#but usually the flowers appear behind our ears. a symbol to show how much you mean to us.

[euclydya]

tuinkign ablout. Hanahaki Disease adn how we aplareentlt have a similar thing in our system. those Effected dont cough up flowers (... often) but instead find that certain flowers sprout off of them at random. it's not painful until it Is (#yearning and all) and Yes the members mainly effected by this are our bpd holders . and then daisy but whatever the fuck is going on with daisy is like. idk he's an outlier adn should not be counted

[opheliadawnwalker3]

The Watching

Author’s Note: This is for @darkficsyouneveraskedfor’s fic swap. I picked @sherrybaby14​ :) Hope you like it hun and Merry Christmas!!

Synopsis: Reader has been dating Thor for about a year and is celebrating her first Yuletide on Asgard. But she’s unprepared for certain traditions that are expected of her. Or that these traditions also involve Thor and his companions.

Contains: strong sexual content, cunnilinguous, penetration, threesome, voyeurism, some audience participation, fluffy holiday cheer

Wacchinsrinn- Old Norse means “The Watching”

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You stand in the elaborately decorated banquet hall, carefully nursing another full goblet of Asgard’s famous honeyed wine. Thor had left you alone, mere moments before, no doubt to personally welcome his people to the Yule celebration. In the corner, several Asgardian citizens play musical instruments and the rest are either drunkenly dancing, feasting on delicious foods or laughing uproariously. Eager faces are painted with intricate symbols and there is much joy and carefree energy in the air. Normally, you’re not such a wall flower, but being surrounded by Thor’s fiercely lively people is a whole new experience for you. You had already witnessed the burning of the wooden Yule wreath earlier and had cheered with the others when it was sent hurtling down the hill and fell among the stars. In the corner of the vast hall stands the Yule tree, decorated not with the colored glass balls you were accustomed to, but small statues of previous kings and mythical creatures. After seeing the God of Thunder for over a year, you were overjoyed to hear him say that he wanted to finally bring you back to his world. His kingdom. 

It happened to be close to Christmas, but other than the typical mandatory bland office party and receiving a few Christmas cards, you really had no other plans. Why on Earth would you ever pass that up? The chance to not only see the place he grew up in, but to be among his people and culture. His friends and-

“Well, well...don’t we look fetching this evening?” A sly familiar voice utters behind you, erupting a subtle heat across the back of your neck. Turning, you see Loki, sharply donned with tailored green silks and a gray pelt clasped around his shoulders. Instead of his usual absurdly large golden horns, a delicate golden crown balances at his temple. 

You raise your goblet to him. “You clean up rather nicely yourself.”

Loki tilts his head, keen emerald eyes slowly trailing down your body and you could almost swear he could see right through the crimson silk of your gown. His lips curl into a devious smile and your heart flutters against your will. “Do enjoy the festivities...mind the honeyed wines. They are much stronger than the tepid liquors served on Midgard.”

You roll your eyes as you defiantly take another sip. You would be lying if you said, you weren’t already feeling buzzed. The warmth that spreads across your cheeks, that familiar light headed feeling. You would have to pace yourself. You can’t make a fool out of yourself at your first Asgardian Yuletide. And you were here with Thor for God’s sake. You didn’t want to humiliate him or yourself.

A loud clang sounds near you and your attention is momentarily drawn to Volstagg, one of Thor’s infamous Warrior’s Three, laughing boisterously as he picks up his dropped axe. No doubt, in the middle of a drunken retelling of old battle stories. 

Lips brush the shell of your ear and you automatically tense up. Your breath hitches as slender fingers ghost over your bare shoulders.

“I look forward, to seeing much more of you later.” Loki purrs huskily into your ear and you are rooted to the spot. His alluring voice holds dark promises. Your brows furrow in confusion and before you are able to ask just what he means by that, Thor’s voice cuts across the room. You look over to see him cross the room with jovial presence. His bright blue eyes crinkle with happiness at the sight of you.

Loki withdraws from you completely and you let out a sigh of relief. The wine...it must have been the wine. You would have to drink water to spread it out.

Seemingly unbothered at Loki’s closeness, Thor smiles warmly as he slips his arms around your waist and pulls you in for a kiss. You sigh, relishing the comforting feeling of his lips and presence as you pull him in closer. For the past year, Thor had been a beacon of light in your boring, mundane life. He would entertain you for hours with tales of his childhood, battles and stories about his time with the Avengers. He made you feel exciting just by being in his presence. Feel incredibly safe just by being in his strong embrace. He never left you wanting whether physically, mentally or emotionally. You only hoped you did the same for him. 

“Are you enjoying yourself?” Thor’s deep voice rumbles against your mouth.

“I am. I just wish we could-”

“Ah there’s the lovely couple. Starting Wacchinsrinn a bit early are we not?” You recognize Fandral’s charming voice sounding next to you. You pull back from Thor slightly with a raised brow.

“Wacchinsrinn? What’s that?”

Before the smaller roguish blonde can answer you, Thor laughs and quickly begins to lead you away from the two men. Confused, you look back to see Fandral and Loki exchange knowing smiles.

“What on earth was that about?” You ask, setting your now empty goblet down on one of the long wooden tables. Funny, you hadn’t even remembered drinking it all.

“Just Fandral with one of his jokes. Pay the scoundrel no mind,” Thor replies playfully before spinning you around wildly among the other dancing patrons. You wish to press him further but a mixture of the otherworldly alcohol and contagious euphoria around you, causes your curiosity to melt away and you gather your skirts to join the dance. 

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

About an hour later, Thor leads you down the hall by the hand. You stumble a bit and giggle with tipsy merriment as he turns the corner to open a pair of grand ornate doors. You tilt your head in confusion as you take in the lavish yet unfamiliar chambers within.

“Hey this isn’t the same room, you showed me earlier. This isn’t yours, right?”

“You’re right, Y/N. This is our room.”

“Ooo our room you say?” You tease as you take in your surroundings, Thor walking in behind you to shut the doors. Inside the chamber was a large king sized bed with a full canopy and intricately carved designs in the wood. The sheets were golden and there was a table set with trays of cheese and fruits and silver pitchers no doubt filled with mead and wine. But that wasn’t what caught your eye. You look back at Thor whose looking down at you with an expression you can’t quite decifer. 

“What’s with all the chairs pointed facing the bed? Kind of an unusual arrangement, isn’t it?”

“It’s for...Wacchinsrinn.”

“There’s that word again. What is it?”

Before Thor can respond, there is a low chuckle and suddenly Loki appears next to you.

“Oh dear, you haven’t told her. How irresponsible and devious of you, brother.”

“Hush, Loki.” Thor looks down at you and brings a massive hand to cup your face. “Please forgive me, Y/N. I didn’t want you to worry or feel pressured to do anything.”

“Although it is an Asgardian tradition. I don’t believe Y/N wants to be the cause of the King’s refusal to uphold a tradition maintained for thousands of years.”

“Not the time, Loki...”

“I disagree. I think it’s the perfect time...”

“No he’s right. I’m not going to stand in the way of you upholding your kingly duties. Whatever you need to do, I’ll support you.” You encourage, placing a hand on Thor’s arm.

“How touching, but your amorous participation is very much required.” Loki interjects with a dangerous smirk and Thor sighs, clearly conflicted. You look back and forth between the pair.

“My what participation?”

Before Loki could reply, Thor raises his hand in front of him.

“Loki, leave us.”

“Oh, I think not. This is all rather entertaining for me.”

“Leave now.” Thor’s tone is tense and clipped and you can’t help feeling a little nervous. What is going on? Why all the secrecy? And what exactly is expected of you?

“So tense, brother. Perhaps you should have her tend to you first and help get those bothersome...kinks out.”

Thor says, nothing, merely glares at Loki, before the latter sighs in reluctant surrender.

“Very well, I suppose I could check on the rest of the rabble and see if they are ready to bear witness.” And with that, Loki disappears, leaving you and Thor alone once more. You look up at the god and cross your arms.

“Thor just tell me. What’s the tradition?” Your eyes widen briefly when you think back to all of the those Viking and Pagan shows you watched in mild preparation for the Yule celebration.

“I won’t have to do an animal sacrifice will I?”

Thor smiles and shakes his head as he brushes his fingers along your jaw. “No animal sacrifices will be required of you, I promise.”

“Okay...then what is expected of me?”

Thor pauses for a moment in quiet contemplation, gathering his thoughts before he eventually sighs. “On Asgard, the act of coupling is a merry and happy occasion. Asgardians do not view such an act with such...modesty as on Midgard.”

You nod, following along and very curious as to where this is going.

“And so...the notion of sharing such a joyous act with others...is considered...a generous gift.”

You eyes widen slightly as the realization begins to wash over you. “And when you say sharing...you mean...??”

Thor gives you an embarrassed smile. “Those closest to us shall bear witness to our union.”

“So...your companions are just going to watch us?”

“If that is agreeable to you. It is not uncommon for them to join in should all participating consent.”

You chew on your bottom lip and cross your arms. “So that’s what everyone has been referring to all night.”

“Yes.”

You contemplate for a few moments more, weighing your options in your head. You should be appalled that your boyfriend just sprang this on you, royalty or not. But you just can’t find yourself to be angry. On the contrary...the idea is intriguing. You’d always been fascinated by the thought of voyeurism. Whether watching someone else or being watched yourself. But you’d never had the courage to explore it. There was even once an incident where Hawkeye accidentally walked into the room while you were riding Thor at Avengers Tower. Instead of being embarrassed...you only clenched tighter around Thor’s cock. Even felt a pang of disappointment when Hawkeye quickly left the room with amused apologies. Maybe this was your chance to finally explore one of your fantasies.

You finally look back up at Thor, his handsome face etched with worry and concern.

“Okay.”

“Yes?”

“Yes. I want to do this. For you, but mostly for me,” You admit, pressing a soft kiss against his lips. You see a flash of green in the corner of your eye and Loki appears next to you, holding two goblets full of wine. He gives you an impish smirk as he holds one out to you.

“How about a little more wine to take the edge off. Perhaps numb your defenses a bit,” Loki drawled as you eagerly accept the wine. A little liquid courage never hurt anyone. Thor watches you carefully as you take several large pulls of the sweet wine, embracing the numbing warmth that pools down your body.

“Are you sure about this ,Y/N?” Thor asks softly, his usual booming voice now quiet with uncertainty. 

You set your now empty goblet on the table next to you and give him a confident smile. Sure, you felt emboldened by the wine, but you also felt very eager for what lays ahead Thor reaches up to cup your jaw with both hands, his bright blue eyes melting any doubts you might have had.

“Because if you’re not, then damn the traditions. I will never ask you to do anything you’re not ready for. We can leave now, go back to Midgard and celebrate your traditional Christmas.”

You feel your heart swell with appreciation and adoration and you turn your head slightly to kiss his fingers. “You would do that for me?”

“Of course I will. You mean more to me that anything.”

“Then I want to do this. I’m happy to do it.”

Thor leans down to press his lips to yours once more in a sweet gentle kiss to which you eagerly reciprocate. Next to you, Loki chuckles as he takes a sip from his goblet.

“Not to break up this touching little moment, but the others are getting restless.”

Thor reluctantly pulls away, brushing your bottom lip with his thumb. 

“Then we shall not keep them waiting.”

 The potent alcohol flows within you, but something else pools within. Excitement and pure unadulterated desire. Loki chuckles and you feel his hands on your hips as he presses in close behind you. Surprised, you look up to Thor for guidance, but he merely stares at the pair of you with a calm unbothered expression.

“And will you allow any of the witnesses to enjoy her as well?” Loki insinuates, his lips brushing the shell of your ear. “I myself, am curious if she tastes as good as she looks.” Your breath hitches and your heart begins to pound harder at his carnal implications. 

Thor smirks and gestures down to you. “That is entirely up to you. If you desire another, then it shall be done.”

You let out a soft gasp, completely taken aback by this turn of events. But certainly not upset at the prospect. You would be lying to yourself if you never thought about how alluringly charming and attractive Loki is. So very different from your Thor, yet enticing all the same. When will you get another opportunity like this? 

“Yes...I...I want you both.”

“Very well, then let them all in and we’ll begin the Wacchinsrinn.”

Loki presses a brief kiss to your neck, before gracefully leaving the room. You feel your nerves beginning to flutter in your gut, battling against your arousal and the tension in the air from the possibilities.

Thor steps up to you and carefully traces his hand down your front. Your nipples harden through the thin silk and you lick your lips. 

“Who...who will be watching us?”

“The Warriors Three, Lady Sif, Loki and Heimdall will watch from the Rainbow Bridge since he cannot personally attend. But do not be nervous. You are perfection. This is a gift not only for my companions but us as well.”

You take a deep breath, heartbeat speeding up when you hear approaching footsteps and the large ornate doors open.

Fandral walks in first, his eyes drinking you in. “Ahh lovely, Y/N...you look ready for your first Wacchinsrinn. Tell me, has Thor prepared you properly? Because if not, I offer you my services. I’m told I’m quite talented in such matters.”

“Oh do settle down, Fandral. She has already chosen me to help...alleviate the tension. Do enjoy your seat, though.” Loki retorts playfully as he unclasps the fur from around his shoulders. 

Fandral winks at you as he gracefully drops in his seat. “Well I suppose that silver tongue has its uses after all.” 

The combination of alcohol, nerves, and your excitement for things to come, make your skin tingle with anticipation.

Lady Sif follows close behind, dressed elegantly in a fitted gown of midnight blue. Her usually tied up long hair, hangs down her back in loose curls. She takes her place in the middle seat and crosses her legs expectantly as she gives you a small encouraging smile. She gives a side eye to Volstagg, who decided to bring a large turkey leg to the ceremony, as he sits next to her.

“Honestly...must you eat even while we bear witness?”

Volstagg lets out a good humored laugh as he takes a bite of the roasted meat. “What is the point of enjoying such stimulating entertainment without filling my gullet? No point in doing things half way, I say.”

Hogun silently joins the group and crosses his arms, his stoic face betraying nothing. Thor stands tall and acknowledges all who are present.

“Now that we are all here, its time to begin. We thank those closest to us in sharing this moment. May this gift offer you many blessings and good omens on and off the battlefield.” 

“And what a gift it is,” Exclaims Fandral, holding up his own pint of mead.

“Hear, hear!” Volstagg agrees excitedly. Sif and Hogun remain silent, but their subtle expressions hold a keen interest.

The Warriors cheer and you can’t help but smile at the almost absurd nature of it all. 

“My desired and I shall drink from the cup and then proceed with Wacchinsrinn,” Thor exclaims as he holds out another goblet will only half full. The both of you drink from it and Loki takes the empty goblet away. Thor wastes no time undressing with unwavering confidence and leans down to capture your lips in a hungry kiss.

“It is time to be worshipped, like the goddess you are,” Thor purrs in a husky voice against your lips as his hands trail down your waist. His pretty words and deep tone makes your thighs clench together as your pussy throbs.

You feel Loki press in close behind you and he carefully pushes your hair off your neck. Their closeness is intoxicating. “But first you must bare yourself to us,” Loki whispers lowly in your ear as dexterous fingers make swift work of the clasps on your shoulders. The top slips down revealing your breasts and you gasp when Thor’s hands begin caressing with eager, calloused hands. Loki grips your hips as his mouth traces a tantalizing path up your neck.

Your fingers tangle in Thor’s blonde locks when he lowers himself to capture a pebbled nipple in his mouth. His mouth is hot and he licks and nibbles your breasts. You’re suddenly feeling very flushed, your skin scorching under their ministrations. 

You feel Loki’s teeth against your throat and he chuckles into your ear. “You should think yourself fortunate. Our great grandfather would often bend his women over the table in the banquet hall during Wacchinsrinn. For all of Asgard to see. This way is far more...intimate.” With that he grabs your chin and kisses you greedily.

After a few moments, the two men lead you to the bed. Thor sits down first and pulls you back between his spread legs. His cock full and hard against your back. His kisses you once more and you feel his hands slide up your thighs, taking the crimson silk of your skirts with it. You lean back against his thick muscled body and stare up at Loki, who remains at the foot of the bed fixed with an expectant sneer.

