Like yuh...yuveltel? He’s a god of war, right?”

“Yveltal is the god of destruction,” Fliss corrects, startling them both. “But that doesn’t mean he’s bad. All things have to die for new life to take their place, after all. It’s just the natural order of things. Yveltal destroys and ends, and Xerneas creates and starts anew.“

“I...guess that’s true,” Nia says, still sounding doubtful. “But war isn’t a good thing, or necessary.”

“But it still happens,” Fliss says. “Battles happen and we all need someone to turn to for hope in bleak, bloody situations. So Yveltal got that job, as a destruction legendary. If it’s too late to hope for peace, it gives a lot of hope to think you have the god of destruction himself on your side.”

Nia hums. “Okay…I guess that makes sense. But what about that one kind of scary legendary Pokémon? The legends made him out to be really, really bad.”

“Darkrai?”

“It looked kind of like a dragon. Something about dimensions?”

“Ah,” Fliss says, nodding. “That would be Giratina. He was exiled long before the other legends disappeared, banished to the dimensional rift. I will admit he’s a real piece of work, according to the stories.”

“I couldn’t find much about him,” Nia admits, leaning past Tobias to talk more directly to the braviary.

“That’s because a lot of Pokémon ain’t comfortable talking about him!” Fliss crows, sounding amused. “But I ain’t scared of some dusty old tall tales. Wanna hear about his banishment? My granny told me the story when I was just a chick.”

Nia grins. “Yes please!”

Fliss laughs, and Tobias doesn’t complain when the braviary slows, leveling her flight into a smoother glide over ocean drafts. The charmander is admittedly curious, too. He can’t remember anyone telling him much about Giratina’s story before, though he’s heard the name whispered once or twice over the years.

“Well, the legends claim that Giratina was once the guardian of our world’s borders,” Fliss begins. “He kept our dimension safe and sturdy, keeping out anything that didn’t belong in the Pokémon world and making sure no Pokémon got too big-headed and tried to explore past its borders. Myths about humans existed even hundreds of years ago, y’know? Some suspected that if we could cross that dimensional border, we’d find them. It was part of Giratina’s job to keep Pokemon from trying to do so.”

Nia’s hold on Tobias tightens as she whispers, “The human world?”

“I guess it would have messed with something, if we were allowed to hop between worlds like that,” Fliss continues. “So it was Giratina’s job to upkeep that land surrounding our own, keep us in and others out so nothing would be disrupted. He was always a bit of a shiny wooloo among the gods, never deigned regular Pokémon worthy of his presence and kept to himself. But he did his job! They say Pokémon would see him sometimes in reflections, blood-red eyes cold and fierce. But he was never aggressive, never abandoned his duties.”

“Until one day,” Fliss’ voice drops to something low and dramatic. “He just lost his head. Attacked another legend out of the blue and nearly killed ‘em! I believe it was Cresselia? Or maybe it was Celebi. Anyways! As punishment, Arceus themself banished Giratina to his own dimensional rift, trapping him so that he couldn’t leave it or even contact our world. They say he’s still there to this day, plotting his revenge, and that on still nights you can see the shadow of him flickering in reflections, watching and trying to break free.”

A beat of quiet, and then Nia shudders behind him. “O-Okay, that’s creepy. So no one knows what set him off? Why he would just attack another legendary like that?”

“Beats me!” Fliss says, chipper once more. “Most Pokémon don’t even like to talk about him, so we don’t know a lot about the story anymore.”

Nia makes a dissatisfied noise, then asks, “Well, what about the dimensional rift between the Pokémon world and other dimensions? Has anyone tried to cross it since Giratina was trapped? There are humans popping up in this world, so wouldn’t that mean something’s gone wrong there?”

There’s a heavy, out-of-place pause. Then, Fliss says, “You aren’t a normal Pokémon, are you Nia?”

Nia jerks back in surprise, and Tobias freezes.

“Most every Pokemon knows about the gods, after all,” Fliss continues casually. “You wouldn’t happen to be heading to that human meet-up in Ghatha, now would ya?”

For a moment, Tobias thinks of August’s warning for them to keep quiet about Nia being human. From how Nia clutches him tighter, he bets she’s remembering the same thing.

“I, u-uh. I am, actually,” Nia finally says, quietly. “Is that okay?”

Fliss laughs as Tobias gives the riolu a nasty glare for blowing their cover so easily. “Sure! It’s just fine with me, lass. Just hope you weren’t trying to keep it a secret—if so, you’re doing a right poor job of it!”

Nia makes a quiet, unhappy sound in her throat. “Should…Should we be keeping it a secret?”

Fliss makes a thoughtful trilling sound. “Heard about that squabble between the humans and Pokémon, eh? I doubt you’ll run into any real trouble around here, but if you’re worried about it then don’t go asking such obvious questions in front of other Pokémon, all right? I knew something was odd since we left port.”

Nia groans and bumps her head dejectedly into Tobias’ back. “I’ll…try to keep that in mind.”

Fliss laughs again. “Aw, cheer up! I’m excited, at least! Never thought I’d be takin’ a human across the sea! What a world.”

Nia and Fliss continue to chatter on about humans and Nia’s experiences since coming to the Pokemon world, and Tobias closes his eyes to relax again. He gets dangerously close to dozing as they continue into the roaring wind, sun rising higher to warm them and dazzle the sea. Nia and Fliss eventually fall silent, and the riolu slowly relaxes against him as the minutes pass, probably falling into a nap herself. Tobias idly wonders if every charmander or bagon feels this connection to the sky, or if it’s just him.

They stay like that until they hear a distant cry, nearly snatched away by the wind. Fliss calls back, loud and jarring, and Nia jumps. A moment later, Tobias spots a small flock of Pokémon flying to the left, veering towards them. Fliss doesn’t seem alarmed, and as they get closer, Tobias can pick out a togekiss and flygon guiding a group of smaller flying type Pokémon, letting them ride their drafts in the harsh wind.

“Fledglings?” Fliss calls, eyes fond as she spots a little rufflet in the pack.

The togekiss corrects a wobbly swablu’s form and the flygon nods, eyes flicking from Fliss’ designated flight scarf to Tobias and Nia before he smiles. “First day out over open ocean.”

Fliss laughs. “Terrifying, ain’t it? Feels like Kyogre herself’s gonna leap outta the ocean and snatch you up! If y’all are out here, that must mean we’re getting mighty close to Ghatha, right?”

Tobias feels a stir of excitement—comfortable or not, he’s ready to stretch his legs—and squints at the direction they’ve been heading in for the past hour or so. Is that a faint silhouette on the horizon or is he just imagining it?

The flygon nods again, looking at Tobias and Nia. “You two been to Ghatha before?”

Nia must shake her head no, because the flygon smiles. “Well, you sure picked a perfect time to come visit. There’s a magic show planned for tomorrow evening! A big one, at the convention center at central square”

Nia gasps behind him. “A magic show?!”

Flygon nods. “Cheap admission too. I think there’s a big meeting happening at the conference center beforehand so it’s sure to be packed, but I’ve heard of these guys so they should be good. I think they do a lot of fire manipulation.”

At that, Tobias perks up. A magic show could be all right, but a fire-based one? He doesn’t get to see many fire types aside from himself in the Haven. It can feel a bit isolating, especially with so many grass and bug types around.

Fliss sighs. “Darn. Wish I could stick around to see it, but I’ll likely get called away for a flight before then. The kiddos could probably go, though!”

“Thank you for letting us know!” Nia yells over the wind.

The flygon nods, then glances at his flock. “I have to head back. Enjoy Ghatha!”

The dragon type tilts his wings and wheels back to his group. Tobias watches him go, wishing somehow he could join them, until Nia squeezes him.

“Look!”

Tobias does, eyes widening at the sheer size of the city they’re approaching. The silhouette of it becomes more detailed as they get closer, murky grays revealing tall stacks of stone buildings, almost all of them painted with bright accents of color that give the city an immediate sense of life. It’s huge, sprawling along the oceanside cliffs and stretching from one edge of Tobias’ sight to the other.

Fliss is clearly familiar with the area, and immediately flies to a tall flight tower right along the edge of the cityscape. She circles it, finding an empty loft before gliding in and flapping to a stop. It’s dim inside, and a few flyers glance over at the new arrivals. A swellow lifts a wing in greeting, calling, “Fliss! Long time no see.”

Fliss laughs and calls back, “Cobalt! Good to see that handsome mug. Gimme just a sec to set these two off.” She crouches low to the ground, wings spread, and glances back at Tobias. “All right, kiddos, Ghatha awaits!”

Tobias slides off the braviary’s back and barely manages to catch himself before his legs buckle from the long flight. With a yelp, Nia falls onto the ground beside him in a heap, clearly as stiff as he is.

“Thank you for flying us, Fliss,” Nia says once she gets back to her feet. She gives the flying type a grateful smile. “Really. It would’ve been a rough ride without you.”

Fliss laughs and retracts her wings. “Not a problem. You’re two of the most pleasant customers I’ve had in a while!”

“Maybe we’ll see you again on the way back,” Nia suggests hopefully.

“Maybe so!” Fliss gives the two of them a wink. “For now, you two just have a good time in the city and enjoy that magic show. Stay friendly, okay?” Her gaze flicks to Tobias, an unfamiliar note of something serious entering her voice. “Just not too friendly.”

Tobias stiffens. That...was that a warning? Fliss hadn’t acted particularly concerned about Nia keeping her human life a secret during the flight, but…

Fliss gives them both another nod before walking over to the swellow. Tobias looks at Nia, wondering if she caught the braviary’s subtle warning, but the riolu is just digging through their satchel with an oblivious smile on her face. Great.

Tobias sighs, wordlessly turning and leading the way to the staircase when Nia finally looks up with an eager expression and a thumbs-up. They descend to the ground level and wave at the check-in Pokémon, an emolga. Before they can step out into the street Tobias reaches out to grab Nia’s arm.

“Wait.”

Nia does, looking at him with a tilt of her head.

Tobias glances back to make sure the emolga isn’t listening. “Look, I know it’s important to you that you used to be human.”

Nia pulls her arm away from him, open expression becoming more wary. “Yes?”

“And I know we’re here for the human meetup. But I’ve been thinking about what August said, and I think he might be right. Just…try to be discreet, all right?”

Nia frowns, looking disheartened. “What? But I thought everyone said not to worry about it too much.”

Tobias has to take a deep breath not to retort with something sharp. Nia’s not dumb by any means, but she’s just so trusting. It’s gonna be a problem one day. Fliss might’ve wanted to spare Nia any unwarranted panic, but Tobias is more concerned about them being attacked than the riolu’s soft heart.

“Did you not hear Fliss up there on the flight floor? That was a warning. Whether anything actually happens or not, it’s a good idea to lay low when we can.”

Nia looks away and whispers, “I guess.”

Tobias sighs. “Good. Let’s get a move-on, then. We should find this place right away so we know where to go tomorrow without getting lost. We can decide where to stay afterwards.”

They step out onto the street, and Tobias barely catches Nia’s sullen expression smoothing away to something awed and starry-eyed as she looks around. He’s too busy doing the same.

If the city looked huge from far away, then that’s nothing compared to being in the heart of it. The streets are bustling with all kinds of Pokémon going about their business, types and species he’s never even seen before in real life. A huge copperajah passes by, making the cobblestone road beneath them shake with her steps, and a group of tiny mincinno dodge around her legs with ease, not even breaking their conversation. A Seeker team lead by a rapidash trots by, laughing, and a couple of starly swoop by overhead. The stream of Pokémon is endless, a thick crowd blocking out the buildings on the opposite side of the street entirely. Everything is in noisy motion, and the energy in the street is unreal. Beyond the passing Pokémon there are shops bracketing the path, and a few vendors yelling to try and market their wares. It would be stifling if not for the brisk sea breeze cooling everything down, a cut of bright sunlight slanting down between the maze of buildings.

“Oh wow,” Nia breathes, a beaming smile forming on her face. “And I thought Afon’s Cap was amazing!”

“This place makes Afon look like a dump,” Tobias agrees, still looking around. He’s never been here before either, and it more than lives up to the hype.

“How’re we ever gonna find the meeting place?” Nia asks, digging into the satchel to pull out the crumpled flyer for the human meetup.

Tobias leans over to look. “It says it’s just north of the main plaza. Whatever that means.”

“I guess we’ll have to just ask around?”

Tobias nods, looking around at the crowd. “Yeah. Let’s just ask for the plaza, so Pokémon don’t start wondering why we‘re looking for the convention center.”

Nia wilts, giving him a pathetic look. “Do you really think Pokémon would attack us? If they knew I was—well. You know.”

Tobias sighs. “No, not really. But I’d rather not take any chances. This place is different than the Haven, and we don’t know anyone, either. We get in trouble here and we’re screwed.”

Nia doesn’t look happy with that answer, but she nods. “I…guess you’re right. Pokémon have just been so nice to me that it’s hard to believe any of them could be cruel like that.”

Tobias looks at her, then gestures to the scarf tied around her arm over fang-shaped scars. “You already forget how you got those?“

Nia winces. “Of course not. But that was an outlaw.”

“Any Pokémon in this city could be an outlaw. Trust too easily and it’ll get you killed,” Tobias counters, looking around. He nods to the left. “C’mon, we should get moving before someone needs through to the flight tower.”

Nia still looks pensive, but tucks away the flyer and follows as Tobias steps into the flow of Pokémon and starts moving with the crowd. It’s hard to keep up the right speed and dodge stray tails and paws when neither of them are used to it, and they quickly find themselves being jostled and tripped by the overwhelming crowd. He and Nia almost lose sight of each other when a stantler charges right between them. After that, Nia hooks a paw around Tobias’ elbow, stepping closer. He gives her a look but otherwise doesn’t comment. It’d be nearly impossible to find each other if they got separated in a crowd this big.

“S-So where exactly are we going?” Nia asks.

Tobias shrugs. “The crowd will have to open up eventually and we can ask around when that happens.”

Nia nods but doesn’t answer, still too focused on looking around at the colorful variety of Pokémon and buildings they pass.

Eventually they reach a small plaza where the crowd thankfully thins out. There’s a large fountain in the middle of the space, and Tobias steers them over to it to catch their breath.

“Whew! I thought we’d never get out of that,” Nia says, hopping up to sit on the edge of the stone fountain and kick her paws. “I think it’d be too lucky for this to be the plaza we’re looking for. There are some vendors and shops around, though. Wanna start here?”

“As good a place as any,” Tobias huffs, still a bit on edge from the walk. He’s not sure he’s ever been surrounded by so many Pokémon at once, and he doesn’t like the feeling. “We could—“

“Get back here and let me peck your nose off, you coward!”

Tobias spins around at the shout, just in time for a flash of brown fur to zigzag past him. A moment later, a furious ball of blue, black and yellow feathers flies into view from the crowd of Pokémon. A rookidee?

Tobias doesn’t register the flying type’s sudden expression of panic or how they try to backpedal until they slam into him, knocking them both to the ground.

Tobias immediately shoves the rookidee off, snarling, “Watch it!”

The bird shoots him their own glare. “You watch it, you overgrown lizard! That scrap of fur stole my money!” And with that, they’re off again, fluttering back into the air and shooting off after the brown-furred Pokémon.

“Jeez,” Tobias grumbles, brushing himself off. “Warm welcome, huh?”

When there’s no answer, Tobias looks up to find Nia gone. Of course. He whips around, just in time to see the riolu’s fluffy tail vanish into the crowd—in the same direction as the rookidee and the thief.

Tobias groans, tipping back his head and shoving his palms into his eyes. They’ve been in the city for half an hour and Nia is already sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong and trying to stop a street robbery. He’s going to kill that riolu.

[lazyneonrabbitt]

Night shifts.

Daryl Dixon x Reader Werewolf AU

You are new to the prison and Rick takes you on your first night watch shift. When something catches your eye he sends you after it. When you wake up the next morning you discover things you would have never guessed were real.

Running from walkers was not how you wanted to spend your first week alone after months of being with a group and to be fair, you were done. You were close to passing out from dehydration  when you made it out of the forest lines and onto a highway, spotting a gas station to hole up in only a minute away. running in and barricading the door with your last bit of energy, you passed out almost immediately after.

"Hey, we're here!" Glenn called out to Maggie when they passed the treelines and went onto the highway where Rick had sent them. "That old place? Are you sure there's stuff left in there?" Maggie wasn't sure about it all but at least there weren't any walkers around it it'd be easy to check out and be gone without wasting too much time. They tried the main doors but they wouldn't budge, like they were locked down from the inside so they went around to check for another entrance. With a little effort they managed to take down the door in the back and went in to scope out the place and listening in for any walkers and finding none. They felt relieved when there wasn't a fight to prepare for and started digging through what was left of the supplies in the back room, making their way to the front, towards the blocked front exit. As they expected they found nothing useful in the small gas station, but when they rounded past the last supply rack they found something they weren't expecting.

