#but then fandom kinda took it and flew with it. so now its more of just a way to say that ur down bad LMAO

[chocymilksailor]

i love being fictional but in real life actually. like my identity being inherently rooted in """fiction""" and yet boom here i am . a fictional creatura. an embodiment of having passed thru many existences that many would consider fictional. oooooooooooo the bleed between reality and fiction. anyway

[actress4him]

For Bad Things Happen: could you please do Keith strapped to an operating table with Shiro coming to rescue him? (Ironically the opposite of what happened in canon 😆)

Sure thing! I enjoyed this one, though I wrote the last bit with a fever so I’m hoping it makes sense and the quality didn’t drop.

@badthingshappenbingo

Fandom: Voltron: Legendary Defender

Prompt: Strapped to an Operating Table

Warnings: human experimentation, noncon body modification, non-graphic amputation, non-graphic mouth whump, emeto, blood mention, death mention, threatened eye whump but nothing actually happens, needles

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The first few times, Keith fought against the restraints. Growled at the Druids that stuck needles in him and pulsed magic through his veins. Screamed his anger to disguise his fear, despite the fact that no one listened or cared.

That changed after the first surgery.

When they took his arm, a bit of his defiance went with it. He didn’t have the energy to fight so hard anymore. After all, it had been days with no sign of anyone coming for him, and now there was this thing attached to him that he refused to acknowledge as his own.

He didn’t know how Shiro did it. How he just...accepted something of hers being part of his body. Used it like it was nothing, like it had always been there. Like it hadn’t been crafted specifically for him by the witch who took pleasure in torturing him.

As the experiments dragged on, he still snapped his teeth at any fingers that strayed too close to his face. Still glared his hatred at the emotionless masks that hovered over him.

But he remained silent. Stoic. Stopped rubbing deep rivets into his wrists and ankles, pulling on metal straps that had no give. Haggar noticed the change, smirked that infuriating smirk and commented on how much better behaved he was.

He couldn’t fight anymore, but he wouldn’t let them see how he was crumbling to pieces inside. Only once he was returned to his cell did he allow himself to curl into a ball, metal arm laying out as far away from his body as possible, and let his thoughts run wild.

Why haven’t they come for me?

They’re not coming for me.

They shouldn’t come for me.

I don’t want them to endanger themselves.

I can’t keep doing this.

I want to go home.

The second major procedure wasn’t quite as bad as the first, though when the choices were ‘amputation without meds’ versus ‘teeth removal without meds’ it wasn’t really something he wanted to dwell on comparing.

A metal contraption was shoved into his mouth, the crank on it turned until his jaw was forced wide open, and Haggar herself took out both his upper canines and replaced them with what he’d find out later were fangs. She tended to lurk in the background while her Druids carried out the tests from day to day, but she took over the major stuff herself. Keith wasn’t sure what was worse, having to stare at the Druid’s masks, or at her ugly face. At least with the Druids he couldn’t tell that they were actually enjoying the whole thing.

And he didn’t have to worry about her seeing when a few tears slipped down to his temples.

That night in his cell he accidentally bit his tongue, his lip, then his tongue again with the sharp new fangs. He wanted to scream, wanted to rip them out with his bare hands, but he was too much of a coward to go through that pain again. She was turning him into something he didn’t want to be. She was making him look like...like them, like a monster, like the half of his biology that had enslaved and murdered so many people, the half that he tried so hard to pretend didn’t exist.

What will Shiro and the others think when they see me again? Will they even recognize me by the time she’s done with me?

Are they even coming?

It’s been so long. Has to have been over a week, at least.

Maybe it really is better if they don’t come at all.

The next experiment they ran made him violently ill. He really couldn’t afford to lose any of the sparse food they gave him, he’d already lost so much weight. The only good news was that they were forced to cut the testing short that day, dumping him back into his barren cell to fend for himself.

He was so tired. Tired of being there. Tired of being poked and prodded and cut and changed. His body was flagging, all of the substances they’d injected him with and the blood he’d continuously lost taking its toll.

He wasn’t sure how much longer he was going to last. If the team was coming...they might be too late.

After that day of puking his guts out, he no longer even had the energy to glare or snap. He let them drag him to the lab, shove him onto the table, and pin him down with all the many restraints without so much as a sound, and stared up at the ceiling doing his best to ignore what was being done to him. All of his fighting now went into keeping the tears he could feel burning his eyelids from escaping.

Shiro...I’m sorry. I tried to stay strong. You should...you should just forget about me.

More time passed. By Keith’s best guess it had been a few weeks since he’d been captured, but he’d kinda stopped bothering to count. They strapped him down to the table again, and he didn’t even really care until Haggar appeared above him.

She was going to take something else from him.

How much more, until he was no longer himself at all?

“Such unusual eyes,” she croaked, dragging a far too sharp fingernail across his cheekbone. “More advanced than Champion’s, for sure, but still nothing like they could be.”

Dread crawled up Keith’s throat and stuck there, making it difficult to breathe. “No,” he whispered. “No, please, don’t…”

A smile lit up her face. “Ah, he finally begs. I’ve been wondering what it would take.”

He didn’t even care anymore. “Please don’t take my eyes, please.”

“Oh, don’t worry.” She turned to the side, busying herself with tools. “I’m only taking one for now.”

He was gonna be sick. Panic blared in his mind, burning his chest and throat and eyes...his eyes, his eyes. He’d never really liked them all that much. They were a weird color, not normal, an outer indication of how different he had always felt.

But he didn’t want them to be taken. He was...he was gonna end up looking like Sendak, wasn’t he? The thought only increased the pressing nausea.

He turned his head to the side, sure he was about to throw up, when an alarm began wailing out in the corridor. Red lights flashed overhead, and he squinted against them, confusion taking over his panic. Haggar and the Druids suddenly hurtled into motion, snatching up tools and gathering around the table, but their frenzy was interrupted by the door slamming open and more people pouring inside.

The next few moments were chaotic. Keith couldn’t lift up his head enough to see what was going on, but he heard the familiar enough sounds of fighting and dared to hope. That this was finally over, that someone had come for him, that he wouldn’t have to lose anything else, after all.

“Stop!” Haggar screeched. Her hand fisted in his hair, and his breath caught. “You really don’t want me to inject this into your precious Paladin. You see, I’ve been saving this for a later experiment.” A sharp point grazed the side of his neck. “Pure quintessence. What will it do to him? Even I don’t know. Quintessence is a tricky thing. I’m hoping it will bring out more of his superior lineage. But it could very well turn him feral.”

“Haggar. Don’t.”

That was Shiro. Shiro. He was really there!

“Then drop your weapons,” she hissed.

No. He was so close, so close! “Sh-shiro, please…”

“It’s okay, Keith. It’s gonna be okay.”

The silence was so thick that he could hear Shiro’s arm power down, hear two different bayards return to neutral and clatter quietly to the floor. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing the tears to stay put.

The crack of a gun split the air.

Keith’s eyes flew back open, but he barely saw Haggar jolt and disappear through the sudden pain stabbing through his neck. He screamed, and he didn’t know how much of it was from pain and how much from fear.

Shiro materialized over him, and he would have laughed aloud from relief if he hadn’t been shaking so hard. “Hey bud, it’s okay. You’re okay now.”

“N-no, no, get away, get back, get away from me. You can’t…” Keith sobbed. “I don’t wanna hurt you, you have to leave me.”

“We’re not leaving you,” Shiro replied firmly. “Look.” Gently, telegraphing his movements, he reached for the syringe and pulled it out of Keith’s neck, eliciting a whimper. Then he held it up for him to see the golden liquid. “She didn’t get to actually depress it, see? You’re good. You’re safe.”

Safe. A feeling that he’d never thought he’d have again. Shiro was here, running his hand through his greasy hair, and the others were cutting through the restraints, and it was over.

Except that it never really, truly would be. “Shiro, she...she…”

“I know.” He pointedly didn’t look at the arm and the teeth, but they were there on display for everyone to see. “It’s gonna be okay. We’re gonna get through this, okay? Together.”

He was free now. No more metal restraints. No more Druids or Haggar. Shiro gathered him up into a huge hug, and it was the best thing he had ever felt in his life.

“Okay,” he whispered, tears running down his cheeks and the front of Shiro’s armor. “Together.”

——————————

Instructions for requesting a square here!

[unholyplumpprincess]

Speak Up

A commission for @mintocchi ! Thank you so very much for your patience while I moved everything around :D

Summary: You and Crypto have been in a relationship for awhile now, and he's still got issues when trying to speak up for things that he wants. You always try to get him to voice his opinions and concerns, and somehow this leads to training him how via the bedroom. Or! In which Crypto needs to learn to stop being an actions over words guy or else you'll make him beg over and over again for what he wants.

Reblogs > Likes. Please Reblog if you hit Like :D

!!!Minors and ageless blogs dni or you will be blocked!!!

Fandom: Apex Legends

Relationship: Crypto/Reader

Warnings: R18+/NSFT, Reader is gender neutral and written with a vulva, they were originally supposed to be a cis gal but there’s no real language depicting them as strictly a gal!, Denial and forcing Crypto to beg and use his big boy words, P tame kink wise!

Words: 5k

___________________

Starstruck. 

That’s how you had first felt when you had met Crypto. 

You were a new camera operator on the set of the Apex games, someone who got all the good angles and made sure the drone cameras could really catch all the action. You’d met him the same season he’d been introduced, noting how he’d been cold and disregarding, yet appeared confident in himself. But his eyes, they’d been so...paranoid. Especially when you approached to introduce yourself as one of the camera operators. 

He’d regarded you with a short, quick nod. Odd, you’d thought. But that had quickly vanished when Elliott had taken you aside and chatted you up, an arm slung around your shoulder and a grin on his face. “Hey, don’t mind the kid, probably still jet lagged, dropships, bein’ legends and all- anyway sooooo I hear you operate those cameras now, huh? Make sure you get all my good angles- not that any of them are bad, just, you know, keep that attention on the money maker you feel me? The money maker being me, of course-” 

~Rest under the cut~

“Mirage.” Crypto’s voice had cut in between you two, watching as you both had turned and you could note his irritated look at Elliott before a much more apologetic one was glanced your way. “Apologies. He does not understand personal boundaries-” 

Elliott feigns a dramatic gasp, cutting Crypto off with his free hand against his own chest as if wounded. 

You stifle your laugh when Elliott keeps up the act, sputtering before pointing at Crypto accusingly. “Woah, woah, woah, I’ll have you know that I know this lovely thing. Used to be the tech head up iiiiiiin- audio, right?” He turns towards you after that, squeezing his arm around your shoulders in a friendly way as you beam at being remembered. 

“That’s right! I was actually hoping to speak to you, Crypto,” You gesture at him, noting Crypto’s light surprise of raised eyebrows before confusion and worry passes his features. Quick to overthink, huh? 

You’re quick to follow up to ease his possible fears. “N-not! Not as an employee, I mean, I just- your, uh, your drone. They kinda remind me of an old camera used back in the day and I was wondering if you had any tips or tricks I might be able to pick up on?” 

That’s what started the relationship in the first place. Crypto, that day, had offered merely a one shouldered shrug, but after Mirage giving him a look and whining to him like a puppy, he’d agreed. Resulting in you having your own private session with him as he helped you learn a few tips. You were already trained in operating the newer models, but having a few pointers never hurt. 

The entire time he’d asked questions about you, it almost felt like he was interrogating you rather than trying to start up curious small talk. But, to ease any fears he might have had about you having ulterior motives, you answered as honestly as possible to each one. Judging by his more paranoid nature, you didn’t ask any in turn for fear of him shying away. 

The least you wanted to do was make Crypto feel as though you were untrustworthy. 

As you two grew closer, the more relaxed he became around you. No more tips were to be given, so that excuse flew out the window, so you’d offered hang outs. It took a few tries until he finally mumbled he’d feel more comfortable in his room, which is where you two ended up being and you learned he had a sweet little cat named Isabella-Marie. 

You had smiled at her name, asking where he got the idea from, and he’d smiled softly- almost sadly when he’d said she was his sister’s cat he took in, but no more information. Said cat took to you nicely, and just as she had, Crypto started warming up to you as well. 

It was a slow, slow process. You took your time with him and learned that the personality he put on was nothing but a front. Something to keep more hidden. In private, he’s so soft, almost shy in his approach to you. He’s still got his sarcastic tongue, but he’s more playful when in private with you. Much like a cat. You see him opening up the slightest bit to people he’s starting to enjoy too- Elliott and Natalie both seem to have won some sort of favor with him. 

That friendship slowly worked its way into romantic. 

The first time you kissed him is with your hand cupping his cheek and his cheeks flushed red as his dark eyes flickered to your lips multiple times until you took initiative. It took a bit of coaxing to even get him to rest his hands on your waist, but once that had happened, it’s like he’d been so touch starved all his life. Clinging to you and sighing into your mouth as if he’d just sunken into bed after a long day. 

His need for touch didn’t surprise you considering when you offered hugs and snuggles that he’d melt into you and cling to you so tightly. Your height difference, with you being much shorter, made that kind of funny when he’d lean down to bury his face in your neck and you’d stand on your tiptoes to make it easier. All within a private setting- outside of these rooms, you were both strictly professional. 

Crypto’s name had been revealed to you not long after. Tae Joon Park. You both agreed that if you used it frequently that you might yell it in public, so it was reserved for more intimate moments or serious when you two were alone. You were mindful about switching his name, so you kept to using ‘Crypto’ in your head to ensure you wouldn’t fuck it up. 

Though, it never failed to delight you in hearing him sigh fondly when you’d mumble his name by his ear after a sweet kiss. 

Dates were more reserved for the bedrooms as well. You never minded that either, but sometimes on rare occasions, he’d don a mask and a hood so you two could go out. You could only imagine the type of anxiety those outings brought, but it always warmed your heart that he was willing to take a breath and push himself out to do these things for you. In turn, you would spend the nights with him, with his head on your chest and his arms squeezing around your middle. 

Crypto, you quickly find however, is really bad at vocalizing his desires. 

He’s a man of action, hardly using his words and if he did it was one worded or quick. You’ve been trying to help him on communication skills for both your sakes, but it’s more difficult on him. It doesn’t help that he’s quiet either, so sneaking up behind you to snake his arms around you normally results in you jumping and making a squeak sound. 

But it also meant that for more...bedroom activities, that he would use actions. You always knew when he wanted something, you weren’t blind to it, you just wanted to make 100% sure of what he wanted. Normally resulting in you straddling his lap, a hand around his neck and speaking low for him to tell you what he wanted. 

Crypto always got the cutest face anytime you took the reins and control. A healthy flush over his cheeks, his breathing heavier and his eyes pleading, but his mouth refusing. 

 Stubborn was a good way to put it. How his eyebrows would furrow and he’d whimper and buck his hips up, but not tell you what he wanted. It took a lot of trial and error to even get him to utter ‘please’ at times. Your poor baby. 

You especially found you liked teasing him. Learning quick that he liked nicknames like ‘Good boy’ and ‘Baby boy’. You enjoyed edging him, tying him up or even just making him cling to the sheets or his own hair as his hips humped the air and he sobbed without begging for you. Always trying so hard to convey in his body language what he wanted you to do. 

You found yourself mesmerized by his desperation at a lot of times. Where Crypto’s kiss flushed lips would part, his eyebrows knitted and his eyes frantic on you. His own hands gripping his hair to follow instructions on not to touch you as his hips thrust into the air and made his thick cock bob. 

Sometimes you wondered if he could cum just by humping the air alone. 

Another time, you’d always tell yourself, always so eager to hear that final sobbed out word of ‘Please’ before you would swing your legs over him and ride him hard and fast. Normally fit with cruel croons about what a sweet, pathetic little thing he looked like. Your very good boy. 

That’s what you were thinking of now as you sat on the couch in his quarters, waiting for him to return from his match in the arena. 

Isabella-Marie is happily purring in your lap as your hand strokes through her soft, strawberry blonde fur. You’ve set up there with a blanket over your lap that she’s kneading happily, the match Crypto had been in having ended about an hour ago. You could tell he was struggling, too much talking around him that was reflecting in his steps. 

He’d been in a team with Mirage and Wattson, both people you knew he liked being around, but unfortunately, they kept striking up conversation. Leading to Crypto being off his rhythm. But it was nice to hear him breathe out in amusement at their antics sometimes, caught on the audio feed with the announcers crooning about how it looked like he made some friends finally. 

They at least made it to the top three. Fighting valiantly to maintain their location on World’s Edge in the city. Mirage had gotten cocky when they’d knocked two of the opposite team, going up to finish them off and ending up with a shotgun in the back and a cracking snarl in the sky of Bloodhound. 

The rest is history. But, at least you knew Bloodhound wouldn’t be the type to gloat and act cocky if they caught Crypto- at least out loud. You’re glad it was them rather than Caustic. Bad blood ran deep between them, not to mention Natalie struggling herself with it all. You were glad her and Crypto could solve whatever issue it was that ran between them- one that not even you were aware of. 

Security and secrecy, Crypto had told you with apology in his eyes. You understood, some things were best kept secret. Especially in case you accidentally got caught up in a mess, you could genuinely say you had no idea what was happening in all the legends’ lives. 

The beep of the door being unlocked makes Isabella-Marie awaken, doing a stretch across your lap before she chirps and hurries to the door to greet Crypto. She curls around his feet as he removes his shoes at the door before entering any further into the room in the rest of his gear. 

“Hello, sweetheart,” You hear him tiredly coo downwards, hearing Isabella-Marie's delighted chirp as she’s scooped up, quickly followed by her loud motor engine of a purr. 

You slide off the couch, dressed in your lounging outfit of soft black sweatpants covered with cliché little green alien heads and a loose gray sweater with a green Apex symbol over the right breast, the collar falling off your shoulders. Crypto looks worse for wear, his eyes are tired and he’s got dirt smudged on his cheek and smells heavy of sweat. Not that Isabella-Marie minds. Nor you. 

“Hey,” You greet him, a smile on your face as his eyes rest on you whilst his cat presses her cheek in insistent strokes against his chin, cradled in his arms. 

“Hey,” He murmurs back to you, adjusting Isabella-Marie in his arms when you reach for him. Despite his tired expression, his cheeks flush when he leans down and to the side for you to cup his cheeks and peck a kiss on his lips in greeting. 

“You need a shower. You go wash up and I’ll order dinner.” You tell him, offering your arms out for Isabella-Marie to be transferred to your arms in all her purring glory. “What were you thinking tonight?” 

“Mmh.” Is his only reply, leaning down to rest his cheek on the top of your head in a small nuzzle. Affectionate boy. You laugh a bit, gently nudging him with your hip as Isabella-Marie jumps out of your arms. Giving you time to hook your arms around his waist and shove your hands into his back pockets under his jacket to draw him close and make him blush. 

“Tae Jooooon,” You tease his name, enjoying how he hums low in his throat in response and turning his head to press his lips against the top of your head in a kiss. “We’ve talked about this. You can’t go your whole life being a one worded man.” 

“Mmh.” He responds again, this time with a smile that you feel. 

You shove at him playfully to shoo him off for the shower, calling out after his back when he goes dutifully towards the bathroom. “Fine! But if you don’t like what I picked because you didn’t give any options, I don’t wanna hear you complain!” 

Not that he ever did complain. If he was picky this would be a bigger concern. But thankfully you two seemed to be on the same page a lot of times, especially when it came to food. 

The food you order is Chinese takeout, getting here just in time for when Crypto emerges from his long shower looking a lot more awake and less grouchy. He’s dressed in his thick framed glasses, his normally slicked back hair nice and slick, some black sweatpants and a loose white crop-top, something you appreciate very greatly to be able to see his fit frame. 

Like a nerdy jock. 

You show your enjoyment when you wrap your arms around him from behind when he goes to look at what you got for dinner. Running your nails up his exposed beauty-marked, warm skin on his abdomen to feel him squirm and lean back against you with this flustered huff falling from his lips. 

Eventually you two make it to the couch where you have dinner and watch one of the K-dramas he liked to indulge in. Sometimes Crypto will pause it to explain a verbal pun that wasn’t caught via the subtitles for you, something that always makes you smile and appreciate when he takes the time to pause and explain for you. 

Though you’re sure he doesn’t appreciate when you wait for his most distracted point in time to steal a piece of his food and shove it in your mouth too quickly for him to stop you. Resulting in him poking at you until you squeal from being tickled and he can take a piece off your food in retaliation as you whine at him after. 

Domestic. That’s the best way you could describe yours and Crypto’s relationship. 

Home. 

After dinner is put away and teeth are brushed, you two settle back onto the couch. You curl up on the corner, Crypto following you to cuddle up to your side. His cheek rests against your shoulder, kind of tilting his body into you as you rest your arm behind him, your hand resting on his nape to slide up to pet at the shaved portion of his head. Another hum from him of appreciation, but not verbalizing his like of it. 

Crypto softly adjusts, but you take it as nothing more than him getting closer to you with the soft sound of the TV in front of you. You’ve got your phone in your lap to play a puzzle game while he watches his show, very much like a cat as he rubs his cheek against your shoulder affectionately. 

Another squirm, another adjustment is felt after a moment of him pressing his thigh to yours. You take it as him wanting to be closer, only sliding your fingers higher along his scalp to the coarse hair atop his head to lightly scratch at the root like he likes. 

You don’t notice his mouth starting to part, quickly cut off with the ringing of your phone and you groaning aloud. “Really? Right now?” Before you’re answering it with a polite ‘Hello?’ that makes Crypto snort at your tone change. 

He watches as you chat, watching your lips move and hearing you discuss footage and what your boss must have wanted you to edit or someone else. He’s not really paying attention when you’re still petting his hair. He tries to nudge closer to you, near flush with your side as his hand now rests on your thigh, hoping to catch your attention. You only offer him a quick smile before returning back to your conversation. 

After five minutes, it’s clear this isn’t going to be a short call either. 

A sigh is heard from Crypto before he’s leaning up to start pecking soft, brushing kisses on your neck. Your head tilts for him, only a light flutter of your lashes as you go ‘Mmhm yeah’ to whoever you are on the phone with. Your nails press lightly at his scalp, letting him know you feel him as his teeth lightly nip at your neck like you like. 

You’re damned good at keeping your composure verbally, and now Crypto’s beginning to wonder if you’ve ever done anything on the phone with him without his knowledge. Even the mental image of you spread out and touching yourself while on the phone near making him whine, something he swallows down. 

You clearly can feel him and see him. You offer a little smile when he peeks up at you, catching your gaze. Emboldened by you sparing even a little attention to him, his hand slides down to your wrist in hopes you’ll catch up to what he’s saying. Gently drawing it to his thigh and towards his inner thigh. And yet, you still chat on the phone, but now you’re squeezing and massaging his thigh, your pinkie lightly skimming over his crotch and making Crypto’s breath hitch against your shoulder. 

His brows are furrowed, looking ever so frustrated as you now purposefully lengthen the conversation out by bringing back a point from the last game played. Crypto’s head tips lightly up to you, his eyes pleading with you when your knuckles brush over the bulge in his sweatpants. 

Your eyes meet his and you quirk a brow with a light smirk on your face. Your eyes say enough for him, you’re sure, judging by how his face flushes and his brows furrow once again. You can see and feel how he squirms, realizing he’s not going to get anything until he uses his words. 

He’s stubborn. He’s always so stubborn. Squirming in his place and getting more frustrated as you keep chatting. Only after three minutes does he finally give in when he realizes this isn’t going to work and you’re only going to keep teasing him through his pants. 

“Please?” He all but whispers, his mouth felt quivering on your bare shoulder and his hot breath felt in a shaky exhale. “Please touch me, please?” 

You smirk. 

“Oh! Hey, boss, looks like I’ll have to chat with you tomorrow morning about that- uhuh, yeah, yeah, getting,” -You pause there to let out a feigned yawn- “Oof, yeah, getting real tired....uhuh, yeah, sounds good! Buh-bye.” Before you’re ending the call and practically pouncing on him. 

You end up in his lap, straddling him and cupping his cheeks, brushing some of his hair from his face before you lean in to kiss him. Crypto’s hands find your waist, hovering at first before gripping you when you lick into his mouth after biting his lip to make him gasp. 

You sit up higher to press him back into the couch, letting your hands slide into his hair for him to tip his head back when you pull at it. His moan is low and vibrates his chest when your tongue licks over his own, feeling his hips jerk lightly up and against your ass needily. 

“I like when you beg,” You breathe as you part from the kiss, moving the kisses down his jawline and towards his ear where you lightly nip. “Do it again for me?” 

“Nnh-” Is the only response he manages at first, his fingers shaking as they slide down to grip your hips when you start grinding across his lap. Back and forth to your own rhythm and feeling just how hard he is. Bless whoever made sweatpants. 

Crypto’s so cute when you pull back to look at him. Where his head is tipped back and to the side, his lips parted and letting out ragged breaths with each drag of your hips across his lap. How his brows knit together when you grind low and slow downwards to catch his attention and his mouth falls closed to hiss. 