“Would you like Loki to taste you? Allow him to thoroughly ready your body for me?” Thor questions as his fingers reach your eager cunt beneath the silk. You moan, your hips raising slightly to feel every caress of his fingers. He chuckles arrogantly and you hear the lewd sounds of his fingers easily slipping inside you.

“Well...it seems she’s already quite ready. We may not need your services after all, Loki,” Thor exclaims playfully, displaying his fingertips already soaked in your arousal.

“That may be brother, though I should like to hear it from her lips that she does not desire my mouth on her delectable quim.” Loki replies as he slowly pulls the green tunic over his head with smug ease, revealing his pale yet toned upper body. Both men know you’re not saying no at this point. In fact, no, is the farthest thing from your mind.

You give him a mischievous grin as you beckon him with just the crook of your finger and Loki obliges, crawling up between your spread thighs with a dangerous smile. He looks as though he may just devour you whole. 

When his mouth meets your cunt, you immediately relax back against Thor, enjoying every sensation as Loki unravels you. His tongue glides along your slit with expert ease, rolling and flicking over your throbbing clit. Thor’s beard tickles your bare shoulder as he nips the skin and caresses your breasts. You felt trapped between the two brothers in the most heavenly way.

“How does she taste, Loki?” You hear Volstagg call out and your eyes snap open. You had almost forgotten you were being watched. You bite back a whine when Loki raises up slightly, your cunt already missing his mouth.

“Better than the finest of delicacies on Asgard. She truly is a delicious well of vanilla and honey.” Loki brags and your breath hitches when his lips immediately return to you, wrapping around your clit and gently sucking.

“I knew it. Pay up Fandral,” you hear Volstagg boast and Fandral sighs as he drops a few coins in his companions outstretched hand.

Beneath you, Thor undulates his hips into you and your cunt clenches tightly, wanting to be filled. 

“I can feel Heimdall’s ever watchful eyes upon us. He is thoroughly enjoying the sights as well. He wonders if you would like my cock deep inside you with my brother’s mouth still upon you.” Thor whispers softly into your ear as he pinches a nipple.

Between Loki’s adept mouth and Thor’s touches and carnal words, you can barely form words of your own. But you manage just the same.

“God yes. Please, Thor...” You mewl pathetically as your thighs twitch around Loki’s shoulders. His fingers massage and squeeze your spread thighs.

With that, Thor raises your hips and lines your soaked entrance with his tip. Loki raises his head slightly to follow your cunt. His piercing green eyes staring up hungrily at you. Being worshipped by these men...feeling several pairs of eyes on you at once...its all very intoxicating.

“Lower yourself upon me. Let me feel you clench desperately around me.” Thor commands softly against your temple, his hands gripping your hips and holding you above him. You nod eagerly and you sink down onto him completely. Your pussy is dripping and more than ready, yet Thor’s thick shaft still stretches you slightly and the pair of you moan loudly. Loki chuckles against your flesh, sending vibrations over your clit and making your cunt tighten around Thor.

“By the gods...your grip is always so exceptional. I could just feel you squeeze me all day, though I’d be fighting the urge to drive into you with everything I have.”

“Move her skirts. We would like to see too,” Lady Sif commands from her seat. You briefly raise your eyes to meet hers and her expression is heated and very much satisfied.

“As the lady commands,” Thor agrees as he rips the silk away, baring the rest of you to the room.

You mewl loudly as Loki begins to speed up his tongue, sucking at your clit a little harder. Your fingers reach up to tangle in his dark tresses as he brings your body closer and closer. Your hips roll atop Thor and you continue to mercilessly squeeze his cock sheathed inside you. That familiar icy hot numbing sensation spreads over you as your body climbs higher and higher towards the peak.

“She’s definitely close. Such a sweet thing, they’ve barely had to touch her,” Fandral observes smugly.

“True, but I still bet that she will last through the night.” Lady Sif replies with subtle arrogance.

“Ah, shall we bet on it then, Lady Sif?”

“You have nothing I want, Fandral.”

“How about if I polish your armor for a full moon?”

“What, and let you leave spots all over my-”

“Will you two stop your incessant blathering? She’s about to fall and I would like to enjoy it in its entirety,” Hogun finally quips in with a surprisingly gruff voice. 

You cry out as Loki’s mouth unravels you, causing your cunt to pulsate tightly around Thor. He grips you atop him as he hisses into your ear.

After a few more languid licks of your slit, Loki finally sits up from between your thighs and pulls you into a deep kiss. Your inner walls tighten around Thor yet again when you taste your own juices on Loki’s lips.

The room erupts in applause as the Warriors clap and cheer wholeheartedly.

“A good first round, I’d say!” Volstagg exclaimed as he slams his empty goblet upon the floor in celebration. 

“I agree. I think Y/N is fully warmed up now. We’re going to need much more wine and mead before we proceed forward.”

“And more bread!” Volstagg adds, tossing an empty turkey leg upon his plate.

“I wonder if Y/N, will allow Loki to continue to tend to her,” Lady Sif muses aloud.

At that, Loki finally pulls away from you, licking your bottom lip with an imperious smirk. “I will of course, perform as such, should she require it of me.”

Thor laughs, clamping a hand on Loki’s bare shoulder. “Well down, brother. But I should like you to sit this next one out for now. I wish to ravage her myself this time.”

“Such a bore...but I will concede for now.” Loki sighs snidely before lightly touching your jaw and leaving the bed. 

With Thor’s cock still buried inside you, you look up at him with an impish expression. “So, there’s more to Wacchinsrinn? We’re not finished yet?”

He brushes his lips against your temple as his hands tighten on your hips. “Oh no, my love. We go until you cannot go any longer. When you have had enough, then we will stop. But I know you and....I know you have several more hours in you.”

As he thrusts up into you again accompanied by the supportive cheers of his companians, you smile, truly feeling full filled for the first time in a long time.

From his post on the Rainbow Bridge, the ever watchful Heimdall smiles at the glorious sights before him.

Taglist: @sherrybaby14​ @darkficsyouneveraskedfor​ @lucifers-trash-stash​ @cherienymphe​ @imanuglywombat​ @threeminutesoflife​ @charmed-asylum​ @thefangirllife​ @justagirlinafandomworld​ @queenoftheworldisdead​ @searchforanotherway​ @sapphirescrolls​ @hurricanerin​ @cockslut-padalecki​ @different-type-of-hell​ @darkandinvitingfics​ @buckybarnesplumwhore​ @oneoftheprettynerds​

[mefiman]

Hamato Family’s First Visit to the Hidden City

Story request by @rottmntrulesall. Hope you enjoy the story, bud! ^^

"C'mon, everyone! Hurry up!" Michelangelo's impatience was obvious in his excitement. He and his siblings were finally going to show their dad's relatives for the first time to the Hidden City for two reasons; one: to view the many wonders of the other world and two: to have a formal, proper meeting with Draxum's parents. The latter part had instilled some unease into the Hamato siblings, especially Saki who was wary about stepping foot into a mysterious world and was about to see for himself the father and mother of the "monster" who altered his younger brother many years ago.

"Are you sure this place is safe?" Hamato Kenji asked. Raphael glanced at his uncle, understanding his uncle's concerns. "We've been there a lot, Uncle Kenji! We did encounter a few dangers there before but other than that, the people there don't usually attack humans unless provoked." Raph assured his uncle.

"There are a lot of places to visit like the many resorts and spas if you want to have a massage and ooh, Señor Hueso's Run of the Mill Pizza where they make one of the best pizzas! I know the manager of that place, we're amigos~" Leonardo took the chance to quip in.

"I can't wait to see Grandpa Mons again! Wait till you guys meet him yourselves, he's the nicest, sweetest grandpa you'll ever meet! He's still as strong as he's gentle!" Mikey said happily.

"I wonder if Grandma Chemia has some wicked new inventions to show me!" Donatello exclaimed.

"This would be my first time seeing my grandparents, Arachne..." Ariadne whispered to her best friend, Arachne.

"You've never seen them before?" Her friend asked.

"Once when I was a baby... I haven't seen them for years." The yokai femme told Arachne.

"Alright, kids, you've shown us all that you're excited to bring us to visit the Hidden City, Mikey, can you open the portal now?" Splinter asked.

"Sure, Dad!" Mikey got to work quickly.

Draxum felt a tinge of anxiety inside himself. He could not recall the last time he visited his creators ever since he moved out of home to pursue his alchemy researching, away from his parents' constant arguments, half of which is about their preferred methods of raising him. It was a surprise how those two still manage to live under the same roof despite their obvious clashing personalities. He guessed that they tolerated each other just for his sake. His parents had never produced any more offspring after him and one of Arachne’s parents...

"Hey, are you okay, Dad?" A female voice asked him. Draxum jolted from his pondering to find that his daughter, Poison Ivy asking him out of concern. He just gave a small smile as he ran his clawed hands over her helmet. "Am fine, just thinking about your grandparents." He assured her. He marveled how Ivy much had grown from the last time he scientifically created her with his and Lou Jitsu's DNAs; she being so tiny as a developed newborn infant growing in a liquid chamber to a young lady around the boys' ages. From what he knew later on, Splinter raised her along with the Turtles. Ivy had lived her life at first as a normal human teenager until her yokai genes started appearing. The initial discovery of her origins did shake her world but over time, she had learnt to accept and use them to assist her brothers in their adventures. She was intelligent like Draxum and his mother with his father's gentle, mature nature as well as Splinter/Lou's sassiness. She loved to study on botany and coincidently, her powers involved using vines and summoning plant like monsters at will. She recently revealed her sexuality preference as a lesbian and had a girlfriend who is a fellow classmate and witch trainee/apprentice in disguise. Both her creators and siblings were happy for her. As of now, she was cradling her younger sister, Venus de Milo was giggling and squealing as April, Ariadne and Arachne cooed and tickled her belly.

The group watched Mikey draw a symbol on the wall at an alley. Once the symbol was drawn, an open portal revealed. The Hamato siblings' mouths went ajar, not believing what they just saw. "if you think that's mind blowing, you haven't seen nothing yet!" Mikey grinned. His three other brothers and the three girls each took hold of one of their Hamato uncles and aunts's hands. The moment they all jumped into that portal, they found themselves staring at a massive part of a what seemed to be a huge city. The sky above was unlike Earth's skies; instead it was orange with some brown. The architecture of the buildings there were monster shaped with some tall, castle like structures far away from the city. There were a lot of people of all shapes, sizes, colors and appearances walking, running, passing by each other, buying their needs or doing their usual business trades. The Turtle family allowed their Hamato relatives to take in their first view around them. Saki's eyes were bulging out of his sockets, he could not believe for his life what he was seeing. Anthropomorphic, mostly consisting of animal, everyday objects, monstrous and supernatural like individuals roamed every part of the streets around him, he felt as if he was having a strange dream that defied logic! Nori on the other hand, looked right and left, taking in interesting sights that captured her attention. Underneath a calm façade, Kenji was freaking out internally at the new, foreign view. Hiroki was squealing in delight similar to a child had just discovered a world made of toys and sweets. Her twin, Hikari was a bit calmer than his sister, feeling a thrill of danger running through his veins. Last but not least, the youngest Hamato sibling, Mei's stance looked poker face yet she looked around to see if there were any Gothic like people that she can interact with. The Turtles and the girls grinned, seeing the reactions of the others.

"What do you think? Surreal, huh?" They ask.

"Amazing.."

"Fascinating..."

"I can't believe what I'm seeing..."

"Someone please tell me that I'm dreaming..." Saki mumbled, still not believing.

"No, you're not," Draxum replied, going straight to the point with an indifferent expression. "May we please hurry to my parents' house, I bet they're waiting for our arrival..."

"Oh yeah!" Mikey clapped both his hands once. "Lead the way, Draxy!"

Draxum sighed as he took the lead of the group. Along the way, there were a few whispers around and behind Draxum coming from the city people but Splinter and Ivy took hold of both his hands and gave a comforting, assuring squeeze, making him feel better. Ariadne gave her uncle a comforting hand on to his shoulder. They were soon out of the main city square to a further distance into the woods. They had to climb up a hill for a while until they reached a big mansion residing there.

"We are here at last. My childhood home..." Draxum said, looking at the grassy, serene valley below, reminiscing the times where he as a little one ran galloping around the field, cartwheeling with glee among the flowers and his sire teaching him the basics on how to defend himself the predator way. Both father and son spend their days in the early years, sparring with each other...

"Draxum, my son!" The former alchemist warrior villain snapped out of his memories to find himself being engulfed into the arms of none other than his dear, loving old father, Monsrage who brought his only son into a crushing bear hug which knocked the wind out of his lungs. "How have you been, my little baby boy? It's rare that you visit us but it's so wonderful to see you bring your family along! How delightful!" the older yokai gushed, his bushy tail wagging with unlimited enthusiasm like an excited puppy. Monsrage was rather huge and muscular with perked up, pointy ears, silky straight black hair unchanged through time and a fairly long beard to match. Like Draxum before, he wore a battle mask. He had a significant dark upperlip. His body had different shades of blue just like his son, Draxum when he was armored. Monsrage's eyes were the same like Draxum's. His feet in particular, was a noticeable difference. Unlike his wife and son, his feet were shaped like a lion's paws, fitting for him coming from a predator species.

"Father, it's great to see you... but can you please let go now? I can't breathe..." Draxum choked out, being smothered by his sire's busty chest. Monsrage immediately loosened his grip, apologizing profusely while checking to see if he had accidently broken any of his son's bones. Draxum shook his head, smiling a little. His sire had never changed all these years, still a concerned worrywart. And he bet his mother had not either...

Chemia on the other hand, was greeting the rest of the visitors with feverish energy. She was a redhead with shades of pink for her skin colour and her ears, long and drooped. Her eyes had a little twinkle in them, a part of her eccentric personality and plump, red lips. Like her husband, she wore a mask. Donnie, April, Arachne and Ivy were given a whirlwind hug the moment they came in front of her. Monsrage went back to the mansion with his son to give the new visitors, the Hamatos, April, and Arachne a warm greeting as well as welcome his beloved grandchildren with his signature bear hug and proceed to pepper their faces with smooches which they were delighted to have especially Mikey, Ariadne, Ivy and Venus. Monsrage and Chemia ushered them all into their humble abode. The Hamatos were initially skeptical about meeting Draxum's family but they were soon warmed up to them. Later on, the mansion was filled with guffaws of laughter as Monsrage showed them all baby pictures of his son which embarrased the poor warrior scientist. Donnie, April and Ivy were treated to Grandma Chemia's latest creations. Monsrage himself had a blast, playing with Venus and sparring with the Turtles and the girls. Arachne was delighted to meet her grandparents as a young adolescent, telling them about her achievements, adventures and that her own parents are doing well. The Hamatos became comfortable talking with Draxum's parents over some snack delicacies. Overall, everyone had a wonderful time at the Hidden City.

I had fun writing this! Was tiring but oh so worth it.

The Hamato siblings (minus Lou/Splinter) and Venus de Milo belong to @rottmntrulesall while Ariadne and Arachne are the OCs of @mikeykawaii/@mikey-ho. Monsrage, Chemia and Poison Ivy along with the mention of the witch girlfriend belong to me, @mefiman. I hope you don’t mind me incorporating your girls into this story, @mikeykawaii but I’ve been dying to add them in, especially Ari meeting her grandparents! ^^ 

[cafeinthemoon]

The Home I Crave - Chapter 6

Title: The Home I Crave

Genre: Fanfiction

Pairing: Tobirama Senju x reader

Rating: teen and up

Word count: 1940

Chapter: 6/?

Symbols: ⭕ | ➕ | 💛 | ▶️▶️

Read the previous chapter here: Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5

You opened your mouth to say something, but gave up in the middle of it. Did he just say he created a teleportation jutsu? Yes, your ears were not deceived, neither were your eyes: you saw him just appearing inside a room where you were surely left alone. And now he was just there apologizing for his brother as if Hashirama just forgot to tell you something as obvious as the location of the room’s window. For everything you’ve heard until that day you already knew your betrothed was not a common man, but this surpassed your expectations.