"You think she's alive?" Glenn wondered, slowly stepping forward to check for any injuries but found none. "I don't know, doesn't look like she's turning so I guess not." Maggie replied as Glenn was already close enough to shake her. As he did so, she jolted awake and unsure of anything that was going on. Maggie had her gun readied at her side and Glenn moved back to a safe distance. "What the hell?" Was all you could groggily manage to speak. The two of them asked you a few questions that you barely managed to answer and were given some water when you regained enough consciousness to move at least somewhat well again. Thanking them you asked why they were here and they explained they were just looking for supplies and the place seemed to be abandoned. "We could ask you the same, though." Glenn chimed in. You told them your story of being alone and running from walkers for a while before eventually ending up here and passing out, how you hadn't eaten anything all day and drank your last bit of water this morning.

When they finished clearing the place, Glenn and Maggie agreed to take you with them to the prison where their group lived. On the way there, which took longer than their way to the gas station, seeing what state you were in, they mostly kept quiet about their current living environment even with you asking questions every now and then. It was close to nightfall when you all arrived at the prison and you were stopped by a man in a sheriff's hat. Immediately on you and not letting you take another step onto the property after answering his questions. He sat you down and talked to Maggie and see what info she had on you ans so she repeated everything you had told her, getting approving nods from Glenn who was keeping an eye on you  while also reassuring you Rick was less scary than he currently came off as.

After all the talking you were allowed to stay under constant surveillance. This only lasted a week, after which you were allowed to roam around on your own and were set on shared watch with Rick so he could teach you all their ways in case walkers would breach the fence. During the early hours of the night nothing much happened and you had to admit the view of the forest edge looked nice under the moonlight. From time to time you heard a walker rustling through nearby bushes but Rick reassured you to was nothing to worry about until they would start to pile up on the fence. After a long stretch of silence you saw something run across the field and you shoved Rick's shoulder to make sure he'd see it as well. The moment he looked it ran out of sight towards the other side of the building before emerging on the other end again after a short moment. This time Rick saw it as well and sent you towards the fences to go check it out. You ran from the watch tower towards the edge to check out whatever it was that you saw but you couldn't get a clear look at it so after a minute of walking back and forth across fence you decided to go through them, you were armed after all.

The thing was near the treeline and wandering around, seemingly not noticing you watching it. When it ran off you were so intrigued that you followed it out into the woods, not giving a single thought to what you were even following or all the other dangers out there. you followed the thing for a while, getting a better look at it and seeing it resembled a large dog of some sort. Honestly it only reminded you of your favorite monster movies you always watched back in the day, but that was all just suits and CGI. You loved those movies, zombie movies were cool as well until you suddenly all started living in one of course. But that was different, right?? No way other monsters were real as well. you weren't gonna run into a group of murderous vampires living as cannibals, but this creature in front of you did look an awful lot like a werewolf, and not even a small one. while it was hunched over and on all-fours it still reached almost to your shoulders.

You were so deep in thought that you didn't watch your step and tripped over a branch, causing the creature to jump up and tread towards you. As you got up you couldn't take your eyes off it, afraid it would jump you so you backed up until you hit a tree. You were stuck between a large tree with no branches to climb onto, and a huge, murderous, and now that you saw it up close, clearly werewolf.It snarled at you, getting closer to sniff the air and snapping its teeth at you only an inch away from your face.This was gonna end bad.

Back at the prison, Rick was slapped across the shoulder by Maggie. "Did you really just sent the new girl after him? Are you insane?" She whisper-yelled at him. She had been awake and saw you run  into the woods after he had snuck out. "Trust me, if you saw how he's always starin' at her, you'd do the same thing. He's not gonna hurt her." The two of them discussed their views for a while with Maggie being totally against the whole idea and Rick feeling like he did a great job. "Come on, Maggie. There's no way he's gonna do anything to her. He's been staring at her like a lovesick puppy ever since they first talked." Rick tried to convince her again. "And you have to admit that she tries her hardest to be around him and actually gets along with him pretty well." He was right, Maggie had talked with her from time to time and it was clear that she liked being around him. Whenever she didn't have any tasks for the day she'd always tag along on hunts with him and she'd be the first one at the gate when he would return from an early morning run to see if he needed to be stitched up. "Fine, I'll give ya this round. But if she gets hurt, you are the one who tells everyone what happened." She jabbed her finger at Rick's chest to make her point that much more clear and returned to watch the horizon for any movement.

Both stared into the distance in peace until they caught movement  out in the field. "See? Told you I was right!" Rick called out while Maggie grabbed a pair of binoculars to get a closer look. "That's not a deer in his mouth, Rick." She spoke softly as she shoved the binoculars into his chest, urging him to take a look. It was indeed him who was walking back onto the property, probably on his way to his usual hideout. He followed his steps and tried to focus on what he was carrying that according to Maggie wasn't a deer. "Oh shit." He let out as he lowered the item and rushed off the stairs towards the abandoned back of the building. When he rounded the last corner he had almost caught un with them and saw him now carefully placing you down in the emptied shed, on top of the cloths they had put there for when he'd turn back. The pile of clothes neatly folded next to the door. He deemed the situation as safe and left back to the guard tower to finish his shift.

You woke up before the sun started coming up and were shocked to find out you weren't in the woods anymore. Truth be told you couldn't remember what happened. The creature snapped at you, looking like it was ready to chow down on you and then everything went black. Taking in your surroundings you learned you were in some kind of shed, you were on a pile of fabric and there was a pile of clothes, illuminated by the moonlight near the open entrance. Trying to get up you learned that it wasn't a heavy blanket that was on you, but an extended arm draped over your waist coming from behind you. You quietly wiggled out from underneath the arm and went to investigate. Your first move was to go outside and look where you were. You were at the prison, but on a side of the building you had never been before. After being sure you were at least somewhat safer than you expected you went back inside, passing the pile of clothes again and decided to take a look. There was a pair of boots, a larger size so you assumed they were a guy's, together with some torn and patched up jeans and a shirt with sleeves torn at different lengths. Taking away at the pile one piece at a time, you found something that you immediately recognised. "Daryl?" You said out loud upon seeing his winged leather vest. A low growl came from behind you. You had been so focused on the clothes that you hadn't realised you might had woken up the slumbering beast.

You got up and ran without thinking of it and ended up cornered within seconds, Daryl's vest still clasped tightly to your chest. Eyes wide, you couldn't cast your gaze away from the creature in front of you. Now, on its hindlegs you were able to fully take in it's size. You were even more terrified than before in the forest, this time there was really no way out. You dropped to your knees, hugging the vest of your dear friend closely and cried, begging for someone to hear you and come save you but no sound other than sobs left you. You saw the light shift in your vision and carefully looked up, seeing that your cabin partner had now sat down and was staring at you. Blue eyes staring right into yours before getting back up and crawling underneath the pile of blankets in the corner, completely covering itself except for its tail poking from underneath it all. Every time you tried to take a step closer you were growled at, louder each time until you gave up and sat back down in the furthest corner. Eyes trained on the pile, you saw every small movement that happened and every breath the beast took. Its breathing became heavier and now started to get louder and snarls and growls would come out more and more until another sound broke your concentration and had you jump up a little. It sounded like a bone snapping in half, joined with other nasty snapping and tearing sounds. The pile moved but you couldn't make out what was going on as you covered your ears, trying to block out the gruesome noises until everything stopped moving and the shape beneath the piles had shrunk to half its size. All you heard now was breathing like someone had just ran from a herd of walkers. While everything seemed safe, you were too afraid to move from your spot so you stayed. Sitting there with Daryl's vest still in your hands you waited for the sun to come up and go find your group again. You companion's breathing had evened out and you assumed they'd fallen asleep again. Gathering all your courage you creeped closer to the pile and took in its shape, making out the shape of a person and carefully taking the first blanket away, sadly not revealing anything. The next one only uncovered an arm, lazily thrown over what you assumed was a head still covered in blankets. You sat there contemplating your next move. Were you going to take away another layer or were you gonna leave this one alone and let them wake up in peace?

Yeah, you were seeing who it was that terrorised you throughout the entire night. Taking a deep breath you took the edge of the next fabric and carefully lifted it, but before you could get a look your wrist was grabbed tightly and you were thrown on your back with whoever it was over you, snarling and ready to attack. You let out a surprised yelp as you were thrown down. At least now you could get a good look at who it was, and it wasn't who you expected to see. "Daryl?" You sighed, on one hand relieved he wasn't killed like you thought before when you found his vest. On the other hand completely out of it now that you figured out his probably biggest secret. Did others know about this place? Did they know about him and weren't they afraid?

Keeping your eyes on his you had to try your hardest not to let them wander off when you remembered he was in fact still very naked. "Please," You quietly pleaded. "get dressed.." You mumbled as you covered your eyes with your free arm, making sure you wouldn't see anything and trying to make him feel maybe less uncomfortable.He grumbled something you couldn't make out before you felt him move off you and heard rustling of clothes. "Where's mah vest?" You heard him ask and moved a bit only to feel it underneath you. Sitting up you slowly moved your arm away from your face and relaxed when you saw Daryl was dressed enough to be less distracting at least. When you were about to get up to hand him his vest, he'd walked across the shed and sat down in front of you like he did earlier tonight before he has changed back. "M'sorry." It wasn't much but it was enough for now.

You handed him his vest and stayed quiet for the most part. Not knowing what to say and what could set him off like when you woke him up scared you enough to not talk to him at all except for answering his questions or comments. It took a while for the two of you to get comfortable around each other enough to go out on a morning hunt but after words could be exchanged well enough to make a plan you were good to go. You left through Daryl's secret way out and started tracking a deer that had walked close to the forest's edge. Closing in on it you came across the spot where he had you cornered and almost attacked you, causing you to stop in your tracks and freeze up all of a sudden. The area was nothing special, just a small spot with no low bushes and some large trees. The thing that set you off were the claw marks that were now as clear as day on a lot of the surrounding trees, showing just how much strength was behind those claws. You didn't hear Daryl call for you and you didn't realise he had taken down the deer by now without much of your help in the end. "Hey," He called again, not getting a reply and put a hand on your shoulder causing you to jump. "Ya alright there?" He looked concerned at first, but there was something else underneath. You shook your head to get out of your daze. "Yeah I'm good. Sorry." You apologised without really knowing what there was to apologise for. You didn't even realise you had frozen that bad. Daryl looked around him and only now really connected the dots. He let out a sigh as he walked over to you, showing you his hand. "S'normal again now. See?" He held his hand up, turning it so you could get a good look. "I aint hurtin' ya." It was more than just a statement to him. This was a promise he was going to keep no matter what would happen from now on. You accepted his words and agreed to move back to the prison with your freshly hunted deer.

After you both finished your morning routines, Daryl walked over to your cell, asking you to follow him outside. The two of you walked back to the shed behind the building and sat down to talk properly this time. It wasn't that you were scared anyone, it was more of an anxious 'what if' feeling that kept gnawing at your thoughts. How were you gonna be sure he wouldn't get angry at a wrong question or what if you couldn't agree with something he insisted was right? "Hey," was all he said to get you out of your thoughts again. "Yer almost panicking here. Ya still scared of me." It wasn't a question but more of a statement and truth be told, he was right after all. You were scared of your friend and you had no idea how to change that. You didn't want to be but the feeling was still there, it kept eating at you that there was a chance that you'd do something wrong enough for him to snap. Being unable to stop those thoughts, the tears joined rapidly after. You didn't know what t say or how to even stop crying but you knew that letting out the emotions was a good way to show that you had no clue how to handle all of this and needed the help.  Daryl wasn't sure what exactly to do but he knew that touching you wasn't going to help. He had brought his pack and dug around for some leftovers that he didn't finish before turning last night and offered what he found. You accepted the food and kept in in your lap, being unable to eat anything while you were still crying. You mumbled a thankyou and moved over to Daryl, dropping yourself onto him and letting him know you were okay with him getting closer and you weren't afraid of him touching you when he wasn't angry. Daryl was surprised with this turn of events, it was a turn for the better at least. "Can ya tell me what's up? Cus' this shows ya ain't scared of this me at least." He didn't want to pry but he had to get at least something out of you now that you had some privacy. You were still softly sobbing but it had gotten less already. Taking deep breaths helped to calm down, and having Daryl's arms around you now in a protective manner was really getting rid of most of your fear. "You scared me last night." This was the first time Daryl had to go through something like this. Yes, he had to tell others in the group about his issue and it ended in Rick almost shooting him during a full moon before Daryl saved his life, and Carol hadn't spoken to him for days after she saw him turned but she came to his cell on her own to apologise and accept him for what he was. He also hadn't attacked either of them. Not that he really touched you, but he scared you enough for you to pass out, and again afterwards in the shed enough to make you cry almost twice.

"I ain't hurtin' ya, ever." He said again, hoping to convince both you and himself because truthfully he had no idea if he was ever going to hurt her if he wasn't in control."I like you. This is all new." Small sentences were your way to go for now and Daryl accepted that immediately. He nodded and hummed in approval of your confession, hugging you a bit closer and moving to sit more comfortable. "I like ya too. Tha's why ya ended up in that shed." You let out a huff of laughter at that, making it sound like he had some other plans if you hadn't passed out. "Ya I was gonna tell ya all this, but now ya saw everythin' already.." He wanted to talk, but he had no clue where to go at all, nothing that he wanted to say felt like the right words so he opted for a question. "Wha'cha think of all this?" He motioned at the shed and the cleared off area and himself as well, hoping that your answer would spark some more conversation and solutions.

Sighing, you thought hard about your words. Some things popped into your head and before you could lose your thought again you spoke. "I'm good with it. You're good and you're you and you kept me safe, you know." He did know. He knew he kept you safe last night, but the words that hit him the hardest were the ones no one had told him before. He was still him, even if he looked different or had a second nature that could be dangerous, he was still him. "Thanks for tha', girlie." You were regaining your smile and laughed. "Yeah, my friend's a dog. what's your story huh." You joked laughing out loud. It was a sound Daryl had heard before when you and Carol were on tasks together and laugher would fill the prison hall. He couldn't get enough of it.

"So, yer okay with bein' here with me? Gotta admit ya kept me calm last night." He now wasn't looking at you but at the ground and you were sure you could see a small blush creep up on his face. "Daryl," You turned in his lap so you could look at his face properly. You took his face in your hands to make sure he wasn't going to look away. "I'll stay with you for as long as you need." You made your statement as clear as you could possibly make it, hoping he'd understand everything behind those words. "Hell, I'm just gonna say this now before I lose the courage.." You took a last deep breath and just went for it. "I've kinda wanted to ask you if you'd want me as your girlfriend, but all of this happened before I got a chance to but you have to know I still want that, even after learning all of this."

Now it was Daryl's turn to laugh happily and pull you close to him, nuzzling your cheek and accepting your request with more glee than you had ever seen on him. "I love ya." He admitted finally, kissing your cheek to not overstep his boundaries in true Daryl fashion.

[thesquishyrogue]

Rogue's relationships with the rest of the mercs

Scout:

Almost like a brother-sister relationship. They're always goofing off together, joking around, getting on Spy's nerves. Just being the chaotic force of the team. Scout constantly convinces Rogue to play baseball with him, especially after seeing that they both use bats as a weapon (albeit Rogue's has nails driven through it).

Scout: "Aw man, sick bat! Say, you ever actually played baseball? If not I could teach ya. Though, you should probably use a different bat. I'll let ya borrow one of mine!"

Soldier:

He's definitely sort of a weird uncle figure to her. She's always giggling at his ridiculous antics, and he's surprisingly protective of her. Although at the same time he's always impressed by her ability to fend for herself, and fight off men larger than her despite her size.

Soldier: "Hell yeah, look at her go! Kicking ass just like a true American! She makes me proud!"

Pyro:

Oh my goodness. These two. Rogue almost always puts on a tough attitude, especially around the other guys. But around Pyro? They're probably the only person Rogue will be a softie towards. They're constantly seen platonically hugging and cuddling, and Pyro loves when Rogue covers their mask in stickers. They always return the favor by covering her face. Once they come off she treasures them. The others will always comment on how adorable the two are, usually followed by Rogue telling them to fuck off.

Rogue: "If anything were to ever happen to Pyro, I would kill everyone in this room and then myself."

Pyro: (灬º‿º灬)

Demoman:

Their relationship is quite explosive, to say the least. When Demo isn't trying to get Rogue to try some of his alcohol (which always results in Rogue gagging and choking from the bitterness) they're always assisting each other on the battlefield. Mostly in the form of Rogue catapultng Demo's bombs at enemies with her slingshot. They always share a laugh when a BLU team member is blown to bits.

Demoman: "Boom, right in the head! Look at all that blood! Yer aim is getting better and better, lassie!"

Heavy:

Just looking at these two stand next to each other is almost laughable. With Heavy being incredibly larger than everyone and Rogue being incredibly smaller, he practically dwarfs her. He's extremely gentle with her though, and takes care of her in sort of a protective big brother kind of way. Whenever the team is lounging around, she's often either cuddled into him or resting her legs in his lap. He doesn't mind it. He's also let her beat him in arm wrestling numerous times. She knows he lets her win, but she still take the opportunity to boast to the other mercs about it.

Heavy: "Little girl is so strong. You've beaten me again."

Rogue: 😏😏😏

Engineer:

He's also like an uncle figure to her. But unlike Soldier, he's more of the chill laid-back uncle that she can go to for advice. And she often does. Sometimes when she's bored she'll go into his workshop and talk with him as he plays his guitar or she helps out with whatever he's working on. Even if that help is something as simple as just handing him tools, he appreciates it. He appreciates the company too.