But. He still wasn’t speaking. 

“Be a good boy and tell me what you want, hm?” You try to encourage him, letting your hands fall down to his exposed abdomen to slide your hands up and under his crop top. Slipping your hands over his chest to thumb at his sensitive nipples, gently pinching and rolling them. Crypto whimpers sharply, his head rolling to the opposite side and looking more stubborn by the second as he strains to come up with words. 

“I-I-” His voice comes out in a whine, framed by how his lips quiver and his blunt nails cling to your hips when you stop grinding to encourage him further. “I...I want your mouth. On- o-on my cock. Please?”  

“Awww, baby, when you look that cute? I’d do just about anything for you.” 

You move down his body, kissing your way down until you can slink in between his knees onto the floor. You waste no time in hooking your fingers under his sweatpants, your mouth watering as you follow his happy trail downwards as it gets more exposed. You tug them completely off with his underwear, watching his thick cock bounce with a satisfying bob and a drool of pre-cum from the flushed head peaking from foreskin. 

Crypto covers his face with his hands to hide his burning red flush that edges down to his chest when you hum at him approvingly. But, judging by how his cock throbs, you already know that as he likes being watched and praised without words. 

You take your sweet time kissing up his length and down his balls, letting your tongue run over the sensitive skin. Your hand holds the base, stroking downwards to pull back his foreskin, mouthing at the flushed head and letting your tongue slide against the slit in teasing dips until a whimper falls from his lips. 

You tease him like this for a good enough amount of time before you even take him into your mouth fully. Suckling and bobbing your head, your free hand holding his hip to squeeze to remind him to keep his hips down when he starts trying to hump upwards into your mouth. 

Anytime you feel how his cock jerks and you hear his breathing quicken; You stop. Pulling your mouth off to kiss at his hips and thighs instead. Squeezing on his legs soothingly and rubbing at his skin when Crypto whines and rolls his hips up with not a single word peeping from his lips. Even if now his arm is thrown over his forehead, able to see how he peeks open one eye to look down at you pleadingly. 

You smile up at him each time before you take him in again. Suckling, licking, your nails sliding down his thigh until your hand can cup his balls and lightly squeeze. And each time you feel him get close, you pull back. The same bite of pain of your nails on his skin, same edging, the same denial even as pre-cum spills from his cock and it mixes with your drool to connect you with a sliver that makes him near sob when he sees you. 

You know he liked it messy. Liked seeing the mess you could make. 

The mess you could make of him. 

You’re about to remind him that he needs to use his big boy words if he wants to get anywhere tonight. But, seems Crypto gets the memo when he starts pleading. 

“Let me cum inside you, please, please, please- please let me cum i-inside you, please, I’ll be good-”  His voice is breathy, a high whimper as his hips try to fuck up into the loose grip you have on his shaft. He just looks so pathetic for you right now. Just a teary, drooly, humpy mess. 

You like how desperate looks on him. 

“Mmmhhh, I dunno, baby,” You let your voice elongate your words, your breath fanning across his sensitive skin and causing his dick to jerk, lightly tapping your lower lip and making you smile. “You look awfully cute. Can’t you hold it a bit longer? C’mon, you can be my good boy and hold it, can’t you?” 

Each end of your questions is punctuated with a drag of your lips across his cock, letting him feel how you murmur across his reddened skin. 

Crypto sobs out again, his body jerking in sensitivity as both his hands come back up to hide his red face and teary eyes. His nod allows you to continue, continuing your teasing kisses and licks. Making sure to bite pain into his thighs to cause his mind to either associate the pain with pleasure or to back off his pleasure. Judging by the way he sobs out and twitches each time you scratch or bite him, you’re guessing it’s your prior guess. 

“Please, please, please-” Crypto starts to sob when you deny him again, his cock jerking heavily and spilling pre-cum on his lower abdomen. His hands have fallen to grip the couch as best as he can, his teary gaze looking down at you and his lips quivering with his shaky breaths. So cute. “Please, I-I cannot take it anymore, please, please let me cum in you, I want to cum in you-” 

You’ll give him credit. This is the most he’s ever spoken during sex, let alone been so clear in his needs and desires. Something you’ll praise him for later. For now, you smile up at him, wiping your mouth off on the back of your hand before standing to wriggle out of your lounge clothing.  

Crypto’s quick to help you, hooking fingers in your sweater to help you out of it. It’s fit with your laughter as you nearly fall on him, lots of giggling when his mouth presses a kiss to your abdomen when you get halfway stuck through your sweater and pants. “Tae Joon-” You laugh out his name when you feel him smile against your abdomen, “C’mon, lil help here?” 

Eventually you escape your clothing prison, able to set the mood again when your straddle his lap. You’re plenty wet enough, but you still take the time to tease him a bit more by reaching down to stretch yourself while hovering over his cock. You feel flustered as he watches you, sitting under you and looking up at you with such love in his eyes while you make soft sounds yourself. 

It takes a few tries to line up correctly, but soon you’re bouncing your hips on him with your fingers in his hair and your mouth on his neck. He always sounds so pretty the way he cries out, clinging to your hips at first before his arms wind around you to hug you to his trembling frame. You pepper kisses all over his face, cupping his cheeks adoringly as you rest your foreheads together. 

He cums rather quickly, clinging so hard to you as his hips frantically hump up against you. He ends up accidentally holding you still so he can thrust up into you, resulting in you clinging to him in turn with your lips parted and murmuring praise as he fucks you through his orgasm. He’s swearing in his mother tongue, something you can only catch bits and pieces of. 

When Crypto’s done cumming, one of his hands quickly goes down to between both your bodies to rub at your clit as you hump against his cock still lodged inside you. He finds your lips to capture when you whimper out his name when you begin to cum, your nails biting into his shoulders as he rubs you through it. 

By the time you’re both satisfied, you slump against his frame, burying your face into his neck as your sweaty bodies press together on the couch, still connected. 

When both of your breathing settles, he presses a kiss to the top of your head, nuzzling himself there as his hands slide up and down your sides. You smile softly, adjusting your hips a bit and laughing a bit when he grunts in this little oversensitive way. 

When you lift your head to meet his gaze, you smile a bit brighter, gently bumping your noses together. “Hey,” 

“Hey,” He murmurs back just as fondly. 

“You need a shower.”  

He smiles when he realizes you’re replaying your interaction from earlier that day, reaching up to brush your frazzled hair from your face. “Mmh.” 

“You need a shower with me?” 

“Mmh.” He repeats, moving to rest his cheek atop your head as you laugh at him when you feel his chest shake with a quiet laugh in turn. 

“Alright fine. Guess I’ll be getting a shower first and you’ll be left out here with your dick out and cold-” 

That gets him. Pushing you off him and to the couch with a yelp from you as you fall gracelessly on your side and gasp as he takes off towards the shower and you quickly following after him with a playful swat to his ass when you catch up. 

Yeah. You would say your guys’ relationship was domestic. 

[yurtletheturtlehenderson]

Breakfast in the Bed || Mike Wheeler x Reader

Day 3 of Fictober

Pairings: Mike Wheeler x [gn]Reader, Elmax

Fandom: Stranger Things (2016-)

Requested: Could you write a Mike x Reader fic where Mike and the rest of the party surprise the reader with breakfast in bed on their birthday and the reader accidentally confesses that she likes Mike? Or something like that, idk. Thanks!

A//n: Holy fuck, im so sorry this took a million years, but thank you loads for being so incredibly patient. It gets so hard sometimes, but know that I appreciate your guys' understanding and patience with me and I've always had every intention of getting it done cause I want to keep my promise to you guys 💞 i thought this was a cute request, and for a while I had this idea stuck in my head that made it kinda hard to write but then when I started writing, it took a different direction in a different tone but i think it helped. Its more of a funny chaotic kind of fluff rather than an typical "you like me?" cliche fluff. Either way I hope you like it and thanks again for being so patient and requesting!

Fictober Day 1: "you did this?"

[Not Really] Warnings: fluff, a Zathura reference. Elmax being adorable girlfriends

Key: f/b = favorite breakfast/fav.food

"Are you sure about this, man?"

"Shh!" Mike hisses, trying desperately to keep the tray in his hands balanced. "You'll wake Y/n!"

Lucas looks at his friend completely dumbfounded like the rest of the group, aside from El who clung to Max's arm with a perplexed expression and a party hat on her head.

"Dude," Lucas deadpans. "That's the whole point."

"You know what I mean," Mike huffs.

With some convincing from your head of house and some careful planning the night before, the party now found themselves in your doorway with your favorite breakfast. You were still out cold, head buried in your pillow and your limbs tangled messily in your sheets.

"Are you sure we even should be doing this?" Max asks in a whisper. "You know how Y/n feels about sleeping. And, ya know, I'd want to sleep in on my birthday."

"I'm sure it'll be fine," Dustin eases with a smile, and a cheery tune. "It's us! And food. In bed!"

He steps out from behind Mike and enters your bedroom, and everyone watches wearily as he tiptoes to your bedside. You still hadn't moved, aside from the steady rise and fall of your body. Max's words played over in Mike's head and the more it did he couldn't help but realize she was probably right. He tried calling out to Dustin but it was too late. By the time the grinning boy had reached out to touch your shoulder it looked more as if he were poking a sleeping bear.

You groaned but never moved, and Dustin tried again.

"Dustin?" Will whispers uneasily. "Maybe, Max is right. Maybe this isn't such a good idea."

"Y/n~" Dustin sings in a low volume, and he begins shaking you more. "Y/n, wake up~! We've got a surprise for you~!"

You shift in your bed but again, show no signs of consciousness. Dustin looks over his shoulder at his friends, a bright smile overtaking his face.

"Guys, it's fine! Look," He turns back to you, shaking your shoulder again and missing the winces from your friends. "Y/n-"

Dustin stumbles back when your palm meets his face with a rough smack.

"Go away!" You exclaim, eyes screwed shut to block out all the invasive light that stung your vision.

You didn't quite know who all was there, all you did know was that people were in your bedroom and trying to wake you up.

"Why," you seethed, your voice low and gravelly from lack of use. "am I awake at,"

You roll over to look at the flickering red lights of your alarm clock, your eyelids fighting hard to stay open.

"six-thirty in the morning?"

Through your blurry vision you can make out all of the party standing in your room, looks of displacement written all over their faces. It's quiet for a moment as they struggle for words, until El breaks the silence with a party blower.

Max winces from her side, and sends a small smile to the brunette and in a small voice says to her. "Yeah, maybe not now, okay El?"

El winces, taking the party blower out of her hand and gives you a wide toothy smile. You didn't mind so much as you just wanted to give into what your body was telling you do; bury yourself under the covers and slip back into sleep.

You groan again, doing just that. You let your body fall back into the small nest you had unintentionally made for yourself but you knew the comfort was going to be short lived. And it was.

"Come on, Y/n," Lucas said, stepping into your bedroom, gesturing past Dustin who was still rubbing his nose, and over to Mike who timidly held the tray of f/b. "We made you breakfast."

They were met with silence. And no, they were not being ignored but you in fact were drifting back off.

"You can eat it in bed," Lucas added with a hopeful grin.

Your head picked up when you registered what your friend said. Your eyelids still felt they were made of magnets wanting to snap together but it was a little easier to fight it.

You were kinda hungry... And you wanted to spend today with your friends anyway.

You plastered on a sleepy smile, and turned to look at your friends through your half-lidded eyes as if you hadn't just scolded them.

"For me?" You asked in an exaggerated, sickly sweet voice that asked them to move on from it.

They all laughed nervously - again, apart from El who just seemed happy you were happy now.

"Yup," Lucas said. "We thought you deserved something special for your birthday, so we all decided to surprise you."

His voice was a bit uneasy, but your brain was still too foggy to comprehend it. So you just pulled yourself up into a sitting position against your pillows, readjusting your sleepshirt and pajama bottoms since they had shifted an uncomfortable amount throughout the night.

You smiled up at them all, feeling kinda guilty.

"Thank you guys," you said, with a genuine smile. "This is actually really nice. Here, you can come in,"

Mike seemed the most relieved out of all of them, and anxiously he stepped forward and headed for your bedside with the tray table full of food and drink. Max and El walked hand in hand to stand at the end of you bed, Max taking a seat on the end of the mattress to face you while El began playing with ends of her hair. Lucas and Dustin were further along the side of the bed to make room for Mike who carried the tray.

You bit the inside of you cheek a little, rubbing the sleep away from your eyes as you yawned.

"Sorry I hit you, Dustin," you say meekly, beginning to feel a bit silly about the whole thing.

He shrugs it off with a smile. "Eh, no worries. We'll be laughing about it later. Right, guys?"

He pat Mike's back in a playful - and forceful - manner, unintentionally throwing the balance off the tray. Not a single item stayed on the wooden tray, but was now splayed out all over your sheets and soaking through your shirt and pajama bottoms. You jumped back at the unwelcomed and highly uncomfortable sensation, gaping down at the mess you were now buried in. Slowly you look up to meet eyes with the party, particularly Dustin and Mike.

They looked as if they had crapped their pants.

Dustin's jaw hangs open for a moment, his entire body completely frozen. His right hand is wrenched up to point at Mike, who stares at the tray with glazed eyes, and his face completely crimson.

"It was all his idea!" Dustin squeaks.

Your fiery gaze meets Mike's terrified one, and his mouth parts as he begins sputtering. He was trying to summon an apology, or even an "it was an accident" but all he managed was a nervous, uncomfortable smile.

Your heart would have fluttered at his state had it not been for the meal that had just been dumped on you. You yank the sheets off of you, drops of what hadn't yet soaked completely in flew through the air and hit some of your friends and Mike backs away. He drops the tray from his hands when you climb out of bed with a look that could kill, wet chunks of food falling off of you and landing on the floor with slap.

"You did this?"

Sure, your best friend and long time crush had looped all your friends into coming over and surprising you for your birthday. But he also was the reason you not only lost a long morning of sleeping in, but were now wearing your breakfast and didn't have a warm bed to go back into when they left.

You're eyes narrowed at him. "You did this."

"I'm sorry!" He shouts, running out into the hallway.

"YOU'RE LUCKY I LIKE YOU WHEELER, OR YOU'D BE DEAD! NOW GET BACK HERE, AND CLEAN THIS UP!" You shout, running out right after him.

The remainder of the party stands awkwardly at your bedside where you left them.

Dustin laughs nervously. "That went well,"

Will gestured over his shoulder towards the hall, a thoughtful look on his face.

"Wait," he laughs. "Did Y/n finally just admit what I think Y/n just admitted?"

Max grimaced as she wiped away the remainder of food that had clung to her face, and flicked it away disgusted that she had been hit.

"Yup," Max says, popping the 'p'. "Didn't think I'd see the day, either."

[eveningstar1516]

Rise of the Demon King ~ Chapter 12

Rise of the Demon King

Fic: Multi Chapter Paring: MC x Everyone (Mostly Lucifer) Type: Angst with a Happy Ending Total Word Count: 26,758 TW: Major Character Death, Reader gets stabbed with a sword through their chest so..., Abusive Parents, Past Child Abuse, Demon Hunters, Loss of Control Summary: You’ve done it. You’ve finally done it. You’ve managed to anger the demon king. Now you hold your head high as he hands down your sentence. AO3 Portal: https://archiveofourown.org/works/27065362 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~A/N: I gotta Discord server guys! It's primarily Obey Me but other fandoms are welcome as well. It's kinda baby and dead so me and the other members are looking to revive it and we'd love for you to come join us. A roleplay area is included :) https://discord.gg/F3YEmDZCPS Please remember to read and accept the rules once you join for access to all the channels. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Previously:

I faced the edge, ready to jump when I realized I had forgotten something. Turning around, I looked God straight in the eyes and threw the strongest right hook I had ever thrown in my life before jumping backwards, tucking in my wings and closing my eyes. A content sigh leaving my lips as I let the darkness engulf me whole.

I’m coming guys. Wait up for me ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CHAPTER 12 - Welcome Home (2132 words)

I woke up sometime mid-fall. The initial shock caused me to blackout. Now that I was falling, all I could hear was the wind around me and the sound of someone's pained gasps and screams. Somewhere in the back of my mind I registered that the screaming was my own. My hands flew to my head and my wings wrapped around me. My wings felt like they were melting off. When I managed to open my eyes, I watched as the once pure white wings slowly fade to black. The center of each feather shining with a deep blue. My clothes started transforming at around midway. The last thing I registered was a swirl of magic surrounding me before I blacked out once again from the pain.

I woke up in a small crater. The first thing I noticed was the white hot pain all around my body, specifically my back. Using what little strength I had, I pushed myself up into a sitting position and cocooned myself in my 4 wings. Wait 4! Painfully, I stretched my wings out and noticed that my top pair had burnt off. Looking down, I noticed that my attire didn’t change much either. I stayed in my celestial garb, but all the white now turned black. The gold accents became a midnight blue. A black cape hung off my shoulders with a blue inner lining. I reached towards my head to feel for my horns but was shocked to find nothing there.

Despite feeling numb all over, I tried standing up to take in my surroundings but I just collapsed right back down. Instead, I took to crawling. I appeared to be in a garden of sorts. I found my way over to a fountain, and peered into the water taking in my reflection. I looked like I had just left a battlefield, but what surprised me the most, was the small black halo over my head. Lucifer told me that when they fell, their halo’s shattered and horns grew in their place, but my halo was still there. It was a small ring of black fire instead of light. I tentatively reached up to feel it, noting that it was cool to the touch and whatever I did, didn't disturb it.

I looked around the garden, something was strangely familiar about it but I couldn't place my finger on it. All of a sudden, I heard shouting and hurried footsteps. I turned around to see what looked to be a squad of guards rushing towards me. Before my fogged mind could register what was happening, 2 of them tackled me to the ground and secured my wrists and wings behind my back. One of the guards hands brushed over my halo and I could feel a disturbance in the fire before he screamed. His hand had been severely burned. The guard whom I assumed to be the leader of the group barked out orders to bring me to the throne room. My mind having finally caught up to the situation realized why the garden and uniforms looked familiar. I was in the Palace Garden! I felt the guards grab my shoulders and pull me off the ground as I got dragged off; my whole body still aching all over.

I knew I couldn’t take the guards in my current condition so I stayed silent and looked around as I was being led to the throne room. The hallways all looked as familiar and welcoming as they had when I first arrived in the Devildom as a human. There were a few notable differences such as the added portraits. Eventually, we stopped in front of the throne room and I could feel my heart hammering in my chest. One of the guards opened the door as 2 of them grabbed my shoulders and pushed me onto my knees in front of the king. Hissing at the pain, I kept my head bowed for a second before looking up.

Raising my head, I saw Diavolo sitting on the throne. His demon form had some subtle changes. He wore a little less accessories but the most notable change was the crown adorning his head. The once prince, now king, looked as majestic and regal as he always had been. His once carefree demeanour, now replaced with a presence that demanded respect. He looked like he was born to lead. Before anyone could say anything, I locked eyes with Diavolo and smiled. “Long time no see my Lord, or perhaps, my King would be more appropriate.” I saw the recognition of my voice flash in Diavolo’s eyes, a momentary expression of disbelief flickered across his face before he ordered the guards to release me. “But my Liege-” “Need I repeat myself? I ordered you to release them. You’re all dismissed.” The guards now scared of any repercussions that would arise, quickly released me, bowed their apologies and left. Carefully I stood up, rubbing my wrists before Diavolo came up and captured me in a bone crushing hug. I hissed in pain. “Ah! Hehe, I missed you too Dia.” Diavolo squeezed a little tighter, tears starting to pool into his eyes. “Uh, Dia. I still hurt from the fall and I kind of need to breathe. Please?” Diavolo released me with an apologetic look. Gently holding my chin, he looked into my eyes. I smiled back. “You’re here. You’re really here. I’ve missed you so much. We’ve missed you so much.” Diavolo leaned down as I embraced him. Whisper-crying onto my shoulder. “I know. I did too.” Patting his back I let him stay there for a little. “There there big guy. Where’s my happy go lucky prince hmm?” At this, Diavolo let out a laugh. Composing himself he stood up and flashed me his signature smile. De-powering, he pointed to his chest. “Still here, but not the prince anymore.” “That’s right. You’re a King now! I hope this means less pranks and spontaneous schemes are going to be pulled on the brothers?” “I wouldn’t say less, but definitely less frequent.” Barbatos walked into the throne room and dropped the papers he was carrying. A hand went to cover his mouth as he stood in shock. I made my way over to him and gave him a hug. “Hey Barb. I’m back.” Barbatos hesitated for a second. The time demon was still in shock from my appearance before he returned the hug. He held me tightly against him while being mindful of my injuries. “Your wings.” Releasing the hug I looked at them. “I know. It hurts, but it’s more of a phantom pain. I lost the top set.” “You look just like Lucifer did before he fell.” Diavolo remarked, reaching for my halo. I stepped just beyond his reach. “I wouldn't do that. One of the guards touched me and badly burned his hand.” “This is interesting. Why did the brothers lose theirs but yours only changed?” Barbatos thought aloud. “I don’t know. I wish I did but I don’t. Speaking of Lucifer and the brothers, where is he?” “Ah, I thought you’d ask that. He’s here in the palace working. I do warn you though, he hasn’t been the same since you left.” “Let me guess, he buried himself in work and reverted back to his old self from before we met?” “Well yes, but 10x worse.” “Can I see him?” “Of course! Follow me” Waving bye to Barbatos. I followed Diavolo out of the throne room. It was now that the rest of the pain from the fall wanted to hit. As soon as we left the throne room, I almost collapsed and had to lean against the wall for support. My back was killing me and my legs were numb. Diavolo saw me and caught me halfway. “Y/N! Are you sure you’re alright?” “No, no I don’t think so, but I did expect this to happen.” “Do you want me to call a physician?” “No, I’ll be fine with some rest. I just want to see him.” “Alright. You can lean on me.” “Thank you.” Walking around the halls with Diavolo, we caught up on some stuff going on in the Devildom. I promised to tell him about my time in the Celestial Realm after I’ve gotten some rest. Sometime later, we stopped in front of an office in the east wing. Diavolo knocked on the door. “Lucifer. You have someone who wants to see you.” Diavolo opened the door as I

stood behind him. I heard Lucifer sigh. “I would love to my Lord, but I’m afraid these need to get done before I am available to see anyone.” Seeing the opportunity, I chose to seize it. Stepping around Diavolo, I saw Lucifer still looking down at the documents on his desk as I announced myself. “Aww, so does that mean you don’t want to see me?” Lucifer dropped his pen, his head shooting up to look at me. His face, a mix between shock and hope. I made my way over to his desk as he stood up and walked around to meet me halfway. He stopped in front of me looking very conflicted. Slowly, his hand made its way up to cup my face. “Y/N?” I would have missed that whisper if I wasn’t paying attention. I put my hand over his and turned my head giving him a small kiss against his palm before closing my eyes and leaning into him. “Yes. I missed you.” Lucifer lost his composure and pulled me protectively against his chest, my head resting just above his heart. His head resting on top of my own. “Lucifer, their halo-!” His hold was tight, but comforting, holding on as if, if he were to loosen just a bit, I would disappear. I looked up to see my halo had dissipated, making room for Lucifer. I pulled away from him. “How? How did you not get burned?” Lucifer looked at me and Diavolo, confused. Then he saw the black ring of fire atop my head. “How did you retain your halo?” “I don’t know. But when other demons touched it, they got severely burned, but you're just fine.” Diavolo crossed his arms, thinking. “Maybe it doesn’t affect higher ranked demons?” “No, it still does. I felt the heat when I got close to you Y/N.” “Maybe it’s because Lucifer was once an angel?” “Perhaps. I can still sense some grace within you. You didn’t lose all of it when you fell like the rest of us.” “Neither did you Lucifer.” “What?” “You still retained a small portion of your celestial power and grace. Perhaps, the halo won’t harm demons or angels with grace within them. It will do its job and repel true demons.” “In that case, I should probably stay away from Satan, huh?” “I don’t know. Satan was born from Lucifer so he might have some trace of grace within him. I wouldn’t test it, but I would be cautious. Take the day Lucifer. Take care of them.” “Thank you Diavolo.” With that, Lucifer shifted into his demon form. Wings encompassing the both of us. “We will catch up later Y/N. Get some rest.” “Thank you Diavolo. Nice to see you again.” Lucifer muttered a spell teleporting us to his room.

Now in the privacy of his own room, his walls fell down. Lucifer held me tight. His head bowed down, resting on the crook of my neck. “I’m sorry. I’m so so sorry.” The tears flowed freely as he cried on my shoulder. I maneuvered us towards the bed as sat down as Lucifer kneeled to match my height. I put my arms around his back, fingers running through his hair. “It’s not your fault Lucifer. Please don’t blame yourself. I’m alright, and I’m here with you. Please don’t be sorry.” Lucifer lifted his head from my shoulder, taking me in properly for the first time. His hand made its way to my wings, softly stroking the blackened feathers. His fingers traced the base of my wings on my back when he noticed the scarring. “Your top pair.” “I know. It’s alright. I’m still numb there so I can’t feel it.” “You look perfect in my clothes. They were made for you.” “No Lucifer, they were made for you. I just borrowed them.” Chuckling, he leaned forward and leaned his forehead against mine. “Welcome home”

I spent that night cuddled close to Lucifer. After I bathed, he tended to my injuries and wrapped my upper back where my top set of wings once were. We layed in bed together, Lucifer holding me protectively against him as we fell asleep to the sound of our heartbeats, beating in sync.