You also wanted to say that what Hashirama didn’t anything serious and that you were already recovered from the shock, but Tobirama’s words made you feel like that wasn’t true: a mistake was made, and thanks to it the meeting between the bride and the groom didn’t happen as planned. Well, you were upset too, but it wasn’t the end of the alliance, was it? However, that was the way he put things.

It was when something woke up in your brain, and recollecting everything you already knew about him you understood what Mito wanted to say when she stated that Tobirama was the opposite of his brother.

This urged you to fix the discomfort and to reason with him as soon as you could.

- As you already found out, Lord Advisor, I am y/n from the … clan, our head’s eldest daughter and his advisor as well – you bowed your head in an imitation of his gesture – You will forgive me, but I believe we can take things a little lighter. I don’t believe the Hokage made a serious mistake, and even if he has warned me about the seal I think I would be caught in surprise seeing it in action.

You weren’t sure if your response was enough to soothe his humor, but something changed in his expression and tone when he spoke again.

- You are right – and looking at the seal again – I’ve been using this technique for so long that sometimes I forget how unusual it might seem to the people who never heard of it.

You’ve already met ninjas who created jutsu before, but none of them seemed so proud of them as the younger Senju. From now on, you would have to watch your steps when the subject were his jutsu.

Judging that you had nothing more to say about the incident, Tobirama opened the door, indicating the exit to you.

- We will be late if we stay here.

You passed by the door and he closed it behind him, walking through the corridor towards the house’s entry. You followed him, but once you reached the front door you cleared your throat, gaining his attention right when he had his hand over the door.

He turned to you.

- Is there something wrong?

- Well, I... think it is appropriate if you offer me your arm.

Tobirama stared at you as if your solicitation was entirely unexpected. You almost told him to not do it if he didn’t want to, but he offered you his left arm without a word, which you accepted with equal silence before he finally opened the residence’s door.

***

The ceremony itself was faster than you thought it would be, considering that you’ve already attended to events like that and always sensed they lasted for an eternity. Or maybe your head were so full of preoccupations that you haven’t much time to feel bored by all the formalities in which you had to take part.

After you two said your vows before the priest, you turned to each other: it was the time for the kiss. You might have seemed more surprised than you should be, because Tobirama approached you and asked if everything was okay; you nodded and just said you were nervous, not dreaming of telling him you completely forgot about this part.

He didn’t waste time with deliberations or affected gestures: he bowed to you and kissed your forehead, finishing it fast enough to your relief and to Hashirama and Mito’s deception, or so you thought when you glanced at them right after.

***

When the ceremony and the greeting session with representatives of both the Senju and your clan was over, you and your husband left the temple and went to the night, prepared to go to your house. You were curious, for everything you’ve seen from it was its entry during a walk with Mito, but now you were going to step into it and learn to see it as your new home.

You were aware of the house’s location, so that once you left the temple’s area you started walking towards that direction, but Tobirama called you before you went too far.

- Yes? – you turned to him.

- Where are you going?

Your first thought was that he was being ironic, but two reasons made you abandon the idea: first, such behavior didn’t fit him, and second, he was serious as usual.

You replied to him in the same tone.

- To our house. This is the right way, isn’t it? – you pointed the street you were about to walk in.

- Yes. But we are not going to walk to reach it.

Before you could ask what were you going to do then, he came to your side and touched your shoulder. You didn’t have enough time to blink, even less time to ask him what he was doing: in one moment, you were still at the entry of the temple; in the next one, you were in a completely different place. You looked around and recognized the Advisor’s residence at your right. Looking closer to the wooden door, in a corner you noticed a copy of the seal you found behind the door of the room where you met glowing in the dark.

So that was how his teleportation jutsu worked. Impressive.

Tobirama opened the door and entered, turning on the lights. You entered just after him, who closed the door behind you while you looked around, still getting used to the fact that you would have to live there from now on. It wasn’t bad, though: the place was tidy, simple, organized, a reflection of his owner; besides, it was wide, so that you shouldn’t have difficulties to maintain the amount of privacy necessary in the period of adaptation to a new routine.

It was when you remembered something.

- I just realized I didn’t talk to Mito before we left – you started speaking, not sure if you were getting a reply so heavy was his silence after closing the door – We were going to go back to the Hokage’s residence so she would help me to bring the rest of my things.

Yes, in the morning of that day you sent some of your essential things to Tobirama’s house after receiving a message from him telling you to do so, but most of the less important things were left in the room you were using at Hashirama’s, so you talked to Mito and she said she would bring them with you after the ceremony; but you left so early that you barely talked to her about it. What were you going to do now?

- It is not an unsolvable problem, y/n-san.

The reply came faster than you expected. You saw Tobirama making a hand seal you never seen before; two columns of white smoke appeared on each side of him, giving place to two figures who looked exactly like him. Two clones.

He touched their backs and spoke to you.

- I marked them with my Hiraishin. They are going to go to my brother’s house and pack your things, bringing them here as soon as they can. There is no need to bother my sister-in-law with this.

You wanted to say that this wouldn’t bother her because that was precisely the plan you two have made, but you ended up quiet. He ordered the clones to teleport to Hashirama’s house and they obeyed, disappearing in the next instant.

Tobirama reached the white flower on his chest and took it off his clothing. You had a similar flower adorning your hair as well; he approached you and took it off your strand, holding them together without looking at you or saying anything that revealed his thoughts. Close to the living room’s window at your left, there was a round, small table; he went there and found a blue vase, inside which he left the flower. When he came back to you, it was as if he just forgot about the flowers’ existence.

Maybe he did, for he changed the subject with the same promptitude he left the flowers behind:

- Now let’s prepare something to eat.

Something in this invitation made you feel willing to offer yourself to help.

- Yes. Since you know your own kitchen better, I can put the table while you cook…

While you went to the kitchen, he thanked your suggestion but explained that he was going to use a third clone to cook while he himself was going to organize the table.

- You can go and wash your hands – he pointed at a corridor that extended to the core of the residence until divide itself in two, continuing at the right and the left – The bathroom is at your right, behind the last door.

He soon turned to the kitchen and created another clone, who immediately started to work as he took bowls to put on the table. You had nothing more to say, so you just went to the door he indicated wondering how many clones he was able to make in so little time.

Once in the bathroom, you decided to take some time for yourself. Besides washing your hands, you removed your makeup and undid your hairstyle. You thought of taking a bath, but your stomach made a loud noise telling you not to until you eat something.

When you came back to the kitchen, everything was ready and Tobirama told you to sit and serve yourself.

***

After a silent dinner, Tobirama took you to other parts of the house while a clone was left behind to clean the dishes.

He showed you the main departments, such as the room you would share, his office, the library and the service area with brief explanations of his methods to keep them clean and organized – which was almost resumed to the use of Shadow Clones since he had so little time to spent at home and didn’t like the idea of paying someone else to do this job for him. You asked him about how he was able to manage the clones’ activity in his absence, and he explained that unlike common clones, the Shadow Clones used by him – actually, another jutsu he created – were physical copies of the original person, so that they would always know what to do even when the original was not present. In the end, when the clones disappeared, their experiences were transferred to the primary individual.

It was strange that he spoke as if he had to work hard to maintain the order in a place where he lived alone when all you saw while looking into the rooms was an organization  you’ve rarely seen in a man’s house.

You were going to question him about the task division now that you would live there as well, when the clones came back with your things. Tobirama told them to take them to your room and they obeyed without a word.

[basicallywhiterice]

sunny (yoon jeonghan)

Genre: angst, slice of life/a day in the life, breakup!au

Word count: 1.7k

Summary: It’s sunny and you’re not here.

On Saturday, a blaring alarm wakes Jeonghan to a realization: it’s been exactly one year since you left.

As he rolls over to the empty side of his bed and shuts the alarm off, he collects his thoughts. He never sets an alarm on the weekend if he can help it. No, you were the early riser in the relationship, and even though Jeonghan would complain about his loss of beauty sleep, he never minded waking up early to spend time with you.

He throws open the curtains, wincing as sunlight floods his room, a stark contrast to the rain that followed when you left. It’s a beautiful sunny day, and Jeonghan has to rub his eyes a few times before his pupils adjust to the light. Once he’s fully awake, he shuffles toward the bathroom.

After going through his morning routine, he walks down the stairs, out of the apartment complex, and toward his favorite cafe. The jingle of the door greets him, followed by Seungcheol not long after.

Jeonghan’s eternally grateful that he met Seungcheol in his freshman year of college. When you left Jeonghan broken-hearted and he had to pick up the pieces of his life, Seungcheol cooked him dinner for three weeks, even after Jeonghan’s life more or less returned to normal. Seungcheol missed you then, and he still misses you now, but he knew you were done, something that Jeonghan only partially grasped at the time.

“Good morning, Jeonghan. The usual?”

“Actually…” Jeonghan still has your order memorized, and he recites it off to Seungcheol—the first time he’s done so in a year.

Seungcheol nods sympathetically. “I’m sorry, Jeonghan.” He reaches across the counter and squeezes Jeonghan’s shoulder. Jeonghan’s moved on enough to keep himself from crying on the spot, but he hasn’t moved on enough to stop the pang that shoots through his heart.

After a quick chat with Seungcheol about his graduate program, Jeonghan leaves the cafe and walks back to his apartment’s garage. When he gets to his car, he takes a moment to appreciate his growth from a year ago.

For two weeks after the split, he barely tolerated driving a car after you drove away in one. With help from his friends, he finally overcame the social stigma surrounding mental health and found a therapist. Jeonghan knows he’ll never look at a car the same way again, but ongoing therapy has allowed him to accept that fact, to continue moving forward with his life and learning but not dwelling in the past.

Shaking these thoughts from his head, he enters his car and exits the garage. When he gets to the tattoo parlor across town, he still has a good twenty minutes before his appointment. Not wanting to sit in his car for that entire time, he browses through the record store next door. He stumbles across a new Boo Seungkwan album, next to his older albums that you always played. Jeonghan’s always liked his voice, so he takes it to the counter to the guy wearing a name tag that says “Woozi”. He gives Jeonghan a nod of approval as he scans it.

By then, he’s no longer unnecessarily early. He deposits the albums in his car, picking up his earrings and walking inside the parlor.

“Hey, are you Minghao?” he asks the tall man lounging behind the counter.

“Nah, I’m Mingyu. I do tattoos. Minghao’s over there. He might be finishing up with another client. We have a pretty slow morning today, so you’re welcome to stay after your appointment if you’re interested in getting a tattoo. You can discuss it with Minghao if you’re more comfortable with him, too.”

“Not today. Getting my ears pierced is a pretty big step for me. Maybe in the future.”

“Cool, no pressure.”

Two minutes later, Minghao steps out and introduces himself. He takes the flower earrings as they walk into the partition, turning them over and admiring the pink shade that dusts the petals.

“These earrings are nice. Good craftsmanship. Where’d you get them?”

Jeonghan didn’t get them—you did. You were supposed to get your ears pierced the week after the split, but you left the earrings behind. It’s not like you had much of a choice, anyway. “Oh, I got it from the craft show they hold downtown.”

Minghao snaps his fingers. “You have a nice eye. These colors go well with your hair.”

And he’s right. Jeonghan wishes you were here to see how well your earrings look on him, but quashes that thought before he even steps out of the parlor and onto the street. He’s not going to see you outside—he stopped looking for you in the crowds months ago. Sometimes he has to physically refrain himself from doing so, but it’s gotten easier as time goes on. Today, he simply observes his surroundings. It’s a fine sunny day, and Jeonghan can’t help but smile as a gust of wind whirls through his hair, lifting it before leaving him behind.

Once he enters his car, he drives around for a bit before parking in front of the library downtown. Strolling inside, he immediately spots Vernon, who grabs a stack of books and practically skips over to him. As he scans the place for Joshua, he spots a new face shelving books.

“That’s Lee Chan,” Vernon explains. “Freshman. Undecided major, but he says he’s planning to enter an interdisciplinary field for linguistics and some branch of science.” He pauses, grin dropping. “Um.” He shoves his hands out, passing his stack of books to Jeonghan. “Her books. In the order she checked them out that day. I had a feeling you were coming for these, so I checked them all out for you.”

Vernon doesn’t show it very often, but behind his dumb smiles lies a smart brain—smart enough to predict that even though Jeonghan promised not to return to the library until he’s fully healed, he still showed up today.

Maybe Jeonghan hasn’t broken his promise.

Joshua saves him from talking by walking over and guiding him toward the break room. “Hey, Jeonghan. Vernon and I can take our lunch break right now. Wanna eat with us?”

Jeonghan nods. And so Joshua and Vernon split their lunches with him, supplementing their meal with vending machine snacks when he worries about them eating too little. He’s reminded of the day after you left, when he contemplated calling the two of them—two of your closest friends—for a solid ten minutes, unsure of how they would react, before doing so. They hadn’t answered.

Instead, they showed up at his apartment within an hour with his favorite takeout, and they ate with Seungcheol, who served them all homemade soup. Before they left that night, they made Jeonghan promise to crash at their dorm if he ever felt lonely. Jeonghan’s done so countless times, though he’s gone from escaping loneliness to seeking the company of his friends, a change he’s proud of.

When lunch is over, an odd sense of clarity washes over Jeonghan. “Hey, Vernon, thanks for checking these books out for me. I think I’m gonna return them, though.”

He feels guilty for making extra work for Vernon and Joshua, but they brush it off. “Atta boy. If you feel lonely tonight, our dorm is always open.”

Jeonghan doesn’t know if he’ll take them up on that offer, but he thinks he probably won’t. He’s not lonely, per se, he just… wishes you were here, like always.

He walks to the intersection at the end of 5th Street after he leaves, staring at the narrow lanes and the faded stop sign. It’s a sweltering sunny day, and the intersection is illuminated by the sunlight. It looks safe to drive through—even the most reckless driver could clearly see the cars passing through.

It’s funny how the rain changes appearances.

His second to last stop for the day is Seokmin’s flower shop, where he picks up a bouquet of pink and white chrysanthemums that symbolize loyalty, love, and longevity. They were your favorite. He’s grateful he at least got to experience the first two with you.

A pink balloon bobs in the corner of his eye and stops him from spiraling down into intrusive thoughts. You’d like it. He gets it.

Jeonghan waves goodbye to Seokmin as he exits the shop. Junhui no longer works there part-time, not after he and Soonyoung moved away to pursue acting and dancing, respectively.

When he gets to the final destination, there’s not much else Jeonghan can do. His body goes into autopilot, collecting the flowers and the balloon. He gives his earrings a tentative tug before reaching into the backseat for your ring.

365 days ago, his life fell apart. 363 days ago, your parents and your brother, Wonwoo, rushed into town. 362 days ago, he pressed your promise ring into Wonwoo’s hands after you were laid to rest here, too stricken with grief to even look at it.

Seven days ago, Wonwoo sent it back through the mail.

Two minutes ago, Jeonghan arrived at your tombstone and stood there, waiting for it all to make sense again. Reverently, he sinks to his knees, gently resting the ring and the flowers on the ground. He loops his hand through the balloon’s string, tugging it down harshly before watching it rise again, and something inside him snaps.

His grief rains down on him, washing over him in a tidal wave. For a second, he can’t breathe. This time, it’s not the numbness that consumed him right after the accident—this time it’s all rage and heartbreak and sorrow.

Because he can wear your earrings, drink your coffee, and read your books. He can listen to the same music, buy the same flowers, and hold the same promise ring. He can do everything the same.

But in the end, it doesn’t matter, does it?

In the end, you won’t ever get to experience them again.

In the end, he can’t turn back time and stop you from rushing to the library before it closed. Can’t convince you that you can wait until a sunnier day to find your assigned reading in the library. Can’t stop the out-of-control car from speeding into the intersection, skidding against the wet pavement, and crashing into you. Can’t react fast enough to rush to your side until you take your last breath.

In the end, you’re not coming back.