Engie: "Alright darlin', can you hand me the screwdriver?"

Rogue: "Uh... which one?"

Engie: "The Phillips."

Rogue: "Uh..."

Engie: "The pointy one."

Rogue: "Oh! Yeah sure I knew that."

Medic:

Like with Engie, Rogue will often go into the infirmary to talk with Medic as he works (she also makes sure he takes a break once in a while and doesn't overwork himself). He also does what he can to help with her depression once that's out in the open, prescribing her any antidepressants he can get his hands on. Though when she first joined the team and he gave her her first annual exam, he was astounded by how many fractures and injuries he'd found that were just left to sloppily heal on their own. The sadistic doctor was actually kind of worried for her, though honestly impressed by her high pain tolerance.

Medic: "Goodness fräulein, this is the fifth fracture I've found! How are you even walking?"

Rogue: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Sniper:

Despite having quite good aim from using a slingshot for years, Rogue was quite inexperienced with guns (not including when she killed her old caretaker at the end of her fighting days). So naturally, Sniper took it upon himself to teach her. He educates her on different types of guns in order to find what works best for her, and the two partake in target practice together. Of course, the two end up bonding during the lessons. She tells him all about her life in the ring, and he tells her about what life was like back in Australia. One thing that Rogue wasn't anticipating, however, was how strong the recoil of a gun can be. She was so unprepared she was thrown right onto her ass in shock.

Sniper: "Crikey! You alright there, mate?"

Rogue: "Yeah I'm fine... fuck, what was that?!"

Sniper: "Recoil, love. Did you not know guns did that?"

Rogue: "...no..."

Spy:

Although she and Spy certainly took the longest to warm up to each other, the two are as close as can be now. Once they finally accepted each other, Spy took her under his wing as his apprentice. He helps her perfect her thieving skills and educates her on how to take tough situations in stride. She really looks up to him, and they almost have a father-daughter relationship. And of course, when her depression comes to light, he's her biggest means of support. He's always available when she needs him and he does whatever he can for her.

Spy: "You make me so proud, mon cheri. You've captured the intel once again, our training has really paid off. Great job."

Rogue: "Thanks dad."

Spy: "Excuse me, what was that?"

Rogue: "....nothing."

Bonus!

Miss Pauling:

Miss Pauling is literally the first woman Rogue has ever been close to in her life. Throughout her entire childhood she's been surrounded by creepy older men, and even though things are different now with the mercs... they're still men. There are just some things Rogue isn't quite comfortable talking to them about. But with Miss Pauling, going to her for help with things like clothes shopping and feminine problems almost feels natural. Hell, there were so many things Rogue didn't even know about periods until Miss Pauling explained them to her. And of course Miss Pauling takes the time out of her busy work day as often as she can to make sure Rogue is stocked up on sanitary items, and whatever else she needs. Rogue is always extremely greatful for it. And while part of her sees Miss Pauling as sort of a mother figure...another part sort of has a crush on her. Yeah, Miss Pauling was pretty much Rogue's bisexual awakening. But she hasn't said anything about it, one because it would just be awkward and two because she knows Scout also likes her, and she doesn't wanna stand in his way (but little does either of them know, Miss Pauling is a lesbian 👀)

Miss Pauling: "Rogue, honey, you don't even know what a pad is? Or a tampon??? What- what do you do when you get your period?"

Rogue: "What, you mean that weird time of the month that I start bleeding? I just... live with it I guess? Maybe put toilet paper in my panties if it gets too messy-"

Miss Pauling: "Rogue. Come with me, I'll get you stocked up on the things you need. And we'll get you some new panties too."

Rogue: "But don't you have things to do?"

Miss Pauling: "This is more important. You shouldn't have to suffer every month just because no one ever properly taught you about periods. I'll help you out."

Saxton Hale:

Rogue thought he was obnoxious upon first meeting him. Called him a "corporate clown" to the other mercs. But, she had to  earn his approval in order to join the team, so Miss Pauling insisted that she be on her best behavior around him. But, even when on her best behavior her spunkiness still shined through, and Saxton noticed it real quick. However, that spunkiness only raised his interest. He commented on how he, "Hadn't met such a scrappy sheila in a long time." Truth be told, she reminded him a lot of Maggie, but he wasn't about to mention it. During their one on one meeting, he demanded that she punch him in the face to test her strength. After a short hesitation, she did so. Saxton was impressed that she actually hit him hard enough to dislocate his jaw and bust his lip, and gave her the job on the spot with the promise that she keep up that energy (and learn to use some weapons, of course). Miss Pauling and the mercs were shocked to see the two of them come back with Saxton's arm slung around Rogue's shoulders and his face dripping with blood, and the two of them laughing with each other. She took back what she said about him being a corporate clown. Although, the only thing she still doesn't like about him is how he treats Miss Pauling, considering how close she is with her. She has a mind to call him out on it, but Miss Pauling begs her not to.

Saxton: "Let's see just how strong a little gal like you can really be. Go on, hit me RIGHT here! Hard as ya can!"

Rogue: "Uh...Mr. Hale, I really don't-"

Saxton: "Oh don't wuss out on me girly, you want this job or not?!"

Crack.

Rogue: "Oh my god- Mr. Hale! I am so-"

Saxton: "Now that's what I'm talking about! You pack a hard punch for such a cute little thing!"

Rogue: "You're bleeding..."

Saxton: "Consider yourself hired!"

Administrator:

Doesn't trust her. Not one bit. She only respects her because she has to, and even then her "respect" is so shallow that anyone could see right through it. She hates the way she berates, overworks, and oftentimes gaslights Miss Pauling, and the fact that even all the other mercs seem to be intimidated by her concerns her greatly. She knows something's going on with her behind the scenes, and she's determined to figure out what. In the few times she actually saw her in person, Rogue definitely smarted off to her more than once, despite Miss Pauling practically begging her to watch it. The Administrator, however, almost finds it adorable. Almost. She kind of views Rogue as a bratty child. A bratty child with skill and talent that is essential for her team. And for that, she lets the sassiness slide...for now. Luckily these two don't butt heads often though, considering the Administrator is rarely seen.

Administrator, over the loud loudspeaker: "Well done, let's see some more."

Rogue, mumbling: "Bite me..."

[vidalinav]

Nessian Headcanon #12: Family Edition

Since I keep seeing baby headcanons I wanted to make a list of my own :D which I’ve briefly touched on in other posts but...

Cassian and Nesta have a boatload of children (5 at the end of it all I think). The others start joking that they’re building their own army. But what really happens is that they end up taking in many children over the years because they travel often with the work they do and they see so many conditions and there’s wars and all sorts of circumstances. It’s inevitable that kids don’t have homes but they have a giant house and unending resources and the House is like a big nanny itself so they think it’s fate. 

Nesta is actually the one who brings most of the children home. The first one is a 9 year old girl, who is the angriest kid alive. Has something to do with the plot of a story I’m writing, but Nesta is basically entrusted with this kid. She’s the grand niece of someone she ends up knowing and she’s pretty magically powerful so her family would have ate her alive, so she’s asked to keep her safe and whatnot. Her name is Magda but she goes by Maggie. She does not like Cassian whatsoever in the beginning, and she is horribly rude to Nesta. But Nesta does not care at all, she’s like okay get it out, say worse. Like she’s so chill, because she knows how it feels to be that angry. Maggie and Nesta end up being really close to the point where Maggie does not like being away from Nesta and gets very protective of her even to other members of the IC. She’ll fight first and ask questions later. Cassian and her form a bond actually not by fighting at all, but because Maggie does so many experiments that end up going awry. She’s a fae and has got magic up the wazoo and she’s a book nerd, and she’s kind of a trouble maker, and Cassian thrives. He loves her because she’s like a smaller more diabolical version of Nesta. The House is amused by their antics usually. 

Nesta ends up getting pregnant for their second child and this kid is the only one they actually have on their own. Her name is Lyra, and Maggie thinks that it’s hilarious that Cassian lives in a house with all girls. Maggie is about 12 when they have her, and Maggie at first does not take kindly to Lyra, because she starts feeling like they have their own family and she’s just the kid who eventually is going to have to go back to her other family (because that’s a plot too that I won’t go into to) but they try so much to include her, because Maggie is their child. No question. Nesta ends up telling Cassian that she’s pregnant by giving him an enchanted painting, which is the work of all three Archeron sisters. Elain for seeing what the child would look like, Feyre for painting, and Nesta for enchanting it so that if they have more children the picture will get bigger and there will be room for Feyre to paint the others. So one big family portrait. In that picture, Maggie is tucked in between the two with the baby/toddler. Dark hair, big blue eyes... maybe hazel. Maybe one of each (I’m really not sure). The best parts of both Nesta and Cassian though. She’s so gorgeous. Prettiest little girl. But yeah going back to Maggie, they ask her during this picture time (probably solstice present time) if Maggie wants to be an Archeron. (Another headcanon for another time, but Cassian marries Nesta too and becomes an Acheron). So, does she want to do this? Absolutely, and at this point she already start calling them mom and dad and just referring to them as such, so that’s their kiddos. 

Third and fourth are siblings. They’re from the continent. Maggie is 14, Lyra is close to 2. The siblings are brought by Nesta who is doing some thing that I cannot say because I have not made it up yet, but she finds them at the scene of a Massacre in hiding. The oldest is close to 6, the other is probably 1-ish. The oldest will not let them take the baby from her. The baby is a boy. They don’t speak the common tongue, which is any issue, but they hire a tutor to both talk to the little girl and then also to teach them ALL (everyone in their household) the language that the two siblings speak as well as teach them how to speak the common Prythrian language. So everyone ends up learning. The little girl is taken under the wing of Maggie, who is the perfect older sister/camp counselor as she likes to refer to herself after there’s more kids. They don’t know her name for the LONGEST time, because she won’t speak at all, but she ends up loving Cassian because he makes her laugh and he brings her a thousand stuffed bears because at one point she won’t stop crying and he brings them home and makes funny voices with them, and carries her on his shoulders, and she has the sweetest giggle. But eventually they end up naming her Ursella which she ends up going by Ella when she gets older, because her nickname with Cassian is little bear. They do ask her later when she talks if she remembers her old name and her birthday since they don’t know, but she doesn’t say that she does, which may be a lie, but Ella happily goes by Ella, and they give her a choice to choose one random day in the year to be her birthday, but she chooses to celebrate her birthday on the day they brought her in. She calls it her re-birthday.

The baby boy they name Nico. It’s actually a common Illyrian name and Cassian knows that the little boy is technically not Illyrian but it is his first son, and he really wants to give him that piece of him. Cassian does ask him when he’s about 10 if he’d prefer a name that’s based on his own culture, because they make sure that’s very integrated in their home life, because of course Cassian loves his culture and Nesta has that anthropological eye, so she knows and learns so much and they just love their children so much that they want all of them, every piece that they come with. But Nico likes his name, and he’s his dads through and through. But he LOVES Nesta. He’s a momma’s boy for sure, which I guess just makes him similar to Cassian. He does not like learning though, so Nesta usually has to teach him herself instead of having tutors, and she spends extra time with him going through his lessons. Lyra and him grow up together closer to age, so they pick on each other A LOT, but ultimately they grow up to have that relationship like I can pick on you but no one else can. They’re super close. If you want one, you find the other. They both will be together somewhere making a mess of things. Ella is the one who usually is like would you please be loud somewhere else. She ends up getting into music--playing instruments and so she generally prefers quietness to study and practice. Violin is her forte. 

The next boy comes about 4 yrs later. Maggie is 18, Lyra is 6, Nico is 5/6 ish. Ella is 10. The boy is about 12. He’s Illyrian and Cassian finds him this time and takes him to Nesta first, but Nesta is like why are you asking lol this is our new son. He’s a “bastard” unfortunately. I hate that word. But he has learned to fight, Cassian found him in the fighting pits in an Illyrian camp a couple hours away from Windhaven, and the situation was so much like his except this kid was never given a home like he was. So, he spent a good couple of weeks trying to get on his good side enough for him to trust him and to want to go someplace safer and warm. He hates Cassian a lot at first... while at the same time being like you’re the hero I’ve heard about. So admiration but also a touch of resentment and anger at the world. Cassian doesn’t know what to do with that, because still to the day he does not handle emotion like Nesta does. He understands it but he doesn’t know what to say, what to do, his go to is always training, but training is not what this child needs. So again, this is Nesta’s forte. Interestingly enough, she’s very gentle with kids. She’s empathetic, soft, but not condescending. She gives everyone the same respect so it helps a lot when he sees that and he’s never had a mom before who tucks him in or makes sure he’s feeling well. His name is Julian. I forgot that part and it turns out he’s HATES fighting. But he really likes plants. So he ends up spending a lot of time with Elain when she visits. He’s fascinated by them and ends up having his own garden. But because Nesta is magical in this headcanon (because she’s more witchy in my fics) he learns A LOT about poisons. Not because Nesta teaches him, but because he finds her books and reads them and starts growing them. This becomes a problem, because when Julian doesn’t like his tutors or teachers, he starts trying to poison them. Like not killing them, but he knows which will give stomach aches, which will give rashes. Nesta is both proud and reprimanding. 

I do feel like they might have more, but I don’t know for now I feel this is good for their set family. Five in total for their first gaggle of children lol. But all of them are asked if they want to be an Archeron. All of them say yes. All of them have each other’s back even if they have screaming matches on the daily. The house is mostly chaotic at all times but the House loves having people in it and laughing and being filled to the brim with stuffed animals and train sets and plants and music and family members coming in and out since Nyx visits often because he’s an only child for a very long time with Feyre taking more of a position in court rulings and Rhysand just being generally busy because you know High Lord/High Lady stuff. I don’t see Feyre being a stay at home mom but I also don’t see Rhys being a stay at home dad, but they’re also rulers so I peg them for both being working parents, which they feel guilty about A LOT at first, and it’s something that they struggle with in the confines of their own identities and their relationship, because they love Nyx and they know they’re parents but that’s not all they are, and without having the gender role of one parent staying home it’s very difficult for them to both rule, but Rhys does not want to stop being a high lord and Feyre is bored too often and she wants to rule and she knows she can, and she has that title for a reason and wants to utilize it. So it’s a hard time, with lots of arguments, but Nyx ends up mostly going with Cassian for a good amount of the day when he’s older and they have more kids in the house, and Nyx doesn’t really know that Feyre and Rhys had this problem, because he’d just prefer to be around the other kids and it ends up working really well. 

Cassian ends up being more of the stay at home parent. I don’t know why but I feel he just gives me that vibe where forget the courtier business, if there’s no war and if the armies are generally taken care of which he does, he wants to stay home and raise his kids, which is very surprising since he’s the one who doesn’t ever take vacations. He wants to be there for every moment no matter how awkward or loud. That’s his family and he’s waited so long for them, and it’s not even about him not having that family early on, it’s because he genuinely would rather be with his kids. He’s the one who as soon as they got the siblings was like I’m going to have to take a step back, because he saw his kids every day but he just didn’t want to be away for long periods of time, and at that point he’d already taken several steps back on working, so it became more of a done deal then. He still is the general, but he gives more responsibility to Devlon and to other people he’s trained over the years to step up. So generally, Cassian will work a couple of days a week for a couple of hours or just go quickly in the evenings, go over reports if the kids are in class with their teachers, and more during certain times of the year, but he’s generally more of a family man. 

Nesta in my fic/headcanon ends up being a queen as well as a leader of the witches and the founder/leader of the Valkyrie and she owns a shipping company and she’s the cauldron’s guardian which don’t ask me to explain, it’s in this fic I’ve barely written. But she’s a “I can bake the cake and eat it too” type of person to me, and because of her magic it is easy for her to do it all because it’s like a full time job. She goes home after a certain hour and she’s back with her kiddos, and most of her jobs have other people who have a handle on things as well. So she’s not an island, but she loves having the purpose and the drive, because as much as she did like being in the library and being in Velaris and having that day to day slice of life, she likes and yearns for adventure. She’s a go-getter and is not necessarily ambitious for power, but she’s got the whole world to discover and she can have anything she’s willing to work for. She wants to be and see it all. Cassian is endlessly proud of her and is like that’s my mate, my wife. My mate. My wife. And they both end up getting what they want without having to sacrifice their own ideals. Their marriage is a collaboration and it ends up working phenomenally for the two of them and their children. 

But ultimately it’s really the House that makes it possible. Because who cooks food and cleans and supplies every need and wish and whatnot? The House. Who baby proofs? The House. The House is like I’ve always wanted a big family and boy does it get a big family. 

[hawkland]

Destiel fic recs #3 - the (mostly) longfic edition!

It’s been a while since my last rec post - mostly because I’ve been wallowing in a number of longer fics (50-350k!) so it’s taken me a while to have enough to talk about in one post (and boy do I talk a lot, here!)

With these longer fics, I do sometimes have some caveats with my recs - or at least reasons why they might not appeal to every Dean/Cas reader. But note that if I didn’t overall strongly recommend reading the fic I wouldn’t include it in my recs here at all, so any quibbles I bring up are minor compared to my overall enjoyment of the stories. Just, I don’t want someone to commit to a long read without knowing what they’re getting into and why it might not be their thing.