[nuttytani]

The flying cat & the baker

summary: you are a sorcerer who owns a bakery in new york. one day, steve discovers your abilities when he walks in on your cat flying inside the shop on a broom.

fandom: marvel

pairing: steve rogers x gn!reader

warnings: lots of mentions of baked goods and the word "horny" just once (it's not nsfw, trust me)

a/n- heya! another fic~ this was inspired by girl in red's "fell in love in october". i know it's extremely off season but yeet i dont care + my dear friend @lorei-writes / @mllorei beta read this! *gives hug to lorey* thank you so much ;-; lorey. ps: this is a non-avengers!au

It wasn't an uncommon occurrence for Steve to get lost in the sea of New York streets, walking along the cobblestone paths, breathing in the scent of baked goods, spice and fresh flowers. After all, it was his most favourite part of his daily routine, discovering a new place or two. He took his time looking around the nearly empty street, for it was too early for anyone to be awake except for the store owners. They were all busy preparing their shops for opening to notice his presence.

Steve looked up for a moment, noticing the light of dawn setting upon the sky, sending small beams of yellow light like blessings cast by angels. His low breathing felt warm against his chapped and cold lips. With a silent sigh, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his pea coat as he resumed strolling without a set direction in mind, eyeing the buildings- the chipped off parget, showing the reds and browns of the brick underneath while moss and vines covered most of the bottom half.

They all turned into a blur once he stood by a jade coloured bakery, the sign reading “magicae et pistoria”, a silhouette of a black cat on a broom just underneath it. He stared curiously at the displayed varieties of pastries and bread, wondering if he should buy a few- would Sam and Nat like to eat them?

With hesitant fingers, he grasped the door handle and entered, instantly greeted by the bell. Barely a few seconds passed, and Steve felt immensely at ease. His body appreciated the warm cocoon provided by the bakery- in contrast to the weather outside. The interior was rustic, with brick walls and wooden fixtures. His feet lead him magnetically towards the delicacies contained in the arched display, varieties of cakes, pastries and bread placed temptingly- he didn’t know which one to pick.

“Hello! Good morning, how may I help you, sir?” A voice pulled Steve out of his reverie.

Steve looked up to see you, your hair a mess, dust covering the black apron and your forehead, a cute smile adorning your face. You looked like an ethereal being- an angel perhaps, standing before him. Somehow, a breath got stuck in his throat, and his heart started to beat rapidly. He could hear it getting louder and louder. His clothes felt too tight, and he suddenly felt suffocated.

“Sir? How may I help you?” you said again.

Steve cleared his throat, embarrassed with himself for staring at you for much longer than necessary. He muttered an apology under his breath, but it was loud enough for you to hear.

“It’s alright, sir, happens all the time. I’ve experienced many people just gawking at the pastries and not knowing what to pick, it’s understandable! I’d be confused too,” you confessed to him.

“Right, of course, glad I’m not the only one or that would’ve been embarrassing,” Steve laughed, trying to bury his awkwardness.

Only if you knew the truth, he’d personally dig his own grave and jump into it.

Steve accepted your help instead of going down the rabbit hole of confusion. You helped him to pick out a few baked goodies- which were a rage amongst your regular customers; a chocolate mousse, Japanese cheesecake and a few vanilla custard doughnuts.

“Thank you! Have a good day,” you said, as the blonde man left the store with a wave.

“Damn, I hope I didn’t look too nervous,” wiping your sweaty palms on your apron, you heaved a sigh of relief.

You usually didn't open the bakery on the weekends, but some things needed to be done, which required your presence. You were sure that no one would come along so early in the morning but were proven wrong. Although it was your fault to leave the open sign hanging, you didn't mind the blonde-haired man and maybe thought he was kinda cute.

You flipped the sign to “closed” while locking the door from inside, as to make sure no one could come in. You moved back to the counter and caught a hand wrapping around a glass jar.

You cleared your throat and glared at the man in question.

“What do you think you’re doing mister.” You folded your arms and glared at the brunette.

“What does it look like? I’m trying to eat some cookies, obviously. You should get your eyes checked if you can’t see things clearly boss,” Rajeev replied and swiftly turned to look at you.

The brunette shrunk and transformed into a black cat, looking at you with bright doe hazel eyes while purring deeply. You groaned and picked him up, placing him on your shoulder.

“There’ll be consequences if you transform like that out of nowhere, and your sister is going to kill me because you haven't been careful. So, if you don’t want me to be skinned alive and thrown into a cauldron to be boiled, stop doing that here.” Truly, nothing scared you more than Rajeev’s elder sister- she was overprotective and intimidating, you wished to never be on her blacklist.

Rajeev only meowed back at you, which frustrated you further. You hoped that he at least understood where your concerns were coming from.

“Come on, we’ve got a lot of organising to do! New stock arrived today, we don’t want cranky sorcerers waiting for us,” you said while muttering a spell and opening a red portal to an apothecary.

By the time Steve returned home, his friends were all awake and wandering about the kitchen like zombies. They all knew about Steve’s early morning walks and didn't question him but were curious as to why he came back so late.

Sam immediately rummaged through the bakery boxes when Steve placed them on the island counter.

“So...what took you so much time, hmm?” asked Sam. “Thought you just went to get some bread, dude.” He rummaged through the bag and pulled out a box, ooh-ing delightedly once he got hold of a doughnut.

“I bet it was some grandma asking for directions,” Bucky yawned, still half-asleep as he took a seat on the chair.

Natasha stole the doughnut from Sam and promptly turned to face Steve, who lay on the couch.

“Maybe, he has a secret lover! Oh Stevie, how could you hide this from us?” she said teasingly while licking away at her sugary fingertips.

Sam was distressed by her stealing and guarded the boxes with his arms, grumbling something about him not having enough coffee for this.

“Can you guys just stop- I just went to a bakery and got stuff, nothing more, nothing less!” Steve raised his voice.

All of them just shrugged.

Nat broke the silence, “Okay...But did you see any cuties?”

“NO- I mean... yes, kinda… I mean- Stop asking me these questions!” groaning with embarrassment, Steve covered his face with his palms.

Steve started frequenting “magicae et pistoria” since then to the point he became a regular customer. Not because he wanted to see your dazzling smile or anything, but because the service and baked goods were really good and his friends wanted more of that deliciousness. He became quite close to you as a result, somedays he just dropped by to say hi and spend some time with you.

Occasionally, Sam or Bucky would tag along to his trips. Even though Steve would deny it, they could clearly see he had a crush on the baker- it was obvious by their playful banter and flushed faces. They’d often tease him about it, but Steve being Steve, would just grump away and aggressively change the subject.

Another weekend rolled in, Steve was headed to the bakery as usual. It became a part of his routine to visit it during his morning walks. You, on the other hand, arrived late to the bakery and were rushing to get the place running in no time. It was just you and Rajeev today since your other employees didn't work on the weekends- it was tough but both of you managed.

While you were busy running around the place, Rajeev was playing around in his cat form, saying you didn’t really need him until later. He levitated the spare broom in the air and jumped on it, trying to balance his paws on the handle. Like a child with no care, he flew the broom back and forth across the room with an evil cat smile.

The two of you were unaware of Steve’s presence until he spoke in a startled voice.

“Why is the cat flying on a broom- what is this!”

Everything happened in a flash, Rajeev fell off the broom with a pathetic meow and you dropped your utensils on the floor. Flour and batter splattering on your shoes and creating a mess. Your scream resonating from the kitchen.

Steve’s jaw was slack with shock, his body frozen where he stood. Should he run away? Should he go and check if you’re alright? He wasn’t sure what to do, he didn't even know if what he saw was even real.

The cat was definitely real, as it stood up and rubbed its bum with its paws. How was that possible- Did he even want to know? Was he dreaming? Maybe he is still half asleep and is seeing things.

Steve grabbed a nearby stool and flopped on it, his knees were weak from shock and needed rest. His mind was still processing the situation

You came rushing from the kitchen to the scene, the mess you created all trivial compared to what had just happened right now. You didn't know what to do at this moment, should you tell the truth? Or deny everything-

“What is that thing,” Steve finally asked, breaking the heavy silence.

“A cat,” you replied as a matter of factly.

“You keep a flying cat?”

You just stared at Steve with a straight face and said, “Well...firstly he’s not mine and secondly he’s not an actual cat.”

As if showing a demonstration, Rajeev transformed back into his human form, which baffled Steve further.

“What are you?” the blonde asked in confusion.

“We’re sorcerers...I’m sorry, you weren’t supposed to know about it, at least not in this way,” you sighed, gently placing a hand over Steve’s knee.

“But boss- we’re busted, now that he knows we gotta turn him into a toad!” Rajeev exclaimed.

“A WHAT NOW?!” Steve looked back at you with raised brows.

“We’re not turning you into anything! He’s just joking- Rajeev! Apologise to him”

The brunette sulkily grumbled an apology. He excused himself to the kitchen to clean up the mess you had made while you took a seat next to Steve.

“Are you alright? Want some water?”

“No thanks, I’m fine. Just...really really shocked- I can’t believe this is real.”

With a flick of your hand, you made two barstools twirl in the air.

“Okay- definitely real,” Steve chuckled.

Extra (few months have passed)

Steve sat on the armchair with you sprawled on his lap, tapping away at your phone while Sam, Nat and Bucky sat on the floor watching another episode of “the Bridgerton” on T.V.

“Damn kids these days be really horny huh?”

“Shh just watch the show!”

+ "-if you enjoyed reading this fic, don't forget to give a like and reblog! feedback is always appreciated

a/n-if you enjoyed reading this fic, don't forget to give a like and reblog! feedback is always appreciated + join my taglist here

[august-anon]

“Are you scared?” with danbrey maybe 👀 ~spikey 🌵💞

Me: these are gonna be shorter prompts, a few hundred words or so

This fic: lol you thought

Thank you for the prompt Spikey, I hope you like this! Also I’m not editing this so hopefully it’s fine lol

----

I’m Not Scared

Fandom: The Adventure Zone: Amnesty

Ship(s): Danbrey

Characters (lee/ler): Lee!Aubrey/Ler!Dani

Word Count: 1305 words

Summary: Aubrey and Dani want to try something new, despite their nerves. Dani happens to make a new discovery in the process.

[ao3 link]

ALSO: warnings for some kissing/kinda making out lol

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

“Are you scared?” Dani asked, rubbing the sheets between her fingers as she sat on the edge of the bed.

Aubrey blinked, turned an incredulous look in her direction. “Of you?”

Dani shrugged. “Well, yeah. We’ve done closed-mouth kissing and all, and that’s okay but…” Dani trailed off, searching for words. In the end, she decided to simply bare her sharp teeth at Aubrey. “Yknow?”

Aubrey rolled her eyes, inelegantly climbing onto the bed next to Dani. “Come on, it’s not like you’re going to bite me. We’ll make out a little and it’ll be just fine!”

Dani gave her an odd smile.

“What?” Aubrey asked, running a hand through her hair. “Do I have something on my face? Leaves in my hair? It’s kinda hard not to have leaves in your hair, with all this forest around.”

Dani laughed lightly, shaking her head. “No, it’s just… I didn’t expect you to be so cool about this. My teeth are pretty sharp.”

Aubrey leveled Dani with a very serious look, taking both of Dani’s hands in her own. “I love your teeth.”

Dani tumbled into louder laughter, squeezing Aubrey’s hands. Aubrey broke into a grin and squeezed her hands back, tucking a strand of Dani’s hair behind her ear. Dani took one of her hands back to reach up and cup Aubrey’s jaw.

“How do we wanna do this?”

Aubrey shrugged. “It’s not like I’ve had many relationships to figure it out. Don’t we just… start kissing?”

Dani flashed her a sharp-toothed grin. “I’ll admit, it’s been a while since my last relationship, too.”

Aubrey nodded. “Right, so. Kissing.”

Dani laughed again. “Kissing.”

Aubrey leaned in first, Dani meeting her in the middle. The kiss was nice, but quick and chaste, like all of their kisses. Aubrey sighed slightly when they pulled back, opening her eyes to look at Dani.

“I’m starting to think that you’re the scared one, here.”

Dani bit her lip gently. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You’re not gonna hurt me, babe.” Aubrey pulled Dani closer by wrapping an arm around her waist. “But if you really don’t wanna do this, we can stop. Put on a movie or something.”

Dani shook her head. “No, I want to kiss you.”

“You don’t have to.”

“I want to.”

Aubrey searched her eyes. Dani rolled her own and leaned in until their noses were touching. She giggled when Aubrey went a little cross-eyed to look at her.

“Consider this my enthusiastic consent.”

Then Dani tilted her head, pressing her lips to Aubrey’s once more. Aubrey hummed and kissed back, but let Dani take the lead on this one. When Dani tilted her head to deepen the kiss, Aubrey followed. When Dani got confident enough to lean into Aubrey, Aubrey held up both of their weight. When Dani pushed Aubrey back against the bed, Aubrey certainly had no complaints about the cute vampire lady suddenly in her lap.

"Is this okay?” Dani panted against her lips.

“More than okay,” Aubrey said, before tugging Dani down into another kiss, then trailing a series of light kisses down her jaw and neck.

Dani sighed, her eyes fluttering. “I wanna do that, too.”

Aubrey nodded and tilted her head back to give Dani more space. Dani pressed gentle kisses to the skin, leaving Aubrey sighing and relaxing into the bed. She smirked when Dani grew more adventurous, getting dangerously close to leaving a hickey (that Aubrey would be certain to wear with pride).

Except then Dani scraped her sharp teeth against Aubrey’s neck, and Aubrey’s eyes shot open as she squealed.

Dani practically flew off her with how fast she moved. Aubrey blinked at the space she had been, cold air settling against her where Dani had previously been keeping her warm. Aubrey slowly sat up, brows furrowed. She found Dani on the other side of the bed, hand over her mouth and eyes wide with guilt.

“Wha--”

“Aubrey, I am so sorry--”

“Dani, what--”

“--I didn’t mean to, I just forgot, and then I used them, and I hurt you--”

“Dani, slow down--”

“--are you okay? Do we need to call for help? Oh god, maybe we should call for help.”

Aubrey crawled over and reached up, dragging Dani’s hand away from her mouth. Dani pressed her lips tightly together, as if trying to hide her teeth, but it did make her stop taking. Maybe now she would listen.

“I’m not hurt, Dani.”

Dani furrowed her brow.

“In fact, the opposite. I don’t know about you, but I was definitely having a lot of fun.”

“But you yelled,” Dani said. “I hurt you.”

Aubrey felt her cheeks grow warm. “Uh, didn’t--didn’t hurt, actually.”

Dani shook her head. “Aubrey, then what--”

“It tickled,” Aubrey grumbled, looking away and reaching up to rub the back of her neck.

Dani blinked. “You’re ticklish?”

“Very, apparently.”

Dani’s shoulders relaxed, and a small almost-smile returned to her face. “I guess the neck is off-limits, then?”

Aubrey hid her face in her hands with a groan, only getting more embarrassed at how much heat she could feel radiating off her skin. She felt Dani shift on the bed before a hand came up to squeeze her shoulder.

“It’s okay, Aubrey, I don’t mind--”

“I kinda liked it.”

It was silent for a moment, but Aubrey didn’t dare look up. She didn’t want to see the weirded-out look that was probably on Dani’s face.

“You liked it?”

Aubrey nodded, wondering why Dani felt the need to rub it in. She was normally so sweet.

But then Aubrey quickly found herself being pushed over once more, her back hitting the bed and the air escaping her lungs with a woosh. Hesitantly, carefully, Aubrey pulled her hands away from her face and peered up at Dani. Her stomach fluttered at Dani’s mischievous, teasing grin, at the way her fingers were flexing like they were barely holding themselves back from searching out her most sensitive places, at the way Dani’s eyes roamed over her neck like she was prey.

“What about now?” Dani asked, a teasing lilt to her voice. “Are you scared, now?”

Aubrey gulped, a nervous grin fighting its way onto her lips. She could already feel the giggles bubbling up in her chest, barely able to hold them back, and it only got harder when Dani raised her wiggling fingers and bared her teeth in a grin.

“Of you?” Aubrey said, smile becoming more genuine. “Never.”

Dani’s predatory grin softened. “Good.”

Then, without warning, Dani dove in. Aubrey squealed again when Dani’s teeth gently skimmed over her neck, sending tingles racing under her skin. She burst into giggles only a moment later when the sensation didn’t stop. It was unbearably teasing, the touch light enough to be almost tortuous in the best of ways. The tingling only seemed to get worse the longer Dani kept at it, sending Aubrey from giggles to cackling alarmingly quickly.

Aubrey cried out again when she felt Dani’s fingers sneaking up her sides, her nails just as unbearably ticklish as her teeth even through Aubrey’s shirt. Dani laughed against her neck, the breath against her skin sending Aubrey squirming and squealing again. She clutched desperately at Dani’s shoulders, but made no move to push her away. Dani pressed a gentle kiss at the crook of her shoulder and neck (and even that tickled, with how keyed up Aubrey was at this point) before pulling back just slightly.

“It’s a good thing you like this,” Dani remarked casually, like Aubrey wasn’t still laughing beneath her still-wiggling fingers. “Because I love it when you laugh.”

“Dani!”

“And I don’t think I’m gonna stop anytime soon.”

Aubrey squealed when Dani’s teeth were back on her neck. She found she didn’t particularly mind the idea of Dani tickling her into oblivion.

[fizzyxcustard]

Unhappy, Unholy Matrimony

Fandom: The Hobbit

Pairings: Thorin Oakenshield x Dwarf!Wife, Dwarf!Fem!Reader x Dwarf!Husband, slight Thorin Oakenshield x Dwarf!Fem!Reader

Warnings: Angst, loneliness, arranged marriage, unhappiness, slight smut mention, infidelity, no happy ending

Comments: I haven’t written a summary as it’s above in the header. It kinda took on a life of its own half way through and the ending pretty much came out of nowhere. 

If you would like to be added to my tag list, or removed, shoot me a message or an ask. Requested by a few people over the last few months, so my apologies for only just getting to it now. 

You felt swallowed by the huge gathering before you. Swirling shapes and colours were all around you, dancing to sweet, upbeat music that was being played by a group of musicians. They were all red-faced, full of alcohol, enjoying their melodies. 

The couples dancing all looked happy, fulfilled and enjoying life. It made you sigh in contemplation and you sat down at one of the long tables that was situated at the side of the huge hall. Only a few people remained seated, drinking and conversing over old times. Your husband was off somewhere, probably discussing old war conquests with his friends, something you had little interest in hearing for a hundredth time. 

You let out a sigh and let the loneliness swallow you. 

“How are you enjoying the evening?” a familiar, baritone voice came. 

You turned in your seat to see the king, Thorin, standing behind you. He’d only been crowned two months and had already brought Erebor back from ruin, turning into a flourishing kingdom of peace and prosperity. 

“M...my Lord,” you stuttered, and flew to your feet. 

“Do not stand on ceremony,” Thorin beamed. “I have been hoping I would be able to catch you.” Those eyes had always made you weak. Even in your younger days when you had served him in the Blue Mountains. Before your arranged marriage, before all of this. You fondly remembered the days when you would attend to him and then sit beside him, enjoying the sun set. You had forged a deep bond. But you had both knew then that it would always be impossible to take it any further. Your futures were not destined to entwine. 

“The queen looks beautiful tonight,” you said softly, looking at the beautiful blonde Dwarf woman who was dancing with Dwalin. She was a pleasant woman, kind and compassionate. Thorin seemed to genuinely care for her, so maybe he was happy with his life. 

“Yes,” Thorin replied, turning away. To him, it would always be you who would hold the position of the most beautiful. No one else could ever compete. “Yes, she does.” Through his eyes, the queen was attractive, but she would never be you. Even in their love making, Thorin imagined you. It took everything within him to not call out your name when he climaxed. His dreams were littered with visions of you holding a newborn bundle, a beautiful creation between you both. 

“Are you alright?” you asked, furrowing your eyebrows at the quiet king. 

“I’m sorry,” Thorin replied softly, breaking free from his thoughts. “Would you join me for a few minutes?” 

“Of course,” you told him and followed on behind the king. You noticed his eyes surveying the area where the queen was. Maybe hoping she wouldn’t notice him slip away with another woman? 

Thorin guided you down an empty hall and you instantly recognised the room he was taking you into: the council chambers. No one would have been in there at this time of night. 

Your heart was racing in excitement and anticipation. To be alone with him again, to hear his voice. 

“I need to tell you before it consumes me,” Thorin gasped, closing the doors to the chambers behind him. “It’s ripped me apart from the inside every day since I watched you get married.” 

You knew what he was about to say and dashed to him, taking his hands. “I love you, too,” you said, looking at him, your eyes filling with tears. “I’ve loved you for so long. And it’s killing me each day having to live a life that I know is a lie.” 

Thorin threw you both into a hot kiss and between gasps and pants, you let your combusting passion guide your movements. That evening, you broke your marriage vows to him you did not love, in favour of the one you did. Thorin pinned you to the table and took you, and he did not disappoint. Many times you had to bite your lip to stop yourself calling too loud and gaining unwanted attention. 

When Thorin withdrew from you, he placed his head on your chest and closed his eyes. “My heart is yours. It will be forever,” he whispered. You brushed your hand through his hair and kissed his brow. Tears fell down your cheeks as you thought on all the cold nights that awaited you. This would be the only night that you would ever feel true warmth. 

“Everyone will wonder where we have gone,” you told Thorin reluctantly. 

“Just one more moment, my love. Let me imagine it’s our wedding night and we’re happy.” 

****

You pondered for many years afterward if Mahal’s will for your life had been altered by the intentions of your father who had arranged your marriage. But the will of Mahal had broken through all the sadness and loneliness, to bring you a son. 

Your husband loved your son, doting on him. But in your heart, you knew who had sired the boy. He had black, raven hair which fell in waves and his eyes were pure ocean blue. Even when Thorin had seen him, an expression of realisation and shock washed over the king’s features. That night you shared with the king was never spoken of, nor was the true siring of your son. In your son’s features, posture and personality was a king that would never be. 

Your son and that night you shared with the king, would always remain the pinnacle of all Erebor’s treasures and the gifts that Thorin could give you. 

****

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Middle earth tag list: @saviorsong​

Thorin Oakenshield tag list: @bespectacled-bunny​

[spookysweet-heart]

Freak Show

Request: No

Parings: Circus!Egos x Fem!Reader

Fandom: Youtube Egos (Mark, Jack, Nate)

Warning: Dream manipulation, Nightmares.

A/N: Here’s Part Two of The Circus of Souls series. Part one can be found here! This is directly after the first one so please read it if you haven’t yet! The lovely aesthetic I’ll be using is by the very talented @huffle-princess​! The songs that I use in this part are FreakShow by The Nearly Deads and Enjoy The Show by NateWantsToBattle. Edited by @semiproeagle23​!

     Immediately after getting home, you tossed the book and tickets on your desk. Sitting on your bed, you felt your heart pounding in your chest. “What the fuck was that…?” 

Deciding not to go through with your original plan, you ended up running home. Glancing at the tickets, you felt off. There was a reason you knew you couldn’t leave just yet. 

Shaking your head, you sighed in frustration. Standing up and running a hand through your hair, you started to head out to the bathroom down the hall to get ready for bed.

Getting back into your room, you threw yourself on your bed and rolled over to pull the covers up so you could get underneath them. After getting comfortable, you looked over at the book one more time. It still didn’t feel right. Turning around, you turned off your bedside lamp, letting sleep take over.

It didn’t take long before you were drifting off. The room fell into a silence that didn’t feel inviting at all, but you brushed it off, thinking it was just your imagination from your interaction with the Ringleader.

Your breathing started to even out when you finally fell asleep, not noticing when the book on your desk opened on its own as a breeze passed through, making the pages turn. The book stopped on the third page with the man who was on a stage surrounded by smoke. The golden light that shined earlier in the day appeared again as purple smoke emerged from the page.

The smoke made its way above you, as if making sure you were asleep. When it was positive that you were, it made its way inside, phasing through your body.

Walking through a dark abandoned building, the only light source that you could see was from the moon shining through the windows. Your bare feet on the cold white tile made a shiver run down your spine.

When you looked around the open space, you noticed shadows on the walls were moving while you walked. It took a second to realize that they were children’s shadows. 

Stopping in the middle of the huge room, you closed your eyes, telling yourself it was just a dream, that nothing could hurt you. “C’mon, it’s just a dream...you can change it. Please change, I don’t want to be here.” 