Through his tears, he sees the pink balloon float into his vision, a reminder he’s still holding on to it. It’s a horribly sunny day, and Jeonghan lets go.

a/n: As I was writing this, I couldn’t decide whether Jeonghan was moving on from “you” or not, and whether the reader should be able to tell what happened as the fic progressed. That probably affected the overall fic, but hopefully in a good way. Please please please send me asks about my characters!

[succulentsunrise]

Where the Fire Lilies Grow

Content: SFW!

Did I ignore school work to make a new chapter? yes, yes I did Tani meets Mereoleona for the first time! 🥰

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Chapter 2: Festival Sparks

“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.”

Sarah Dessen

“What do you think of this one?”

Three women were gathered in Icree’s room, which was now filled with shirts, dresses and pants. It had been her idea, after all, to dress up together for the festival. Tani suspected it was Icree’s ploy to make Klidona feel more welcome and comfortable. It had only been a few days since the purple-haired girl had joined the Azure Deer, and with everyone else busy on their own, Icree had taken the girl under her wing.

“It’s quite the show-off,” Tani answered, her eyes darting up and down the flashy red dress that her friend was showing.

Kliodna looked absolutely bedazzled by it. She moved her hand a little to get the attention of the other two, and then pointed at her chest, quickly moving it away and wiggling her fingers.

“Sparkly?” Icree asked with a grin.

Kliodna nodded happily. Though Tani did not know sign language, it had been a stroke of luck that Icree did. Honestly, she would be surprised if there was something Icree didn’t know at this rate. When Kliodna had asked how Icree had learnt sign language, she had merely shrugged and said she learnt it for a friend. There was no need for a more complicated explanation. Since Kliodna had also learnt to sign so that she could save her already broken voice, that was what they used for now.

“Too sparkly?” Icree questioned, looking at both of the other women in the room.

Tani and Kliodna both nodded, condemning the dress to be rejected for the evening’s festivities.

“I’m really taking the most time out of us all, aren’t I?” Icree laughed. “It’s because you two reject everything.”

Tani laughed with her, waving her hand in a denying manner. She was already dressed in tight, black pants and a loose top stuffed into them, showing off her toned arms. Her curly brown hair was too short to be done anything special about, but instead she had decked out in accessories. Tani had a special place in her heart for earrings of all kinds - but mostly for hoop earrings- as well as necklaces and rings. She was wearing her favourite jewellry, opting to not wear a necklace that day. Kliodna wore a much simpler outfit: just a white summer dress with flower embroidery on it, and her long purple hair free from its usual ponytail. Kliodna looked at the piles of clothes around them, wearing a bright, happy smile on her face, and picked up a wine red pencil skirt. Her large, sorrowful eyes looked at Icree with excitement.

“No, no,” Icree said, shaking her head. “I’ll need to be way too careful how I sit with that thing. Though it does give me an idea.”

She quickly went through her wardrobe, pulling a patterned, white shirt and a darker red wrap skirt out. The wrap skirt was wrapped in a manner that left the right leg quite a bit exposed.

“This would allow me to show some leg while being comfortable!”

Tani, already tired by the dress up game, gave her approval for the combination. Kliodna seemed a little surprised by how much leg the dress showed, but gave thumbs up to the outfit in any case.

“Well, if we are ready, I need to go help Luka with his outfit,” Icree announced happily. “Kliodna, do you want to come with me?”

Kliodna, not yet tired of the fun she was having, eagerly nodded her head.

“I’ll clean up for you then,” Tani said with a dramatic sigh, pretending to be burdened by it.

“Thank you, darling,” Icree smiled sweetly to her, grabbed Kliodna, and quickly fled the room.

Tani felt a slight wave of relief as the door closed behind them. Getting a little moment to just be without having to speak and consider others was a blessing. They had talked and hung out the whole day together, and would do so also in the evening. A little time alone, even if spent cleaning a room, did good for her. Sometimes she wished she had a friend with whom she could just simply...be. Just enjoy the wildlife with. Though Luka was a silent friend to hang out with, he hung in his studio, and not much outside of it. Icree would rarely stop talking if Tani managed to lure her out for a walk. Perhaps the next day she would sneak to walk in the wilds. For now, however, she had a room to clean, and after that - a festival to enjoy.

Evening came quickly. As the sun began to set behind the clouded skies, new lights began to shine all over the capital. All kinds of lamps were hoisted next to the festival stalls inviting the people to come eat or to play small games. Performers entertained people on the sides, gathering lively crowds around them. There was singing, acrobatic tricks and dances. The four of them walked the streets chatting happily, stopping every now and then to grab a bite of something delicious or participate in a game. Luka had joined them, though reluctantly. He often simply put on what was near him, but Icree and Kliodna had picked out for him a nicely long, patterned vest with a little ruffle. He looked noble enough in it - which was rare for Luka. The only times he put effort into looking regal was when his position demanded it. Being the only child of demanding noble parents wasn’t easy, but Luka was given anything he asked for. Tani thought it was a rather fair exchange, but she never voiced that opinion to her friend. It wouldn’t achieve much more than stressing Luka out. The man was already worried about their placement in the squad rankings, as somewhere within this large mass of people were his parents. The same parents that expected him to single-handedly lift their position in this world and bring prosperity to them. Luka’s tired, brown eyes searched constantly for familiar figures in the crowds, even as he laughed at their jokes. As far as Tani had understood, Luka dearly loved his parents, which was the only reason he went along with their plans and tried his best when it counted. Luka didn’t speak much of it, and Tani didn’t push.

When the time came for the scoreboards, the group stole seats from a nearby stall meant for food and drinks. They mostly ordered drinks, with Tani enjoying hard beverages, Icree wine, and Luka as well as Kliodna ordering water. Being at the end of the scoreboard would sting, but at least they’d get to see all the captains together again. They were a little further away, not having bothered fighting the crowd to get to the front row, but they still had a good view of the platform where the captains would appear. Soon enough, the voice of the Wizard King, Julius Novachrono, boomed across the air. He was a tall man with handsome, sharp facial features and an aura of gentle confidence. He was beloved by the people, and for no small reason: he was the reliable protector of Clover Kingdom. The title of Wizard King wasn’t bestowed lightly. Julius Novachrono was the strongest mage in all of the Kingdom, and fit to lead all of its Magic Knights. It was new that he came in person to announce the ranks, but it was perhaps to give hope to the people. After all, he was a symbol of strength and unity.

“I’d like to thank you all for coming,” the pleasant voice of the Wizard King began, almost drowned out by the cheers.

Tani listened quietly, drink in hand, as he appealed to the people to stand strong despite the recent attacks. Invasions by their neighbouring kingdoms, disappearing children and the terrorist attack almost cancelled the festival altogether. The Wizard King claimed the festival was to honour those that fought for the Kingdom, but Tani believed it was simply to show-off to the citizens. It was as if to say: Look, these are our best of the best. They’ll keep you safe. Don’t be afraid. She took a large sip of her drink, grimacing a bit. She would have to practise more. She would have to be better. The cheers of the crowd grew stronger as the Wizard King called for the captains to come on stage. She heard Icree shouting for their captain, Rill, with excitement. The seven captains entered together, all walking next to each other. There should have been nine of them, but it looked like the captains of the Black Bulls and the Blue Rose were missing. Rill was on the right side, standing with a goofy smile on his young face. His light blue hair was a mess as always. Compared to the other captains, he always looked slightly like he didn’t belong.

“The captains of Crimson Lion Kings and Purple Orcas are new!” someone shouted from the crowd.

Tani glanced at the newcomers. One of them she had seen before. She couldn’t remember for the life of her the name of the man - but he was a member of the Purple Orcas. She didn’t think about it much, however, as her eyes landed on the new captain of the Crimson Lion Kings. She hadn’t seen her before. The woman was clearly a Vermillion - the brilliant red hair and the markings around her eyes were exactly like the two Vermillion brothers’. Her facial features were strong, even when her gaze scanning the crowd was indifferent and perhaps even bored. She was new to Tani, and she was fascinating. It was hard for Tani to describe it: indeed, she had no words to explain why she felt drawn to the woman’s appearance.

“Here come the squad rankings,” Icree said next to her, nervously playing with her glass of wine.

Tani nodded, diverting her eyes from the captain of the Crimson Lion Kings back to the Wizard King. Still, she couldn’t help but occasionally glance at the woman. She wanted to know who that was and what they were like. Tani looked at Icree briefly, considering her options. Icree would tease her to high heavens if she asked.

“If you are wondering who the two new captains are, they are Kaiser Granvorka and Mereoleona Vermillion,” Luka’s quiet voice pierced her thoughts.

Tani ignored the announcement that the Golden Dawn had the most stars - they always did - and turned to Luka. His brown eyes were fixed on her, as if he had known her thoughts. A slight warmth rose to her freckled cheeks.

“The little birds told me that she had returned to the capital, but not that she had taken over as the captain,” Icree commented happily. “She’s the oldest of the siblings, right?”

“Oldest and strongest, one could argue,” Luka answered. “I’ve never met her, but the stories say she is ferocious in battle.”

“Found a muse for yourself finally, Luka?” Icree teased him.

Tani’s smile twitched a little. Usually the answer was no, but what if--?

“No,” Luka replied determinedly. “She doesn’t have what I seek.”

“The hunt continues!”

Tani took a sip of her drink, her eyes turning back to the stage. The second best squad had been announced. Thanks to Icree’s intel, the surprising rise of the Black Bulls did not stun them like the rest of the crowd. The murmurs began quickly. Though it wasn’t quite audible to where the four were sitting, Tani had a good idea of what they were talking about. One could always trust the nobles to have a fit over commoners succeeding in something. Her eyes darted once more to the new captain Vermillion. This festival would be the best chance she’d have to talk to her, most likely. A surge of mana suddenly appeared near the captain: the new recruit of Golden Dawn seemed to be showing off. Icree whistled next to her.

“You two keep teasing me about finding a muse and inspiration, but no one notices Tani staring at the new Crimson Lion King’s captain constantly?” Luka asked sharply.

Tani tensed, the warmth returning to her cheeks. Icree turned her gaze from the stage to them.

“What?” she asked, a devilish grin appearing on her face. “Tani?”

“Come on,” Tani said, flustered. “This is the first time I’ve seen her. Of course I’m curious.”

“You aren’t commenting at all on this whole debacle between nobles and commoners,” Luka pointed out. “Usually you have at least one sarcastic comment.”

“Well, it’s old news!” she declared, glancing back to the stage. “Plus, they’ve already resolved it.”

All four of them could hear the Wizard King speak for the new recruits. He was good at making people stand together - and that was what he was doing. He called upon them to unite and overcome their differences in rank. Tani sighed.

“I haven’t seen her before, that’s all.”

“Sure, sure,” Icree laughed and patted her on the back gently. “Perhaps you’ll get a chance to talk with her when they come down from that stage, hm?”

“Yes, well, we’ll see,” Tani answered noncommittally. “They are announcing the rest of the scores, let’s listen again.”

Though Icree looked like she had still more to say, the names of the squads distracted her. Tani attempted to not be so obviously staring as before, but she found her gaze wandering back as the Crimson Lion Kings were proclaimed as fifth on the scoreboard. The look on the captain’s face was no longer indifferent - instead, Tani could see angry disappointment plastered on it. It was a rather fierce look. Clearly captain Mereleona Vermillion cared about the squad’s placement. Tani smiled a bit to herself. If only their captain cared that much. Well, most of her squadmates wouldn’t agree. They liked the carefree environment, where everyone did their own thing. It was an idyllic atmosphere, but not something Tani thought fit Magic Knights. Maybe it was her that didn’t fit the Azure Deer.

“Ah, time for the Royal Majesty,” Icree observed, cutting Tani’s thoughts short.

“More like Royal Travesty,” she said quietly, rising her arms onto the table and leaning her head on them.

None of them had too high an opinion on the King of Clover Kingdom, Augustus Kira XIII. Perhaps it was better to say that no one in the Clover Kingdom had a high opinion of the King. Next to the Wizard King, who always worked for the people, the Royal King seemed petty and self-conceited. He had all the clothes and mannerisms of a king, but lacked the presence and confidence to be one. It wasn’t the first time that he tried to command respect verbally - by literally commanding people to glorify him. Even now, the Royal King went again on one of his rants about how much greater he was than the citizens or even the Wizard King. An uncomfortable silence fell over the crowd.

“It’s a tough act for the Wizard King,” Tani commented. “He has to pretend to not be annoyed that the Royal King ruins all his attempts at unifying the people.”

Kliodna looked a little sad. Her fingers moved to sign a little quicker. She pulled them together on both hands, just to separate her fingers widely the next second, following it with sharply dropping her arms down. Her lips moved at the same time as if to produce the words without sound. Kliodna then lifted two fingers up on her right hand, the index and the middle finger, and moved them from her left shoulder to her right hip, mouthing “king” at the same time. Tani glanced very quickly to Icree, while Kliodna continued signing. She had gotten herself a book on sign language, but a day’s learning was not enough for her to keep track of it.

“You wish the Wizard King would be the Royal King?” Icree confirmed after Kliodna had finished.

Kliodna nodded empathetically, looking back at the two figures standing on the stage.

“Don’t we all?” Tani sighed, her eyes returning there as well - though not to the two royals.

Then, they all jolted to attention, as the King made an unexpected announcement.

“The hideout of the Eye of the Midnight Sun has been located,” he proclaimed proudly. “Until now, we have been subject to many of their attacks, and they held initiative in every battle. However, this time things are different! We’re launching an all-out attack on the enemy at last!”

The group’s reactions were slightly different. Luka did not truly care, as he was still down about them ranking last. Icree looked incredulous, while Kliodna was slightly afraid. She had just joined, after all. Tani reacted the most strongly of them, tensing up and almost rising from her seat. An attack against the enemy. Who would be taken? Surely they wouldn’t just send one squad.

“To that end, I have decided to gather an even more select group from among the magic knights and form the ultimate, hand-picked unit!” the King continued. “One week from now a test will be held for all the magic knights. Only those who pass the test will be allowed to join these Royal Knights.”

Royal Knights. The best of the Magic Knights. Tani was fully standing now, listening to the King more intently than she ever had before. What if she could become a Royal Knight? She didn’t know any offensive spells. Surely they needed reinforcing magic as well. What would the test be like? Her thoughts wandered off as one of the new recruits challenged the King’s authority. The King was all talk, of course, but the Wizard King wouldn’t allow him to do anything stupid. Would the Wizard King be the one to choose those that would be recruited? Who would lead the squad? Surely not the King or the Wizard King. They were important at the heart of the Kingdom. Well, one of them was.

“I better go see my siblings,” she hazily heard Icree say.

Icree had a large family with three younger sisters and one younger brother. Luka also rose to get up at the same time.

“I will come with you. It’s likely I’ll find my parents that way,” he sighed heavily.

Kliodna looked uncertainly at the two and Tani. Enough for Tani to notice that everyone else was leaving.

“I’ll stay still for a little while,” she decided. “I need to finish my drink still.”

“And wait for one captain to appear?” Icree winked, earning a little friendly glare from Tani.

“You should come with us, Kliodna,” the red-head continued. “Let Tani think in peace and come meet my family.”

Kliodna nodded, following Icree and Luka into the crowd. It was likely for the best. For now, Icree was the only one to understand her signs. Tani wouldn’t let it be like that for a long time. Though, now her thoughts were filled with the Royal Knights and the test. She’d have to train quite a bit. Maybe she’d ask Rill about it. Maybe if the new Vermillion would walk past, she could ask-- Tani quickly shut down the thought with a gulp of her drink. She would finish her drink, enjoy the festival, and totally not wait to see if Mereoleona Vermillion would appear somewhere. After all, even if she didn’t meet her here, surely she’d have another chance to make acquaintance. Well, perhaps that was a ridiculous idea. It was not like she met the previous Crimson Lion King’s captain anywhere. Tani took another big gulp of her drink. She was just enjoying the festival. Better to not have any expectations.