I’m still not into reading complete setting AUs at this time, but a lot/most of these are canon-divergence AUs, often written/set at the end of a season and giving an alternative take on what happened next. I love those kind of stories, as it’s often so interesting to see how fans thought of what might happen in the next season (especially when it’s better than what we actually got.)

Onto the recs & discussion behind the cut!

The Sinking Ship by UnfortunatelyObsessed (114k). This is a story that ripped my heart to pieces (in a good way!). I stayed up all night to finish reading because I simply couldn’t stop once I started on it and it gave me a massive fic hanger from all my emotions. Season 14 divergence, imagine if Dean did go into the Ma’lak box to trap Michael under the ocean with him forever...and once there, he discovers that Cas has stowed away with him. Because of course Cas would never leave Dean to such a fate on his own.

I loved literally. Every. Damn. Thing. About this fic. Cas telling Dean stories to pass the (endless) time. Their small intimate moments while realizing they can never consummate physically while trapped in the box but finding every other way to express their love. The absolute heartbreak that had me SOBBING when Michael fights for control of Dean and destroys everything they’ve built together and Cas thinks he’s lost Dean forever. Sam & Gabriel & Rowena & Claire & Jack doing everything they can to devise a plan back home to try to save them both while keeping Michael trapped. Also even just the wonderfully sensitive portrayal of aroace Jack still closely bonded with Claire and Maggie and just. And just. This is a story I’ve already re-read just to savor how much I loved it and its portrayal of everyone in TFW 2.0 and their extended family, it just hit my id in all the most incredible ways and I have nothing but absolute love for this one.

Beautiful Chaos by anyrei, mugglerock (141k). Season 9 canon-divergence, in which Dean doesn’t simply abandon Cas to fend for himself post 09x03. Instead he sets Cas up in a kind of squatter’s nest in an abandoned building near the bunker so he can keep tabs on him and help him out. 

This fic definitely gets the award for FILTHIEST, HOTTEST, SMUTTIEST Dean/Cas (and Cas/other) I’ve read in, like, ever, for human!Cas turns out to be a rather insatiable sex fiend/cock slut and Dean is too up his own repressed ass to easily give Cas what he wants/needs. It is dark at times, Cas ends up in some very unsavory/non-con situations, and the authors do mention that they tried to hone in on endverse!Cas’s characterization more than what we saw in Season 9...so you might roll with it, you might not. I adored their original character Jerry the tattoo artist in this, and like I said it was seriously hot (if you are good with total bottom!Cas and Cas with others, I know those are not everyone’s cuppa). I did have a few minor issues. For one, the last chapter felt a bit rushed and hand-wavey, but clearly the authors weren’t fond of the canon conflicts of season 9 & 10 (Abbadon, Mark of Cain) and just wanted to be done with them. Can’t say I really blame them. And I did have to laugh a bit at Lebanon, Kansas apparently having such a bustling gay bar/tattoo artist/etc scene being someone from a butt-fuck nowhere American small town myself. But, SPN was never all that realistic in how Lebanon was shown (and yes I’ve spent too much time roaming around it on Google maps), so if you can suspend some disbelief this is an awesome hot/angsty/occasionally heartbreaking read.

These Forsaken Lands by destielpasta (53k). I came upon this story when looking for fics that dealt in some way with the aftermath of Godstiel. This is a wonderfully atmospheric late Season 9 “fill-in” case fic (post Meta-fiction) where Cas ends up in a small town that had been visited by Godstiel...and while initially residents have reaped much good fortune, there has suddenly been a wave of deaths/bad events and he is determined to find out what happened and set things right. He calls upon Dean for help, but Dean is fighting the Mark of Cain and it’s going to take a lot to get past its control and find a way out for both of them. Together they work on repairing an old church while trying to repair each other and their damaged relationship.

I loved this story for how well written it was, really invoking a gothic small-town/Americana atmosphere. The original characters blend in very well with the case-fic at the center of it, and the author deals really well with Cas at a very fragile point when he’s running on borrowed grace and trying to navigate Dean’s MoC-enhanced anger. It’s Dean/Cas but actually much more of a Cas character study, so I highly recommend it to my fellow/compatriot Cas-girls who love a good wallow in his head.

Mixed Emotions by Tierra469 (50k). Canon 12 “parallel” fic that then goes canon-divergent with the season finale. I actually stumbled on this while in the mood to read some Cas/ or & Mary fic after enjoying their interactions in Season 12 (don’t hate me). This is sort of two fics in one. The first half focuses mostly on filling in the gaps with some critical S12 Cas episodes, especially Cas & Mary’s developing friendship (and one night of something more). But of course Cas’s feelings for Dean (and vice-versa) are always there, and when Cas figures out a way to get his powers fully back, the question is if Dean can open himself up to be vulnerable - and express love - the way Cas needs for this to work.

This was an interesting fic in a lot of ways. I loved the author’s take on angels’ connections to their vessels and grace, it was very consistent in a way the show sometimes/often wasn’t. Cas is very Cas in not understanding privacy and personal boundaries (so he does some questionable things, admittedly, which might squick some readers). The smut is fucking HOT - though I will caution at one point it involves Cas temporarily in a younger (NOT underage) female vessel (and the story does point out Dean’s discomfort with this and some of the consent issues involved, I don’t want to spoil too much). I wanted the Mary plot resolved more than it was, but I still recommend this story strongly for the quality of the writing and unique/well-developed take on angel lore and mechanics that was quite different from what I’m used to reading.

We Are Either Here Or Not Here by petramacneary (54k) A post-season 12 fic that goes on a different tangent to how Cas returns, and what happens in the meantime. Particularly, it offers a different take on what apocalypseverse!Cas would be like—as Mary makes her own way back from that world with AU!Cas as her prisoner.

What I loved about this story: first off, BAMF!Mary is awesome here. Dean is so heartbreaking, not quite knowing what the fuck to do with this different Cas who at times is just a painful reminder of who/what Dean’s lost...but then becomes a chance for Dean to say and express some of the things he always was afraid to in the past. And when (real/our) Cas finally returns, there’s some very interesting stuff that happens with both Cas & AU!Cas and Cas & Dean that I don’t want to spoil. (And let’s also just say that when real!Cas and Dean finally get together it’s AMAZINGLY awesome. Like, hot Impala!sex. So is the artwork that goes with this story.)

You Can Keep Holding On by NorthernSparrow (353k) The longest fic I read this time around and probably the one I have the most mixed feelings about, but a while on I do keep thinking about parts of it so I do rec it with some caveats. This is a canon-divergence after the end of Season 11. Dean & Sam find Cas after he’s been blasted out of the bunker...to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Mary isn’t in this one except for a brief appearance/visit, which Dean thinks is Amara’s gift to him. Life seems good for a while, they’re enjoying dealing with mundane problems for a change, but then Cas seems to be pulling away from the brothers, spending less and less time with them at the bunker, taking a mundane job at another Gas ‘n Sip, and clearly preoccupied by something else. Or is it someone else? Dean is worried yet finally ready to accept that Cas maybe has a girlfriend, or a boyfried, but then it turns out that is not at all what Cas has going on. It’s something far more serious than that.

Honestly I almost stopped reading when the reveal happened - it’s a subject that’s very sensitive to me from personal/family experience and not something I usually like reading in fic (especially if there is a sad ending.) So I admit I jumped ahead to read how it would end first before committing to finishing it. And I am glad I did, because the author handles the subject matter with a realism and obvious knowledge of experience as well, not how I often see it in fanfic. There are a lot of emotional ups and downs but it’s nice seeing Dean in his momma-hen/mode, and Sam is so so good in this one! I think I enjoyed Sam’s characterization here most of all! And the author has a really cool/well developed angel/wing lore that hit my wing-kink pretty hard. I do think it could have all been edited down a bit - I found myself skimming parts, especially in the last third, just to get on with things. But it’s definitely a story you can disappear into for a good long time and I’ve bookmarked the author’s other works to read later, so again, I do rec it even with a few caveats.

A few shorter fics, too, just because I don’t want to forget about them...

Eleven Erogenous Zones of a Fallen Angel by almaasi (15k) Pure gratuitous wing!kink for me :) Cas uses the last of his grace to manifest his wings...but then is stuck with them in his human form and not even able to use them to fly as he used to. This presents a lot of awkward problems to deal with but also the excuse for Dean to help him keep them clean :) I did say wing kink, right? :D :D I loved how Cas seemed confused about the pleasure signals he got from bathing vs. sex vs. grooming and all of that. It’s sweet and hot and has my favorite kind of caretaking Dean in it.

Fossil Tracks by SegaBarrett  (3k). Dean & Sam & Cas and dinosaurs. How can you go wrong with that? One of the SPN stories from the Id Pro Quo collection I really enjoyed reading (and didn’t write myself, lol).

[silent-era-of-cinema]

My Best Girl (1927)

The film starts out at The Merrill Department store where a very exhausted stockgirl named Maggie Johnson (Mary Pickford) is given a moment to attend to the sales counter. There she encounters a charming handsome man who pretends to be interested in purchasing some children's toys but, after many humorous demonstrations by Maggie, the manager comes over and gives the man his time card. The man is said to be Joe Grant (Buddy Rogers) though in reality he is the son of the owner; making him Joseph Merrill. To prove to his father he is ready for his engagement, he has taken the job of stockboy under an assumed name.

Annoyed, Maggie takes Joe back to the stockroom and tells him to get to work. He is so inept that she calls him, 'The Dumbest Stockboy in the World' though she promises to take him under her wing, much to his amusement.

A few days later, after her shift, Maggie is outside waiting for Joe. She appears to have a crush on him. Some of her coworkers tease her but eventually warn her that Joe is coming, causing Maggie to hop on her ride home from work: the back of an open truck. Joe is swarmed with salesgirls who try for his attention causing him to not focus on Maggie. Determined Maggie throws her bag on the ground as the vehicle pulls away. Joe picks it up and chases the truck down to give it to her. After three more times of this, he finally grows weary and jumps in the truck to join Maggie, who feigns innocence.

The two flirt and Maggie shows him pictures of her off-kilter family. Once they reach her home, she invites him in for supper only to find her family is causing a commotion. Her father (Lucien Littlefield) is an elderly postal worker who is meek and easily subdued. Her mother (Sunshine Hart) is a dramatic woman who enjoys going to random funerals and makes frequent use of smelling salts to avoid fainting. Her sister Liz (Carmelita Geraghty) is a flapper who has a boyfriend who gets her into trouble. Maggie does her best to hide the goings on but eventually caves and sends Joe on his way hoping to have dinner with him another day.

Time passes and Joe's mother is planning his engagement announcement party. However, she has not mentioned it to him, hoping to make it a surprise. Joe has been promoted and is now Maggie's boss. However, he still eats lunch with her every day in the stockroom. During one such lunch, after receiving the note to join his parents for dinner (for the surprise party), Maggie gives him a watch for his birthday. He is touched and puts it on. Shortly after this he accidentally catches his sleeve on a nail. Trying to pull himself free, he accidentally puts his arm around Maggie, and after the mutual surprise the two kiss.

Enamored with each other they head out on the town to walk in the rain. Joe begins to spend money and she tells him he'll end up in the poorhouse. Joe offers to buy her dinner at a nice restaurant but, embarrassed by her shoddy work clothes, Maggie declines. Joe gets the idea to tell her they should follow the store's company motto, "We're all a family" and that, if they were family, they could eat at the Merrill Mansion. Maggie, thinking he is joking, agrees. Meanwhile, her sister is arrested because of her association with her boyfriend and is taken to night court. Her family frets at not being able to find Maggie, who they believe needs to help Liz out of the mess. Maggie had tried to call them, but after a few rings (while her father made his way to the phone) she hung up.

Arriving at the Merrill Mansion, Maggie is amazed that it is the real deal. Joe is amused by her reluctance but eventually gets her into the mansion, much to the butler's amusement. Maggie is extremely reluctant until Joe convinces the butler to say 'a Merrill employee eats here almost every night!' Maggie relaxes and tells Joe they should pretend to be Mr. and Mrs. Merrill. Joe is extremely amused by this, and at her lack of formal dinner habits.

At the surprise engagement party, Joe's family sits concerned. They return home to find Joe and Maggie, who has hidden under the table. Joe admits he is 'Joseph Merrill' but before he can explain further his fiancée (Avonne Taylor) arrives and kisses him in front of Maggie. Maggie, heartbroken leaves. Joe, upset, tells his fiancée he had broken Maggie's heart and must go after her.

Maggie walks and walks until she returns to where Joe and her shared a moment which happens to be by the night court. She sees her family arrive and after they chasten her they enter the court to try to save Liz from prison. Meanwhile, Joe arrives at the same spot only to be helped by a homeless man who had watched their interactions. Joe enters the court to hear Maggie's passionate plea for her sister, whom the judge eventually lets go.

While Maggie fetches water for her 'on the verge of fainting' mother, Joe walks over to Maggie and apologizes, saying he did not love his fiancée and would not marry her. He then proposes to Maggie which causes (for a change) her sister to faint. While everyone tries to revive Liz, Liz's boyfriend makes a remark to her father about Maggie 'taking up with the Merrill boy' implying that it was only for sex. Joe, offended, punches him and begins to fight in the courtroom.

The next day, Maggie is back home, reading the paper which has headlines about their romance. Joe's father (Hobart Bosworth) arrives at the home. He tells Maggie he wants to send his son to Hawaii until the scandal blew over, which Joe agreed to. However, Joe apparently made plans to bring Maggie as well and marry on the boat. Mr. Merrill, not happy with this, tries to buy Maggie off with a check for $10,000 just as Joe arrives, unaware his father is there. Joe tells Maggie his plans and she becomes upset. Angry, she begins a whole tirade against him trying to find out if he really loved her or not. She begins to claim she is just a jazz girl and knew who he was all along. That she was a gold digger and just after his money and, thanks to his father, she now had what she wanted. She even plays a jazz record and puts on lipstick in an attempt to prove her point.

Joe begins to cry, and Maggie, touched, breaks down and admits that none of it is true and the real reason she cannot go away with him is because of her family (who had been listening in the living room the whole time) who needs her more than he does. Her father becomes livid and declares it was time 'he became the father of the family' and takes charge of his wife and daughters. In a comedic scene he commands everyone (including both Merrills) to pack Maggie's things for the ship which leaves in ten minutes.

After an extreme car ride, the couple barely make it to the departing boat. Once boarded, the father realizes he never gave Maggie her suitcase. He tries to throw the suitcase onto the boat, but it ends up in the ocean. The couple waves goodbye and eventually get crowded back from view. When the crowd leaves, we see the couple kissing.

[knockknockchicagopd]

A SERIE WITH HANK VOIGHT. CHAPTER II.

❚❙ WORDS: about 1.2k

❚❙ A/N: this writing hasn’t been edited, you may find some grammar mistakes, I’m sorry about that. If you find a description about body or a word out of place, or something that makes you feel uncomfortable / unrepresented, let me know by a private message and I will change it delighted.

❚❙ GIF credits: to the author.

❚❙ Tag list: @melblacc @rebelwrites @skyofficialxx @sesamepancakes @scarletsoldierrr @mondefantastique @that-chick212 @enbyamaro @inlovewith3 @ocetevasgirl @destynelseclipsa @jadakiss13 @mcgreads @graniairish @sophie-writes. If you want to be added to my tag list, send me a message.

You haven't been able to stop thinking about Hank and his visit the whole day, about what he said, about what he gave you. Natalie's opinion is you should give him a second chance, but Maggie and April don't agree. They said people don't change, but, what if he has done it after being in jail? At least, you need to know if it's true what he told you about his new job. Maybe this is going to help you to make a decision. You're not an officer, but you're aware of the difference between Intelligence and the Gang Unit.

Passing away the private parking of the District, you check his car is still there, which means he's working yet. Taking a deep breath until filling up your lungs completely, you leave your black Mustang in front of the building to step out of it. You're not going to lie saying you aren't nervous, while you're forced to keep your trembling hands inside the pockets of your jacket. The last time you were there was a year ago, to be interrogated by two cops who treated you like shit. You don't know what happened with them, but after Hank told you he made a deal with the Attorney for you, they maybe were relieved to Traffic.

As you shake your head to focus on what you're going to do, you go upstairs walking in, straight to the main desk. Platt is there, and she can't hide a smile as soon as she sees you coming. She has been one of these people who didn't abandon you after what happened, keeping you under her wings only like a mother would do. Boden and she have been like your parents since they passed out when you were just a kid.

“Is it true?” You whisper unzipping your jacket.

By the look on her face, you know that Hank has talked with her already about his visit this morning. She nods in silence, before pressing a button under the desk, causing a buzz in a metallic fence some feet away from you.

“Upstairs, honey”.

Not saying anything else, you continue your path leaving behind you the bustle of the officers to only hear Hank Voight's voice. You are still assimilating it. You can't believe he is free, after what he did. And you sure he has already apologized, even if you also know it doesn't fix everything. His words are interrupted when he lands his eyes on yours, earning other gazes. You can see Erin raising her chin proudly, sitting over her desk, and waving a hand slightly to welcome you.

“Sorry, I can come back later”.

“No. It's okay”. He quickly replies, before pointing at the board with different information written down and some pictures of guys that look like total jerks. “Start to work”.