Feeling a breeze pass by, you opened your eyes, seeing you were still in the building, but the shadows were now surrounding you. Looking at them, you asked, “What do you want? What is this place?” 

You started to hear whispers and giggles of children all around. “Help me…”, “Please save us...”, “Don’t let him trick you…” Taking a step forward, the kids moved, letting you walk away from them. Each step you took became quicker than the last until you started to run away, but the voices and giggles still rang in your ears.

Turning a corner, you saw there was an open room. Peeking inside, you saw there was an almost empty table. Hesitantly stepping inside, you noticed that the voices stopped when your eyes landed on a small toy carousel sitting in the middle of the table. 

Just as you were about to touch it, the tiny lights turned on, making the horses move around as a circus jingle started to play. Standing there, you were too preoccupied to notice a taller shadow move behind you across the hall.

The small breeze that passed by was what caught your attention to turn away. Walking back out into the hallway, you heard faint music coming from the end of it. It sounded just like the one coming from the carousel.

Following the echoing music, you felt uneasy again as you were getting closer. Hearing a crowd of people cheer gave you a little bit of hope that maybe this dream was turning into something good after all. Unfortunately, right as you entered the room, all you saw was a stage at the far end. 

The music got louder as the invisible cheers did. Looking around, you saw purple smoke make its way to the stage. 

As the stage lights came on, the smoke disappeared, leaving a man in a black and purple outfit in its place center stage.

He smiled, hearing the crowd cheer as he raised his mic to his lips. “You wanna take a look inside my head, you wanna analyze the things I’ve said. Well here we go again, I know what you’re gonna find. I know I’ve sought revenge, that I’ve cheated, and I’ve lied.” 

Jumping down, he started to make his way to you, leaving a trail of purple smoke with each step he took. “I’ve been selfish, and unkind, and reckless and unwise. There’s nothing you can say to change me. I need to save myself. But you asked, so here we go.” 

Lifting up his hand, a spotlight shined on him as the rest of the room turned black. “Welcome to the FreakShow, all my friends are here.” Gesturing to the crowd, you looked around seeing the children from before. “Jealousy and love, envy, lust, corruption, fear. Welcome to the headache I wake up with every day.” 

The man grinned as he stood right in front of you. He gently grabbed your chin with his free hand, making you look up at him. “Be careful what you wish for, or you’ll end up just like me…” Purple smoke started to surround you both as he continued to sing. “You’ll end just like me...just like me…” 

Feeling your chest tighten when it got harder to breathe, you started to panic, trying to escape, but you couldn't move a muscle. The man leaned down as he whispered in your ear. “Be careful, (Y/n). You don’t want the fate we suffer everyday…” 

You wanted to ask what he meant by that, but he only placed a hand above your chest. You closed your eyes and the next thing you knew, you were shoved back with a sharp pain hitting your chest.

Feeling as if you were falling, you woke up startled, sitting up in bed. Frantically looking around, you took everything in, realizing you were back in your room. Looking at your desk, you saw the book was still closed, just how you left it. 

Laying back in bed, you turned your head towards your window, seeing it was morning. 

Breathing a bit heavily, you stretched out your arms when you reluctantly got up from your bed. 

Trying to calm yourself down, you placed a hand where his hand was before. Slowing down your breathing, you felt your chest become less heavy by the second.

Picking up your phone, you saw you had a few missed texts from your group chat.

“Do you guys wanna go to the Circus?”

“It’s the opening night, isn’t it?”

“Yeah! I asked my mom if she’d give me a few extra dollars for a ticket.”

“I’m up for it! But I don’t have much money for a ticket.“

“Same here…”

“Sneak in?”

Walking over to your desk, you picked up one of the tickets. “The Circus of Souls….I don’t like this...but there has to be a reason. I know that nightmare wasn’t by chance.” Looking at your phone when it vibrated, you saw it was a new message in the chat.

“Hey, (Y/n)! You’re awake! You wanna go to the Circus?”

You felt a bit nervous when you replied.

“Yeah! And don’t worry about the tickets, guys. I was able to get some for all of us. Free for the whole week.”

“Free?! How’d you get that?!”

“That’s a secret! Meet me by the entrance around 5. Okay?”

Tossing your phone on your bed, you started to get ready for later.

Adjusting the strap on your bookbag, tickets in hand, you looked over at the crowd when you heard someone yell out your name. 

Seeing Stretch wave, you smiled and waved to her, making your way to the group. “Hey!”

“Hey, are those the tickets?” Meer looked over at your hand, seeing four tickets.

“Oh! Yeah! These are it! They’re valid for the whole week!” You gave her a smile and handed each of them a ticket. “Before we go in, can I talk to you guys real quick?”

“Yeah, what’s up?” Sam smiled, putting the ticket in her pocket.

“Before we go in there, you have to promise me that you guys won’t break away from the group?”

“Sure, but why?” Stretch raised an eyebrow, looking at you confused.

“Because...uh…” Looking between the three girls, your eyes landed on Meer. “Because Meer’s afraid of crowds remember! It’s better if we all stick together so she feels comfortable right?”

“That would actually help a lot, honestly…” Meer’s cheeks became a light pink, feeling sheepish as she looked around at the group.

“Hey, don’t feel bad, we’re all afraid of something, right?” Sam wrapped an arm around her friend's shoulders. “I mean, you can stay with me when these guys go on the rides that take off the ground. I’m not a fan of heights.”

“Okay...sure thing!” Meer smiled again and followed your lead as the group made its way to the ticket booth.

Showing the man at the booth your tickets, he smiled at you as he took it. “Don’t worry about bringing these back, you can just hand them over. The boss man said you and your friends would be coming tonight.”

“Thanks?” You shrugged your shoulders, acting like you had no idea what he was talking about. “Let’s go!” Smiling and leading the group further into the Circus, you were all immediately hit with the smells of fresh popcorn, cotton candy, and fried dough.

Stretch was the first one to suggest you play some games first before going on any rides. Throughout the night, you all challenged each other to the various games and silly dares you four could do. Time flew by, and you almost forgot the real reason you were here tonight.

“We haven’t gotten on any of the rides…” Stretch pouted, grabbing her bag of popcorn from the lady at the stand.

“I wanted to see the animal tamer! Did you see the tiger she’s working with, holy shit!” Meer almost dropped her bag of popcorn in excitement.

“There’s a Fortune Teller booth I kinda wanted to check out too..”  Sam slightly pouted as she turned to the group, handing you your bag of popcorn.

Taking the bag, you giggled a bit. “Okay, okay, I know you all wanted to do things, but we have all week, right? We still have time to do all of it.” 

Just as Stretch was about to speak up, a loud voice over the speakers ran through the area. “Attention! Attention! The Circus of Souls would like to invite you all to the main tent for a spectacular music performance!” 

The mention of a music performance made your blood run cold as you stood there. There was no way it could be the same man you saw in your dreams, could it?

“(Y/n)? Hey, (Y/n)!” Stretch waved a hand in front of your face, trying to snap you out of it.

You blinked and took a step back. “Whoa, what the fuck, dude?”

“You were spacing out there, dork. We asked you if you wanted to go see the performance?”

“Oh,” Looking at your group, you nodded. “Yeah, sure! It’ll be a fun end to the first night, wouldn’t it?”

Walking into the huge red tent made you feel on edge, to say the least. What made you stop in your tracks was seeing Phantom greeting guests. “Welcome! Oh, well I see you made it  my dear. Come in, come in! You three must be (Y/n)’s friends. Thank you tagging along. Please, take a seat at the front. There’s four spots waiting for you all.”

Nodding, you silently made your way to the front where the empty seats were, ignoring the looks your friends were giving you.

As the four of you sat down, Stretch beat everyone to the point. “What the hell was that, (Y/n)? You made friends with the Ringleader himself?”

“No! We're not friends…I went exploring the tracks yesterday to clear my head and I sorta bumped into him...”

Before any of you could continue the conversation, the lights went out and a single spot light shined center stage. Only this time, there stood a man in red. His tophat was slightly slanting to one side as he leaned the slightest amount of his weight on his cane for a second before lifting it and greeting everyone.

“Hello, boys and girls. Welcome to The Circus of Souls! I hope you all are enjoying our opening night here in your cozy little town. Thank you for being here and trusting us to entertain you for the evening.” 

He glanced over at you before he smiled and continued to address the crowd. “Now, the show you are about to see may be harmful to some since we’ll be using bright lights, flashing lights, and....a bit of disturbing imagery. I know I just greeted you all in, but if there are those of you who are sensitive to these types of things, I suggest you leave the tent immediately for your own safety."

A few groups of people started to leave the tent, only taking a few moments. Making sure everyone was out of harm's way, Phantom grinned as he waved his hand, bowing to the audience. “With that out of the way, I wish you all a fun and safe night here.”

As the spotlight disappeared, the red undertone turned to purple. You felt the same pain in your chest seeing the purple smoke cover the stage. The music started as your eyes scanned the stage before they landed on a familiar silhouette.

A voice over the speakers rang out, startling you. “Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! Gather 'Round, Gather 'Round. Sit Back, Relax, and please, stay in your seats.”

You gripped the strap of your book bag, listening and looking right at the silhouette. “Kick your feet up, and grab some popcorn. Oh, and of course! Lest we not forget!” Feeling warmth by the left side of your face, the next phrase made the hair on your neck stand up, hearing it closer than you expected. “Enjoy The Show”

The stage lights came on, making your eyes widen, seeing him standing there center stage like in your nightmare.

“Come One, Come All! And Behold we have a Sight Immeasurable, A Spectacle, Of Innocence and Fright. Oh Maybe 2, 3, 4 or even five long nights. Now you're crawling, ever stalling. With no end in sight. Up all night to see if you can make it. All new friends to see if you can take it! Be still, be quiet. They still know you haven't left yet!”

White and purple lights started to flash throughout the tent. The purple smoke still covered the bottom of the stage. The man soon encouraged the crowd to  come up to the stage while the band continued to play.

“And We'll Pretend. We'll just pretend, pretend that day would never end. I'll make believe that you can see. Everything they did to me. Nowhere to hide and now we're through but if we were just like you. I'll be your friend, I'll be your friend. You can trust me 'till the end.”

Stretch pulled you and the others to the front of the stage, grinning in excitement as everyone started to make their way too.

He smiled down at everyone as he waved to the crowd, making his way across the stage to see everyone else. “There's something bad inside me, I'm broken beyond fixing. Save me! I know that we've all been here. It only hurts a second, there's nothing to fear!”

Making his way further from the crowd, the purple smoke covered the audience so they weren't able to see the stage.

“I have you hidden way too well. It's time to let you out, put on a mask to hide yourself. That made you one of us now!”

The smoke subsided in a flash of white light. Looking back up, you noticed he had purple streaks running down his cheeks now. “And we'll pretend, we'll Just pretend. Pretend that day would never end. I'll make believe that you can see everything they did to me. Nowhere to hide, and now we're through. But if we were just like you. I'll be your friend, I'll be your friend. You can trust me 'till the end.”

He reached out his free hand to you, pulling you up on stage with him. You looked down at your friends, and they were only cheering, seeing you up on stage. The man got your attention by grabbing your chin like he'd done before. Looking into his eyes, you saw they were black with swirls of bright purple.

“We need you, so we can escape. If they find you, it'll be too late, We need you, so we can escape.” Glancing around, you saw the children you saw in your nightmare. They were pale and thin, as if they were ghosts. “If they find you, it'll be too late.”  Turning you around so you were facing the crowd, he wrapped his free arm around your waist, holding you against his chest and swaying with you, singing out to the crowd. You looked around and saw the children come closer.

“And we'll pretend, we'll just pretend, pretend that day would never end. I'll make believe that you can see everything they did to me. Nowhere to hide and now we're through. But if we were just like you.” The man let you go when one of the kids almost touched you. Helping you down, he smiled as he let go of your hand. He looked at you through the end of the song. Your friends took notice, only smiling for now. “I'll be your friend, I'll be your friend. You can trust me 'till the end. Now we're afraid, we're all afraid. Afraid that it might be too late! They never learn to wait their turn. Now we get to watch them burn.”

The lights started to slowly fade. The smoke disappeared from the crowd and slowly rose around the band. “Nowhere to hide and now we're through. But if we were just like you, I'll be your friend, I'll be your friend. You can trust me 'till the end….Trust me till the end!” The last thing you saw were his eyes shining bright purple before the smoke covered them.

The lights went out for a second and when they came back on, the stage was empty, save for the Ringleader again. “Well, wasn’t that entertaining! What did you all think?”

The crowd cheered enthusiastically, making the small orb on his cane light up. 

“I’m glad you enjoyed the little show our incredible singer, Natemare, performed. He’s known to have a flair for the dramatics, if you couldn’t tell already.” The crowd roared in laughter. 

In a matter of seconds, the laughs turned to clapping and cheers when Natemare walked out, standing next to Phantom. He had a grin on his face he bowed, soaking in all the enthusiasm. “Thank you! Though, I couldn’t have done it without the brave soul that let me bring them up here with me.” He looked down at you, smiling, and gave you a wink. 

“I’ll be here all week, so if you’d like to see another performance, my time stamps should be on display just outside this tent.”

Phantom wrapped an arm around Natemare’s shoulders, waving to the crowd. “Goodnight everyone! Thank you for making our opening night one we won’t forget! Be safe traveling home, now!”

As the crowds filed out of the Circus, Meer grabbed your arm. You looked around, seeing them all looking at you and giggling. 

“What is it?” Taking your arm back, you turned around and faced them.

“Oh, c’mon, (Y/n), you don’t have to hide it.”

“Hide what?”

“You have to tell us! Was he as cute up close?” Sam squealed in excitement, remembering the scene.

“I bet he was! Please tell us!” Stretch grinned, grabbing your hand.

“More like he was terrifying…”

“Huh?” All three girls look at you confused.

“I….I had a nightmare last night and he was in it. I don’t know how to explain this, but I feel like there’s a reason we happened to see him perform today and the fact he picked me out of everyone?”

“Uh oh, I think (Y/n) has a crush on him. Aww, that's so cute! He’s like your dream boy or something.” Sam giggled as she poked your cheek.

You moved her hand away and pouted at the three of them.”It’s not like that at all! Guys, please listen to me, there's something going on here. Didn’t you see those kids up there?!”

“Yeah, but the Ringleader said there would be disturbing imagery, they were probably holograms or something.” Meer adjusted her bag a bit.

“...I know they weren’t holograms. I know I’m sounding crazy right now, but can you three just listen to what I have to say first and then you can say whatever the hell you want after?”

The three girls looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. “Alright, we’ll listen.”

“Thank you. Can we meet up at the park by my house tomorrow morning?”

“Yeah, not too early though.” Meer looked around when she noticed everyone was staring at her. “What? I don’t like waking up super early…”

“Yeah, sure, we’ll meet around eleven. Does that work for everyone?”

Nodding in agreement, the four of you headed home. After a long, and sort of fun night, you just wanted to go to sleep.

Dropping your bag by your bed, you immediately fell onto your bed, not caring about changing or properly laying on your bed. Almost instantly falling asleep, the purple smoke emerged from your bag as Natemare took form. He looked at you for a moment before using his smoke to get you under your blankets without waking you. “I’ll give you a break tonight. You need it, kid…”

Tag List:

@lady-bee-fechin​

@smolwash​

@stretchy-longstocking​

@wildspeciallavender​

@freckled-words​

@nerdqueenkat​

@kateneedscoffee​

@nekosounds​

@justwritingscibbles​

[inhanf-archived]

11. ovipositor

Fandom: Criminal Minds

Squares/Prompts used:

#kinktober2020:   11. ovipositor

Warnings: Smut adjacent

Pairing/s: Emily Prentiss x Reader x Spencer Reid

Authors Note: I've never used an ovipositor before but I did some research. I mean absolutely no judgement on anybody who used these toys or partakes in this fetish, the reactions of the characters in this story are based in humour as a coping mechanism. I don't think they would judge anyone for this either and I hope it doesn't read that way.The G'lorp is a real toy, it can be found here.

Word count: 1640 AO3

You could hear them laughing before the key even entered the door, a rare and welcome sound when your partners were returning from a case. Padding softly to the kitchen to put on the kettle you were pleased to see their smiling faces join you moments later. ‘Good result?’ You enquired, setting up three mugs. ‘Eh, entertaining, let’s say that instead.’ Emily half grimaced and embraced you from behind, burying her nose into the crook of your neck and inhaling your scent.

‘Entertaining isn’t a word I normally associate with the BAU, not unless it’s family dinner or karaoke night.’ You filled the mugs with hot water, letting Emily stay wrapped around you and turned your head to look at the unusually quiet Spencer Reid. He was grinning and adding milk and more sugar to his coffee but there was a definite blush in his complexion. It was only when Em released you to finish making her tea that you noticed the package on the breakfast bar. ‘Open it’ Spencer hadn’t even looked at you, now fixing himself a snack and Emily had busied herself with rooting for cereal.

To say you were skeptical would be an understatement but you trusted that it wasn’t a head in a box so you sat on one of the stools and prised the box open. Skepticism morphed into major confusion and you slowly turned the box three times trying to make sense of it’s contents. You could feel them both looking at you now but you took another moment to compose yourself, not wanting to laugh in their faces if this was something they’d been working up to.

‘See this is how she beats us at poker.’ Em said, grinning into her bowl of muesli. Spencer has a hesitantly optimistic smile on and was nodding sagely. You looked down at the box and up into each set of brown eyes in turn, waiting for them to give some kind of hint. Their grins had you thinking they’d done this for the lols but you could never be totally sure. Emily had a great many kinks hidden behind those big brown eyes, maybe this was one of them. You kept your poker face, allowing your lips to mimic the small grins on theirs and waited them out.

Em cracked first, snorting into a fit of laughter. ‘I’m sorry, there was this shop and you really had to be there to get the joke but we both wanted to see your face so.’ She shrugged and gestured to the box which you now reached into. Gripping it round the middle you placed the only flat side of it down onto the counter. It’s main shaft was bright pink, the flat base a dark blue and the little tentacles were purple. Emily was surprising a fresh fit of laughter and even Spencer was chuckling into his coffee. Your own grin was demolishing any remnant of your poker face and you crossed your arms and cocked your head to the side, taking in the strange silicone object.

It was massive, easily twelve inches long and as thick around as your wrist. It had a hole in the base and the top tapered to another wide slit. You had a million ideas about what they wanted to do with this thing but for all your open mindedness you had no clue how it was going to be pleasurable. ‘Penny for your thoughts?’ Em asked tentatively. ‘Oh Penelope would have many thoughts on this, she’d probably keep fluffy pens in it in the batcave.’ The three of you dissolved into giggles at that visual. Clutching her side Em leaned against the opposite counter top and waited for your eyes to meet hers. ‘Really, what do you think?’. You sighed and wiped away the tears from your cheeks. ‘Honestly?’ ‘Honestly.’ They replied in unison. ‘It looks like you searched Doctor Who on PornHub.’ You answered honestly and with a miraculously small number of chuckles. Spencer spat his last mouthful of coffee back into the mug and bent over the breakfast bar counter, his head in his hands and shaking with laughter. Em cocked her head and gave the thing another look nodding her agreement with you.

Tearing your eyes from it you looked back into the box and extracted what looked to be a reusable egg carton and a booklet which you opened with hesitant curiosity.

‘G'lorp: Bringing sex to a (w)hole new dimension.’

You scanned the booklet for a word, a phrase, anything you could find that might give you a clue about what G’lorp actually did. It was on the last page that you found images of other equally brightly coloured and unusually shaped silicone creations and the word ovipositor. It suddenly dawned on you and you picked up the egg box and flicked back to a FAQ page you’d dismissed earlier. Recipes for gelatine mould.

Your partners were both around the kitchen island now, Spencer looking at you with a grin and biting his bottom lip, Emily sat on the countertop, legs folded, her huge brown eyes watching you over her mug of tea. ‘I have a few questions.’ You state with more calmness than you truly possessed. They nodded in unison again. You opened your mouth to speak and closed it again, unsure of how you were going to ask them without you all dissolving into giggles again. Deciding to pick the G’lorp up, it was far less scary now it had a name, you looked at it instead of your waiting partners, tracing the different textures in the silicone with your fingers.

‘Who did, no what did, what did you want to do with it? Well who also I guess.’ They smiled but the giggles seemed to have faded for now. ‘At first we just wanted to see your reaction, it’s not something either of us ever knew about.’ Em spoke up, glancing to Spencer to make sure she was on the right track. He nodded and reached across to the box and took out a small ziplock baggie with several yellow balls in it the size of large chicken eggs. ‘We were laughing about it in the hotel room and decided to test it out.’ ‘To see if it’s named after the sound it makes. It kinda surprised us both how nice a feeling it was to squeeze them through it.’ Em finished and took a long drink of tea.

You were all looking at the ball eggs now and putting G’lorp back into the box you reached out to Spencer to see what they felt like. He extracted one and placed it in your outstretched palm. ‘It’s a little lubey, that’s how you get them into it.’ Reaching into the bag he pulled out what looked like a large golf tee and placed another ball egg on top of it. You’d taken G’lorp from the box again, and held it in one hand with the slippery egg rolling in your other. Taking the dildo from you Spence lined up the hole in the bottom with the tee’d up egg and with a small schloop noise it went in. He handed G’lorp back to you and you gave him back the egg, wanting to grip the massive toy with both hands now it had lube all over it.

You could feel the ball inside and with a little pressure you could move it back and forth inside the shaft. Grasping the toy below the ball you pushed it towards the tapered end and it flew out and across the kitchen to land in Emily’s empty cereal bowl. ‘There’s a messed up sport in there somewhere’ Emily said with a wry grin as she washed the milk off the slippery egg and handed it back to Spencer. ‘Ten points to Gryffindor’ you and your boyfriend echoed and the prior calm was lost again to laughter and theoretical discussions about hippogriff reproduction and the likelihood that G’lorp was a distant relative of the flobberworm.

The G’lorp and its egg ball children stayed in your closet for a while after that night. None of you had any great interest in trying it out but there wasn’t enough disinterest to throw it away either. You were seriously considering gifting it to Penelope for her pen collection after unearthing it while cleaning one Saturday when Spencer came into your room and stretched himself across your bed, taking it out to examine. ‘I think you’d like it Y/N’. You pulled your head out of a garment bag full of lingerie and looked up at him from the floor. Giving the silicone toy an affectionate look you made a spur of the moment decision. ‘Okay’ Spencer rolled onto his stomach in surprise. ‘Okay?’ You nodded and repeated yourself. ‘Guess I’ll go make some fresh eggs then’ Spence took the box and left your room. You could hear him quietly saying ok to himself all the way down to the kitchen.

The three of you stood at the foot of Emily’s bed. You’d laid out an old duvet, anything involving this much lube required protective coverings. Emily had been as surprised as Spencer to hear you’d given them the go ahead and now that you were all here, fresh eggs made and G’lorp freshly cleaned for the event none of you really knew what to do. You weren’t as giggly as you had been the night they brought it home, but you could only insist so many times that you had no desire to role play getting eaten out by Davy Jones from Pirates of the Caribbean before you collapsed onto the bed laughing and thrust the toy at them. ‘Let’s just get on with this yeah?’ You rolled your eyes and laid back as they joined you.

[thewritingstar]

Drawn That Way

Pairing: Blossutch

Fandom: Powerpuff Girls

I hope you all enjoy the only Halloween fic I did this year lol. I wanted to write more but I’ve been kinda of in the writing dumbs and haven’t been feeling too good about my writing. But none the less, some Blossutch

——

Halloween was a night of frights and to be going to parties with your friends dressed as any character you want, not to be sitting alone at a bar in a dress a little too tight for Blossoms comfort and two shots down her throat.

She was a fool to think that some dude from her chem class was actually going to show for the party, of course she was ditched. Blossom Utonium was known for many things, but parrying? People acted like she had never heard the word.

All she wanted was to have this night be fun and maybe wake up with a small hangover, what? She was a college student and wanted at least one “reckless” experience. Her sisters had beat her to that already and it wasn’t embarrassing that she wanted to feel that way too.

She felt a person slither into the seat next to her. Eyes already rolling as he ordered a drink and she knew he was getting ready to turn and say some horrific pick up line.

“Well if it isn’t Miss Everything Nice?”

Her head turned to see Butch smirking like the Chershire Cat as he took the drink and smacked it back.

“Butch.” She said with a small smile. She felt slightly more relaxed and was thankful someone she knew was by her. She also had no problem blasting him to the sky if he tried anything. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

He shrugged. “Oh yeah know, tired of parties and thought I’d give a bar a try. This place kinda blows, barely anyone here.”

“Mmm too bad.” She didn’t mind that there wasn’t any screaming people or girls throwing up in the corner. It was better this way.

“So what are you suppose to be?” She asked with a slight laugh.

He was wearing a black vest with no shirt underneath and black pants to match...and a tail?

“Sexy play boy bunny!” He said proudly and held up his headband that had two floppy black ears. “What about you?”