The first hour went well, mostly. Tani drank slowly and in moderation, watching people walk by with their families and beloved ones. She reminded herself that she’d have to go visit her family in Kikka. They had told her they’d not bother coming to the festival, as they had early hours the next day. Helee, her younger sister, admired Magic Knights, but never wanted to become one herself. The second hour that went by was a little rougher. Tani convinced herself that walking would do good for her, and she was definitely not looking for Mereoleona Vermillion. She walked all over the festival, only to end up drinking in a different booth. There was no sight of the one she sought. Tani was half-certain that the captain had already left. The stalls were closing and people were leaving for their own private parties. She paid for her drink and wandered some more. At that moment, she felt rather lonely and frustrated. She was done fooling herself that she was anymore enjoying the festival. All she wanted was a glimpse or even a small talk with the Vermillion lady. Her feet ached and she desired nothing more than a warm bath. Tani leaned against one of the streetlamps tiredly. Suddenly, from the corner of her eye, she saw movement. Red, slightly wavy hair, and pure fire radiating from it. Hope started in her heart, and then - dimmed. The fiery paws were holding onto people. Mereoleona Vermillion’s steps were confident as she dragged them with her, her entire squad walking behind them. They were clearly exiting the festival to go somewhere else.

“Well, that’s my dreams crushed,” Tani said to no one in particular.

The air had grown cold, even when the alcohol kept her warm. At least she had gotten a glimpse. It would be a long, sad walk back to the dorm.

[rosierocks30]

Hidden: Ch. 14

Chapter 14: The Game Changer

(Eren and Connor)

After the duo found outfits to blend in with the locals, they walked around town to hear any information about the commanders. It was becoming hopeless, until when they were having a drink at a bar at night. 

A group of random men were chatting and drinking with joy as they were celebrating something. 

“Tomorrow men. I will be a married man.” The groom raised his mug of ale to give a toast. His friends toasted after him. 

“For your future!” They cheered. One of the men whispered next to the other. “Hey, so what happened to all of the military regiments?” 

“I heard they all got killed in action.” Another man joined in the conversation. 

“Hey isn’t a cousin of yours in the Survey Corps?” The other said. 

“Yeah, but my family believes he and the Commander Hange and the rest probably escaped before getting hunted down. I mean the new king had their faces as bounty. This isn’t the first time the Survey Corps were being hunted.” One of them said. 

“What do you think of the new king? Our graceful queen had chosen him as her husband.” the other continues.

“Pfft, he looks like a fucking pansy cunt. Our good queen would have picked someone better to rule beside her.” The same man scoffed at the thought of the new king. Many people of all three walls were not pleased with the marriage except the noble families who weren't thrown into prison. 

“Shhh not so loud. There’s eyes everywhere.” the groom to be hushed his friend. On the other table, Eren sipped his ale. Connor was about to lose interest in the conversation as it was about to go nowhere. 

“I don’t believe Queen Historia had a choice. Look at the massacre in the capital. At what cost will our beloved queen let blood shed happen? I say that snake caused a de coup. This is injustice!” The same man frowned. 

“I understand your frustration, my friend. I heard from an old woman that the queen gave birth to a prince but poor lad, he didn’t get to live. I saw two or three men with the garrison uniform today morning. I’m surprised they are still alive.” The groom to be said. 

Connor perked up when the groom mentioned the garrison soldiers. “We’ll question him once he’s alone.” He told Eren which the Eldian nodded in agreement. 

As a couple hours passed, they watched the groom get up and leave the bar alone. Now, both assassin and titan shifter made their move to follow the other. The streets were dark and cold. The soon married man felt someone following him. He turned his back to see no one. Huh? Maybe walking home drunk was not a smart idea. Paranoia gets the best of him. 

He was about to turn around to resume walking when he felt two hands grabbed him to drag to the alley and pinned to the wall. “Please please don’t hurt me. Take my money. I got to be there for my girl at our wedding in the morning.” the man whimpered from the fear. 

“Quiet, we just want to ask a few questions and you’ll walk away free.” Eren said. 

“Huh? What kind of questions, sirs?” The groom was wary. 

“Important ones like are you sure those soldiers were the garrison regiment?” Connor begins to question him. 

“Yes, yes they are. They had the rose symbol on their back jackets. T-they were talking to a woman with platinum blonde but short hair. She had glasses.” He gave some details. Eren figured who he just described. Rico Brzenska. The current Commander of the Garrison Regiment. 

“Where did you see them?” Eren asked. 

“I saw them at the meat shop. They walked into the shop then later came out. My boos usually say they go into the shop everyday around 9 in the morning.” Finally, he was let go. His body was shaken from thinking he would not make it home. 

“Go home, but you will not tell anyone about seeing us. I suggest you forget what you saw.” Before the man can say anything. Eren placed his hand on the man’s head to erase his memories including  seeing Rico and her soldiers on that day. Both Eren and Connor left the man alone as they walked into the dark streets. 

“In the morning, we’ll go to that meat shop.” Connor said while Eren nodded. 

The following morning, Eren and Connor were waiting by a flower stand where they could see the meat shop in front. They got here earlier to check if they will see Rico and her garrison soldiers entering the shop across the street. The green eyed man leaned against the cart, but saw a particular flower that reminded him of Eve. He stared at the fresh plucked of lavender and blue winter roses. 

(Flashback)

Eren was walking the busy streets of Trost District with his girlfriend. He smiles seeing her looking around the area. He looked away to see a man hold flowers. 

The flower man caught Eren and smiled. “Ah, you good sir! Care to buy a flower for your pretty lady?” 

The titan shifter stopped to look at so many kinds of flowers. Eve looked at him then at the flowers. Eren nodded at the man and paid to get one. He was about to get the lavender, but Eren got the winter rose instead. 

“Here Eve, for you.” He gave the rose to her which she took and smiled. 

“Winter rose…” She said softly. Carefully, her eyes stared at the blue flower. 

“They are supposed to bloom only in winter or in the icy mountains. My dad used to get them for my mom everyday. When he laid his eyes on her, he would give one. He had stopped when he passed away. Mom had always loved them, so she grew them in a mini greenhouse back home as a memorial for my dad and the love they shared with each other.” She inhaled the scent as it remembered her.  

“I didn’t know...but  they are rare here like you.” He blushed as Eren trying to be romantic. The emerald green eyes man noticed her smirk. “What?” 

“Aww baby, you’re blushing; it's cute.” She coos at him which Eren playfully rolled his eyes at her. She chuckled then pecked his lips. “Thank you. I’ll keep this rose forever.” 

“Good because it’s the only one you’ll get.” Eren plays it off cool. Eve punched his arm playfully. “Meanie.” 

The flower man gave another flower to Eve. “Here, miss. This one is on me.” 

Eve smiled happily as she grabbed the lavender flower. “Now this is my favorite. Thank you sir!” 

“No probably young lady. Both of you have a lovely day.” The old man smiled at them. Both Eren and Eve had left to continue walking. 

“That old man likes you too much.” Eren scoffed, which his girlfriend can sense a hint of jealousy. 

“Really Eren? Really? He is just an old man who’s kind and appreciates a beautiful lady like me.” She teasingly grinned. 

“Humph, I’m not jealous if that’s what you’re thinking?” He looked away as trying to hide his obvious expression. 

The titan shifter smirked and wrapped his arms around her from behind. He leaned to her ear and whispered. “But I’ll show you, why you’re mine; babe?” His voice made a husky tone. 

Eve is now the one blushing from his action. “E-eren, people are watching.” 

“Perfect, so they can know you’re my girl.” his tone hasn’t changed. 

“Well, if you want this gorgeous face then you have to catch me first.” Eve said with mischievousness. She began to run from him. Eren chuckled as her playful mood showed. He went after her to play her little game.  

(End Flashback)

Eren looked away as the memories were becoming painful. Connor tapped his shoulder to get his attention. Eren glanced at his ally to follow the other’s finger where he was pointing to. 

They noticed three familiar figures. One of them was Rico Brzenska, Commander of the Garrison. Both Connor and Eren ran across the street to reach the meat shop as the three figures entered. Once they entered the meat shop, no one was here. Connor looked at the over the counter to see some figures below the shop by using his eagle’s vision. 

“There’s a small entrance on the floor that has an underground room or something.” He said. Already Eren goes around the counter to pull the string cord as the lid lifts open. Connor jumped into the hole then Eren followed along. 

It was dark but there was a mumbling sound. They walked to where the sounds were. Right around the corner, a huge open space where several figures discuss things. Both Connor and Eren found the missing Commanders of the Garrison and Military Police, Rico Brzenska and Nile Dok. 

(Levi) 

London, England

March 16, 1535

What the fuck? Where am I? Why is it dark again? Levi was questioning to himself. A brightness appeared to see tiny hands and a loud wailing coming from him. Is he a baby? 

“Your Majesty. It’s a boy. Congratulations, England finally has a prince!” the midwife said. 

The mother cried with joy from seeing the baby crying loudly. Once the midwife and the helpers cleaned and wrapped around the baby with a blanket, the baby was placed on his mother’s arms. The infant opens to show his blue-grey eyes to his mother. His mother smiled with warmth and pride. She did it. Her king has a male heir. 

“Anne, he looks like you, but he has Henry's handsome face structure.” A woman next to the queen cooed at her nephew.

The doors opened suddenly as the notorious King Henry VIII barged in. “Is it true? Did you give birth to a son?” He stand next to his queen to see a baby boy in her arms. 

“Yes, my love. I’ve given you the son that I promised you.” Anne smiled as she presented the child to her husband. Henry carefully held the baby to admire it. 

“My son, how I long waited for you. You shall be….sweetheart, what name do you have in mind? Since you have kept your promise, I will allow you to pick a name.” He said. 

Anne contemplated for a bit until she found a perfect name. “Arthur, after your beloved deceased older brother and the legendary warrior king Arthur.” 

Henry nodded. “Arthur it is.” 

April 2,1556

Little Arthur was playing his toys on a cool spring. He had a curious mind by observing the bocks. Suddenly, a ruckus noise was heard which made him whimper frighteningly. Now the one year old glanced at a figure wearing in black. The figure picked him up then quickly took him away. Prince Arthur cried hoping one of his nannies would come save him. It was too late. The news of the kidnapping of the crowned prince had reached the king and queen. This led to the downfall of the Boleyns.  

Eldia Empire

January 15, 1557

Ever since the kidnapping, Arthur had been transporting different locations from horses to  boats. He saw many landmarks until his kidnappers reached a port in an unknown world. The men who took him away from his home, got off to walk into a busy area where merchants, slave traders, and farmers came to sell their goods. 

The blue-grey eyed infant was in his cage crying while being carried on the top hard surface. Already a seller began the auction. A man and woman frown looking at the poor child. 

“Husband, how could they put a baby into the slave market?” The woman said to her spouse. The husband glanced at his wife. 

“It’s just a cruel world, my dear.” He sighed. The disgust he saw the slave traders promoting. 

“How much do you have with you? I want to save him.” The blonde haired woman felt eager to rescue the infant. 

At first, the husband was reluctant since they were here buying materials for their farm on the outskirts of this busy village. He took out his pouch of coins. His wife couldn’t stop staring at the poor little thing. He knew she had a strong desire to be a mother, but both couples had struggled to have children. Maybe buying this baby to raise as their own will help satisfy his wife’s desire to have kids. On the other hand, he doesn’t mind not to have kids, but he loves her and that in some way he’ll make it happen. 

“Enough to make you a mother.” He said that she felt tears forming in her eyes. Maybe for once the gods had answered her prayers and led them here on this day. The little boy in the cage was gorgeous and crave for love and safety from a mother and father. The woman wondered if his real mother grieved the loss of her baby somewhere in this big world. 

“Oh my love, thank you. Thank you.” She hugged him with gratitude. 

The man hugged back his wife then went towards the slave traders and asked to buy the crying infant. 

“Sir, my wife and I want to buy the baby. How much?” He said to a random slave trader. 

“Hm, usually I would sell 5 gold, but the brat is scaring the customers away. For you, I’ll lower to 3 gold?” The slave trader said with a grin. 

“How about 10 silvers and 1 gold?” The husband began to negotiate. 

“2 golds and 5 silvers. That’s my final price.” The other man said. 

The husband sighed then took a glimpse at his wife. “I’m sorry but that’s all I have.” 

“Then I can’t sell the brat to you.” Just as the husband was about to turn to give his wife the bad news, the baby started to wail which the customers started to leave. The other slave traders tried to convince them to stay. Another man marched to the two men. 

“You sir, you want the crying kid? Take him please. He won’t shut up. You can give us whether you have.” the slave trader who was negotiating the husband scoffed. “We can just sell the brat almost free?!” 

The other slave trader glared at the other. “Do you want to be the one explaining to our boss why we weren’t making our usual amount of money because you didn’t want to get rid of this brat who’s scaring our customers away?” 

The other grumbled annoyingly. “Fine! Sir, just give me the money you have and you can take that little runt with you. Good luck in shutting him up.” The husband smiled and gave the money to the slave trader. Then he went to open the cage to grab the crying baby. As the little boy cried, he realized a different man held him but gently. 

“Shhh it’s ok. You’re safe now. Come, you will meet your new mother.” The husband gently cradles the baby while walking towards his wife. When the wife saw her husband with the baby, she felt overjoyed and went to them. 

“My darling, oh he looks so precious.” She gently caressed his little chubby cheek then wiping his tears. 

“Come my sweet child. You have nothing to fear. We will be your family. You’ll grow up with love and happiness.” When the baby listened to the soft voice of the woman, he slowly stopped crying. 

It didn’t take long for the infant to finally go to her. She smiled as the child became comfortable towards her. 

He holds on to the woman with his dear life. The baby was scared they would change their minds and leave him here alone and cold. He missed his nannies and governess who showered him with love and praise, but the most important being showered with love by his mother and father and sisters. 

“Let’s use my shawl to warm you up.” The woman gestured to her husband to take off her shawl to wrap the baby so he could be warm. Once the baby was wrapped with the shawl, the little one yawned and nuzzled on her chest as he drifted to sleep. 

“What name should we give him?” The husband whispers while walking beside his wife to go back home. 

The wife looked at the baby with surprise. This is truly a blessing from the gods. Maybe this is the reason why she was barren for many years because this little boy will need a loving mother and father to give the best unconditional love he deserves.  

“Arne Ackerman.” She said. The Ackerman couples continue walking on the dirt road to go back to their farmland. 

The lights started to get bright again. Levi opened his eyes to see the same shit face with excitement. 

“This is a historical ground breaking!” Dr. Andersen started writing down on his notepad. 

“What do you mean?” Levi grumbled annoyingly. His ancestor was born a prince so what. He doesn’t care at all. 

“Of course you don’t understand. You grew up here without the knowledge of learning history. I will happily explain it to you. You see Levi. In history books, Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII only had a daughter, the Queen Elizabeth I of England. They say Anne had many miscarriages but it looks like she managed to give a prince to the king, but I guess after the kidnapping of Prince Arthur, things went south between them that led the king to behead her.” He then grabbed a tablet to show a general biography of both historical icons. Levi barely can understand English but learns enough to read what the tablet said. 

Levi frowned at what he read. This fat ass king was a shitty father and husband to not just with Anne but most of all his wives and his two daughters. The image of Anne Boleyn shows some resemblances to his mother. The eyes are what bring him back to those days as a little boy in the brothel. He had been cradled and loved by his mother, Kuchel. He can see from the memories of his ancestor embracing the love his mother gave when she visited him. Her eyes are the same exacted shade.  

He wanted to give his own son the love he deserved. Already the women in his bloodline had dealt shitty things and paid the price. He needs to get his own wife out of here. Hw doesn’t want history to repeat itself. For now he’ll “cooperate” to know more of Arne Ackerman that changed their bloodline destiny. What surprised him was that his ancestor was not Eldian that started the Ackerman clan. 

“Put me back in. I want to know more of this brat. Tch.” He said. The scientist nodded eagerly and resumed the machine to continue. Slowly, Levi goes back into reliving Arthur Tudor/Arne Ackerman’s life. 

(Sasha and Atticus)

The strange flying object finally landed on the ground. The brown haired soldier was holding the baby. Luckily, Atticus was a quiet one. He rarely cries unless he’s hungry, tired or pooped/peeped his diaper. As Sasha got off the plane, she looked around with wide eyes to see tall building structures that reached so high to the sky. She heard loud noises which Sasha preferred the sounds of the mountains than the cities. 