After that demand, the new sergeant makes you a sign to follow him into his private office, rolling down the shutters to have some intimacy. Closing the door behind your back, you can't help but tour the place with your eyes and the curiosity that resides inside you ever since. Taking off your jacket, he grabs it to hang it on the coat rack before signaling the sofa at your left. You sit in silence, pulling away some bristles of hair behind your ears visibly nervous. You aren't even sure of what you want to tell him. If you want him in your life, or if you want him to disappear again.

At first, you watch sideways Hank resting his body against his desk, but he finally decides to sit by your side. You're not two strangers. You have been through a lot of shit together and he only wants to win you back, to be like in the old times. Doubting, he holds your hands to urge you to look at him.

“I wanna do the right thing this time. You don't have to say yes right now, we can work on this. Step by step”. His voice has always calmed you, no matter which kind of situation you've been in. And now, it's doing it again. “Justin and you were the reason why I continued waking up every day. And I did anything in my hands to protect you while I was outta the game. I want my life back. I will fight every day”.

Licking his teeth, Hank shakes his head briefly while putting his eyes on the window at his left, waiting for a word coming from your lips. But what he hears is a heavy sniff. About to cry, you try to gulp all the pain it has following you for long, long months since he left. If he doesn't want you, if he doesn't really love you, he'd not have gone to find you. He'd have not protected you all this time. And he is still there. Waiting for you.

Hank tosses an arm behind your neck to push you closer, almost lying you on his chest to place sweet kisses on your head. Earning soft but bitter sobs from you, he ends up wrapping your body as tightly as he can, rocking you under his grip. He didn't do the right thing putting you away, practically ghosting you. He has caused you a horrible sorrow all these months. Long days waiting for a call. Long nights sleeping alone and wishing to be by his side. But you have to keep in mind Platt's reaction. She is a good woman. She knows you ever since. She wouldn't let Hank hurt you a second time.

“Step by step”. He repeats in a raspy whisper, cupping your cheek into his hands to clean your tears with his thumbs. “I'm sorry. I swear it, (Y/N)”.

You know it, you can see it.

“Can I kiss you?”

The unexpected question causes you to giggle in tears. “Since when do you have to ask for it?”

“You have punched me before, sweetheart. I ain't gonna take the risk again”. He laughs rubbing the left side of his jaw.

Taking the advantage of having a hand free, you place it on the back of his neck to make your mouths crash in a kiss full of necessity. You have forgotten how good he used to taste, how good he used to make you feel. All your fears turn into ashes after the fire he provokes within your chest, embracing you closer and sitting you on his lap. Neither the two of you want any kind of distance right now between your bodies, having missed the touch from the other. Your lips were made to fit, transmitting so much tenderness, so much love; a bunch of emotions contained for a year, thinking you wouldn't be able to kiss him again, overwhelming your senses and clouding your mind.

Running out of air, caressing both sides of his neck with your fingertips, he pushes himself away just an inch enough to find your eyes again. Shining like never before. Falling a little more in love with you.

“Step by step”. You remark biting your bottom lip, softly sniffing again.

“All the steps you need”.

[futurewriter2000]

Unfulfilled Wishes

A/N: This one is personal- I cried writing the first part. It sucks.

XX

Have you ever been so confused of where you stand with someone? 

On one side of the Hall you had your once best friend, Remus Lupin and on the other side of the table you had a one year younger Regulus Black, your latest crush. 

That was once upon a time.

And you know what was worse. You haven’t talked to Remus in two months. Two crucioting months and with Regulus it’s so hard to read where you are. Where do you stand with him? Is he still with Maggie? 

And what was even worse than that- the worst. You aren’t seeing neither of them. You are in this limbo of not knowing how either of them feels. 

And then there is James Potter, the crush you had for three long years before you could move on. He was Remus’ best friend and Remus lived a street away from you.

He lived so close and Regulus lived so far. 

And the sad truth is, you never thought of Remus in a romantic way until you had a dream of you and him, holding hands and feeling so incredibly safe it almost melted you away. 

‘ You walked alongside your best friend and there was another friend you haven’t spoken in so long. You were happy with your best friend but then came a figure with his usual bright smile and quirk of an eyebrow that was cut at the wing. They were almpst blonde even though his hair was brown, light shade of brown and his eyes were usually emerald but when up close they weren’t emerald. They were bluish green. And he was tall and lanky and he was smiling at you- suddenly you weren’t happy anymore. You were so overjoyed, ecstatic and jubilant. When he was with you all past hurt was gone and he was there. He was finally there after you waited for so long. He was smiling and you felt free and at peace. His hand brushed yours and with that brush it sent such warmt down your body, causing your hand to take a hold of his. He moved it away but then you looked up and he looked down, gave you a comforting simper before grabbing your hand firmly and holding it all the way. You felt yourself lean to him as you always did- you leaned on him when life was tough. You hugged him- so that when your amrs wrapped themselves around his neck, your toes lifted your whole body weight up and his long arms wrapped themselves around your torso. You squeezed him and he squeezed you and it felt so safe, you wouldn’t want to let go. ‘

But then you woke up. You woke up to reality of him never coming back. He lives a street down and he left. He left you. He left you because he has pride. 

He left you because he didn’t want to tell you how he feels and a caring dumbass you are, you pressured him. You pressured him into opening up and when you do try to open a clam up, it has tendency to shut itself close and bite you in the process. 

You were part of this connection breaking down. You did have 50% of fault but when you ghosted him- he didn’t even bother to ask. He snapped at you like that and then he pretended that everything was fine but it wasn’t .It wasn’t for you because words fucking hurt and he hurt you so much. And he continued to hurt you by not caring enough to come back to you, which you desperately want but he won’t do. And what’s worse is that you torture yourself for it. You still think it’s your fault. All of it. You do think that. You feel like you made this connection break and now you’re torturing yourself because of it.

You know he was there for you and you did promise him to be his true friend. But sometimes his problems weren’t the only problems in the world. It sounds so selfish but it felt like you were putting more effort in this than he did. You asked and he only replied. You cared and he only replied. He never asked for you, did he? - And the dumb caring person you are, you got attached and you thought you could handle it. You thought that the two of you were just friends but two months of this just proved that you loved him so much and now you’re crying on this sucky day because you know he doesn’t love you as close as you love him. You care so much. You care 3x- 10x times more and he doesn’t care enough to ask if you’re okay. 

And all you wanna do is shout: ‘ NO REMUS! I AM NOT OKAY! YOU LEFT AS IF THREE YEARS OF CLOSE FRIENDSHIP WAS NOTHING TO YOU! YOU LEFT BECAUSE YOU “HAVE PROBLEMS”! WELL, GUESS WHAT! EVERYBODY DOES!- And I cannot carry both yours and mine. I tried and it got us here.’ 

But he never asked and you got the chance to asnwer it. 

What’s even more sad is that if he did reach out, you would grab it. You’d take it so fast- you’d just take him in as if nothing ever happened between the two of you. Because that lanky,workoholic, stressed man was still someone you care for so much. You miss him like hell. You don’t even care about James Potter the three year crush- but someone who you teased with, laughed with, had deep talks with,... you care about him and it got you dreams to figure it out. 

But it takes you reality to realize that you should move on, no matter how much it hurts you.

So you turn away, when you pass his hause and you look forward to seeing Regulus, who is one year younger than you but both have gotten close to each other. The point with Regulus is that just like Remus, he is a workoholic. He burries himself under a load of school work and you wait. You wait for him to be over. You stare at the ceiling and you wonder what he’s doing.

You smile because you remember the two of you teasing each other and him bein and smart-mouth, know it all but also being this voulnarble, stressed, lonely man that just wants it easy for once. 

‘ “I can be serious, Black. I can be dead-” you said, narrowing your eyes at him as you felt smile trying to surface. 

His face was poker face. This boy hid his emotions so well that at this point you didn’t know if he was annoyed, challanged or intimidated. 

“Well, then. Lets go.” he said, sitting beside you and staring at you with his blazing green eyes

 You observed them, of course you did. You liked the boy for months now and he was definetly interesting- You were challanged to make him your friend but little did you know that you fell for him instead. 

You lost the staring competition at least five times. You always lost with him and that drove you insane because those loses weren’t always games, they were also losing him...’

Here was the thing between you and Regulus. He was private and reseved. He didn’t show anything but when you told him that he was being mysterious he answered you this: “I’m really not. Just ask me anything and you’ll get an answer.” 

Which you did. You always asked him questions and you always made sure that the two of you were talking and sending each other letters. He was relaxed when he was with you. It felt like he might like you back but then he got a girlfriend. It was so sudden. 

Like a bolt of lightning, you felt your heart get struck when your eyes landed on him hugging his girlfriend. 

You were happy for him but you admit it hurt. You admit you were jealous because you didn’t see them together. They were both stuck up and stressed and all about school. You relaxed him. You told him to go for a run, listen to music- you always complimented him. You always, ALWAYS, made the first step towards. 

And it felt time that he met you half-way if he ever liked you.

“Your mind is bothered, sweetie.” your head shot to the woman’s voice. You looked at her steadily but she gave you such a nice, kind smile that your guard immediately fell down. 

You looked down on her post and smiled at the tarot deck. 

“A reader?” you made your way closer, observing the cards. “Definetly feeling like three of swords, if you ask me.” you pointed at the heartbreak card and she gave you a comforting smile. 

“I don’t need cards to read you, deary.” she stretched her hands to you and with the leap of faith, you took them. She took a deep breath in a few times, muttering something under her breath and speaking. “Handsome- the second one I mean. Dark features but gorgeous eyes- quite opposite than the other, who has quite a smile.” she opened her eyes and took a firmer hold of your hands. You could feel the energy being pulled away from you but you didn’t let go. “No communication. One stronger than the other. Both love you equally but one more than the other. One is better than the other, one wants more good for you than the other but both have dark secrets they’re afraid to overcome.”

“I don’t care.” you said and the woman looked directly at your eyes. 

“You-”

“I know. I should be this patient woman, who should wait for them to reach out when they are over their problems but I’m tired of being patient. I’m tired of waiting for a man to come to me. I just want them to come.”

“He’s not ready.”

“I don’t care. I won’t adapt myself to a men’s needs. I don’t need a man. I just want to not be confused!” you tore your arms away and started storming away from the woman, not knowing that one particular man is waiting in the shadows, watching as you walk down the alley...

[imgoodloveenjoy]

I HAVE VERY ANGRY FEELINGS SO LET’S GET THE EASY STUFF OUT THE WAY:

 ANNA CHARLES:

Mama is in serious trouble and she needs to talk to her parents about it as soon as she can; any decisions she make are time sensitive at this point. I don’t know why hearing that her father was looking for a child custody lawyer would make her not want to talk to her dad, for me it would’ve made me think that my father really wanted me, and it would be easier to sit down with him. I hope she talks to one of her parents soon.

 MANCEL:

Sneaking out are we, Nat? This feels very one night stand-like & I didn’t want that for this couple mostly because Natalie called Marcel out over having them often. I kinda get her subtly blowing him off, she didn’t want to be one on his sex-capades but I do think that Marcel really genuinely likes Natalie. I also think that she put it on him hard to have him coming and asking her to come back to his place LOL. They’ll work it out soon. Also, Marcel’s wife, I wonder what kinda mess she’s gonna stir up….

 WILL:

I don’t have much to say about Will but I like the interaction he had with April and her bringing up to him the issues with medicine and race bias. Approaching medicine without considering how things would appear on/in a non-white person is a huge disservice to POC seeing medical help. For example, the main reason why Black women die during childbirth is that there is some belief that Black people tolerate more pain that white people – totally untrue – so doctors and nurses ignore when Black women are in pain and telling them so, thinking we’re exaggerating. It’s a huge, global issue and I’m glad it’s being talked about on the show.

 MAGGIE:

I actually didn’t expect for Maggie to find no one related to Auggie using those DNA ancestry sites, I halfway thought she would find someone and have to convince them to come and donate their kidney. If they don’t get a kidney for Auggie, I would like for Maggie and Ben to adopt more children who may have medical issues. They need someone to advocate for them and both Maggie and Ben can give them that because they understand. I also like that Maggie told them to stop with the “strong Black woman” trope, it ignores what heartbreaking, emotional b.s. we go through & frames it as “you’re strong, you’ll get over it”. I know Doris meant well but that trope needs to DIE!

 ETHAN, APRIL, NOAH:

THEE EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL!!!!!

April baby’s Noah sooo much, she needs to realize that she cannot shield him from everything and all of his bad decisions. I understand him being compassionate and wanted to help his patient, especially since it’s a man whom he looks up to, but he put everyone in an impossible situation and took a moral-ethical decision into a moral-ethical-legal decision. And to do it all so sloppily! His immediate shift from being a passionate advocate to emotionally numb at Dr. Coleman’s suicide? Dead giveaway!

Both Noah and April emotionally manipulated Ethan; Noah by going to April and April for directly pleading for Ethan to do nothing ‘for her’ – they both know that Ethan loves April and would do anything for her and that would extend to protecting her brother. For April to ask that of Ethan makes me question if she ever loved him at all; she knows his moral character and the position he’s in as Chief of ED and twisted that to meet her goals when she should’ve respected that and let Noah fail. I mean the look on Ethan’s face when she asked him to look the other way ‘for her’, he looked crushed like he knows she’s using him through his feelings for her and I think that’s why he was so angry when he fired Noah.

I don’t think that Ethan would’ve turned Noah into the police, I think he wanted to put that fear in him; when April confronted him, he was standing outside probably thinking of the two avenues he had in front of him and knowing that turning Noah in would’ve ended it permanently with April and he doesn’t want that. Ethan firing Noah was the best outcome – Noah gets to keep his medical license & him moving to practice in ATL would cut the umbilical cord to April and give him some autonomy to make decisions knowing that she’s not there & cannot save him.

Do I think Noah was wrong when advocating for Dr. Coleman? – no, absolutely not. Do I think he was wrong for how he handled the situation? – Yes. Assisted suicide is not legal in Illinois, Noah should know that being a medical resident in Chicago, what he could’ve done was testified on Coleman’s behalf if it went to trail, help get him a payable bond so he can rest at home and whatever he would’ve done at home would’ve been it. Noah didn’t play the situation smart. What I do hope is that his character comes back to Med in the future when he is a more well-rounded doctor. Meanwhile everyone’s mad at Ethan for even calling the police when Dr. Coleman even understood that it’s what’s had to be done. Medical professionals are bound by law to report things like that to police & Dr. Coleman knew and accepted that reality.

I think I’m more upset with April than Noah; Noah ran to his big sister for help but it was her who manipulated Ethan’s love for her as a means to an end. You don’t do that to someone you love (or loved); you at least have that respect for them to not blackmail them like that. Then her asking him to not ruin everything Noah has worked for, Noah ruined it himself! That really puts all accountability on Ethan when the onus isn’t on him! Noah’s actions, Noah’s responsibility. I really question her love for him and I hate that because I have such a slow burn for Chexton – it’s very unfortunate. Looking back on their relationship, it’s full of April passing judgment on Ethan and wanting him to do things the way she wants them done – like his relationship with his sister & the way he chose to protect her with her sleazy baby daddy – and the way Ethan does exactly what she wants him to do, even taking her brother under his wing and mentoring him. Like Ethan is someone she considered marriage and children with AND she acknowledged that Noah asking Ethan to look the other way on a legal matter was a “big ask” only for her to turn around and do the same thing; she’s totally blind when it comes to her and Noah’s shortcomings.

I’m really tired of the writers framing Ethan as this unwavering bad guy & it’s all because the writers don’t know what to do with his character or his relationship with April other than have them but heads. They’ve been butting heads for the past 3 seasons, it’s ridiculous and redundant at this point. There’s so many ways they could’ve taken their relationship and expanded upon the character growth they’ve had for both parties but no, they had to regress and start at square one.

At this point, shelve Chexton and free Ethan.

Idk where this episode will lead Chexton or Mancel but here’s to hoping it doesn't go right to hell. 

[toevenexist]

The baby moves the entire night so she cant sleep and she’s really uncomfortable she can’t find a position to sleep and the next day at work she’s sleepy and tired and with pelvic pain and Link tells her to go to sleep but she doesn’t accept she’s tired

SWEETIE Pt.1

Hey Everybody! I’m baaaack. Here is PART 1 to this. Please be nice and reblog and review me pleeaassee I need to boost my writers ego, (boost it from nothing right now). 

I hope you enjoy this. Also a Reminder that somewhere in my writing universe Amelia was having twins (I think it should have happened in the show, THERE’S NO TWINS IN GREYS) so its twins here. 

Send me more ideas for part 2, 3...80 Link to Masterpost (Binge at your own risk)

Amelia hummed softly, defiantly screwing her eyes shut. She willed the babies to still, to quit dancing, quit testing the boundaries of her womb. She took in a deep breath and released it through pouted lips, cheeks puffed.  

She was coming to the end of her effort at testing the theory that if she was calm, and meditative, the babies would be too. She’d gradually decided it was the opposite for her offspring; drifting in and out of a light sleep, it had taken the last five hours for her to prove that. 

Without even resting her hands against her bump she could feel it contorting and morphing in shape with the movement of the twins. Amelia finally gave up, opening her eyes, staring off into the darkness in front of her. In the silence of the night she could hear the flutter of a lone moth’ wings against her window, and the rushing of the night air outside, cars hummed in the distance. 