“Oh.” She brushed her hands in her lap. “I’m Jessica Rabbit. Thought it was easy, yeah know, redhead and all that.” Why did she feel embarrassed all of a sudden? 

He didn’t even try to hide the fact that he looked her up and down. “You look good Pink.” He smiled and she felt slightly better. 

“Thank you.” She needed another drink, maybe. 

Butch looked around then back to her with a confused expression. “So wheres the bunny?” 

“Bunny?” She questioned. 

“Yeah. The rabbit she married.” 

“Oh. Roger rabbit. He uh...ditched, found another rabbit hole I guess. Its alright, he wasn’t that great to begin with.” She shrugged and didn’t realize he had bought her a drink. 

She glanced at it then to him and noticed that he was staring at her. “What?” She asked and started to twist a lock of hair nervously.

“Nothing. I just don’t understand how someone could ever ditch you.”

Blossom was slightly taken back by his words. “It’s happened, I’m used to it.” She answered honestly.

“Well stop getting used to it.” Butch said and grabbed her hand.

“W-what-“ She let out a gasp as she collided with his chest.

She opened her eyes and looked at him to see a bright smirk. One arm came around her waist as the other held her hand in his. Her chest was pressed against his and he swayed them to the music ignoring the other people on the dance floor.

Her own smile came forward as she relaxed and let him take the lead.

“There it is.” He winked and she blushed slightly. “I’ve always liked your smile a lot.”

“How charming.” She rolled her eyes playfully.

He spun her and brought her back. “I’m not joking Blossom.”

She blew up on her bangs. “Butch you don’t need to say things out of pity, really it fine.”

His lips twitched to a frown as he guided her through the bar and outside.

“Hey where are we-“ but she was cut off as he held her close and flew them up to the roof where they were alone. The music was still heard slightly and she could feel the vibration of the club below.

“That’s much better, hate being in cramped places. Anyways, I am not saying shit out of pity. Blossom, I’ve liked you since...fuck I don’t even know. You’re the most intelligent and beautiful girl I have ever met and it makes me mad that some nobody would ever treat you like that. I just wish you could see how incredible you are.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her wrist.

Blush dusted her cheek as she stared at him. She had received endless compliments before but never had they effected her like this. She wondered if he ever knew about her crush on him. In the battles they had as children, her eyes would always wonder over to him and she was in awe at the power he had.

They had never had the same friend group aside from their silblings and even in high school, she would see him in the hallways and wondered what it would be like to be next to him.

Boy after boy. They were all the same. She was too intimidating or the spotlight was too much for them all but Butch, he was just like her, an equal. Someone she had thought to be just a friend but she never knew how big of a crush she had on him until they got older.

She took a step forward, reaching to his belt to pull the headband out and placed it on his head. The black ears flopped forehead as he grinned and she ruffled a piece of hair falling on his face.

“There, now you’re Roger Rabbit.” She whisper and planted her red lips on his cheek. “A dark emo Roger Rabbit.”

He let out a laugh. “Seriously though, I like you a lot Bloss.”

“I like you too.”

His eyes widened slightly like a kids on Christmas. “R-really?” He asked as if he doubted her. “I don’t believe you.” He teased.

An idea popped into her head as she cupped his cheek. “Will this change your mind?”

“What-“ He was cut off with her hands pulling the collar of his vest and the pressing of her lips to his.

Butch grabbed her waist to pull her closer and tilted his head to deepen the kiss. He was not about to tell her that he had been dreaming of this moment since middle school.

She pulled away with a smile.

“I’ve been dreaming of this since middle school.” SHIT.

She giggled. “Me too. How about we get out of her and go watch a movie or something?”

He cocked an eyebrow. “Or something? Miss Rabbit you are bad.” He chuckled.

Blossom giggled before striking an over the top pose, her leg peaking through the high slit in the dress. “I’m not bad, I’m just drawn that way.” She winked.

———

I really felt lost with the ending but I hope everyone has a happy Halloween!!!! AND BE SAFE.

[laurawritesandgames]

Title: Objections

Fandom: Beetlejuice (Musical)

Rating: PG-13

Pairing: Beetlejuice/Adam/Barbara, Charles/Delia

Prompt: Wedding

Content Warning: Set during coronavirus pandemic

Summary: It’s Delia and Charles’s wedding day. The Maitland-Deetz household tries to keep their irreverent demon from spoiling the big day. Little do they know it’s not Beetlejuice they need to worry about….

It had taken ten minutes, but Barbara was finally satisfied with Delia’s lashes. “There. I think we’ve got it.” She moved aside to let Delia see herself in the mirror.

Barbara had put her hair and makeup skills to the test and helped Delia out on her wedding day. Why invite over a makeup artist and hair stylist during a pandemic if you didn’t have to?

Delia examined her reflection and beamed. “It’s perfect.”

That was being kind. It wasn’t exactly one of the dramatic looks on Delia’s wedding Pinterest board. More dramatic makeup would’ve suited her dress better. Ordered from Italy, her dress was a gold ballgown with dramatic tiered tulle flounces on the skirt and a deep V neckline. The gold in the dress played off the gold accents in Delia’s bright orange hair, which was in romantic waves down her back. It was daring and sweet all at once.

When the pandemic hit, the household had talked about postponing her and Charles’s wedding. But Charles’s parents were old-fashioned, and since Delia and Charles wanted to try for a baby right away, they decided to have a virtual wedding instead.

“I can’t thank you enough, Barbara.”

“I’m not letting you do your own hair and makeup on your big day!” She gestured to the laptop. “Now go show the girls.” Her bridesmaids were eagerly awaiting drinking mimosas and celebrating Delia’s look. Barbara had met them at Delia’s virtual bachelorette party, though, of course, they hadn’t known Barbara was there. The bachelorette party had also been rather subdued, considering Delia’s usual standards. She, Barbara and the bridesmaids had streamed both Magic Mike movies, ate popcorn and drank champagne. What else could you do in a pandemic? “I’ll go check on the preparations.”

Delia’s phone, face down on the makeup table, buzzed again. Someone had been texting her all morning, and Delia had been ignoring them. Her gaze flicked to the phone, jaw tightening before she looked back into the mirror.

Barbara gestured to the phone. “I can grab that for you, too.”

A hint of a frown worked its way between Delia’s brows. A moment later, her expression relaxed, and she waved the suggestion away. “I’m fine, darling. I’ve been getting so many robotexts lately. You know, you could stay and have a drink. You’re a bridesmaid too, dear!”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I like keeping busy!” And if I bump something or the camera catches me drinking a mimosa, the focus is definitely not going to be on the bride. Barbara excused herself and went downstairs.

The walls of the living/dining room were decorated with curled gold ribbons and champagne-coloured tulle banners beneath the crown molding. The ghosts and Beetlejuice had moved all the furniture—quite easily, with telekinesis—and added two rows of four chairs on either side of an elegant pale gray runner. The rug led the eye to the laptop, set up on a crystal-laden table where the officiant would’ve stood, and the pale-wood wedding arch wrapped in the same champagne tulle. Everything looked perfect.

Adam, Beetlejuice, and Lydia, the family’s impromptu wedding photographer/videographer, were gathered around a photo album. It took Barbara a second to recognize it.

“Aww, our wedding album!” She joined the group, resting her head on Adam’s shoulder. He kissed her temple, pulling her closer with both arms. The book continued floating in mid-air.

“Obsessed with sunflowers much?” grumbled an unimpressed Beetlejuice.

“I guess so,” Adam said. “My family’s farm had a little sunflower patch. That kinda became our thing.”

“Love the mason jars,” Lydia commented.

“Hey, those were the big thing in 2009,” Barbara said. She supposed their wedding had followed a lot of popular trends: an outdoor barn wedding, lots of tea lights in mason jars, and even a photo booth. But they’d managed to be ahead of the curve on a few things. “Remember our party favours, sweetie?” she asked Adam. “They were little terrariums in stemless wineglasses.”

Adam grinned and squeezed the arm around her waist. “They were tied with ribbons that said ‘Thank you very ‘mulch’ for coming to our wedding!’”

Lydia chuckled; Beetlejuice rolled his eyes.

“Don’t encourage that,” the demon said to his friend. He continued scowling at the wedding album, but Lydia seemed happy to keep looking at the photos.

The most pages they turned, the more Barbara’s mood slid closer to Beetlejuice’s. All those photos were full of friends and family she couldn’t see anymore. Most of her friends’ Facebooks or Instagrams were private, so she couldn’t even do any light internet stalking unless she wanted to log into her old accounts and confuse everyone. Was Lisa still going back to school to get her Masters, or had the pandemic put that on hold? Was Alison still having issues with her mother-in-law? Barbara had no idea. Dead women didn’t have friends. Not to mention her family….

But a wedding was no time to be sad. She pasted a smile on her face and even managed a few cute wedding stories.

“Remember when your uncle Eddy tried to drink his wedding favour?” she asked Adam, who chuckled. “He almost choked on a succulent!”

“But he kept trying to drink from it! Three times!” Adam chuckled. A moment later, his smile faltered. “Probably because he’s a massive alcoholic.”

“Oh, right. Sorry.” That story wasn’t quite as cute as she remembered. “So, um, why don’t we do a last-minute check? Make sure we’ve got everything.”

“All right,” Lydia said. She took the photo album from midair and put it away, frowning slightly. “This is probably going to be the nicest moment I have today, so thanks for that.”

Barbara and Adam shared a worried look. Lydia was deeply ambivalent about her father marrying another woman only six months after her mother died. Lydia had used that fact to extract a lot of concessions about the wedding: Delia had let her wear a black dress and take photographs on her analogue camera instead of a digital camera.

“C’mon, kid!” Beetlejuice said. “Just wait ‘til I get the party started!” He blew a party favour, and sparkly beetles flew behind him.

While Lydia rolled her eyes fondly at her friend, Barbara and Adam shared another worried look. The young woman went upstairs to get changed.  

Barbara turned to Beetlejuice. “I just wanted to remind you about your promise, Beetlejuice. I know it’d probably be very funny to interrupt the ceremony. Maybe Lydia would even appreciate it. But this day means a lot to Delia and Charles. They’ve found each other through a lot of pain and hardship, and they deserve a fun, special memory.”

Beetlejuice waved her words away. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. You don’t know this about me yet, but I love a good party. And people can finally see me! Well, only people here, but whatever. Why would I mess that up and have everybody pissed at me? I’m here for the fun and the food, baby.”

As much as Barbara wanted to believe him, she suspected that the only reason he didn’t have a disruption planned was because of Lydia’s innate goodness, not his own.

“I noticed you didn’t love us going through the wedding album, buddy,” Adam said. “Is everything okay?”

He shrugged. “It just…it looked nice. Your wedding.” He glanced between Barbara and Adam, loudly announcing, “None of that boring-ass shit at our wedding, okay?”

Barbara tried not to look too surprised—Beetlejuice loved shocking them. “Noted. But it’s also not going to be jump scares every minute, or a projector that reveals everyone’s darkest fears, or some kind of Saw situation.”

Beetlejuice’s eyebrows rose. “I was just thinking there’d be singing cockroaches and banners made of bats, but those are way better! You wanna plan it, baby?”

“I said ‘not.’ It’s not going to be any of those things. Did you even hear that part?”

He darted in close and kissed her lips. “Eh, we’ll find a compromise that works for all of us. We’re all about that life, right?” His neck stretched cartoonishly to kiss Adam on the lips as well. Then he poofed away in a cloud of smoke.

After a few moments, Adam said, “Did he just ask us to marry him?”

“I think it was a joke proposal. You know him. If he really wanted to propose, there’d be a lot more pizzazz. And possibly dead bodies.”

“Right, of course.”

“Would you have said yes if he’d been serious?” Barbara asked, curious.

“Things between the three of us have been going pretty well, but I don’t think I’m ready to jump into another marriage quite yet. And you?”

It was exactly what she’d expected from Adam. They’d changed since their deaths—six months later, their afterlives involved parenthood, isolation from friends and family, a lot more free time, and a polyamorous relationship. But it was nice when she could guess what he was thinking. Not everything had changed. “The same. Maybe in a few years or so.”

*

Before the ceremony, Charles and Lydia stayed in the living room, helping older relatives log on to Zoom and greeting people as they logged in. Charles was wearing a pale grey tuxedo with a metallic grey tie and pocket square. Lydia looked like an elegant classic Hollywood starlet with a goth twist: her black lace gown had a subtle skull pattern to it, barely visible unless the light hit it just right. Her onyx choker and bracelets looked like thorny vines going up her pale arms and encircling her neck. On her head was a raven fascinator with golden bead eyes, her one concession to the wedding colours.

The laptop screen filled up with squares of happy, smiling faces. Everyone had dressed up for the occasion, wearing suits and dresses.

“Betcha most of them are wearing sweat pants,” Beetlejuice said.

“Well, hopefully we’ll never find out,” Barbara replied. The three of them were sitting on the white chairs on either side of the aisle. Most people watching this meeting online probably assumed these chairs were only there for symmetry. As far as they knew, Lydia was the only other person physically at this wedding.

Despite her earlier claim, Lydia was smiling and chatting with Charles’s parents and, to Barbara’s surprise, Emily’s mother. Coming to your son-in-law’s wedding six months after your daughter’s death must have been hard, but if there were any issues, Barbara didn’t see them, and she wasn’t about to eavesdrop on a family moment.

Emily was sick for years. I suppose her family had a lot of time to mourn her. She thought about her parents and her sister at her own funeral. What had that been like?

Lydia took video of Delia coming down the stairs to the bridal chorus, played on speakers set up throughout the room, then put the video camera on a tripod so she could participate in the ceremony.

“I want to thank everyone for joining us today,” the officiant said. “In lieu of wedding gifts, the bride and groom have asked that you donate to the Rural Connecticut Preservation Society. I’m pleased to share that we’ve raised $10,000, which will be donated after the wedding.”

If Charles had had any reservations about donating to a charity dedicated to stopping housing development in rural Connecticut, which directly impacted his career, he hadn’t brought it up during the wedding’s planning stages. Lydia had suggested the charity, after all.

Everyone applauded.

“We will now bless the rings,” the officiant said.

Lydia took out the rings, held them both tightly in her hands, and whispered her blessing into her clenched fists. She smiled mischievously at Charles.

“I suppose if they burst into flame, we’ll know Mom disapproves.”

There were a few awkward chuckles from the assembled, none louder than Delia’s. “That’s my darling, unique stepdaughter for you! Oh, Lydia, you’re so funny!”

In a mocking, little-girl voice, Lydia replied, “I appreciate the compliment, my dearest stepmother.”

Barbara and Adam made sure that they were holding Beetlejuice’s hands so he couldn’t raise them.

The demon scoffed. “You know, I don’t need my hands to do ghost magic? I could just set the rings on fire with my mind.”

“Do not—”

“I wasn’t gonna! Jeez.”

With a theatrical flourish, Lydia showed off the rings to the laptop camera. Barbara half-expected them to be Netherworld green, but they were normal. “My blessing has been spoken. Please speak your blessings now.” Ideally, everyone would’ve been able to touch the rings and speak their blessings in private.

After a pause, Delia’s father spoke first, and others followed. The wedding program had provided a few sample blessings, but people were free to write their own. Delia’s mother began crying halfway through hers.

“Save something for the wedding speech, Amanda,” her father joked. He reminded Barbara of her own dad.

Barbara and Adam gave their own blessings. “Delia and Charles, we wish you health, happiness and love as you start your new life together,” they said, touching the rings, making sure not to brush Lydia’s hands.

Beetlejuice had declined to take part in “New Age bullshittery,” so he remained hovering over his seat.

The rest of the wedding was more traditional, probably to appease Charles’s parents. Barbara’s mind wandered. She and Adam had come so far, hadn’t they? She held Adam’s hand lightly, running her thumb up and down his palm—rather, she did until Beetlejuice forced his way between the two of them and sat on both of their laps.

“Poor baby, no one was paying attention to you,” she cooed into his ear.

“It’s the worst,” he agreed. She ran her fingers through his spikey green hair. Adam gave him some attention by resting his head on Beetlejuice’s shoulder. That seemed to do the trick—he sighed and relaxed.

Readings were read, vows were said, and rings were exchanged. Charles’s vows were simple and straightforward—too curt for Barbara’s tastes—but Delia’s were long enough for them both. Barbara fought the urge to check the time. She felt like Delia had been going for 10 minutes.

Delia actually appeared to be wrapping up when “I object!” sounded over the laptop’s speakers.

A square popped up on Zoom, revealing that the speaker was a tanned older man with more salt than pepper in his hair and bright white teeth. He had a faint accent that Barbara couldn’t place. She’d never seen him on any of Delia’s photos or social media.

Delia made a few choking noises in the back of her throat, the colour draining from her face.

Charles glared at the screen. “You,” he spat out.

Clutching Charles like a lifeline, Delia drew herself up as tall as she could. “Jeremy, log off immediately! I don’t know how you got my number or how you got this link, but get out, you narcissistic psychopath! You don’t get to be a part of my life, not after what you did!”

“Delia, my love, I know you still feel something for me—“

‘My love’? This can’t be the ex-husband, can it? Years ago, Delia’s ex had sailed away to Rome with the secretary he’d been cheating on her with.

“Hey,” Beetlejuice whispered, “I never possessed someone over the internet before. Maybe if we all work together, we can do it?”

Jeremy had opened his mouth to speak again. If ghostly powers could stop this disaster, they had to try. Barbara grabbed Beetlejuice’s and Adam’s hands and held them out to the laptop screen.

“—and I—” Jeremy continued. His gaze abruptly unfocused. Barbara tried to force words into his mouth.

“I’m so sorry!” he said, just as she’d scripted. “I’m going to log off and…and…and throw myself into a dumpster like the piece of trash I am.”

She hadn’t told him to say that. Barbara glanced at Beetlejuice, who grinned back at her.

“And then,” Jeremy continued, “I’m gonna take my toenail clippings, and my belly button lint, put them in a blender, take a shit in that blender, start the blender, and pour myself a shit-shake. It’s my regular Saturday morning routine, baby!”

Lydia rushed forward and tapped a few keys. His square vanished from the screen.

“I blocked him,” she said.

“Thank you, stepdaughter.” Delia sniffled, and Charles handed her a Kleenex from his suit pocket.

As Delia struggled to compose herself, Barbara whispered, “A poop-shake? Really, Beetlejuice?”

“It was Adam!” He couldn’t even keep a straight face, and chortled. “Okay, you caught me. Hey, I had to make sure he’d never be able to look these people in the eye again.”

Delia glared at the laptop screen. “Lydia, darling, explain to me how you set this event up again.”

“I set it as a private Zoom event. Everyone involved in the ceremony had to have a link and a password.”

“So,” Delia said, “who gave my ex-husband—who, I’d just like to remind everyone, is a cheating bastard—the link and the password?”

Slowly, one of Delia’s aunts raised her hand, her face bright pink behind her makeup.

“Millie!” Delia’s mom exclaimed.

“Mom!” shrieked one of Delia’s cousins.

Most people on the Zoom call started shouting at once. It took a few minutes to hear Aunt Millie’s explanation.

“I had no idea he was going to object,” she squeaked. “But he was such a big part of our lives for such a long time, and I thought he deserved to at least see the ceremony….”

“Aunt Millie,” Delia said, “you are no longer welcome!”

“Of—of course. I’m so sorry, Delia.” Aunt Millie took out her glasses and peered at the screen. “Er, which button do I…?”

Lydia took care of it, and banned her.

“And everyone thought I’d use my ghost powers for evil,” Beetlejuice boasted. “Look at me, doing good deeds! Being a goddamn hero!”

Barbara would’ve responded, but poor Delia sagged against Charles, tears running down her face. She tried to speak, but only managed a quiet sob.

“We’re going to take a break,” Lydia said quickly, turning back to the laptop. “See you in 10 minutes, everyone.” She muted them and closed the laptop.

Beetlejuice waved his hand to grab Delia’s attention, grinning broadly. “Thought I’d mention that if you know where he lives I could teleport to his location and, well, cause a little havoc.”

“Do we need to go over the house rules?” Barbara asked. ‘No Murdering’ was the first one.

“No murdering, this time! Just a little non-fatal revenge.”

Delia hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. “No, thank you.”

“Non-fatal?” Lydia asked Beetlejuice. “Are you sure? Our wedding did set a precedent for murder….”

Beetlejuice chuckled, and the two fistbumped.

After a moment, the demon frowned. “Wait, should I fistbump you for murdering me?”

“You already completed the ‘bump—you can’t take it back now,” Lydia said.

“Shit, you’re right.”

Delia stared at the living room, lips quivering. “Maybe…maybe this is a sign. The universe must not want me to get married again!”

Beetlejuice floated over. “Delia! Signs don’t exist. Trust me, I’d know! There is no heaven, no hell, no meaning to anything! The universe is cold, distant, and uncaring. It’s basically my mom,” he joked. “But the point is—it doesn’t care what you want, and nothing you say or do can affect it.

“Besides, girl!” Beetlejuice leaned in. “Chuck is rich as fuck. Lock him down!”

Charles glared at him before turning back to Delia. “I still want to get married to you, Delia.”

“Are you sure?” She blew into her Kleenex before continuing. “There are women who…who don’t have ex-husbands that ruin their weddings and—and make a scene in front of all their friends and family….”

“Delia,” Barbara said quietly, “you’re not the first person to date an asshole. I mean, look at me and Adam.”

Beetlejuice appreciated the burn, even if it was at his own expense—he cackled over Delia’s tepid chuckle.

“Don’t blame yourself for what just happened,” Barbara continued.

Delia whimpered into her Kleenex. Charles stroked her hair lightly.

“Delia,” he said, “I stood in front of our friends and family and told them how you were the brightest light in my darkest time. I meant every word of it. Nothing will change that. I love you.” He kissed her so deeply that Barbara looked away to give them some privacy.

When they were done, Lydia cleared her throat. “I’ll go get the digital camera so we can adjust the photos faster. That way you won’t have to worry about your makeup looking perfect.” She began to set her analog camera down.

Delia shook her head. “No—you said this was your artistic vision, and I won’t see it compromised.”

Lydia looked surprised. “Oh.” Her smile was small but sincere. “Thanks, Delia.”

Delia took this as an invitation to hug her stepdaughter. Lydia rolled her eyes, but patted her shoulder and didn’t pull away.

“Besides,” Delia added, “this camera was your mother’s gift to you, and I don’t want her coming back from the Netherworld to tell me off.”

Beetlejuice facepalmed. “That is not how the Netherworld works! That’s not how any of it works.”

“Well, it couldn’t hurt to make sure, could it?” Delia stepped back. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll just fix my face.”

“I can help,” Barbara said, and Delia nodded.

Once they were upstairs, Delia collapsed in her makeup chair, sighing heavily.

“I actually thought it was going to go well,” she commented. “That I’d have one beautiful day even in the midst of the world’s ugliness. I was so stupid. Nothing ever goes right for me.”

Barbara reached out to pat Delia’s shoulder before stopping herself. When Delia looked confused, she explained, “Lydia said touching me or Adam is like touching an ice cube tray straight from the freezer.”

“I don’t mind.”

Hesitantly, Barbara touched Delia’s shoulder. It was the first time she’d touched a living person other than Lydia in months, and hugs from a 16-year-old girl she didn’t know that well were rare. The older woman shivered but didn’t pull away.

“Lydia’s not wrong,” Delia admitted. She put her hand over Barbara’s, squeezing slightly. “But a hand offered in friendship should never be refused. You know, it’s been almost four months since I last touched someone who wasn’t Charles.”

“Hopefully this coronavirus pandemic will end soon.”

“I’ve been saying healing prayers twice a day.”

Barbara wasn’t sure they’d be effective, but healing prayers were more than most of America’s leaders were doing. At least Delia was listening to the science and wearing a mask when she went outside. She’d grown so much in the short time Barbara had known her.

Barbara missed her friends from when she was alive. That was natural. But she couldn’t let her loss keep her from recognizing that she’d made a friend after death, too.

“Thanks, Delia,” Barbara said. “Not just for the healing prayers, but for everything. Having two ghostly housemates and a demon would be a lot for some people, but you’ve taken it in stride.”

Delia chuckled. “I once lived in a commune of 200 people. Living off the land, growing our own food…and digging our own toilets.” She wrinkled her nose, then chuckled. “You three are a walk in the park compared to that!”

“If there’s anything you need from me or Adam, please let us know. We don’t want to trouble you or Charles.”

Delia opened and closed her mouth. After a moment, she said, “Well….I suppose I do have a rather personal question….”

“Shoot.”

“Beetlejuice—is he actually good in the bedroom?”

Barbara giggled. “He is. He’s had millennia to think about what he’d do if he ever had sexual partners again. He’s very…inventive.”

“I’ll admit, I’m surprised. He doesn’t seem the type to be concerned with another’s pleasure.”

“Oh, there’s definitely times he forgets. But then we get to teach him. Ahem. Now,” she nodded to the mirror, “let’s get your makeup touched up.”