It still amazed her that this place looked so advanced that not even Marley cities couldn’t impress her anymore. It’s a good thing Sasha was good with babies. Back at her village in the mountains, she helped babysit small kids and babies when the mothers needed to go to a nearby town to get more supplies. 

“Miss Blouse, welcome to New York City. I’m your coordinator for your stay. My name is Melissa Hawthrone” A woman with blonde hair but with pink colored on the tips of her hair. Her personality was bubbly. 

“Oh you can call me just Sasha.” Her thick Eldian accent was showing as she spoke in English. Yes, those months of training all her squad members were educated in a few languages like English, Spanish, Arabic and Italian. Those days were hell since she wasn’t strong in academics, but when she learned a new language; she was grasping better than few of her friends did. 

“Alright, Sasha it is.” Melissa nodded. 

They walked to enter the airport building. Sasha became jumpy when the doors slid open automatically. “Woah! The door opens like magic.” She forgot that Atticus was a bit sensitive since he’s not used to the outside world. He began to whimper. “Oh sorry Princey, don’t cry. We’ll go somewhere quiet.” 

Just as they reached where the food court, Sasha stopped and sniffed the delicious aroma of food. Then her stomach growled. “Can we stop by to get meat? I’m so hungry.” She drooled from thinking of food like meat. Melissa nodded and led her to the food court. To Sasha this is heaven. There are so many options but these kinds of food are foreign to the food she usually eats.  

“What would you like to eat?” Melissa said. 

“Oh wow, is it possible to try it all?” She grinned as Melissa didn’t know what to say. 

Sometime later after trying all the chain restaurants in the airport, Melissa was driving to the new home where Sasha and baby Atticus will reside temporarily.  Alright the infant prince was wide awake which Sasha played peek-a-boo to entertain him. The car was filled with his giggles. 

“Is your stomach a video or something? I never met someone who can devour cheeseburgers like you.” Melissa said while driving. 

Sasha chuckled awkwardly. “I appreciate food too much. I got in trouble a lot back in my cadet years. Heck, even when I joined the Survey Corps.” 

Atticus stares at Sasha then begins to make a concentrated face. Next thing you know, the car started to stink. 

“Oh god! What did you feed him?” Melissa’s nose wrinkle from the awful scent from the baby. Sasha carefully lifted him up to sniff his bottom and made a disgusted face. “Seriously, this little guy can make titans smell like floras.” 

“How far are we to the house? He’s gonna need a bath when we get there.” Sasha is still wrinkling her nose from the smell.

“We’re already here.” The other woman parked by the curb of the street. Beside them, there’s a row of similar style buildings. Melissa turned off the car then unlocked the doors so Sasha can open the passenger’s door. Sasha held on to baby Atticus to get out of the car then closed it. 

“They all look the same.” Sasha said as she glanced at the row of buildings. They all have reddish-brown colored. There’s stairs that lead to the front door. 

Once Melissa got out and locked the doors of the car, she walked to the building with a golden number 333 on the blue-green door. The pixie haired woman took out the keys to unlock the door and opened them so they could enter the building. When Sasha entered the place, the interior looked very cozy. The walls were painted with cream yellow. The floor had wooden tiles with shine. On top the floor, a black and light grey pattern pathway rug contrasts the hallway. On the left side, an open wide space where the living room was located. The sunlight shined to make the room bright and aesthetic.

“This place is sooo pretty! Are you sure it’s ok for us to stay here? I’m worried I’ll break some of the place or the baby when he begins to crawl. It just looks so fancy.” She said while looking around the living room. 

“You’ll be fine, Sasha. This room is the living room and I can show you Atticus’ room so we can get rid of that awful smell.” Melissa led Sasha to the baby room. 

When they reached Atticus' room, the interior design looked like a jungle theme with silver colored walls. The crib was placed next to a wall. The animal stickers were attached to most of the walls except where the crib was placed. Instead animals on that wall, a big tree that reminds Sasha of the Path. 

“It’s so pretty. Oh if only Historia was here to see this room for her son…” Sasha frowned from thinking of her friend. She hopes her friend is alright, but knowing what she heard of her, it was hell what Historia is going through. 

“I assume that’s Atticus’ mother? What had happened to her? Did she die?” Melissa said.  

“No, she’s still alive. She’s in a situation where political schemes are lethal. She had her own son to be sent away to protect him because a certain nobleman wanted to kill his father’s bloodline for good.” The Eldian soldier explained to the New Yorker woman. 

“Will didn’t explain much about what had been happening over there. I’m sorry what your friend is going through. I hope our allies rescue her before it’s too late. This cutie deserves to have a mother. So what happened to the father?” Melissa already holds the baby to place him on the changing table.  

“Captain Levi had to stay there since he is our trump card. We called him Humanity’s Strongest. He low key hates that title. Sometimes, he mumbles at us when we say it.” Sasha chuckled at remembering those good old days when their squad were relaxing at the Mess hall eating and talking in the Headquarters of Mitras. 

Melissa helped out changing Atticus’ diaper. Sasha throws away the stinking diaper into the dispenser. “Levi Ackerman? I heard a little bit of the Mentor’s grandson. Is he really that short?” She said. 

Sasha nodded to respond to her question. “Yeah, but don’t mention or say anything about his height unless you want a good beating or make you clean every inch of a building everyday. He’s just plainly scary.” 

“I’ll keep in mind not to pissed him off. You know what they say about short people? They are hella scary when they're pissed especially if they are sweet and kind.” Melissa said. “Anyways, let’s get this cutie a nice warm bath.” 

“Yeah, I don’t think he got a bath when we left from Paradis.” Sasha said. Both women went to the bathroom to take Atticus a warm bath. 

(Nathaniel) 

What a disaster the evening was? Luckily, he and the templars had caught Historia and Levi from escaping. Damn that street rat Ackerman! It would be easier to just execute him. What so special about him and the Ackermans bloodline? All they are the true devils that obey and serve to royals like him. That’s all they were meant to do. Since their purpose had been unless; it’s best to eradicate them from their existence. 

Nathaniel walked to go to his chamber. When he opened the doors, Gilbert was waiting for him on the bed in a very seducing position. His lover was laying naked. The silky bed sheet only wrapped around his waist and some of his legs, but everything else was exposed for the king to see. The king sighed. He would love to give his precious lover the attention he deserves. With dealing of almost losing his wife and capturing the peasant, Nathaniel didn’t have the energy to give his all to Gilly. 

“My darling, I’m sorry but I’m not in the mood. A lot happened in one day. I’m too tired.” The King sat on his bed beside his lover. 

“But you had time for that whore, right?” Gilbert frowned as he sat up. 

“It’s not like that...you know that.” Nathaniel tried to explain. 

“Then please don’t neglect me, my love. I missed you. I haven’t spent time with you since you married her. It kills me seeing you with her. I feel like you’re changing your heart slowly and don’t deny it. I noticed the way your eyes stared whenever she roamed around the castle.” Gilbert said with anger. 

“Don’t be ridiculous, Gilbert. She’s just a mare to be bred so my bloodline can remain on the throne. I love you. Nothing will change us. I’m too exhausted. Can we talk about this later?” Nathaniel was not having it right now. He understands that Gilly was jealous and feeling insecure about their relationship, but he doesn’t need to worry about it. Right? What is there to fall for that bastard? Beside her golden hair flows like a silky river of gold as the sunlight shined on her. The way her pink lips becomes a smile when she’s happy. Her blue eyes spark with life. The crazy thing was all that happened whenever she looked at Levi Ackerman. Their relationship had been a secret right under everybody’s noses. Probably, they were together before she became queen. Just like her mother, she took into a similar path. 

“Maybe for now, but I warn you. The more you get closer to her, the more you’ll walk on dangerous waters especially Levi Ackerman is still in her heart.” Gilbert gets up as he begins to put on his clothes. “Just remember, she will always love him but not you.” Before Nathaniel could say anything, Gilbert stormed out of the room.  

Love is beginning to get complicated. Nathaniel had always dreamt to be a king. Long ago he was supposed to marry Historia’s older sister, the late Queen Freida Reiss. Now that woman was a true royal. Her pedigree matches with his. Both their parents made the betrothal agreement. When Wall Maria had fallen by Titans, everything that Nathaniel had dreamt of in the fairytale had died. Zeke Jaeger's father Grisha had killed his fiancée and her entire family expected that fat coward father of hers and the hidden bastard child, Historia. He had wished it was Historia who was killed and  not Freida. Freida was perfect. She was kind and caring. She was so ladylike. It’s a shame that she had to hide her position as queen that time. 

Yes, Frieda was his first love. Nathaniel may be into men, but he had made an exception because to him Frieda was a goddess that hasn’t had the chance to shine publicly. He remembered his last conversation with her before she died. 

(Flashback) 

It was night. Nathaniel was looking for Frieda in the palace until he spotted her in the private garden that only the royal family are allowed unless they invited guests.

“There you are. I was looking for you everywhere Freida.” Nathaniel smiled as he walked towards her. The raven haired woman turned around to see her fiancé. She gave a warm smile at him. His heart made a jump whenever she gave a smile at him. He sits beside her. 

“Everyone was looking for you. Are you alright?” He said in a concerning tone. 

“Hm not really. I’m just admiring the stars one last time before something that will change our history even though there will be deaths.” She mumbled. 

“Huh? What are you talking about? I’m sure there’s nothing to be worry about. Beside, our wedding will be tomorrow. We’re finally going to be together as husband and wife.” He tried to cheer her up. 

“I wish it was that simple, but being the holder of the Founding Titan; you just learned secrets that nobody here knows about. These secrets are my burden now. Is this what my uncle had to get used to it when he inherited the Founding Titan? Would you still love me if I wasn’t a royal?” Frieda glanced up to Nathaniel. This got his attention from what she said. 

“Frieda, my love. I love you for who you are. I don’t care anymore if you're royal or not. If you want to live in peace, say the word and by tomorrow after our wedding; we’ll live in the countryside of my family’s estates where no politics or royal duties determine how we should live.” He meant it. He’ll do anything for her. 

Frieda smiled and placed her hand on his cheek to caressed. “You’re one of the kind, Nathaniel. Please don’t ever change. I love you so much.” 

Nathaniel embraced her affection and smiled back. “I love you so much too.” 

“Can you make a promise to me?” Frieda said. Nathaniel nodded. Yes, he will keep whatever the promise was. 

“I have a little half sister. Her name is Historia. She’s the natural child of my father, but she’s such a cutie. Promise me you will look after her. No matter what, can I trust you to have her under your protection? She’s my light. I won’t forgive myself if anything happens to her.” Her eyes looked pleading. 

The young lord was shocked from finding out his fiancée has a half sister, a bastard. Yet Frieda doesn’t care. She loves her little sister no matter what. Usually, Nathaniel would scoff at anything related to bastards. After all, his father had sired a few of his own which broke his mother’s heart. The infidelity his father had committed. His father brought his bastard children to be raised along with him. This had made his mother throw a fit. His father didn’t tolerate her behavior and punished her. As a boy, he was scared for his mother whenever he watched her being punished by the late Lord Evans. 

He had begun to hate his father and especially his half siblings. His poor sweet mother died when she got an infection from the slashes she got on her back from being misbehaving. Of course, Nathaniel blamed his father and those bastards for his mother’s death. 

Once he got a bit older, Nathaniel did the unthinkable by making his father die in an “accident”.  As his heir, he became the new lord of the Evans family. His siblings were scared for their lives when he became lord. Only one actually did escape when he killed his siblings. Nathaniel didn’t feel remorse. In his view, they are low beings that destroyed his happy family. When he met Frieda, he felt like a monster because a sweet lovable Frieda doesn’t deserve a man like him. She was his light to his sins. 

“I will promise you that your half sister will be under my protection, my love. Historia will be safe. You and I will raise her if that’s what you wish.” He said. 

Frieda felt tears falling from her eyes. She hugged the man she loves. “I know you don’t like people like my sister, but it’s not her fault for her existence nor your half siblings…” 

He knows where this is going. When they were a few months into courting, he told her his dark secrets. At first, she was horrified. Later, she rant of what he did was inexcusable. How his half siblings shouldn’t be punished for his father’s sins. His mother, if she was alive, would not agree what he did to his siblings and his father. In the end, Frieda slowly begins to warm up to him again. 

He sighed. “I’m only doing this because it sounds like she's very important to you and you’re important to me so in a way she’s important to me now. You have nothing to worry about. Everything will turn out fine as we planned.” 

She nodded and gave him a tender kiss. The following day, he heard his Frieda died and his heart grew darker. 

(End Flashback) 

The thought of missing Freida still pains him. He may love Gilbert but Frieda will always have his heart. In a twisted way, he did keep his promise to Frieda. Historia is under  his protection. When he met Historia, something in him hasn’t shown in years since being with Frieda. The girl reminded him of Frieda. Like her, she’s caring and sweet. She is kinda ladylike but with a spunk. Historia is very passionate and fair. His now wife can be a bit aggressive when she gets pushed to her limit. He can see how compatible she is with the criminal Levi. They both don’t take shit from others. 

In a way, he does feel something for his wife. Gilly is right….he is changing. That’s what angers him the most. A girl who reminded of his first love is capable of taming his cruel heart. Just like her older sister once did. The Reiss girls do have a way taming monsters. It is in their blood. He had been trying not to acknowledge. When his first night with Historia happened, a part of him died for committing an awful act. He can accept him as a cold blooded murderer but a rapist? All he had heard after the act was her voice screaming at him.

You promise. You promise that you will protect her. Why my love? Why? 

She’s my light. You’re tainting my light…

Tears fell from his eyes. Her voice had haunted him since then. He couldn’t fall asleep from seeing Frieda in his dream accusing him. Fuck, he really is a monster. 

Maybe he should go check on Historia? Slowly, he gets up to wipe his tears then goes to open his door to leave his chamber to go to his wife’s. 

(Gilbert)

Gilly knocked on the doors. He waited for Alexander to answer. 

“Come in.” The Italian man granted permission to whoever entered his room. 

“Grandmaster Di Lorenzo, I’m sorry for disturbing you. I just need someone to listen.” He said shyly. 

“Ah, sweet Gilbert. No, you’re not disturbing me at all. Please make yourself comfortable.” The templar guided the other man to the couch. He poured two glasses of wine then handed one to Gilbert. 

“Tell me what does it seem to bother you?” He said while sipping his wine. 

“I think Nathaniel is falling for that whore- I mean the queen. I don’t understand what makes her so irresistible? The king is into men, the only reason he married her because she has royal blood and will give heirs.” Gilbert mumbled but his tone gave off a venomous feeling. 

“Mio caro angelo, don’t let jealousy ruin your beauty face. If he is falling for her then he’s a foolish king to let that happen. He should be lucky that a man like you still loves him. If I was in your situation, I would have left him.” Alexander sat next to him a bit too close. 

“I can’t leave him...even if I did; I can’t. I’m his servant in the end.” He looked down as disliking his birth status. 

“You don’t need to be anyone's servant. You have so much potential in you. All you need is to have someone from not holding you back.” The foreign man let his silky words enchant the younger man. 

“What are you saying? Nathaniel does bring out my potential. We have been through so much together.” Gilbert was getting defensive.  

“If he does, he would have long ago or as now released you from your servitude status and ranked you a bit closer to him. A person who claimed they loved would not hesitate to do so. So what’s your excuse to not find what you truly deserved?” Alexander pointed out. 

Gilbert was contemplating what his new friend had said. Yes, his king would have freed him to be more like a true lover not a slave to pleasure and love because they have too. Instead, he still hasn't made his first promise to Gilly. Maybe he needs to consider what makes him happy. What does he truly desire?

“I- I get I have been too comfortable with him that nothing would come between my position as his interest. I adore the affection and being worshipped by a deity. I always had the craving to be someone important...someone with influential power.” Gilbert felt the epiphany of the desire to be important. 

“You can have all of it if you join me, mio caro.” Alexander holds Gilbert’s hand to have his complete attention. 

“But aren’t I already part of your group?” Gilbert said. The grandmaster templar chuckled the way the younger man naively sounded. 