She could hear Link next to her too, breathing softly, a quiet snore appearing and disappearing from his breath. When she focused on his presence behind her, an aching, swelling feeling of comfort and love swelled in her chest and she smiled in the dark. 

Normally when the babies were so active Link would help her. He’d rub her stomach and hips and sing for them, it would calm her in a way that she wasn’t able to do for herself, it seemed, no matter how much she tried. Tonight though, she thought he needed sleep more than she did. 

He’d come straight home following a nine and a half hour surgery, that ran his shift late by hours. So she was letting him sleep. She thought she should be able to settle herself, and them, on her own anyway. 

A cool breeze rolled in through the window and she closed her eyes again, stretching her legs out and rolling on to her back. She suppressed a groan and immediately rolled back onto her side, dropping her legs off the bed and pushing herself to sitting. She sat still for a moment, resting her hands against her sides, applying firm pressure and rubbing from her hips to her ribs. He realised she was clenching her jaw and relaxed it, tipping her face up to the ceiling. 

She stared into the fuzzy darkness of the room  and resigned herself to no sleep, and exhaustion tomorrow and rolled her eyes. She took in a deep breath, appreciating the smell of the fresh night air that had become near synonymous with the air in her room. A car alarm rang in the far distance, to her it was the volume of a whisper. 

Amelia stood slowly, curling her toes into the carpet beneath her. She pressed a hand into the ache in the small of her back and stepped up to the window, opening it wider.  A light wind draped against her like a cool shawl and rearranged the hair that framed her face. She hummed mellifluously in an out breath and tipped her face to the sky. 

Link stirred from sleep behind her and she heard the bed creak as he searched her out. “Amelia?” his voice was gravelly. Amelia remained still, though the twins were yet to wind down. “Yeah” Amelia said, pausing a moment and then turning her head to him. She could just make him out, leaning on his elbow, eyes glinting mutely with the light of the street. 

“What’s wrong? Is something wrong?” he said, sitting up, sleep ebbing away from him too. 

Amelia turned now, one hand holding on to the window sill, the other rest in the angle between her hip and the swell of her stomach. “They haven’t let me sleep” She admitted, setting herself back on the bed, melting with each hand that Link lay on her. “At all?”

“Some, but not much” she said, sighing, feeling suddenly exhausted but still as if she had two hamsters running in wheels inside her. She instantly felt guilty for comparing them to hamsters, but it was short lived as she pressed her face into Link’s chest and took in his smell. She let out an “mmmmnnnn” in pleasure and shivered, feeling her skin prickle as he chuckled. He continued to rub therapeutic spirals against her stomach. 

“Feel good?” 

Her answer was a sigh and a hum, she felt the movement inside her slow, as if the twins were settling cats, now walking in small circles before they curl up for sleep. 

“Why didn’t you wake me Amelia? You’re going to be dragging all day tomorrow” He said. Amelia just hummed again, too absorbed in the blissful sensation he was permitting. The world felt as if it were slowing down finally, she felt herself spacing out. He felt it happening too; felt the babies winding down, and felt all the strain and tension leave Amelia. 

She was still, and melded into his side, one warm hand loosely grasping his forearm. Her hot exhalations warmed the crook of his neck and he allowed for calm to envelop him again. He folded himself against her and held her. She felt heavy and soft in his arms and against his hands. He lay a firm kiss against her head, at the part of her hair and closed his eyes.

----------------------------------------------------------------

The sun was still asleep, but the sky showed signs of its waking. Amelia was asleep too. Link was lying on his side, he’d awoken a little while ago, feeling rested. The room was warm, Amelia liked it that way. During the night she’d always throw the duvet away from her, only her feet were tucked under it. Her t-shirt was twisted and wound around her, up against the underside of her breasts. Other than that she wore a pair of underwear, dappled grey.  

Link gazed at her. She was so relaxed, so peaceful. One arm was draped across her torso, her index finger twitched against her stomach. He watched as she stirred slightly, turning her head to face Link. She sighed in her sleep, splaying her hand and sliding it to rest against her lower stomach. She settled again, completely oblivious of the Link’s gaze, of his thoughts. 

Link smiled tightly, pursing his lips. He felt guilty knowing he’d be waking her in a few minutes. She grimaced slightly and rolled slowly onto her side facing him. Even asleep now, she didn’t seem to be fully comfortable. Link peered down at her stomach, the culprit in all this. He reached out and laid a hand against the exposed skin. There was stillness there now, he smiled. 

“Amelia��” Link spoke softly, a creeping whisper. He brought his hand to her face and rest it against her cheek, drawing a line down her nose and across her soft lips. “Amelia” 

She whined weakly, pouting. “Its half seven sweetie”

“Mnn sweetie” She contested the word, and Link grinned, moving his hand back to her waist, massaging her tired muscles. “Why are they sleeping now?” she moaned, feeling genuinely tearful. 

“They had a long night” Link said, raising his brow, smiling sympathetically. Amelia just whimpered, opening her eyes. “You want a tea? caffeinated?” Link said, tipping his head to the side, meeting her eyes. She frowned and nodded, “Yes please” 

“Okay, I’ll go make it, some toast too?”

“Yes please”

“You okay getting up?” he asked, knowing she’d be feeling rough. She hummed yes and rolled onto the back. He offered his hand anyway and helped her sit up, moving closer and stooping down to kiss her on the lips. He held her face between his hands and they locked eyes.

 “I’m sorry they stopped you sleeping, but you’re doing amazing,” He said. Amelia smiled weakly and leaned into one of his hands, sighing. 

“Thanks” she said. 

“Alright, I’ll be back in a bit, or do you want to just come down for it?” 

“I’ll come down” 

“Okay”, he said, kissing her quickly again before leaving. 

Amelia huffed, standing up shakily, feeling her muscle protest and an ache set in in her pelvis. 

It took her a little longer than usual to get ready, so much that Link came up to check on her. He poked his head around the corner, finding her slipping on her shoes, holding on to the chest of draws. 

“Alright?” he said and she smiled, forcefully, trying to deceive herself of the utter fatigue she was feeling. Link thought to say she looked beautiful, because he always thought she was, but he didn’t, deciding it was the last thing she’d want to hear. 

She was wearing a pair of dark jeans and a plaid shirt that hung loosely on her. Her smile faded and she became more vacant as she made her way to the door. “Are you okay? You hurting?”

“Uuumm… I guess” she forced some cheerfulness into her voice as she walked ahead of him down the stairs. But her pace descending was a giveaway at the discomfort she was in. 

“I’m okay... I’m okay, I got this” she said, reaching the bottom of the stairs, eyeing him at the top of them, nodding meeting his eyes, wanting to reassure him. Heading for the kitchen she found Maggie sat at the table, who nudged Amelia’s tea towards her as she entered. 

Amelia took a sip and hummed her delight, closing her eyes. She quickly opened them, realising how good it felt to shut her eyes, and how much she’d like to go back to bed. She decided too to stay standing, hesitant to let herself rest, worried the stopping and starting would make her pelvic cramping worse. She downed her tea, sighing. 

“I heard you had a rough night?” Maggie said, standing up and taking Amelia’s empty mug. 

“Yup… it’s fine, I just need to get going…” Amelia said, arching her back and rolling her shoulders back. Link bustled in then, arranging his bag on his shoulder, and dropping his jacket into a chair. 

“Take it easy maybe Amelia” Maggie said, nodding, resting her hand on Amelia’s shoulder, Amelia met her eyes. Maggie stood before her, looking equally exhausted having just finished a night shift. 

“I will” Amelia said, nodding, unsure at how she was going to balance her day with what she felt she needed, which was twelve hours of sleep. She laughed a little.

Maggie grinned, seeing that resilience in Amelia’s eyes. She leaned down so her face was close to Amelia’s bump, uttering “naughty babies”.  Link chuckled, folding his arms. 

Standing sharply, Maggie took in a breath, “Right, have a good day, I’m going to bed” She said, waving as she headed for her room. 

--------------------------------------------------------

In the car Amelia sat rigid, with restless legs, and hands that gripped her bouncing knees. She yawned for the third time and rubbed her face, widening her eyes. 

“Amelia? Are you sure you’re okay to work?”

“I’m okay Link, I slept some and I feel okay”

“Amelia, promise me you’re not going to push yourself today?”

“Link…” Amelia sighed, dropping her head against the headrest. She didn’t want to promise she wouldn’t do something that she was already doing. She was already pushing herself and had been the moment she’d pushed herself up out of bed. 

“Amelia” He tried to reason. 

“Link, truth is I’m pushing myself now, I’m exhausted and I’m hurting... But link” she shifted in her seat, sitting up. “I’m 7 months pregnant, I’m tired all the time, and I need to do my job”

“Amelia, I get that but you need too…”

“Link, don’t tell me what I need to do okay, I know, I’m a grown woman” she said, raising her voice. She flushed hot, her temper crackling like a fire inside her. ‘God I’m tired’ she thought, in an internal sigh that dragged her eyes closed. Link had stopped speaking, sensing her patience dwindling.

 “I’m sorry” she mumbled, slow blinking and clasping her hands together in her lap.   

“It’s okay” Link said, pursing his lips, eyes fixed on the road ahead. 

Amelia took a lengthy breath and peered down at herself. Her last pregnancy had been taxing in a completely different way. As they pulled into the hospital parking lot she held her stomach, looking down at the curve, and reminded herself that beneath her hands, were two healthy babies. At the end of all the pain and strain and tiredness, she’d have two babies, living and breathing in her arms. 

She hadn’t realised they were parked till Link’s hand came into view, resting and caressing her thigh. She looked up, finding his gaze. He smiled a warm, and grateful smile; o warm, she felt it sooth her. 

“I am your servant today, wherever I can be” 

“My slave” Amelia chuckled heartily, a lightness gracing her.

“Haha sure, I’m indebted to you for this” he said, resting his hand against her stomach.

“You sure are… you can carry any future babies, all eight of them” 

Link’s brows rose at that and he smiled toothily. “Eight? Why not ten, take it to a dozen”

“Well it’s your vagina Link” Amelia said, nonchalantly, opening her door and turning, smirking. 

“Wait don’t move…” Link said, opening his door and making his way around to her side.

“I’ll wait for slave” Amelia said, dramatically throwing herself against the back of her chair in despair. 

“Okay, come on” he said, offering his hand.

“All joke’s aside Link I do appreciate your help” Amelia said, taking his hand and standing up, turning her face away to hide the discomfort she felt grow the moment she was up. She let Link collect all their things, walking with him, and stretching and arching her back before they headed across to the hospital.

Tbc.  Thanks for reading! Please reblog and review xxx

[seizethesam]

Ode to an Angel-Chapter 7

A/N: Hello again! We are almost halfway there!! Chapter 7 here, I hope you will enjoy it! This is another experimental chapter for me! Ode to an Angel has been a way to experiment on my writing!! As always, the feedback is always appreciated! Love you! Happy reading!

Pairing: Daryl Dixon x Female Reader

Warning: Non, I guess, maybe a little bit angst.

The recommended song is Ruby’s Arms by Tom Waits!!!!

Chapter 6

Then…

“Why did ya stop?” he asked.

It was the same question you’d kept asking yourself when you’d first joined the group. Eventually you had found the answer.

“What I’ve found turned out to be way more important than a revenge,” you spoke, turning your face to him.

He was watching the dark forest while chewing his tongue. He looked… beautiful under the moonlight.

You watched him for a while, put your head on his shoulder. He flinched at the sudden contact but eased into it after a while.

Then you held his hand.

Now…

Chapter 7

“Hey, you wanna see a very impressive craftsmanship,” you said smiling to the man who was loading wild pumpkins on the back of the truck.

You were in a field not so far away from the prison that Glenn and Rick had spotted a few days back. The area wasn’t a plantation, but just a dumpster people used throw in rotten vegetables.

“C’mon,” Daryl gestured you to start the show. His features lacked any hint of excitement.

You cut a little piece of branch from the pumpkin plant and showed Daryl the inside of the branch. “See, the inside is hollow,” you did all this so dramatically like it was a cheap workshop that a little faint smile appeared on the archer’s lips.

You cut a semicircle whole at the end of the piece. You looked around the field to see if there was any walkers- there was one fairly far away from you. Then you blew air into the little hallow piece of branch. A very annoying, not too loud, borazon like sound came out.

“Huh? It’s a whistle,” you concluded, very proud of yourself.

He scoffed; “S’ impressive.”

“I know,” you said, lifting one brow at him, playfully. “Matt used to do that when we were kids.”

He looked at you confused. You realized you’d never told him his name, “my brother,” you explained.

“It’s practical,” he nodded, “all my brother had taught me was how ta drink and pick locks,” he said.

All the time you’d spend with Daryl, he’d never mentioned he had a brother. Had. You wondered what more there was to discover about this extraordinary man.

“I’m sorry,” was all you could say.

“S’ alright, he was an asshole,” he said, bending down to pick up another pumpkin. He turned body away from you. He was uncomfortable.

“Daryl,” you called him. He didn’t look at you. You wanted to tell him that it’s okay to open up, that it’s alright if he’s hurt or anything.

But you didn’t. he would talk to you when he wanted to talk to you. You decided on not pushing on it.

“Here, take this,” you said, instead, and offered him the handmade whistle, “in case you need me to save you. Just blow it,” you finished, giving him a smirk.

He scoffed at your sudden playfulness but took the whistle anyway and placed it in the pocket of his vest.

“I’ll keep it,” he muttered before he bent down to grab the large pumpkin.

Everyone was on edge.

The air in the car was so thick that you could cut it with a knife. No one said anything, no one looked at each other, no one made a noise, except for Michonne giving directions. She appeared outside the fences of the prison with baby formulas and clothes in her hand and a gunshot wound on one leg. No Maggie, no Glenn.

She had told you that “a young Asian guy and a pretty girl” had the baby stuff but they were taken by some men, men of someone who called himself the Governor. She’d said that they were living in a town called the Woodbury, about seventy-five survivors.

They wanted the prison Michonne had told you, your home. So, they took Maggie and Glenn hostages. But no, you weren’t going to give up on your home that easily.

The interrogation didn’t last long. You were on your way to the town when Michonne had told you that she would take you there. It wasn’t easy to trust her, but she was also your only chance at saving your friends.

So, you hit the road with Rick, Michonne, Oscar and Daryl.

You left the car near the woods and covered it safe with tree branches before continuing on foot.

Michonne had informed you about the lay out of the place, where this Governor usually is, about the fighters and the common people. But you still weren’t sure what to expect.

You were nervous, but still kept your head high and held the heavy machine gun tight in your hands.

You arrived at the breach that Michonne had told you about on the way here. Your eyes wondered around the place before stopping on Daryl. He looked back at you and gave you a reassuring nod.

You didn’t kill anyone before. But you weren’t going to hesitate on taking down the ones who had hurt your family in any way.

You were not losing anymore.

---

Michonne led your group into labyrinth of a place that was built out of metal scraps, telling you that the Governor could be keeping Glenn and Maggie in there for interrogation or— worse. Your heart was pounding against your ribcage so hard, wondering if you were too.

No, you weren’t. You were just in time, in fact.

Thankfully, the metal walls were badly structured as there were holes and gaps in between, so you got a good look at the other side.

You saw four men with guns, one with a blade for a hand actually, and two other people with sacks covering their heads; Glenn and Maggie.

They were alive. You let out your breath that you weren’t aware of holding.

Rick and the others were waiting close behind you. You pointed to the other side of the wall with your index and middle finger as you nodded to Rick to take action. With your signal, they threw the gas bomb to other side and you shot at the enemy for cover.

You escaped the place and took refuge in one of the town houses. Words that didn’t make sense to you escaped Glenn’s mouth, “Merle’s here,” he said.

Daryl’s head snapped to Glenn’s direction, “ya sure? S’ he the Governor?” he lined his questions.

“No, that’s some other guy,” Glenn answered as he put on a hoodie.

“Then, we gotta go for him, take him with us,” Daryl talked as he moved back and forth. Clearly, he knew this ‘Merle’ guy. He was in such an excitement to see him.

“Dude, he tried to kill us,” Glenn tried to reason with the archer. Merle didn’t seem like good news according to Glenn, but Daryl obviously cared about the guy.

But whatever it was, this wasn’t the time to argue. The town was slowly turning into a war zone.

“Guys, sorry to interrupt, but we have to leave,” you said, turning away from the window, “now.”

You gave Glenn the pistol you were keeping under your belt. Just as you were getting ready make the escape, Daryl spoke, “I can’t leave him here, man, he’s my brother.”

Now it made sense. He was blood.

Rick looked at Daryl before speaking, “Look, there’s a whole army out there. You gotta be there with us if we’re gonna make it out alive,” his voice was deep, “I need you, ya with me?

The archer weighed Rick’s words and nodded slowly.

You open the front door and let your friends get out of the house one by one. You were last one to exit the place and step into the fog of the gas bombs.

The glazing fire of the ricochets on the asphalt was illuminating the misty air that covered you. The sounds of guns shooting were filling the air. And until then, you’d never thought what a bliss of God it would be to be deaf.