*

Barbara wouldn’t ever be hungry or thirsty again, but the stuffed butternut squash was delicious. Delia and Charles had deferred to Barbara and Adam’s local expertise when they planned the menu at their wedding dinner. Adam knew most of the farms the vegetables had come from.

The Deetzes had said goodbye to all their guests, and the family was eating their wedding dinner in the dining room.

Delia had been going to give out the crystals on either side of the laptop as wedding favours—the stones were mostly rose quartz, moonstone and a pale white stone called selenite. But after Jeremy’s arrival, she said she needed to cleanse the crystals. “I’m going to give them a few lunar cycles, just to be safe.”

Barbara nodded, pretending she understood what that meant. “Adam, Beetlejuice and I are dead. We’ve got nothing but time!”

“I just want to thank everyone again for your hard work,” Delia said, smiling at them. “Lydia, for your photographic eye and leading the blessing. Barbara, for the hair, makeup, decorating and emotional support. Adam, for sending out all the emails and doing the tech support. All the ghosts, for intervening when a certain someone decided to crash the party.”

“It was mostly me,” Beetlejuice said. Barbara rolled her eyes at Adam, who chuckled.

“He is the ghost with the most,” Adam said, making Beetlejuice grin.

“My mistake—thank you, Beetlejuice. Thank you all for being part of one of the most important days of our lives. Thank you for being our family.”

Barbara sniffled a bit as she and Adam applauded the speech.

“I got the happy couple some extra gifts,” Beetlejuice said. “For the wedding night.”

“I’m going into another room,” Lydia announced abruptly, setting her plate down. “Another house. Another life.”

As she left, Beetlejuice grinned. “We’re rated PG-13, guys! It’s just rose petals on the bed and some boozy chocolates. Figured you two have your own toys—”

Lydia started singing loudly as she covered her ears, taking the stairs three at a time to get away.

Barbara tried to figure out what he had in mind. “These rose petals won’t become spiders, will they?”

“They’re totally normally and boring, if you must know. I ordered them off Amazon.”

“How?” Adam asked. “You have no money.”

“I typed in Chuck’s credit card, duh.”

“What?” Charles snapped.

Barbara and Adam sighed. Beetlejuice’s morality was a never-ending project that was not without its consequences.

Not for the first time, Barbara reflected that it was a good thing the Maitlands loved working on projects together.

*

After the wedding dinner, as Barbara, Adam and Beetlejuice were cleaning up, Lydia came downstairs. She was carrying another photo album and wearing a glum expression. She’d changed out of her party dress, and was wearing a comfy hoodie and sweat pants—all black, of course.

“Got a sec?” she asked quietly.

“Of course, sweetheart,” Barbara said.

Lydia showed them a photo—a younger Emily Deetz on a younger Charles’s lap, grinning at the camera in a fancy restaurant.

“My mom and dad’s wedding wasn’t like today’s. There wasn’t any structure. It was just a big party at one of the best restaurants in New York, followed by wandering the city with all their friends and family. They stopped in at dingy bars to listen to live music, they caught a comedy show, they walked through Times Square at two in the morning. They almost got mugged! Mom was hard core like that. Daddy attracts dramatic weddings, doesn’t he?” she joked.

Her smile dropped a second later. “And Daddy looks just as happy here as he did today. I was photographing him and Delia the whole time. I’d know.”

“So,” Beetlejuice said, “the big takeaway here is that Chuck is in love with the women he gets married to?”

Lydia chuckled sadly. “Something like that. I mean, one of them was a woman he met in college, while the other was his employee…. But who cares about things like abuses of power when it’s true love? Daddy and Delia keep trying to make me comfortable with their love story, but how can I be? If it were any other situation, I’d be blasting Daddy online as he stars in the latest MeToo scandal, right?”

Barbara nodded. “You’re right. It’s pretty rare for a story like Delia and Charles’s to end this way. You sound like you’re carrying a lot, Lydia. Do you want to sit and—”

“No, thanks. I just wanted to whine for a bit. Delia’s family seem nice, at least. Except for Aunt Millie, obviously.” She closed the photo album in a short, frustrated gesture. “Well, goodnight, guys.”

“Do you mind if we check in with you tomorrow?” Barbara said. “See how you’re feeling?” Sixteen was such a tough age—particularly when your father was remarrying.

“If you want.” She shrugged, as if she really didn’t care, but her small smile made Barbara hopeful that she’d made the right decision. The only thing more difficult than being a teenager was parenting a teenager she’d just met a few months ago.

Beetlejuice was frowning as Lydia left. “Guys, we gotta help Lyds!” He was nothing if not loyal. “We should break Chuck and Delia up, right?” He leaned in to Adam. “I got the perfect way to do it. You know how Delia thinks Emily can come back from the Netherworld?” Beetlejuice became Emily Deetz for a moment, still with a few mossy patches and green hair. “Well, what if she can? And then we tell Delia to GTFO!”

That he was asking them instead of just doing it was a pretty good sign.

“Well, Bug,” Adam said, “think about it—if Lydia didn’t want this wedding to happen, she could’ve objected herself. Or asked her father not to get married to Delia.”

Beetlejuice became his usual self again, looking disappointed. “Oh. Right. Didn’t think of that.”

“She’s an intelligent, sensitive young woman with complicated feelings about a complicated issue,” Barbara said. “I think the best way to help her is to listen to her without judgement.”

“Why is the right way always the most boring way?” Beetlejuice said, sighing.

Barbara knew how to get him happy again. “Now,” she said, running her hand along his shoulder, “why don’t we finish up and go upstairs? After all this work for everyone else, we deserve some…ah, quality time together.”

Beetlejuice fistpumped and chortled. “Yes! Unfortunately, because of this fic’s rating, we gotta cut it off here. I just wanna let everyone know, it’s gonna be freakin’ awesome—'cuz I’m awesome, baby.”

Barbara had no idea what he was talking about, as usual. Adam kissed her cheek, and they went back to the dishes.

[zombiejoepino]

The Scavenger CH 6 (Cobb Vanth x OC fic)

Chapter 6: The Secret

Fandom: The Mandalorian

Word count: 7421

Genre: Space Western

Summary: Nathsca tells the truth to the Marshal. Back in Mos Espa, the lone Captain Qod has a conversation with his employer. A pale slick is missing in the dunes.

A/N: I apologize for the missing chapter of the past week. A lot was going on so I bring you this really long chapter

FULL CHAPTER ALSO ON: wattpad.com/998747414-the-scavenger-chapter-6-the-secret

...

Fandom: The Mandalorian

Word count: 7421

Genre: Space Western

Summary: Nathsca tells the truth to the Marshal. Back in Mos Espa, the lone Captain Qod has a conversation with his employer. A pale slick is missing in the dunes.

A/N: I apologize for the missing chapter of the past week. A lot was going on so I bring you this really long chapter

...

The twins were setting down across the dune sea. The locals were busy trying to put back together with the whole town. Some repaired the fallen vaporizers, others were fixing the banthas' pen and the rest check whatever else was broke.

It's been 12 days since the dragon made its last appearance across Mos Pelgo. The Marshal kept note of how long would take before the leviathan's next visit. The last time was 18 days but, he arrived sooner than he expected. He needed to follow that thing and study it much as he could.

A lot was going on in his mind but, his attention was somewhere else.

Right after leaving the young scavenger in town, Cobb flew back looking for the pale slick but, he was gone already. He searched around the area before the night fell on the dunes. Wherever he was, there was no chance he would survive the night creatures or the sand people.

Before taking off back to town, Cobb step over a small device, he picked it up and dusted it off. It was a bounty puck. He gave it a long stare before making up his mind about checking what was in that.

The blueish hologram displayed the scavenger's face, full name, and how much they were offering for her head. He didn't mind the price, what got his full attention was the charges; piracy, murder attempt, theft.

Cobb switched down the puck and kept it in his pockets. He has been pushing that serious talk with her since she arrived in town. Something always got in the middle before he could say a thing. Also, the fact that he grew a soft spot for her had something to do with it. He was not mad at the girl, but he couldn't help her at all if she was keeping secrets from him.

The Marshal was unsure how many others would come to attack her or the town. Cobb was getting overworked with this and, he was not fully recovered from the first fight. The bruises from the recent one were swelling.

The night fell on the dunes and, the Marshal finally took off.

Back at his place.

Nath was curled in bed trying to stay calm and thinking what to do. She had all her hopes on the Marshal finding Plog. That scoundrel was the only one left that knew where she was. She needed to kill him and leave before Qod finds this place.

She is been playing around these past days, trying to be part of the community but, her mind kept reminding her of the facts; one of the most dangerous men on Tatooine would destroy the whole town, make her watch, and then kill her just to make a point.

Her face sank on the pillow and took a deep breath.

The door slid up and she jumped off from bed. He was back, she thought and rushed out of the room.

The Marshal placed the helmet on the table and took two glasses from the pantry, along with a bottle of spotchka. He poured down the drinks and then turned to face her.

He chuckled softly, looking at her wearing his vermilion long sleeve shirt. Nights were cold in the dunes, so it was normal that she looked for anything to cover up.

Nath felt his eyes scanning her and then she wrapped her arms around herself. "My tunic was dirty, I hope you don't mind." She muttered.

The Marshall shook his head and handed her a drink. Nath examined the blueish liquid and then gave him a puzzled look.

"Might help you to calm down. You were a bit jumpy." He sipped his glass.

The girl chugged it down, shut her eyes, and made a face.

"That's terrible." She coughed.

"You'll get used to it." He chuckled.

Nath shook her head and coughed a little more. "No, I don't think I will."

Cobb left the glass on the table and stripped off the armor. The scavenger watched him the whole time, moving around the house. She scanned the small house. It looked like he was just there to sleep and eat. He didn't have many things around, just the basics; bowls, plates, a bin with dirty clothes, an old broken blaster.

Now, she was studying the Marshal while they were silent. He looked tired but still, there was something about him that she liked, just, couldn't place exactly what it was. The liquor was taking effect. She suddenly felt warm, her cheeks turned a little red and her body felt lazy. It was not her first time drinking alcohol, but sure her first time drinking something that strong. Nath sank her body on the chair and sighed trying to put her thoughts together.

Cobb was busy cleaning up the remains of blood on his face. This trawler was way worst than the one he fought a few days ago. He could feel the bruise on his lower lip getting bigger and now he couldn't tell the difference between the new wounds and the old ones. The only idea that jumped in his head was to drown in spotchka to ease the pain and staying in bed for 2 days.

Nath kept watching him but felt uncomfortable about the silence. She needed to say something to break the ice and the first words finally came out from him.

"I couldn't find the guy. He was gone already." He said.

The redhead felt her heart sank with his words.

"If you ask me, I don't think he would survive in the dunes. He had no speeder, I found the crashed items but nothing else."

Nath took a deep breath trying to stay calm and looked down at her empty glass.

"Thank you and I'm sorry."

"For what?" He asked and looked back at her.

She shifted on the chair and rested both arms over the table. Her gaze met with his while she kept a serious expression.

"Thanks for everything and sorry for being rude to you and for bringing all my problems."

The Marshal dropped the dirty cloth and moved towards her.

He picked his drink and took a bigger sip. His thumb cleaned the small drop from his lip. Nath was staring at him longer than she usually does. His eyes met her icy gaze and smiled at her.

"It's ok." He said.

"No, you were right. I should have to tell you about it."

"About that?" He pointed to the canister that was at the top of the pantry.

Her attention moved to the silver container and Nath nodded. She played with the glass on her hand, her feet drummed on the floor before making a choice. The girl rushed to take the canister and push it towards him.

Cobb rose his brow and took the pierced container.

"I was in a crew named the Shadows. We were just a bunch of criminals taking all kinds of jobs like stealing cargo from New Republic ships, trade what we could in the black market." She spoke. "I was their mechanic."

"You were a pirate."

"Kinda. I never s-." She paused. Of course, she hurt others before but not intentionally. She didn't want to think about that. The water, the screams. Nath shook the memory from her head and kept going "Qod is a dangerous man, ruthless, he won't stop until he gets what he wants," Nath looked down trying to keep going with the story.

"Our last job was a mess. We were taking cargo from a New Republic ship that was operated fully by droids. We would hack the system, take the cargo, and blow up the whole thing. But the intel was wrong. We lost two guys cause someone sold us. Qod got paranoid about everyone and weird things started to happen. Folks from the crew found dead, in prison or missing." She paused. "He left a few of us around.

Then, he met with some slave traders. Leftovers of what the Hutts were. They were looking for slaves... female humanoid slaves." She paused and pointed to the silver canister. "That was a payment for a few of them."

Cobb gave her a look before examining the inside of the canister. A small blueish glow came from the rare gems. He saw them before on the empire days when he worked on the mines with other slaves.

"I dunno why he wants them but, he didn't hesitate to let go of the women he knew." She looked away and frowned. "He was not aware of me being there. So, I heard everything. I tried not to panic and played along. Later that day, Qod asked me to join him in his chambers, sweet talk to me but, I put something in his drink. He passed out and, I escaped taking the gems with me." She twirled the glass on the table.

"When I first met him, he claimed me as his woman and kept me around just for his entertainment. For a moment, I thought he cared about me, now, I realized it was all..." She looked down at the empty glass.

The Marshal kept a serious face during her story. He could feel the blood boiling in his veins the more she kept talking about that man. He felt no sympathy for anyone related to slave traders or worst, the Empire.

"All those hunters were sent by Plog, a sneaky bastard that gives Qod all kinds of info. He keeps him around cause he is useful." She sighed and finally looked up to him.

"It's a matter of days before they find this place and me. And I don't want to put your folk in danger. I should go."

Cobb took another sip of his drink and looked back with those piercing eyes. Maybe her being there was dangerous for his community but he didn't want her to end as a slave or worst, dead. The Marshal set down the glass and lock his eyes with hers.

"Listen, the moment you set a foot in Mos Pelgo, you became my responsibility. I know the kind of men you are dealing with and ain't welcome. If they try to come here and push you around, I will have a conversation with them." He patted the blaster on his holster.

"You don't have to do that, Marshal. You don't know these people."

"I know them. Every bully I've ever met sends a bunch of heavies to do the dirty work. I guess that he will come to talk. Whoever paid him has more power and is not happy with him, so, he is gonna try to get those gems back."

"He will come and won't be alone, Marshal. He looks for the worst, willing to take down the entire town."

"Let me handle it." He smiled at her. "Trust me."

Nath was shaking and having no idea what to do. All the pain in her body, the stress, and all she wanted were to scream out loud. She thought about jumping on him, pulled him by the crimson scarf, and kiss him deeply to let go of all the steam in her body and feel something else rather than this frustration but, she didn't move.

What if he pushed her away? That would be embarrassing for her.

"Thank you, Marshal." She said.

Cobb gave her a light nod and reached out for her hand. Her heartbeat was rushing feeling his warm hand and looked into his eyes.

"It's ok, princess. I promised to look after you." He gave her a warm smile.

Nath blushed brightly, examining every feature in his face thinking about moving closer and give it a try, but her hand reached out the cloth to clean a small bloodstain across his jawline. He couldn't help himself and smirk at her. Those looks again, he thought.

The redhead stopped for a moment.

What was she thinking? She said to herself.

"Thanks for pampering to me." He teased. "I can get used to it."

She was feeling warmer than before but tried to keep herself cool and not act nervous with him.

"I hope you are feeling better cause I want the bed." She glared at him. "I refuse to sleep in that rug again."

"I told you, but you didn't listen."

"Well, you needed the bed." She said.

"And I still do." He pointed.

Nath rolled her eyes and moved towards him to check the wound on his side. He noticed the dirty bandage and made a face. Her eyes went up to meet with his and just at that moment, she realized she was that close. Cobb smirked back at her, he knew that look.

"Then, we have a problem." He said.

Nath frowned and, her cheeks were bright red. Cobb couldn't stop thinking how cute she looked with her flushed cheeks and angry face. Those freckles stand out even more.

"Wanna flip a coin?" She asked. "Cause there's no version of this that ends up with us sharing your bed."

"You know I was joking. Interestingly, your mind went there."

Damn alcohol. Damn pearly smile. Brush those ideas off, Nathsca, clean that wound, and just go, she thought.

...

Mos Espa

The smoky atmosphere surrounded the large crowded joint. Groups or folks of all kinds gathered around but none of them with a friendly face. Some were around for a drink, looking for a job, or just gambling.

Another blaster roared followed by a thud. The crowd remained quiet for a moment and continue with the atmosphere. The annoyed owner just yelled to his droid to take out the dead body and drop it somewhere out of town, just like the guy from 2 days ago.

Between the smoky and darker areas, in the lone booth, the man with the x-shaped scar was sitting by himself enjoying a drink. Once his glass was set down on the table, a droid rushed to take it away and bring him a new one.

His dark and pale eyes were busy examining a blueish hologram that displayed the tiny cargo ship from the New Republic. He studied the areas of interest, looking for any weak spots on the ventilation area, how many escape pods were working, the easier way to reach the cockpit, and all those kinds of details he wanted to keep in mind before a heist.

Qod wrote down all this in his journal, even draw the important parts of the map but the hologram faded when a large red palm was placed over the device. The one-horned Devaronian, Nurh Drart, flashes his yellowish smirk at him. Qod turned around to look at him but kept the same serious face.

Then, his attention moved to the Twilek, Jub'tadi, that scoot into the booth, sitting in front of him. The blue one stretched a little, placed his blaster on the table, and kept a mocking smile before he addressed to the Captain.

"There are rumors about your crew, Qod." Jub spoke and motioned his hand to a young Rodian pirate to sit with them. The green one had bruises across his face and looked up the Captain. He was about to mutter something but he felt the dark and pale glare upon him.

"We respect your crew and you, but these rumors...Our boss is not happy with them. It feels like you are losing control or maybe getting too slow for this."

Nurh made a grunt and spoke in huttesse. "Just get to the point, Jub. All imperials are the same, arrogant and weak. Tell him that."

The captain rose his brow and The blue one just threw a glare at Nurh. "I'm handling this." He replied in the same tongue and returned to Qod, speaking normally.

"As I was saying, my employer is not happy with the delay. He is aware that one asset is meaningless to you but he said that this missing asset was the finest on the lot, or at least the youngest, and that poke his curiosity.

Our first agreement was for 10 assets, not 9 and my boss is very specific with numbers." He explained and paused for a moment.

"So, just as a sign of respect for our long term business relationship, my boss is letting you know that we are calling the Guild and use your payment for that hunter that finds the asset first."

The red one rolled his eyes and spat. "Even a Jawa would be able to find it. I'm telling you, this old man is a joke."

Qod kept the attention on Jub and nodded lightly after he closed his journal. He cleared his throat and kept looking at the blue one.

"May I ask why you narrowed down to that decision?" He spoke with a deep and calm voice but his eyes could tell another story.

"Our boss is wondering if you are either keeping her for yourself or you lost her," Jub said.

Both men kept looking at each other in silence until the waiter droid approached the table to bring the captain his drink but the red one grabbed it. He examined the green smoky liquid, took a large sip, made a face, and spit it back on the glass. He slid it towards Qod and chuckled.

Qod's eyes finally moved towards the glass. The green smoky drink was now almost brownish, with the slime twirling around. Qod kept his attention on it.

"Your man here says she is been missing for two days," Jub said.

The Rodian kept his gaze down as he felt the Captain studying him. He tried to rush out from the booth but the Twilek kept him right next to him. He was shaking.

"He said that someone set you up in the last job. That you were sloppy." Nurh grunted and moved closer to the Captain, his head just a few inches from Qod's shoulder.

Jub gave him a look but, he chose to ignore it. The horned one kept pushing. "You are old, a relic of the fallen Empire. A shadow of what you were back in those days. To me, sounds like made-up stories." He spat in huttese and then laughed.

With a swift move, Qod pulled Nurh's hem and smashed his face right into the glass and table, making the shattered glass stick into his face. He growled in pain and backed off holding his face and feeling the blood running down his hands.

The Rodian rolled off the booth and watched Jub trying to reach the blaster but, the Captain was faster. He brutally stabbed his hand onto the table, making Jub scream.

Everyone in the joint watched this in awe and started to clear the space.

The Captain took the blaster from the surface and stood up. His face kept the same serious expression but, in his eyes, there was something peculiar about them.

The large devaronian was swinging a knife in the Captain's direction, who didn't hesitate to pull the trigger and make a hole through the skull. Jub looked at him in shock trying to pull the knife off.

"Y-you can't do this. We... our deal."

"I appreciate your candor. It's refreshing, and let me understand that you are not smart enough. You see, we give you Hutts fifteen percent of our profit in exchange for weapons that you took from dead troopers, not a whole squadron as you claim but I choose to believe your story and all your lies cause you are such clichés.

You making a deal with The Guild? Last time I remember they are not happy about how your people handled the situation with his missing man and the Sarlacc pit" He gripped the blade's handle, twisted it, and made the Twilek scream even more. Qod smacked him and pointed at him to keep looking at him.

"What I will not tolerate is being pushed around by two amateurs. Anyway, the terms in our agreement remain almost the same. Your boss takes this dead town that I have no interest in, you will get now five percent and I believe you will be able to explain why. If your boss wants to change our terms, tell him to meet me. As for the asset, I'm handing it in personally from now on. Once I bring her and the gems back, I want my weapons." He pulled out the blade and gave Jub a look.

"Next time choose your partner wisely." Qod finished and made his way out of the joint right before he turned around to shoot the Rodian hiding behind the counter. Everyone watched in silence. It took a while before the music resumed.

...

Mos Pelgo

Early morning.

The sky was painted with purple and small tints of orange. The twins were still hiding behind the dune sea. Creatures crawled out to stretch out and keep going on their way looking for food or new shelter.

The dusty town was still sleeping, the sand brushed away any trace from the dragon or their unwanted visitors. An old farmer was awake to feed the mooing banthas that shook their large bodies before starting the day.

Not so far from there, a blaster roared three times, and then it was followed by the sound of shattered glass.

Cobb Vanth stood tall holding the smoky barrel and kept it back on the holster. His hazel eyes focused on the holes around the wood, three to be exact before the fourth one broke the glass. He was not pleased with the result.

His fingers ran over the new bandage, right where the belly wound was, and returned his gaze to the next empty bottle. He shifted the side of the holster to his left and prepare his hand. He stretched his fingers, took a deep breath while not taking his eyes from the object.

The Marshal waited and then, he cross-pulled the blaster and fired into nothing when he flinched and felt the sting on his belly. He took a deep breath and placed his hand over his side.

He shook his head and focused on the next bottle.

The twins were coming out from the dunes. The rays peek through the window and hit her right in the face. Nath rolled in bed and pulled the sheets over her head but suddenly she kicked them away and looked around. Empty, she thought. She patted herself to check if she was dressed until reality slapped her.

Her head was killing her, her eyes shut for a moment thinking about that blueish liquor. The last time I drink that, she thought while holding her head. Her eyes opened for a moment to scan the whole room. It stopped right on the clothes pile; a blood-stained shirt and her trousers.

She huffed in frustration and covered her face. Nath was wondering what happened last night, trying to place her thoughts together.

She spoke with the Marshal, they drank a few glasses, then she checked his wound and after that, they went to bed together. She took a deep breath and repeated all the actions over and over until it finally clicked.

They went together but she tucked into the bed. The Marshal slept over the sheets and on his side, nothing else. He probably left earlier and then, her thoughts were interrupted by the blaster roar. She jumped off the bed and peeked through the window.

"Dank farrik." She heard the male voice in the distance and looked for the tall figure.

She saw the Marshal firing right to an empty bottle but he hit it at the second shoot. She noticed when he placed the hand on his side.

"That man..." Nath huffed and rushed her way out of the house.

Cobb focused on his shooting that he didn't notice when the redhead came out and slapped his arm.

"Hey!" She yelled.

He jumped and fired the blaster by mistake, hitting a vaporizer, making a small hole to let out the steam. A red light started to blink rapidly.

"Dank farrik." He frowned looking at the vaporizer. He would need to fix that later.

"You are not supposed to do that, yet, Marshal. You need to rest." She frowned back.

He rolled his eyes and finally met her gaze. "Listen, princess, I-"

His words stopped and his expression changed into a mocking smirk. He chuckled while his eyes scanned her. Nath gave him a puzzled look and blinked many times wondering what he had on mind.

"What's so funny?" She puffed her cheeks.

Cobb folded his arms and chuckled again. His finger pointed down at her. Nath lowered her gaze and blushed brightly looking at her bare legs, bare thighs. She huffed in anger, slapped his arm harder, and ran back into the house.

The Marshal laughed hard and then groaned feeling the sting on his belly. Ok, he had that one coming, he thought.

...

In the dunes.

The heavy steps made their way through the dunes, leaving a sand trail right behind them. He was breathing heavily, his arms hanging from his body, his lips were chapped and dry. Plog's skin was crimson, his face was covered with bruises and a large black eye across the left eye.

The slick squinted his eyes trying to spot any town or anything that called out civilization but there was only dust. Wherever he was, he was hoping not to fall into a Sarlacc pit by mistake or worst, be found by sand people or getting eaten by the dragon.