“Not as part of my inner circle yet. I can give you what you desire. Power, importance, and freedom.” He whispered to Gilbert’s ear. 

Gilbert couldn’t help it but blushed from how close the other man is towards him. He could imagine being part of something big and important. 

“If I accept your offer, what do you want in return?” He said cautiously. 

“You.” The man said in a huskily tone. 

Gilbert knew what he really wanted. Before being in a relationship with Nathaniel, he had so many offers from other men to be their nightly companion. The young man was worried that if he did accept it, he would break his current lover’s heart. What the little voice in his head whispered was: It won’t matter if you do break it. Nathaniel will never keep his promise as long that slut is still alive. Take it. All your dreams are right in front of you. 

That’s true. What’s the difference? In both, he still will be pleasuring one of them, but the differences: one of them will make him feel important and powerful. The other, still a shadow...being hidden. Gilbert is tired of the constant heartache of not being open to be showered by someone. He tried to see Nathaniel’s point of view. He did, but at the wedding feast, he just wants to yell and cry.  

“Will I be the only person to you and not have other lovers or a wife just to have a family?” Gilbert uses this as an ultimatum. He doesn’t want to make a decision that in the other promise had not kept. 

“Oh mio caro, you don’t ever need to worry about anyone else but you. I have no desire to have children. I prefer a life long partner instead. So will you accept my offer?” Alexander said. 

Gilbert placed his glass of wine on a table stand. He took a shallow deep breath as he made his decision. He made way to unbutton his shirt and let it slide off from him. Of course, Alexander smirked as the other had accepted his offer. Gilbert had already stripped down exposing all of him. He goes to straddle on the grandmaster’s lap which Alexander gladly accepted by wrapping his arms around the other’s waist. 

“I accept your offer.” Gilbert said in a soft tone. 

“I’m pleased to hear that you did. Just imagine, once the war is over; we’ll have half of the world in our palms. Soon the rest of the world. Everyone will bow to us as their rulers. You have jewels, riches, and power. Mio caro angelo.” Alexander whispered with sweet words that drove Gilly into a bliss of ecstasy. 

“Mmmm y-yes I want all of that and you.” Gilbert panting harder as he felt the other’s lips brushing on his skin like a tease. He gasped when his nipples were being pinched and played with. 

“What a gorgeous sound you make, mio angelo.” Alexander chuckled. He begins to leave kisses on the other’s neck. Now Gilbert began to buck down his hips to press on the older man’s cock then started to grind on him. 

“And you’re teasing me..” He whimpered. Gilbert moaned softly from the new sensation he was receiving. 

“Don’t you mean you are the tease?” Alexander groaned then he pinned Gilbert on the couch. He began to undo his pants to pull down enough for his cock to be free. Once Gilbert felt the other’s cock pressed on his entrance. 

Alexander watched how Gilbert squirmed underneath him. “Please I want you inside me.” Gilly begged. The grandmaster grinned then slowly entered into him. He began to thrust slow and steady to put the other over the edge.  Gilbert let the guilt and shame be buried deep as he wanted to once make a decision for himself even if there's a chance he’s going to hurt the person he cared for. 

(Historia) 

Historia for the rest of the night, she screamed and cried on the other side of the guarded doors. The queen was scared for Levi’s life. She can’t lose him. SHe needed him. Their son needed his father. Of course, no one listened to her, especially when she almost escaped  earlier or was it yesterday? Historia doesn’t know. Her curtains were covering the windows for her not to know if its alright this morning. 

For once the blonde woman prayed to any deity listening to protect the man she loves and her son. She prayed to have the strength in order to defeat her enemies. All they do take everything that she holds dear to. SHe tried to be strong not just as a queen but as a mother, wife, and friend. Oh Walls, Nathaniel better not come for wanting to perform his duty. The thought of him doing it again made her sick. Most of the time, she hears whispers in her head from her old demons the queen used to bury them when she had met Ymir long ago. 

“Y-ymir….I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry for being unable to keep your promise.” She said while sobbing. 

As she stared at a wall when her sobbing had calmed down, the petite woman heard a familiar voice in her head. 

Stop crying. Krista or show I now call you Historia? Remember what I told you that day. Live for yourself. Don’t be afraid to fight for what you want. I know you are capable of showing your fury to anyone that is across your path.  Underneath that angel face, you’re similar like Captain Hobbit. Fight or Fly, Historia. Fight to survive.

“Y-Ymir? Is that you?” Historia whispered confusedly. 

It’s me. See, did I tell you I would always be with you no matter what. By the way, I forgive for crawling into his pants after I left with those two dumbasses. How would have thought Captain Levi would fall for someone. 

Historia’s eyes widened in shock. Ymir is in her head. She can feel her presence in her. When her old flame mentioned about that day when she lost her virginity to Levi, her face became red with embarrassment and shame at the same time. After all the things Ymir did for her, Historia slept with Levi right after coming back from the betrayal of Reiner and Bertholdt. Maybe she is her mother’s daughter. 

Oh for fuck’s sake stop with your pity bullshit. Where’s that badass girl I fell in love with when you told your dad to fuck off? Now, that’s the real you. The Historia I admired. Levi also fell in love with that girl too. So, don’t hide your true self. Show the world who you really are?

Historia got up then glanced at the reflection of herself. Her hair was messy. Her face had tear stains, but she saw the fire in her blue eyes. Ymir was right. She needed to stop getting pity and crying since it’s not doing nothing for her. 

“What should I do now?” She said with determination. 

Like what the assassin man said. Pretend you will behave like a good girl but not too obvious. He’s not stupid. Play your part if you want to save Levi. This time you're the hero and he’s your damsel in distress. 

Historia let a small smirk. She will play the act. 

A/N: So what do you guys think about Nathaniel’s background? I decided to give him what made him to be like this. Just to be clear, he’s bi but more lean towards men. He was groomed to one day be married with a wife and have kids but with what had happened to Frieda, a part of him died. When he met Gilly, buried all his feelings and painful memories of his first love as Gilly did motivated him to rise to power to be king for not the bright reasons. Now, Gilly. He’s something else. He reminded me of how Historia’s mother would be if Rod Reiss continued the affair after the birth of Historia. 

So, I don’t know much about how their relationship was or ended but let’s be safe in this AU, Lord Rod stopped favoring her when their daughter was born. This is one of the reasons Alma, which I think that’s her name, despises Historia. To her she’s just a mistake that didn’t get her to where she wanted to be, her Lord’s paramour. Also, we finally get to see the birth of the Ackermans and where they came from. Yes, I added very familiar historical icons. Remember this is an AU. So, imagine if Anne Boylen did give birth to a son, but things still didn’t turn out the way she had hoped for and got executed. Don’t worry, you’ll see more of Arne’s life through Levi’s genetic memories. But I’ll let you guys think how you see these characters. I mean that’s the beauty of it!lol 

Thank you guys for the reviews and kudos. I appreciated them. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Have the rest a wonderful week. Until next time, see ya!

[holyfuckthisfishcandrive]

Fighting and Home

First, Previous, Ao3

Word count: 1902

Warnings: Horrible parenting, smoking mention, fighting, yelling

Roman pressed his pillow over his ears. It muffled the screams but they were still too loud.

Dad yelled something, Remus yelled back, Ma cut in with her voice shrill.

"Give up," Roman whispered, holding back tears. "Stop arguing with them."

Remus couldn't hear him. Nobody could hear him. They wouldn't have listened anyway.

Roman's breath hitched.

How pathetic of him.

He should be used to this by now. He had even expected it the moment Remus had bought the stupid cigarettes.

How could he hope to be a hero one day when he couldn't even handle his own parents and brother fighting?

Part of him wanted to go over to Patton's house. Ma and Dad wouldn't care if either of them were at dinner after a fight this bad, so it would probably go unnoticed and Patton had told them that they could always come to him if they wanted to.

But for that, he'd have to get past Dad and Ma.

He'd have to get himself moving at all and get out of the false safety of his blanket cocoon.

He couldn't do it.

But maybe he could text him?

Roman peaked out from under his blanket. His phone was just a few inches away from him.

He removed his hand from the pillow over his ear and the yelling downstairs got louder.

Roman winced and opened his phone to find Patton's contact.

Their last text conversation had been about body armour because Patton had agreed to let them go out by his side soon, as long as they retreated as soon as he told them to.

 Roman: Hi

A loud scream made him jump and he almost dropped his phone. Footsteps stomped up the stairs loudly and Remus' door slammed shut.

 Patton: Hi, kiddo

 How are you?

Roman nervously licked his lips. Downstairs Ma was still yelling at Dad. He had probably tried to blame her for Remus smoking.

 Roman: Not really

 Patton: What's wrong?

 Roman: Another fight

 Wasn't involved but it's loud

 Patton: What happened?

He hesitated for a moment before replying.

 Roman: Remus started smoking

For a few moments he didn't get a response, the 'typing' symbol appearing and disappearing a few times before remaining gone for a few minutes.

 Patton: Sorry, Remus just texted me

 Do you two want to come over and have tea?

Roman most definitely wanted that.

The question was if he could.

He listened for sounds downstairs. Ma was still yelling. A door, probably the front door, slammed shut and she screeched in frustrating before stomping up the stairs and slamming the door of her bedroom behind herself.

 Roman: Ok

Slowly he managed to stand up, terrified of every small creak of the floorboards under his feet.

He snuck over to Remus' room and knocked with his palm to make it quieter.

Remus opened a moment later. He had cried.

Roman nodded his head towards the stairs and in the vague direction of the front door.

Remus hesitated then nodded.

They snuck downstairs and Roman kept glancing over his shoulder. It didn't help with the persistent feeling that Ma would appear behind them at any moment, grab them and drag them back to their rooms.

They took their shoes and jackets and slipped outside, hiding in an alleyway to put them on. They had no idea where Dad had gone so they couldn't risk him seeing them.

"Let's go over the rooftops," Remus suggested and rubbed his sleeve over his face. " 's safer."

They climbed up the facade of the nearest building, making sure that no one saw them.

The familiar exertion helped Roman's anxiety ease up and the slight breeze felt good in contrast to the suffocating air back in the house.

They jumped from rooftop to rooftop, so far away from the casual nightlife down below. Roman wondered what the people walking down there might think if they looked up and saw them.

Once they reached the train station they climbed down a ladder and took the next train to downtown. There were a few people going home from work, none even noticing the teenagers.

Remus pulled out a sharpie and doodled on a wall. Roman didn't look but it was probably either a dick or an octopus. Or both. Probably both.

Roman pulled out his phone and opened a game he didn't care about just to have something to do with his hands.

He wasn't even sure what it was about but it was easy and had bright colours.

They got out at the downtown station and walked past the small park where Roman was pretty sure drugs were sold like candy and reached the flower shop.

The door to the back alley was surrounded by cats who greeted them loudly.

Roman pet a few of them in passing and Remus knocked at the door a few times.

Patton opened the door and ushered them inside to make sure that the cats didn't come in.

"Are you two alright? I made Lavender tea," Patton rambled and hugged both of them tightly. "Are you hungry? I could make something for you if you want to. I think I have some ice cream too."

Roman melted into the embrace.

"Can we eat dinner here?" Remus asked after a moment.

"Of course, do you want noodles or something else?" Patton pulled back and lead them up to his apartment and into the cosy living room.

"Noodles sound good," Roman said and followed Patton to the kitchen. The smell of lavender hung in the air and soft steam rose from the kettle.

Roman got out a cup and poured himself some.

"Careful, it's still hot," Patton warned.

Roman hummed in acknowledgement and smelt the tea, feeling it's warmth on his face, and closed his eyes.

Simply being here in Patton's tiny apartment made him feel safer.

"Move, I want some tea too," Remus pushed against his arm and Roman moved out of the way.

"Do you boys like pesto or tomato sauce better?" Patton asked and set a pot of water onto the stove. "I have both."

"Both mixed," Remus blurted out.

"Pesto," Roman said. Dad had dragged them to an Italian restaurant yesterday because one of his colleagues had celebrated his birthday and for some reason, they had to be there. Roman had had enough of tomato sauce for at least a month.

"I'm not sure they go well together, Remus," Patton chuckled. "Let's go with pesto for now."

"Fine," Remus grumbled and took a sip of his tea.

Roman carefully took one too. It wasn't too hot anymore and the soft taste made him smile.

"Is it good?" Patton asked. "With lavender, I'm always worried that I used too hot water. It ruins the tea."

"It's fucking great," Remus grinned.

"Language!" Patton scolded and blew into his tea to cool it down faster.

The water in the pot started to bubble and Patton moved the lid slightly to avoid it boiling over, as he explained to them. He had taken to teaching them household chores since both were determined to leave their parents' house as soon as possible and Sera was usually too busy to show them how to get shit done.

Once the food was done they sat in the living room and Patton filled the silence by telling them about his day and details of his confrontation with Sleep the night before that the press hadn't gotten.

Roman was pretty sure that this was what family dinners in other families were like.

Weird, that the guy they had only gotten to know because they had pressured him into becoming their mentor was now more of a Dad than their biological dad had ever been.

Back at home Remus would've already been yelled at for slurping his noodles, while Patton only asked him to do it a bit more quietly. Roman would have gotten a glare and exasperated sigh for bouncing his leg, but Patton didn't react to it in any way.

He'd make a great Dad, Roman thought and felt tinges of jealousy towards any future kids Patton might have.

"So, kiddos," Patton said as he put the dishes into the dishwasher and smiled at them, "who wants some ice cream?"

"What kind do you have?" Roman asked, while Remus already went to grab some bowls.

"Just the classics, Vanilla and Chocolate. You can mix them if you want to," Patton closed the dishwasher and gestured towards the freezer. "Should either be in the first or the second drawer."

Roman checked and pulled the cartons out.

The chocolate had been opened already but only a small scoop was gone while the vanilla was even newer.

"Tomorrow your boyfriend comes to the shop again, right?" Remus  asked looking through the mismatched spoon collection for the ones he wanted to pick.

"He's not my boyfriend!" Patton said, turning bright red. "Not that I wouldn't like him to be," he added quietly.

"Then why don't you just ask?" Roman asked. "Take him on a beautiful date, have fun and then when he brings you home you give him a small kiss before you go inside, leaving him standing there for a few minutes, unable to process what just happened because he loves you so much and you just kissed him! And then when he comes again you confess your undying love to each other, make out and have a spring wedding!"

"Bit mushy but yeah!" Remus agreed.

Patton had turned an even darker shade of red.

"I can't just ask him," he said and got a scoop out of one of the many drawers.

"Why not?" Remus asked.

Patton sighed.

"Neither of you have been in love before, have you?"

The twins both shook their heads.

"Well, it makes things... complicated," Patton began filling the bowls with ice cream. "The thing is, I don't know if he likes me back. And if he doesn't and I ask him for a date he might feel uncomfortable, because I'm just a friend to him. Nothing more. And that might ruin our friendship, which would be... I couldn't stand to lose him like that. I'm happy just being around him, so I don't want to take any risks that might destroy what we have."

"But you could be even closer and together more often!" Remus argued.

"That would be very nice," Patton agreed and put the ice cartons away again. "But he also has a son. About your age, I think. So, what if his son doesn't want another parent or doesn't like me? I wouldn't want Logan to have to choose between his son and me. His son would definitely win but still."

Roman stared at him in bewilderment.

"How could anyone not want you to be their dad?" he blurted out, his mind only catching up with his mouth a moment later.

He pressed his hand against his mouth as if it would somehow take back the words.

"You-," Patton hesitated. "Would you want me to be your dad?"

"I uhm... Yes," Roman admitted.

"Duh," Remus shrugged. "Who wouldn't?"

For a moment it was silent then Patton began to smile.

"I'd love to be your dad, kiddos. Now let's eat the ice before it melts."

They sat on the couch this time.

Suddenly Remus shot up.

"Wait a minute! Why do you not know if Logan likes you? You're a fucking empath!"

Next

Taglist:

@patton-cake

[zafaria]

Mythopoeia

She told them her school.

They had said “That’s fine, we guess, but be careful what you do there.”