You ran for your escapes shooting any obstacle that came on your way. You helped Glenn and Maggie up onto the bus to go over the wall, leaving Rick and Daryl close behind for cover. After Maggie, Oscar helped you up.

Everything happened so fast.

Oscar was pushing you up to the bus roof and the next thing he was lying dead on the floor. He was shot right through his chest. It wasn’t not a wound that even a big guy like him could handle.

It wasn’t long until Maggie put a bullet into his skull.

You found yourself shouting for Daryl and Rick to came back to you; Daryl didn’t. He disappeared in the foggy street of Woodbury.

Shit.

­---

You put your rifle in your hands like if was now a part of your body. Not just a machine, but an extension of limbs.

What you saw before you was a perfect example of mania. The Governor was standing in the middle of an arena, talking out of his ass. Then came Daryl, and his long-lost brother, Merle.

The scenery was obscene; people were cheering for them to kill each other, red flames around the league was adding to the dreariness of the situation. Deadly. It was unbelievable how these people were thirsty for blood.

Your index finger was on its rightful place, pressing close to the trigger. You were waiting for Rick’s signal to shoot. You were going to kill some you didn’t know— to save the man with the angel wings.  So, you shot. The man who stood behind Daryl. Headshot.

Through the binocular of the rifle, you saw Daryl flinch when the man fell on the ground with a whole in his face.

The first human you’ve ever killed.

Soon after, you shot at another one holding a walker. You shot the man on his collar bone, but he didn’t get up from the ground. Then you shot the walker.

Rick stepped into the arena to get the archer when you and Maggie were covering for him.

---

“No him, no me,” Daryl said with a low voice. What? You couldn’t help but frown at his words. He was really considering leaving. No, he wasn’t considering anymore, he was leaving.

“Daryl, you don’t have to do that,” Maggie spoke.

“It was always Merle and I before this,” he said. It was almost like he was trying to ration his decision to himself, putting out reasons to go with his brother.

You should’ve understood him. He didn’t want to leave his brother; he said he already did that once. You should’ve been able to let him go. Not over a year ago, you were doing the same, and your brother was dead.

But you couldn’t. You couldn’t let him go.

“Don’t,” it was the only thing that came out of your mouth.

“You would’ve done the same thing,” he said.

He started to walk towards the car to get his things.

You went after him while Glenn was sighing in defeat. Your steps were fast and soon after you were next to him.

“Wait!” you reached for his arm but failed. “Don’t go like this, Daryl.”

He didn’t say anything; he just kept walking like he wasn’t hearing you. You took two more big steps and stood in front of him and placed your hand on his chest to stop him. It was an involuntary movement, but it was enough to send him a step back.

A wave heat rushed through your ears. “You can’t leave like this. You can’t,” you jabbered, “we need you to be there when the Governor comes.”

You stopped to see what he was going to say, but he kept his silence. “I need you,” you finally said.

The second words left your mouth you tried to swallow them back in, but it was too late. And they were true. You needed him, more than you’d like to admit.

“I ain’t leavin’ him again, Y/N,” he told you. You heard the bitterness in his voice when he said your name. “Ya should understand.”

“It’s not the same,” and it wasn’t. You didn’t know Merle, but based on everyone’s view on him, including Daryl’s, the guy was, in fact, an asshole. Your brother, on the other hand, was dead, and nothing could stop you from going with him if he were to stand before you…alive.

That was when it clicked. You were being selfish. You cared about the archer more than you’d let on.

You swallowed the lump in your throat and nodded. You couldn’t bring yourself to speak, afraid that you would break.

“I have ta,” he said, looking into your eyes. “I’m sorry.”

You didn’t let the tears spill until he turned his back to you and vanished into the green woods with his brother.

 Taglist:

A lark was singing a happy song in the sky when Daryl left.

Chapter 8

@spidergirla5 @twdeadfanfic @kamieshep @sophia-gwendolyn @jodiereedus22 @purplebtsmagic @302rocks @decadentsoulbiscuitgoth @crossbowking @bunnymother93 @ly--canthrope @mrsfortune1306 @pillowjj

[yourdeepestfathoms]

that thing with feathers

[Wing AU]

[Tour]

Word count: 3000

TW: Vomit

---------------------

Monday was when it all began, Howard believed. She hadn’t been the first to realize something was wrong, but it was the first day that things started happening.

  “Oh my god,” Anne groaned, rubbing her temples. “She has been crying ALL MORNING. WHY WON’T SHE SHUT UP?”

Cleves laughed slightly at her frustration. “Who knows at this point,” She said.

  “So much for rehearsals,” Jane muttered.

  “Who cares?” Maggie piped up. “We don’t need her!”

There were a few scattered agreements, but Aragon just frowned. She quietly slipped out of the room and followed the sound of crying until she found the source.

The girl inside was the definition of an eyesore. Her wings were a mess, with the outsides being the sleek green-blue of a bee hummingbird and the insides being a smooth expanse of skin and membrane like on a Honduran white bat. Golden brown barn owl fluff was ruffled on her chest and stuffed in her big yellow bat ears. Tiny white, deer-like antlers peeked out from her forehead and red-orange crest feathers were folded back against her head.

She was a hybrid, but everyone just called her a freak.

There were feathers everywhere, red and green and blue and golden brown all clashing horribly together on the floor. Joan was slumped against the wall, bawling her eyes out, shielding her weird body with her strange wings. Her head snapped up when Aragon cleared her throat, and Aragon could see that she was missing several feathers on her cheeks and inside her ears.

  “Why are you crying?” Aragon asked.

Joan sniffled. “I’m sorry,” She whispered.

  “That’s not what I asked.” Aragon said. She stepped closer, peering at the girl below her. “Are you molting?”

  “I-I don’t know,” Joan answered, her voice hoarse from crying. “It hurts…”

Aragon furrowed her eyebrows. “It does?”

Joan nodded and then wrapped her wings around herself again to sob. She looked absolutely pathetic.

  “I don’t feel good,” Joan mumbled. 

  “Well, a lot of people feel that way when they molt,” Aragon said with a light chuckle. She stopped laughing, however, when Joan sobbed once more. She frowned. Something was seriously wrong with this girl.

  “Joan?” Aragon knelt down in front of the hybrid. “Are you alright?”

  “No,” Joan whispered. “M-my stomach--it hurts.” She looked up from her wings, and her eyes glowed with tears, “S-something’s wrong, Catherine.”

  “Maybe it’s just a premature molting,” Aragon said dismissively. “I once had one of those and it--”

  “It’s not!” 

Joan’s voice was so shrill, like a barn owl screeching, that it made Aragon jump slightly.

  “It’s not! Something--something is wrong, Catherine! I don’t f-/feel good/! Why don’t you believe me?”

  “I do,” Aragon said. “Calm down, okay? I believe you.”

Joan whimpered feebly. She reached out, grabbed tightly onto Aragon’s sleeve, and whispered, “I don’t know what to do.”

------

Tuesday.

Joan’s fingernails felt like they were shooting out of her fingers. They only stopped hurting when she grated them against a solid surface. Jane dealt with the sound it made when they were sitting together in the rehearsal room waiting for the others to arrive until she couldn’t anymore and politely asked her to stop. Joan obeyed.

Twenty minutes later, Joan started again without even realizing it. 

Jane doesn’t say anything this time.

------

Wednesday.

Joan felt itchy and achy all over. First, it started at the plumage over her chest she accidentally made it bleed when she scratched desperately, then it spread to other parts of her body until it felt like she had rolled in poison ivy. 

  “Uhh... Joan?” Howard said during show preparations that day.

  “Yes?” Joan replied.

  “Are you okay?” 

Joan blinked at her. She lowered her hand from where it had been itching her neck for at least five minutes straight. The marks it made glowered a seething pink in the open air.

  “Yes.” She said again.

  “Joan has fleas,” Anne said helpfully. 

  “I do not have fleas.” Joan growled as she scratched behind one of her ears like an itchy dog. 

She didn’t have fleas, but there was something under her skin, making its home in her body. She wanted to claw her flesh open and rip it out, and such a lust for that violent alternative scared her.

------

Thursday. 

Fangs are growing in over the teeth that are already there—flat teeth, normal teeth. Those have to go. 

Her joints ache from kneeling on the cold hardwood floor of her bedroom; even the thin cloth of her pajamas dress did not dispel the chill.

The scales don’t come in right, growing into her skin, itching and scratching. She raked her long, hooked nails over her ribs until she ripped her shirt and drew blood and pus.

Feathers bristled beneath her flesh, as itchy as the scales.

There are bruises on her wrists and wasted biceps, purple and yellow. No fault of anybody- her skin has become so delicate that even the gentlest bump against a surface left a mark.

Fever chills, seizures, blood from her bitten tongue, staining her blankets and drying in a crusty mess on her face.

She hid in her room and told the director over the phone with the most human voice she could muster that she would not be turning up to work that day.

———

Friday.

After the show, everyone got out of the theater as quick as possible to get to the dinner they all had planned. Howard lingered behind for a few minutes to find something she had left, which allowed her to see the one other person still remaining inside the building.

Joan leaning against the wall with her head pressed firmly against its surface, eyes squeezed shut. Her ears were pinned back against her scalp and the feathers on her tightly folded wings were broken, messy, and in disarray. Most of the green-blue color, which usually looked quite beautiful, was splotched with baby down and ugly fledge feathers. Her chest plumage looked a lot patchier than usual.

  “Joan?” Howard circled around in front of the girl, keeping her own wings tucked in close. If this was Drop Feather, then she certainly didn’t want to touch Joan. “Are you alright?”

No answer besides a tiny twitch of one of Joan’s ears.

  “Joan? Love? Can you hear me?”

Howard noticed that Joan’s cheeks have an odd color tinting them. She also noticed her eyes are kind of glassy when she pried them open and she’s…hot. Like, fever hot. Howard bent closer and set her hands on the girl’s shoulders to steady her, and she could feel her shaking slightly. Joan opened her mouth and panted like a tired animal, and her teeth looked really sharp. Glinting.

Joan reached out and gripped her arms for some kind of grounding, and her nails started tearing her sleeves. 

  “I think something is wrong with me,” Is what Joan whispered hoarsely right before she went unconscious in Howard’s arms.

------

There’s an unconscious girl in Howard’s bed and claw marks on her neck and back.

The rumbling, fire breathing sky was pouring out rain, and the wind was howling as if the city was falling beneath its elemental talons. Raindrops that had to be as big as oranges pattered against Howard’s bedroom windows loudly, making her worry that they may break, but she quickly turned her attention to the bigger issue at hand. 

Joan looked like death itself. Her skin was paler than usual, except for her cheeks, which were dark red from fever. Her face was soaked in sweat, plastering tendrils of damp white-blonde hair to her forehead. She was breathing harshly and blinking her eyes rapidly, fighting to keep away black spots from her vision—or maybe it was to keep back tears. 

  “Joan, can you hear me?” Howard called out. She sat down on the side of the bed, carefully brushed back Joan’s sweaty bangs, and placed a wet cloth on her forehead. Doing so elicited a small noise of relief through grinding breaths and feeble whimpers. “What happened to you?”

  “I don’t--I don’t know,” Joan panted. Her eyelids fluttered shut for a moment, but she forced them back open. “I-I’m sorry--”

  “Shh, shh,” Howard shushed her. “It’s okay, sweetheart. No need to apologize. I’m not mad.” She tentatively reached out and rubbed behind one of Joan’s ears, earning a hoarse sigh of contentment. “I think you may be molting, honey. But since you’re a hybrid, your body doesn’t really know what to do with all the different genes. The old feathers and scales still hanging on could be making you feel ill.”

  “Oh,” Joan whispered. “Wh-what do I do?”

  “I’ll give your wings a nice brushing,” Howard said. “Then, if you’re up to it, maybe you can take a shower to try and wash any old scales off. The hot water may help.”

Joan nodded. “Thank you, Katherine…”

Howard smiled warmly. “No problem, sweetheart.”

But there was a problem. Two hours later when Howard was cooking dinner for herself and Joan, since they had both missed the plans with the others, and Howard heard heavy thumping coming from her shared bedroom with Anne. When she ran in there, she found that the window was wide open and Joan was nowhere to be seen.

Howard flew after the girl immediately, beating her wings through the rain and swooping low over the ground until she finally found her.

Joan was over a pigeon she had apparently killed, the smell of its blood and flesh and guts a putrid perfume. What exactly did Joan think she was doing? Her jaws ripped at the feathers covering the body, its insides exposed to the cooling rain that continued to drench their bodies.

  “Do you know what you’re doing? Don’t you dare!” Howard yelled, running up to her.

Joan turned and, lowered on her legs, growled insanely at her figure. She spread her wings like an owl did when it was angry, ruffling her feathers, and Howard halted mid-step, backing away a few paces. The girl had become deranged or something. Her eyes said that alone--glazed and wide and blown way out of focus.

Then, Howard realized, this all may have been caused by Joan’s conflicting instincts as well. Being a hybrid didn’t just make molting difficult, it made the emotions that came with molting difficult, too.

  “Stop that right now! You’re not like this! This isn’t you!”

Joan ignored her presence and dug her mouth back into the flesh. She tore at all her shard dragon teeth and bat fangs could reach, feasting upon the dead bird with a passion that scared Howard. How would she ever….

  “Joan, do you understand what you’re doing? You have to stop right now. If you don’t, you’ll just be a monster, just like the one people saw your kind is.”

Howard didn’t mean for her words to come out like shards of glass, but maybe the harshness of her tone would make Joan realize what exactly she was scarfing down and bring back her regular avian mind.

It didn’t.

No, instead, Joan snarled like a wild dog with rabies. She flexed her claws in the dirt before rising up to her feet. She may have been scrawny and shorter than Howard, but with her feathers all puffed up and her mouth covered in blood, she was quite intimidating. Even in the dull, grey lighting of the rainstorm, her eyes still glinted with the ferocity and hunger of a feral beast.

For a long moment Howard wondered who she was even looking at anymore. Was that Joan? Or was it the mutated beast? Had she lost herself to the creature within? It seemed that way, with her claws primed for blood and her jaws dripping with gore.

And yet? She held out her hand. She held back a flinch as blood dripped to her fingers and palm, held tight Joan tight to her body even when she thought she would be eviscerated for it. She held Joan’s face, held her breath, and held tight to all the courage she could muster.

The mutant she was clinging onto let out a long, inhuman snarl that vibrated Howard’s rib cage as she was pressed against the thing. Hooked, barbed black claws raised up and hovered mere inches away from her back. She felt blood and drool and maybe some foam drip onto her head and run in gooey trails down the back of her neck.

Her neck.

Fear poured through Howard when she realized how easy it would be for her to meet the same fate from her first life, but she did not let go.

The deadly talons flexed, just barely tore the fabric of her shirt, and then fell down limply to the mutant’s side.

Joan, and Howard was sure now that it was still Joan, pressed her head to Howard’s chest, horns bumping into her collarbone, flicking her ears back and then drooping them in a deeply anguished gesture. Her wings fold in tightly to her back and her feathers resettle. 

Howard gently stroked one of her quivering hands over the top of Joan’s head. She murmured to her softly and it doesn’t matter how softly she spoke because she knows Joan will always hear her.

For a long time, avian and mutated stayed tangled in an embrace. 

  “Are you all right?” Howard finally asked. The rain is beginning to lessen its brutality as it lashed against their bodies.

Joan did not respond. Instead, her face became rather pale, which was impressive given that she was already ghost white. More concerned than curious, Howard raised a hand as if to draw her attention up to her eye level. However, in that moment, Joan buckled to the opposite side, a line of vomit splattering from her lips. She sank to her knees, clutching her stomach. As she rocked herself, Howard placed a hand against her forehead.

  “I’m not feeling that great,” Joan gurgled through cringing lips.

  “Oh, sweetie. You’re not kidding.” Howard said, “Must have been...”

She stopped because Joan retched again, so she most likely didn’t want to be reminded of what exactly she had done in her feral instinct state. It didn’t help that her mouth and hands were still wet with blood, gore, and goop from marred pigeon. Joan vomited once more.

  “I’m just gonna...sit here for a moment.” She panted.

  “That’s alright.” Howard assured her, rubbing her back and quickly pulling her messy hair out of the way. “It’s okay, honey, it’s okay. Just get it out.”

She was trying. She was trying really hard but it came to a point where her body felt like it didn’t need to throw up anymore and was ready to start feeling normal again. But she wasn’t ready. She became so desperate to purge the bird flesh from her stomach that she shoved her claws down her throat just to make herself vomit again.

  “Joan!”

Howard grabbed both of her wrists. Joan was crying, struggling to breathe over an oncoming panic attack that’s taking over her mind, just like the instincts had.

  “It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s okay. It’s over now. Nobody is going to hurt you, I promise.”

Joan whimpered and shook her head as tears spilled over.

  “Other people aren’t going to be the ones doing the hurting.”

Howard stared at her in disbelief as she sobbed below her.

  “It’s like I was hallucinating,” Joan started softly, “I couldn’t control myself anymore. I smelled meat and thought I saw something, so I went after it. Howard, I was hunting it.”

Joan put her head in her hands and shook it miserably. Her ears drooped and she wrapped her wings around herself to hide her body.

  “Oh god, Katherine, I’m a monster. Just like everyone says!”

  “Don’t say that.” Howard said firmly, “You are not a monster.”