After the dragon made its way near Mos Pelgo, the valley that was guarded by the Tusken Raiders was empty. Even those brutal warriors were afraid of the mighty creature. Plog didn't spot any of them and for his luck, they didn't spot him too.

What kept him going to walk across the dune sea was that he needed to meet with the Captain and settle everything down. He wanted to kill that fake mando and take that brat where she belonged.

Plog was still in pain because of them; he could still feel his bare knuckles across his face or the strong kick right into his crotch. It was humiliating. That slave and brat needed to pay.

He was a man with status, with power, and everything he wanted. His blood was boiling just thinking about those two trying to take that away from him and making him look bad with the Captain.

But those days of Wan Plog, the sneaky informer of the Shadow seemed distant. He was crawling in the sand, probably waiting to die at some point until he felt the tremor on the ground.

"Is that the dragon?" He panicked and got up to take off but his feet stopped when his blurry vision noticed the large Sandcrawler stopping a few miles from him, down in the dune near an old crashed TIE

He smiled faintly. He never felt such delight at meeting with the Jawas.

The Sandcrawler lowered its gates and the group of small hooded figures came out. They rushed around the old ship, taking whatever pieces of rusted metal that worked for them.

Plog rushed his heavy feet and yelled at them, waving his arms trying to get their attention.

The Jawas couldn't pick on his bad accent and they whine at him, saying gibberish and keeping the riffles up. Plog stopped and kept his arms in the air.

"Hey, easy! I just need your help. I'll pay you handsomely if you drop me near Mos Espa." He smiled.

The Jawas looked at each other for a moment. They examined the ragged man with burnt skin. Some of the giggled, others moved over to pick on his pockets but they groaned in disappointment.

"It looks like a Sarlacc chewed him and spit his pale meat" They mumbled their gibberish to each other and laughed watching the beat-up Plog.

The Jawas made up their minds and returned their attention to the rusted metal, picking on useful parts, carrying them to the crawler. Plog tried to speak to any of the hooded figures but they refused to talk.

"I can give you an imperial speeder. A new one." He tried to talk to them.

A Jawa stopped and studied him for a moment. He gasped and rushed to the group. The Jawas started to talk to each other, they argue for a while, looking back at Plog from time to time, and nodded in agreement. The smaller Jawa showed them a bag with credits and they looked back at Plog.

Plog rose his brow at them when they moved towards him and kept full attention on him.

"We will help you, skinny one. But you give us the imperial ship. Ship, not speeder." They spoke.

Plog was not a master at speaking with Jawas but he was certain that he understood the word ship or speeder. He smiled at them and shook their little hands.

...

Back in Mos Pelgo.

Nath spent all morning fixing the vaporizer that Cobb messed up. She replaced the pierced container and patched the steam tubes. They would need to change it eventually but so far it would work for a while. Unlike bigger cities, Mos Pelgo had a few vaporizers to keep the area fresh. Even though it was a small town, three vaporizers were not enough.

She cleaned the sweat from her forehead and picked her tools to go back inside. She crossed her way with Cobb, who was fully armored and she gave him a murderous glare. Nath was still angry about the little morning accident and worst, he gave her that smirk again.

"We are having a meeting in the cantina. You should come and don't forget your trousers, princess." He winked and pass next to her, heading towards Weequay's joint.

The redhead thought about throwing the wrench at him but she dropped the tools by the door and followed him.

...

In the cantina.

The folks were gathered around the joint, sharing tables, some having a drink or anything to eat. Once they saw the Marshal and the redhead walked in there was a small silence.

Cobb was not exactly their leader, but he tried to look for their interests and safety. This whole subject with the trawlers and Nathsca was something he needed to let the others know.

The young woman took a spot behind the counter and leaving all the attention for Cobb.

"Thanks, everyone for coming. I'm sure you are wondering about the strangers that keep coming to our town. Before we keep talking, I wanna let everyone know that Nathsca here is now one of us. She is been fixing speeders and the vaporizers for us, also she saved Triggar's daughter from the sand snake and I think she deserves a place in our community."

The locals spoke between them but they nodded in agreement while listening to Cobb. Nath tried not to make eye contact with anyone but she smiled back at Kyranj, Irella's mom.

"So, now that we all agree she is one of us, you should all know what happened yesterday." Cobb continued. "Those two strangers were looking for Miss Roznev cause like many of us, she was sold as a slave." He paused. "And in this town, we can't stand that."

The locals groaned when he mentioned the word slave and then some yeahs were heard on the back.

"These slave traders made a deal with pirates, lowlives, ex-imperials, and hired guns. We are not sure but there's a small chance they might come to our town looking for Nath and if they please they will come after us too."

"If she is bringing problems she should go." A man in the background spoke. Some locals agreed but others started to argue to defend the young woman. Cobb observed them for a while and cleared his throat to speak more.

"I made a promise to this town, to protect it. But I also made that promise to Miss Roznev. I know most of you didn't trust her a few days ago and I understand that, but Nathsca is a good woman. I think she deserves to be free just like us. We all know what it's like having that life and I'm willing to fight for her freedom." He finally looked back at the redhead.

Nath kept her gaze down for a moment before looking back at Cobb. She shook her head and mouthed. "You don't have to do this."

"So, I would like to put together a team to make shifts and guard the area, making sure we get ready if the strangers come here. We fought the Mining Collective, we fought the Red key raiders. To be honest, I don't mind fighting a bunch of pirates too. So, what do you say?"

The locals remained silent for a long moment before making up their minds. Nath gave Cobb a look and sighed.

"Seriously, you don't have to do this. No one has to" She whispered to him. Cobb signed her to wait. He had faith in the locals, eventually, some of them would do the right thing.

After that long silence, some stood up and were about to exit the joint. At that moment, Kyranj and Triggar stood up.

"We would like to help Nathsca, Marshal." Kyranj smiled and then looked around at others. The old Weequay stood up too and gave the Marshal a nod. Eventually, a small group formed to assist them. The rest just remained silent but no one dared to leave the joint.

Everyone heard the Marshal instructions. They would keep a watch around the city and the canyon. They needed to set up small traps, have all weapons working, and other details.

Nath found herself watching Cobb the whole time. Even though he was putting the plan together, he heard everyone's opinion to improve the strategy and make a better move. Nath noticed that every time he was thinking about something he would frown for a moment and run his hand through his hair. She couldn't help herself and smile.

Later.

The young redhead was checking the same vaporizer that kept making a strange sound. She opened up the container and took out the small canister. She thought about going out of town and bury it away, not minding if she lost it, but she decided to hide it just in case they might need them.

She knew the big cities, there was always someone willing to buy gems. Her ideas brushed from her head when she heard footsteps approaching her. She quickly placed the container where it belonged and stuffed the canister inside the vaporizer.

Cobb was placing a new set of the empty bottle to fire at them. He pulled two times to fire, hitting the bottle but once he tried the cross pulled he grunted in pain. Nath shook her head looking at him.

"You should stop doing that, tough guy. You need to rest." She yelled at him and cleaned the sweat from her forehead.

Cobb made a face and then flashed his charming smile at her. "Resting is not part of my day."

"I know you are the keeper of this place but you are not immortal, Marshal, just, stubborn."

"Just like you, princess. Fiery, stubborn, and pretty. Maybe not that pretty but you get the point." he winked at her.

Nath rolled her eyes and tried to hide that little smile across her face. He chuckled and lowered the blaster.

"Is that a smile?"

"What? Am I not allowed to do that?"

"You are, I guess you should do it more often." He tried the cross pull once more and fired but he missed again.

"Maybe I will smile more if you stop doing that." She rose a brow.

Cobb looked back at her, rolled the blaster on his hand, and kept it back on the holster.

"Show off." She moved towards him, cross pulled the blaster from his holster, and hit the missing bottle. She rolled the blaster on her hand and gave it back to him

The Marshal smirked at her and chuckled. "And I thought I was the show-off. I guess I'm done for the moment"

She frowned and he laughed, shaking his head.

"For the day, princess. Geez, you are quite moody."

"I'm not but you make me angry" she folded her arms.

"Why? For not listening to you? cause the feeling is mutual."

She had no idea what to say next and bit her lower lip. Her eyes were locked on his hazel ones, studying that peculiar shade between green and brown, her gaze lower to his lips and pearly smile.

"Maybe." She muttered.

The Marshal smirked and pulled her closer. The redhead gasped and blinked many times feeling his arm around her.

"What are you doing?"

He remained silent for a moment but keeping an intense stare upon her. His hazel ones studied her reaction just looking at anything that could give away anything. Nath locked her eyes on him and felt her cheeks getting warmer.

"I'm asking you the same, cause whatever this is, I'm getting tired of not figuring it out." He spoke. "It's hard to understand. One day you look after me, the next one you wanna kill me. I noticed the way you look at me and I'm sure you are aware of how I look at you. My point is that we are both pretty old to be playing around."

Nath was speechless and her heart was rushing.

"What's your deal with me, princess?" He asked. After a few days, he finally managed to pull out those words that kept jumping in his head since day one. What was the mystery about Nathsca that just kept him on edge? Yeah, she might be way younger than him but there was something about her that he just kept looking away rather than face the facts until now.

Nath felt the space between them getting smaller each second, she could feel his chest pressed against her, both palms against it, her eyes getting lost on his gaze, thinking about his lips until she poked him in the ribs and made him groan in pain.

"You are my deal. You need to rest before trying to do that. I know you wanna look tough but you deserve to rest as well, Cobb." She was blushing brightly. Her mind kept jumping around the idea of jumping into his arms and kiss him deeply.

Cobb gave her a look and shook his head. He would normally just back off and go to avoid an even more awkward situation but it seems she didn't remember anything from last night when she told him about all those times she gets funny ideas about him but that she is afraid that he might push her.

Any other man would take advantage of a drunk girl and just have his way with her not minding if she would remember or not, but not the Marshal, he wanted to make sure she meant it and just go as far as she would allow him.

"Fine, but you can't skip this conversation forever, you know." He lifted her chin with his thumb and placed a kiss over her forehead before leaving.

She took a deep breath when he finally let her go. Her heartbeat was rushing and her legs were shaking. Whatever effect he had on her, it was working and she needed to keep fighting against it. She didn't want to get attached again and get hurt or worst, lose him.

"Not again." She thought to herself and sighed.

...

Mos Espa. The Shadows shop.

The curious Sullustan was finishing up the cruiser, checking the energy levels, ready to take off at any moment. He cleaned the oil from his hands and looked back at the small group keeping an eye on him.

He was not exactly the best mechanic in town, but he knew how to put together anything, especially if the Shadows asked him to. The last mechanic that refused to work with them had a gruesome ending. His head exhibited right outside his house just to make a point. No Empire, no Hutts yet but this small pirate group knew how to pull out a show.

A tall zabrak, walked into the shop to check the cruisers and gave the mechanic a light nod. "He is here."

The mechanic just rushed to clean the rest from his hands and stood tall when Captain Qod made his entrance followed by the masked Chiss and another gunslinger.

The Captain walked between the cruisers, checking each one of them, writing down something in his journal. The sullustan was nervous just following him with his gaze.

"Not bad. You got these part from?" The Captain spoke.

The Sullustan just muttered. "Pod racing mostly. Those parts are used just once but with the proper engine, you can build a decent cruiser. I picked the best sets for your team, Captain." He smiled nervously.

"So, used parts of broke pods are you saying?" He kept the dark tone. The Sullustan gulped and regretted giving away those details. He didn't say a word. Qod moved towards him and patted his shoulder.

"I would normally disapprove that but since this dumpster planet had nothing else to offer, I will take them. Thank you for your service." He dropped on the Sullustan's hand a bag with credits. The nervous mechanic just nodded and quickly rushed to the exit.

Once the shop was clear, Qod turned around to look back at his team. "Any word from Plog?"

Everyone remained silent and the gunslinger shook his head. Qod took a deep breath and rubbed his temples. "Any idea of his last location?" The deep voice asked.

Qod walked around the shop and huffed, trying to stay calm.

He heard a small beep coming from his pocket and took out the device. A small and blueish hologram displayed Plog's tiny figure, waving at him.

"Sir, I found her." The distorted voiced spoke.

"And the gems?" Qod asked.

"I didn't see them but I'm sure she still has them. I followed her to a place called Mos Pelgo, an old mining town. Farmers and former slaves living there. It's guarded by a man in Mandalorian armor."

"A Mandalorian?"

"Not exactly, sir. He wears it but he is not Mandalorian. He is keeping the girl under his care."

"So, that explains your wounds and poor state, my friend." Qod nodded.

"Yeah, it was hard. I had to ask Jawas to bring me." He chuckled nervously.

"What did they want in return?"

"I thought they said speeder, but... they meant a ship."

Qod kept a serious expression looking down the hologram. "Ship? What kind?"

Plog scratched his head and mumbled nonsense.

Qod stepped out of the shop and saw his ship torn apart. All the important pieces were missing. He huffed.

"Where are you, Plog?" He spoke but before he got a proper answer he heard his voice behind the ship.

Plog was smiling nervously at him with his hands up. "I'm sure I can get you a better ship, sir. T-this one had failures and it's not like you cared right?"

Qod studied his expression for a moment and nodded. "Very well. Where's this Mos Pelgo?"

"West, passing the Valley of Wind and a bit further into West. I can take you there, sir. I remember the-" the blaster roar and made a smoky hole through Plog's head. His body dropped down and kept his eyes open.

Qod looked down at him and then back to his team.

"We leave now. Once we get the girl, we take down the whole town. Leave the Mandalorian to me." He frowned.

[randomfandomimagine]

Broke Another Rule (Percy x Reader)

Character: Percy Weasley, Cho Chang (briefly)

Fandom: Harry Potter

Categories: Gender Neutral Reader, Rivalry, Enemies to Lovers, Ravenclaw!Reader, Prefect!Reader

Warnings: None

Word Count: 1.6k words

Requested by anon: Can I request a Percy Weasley x reader where the reader is the prefect of ravenclaw and the two kinda have a rivalry against each other (but have feelings for each other as well) for some reason until they get into a heated fight which ends in them apologising and admitting their feelings

Notes: I feel like I took some creative liberties with this one (maybe a Ravenclaw would behave differently from how I portrayed, etc) to ignore possible inconsistencies with the HP universe, but I like how this turned out. Enjoy reading!

REMEMBER THAT IMAGINES/ONESHOTS REQUESTS ARE CLOSED!

I gasped in outrage when someone bumped into me, stopping me from walking. I recognized the combed mop of red hair and rolled my eyes.

“Gryffindor” I muttered, glaring daggers at Weasley.

“Ravenclaw” He deadpanned, looking me up and down. “What where you’re going”

“Ha!” I exchanged a glance with my friend Cho. “Maybe you should, or is your snobbish nose pointing so high that you can’t?”

My fellow Ravenclaw giggled next to me, to which I smirked proudly. When he struggled to reply with a witty comment, he looked at me with contempt. My smirk only widened.

“Perhaps you won’t be as smug when we win the House Cup” Percival mockingly tilted his head. “Like we do every year”

“You wish, Weasley” I continued walking, deliberately bumping my shoulder into his, until I left him behind.

“This rivalry of yours never ends” Cho muttered, catching up with my furious strut. “Maybe there’s something behind it”

“What do you mean?” Intrigued by her words, I stared at my friend.

“There’s a fine line between love and hatred” She said with a causal shrug.

I rolled my eyes at her, but did look over my shoulder. Percival was watching me too, but quickly changed his demeanor when he saw me staring. He scowled at me, lifted his chin up with dignity and continued walking. He probably couldn’t even see where he was going, and I had to suppress laughter when I pictured him falling to the ground.

Cho was still talking, mumbling about us two. But she was wrong, I couldn’t think of Weasley as anything other than a nuisance. Maybe if he was friendly and kind instead of mean and competitive. We were both prefects, but I didn’t guide my house with such iron fist. Besides, one thing was making sure the rules were followed and another one was believing oneself to be above everyone else because of the power we had. We were prefects, not the Headmaster.

If he changed, maybe then I could start to consider seeing him with new eyes. And even then, I didn’t think it was possible after so many years of rivalry.

-

I was so close to making the perfect essay! All I needed was a few sources to back up my arguments, so I headed to the library.

I smiled when I was received by the familiar scent of books, parchment and wood. There was a constant low murmur as students quietly talked amongst themselves and turned pages.

After taking a few books from the shelves and scamming over them, I realized their contents weren’t what I was looking for. If I wanted to write an impressive paper for our Dark Against the Darks Arts class, I would have to look for something a bit more… grim.

Walking calmly, I took a look at Madame Pince. She was busying herself with reading a book, so immersed in it that her nose nearly touched the pages.

I took advantage of that moment and hurried to the forbidden section. I instantly saw the book I wanted and quickly snatched it from its place. A second after, I hid it under my robes and continued innocently walking along the library.

Guilt consumed me immediately, but I knew it was the best way to do it. Our professor could be quite mild and may not agree to sign a permit for me to access the forbidden section. In any case, I promised myself to return it as soon as I had consulted what I needed.

When I dedicated Madame Pince a smile and walked out of the library, I huffed in relief. However, I wasn’t quite safe yet.

Not truly watching where I was going, too preoccupied with being caught still, I walked into someone. We collided, sending all the books I carried to the ground.

“Y/L/N” A familiar snobbish voice called me. “Watch where you’re going!!”

“Same goes for you, Gryffindor” I angrily plopped down to the ground to gather my books.

Weasley rolled his eyes and crouched down to help me, heaving a sigh. I was surprised that he didn’t simply laugh at me and leave. As I watched him in astonishment, his eyes never met mine.

Our hands nearly brushed as we gathered my books, yet we quickly pulled away before that happened. I couldn’t help thinking about Cho and her adamancy about my feelings for Percy, which were allegedly reciprocated. As if I harbored feelings for him at all.

“Thanks” I mumbled as we both rose to our feet. “I suppose…”

Weasley’s eyes traveled from mine down to my books. His expression, mildly tame, immediately shifted to his usual vexed scowl.

“I knew I saw you doing something bad!” He suddenly exclaimed, leaning closer.

I was startled as he took one of the books from me by the force. I felt myself blushing when he showed me the cover, tapping it with his finger to reinforce his point.

“Did Madame Pince allow you to pull a book from the restricted section?”

I shushed him when people began glancing our way, taken aback by his loud voice. I reclaimed the book, which I held safe in my arms, and glared at him.

“It’s for class!” I excused myself, just then realizing I owed him no explanations.

“Is it now? It doesn’t matter… You stole it, didn’t you?”

“I did not!” I exclaimed, matching his loud tone. “I merely borrowed it!”

“You Slytherin!” Weasley spat out, looking me up and down.

I gawked at him, feeling insulted by the way he was treating me.

“At least I have some initiative, Weasley!” That said, I faced my back to him.

I heard him stomping his feet as he followed me to the staircase. There weren’t as much people there.

“You broke the rules! We are not allowed on the restricted section unless we have a permit from one of the professors”

I rolled my eyes and continued walking. Of course I knew that. But it was simply too much trouble for such a quick query.

However, I yelped when the books flew out of my hands all of a sudden. Moved by a hunch, I turned around to face Weasley. Indeed, he firmly wielded his wand.

“What about you, prefect?” I scolded him, forgetting about the books. “You broke another rule! We are not to use magic outside of class!”

Unfazed by my reaction, Weasley only held my glance, defiant.

“So you do know the rules after all” He sarcastically said.

I was so angry and exasperated, how could he be so bothersome? I felt tears of pure frustration gathering at the corner of my eyes.

“Why do you hate me so much, Weasley?” I shoved him, wishing he stopped watching me like a hawk. All I wanted to do was finish my essay. I never meant any harm.

I despised that my eyes were becoming watery. I pushed him a little more, trying to vent all that pent up aggression.

Suddenly, his expression drastically changed. His frown softened and his mouth opened in awe. Weasley then furrowed his brows again, this time in confusion.

“I… I never hated you…” His voice lowered as well, now nearly a whisper.

“Yes, you did” I averted my gaze, rattled without knowing why. “You keep pointing out every single thing I do wrong”

I… I wanted him to like me, I realized. Instead of seeing my flaws, I wanted him to congratulate my achievements instead of condemning my failures.

“I thought… Weren’t we doing this to bring out the best in each other? As students, as prefects, as… people” Percy blinked repeatedly, watching me carefully. There was utter astonishment reflected in his eyes. “I thought you enjoyed it like I did”

“No, stupid, I didn’t!” Once again, I leaned down to gather my books.

This time, he nearly threw himself to the ground to help me. He gestured with his hands, silently asking me to let him do it on his own. I let him, thinking it was the least he could do.

When we both stood to our feet, there was a newfound kindness in his expression while he handed me back my books. Our fingers touched, and this time we didn’t pull away.

“I… admired you” As he spoke up, breaking the tense silence, he begrudgingly looked away. “You are smart and determined and…”

“Stop” I asked him, feeling uncomfortable with his sincere words. “It feels weird when you compliment me”

He laughed. That sound was completely new to me, and I felt like the person before me wasn’t Percy Weasley anymore. At least not the one I used to know.

“Maybe you’re not so bad yourself” I muttered, needing to let him know how I felt.

“You’re right, it feels weird” Percy grimaced, shaking his head with disgust.

“That is” I completed to fix it. “When you’re not being a jerk”

His smile returned, and I found myself liking that sight. I hated to think what Cho would say when I’d tell her what happened.

“Are you saying you like me, Y/N?” It was the first time he used my actual name. At least the first time he uttered it without any traces of mockery.

“Ugh” I sighed, rolling my eyes at him like I always did. “You’re so annoying, Weasley”

For just a moment, Percy grinned to my comment. However, he soon scowled again, almost making me wonder if that smile was a product of my imagination.

“You are annoying, Ravenclaw” He walked away, deliberately bumping his shoulder against mine.

We both headed opposite ways, pretending nothing had happened. Nonetheless, when I looked over my shoulder I found with his glance. He was smiling again.

Tag list: @dancewaterdance02 / @raararasputin / @thisismysecrethappyplace / @bitchingpretty / @lookinsidemyhead / @c-taylor-wanna-be-a-glader / @welcome-here-in-my-world / @x-joie-x / @under-the-clouds // If you want to be added or taken off the tag list for these fandoms or characters, let me know!! // Reblogs and comments are appreciated!

[seanfalco]

Road Trip | Punk!AU

Fandom: The Witcher Pairing: Punk!Jaskier x Reader, Punk!Geralt x Punk!Yennefer Word Count: 1509 Rating: T Taglist: @nevadawolfe​ @magic-multicolored-miracle​ @coffee-and-stories​ a/n: A little bit on the short side, but I had fun getting my toes wet with the group interactions.  Part three will be coming by @ficsandcatsandficsandcats​ soooon.  :3

[ Part I ]

Part II - Out Here in the Field

Trees flew by the window, the spaces between them obscured by a wispy layer of fog stubbornly clinging to the ground despite the weak rays of sunlight beginning to stream through the clouds.  Stirring, you stretched, careful not to jostle Jaskier, asleep against your shoulder and snoring softly.  Stifling a yawn with your fist you let your gaze roam the van, quiet but for the steady breathing of sleep and the low music playing in the background.

Everyone was still asleep and it took you a moment to realize Geralt was no longer in the driver’s seat.  Instead Aevryn’s telltale wild locks were just visible over the headrest, her fingers drumming a beat against the worn leather of the steering wheel in time with the soft music she was listening to, singing under her breath.

The song was unfamiliar to you and you closed your eyes to listen, not wanting to intrude on the moment.  The man’s voice that weaved through the speakers accompanied by the mellow cords of an acoustic guitar was haunting and beautiful, the lyrics compelling and poetic in a different way from Jaskier’s, but still you found you enjoyed it.

You were just about to ask Aev who the musician was when a pothole in the road shocked the van and Jaskier jerked awake.

“What th--?” he exclaimed, sitting up abruptly, his chestnut hair sticking up where he’d been leaning against your shoulder, blinking blearily as it took him a couple seconds to regain his bearings.

You caught a flash of Aevryn’s frantic expression, eyes wide in the rear view mirror before the song cut off suddenly, switching to something different.

“Geralt, what the fu--” Jaskier began, ready to lay into who he thought was driving when he noticed it was Aevryn in the front seat.  “Aev?” he yelped in confusion, glancing back at Geralt in the back seat; sawing logs.

“When did --?” he shook his head and began again.  “More to the point, Geralt actually let you drive?”

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Aevryn asked, eyes narrowing in the mirror as you fought to stifle a laugh.  

You glanced at Jaskier who opened his mouth before apparently thinking better of it and closing it promptly, throwing you a ‘help me’ look.

Bemused smile firmly in place, you shook your head, the message clear -- ‘you’re on your own on this one’, to which Jaskier’s jaw fell open as he clutched dramatically at his heart.

“I’ll have you know Geralt trusts me implicitly,” Aevryn announced from the front seat, the mischievous grin tugging at her lips somewhat spoiling her self-important tone.  “He said I’m the only one he trusts enough to drive his little Roachie.”

“I never said that.”  Geralt’s voice interrupted from the back seat and you and Jaskier quickly turned to glance at him, his eyes still firmly closed and arms crossed against his chest.  “You just happened to be the only one awake at the time and as soon as I get a little more sleep I’m taking back over.  And don’t call her that.  It’s Roach.”

A moment of silence passed before you, Jaskier, and Aevryn were all gasping with laughter; the scowl that twisted Geralt’s lips only making you laugh harder.

——

Nearly an hour later, everyone was awake and Aev announced that you’d just entered Ohio, pulling off the highway at a roadside diner for lunch.  

Piling into the large corner booth, you picked up the menu, scanning the usual diner fare, deciding easily on a burger and fries while Win gasped, her eyes going wide as she stared at you.

“We’re in Ohio right?”

“Yeah,” Jaskier answered, giving your best friend a puzzled look, but you knew right away what she was getting at, rolling your eyes.

“You have to get the skyline chili,” she exclaimed, shaking the menu.  “We’re in Ohio,” she repeated as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Jaskier, Geralt, Yennefer, and Aevryn all looked to you for an explanation of your friend’s eccentric behaviour as you remembered they weren’t from the US.  Clearing your throat after getting your giggles under control you adopted your most pedantic voice in order to explain to the Brits that skyline chili was merely chili over a bed of spaghetti noodles, but that it was a quote Ohio Thing unquote.

Win groaned at your explanation, shaking her head in faux seriousness.  

“It’s not just any old chili, it’s an experience,” she exclaimed dramatically.  “There are some that say there’s chocolate in the secret recipe which gives it its distinct sweet flavour.”

Jaskier raised his eyebrows at you and you snorted.  “She’s originally from Ohio,” you explained, bumping against his shoulder, “it’s a comfort food thing.”  

“Ah, now that I can understand,” your boyfriend said with a grin.  “I’ll try it, why not?” Jaskier shrugged and Aev ordered it as well for the “experience”.

“I think I’ll pass,” Yennefer replied, looking unimpressed before ordering something else while Geralt “hmm’d”.

As you waited on the food everyone kind of dissolved into their own little pockets of conversations, and while Jaskier was engaged in a debate with Yen over the set list order you figured it was as good a time as any to ask Aevryn about that music from earlier.

“Hey Aev, what was that band you were listening to this morning?  I kinda dug it.”

Aevryn, in the midst of taking a drink, choked in surprise, the same deer in headlights look crossing her face as her eyes flicked first from Jask to Yennefer in rapid succession before returning to you.

“I didn’t realize anyone was awake,” she muttered ruefully.  “It’s just this indie musician that I listen to sometimes,” she said offhandedly, shrugging.  “None of the others really care for it, so…” she trailed off, blanching as Yennefer eyed her sharply.

Confused as to why that would seem to upset Yen so much you opened your mouth, ready to ask a follow up question when the waitress returned with the food, and Aevryn promptly shoveled a forkful of chili and noodles in her mouth, effectively cutting the conversation short, though Yen still eyed her suspiciously.

Jaskier, completely oblivious to the whole exchange perked up as his plate was set before him.  “Want a bite?” he asked, twirling spaghetti around his fork and offering it to you.  Grinning, you held his gaze as you took the pro-offered bite, covering your mouth with your hand as the chili smeared across your lips.

Wriggling his eyebrows at you Jaskier took the next bite and proceeded to make a show of chewing slowly as if deliberating.

“Hey Win,” he called across the table to your friend.  “Not bad!”

——

Back on the road with Geralt once more at the helm everyone fell back into comfortable silence, full and sleepy, the quiet broken only by the random urges to sing along to the music from time to time.  Until Jaskier sat up, blue eyes lighting up at something on his phone.

“Hey Geralt, I have an idea!” he called excitedly.

“No.”

“Oh, c’mon it’s just a teeny tiny detour,” Jaskier whined, and curious, you sat up, leaning into his shoulder to see what he had up on his phone.  It was an advertisement for this nearby eclectic road-side attraction, some sort of homespun local museum and it actually looked interesting.

You read the description aloud to dramatic ‘oooh’s’ and ‘ahhh’s’ from Aev and Win in the back seat, who both seemed in on the fun as well.

“Please Geralt, it’s really not that far out of the way,” Jaskier pleaded, leaning forward to grab the driver’s seat.  “If we’re going this road trip we ought to do it right, don’t you think?  I want to experience America, not just see it from the highway.”

Geralt sighed and turned to share a look with Yennefer.  “Oh why not?” she finally said, her lips twisting with amusement at Geralt’s momentary shock.

“Fine,” he bit out.  “Give me the directions.”

A half hour later you were completely lost and the sun was beginning to go down.

“I think we may have passed it…” Jaskier said weakly, “at some… point.”

Geralt merely stared ahead stonily.  “Yep, I think that’s pretty obvious.”

“Oh come on you guys,” you said, trying to salvage the situation; not wanting the two friends to fight any longer, and not being able to stand seeing your boyfriend look so dejected.  “Hey look at that field over there, why don’t we stop there for a bit to watch the sun go down and figure out where we are?” you suggested.

To your surprise Geralt didn’t protest, pulling off the road into the abandoned field, and throwing Roach into park.

“Okay, everyone out.”

“Brilliant idea babe,” Jaskier murmured in your ear as you unbuckled, his lips brushing against your cheek.

“I know,” you quipped, turning to catch his lips on yours, taking him by surprise before jumping out of the van, laughter pouring from your lungs as he lunged after you.

[rwbyremnants]

NOTE: Sorry about the cliffhanger, but it shouldn't really be a spoiler that Weiss is going to survive; don't worry I won't do this fandom rotten like that. See you soon!

=Chapter 19

The apartment above the gentleman's clothing store was comfortable enough from an objective standpoint. Homey. However, Weiss was never going to be comfortable there. Even after this ordeal was over, it would always remind her of having to watch as her girlfriend suffered. She hoped she never had to see the threadbare old oriental rug, the crystal chandelier, the upright honky tonk piano in the corner, ever again.

“She's going to be fine,” Blake reassured her, even though she still looked nearly as shaken as she had in Mountain Glenn. “They said the arm was just dislocated. Popped right back into the socket. She'll have to go easy on it for a little while, let those muscles heal that were stretched and torn, but it's better than a break.”

“Mmmm.”

“Come on, speak up,” she half-snorted. “It's not like you to be this quiet.”

“I'm just… worried.” Drawing her knees up into the old armchair with its paisley upholstery, she glanced over at the other Dragon in her matching seat. “I thought no one would get hurt this way, and…”

The girl's amber eyes focused on the rug. “Life's hard sometimes. But… I kinda know what you mean. Now I feel stupid for thinking this way, but I always believed Yang was invincible. So strong and brave, and kind, and larger than life…”

“Yeah! And here we are waiting for her to recover from just falling off her motorcycle. It sounds ridiculous, but it isn't.”

“I have to admit, I really didn't understand why my mother was so upset about this when I heard the announcement. But now, I get it.”

The two girls lapsed into silence for a time, gazing at the rug and trying to sort through their own emotions. Weiss mostly felt relief, but the entire incident had shaken her on a deep level in much the same way it had Blake. Was that going to be the rest of her life now? Continually finding herself and perilous situations, fighting for her life? It boggled her poor, sheltered mind. But deeper down… she knew she would do it all again for Yang. In a heartbeat.

Their silent vigil was only interrupted when Watts came in from the bedroom door, still ringing his hands in a towel. Salem stood and approached him immediately. Weiss was a little surprised that she hadn't taken off that cloak of hers in all that time waiting, but she had more important concerns at the moment.

“It's going to be fine,” he told them in an inpatient voice. “I've set her arm and bandaged her other wounds. There's going to be a lot of bruising but as far as I can tell, no internal bleeding or other fractures. If she starts experiencing any other symptoms, bring her straight back and we'll re-evaluate when the time comes.”

The High Dragon bowed her hooded head. “It seems we owe you a debt.”

“You don't.” His shrewd eyes slid over to Weiss and softened very slightly. “The debt has been paid in advance. And speaking of which, if you'll excuse me…”

“Wait,” Weiss protested before he could leave. “Can I- well, what I mean is, can we see her?”

Almost as if against his better judgement, he flashed her a tight smile. “She'll be out in a moment.” Then he did vanish into the confines of his “examination room”.

“I’m going to take my leave,” Salem said, and almost immediately, Sienna was up and opening the door for her. “I trust you and the Duchess to ensure she makes it home safely?”

“Of course, High Dragon,” Kali said with a slight bow of her head. “Don’t worry.”

“I never do with you around.” Then she smirked at Weiss. “And maybe the same goes for you. Take care of my apprentice.”

Once the woman and her driver had left, Weiss gulped and approached Blake’s mother. “What is that supposed to mean? Should I be worried?”

“No, it’s a good sign. She sees how much of your heart is focused on her warlord - how loyal you are. Of course, she may try to exploit that in the future, but… for now, it keeps you from being mistrusted.” Kali looked very slightly apologetic about casting the situation in that light, but was smiling all the same.

“Oh. Well… I appreciate you being honest with me.”

“Anytime, sweetie.” Then she craned her head. “Blake? Would you mind going in and seeing what’s taking Yang so long?”

Blake only had time to stand before the door opened on its own. Yang looked battered and worn down, but she was in decent spirits; she smiled the instant she saw Weiss, for instance. The smile was a little lopsided due to a puffy bruise on her cheek, and the bandages around her head made her hair look quite odd, indeed. Still, she was whole, and awake, and alive.

“Anybody get the license plate of that Mack truck that ran me down?”

Weiss flew to her side and slid her arms as gently around her love's middle as she could manage. All her heart wanted to squeeze, but her mind knew that would cause more agony than comfort.

“I'm sorry,” she whispered earnestly. “You… this was supposed to be safer!”

“It was safer for you,” she chuckled in a raspy voice. “‘Cept you wound up jumping down a hole anyway. Are you crazy?”

“Crazy for you.”

The simple line got Yang melting like a stick of butter in a bonfire. She pressed a kiss into Weiss's head through her hair. “Thanks. Still don't think you should have done it, but… thank you.”

“Let's go before Watts decides you need to pay for his services, after all,” Kali said with a slight smile.

“Right. Lead the way, Mrs. B.”

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

Given that Yang's Harley was now being repaired by whomever Salem used for such things, Kali offered to drive Yang home in her car. She and Weiss took the back seat. Blake went straight home on her motorcycle, though it was quite obvious that she wanted to tag along and help.

“Oh boy,” Weiss muttered nervously as they pulled up in front of Raven's house. “Here we go again…”

“Here we go? What do you mean? Oh, right - I think you did mention before that she threatened you with gunfire the last time you stopped by.” Kali paused their conversation to get out and open the rear door on Yang's side of the car. “Can you push while I pull?”

“I'm not a sack of potatoes,” Yang protested, even as the two were doing as Kali had suggested.

“Don't worry about Raven. I know how to handle her. And I promise, I won't let anything bad happen to you, Weiss.”

Sighing as she got out of the car herself and took up Yang's hand, she whispered, “Thank you. I just hope you're right.”

This time, the first knock at the door was actually answered. A minute or so later, it was yanked open to reveal the pale, evil-eyed woman who had last threatened Weiss with a mortal wound if she didn't vacate the premises immediately. She was dressed in overalls and a long-sleeved red shirt, one of the overall straps unbuttoned and dangling down toward her waist.

“What?”

“Now now, Raven, is that any way to greet an old friend?” Kali was trying for a cheerful tone, but it came across almost business-like.

“If I see one, I'll greet them differently.”

“Droll.” Her head nodded sideways toward Yang, who was curiously silent and staring down at the ratty old welcome mat beneath her boots. “Your daughter got a little banged up today. I would think she would have called you to let you know about it, but then again, you don't seem to know how to pick up the phone.”

Even while the murderous red pools were narrowing at Kali, Yang spoke up in a very subdued voice. “Thanks for the lift, girls. I can take it from here.”

“Oh?” Weiss said. “But I thought we… could…”

Just that one sentence fragment was enough to get Raven's attention on her. “Didn't I warn you never to come back here?”

“Raven Branwen,” Kali snapped. “You're even more of a bitch than the last time we spoke.”

“Yes, I am.” She strode forward until their noses and chests were nearly touching. “I'll shoot you too if you don't clear out of here.”

“Enough. We care about Yang more than you do, by the looks of it. And you're really going to turn us out of your home? Before we've even had the chance to come in?”

“She's already been in once,” she hissed sharply, and Weiss felt her cheeks bloom with redness.

“She was doing your job! Making sure your daughter was okay! Or don't you care about that anymore?”

Hackles raised end hands curling into fists, Raven took another step forward until their noses actually were touching now. “Get out.”

“That isn't going to work on me like it does on unsuspecting childre-”

Everything happened so fast that Weiss couldn't follow all of the movements with her eyes. One moment, the two women were staring each other down - the next, Raven was holding Kali up against the wall, face grinding into the door frame and arm pulled up into the middle of her back. Both a gun and a dagger were lying on the porch between their four feet.

“Ah!” Kali gasped in pain.

“You knew you weren't welcome here,” Raven snarled, sounding almost deadly calm if not for the clear pulse of anger in every other word. “Thought I made that crystal clear. If you ever come back again, I won't be so ni-”

But Kali wasn't quite finished. The heel of her shoe came down hard on Raven's toes, which were only protected by mere stockings at the moment. As she howled with pain, Kali whirled, gripped the lapels of her grimy overalls and tossed her through the open door into the living room.

“RAVEN!” Yang gasped, sprinting inside to crouch over her mother's form. Kali calmly picked up the two weapons and slipped them into her clothes - Weiss couldn't tell how she did that, either, or where they wound up.

“You got a lotta nerve,” Raven snapped as she began to sit up - only for Kali's boot to push down into her stomach and keep her still. “Hey!”

“No, you've had your turn, you overgrown brat. Now you will listen.” Her eyes closed for a moment, and her finger and thumb pinched at the bridge of her nose. “This is somehow actually worse than the rumble we were supposed to have today…”

Raven's tone was now extremely put upon. “I don't care. Whatever it is you have to say to me, save it. I don't want to hear-”

“You have a beautiful, strong, caring, capable daughter who only wants to have fun with her friends and enjoy a few dates. Who tries to do the right thing when she can. And you couldn't care less. It's reprehensible. I know… that I smother my own daughter a little bit, embarrass her sometimes, but it's far better than letting her believe for even a second that I don't love her. Maybe you are capable of doing that for Yang, or maybe you're not. But you could at least try pretending a little bit harder for her sake.”

“Why? What's the point?” Though she was shouting up at Kali, Weiss couldn't help noticing that her eyes never strayed toward Yang once during that conversation. As if by doing so, she could make believe she wasn't there. “Life is cruel, and the world is cold. It doesn't care what you want or who you love! You should know that better than anyone, right?”

Kali's face became a mask, almost as rigid and foreboding as the one Raven had worn the last time Weiss was in that living room. “That wasn't my fault. I couldn't change my entire plan for the future simply because your feelings got hurt!”

“What…?” Yang breathed in mild surprise, looking between the two of them.

“And I can't change my plan simply because you've decided you're somehow my mother now, Belladonna. I've made my life, and I've made my decisions, and I'm going to stick to them. The same way you did. So you can either get the hell out of my house and leave me alone, let me try to patch up my stupid daughter, or we can keep fighting about this. But I promise you those are our only two options in this situation. Keep coming back and rattling my cage, and I really will kill you.”

“You will not,” she sighed in annoyance, even while both Yang and Weiss were flinching from the threat. “Stop that. We both know you're a giant kitten and those threats aren't fooling anyone.”

“They're fooling me!” Weiss hissed.

“You don't know me as well as you think you do,” Raven said in a bored tone of voice. “Just stop embarrassing both of us and leave.”

The two women spent a good ten seconds glaring at each other from their different vantage points: Kali still standing on top of her, Raven still barely propped up on her elbows. The former's voice was a little softer when she said, “We both made our choices, Raven. Just because you want to believe mine was so much worse doesn't mean I was the only one who chose wrong.”

“Fine. I'll give you that. Now go.”

“No.”

“Haven't you been listening? I said I'm going to kill you if you don't leave me the hell alone!”

“And I said that Young Schnee and I are going to help your daughter get set up in her room! End of discussion! So you can either start warming up some chicken noodle soup for her, or you can lie there in the middle of the floor like a complete imbecile and prove to me what a waste of human skin you have become!”

For a long, highly tense moment, the two older women simply stared at each other as if doing so could make the other one burst into flames. Then Raven turned aside to glare at nothing. It seemed that she was conceding defeat. Without another word, Kali reached down to help Yang to her feet, and the three of them made their way down the hall.

“'Young Schnee'?”

“Shush,” Kali murmured, though she did smile very slightly. “Just trying to mention you so she knew it was a package deal and wouldn’t try to run you off. Again.”

“You guys shouldn’t be messing with her so much,” Yang whispered as they entered her room. Weiss wanted to stop and look around everywhere, to absorb the inner sanctum of the girl who meant so much to her, but she was pretty distracted by their circumstances. “She's kind of a dangerous woman. And not in the fun way.”

“Then maybe you shouldn't live with her,” Weiss said as they settled Yang on the bed. It was a pretty simple twin bed, the sheets a plain pale blue color.

“Where else am I going to go? Qrow and Ruby's? They hate me.” Weiss flinched, privately thinking Yang was at least wrong about Ruby, but there was no time to bring it up. “And your parents sure as hell don't want me around. Face it, I'm stuck with my square of a mom who sometimes points guns at my friends.”

Kali sighed as she began to pull off Yang's boots. It seemed she had shifted into Mom Mode without consciously meaning to do so. “She wasn't like this when we knew each other. Close, but not quite this… unpleasant.”

“Yeah. She, uh… never talks about you. Even when I bring you up in conversation.”

“Fabulous.”

Both the shortness of the answer and the deadpan tone with which Kali delivered it gave Weiss concern. But she decided there was something she needed to know a lot more urgently then she needed to console Blake's mother.

“What really happened between you two? And don't just say that she left the Dragons and that's the only reason you had a falling out. I can't believe that.”

“It’s a long story you wouldn’t enjoy,” she laughed. “Maybe I should start cleaning up in here; I can’t believe what a sty you let this become!”

Weiss’s hand clamped onto her arm before she could stand. “I don’t mind long stories. Do you, Yang?”

“Nope,” Yang said, though she looked less than enthused about hearing the rest of the tale. “Go for it.”

The woman was silent for a long few seconds, hazel eyes staring at the curtained window above Yang's battered old dresser. At first, Weiss started to think that she was never going to reply at all. It turned out she was simply choosing her words carefully before she began.

“Maybe we were never truly friends in the first place. At least, not in the way most girls are. But we were both Dragons, in a time when the Dragons was a very different gang. We used to have men, you know. Doesn't that sound crazy now?” She chuckled quietly, even while Weiss let out a quiet gasp of shock. “And we were always by each other's sides. Even though we had our respective boyfriends, I could tell that her interest in me was not strictly platonic. She always was a real bearcat. And sure, Boston Marriages existed back then, but as I said… the Dragons were very young, and hadn't established themselves as a safe place for ladies to love ladies quite yet. So she wound up with the Founder, and I with my big burly grizzly.”

“Wait, wait…” Weiss sat forward on the bed, her brow furrowing. “Was ‘the Founder’ some kind of nickname? Or was Yang’s father really one of the first Dragons?”

To her surprise, it was Yang who answered, “Nah. My dad was the first Dragon. I mean, he and his friends at the time were, and Raven and Kali. The name of the gang is from our family name, Xiao Long. Didn't… I tell you that?”

“No!” she gasped, completely caught off guard. But at least Yang looked authentically surprised that the subject has never come up before. Then again, they didn’t spend a lot of time discussing her Chinese heritage.

“It's true,” Mrs. Belladonna went on, hands folded on her lap. “Really quite revolutionary for the time: before Taiyang made this new gang of his, women could only hope to be the girlfriends of gangsters. 'Molls’ as some would put it. He saw how strong Raven and I were, and a few other women, and thought there was no reason there shouldn't be a co-ed version of the Huntsmen. We could all watch each other’s backs, not just the men with us in supporting roles. I suppose it worked for a little while, but eventually, most of the men went back to their old organization. And the Dragons became the den of lesbian iniquity that it is today.”

Despite the wry tone with which the last line was spoken, Weiss felt like she had a lot more to think about. This whole time she had never once questioned how the Dragons began. Even being one of them now! But it actually made a lot of sense: most girls she knew had no interest in such activities, and would much rather go to the beauty parlor or split a malted at the diner. Prepare for motherhood and wifehood. Even the average “liberated” woman who had found a new sense of solitary purpose after joining the workforce during World War II didn't go quite so far as to assume that men were irrelevant.

That was unique to the Dragons, as far as she could tell. It was kind of a shame that the only place women were equal to men was organized crime.

“It happened gradually,” Kali went on, oblivious to Weiss's internal monologue. “Raven would make disparaging remarks about my Ghira, but never tolerate the same about her beau. I could tell she wanted to have both of us all to herself. And I don't think she even realized that's what she was doing; please don't think I'm trying to paint her as being manipulative, or a two-timer. But eventually, we both had enough of the constant arguments and she left the Dragons at the same time her husband did.

“They were never really happy. We kept in touch for a little while after that, but around the time Taiyang ‘replaced’ her with Summer Rose, she pulled away. Stopped coming around Junior's, stopped answering my calls… my letters. Shut everyone out. I know she felt deeply betrayed by the two people she had cared about the most, even if it was an unreasonable feeling. Sometimes we just can't help how we feel. But knowing the reason why I lost my best friend didn't make it hurt less.”

By now, neither of the two girls had much to say. This was all new information to Weiss for sure, but Yang even seemed surprised by some details. As if she had known all the facts without ever being exposed to the emotional footnotes.

“Mrs. B… I'm sorry,” Yang breathed softly as she could, seeming to shrink in on herself as she leaned against the wall. “My mom is a real piece of work, alright, but I never knew… well, I'm real sorry.”

Kali's smile was still bittersweet as she stared at the dirty carpeting. “She's the parent, not you. So thanks, but the apology isn't necessary.”

“Well, I think this sounds ridiculous,” Weiss snapped, arms folding in front of her chest. “She should have… I don't know, talked to you? Tried to have a conversation in which you both understood each other a little better? It's completely unacceptable!”

“What would we have said that we didn’t already say? Raven was determined to see herself as the victim of two cold-hearted people who just…” In a rare moment without her shields up, Kali had to clear her throat to rid it of that trembling quality that signalled tears might come soon. “We wanted to love her in different ways than she wanted to be loved. Things were said that we might not ever be able to take back. But it’s all in the past. My only concern now is that Raven isn’t… isn’t taking out her frustrations with the world on her own daughter.”

There was a loud clank from the doorway. They all turned to look, but though footsteps could be heard throughout the hallway, all they could see was a TV tray with a bowl of soup sitting on the floor. A little had sloshed onto the packet of saltines when she set it down hastily.

“Oh…” Kali covered her mouth with her hand, looking legitimately ashamed of herself. “Oh dear.”

Weiss picked up the tray and looked for Raven, but didn’t see her. Then she returned to the bed, gazing down at the soup. “Chicken noodle.” It was still hot, too, steam rising gently from the pale yellow liquid.

“This is my fault. I shouldn’t have been talking about her in her own home. I’m sorry, girls.”

While Yang was struggling with what to say, Weiss set the tray down. “I need to use the ladies’ room. Can one of you point the way?”

“Sure,” the current Dragon said numbly, her fingers just barely touching the handle of the spoon. She looked both fascinated by it and detached, as if not really sure that it was real. That anything was real. “End of the hall, opposite the way you came in. Can’t, uh, can’t miss it.”

“Thank you.”

On her way back from the bathroom, Weiss felt a little nosy. All she could think about was Kali’s story, and Raven’s reaction to overhearing the bit she did. What was her home life really like? It seemed to be as bad as Weiss’s - just in different ways. A little curiosity never seemed to hurt Nancy Drew…

The hallway closet only held linens and some assorted things like a seldom-used vacuum cleaner, some broken pieces of a chair. The master bedroom was even more spartan than Yang’s; at least Yang had a school pennant and a radio. This room literally had nothing but furniture, including an unmade bed. Her own mother had always told her that an unmade bed was the sign of madness… but then again, that had been before she went a little mad herself.

She was about to rejoin her fellow Dragons when she heard a brief crash of glass from the living room. Barely glancing into the room at where Kali was rubbing up and down Yang’s back, comforting her as they both faced away from the door, she continued on to investigate.

The first thing she noticed was a mess of broken glass below a wide stain of brown, just next to the TV. Some kind of liquor, by the smell of it. Then she saw Raven slumped in an armchair, eyes glaring at the stain as if daring it to speak out against her.

Then she noticed Weiss standing there and shot to her feet, wrapping her hand around her neck. This time, she was sure she was about to die.