  “I chased the people I thought I saw,” Joan whispered hoarsely, “I chased them to the ends of this city and they ran from me. They were scared of me.”

  “You won’t be like that.” Howard assured her. “It’s alright. I promise. It was just your instincts, sweetie. It’s happened to Bessie before.”

  “No,” Joan croaked, shaking her head. “No, no it’s…s’not alright, is it? For you to be--”

  “Joan, honey,” Howard interrupted softly with a sigh.

Howard cupped Joan’s cheeks and the poor thing flinched, like she thought her neck was going to be snapped. Instead, Howard lifted her chin until the girl made eye contact with her.

  “Whatever you’re going to say, save it.” She said. “There’s no use, because you’re not going to get rid of me.”

  “But--”

  “But nothing.” Howard stopped her. “If you think this is going to be the defining factor that ends our friendship, then you must be crazy.”

Joan blinked up at her, eyes sparkling. “I-I…” Her words caught in her throat for a moment. “I’m your friend?”

Howard’s heart simultaneously broke and melted. “Of course, sweetheart!” She said, sliding a hand back to scratch behind one of Joan’s ears. Joan cooed happily and leaned into her touch. “Of course we’re friends!”

  “I’m--I’m happy that we are,” Joan said shyly.

The little hybrid curled against Howard, nuzzling into her like she was her mother bird. Howard smiled down at her, wrapping her up in her fluffy wings.

  “We’ll get through this, Joan. I promise.”

  “I’m just-- I’m so glad you’re okay,” Joan whispered. “I don’t know what I’d do if I--”

  “It’s not going to happen,” Howard answered definitely. “I’m okay and you’re going to be okay too, darling. You’ll see.”

Maybe, just maybe, one day Joan would be able to see herself the same way Howard saw her. But for now, with the help of Aragon, who would surely want to pitch in once she was told about the incident, the best thing that could be done with Joan was to raise her right and teach her about her mutated body, since nobody else seemed to ever care enough to do so. Starting with molting.

[mirror-juliet]

~Searching For Soulmates~ Park Seonghwa X Male Reader

Requested by Jax on tumblr.

Since there isn't a lot of male readers that read my things (To my knowlege) I decided to make this one special by using Jax's name, the one who requested this. I hope you enjoy it bub.

Tagging: @themainineveruse @atinybrew @vocalyunho @hongjoongs-hoe​

Love story's are so over-written these days. So hard to write about. They say write the unexpected, but everyone's already done the unexpected. If you write it wrong, nothing will become of it. If you excel in writing the impossible-you are praised beyond belief. Unexpected love story's are impossible. Most story's are Frankensteins of other stories, stitched together by a dream and desperation. But the well known authors dreamt those dreams before you could write them. You'd just be copying them if you made a story close to the lines of theirs, if the two characters hate eachother, or if they don't know eachother. Who's to say you didn't dream those dreams first, And why wont the world let you dream those dreams more than once. Aren't dreams supposed to be eternal. An extension of our thoughts, how can someones thoughts be wrong. There is no right way to think, it isn't a math formula with a set outcome. So why have people decided that we must think in a set algorithm?

The world's too busy thinking about their own love theory to worry about a simple love story written for a college literature class. Only the teacher would read it, so why's Jaxson stressing about it so much? There are set outcomes to what grade he'll get so it doesn't really matter how he writes the report.

"Here's your Pomegranate potion, Weirdo. You come to a coffee shop and order tea." Maggie, Jaxon's favorite barista and best friend since they were younger ruffles his hair. "You're the one who dragged me here today. I could have finished my report at home."

"There was no way i was going to let you stay cooped up in that apartment one more day. It's a lovely atmosphere here," She's not wrong about the atmosphere, it has the right amount of teenager swag mixed with an almost professional look. "Plus if you get bored you can entertain yourself by watching me train the new guy." Jaxson pays close attention to Maggie now

"That's today?.. And you are going to be the one to train him? Lord help this shop now." Maggie attempts to wack Jaxson upside the head, but he's too fast for her tiny fist of rage "That isn't funny Jax. I'm a good trainer, After all i was trained by the glorious booknerd that is you." She bows and holds her hand out gesturing to him. The boy wonders why he's friends with such a weirdo in the first place, but he supposes it's because he acts just like her. "What was he like, the new guy. Do you know?"

"You could always ask me what i'm like, pretty boy." Jaxson freezes in place, fear painting him as he watches Maggie wear the most shit-eating grin of the century. "Seonghwa, it's nice to see you again. This is Jax, he's off today but he's one of the workers here. Jax meet Seonghwa." Jaxson turns to greet Seonghwa, But holy God's why did he have to call him pretty boy? He's the pretty boy for gods sake! "You were talking up a storm just a moment ago, what happened; Cat got your tongue?" Curse him for having such a beautiful face because Jaxson does nothing but stare and hold his mouth agape! Seonghwa chuckles and goes behind the counter next to Maggie. "When do i start coach?"

Jesus his smile is pretty and he knows it. Jaxson watches him roll up his sleeves into uniform cuffs, his forearms are way too toned for his good, his tan skin extenuates them so much. Despite how good looking he is, he is quite clumsy with the espresso machine. It's expected since he explained to Maggie "I don't like bitter things so I've never used one of these." He has coffee grinds all over his apron and at the bottom of his white shirt. Jaxson had given up working on his report to examine Seonghwha and his arms. Both of them were covered in tattoo's, he cant help but wonder if one of them are perhaps his soul-mark he tries to hide in the cluster of ink. Maggie never tried to hide her mark, though it did look quite odd to only have the veins of butterfly wings on her cheek. Her soulmate, Yeosang did try to cover his up. It looked like 'an unattractive pink blob' in his opinion. Though, Maggie thought it looked cute in pictures, when they kissed for the first time, their marks melded into one. Now Maggie spends most of her weekends looking for Jaxson's soulmate even though he's made it very obvious he doesn't want to find them. After searching forever, he got tired and was convinced that his soulmate had either not existed or died before he had ever met them.

"Seonghwa you'll be okay, i'm just leaving you to make some of these for lunch hour. You're doing much better than an hour ago." Maggie sings sweet words to Seonghwa who seems to be shaking like a leaf in the wind. "I don't think i should make anything for anyone to consume."

"Okay, make Jaxson something and then prove me wrong. If he decides it's too horrible then he'll take your place for the day and we'll train you more."

"Why do you have to drag me into this?" Jaxson groans, he was enjoying his day off-well, not really; But Maggie doesn't know that! Then again, she probably does given the knowing look on her face. After a few minutes of a silent stare match between the two he gives in. "Make me an iced americano." The tan color leaves Seonghwa's face as Maggie leans against the counter, leaving him all alone with the coffee maker and his wits (Which arent a lot when it comes to the machine). His toned arms are clumsy with everything, making a much bigger mess than needed, Jaxson could have sworn everytime something got dirty Seonghwa cringed. After five minutes of entertainment Seonghwa Shakily sets the drink in front of Jaxson. "Whats wrong newbie, see a ghost?" Seonghwa glares at that, upset his own joke was used against him. In retaliation he mutters something under his breath that Maggie nor Jax can quite make out.

He takes the drink and puts it to his lips, only having it on his tastebuds for mm, less than two seconds before spitting it back in the cup. He wipes his mouth and grabs his things. "I'll be back out in a minute. Don't let him near customers." Seonghwa watches Jaxson walk into the employees lounge and come back out in uniform, buttoning his sleeves up and shoving his way behind the bar. "I want you to clear off tables, you'll have to move fast because this place gets packed in about fifteen minutes." But Seonghwa isn't moving, Only staring down at the shorter male. "What?" Jax's getting impatient as he's wasting time standing around when he could be preparing for the forty people he's going to have to deal with for the next two hours.

"Can i take you on a date?" Maggie drops the cup she's holding, hot espresso now on her new martins, the only thing saving her from burns. "What?" Is all Jaxson says because Seonghwa's hot! This is a manga scenario that only happens every blood moon, no love story has ever prepared him for this moment because any situation in a manga would never be accepted by society. And what't the point? Whats the point of dating someone that isn't your soulmate? "Go clean tables please."

The three of them don't talk about the situation the rest of the day, only trading words to explain an order or if they need to wash more mugs. But they do watch eachother. Seonghwa watches Jaxson make coffee and tea at an alarming rate, Jaxson watches Seonghwa clean tables with so much care; never leaving a cup ring. And Maggie watches the tension in the room between the two grow it's like candy burning to the side of a pot. Sickening but sweet. At the end of lunch rush, it's nearly time for the quaint little coffee shop to close it's eyes for a good night's rest. You think for how many people visit it, it would stay open longer than Three pm.

Yeosang came to pick up Maggie for their date night leaving Jaxson to close at the shop. That isn't the plan tonight because for the love of Hade's Jaxson cant figure out why the manager decided to hire Seonghwa other than his looks. Every drink he's had Seonghwa make in the past thirty minutes he has managed to burn or fuck up magically somehow. "Why is making coffee so hard?" The tall man groans out, backing against the counter away from the machine. "It really isn't. You've just added way too many steps to it. Here hang on." Jaxson grabs a fresh cup and starts up the machine once again. The poor thing might be overused by tomorrow.

It's crazy how simple Jaxson makes it look to Seonghwa, not only that but how elegant he is while doing it. His fingers flip switches effortlessly, pouring the milk into a beautiful leaf shape he's convinced the shorter man shouldn't be able to make. But he almost does it with his eyes closed. Seonghwa should be able to make designs like that- "What?" He says, realizing Jaxson must have asked him a question given the quizzical look on his face.

Jaxson's laugh is pretty, Seonghwa decides. It's just the right amount of baritone with the ever so slightest bit of soprano. "I'm telling you to take the coffee so you can see what it's supposed to taste like."

"Aren't we supposed to be teaching me how to make this instead of drink it?" Jax jumps to sit on the counter, taking his own teacup in his hands. "I needed a break and the machine is making sad noises, so here we are. Go on, taste perfection." Jaxson's cocky words brink an obnoxious smirk to the older's lips. Because there's no way his coffee is that good.

But it is

Seonghwa isn't one for bitter taste, hell he doesn't like coffee. But the cup Jaxson handed to him it seems he's refusing to put down. "Woah, woah. You're gonna give yourself a stomach ache." Said boy causing concern hops down to drag the cup away from him. "I'm sorry, i didn't think you had to drink it slow." A pinkish hue covers Seonghwa's neck. "I don't like coffee usually...." He trails off.

"Seonghwa." Jaxson's voice is gentle, Seonghwa wonders if he's gotten sad somehow. "Why are you working here? You don't like Coffee and you absolutely suck dick at making it. So why?" Jax hops on the counter once again and Seonghwa has to avert his eyes from the smaller male, intrusive thoughts invading his head. He shakes his head hoping to get rid of the thought like an etch and sketch. Anywhere but his eyes is better, does he not think before talking? Seonghwa thinks. "I, like most people in the world need money. This quaint little coffee shop so happened to be the only one hiring. So i had to get it before i ran out of money for rent. Why are you working here?" A question for a question, fair enough right? "I like the aesthetic of this place, it's calming to me. And it pays fairly well." The two sit in silence, sipping their respective drinks, only sharing glances at one another.

"Say whats on your mind pretty boy, You've been looking at me with a question in your eyes." Seonghwa smirks, only making Jaxson blush harder from the nickname. God he wished Seonghwa would use a different name. "Sorry. I was just wondering where you used to work before here. "

"I worked in a tattoo shop." He crosses his arms, the drink from before long since drained. "It was a pretty good gig too, i was the only apprentice that was allowed to work on people, plus i got half off tattoo's...if i let them do it drunk." Seonghwa looks up into the air, a meloncholy smile on his face. "It was the best job of my life."

"Can i ask you another question, if you don't mind." He lets out an approving sound, not bothering to look down. "If you were so happy....Why leave?" Jax realizes he's touched a soft spot when Seonghwa looks back at him, his eyes are hurting, hidden behind a small smile. "Aren't you just a nosy little one." He takes a deep breath "The old man that owned the shop passed, it was taken over by his daughter. She decided to turn it into a hair salon, kicking everyone that worked there out of a job. It was quite selfish of her, don't you think?"

Jaxson nods his head, wondering what it must have felt like to suddenly loose a friend and a means of living. Suddenly the cup of cold tea is more intriguing than the saddened face of Seonghwa. "My turn~" Said man sings out, tipping Jaxson's head up with his finger. "When can i take you out on a date?"

"O-oh, you were serious about that......."

"Why wouldn't i be?" Jax pulls away from him, hopping down to begin cleaning dishes. "Because i don't like dates." Seonghwa takes the cup out of his hand. "So, don't think of it as a date. Think it as if were just a couple of friends hanging out for an afternoon." A sarcastic chuckle leaves Jax's lips. "But it's still a date."

"Will you at least give it a shot? If you don't enjoy yourself in the first fifteen minutes i'll even take you home." Both of them stop movement, Jaxson wondering why Seonghwa is so hellbent on getting him to go on a date. "Fine. Only fifteen minutes, where will you be taking me?" Jax snatches the mug back from Seonghwa. "That." He pokes Jaxson's nose "Is for me to know and you to find out, tomorrow at two?"

"If you mean a.m. then hell no."

***********

Seonghwa had in fact not meant two am, but precisely when the autumn's sun hits Jaxson's glasses just right to blind him. Where even was Seonghwa? He had told Jaxson to meet him in front of the Cafe five minutes early just in case he got there before.

He hadn't.

He hadn't shown up the first five minutes after the intended meet time. Where the hell was he? Turning the corner onto the Cafe street, the loud motorcycle that was annoying Jax approached in front of the Cafe. Only once the rider pulled off his helmet did he realize Seonghwa was the knight under the mask. A knight wearing a leather jacket to reveal a blue floral shirt tucked into black skinny jeans with no chains this time. Instead he's swapped them out for makeup smudged onto his face, making him seem even more attractive than he already is. "You expect me to get on that? Wearing this." He motions to his outfit, denim jeans, a striped sweater and sneakers. Obviously not appropriate apparel for a Motorcycle. "You'll be fine pretty boy. Hop on." Seonghwa pats the seat behind him, pulling out a second helmet. "The five minutes i spent waiting count against your time."

"The ride doesn't though, Deal?"

Jaxson wishes the ride would have counted against Seonghwa, they've been driving for the past thirty minutes on the highway. He swears Seonghwa's speeding on purpose for Jax to have to cling onto his torso so the small boy wouldn't fly off the bike. Once the bike ride was finally starting to be bearable, it stops. "We here?" A chuckle from Seonghwa. "Do you think i stopped here for gas?" It's an aquarium, It could be worse, it could be a movie theater. "C'mon, i wanna show you a lot here."

A lot he did show Jaxson, from river bass to sharks in a dive tank. He even payed for the extra experiences like holding hermit crabs or feeding the sea turtle from a pole. Jaxson has to admit, he is having fun; he didn't leave two hours ago when the fifteen minutes were up. "Oh, c'mon we're at the touch tank!" Seonghwa Pulls Jaxson through sliding doors to a room with quite a large touch tank in the middle. In it are stingrays of all sizes. He leaves momentarily to come back with two small cups of something foul smelling. "We can feed them by hand." Seonghwa hands the cup of sardines to Jaxson, not waiting for him to grab one before taking off his jacket and rolling up his sleeves. "Just put it between your knuckles, their teeth are on their bellies so don't be afraid."

Easy for him to say as he seems to have no fear towards the slimy sea pancakes, his arm is already submerged past his elbow, getting his rolled up sleeve wet. "This big one i named Calvin. Say hi Calvin." The large stingray swims on the bottom to take the fish from his human friend. He even lets Seonghwa give him rubs and pit pats. It's quite cute to see him acting so young and happy. "Well go on, the worst that can happen is one of them tickle you."

Jaxson mustered up the courage to roll up his sleeves, only dipping his hand about forearm deep. Shortly a small sea pancake fly's over and goes straight for the fish. Thanking the boy by flapping his wings against his arm. More cute giggles coming from Seonghwa. The more fish he goes through, Jaxon finds himself moving closer and closer to Seonghwa. Eventually the two are brushing hands, Seonghwa startles him by grabbing ahold of it. "If you wanted to hold hands you could have asked." He smiles, not one of shitery or mockery. But a genuine smile, directed at Jaxson.

A warm tingle pricks both of their arms, on the verge of being hot. "Look." Jaxson points to their interlocked arms. A white snake being engraved into the knot of his black snake. The opposite of Seonghwa. He freaks out and pulls his arm out of the water to inspect the new tattoo. "Wha-"

"Mommy Mommy look! They got their soul-mark!" A little girl bounces next to them, pulling on her mother's arm. "Is that what this is?"

"It looks like it." Seonghwa hands a paper towel to the smaller of them. "Wanna go get dinner?" It took some convincing but Jax finally agreed to go to dinner, there they talked about what it meant, and how Jaxson could have possibly missed the white snake in the cluster of Seonghwa's tattoo's. It is the only white tattoo he has after all.

A/N: This feels kinda bad compared to my other works but my friend who read it over says it quite nice. (They prefer to remain anon) Jax bub i hope you liked this. I had some troubles making it but i think it's okay. Remember to like and reblog if you're reading this on tumlr