They had said “We really trusted you would be a thaumaturge. We’d have even been okay if you were a pyromancer, like your uncle; or maybe a diviner... you have creative energy.”

They had said “Is it too late to change?”

Was it too late to change?

Was there an expiry date on learning? No, maybe not. She’d stick with it though, the test was adamant to her, it almost seemed to threaten what would happen (or, worse, what wouldn’t) if she didn’t submit to being a conjurer.

A tricky thing. 

It was all fine and well those first few years at the school. Kind of boring, actually. Cyrus was a very mean professor, and she was a meek and restless child. So, maybe her disposition wasn’t great for Myth. She was flighty and subdued, not grand, not like a legend. She did daydream a lot, in a lost, wistful way, but the haze of it all made her think maybe she would’ve been better off curled behind the desk in the back of the Storm classroom. At least, maybe, Balestrom wouldn’t yell at her for it. Maybe he wouldn’t even say anything.

She did like her preliminary classes in the Fire school. She liked the flame and the heat, but she was absolutely miserable at casting, at focusing her attention and getting things to stay and materialize with enough magnitude to be meaningful. She’d have switched over to Fire, but she dreaded the idea of starting all the way from the bottom of the ladder, years and years and years behind, trying to overcome what appeared to be just an innate lack of a knack for it.

So, in the Myth class, she found her spot. Not quite at the bottom of the ladder, but low enough on it. Good enough in ability to pass, bad enough in her behavior to warrant lots of public ridicule in front of her classmates. Cyrus seemed to think that by calling on students, bad students, in front of everyone, he had embarrassed them or taught them a lesson or something, but the reality was that none of the other students really cared. There was no bullying or rumors or harassment for being called on, just a glance of well-meaning but undesirable pity after class. They all got it. They had all been the kids sitting disengaged at the back of the classroom once.

Her parents would write her once every week or so. 

“How are you doing?” “Fine.” Occasionally, she’d add in one episode of her trip to the Shopping District and what she bought.

“What are you learning now?” “I’ve been stuck in the Library for three days writing essays.”

“Have you made any friends yet?” “I have a lot of friends, but they are all in different schools so I don’t get to see them during the school days because our schedules are different.” Signed. Stuffed in an envelope. Wax dripped over the fold. Stamped. Sent. 

Her signature took on a different look every time. The top loop of the “J” got larger and wider, more grand, the little loop at the bottom got finer, more dagger-thin. In a few days, the return letter would arrive.

“Be smart with your money. Do you have a part-time job where you’re earning?” and,

“Work hard.” and,

“Do you think you would like to switch schools so you can be with your friends?”.

She would sit on the letter and let it expire, waiting instead for her parents to send another one that reverted back to the usual questions.

And it went on, for a couple of years. And then, it changed. And then there was the noise, the loud rumbling from all around the City during one of the afternoons she had detention.

She wanted things to change so badly, and everyone was distracted, and she was just finally fed up with wasting her afternoons continuing to be forcefully immersed in a subject she couldn’t bring herself to care for. She ran down Unicorn Way towards the sound to see what was amuck; when the guards asked her to show her badge, like a pass, to show she wasn’t a novice and would be safe, dutiful, thoughtful, she palmed her sister’s old adept’s badge from her pocket. The guards looked at it quickly and waved her along, not noticing the mismatch of the Ice symbol on the badge and the yellows and blues of her robes.

So it spiralled from there. The dead were undead, and then they were dead again. Had she really done that? With Myth magic? 

The cards and spells were so different in battle than the practice duels that Cyrus would take them to in the Arena and the few seconds of spellcasting she and her classmates would do in the classroom before Cyrus entered in the morning and told them all to hurry to their seats, sit straight, and prepare for lecture. They rarely got to attempt magic, and then they'd have practicals where their nerves got to them and the spells came out wonky.

But there, in the streets she had once only been able to try and stare down, it was all so real, so vibrant. The magic pulsated through her, like a second heartbeat.

She had that same kind of enamor with it all the way through the worlds. In Krokotopia, her magic never made her feel bad. In fact, it was the fire that made her feel bad; when she burned the Ahnic mummies. That left her feeling like her hands were always covered in soot, grimy, guilty. The soot stains on her soul never faded.

Then in Marleybone, there was just a hint of a shudder running around her bones, a shiver within the marrow, when she beheld the faces--or lack thereof--of the agony wraiths in Big Ben. Where had they come from? Did they miss those places, those tombs or graves or mausoleums? Were they even of Marleybone, or were they far from the grounds of their homes?

She didn’t try to think much of it when she went for the duel. She was too busy thinking of giants dislodging the bones with a club, long hollow femurs clattering to the wooden floor; an earthquake following and swallowing up the center of the clocktower. When she left, her lungs felt blackened from spending too long in the city breathing in the smog.

In Mooshu, it sank in the most. She would summon earthquakes in spirit realms and feel the little chunk of earth she was on rattle, the chasm opening up from nowhere. The friction between the worlds and shifting dirt underneath would normally propel the earthquakes, but in those disconnected little places, where the grounds were thin and hammered out flat like saucer-plates, she wondered where they stemmed from. The chasm and the shadows within it seemed to plunge deeper than the earth actually was. 

The onis that stared into her seemed to be looking deeper than they actually were. Her mind sweltered. The whole of the place was confusing and demented. And she thought that maybe it rubbed off on her too. Everything felt out of reach.

Her parents wrote a letter.

“How are you?” “I am tired. I have been travelling a lot. I am doing an externship as a part of my schoolwork, for Headmaster Ambrose. It is very busy.”

“What are you studying?” “High-level Myth magic. I have learned some new spells, but they required that I go collect some things from different worlds, that’s why I’ve been visiting so many places.” She’d include one of her sketches she did of the yellow windows of Marleybone or the endless fields of Mooshu in the envelope. Her parents would’ve liked her to travel, as long as they knew it was purposeful and being done in structured way, a safe way.

“How are your friends?” She didn’t address the question, and instead sent her parents a pressed flower. Sealed. Stamped. Sent.

Then, before Dragonspyre, Cyrus pulled her aside after class. He said “Malistaire is my brother,” like she wouldn’t have maybe guessed from appearances. And then that he wanted to duel her, to see if she was competent enough to handle the war-ravaged world alone. 

She desperately wanted to prove she had attained something, she had learned, she was good at this. She desperately wanted to come close in the duel, to be on the precipice of winning, but just barely lose, and to sob, put her head down, beg for help. She wanted to prove she could, and also that she couldn’t do it alone.

But the flow of battle, the rhythm of that second heartbeat in her dictated in a way all its own. It was powerful in that duel in a way it never had been. It was totally engulfing, pounding in her ears and vibrating against the veins in her wrists, and she won and she had to. If she didn’t, maybe her skin would crawl and split from the overbeat of the magic that was left unfulfilled.

Oh, and that feeling rose up once more when she faced Malistaire, when she could smell a metallic and humble aura of death and lava all across the top of the volcano in Dragonspyre. The same feeling, rushing over her, her hands floating in the air like she was only watching the spectacle and not acting in it, like her hands weren’t even hers. She was acutely aware of all she was doing, how fast her mind was moving, though. Her actions were all her own. At least, she thought, these few things I own wholly, no matter what, and they were not left to fate, nor the headmaster or the Book of Secrets, or ancient warring tribes, or an old tree’s prophecy, or her professor or her parents.

She wondered if she became overzealous at the thought. If it made her too fierce. Cyrus sat back somewhere, afraid to intervene, maybe knowing he couldn’t. Maybe he didn’t want to have his brother meet an unfortunate end at his hands, so he made his student do it for him.

Or maybe she wanted to show Cyrus her unflinching worth, and that training and practicing across the worlds and in the streets taught her something he never could, that he never thought would emerge in her: a dauntless courage to face cruelty, sometimes with cruelty in turn.

But, deep down, both knew that the most important factor of why Malistaire died, why he lost the duel and didn’t manage to stand to his feet again after, was because he was an incredibly ambitious man with a gravely weakened soul. His magic truly had split out of his skin, creating the aura that permeated around them, and infusing with the rituals to raise the Dragon Titan. And the human, non-magic parts of his soul were broken all across too. His wife was gone, truly gone. And his brother couldn’t face him, and he was beating on…a child. A hopeful, brave child who had the whole world in their eyes. And he just had nothing left in him at all.

Returning home after that was difficult for her. She walked out of the volcano and into a portal, with Cyrus’s hand pressed against her shoulder. He was guiding her toward the foggy vision of the Headmaster’s office, urging her forward but also holding her down to the ground. Under his palm, she wasn’t going to float away in a confused mire, and she also knew she couldn’t slink from under his palm into a ball on the ground and cry. She could only move forward. She knew he was telling her she had done well, she had done the right thing.

How was she going to explain to her parents that this is what her “externship” was about? That she wasn’t being a student, not at all; she was being a hero. And though a hero seemed much grander and fancier, it was very, very different from what she had prepared for. It was thoroughly taxing in the most unpredictable, inexplicable, extraordinary ways. There was no training for how to be a hero.

And after she was emotionally spent and wasted away in her room for a few days, she packed her things and went home. 

“Sabbatical, dear.” That’s what Greyrose said to her. “When you’re old and wizened like me, you take one every so often to remember to slow down.”

“You need one,” said Balestrom. “Very badly, you do need one. You look tired.” She was tired, and confused, and no longer hungry when all her life she had loved food, and she felt dirty and greasy.

She turned in a letter to Cyrus, who just stared down his nose at her, then nodded. His mouth stayed pressed shut through the entire process. She almost cried. She could feel her teeth pressing into each other, and they were so tightened in her jaw they felt soft, like little marshmellows. She thought she could maybe tell that Cyrus’s jaw was also more levelled out, more squared, like he was also clenching his teeth.

She walked out very quickly.

She walked into her home very quickly. Her parents hugged her, her father gave her a kind of firm pat on the back that made her shake a little. Like he was welcoming someone he didn’t particularly like into his home. Maybe she overthought, but her mother’s laughter was all wrong too. It used to fill the room, like a joyous thing, but now it filled the room in a suffocating way.

“We laugh to show our teeth, to show they’re still there,” she remembered from the readings for one of her essays, where she spent her time in the library for a day. 

They sat together at the dinner table, a plate of mashed potatoes with a loaf of bread and turkey casserole before each one of them. She picked at some of the things, then had her elbows on the table as she tore the bread into tiny pieces and began to chew them slowly, one-by-one, like a mouse.

“Are you okay, honey?” they asked. “Do you want to talk with us about something?”

“No, it’s fine.”

“Oh. Okay. How are classes, by the way? Have you been doing well?”

“Yes. I actually, uh, I did some directed independent studies with Cyrus.”

“OH! Advancing so fast, are we? Are you the teacher’s pet, and that’s why you get to do higher-level work?”

“Uhm, kind of. I also just needed to do something different. For my learning. Sitting in the classroom all day wasn’t really working for me.”

“Oh, like a practical? You’ve been safe, haven’t you? Are you missing any classes?”

“No, I’m actually on a short break right now,” she said. The questions were sweltering.

“Listen, we received some post from Headmaster Ambrose, that you’d maybe have something you want to share with us? Maybe about the kinds of schoolwork you’ve been doing? That you’d have something to tell us?” The curtain was up. She stared blankly, with her mouth open, blinking a little.

“Well, yeah, I... uh, Ambrose had a special assignment for me, I guess. There was...Listen, it sounds mad, but you must’ve felt it, the disruptions, and all of the ash and stuff. Anyways, there was an unhinged necromancer trying to destroy the Spiral? So, Ambrose had me and a few other strong students help him out with getting rid of undead monsters on the streets.” Calling Malistaire “unhinged” felt wrong, like a spike was being driven across her mouth, through her cheeks. She added the bit about there being friends, thinking that maybe if other students had been a part of the picture, her parents would find it less dangerous.

“So he had students acting like dogs for him,” they said, sitting back in their chairs. Her mother crossed her arms. She could barely look to them, unable to balance one disapproving face and the other. “And Cyrus approved of this all and had this count as your study versus the schoolwork you should’ve been doing on-campus?”

“It wasn’t as bad as it seems.”

“You’ve went all over the Spiral, you could’ve been killed. And we are aware about the changes recently, from that necromancer. And we’re also aware that he was a Professor at Ravenwood once, a Professor Drake. Cyrus is a Drake too, yes?”

They sounded like they were accusing her, but she wasn’t sure of what. It wasn’t like it was up to her that Cyrus and Malistaire were brothers. 

“So your professor had you meddling in his family affairs. Ambrose and Professor Drake had you engaging in some blood feud with Drake’s old family. That isn’t appropriate for a student,” her mother said, like she was going to try and create a case against the school and Ambrose. “You know, we didn’t like the idea of you being a conjurer,” she continued.

They all got into a yelling match over the schools, whether she was a disappointment, if she was cut out to continue on there. They blamed conjurery, endlessly. Always. Always, it was the fault of the Myth school and Myth magic.

Out of one of their mouths came “you killed someone,” or perhaps it was “I killed someone,” from her own mouth, owning it. Whoever said it, it greatly upset everyone at the table. Her parents talked to her, level again, and said “you can’t go back.” They would consider getting her an apprenticeship in something like bookkeeping or art.

“You could’ve listened to us. This wouldn’t have all happened if you had just studied under Professor Greyrose, like Katarin.”

Sitting at the table, she now could look her father in the eyes as he said those words. She was frowning, and crying furiously, a silent crying, and untempered one that showed no weakness, but instead infinite and defiant strength. 

She had learned some things in Cyrus’s classes. Not magic, nor imagination. She had been ridiculed in front of her peers, she had known that her professor saw her as low and untrying. She learned an unending patience, and the grace to know when the fight was over.

“That’s fine,” she barely murmured. “That’s fine.” A tear dripped off her chin with the movement of her jaw as she spoke. She grabbed her plate off the table with both hands and walked it over to the sink, scraping the contents off in one motion, then walking to her old room.

She spent the night there, passed out after dinner with the door locked in a stupor that reminded her of what her past few years should’ve been like. And then, in the morning, she packed everything she cared for from that room, swiping things off the dressers and desk and putting them into every corner of her backpack until it was nearly splitting its seams and lumpy all around.

And then she left, waving goodbye to the silent dark house behind her as she opened the door. She knew that her parents were people so different from her and that, despite their words, they had sent letters every week, cared about whether she was lonely or not, invited her back home often though she didn’t visit every time she possibly could’ve. They didn’t understand. They might never have understood. And because they didn’t understand, they seemed to want to wash their hands of her, their restless, second, failed child. At least for the immediate future.

So she would let them. They acted like she might be a student of some promise, like her studies and advancements were making them proud. They let her throw out their follow-up letters and pretended like they never existed. She would let them pretend like she didn’t either.

But she understood. She would find them later, if they wanted to be found by her. They didn’t think she was doing things that a mere student should have been resigned to. She was a conjurer, roped into an unfortunate, yes, feud. And she had done one thing that was horrible, and many things that were wrong, and she would never rid herself of those things. She resolved to do the only thing that she could’ve done, and pressed onwards as a hero.

[trackerkitsune]

Prompt #18: Reviving a Wilted Flower

FFXIV Write Challenge Prompt #18: Wilt Rating: Explicit Warnings: references to past sexual abuse (non-explicit), violence, nunh kink and knotting

Summary: F’rhuza Nunh has taken exception to the way the L tribe treats Tydan; he decides to keep the Tia. 

present for @listens-to-all-miqo and their soft boy Tydan <3

F'rhuza growls at the upstart who has walked himself into his territory, demanding his guest just because the Nunh wants his bedwarmer back and the Tia wants to fuck him as well - the older Nunh can smell the desire on him and bares his teeth slightly. Where he had been coming out of that flirty, seductive shell and showing the sweet man behind it, L'tydan has gone quiet and even paler than normal as he slips back into it and goes to assist his fellow Tia.

"...Let me get this strrraight one more time," the Nunh growls through his teeth, blocking L'tydan from going to the uppity Tia with an arm. He knows F'zuula is stood behind with his bow ready. Time for a lesson. His growl reverberates into his words. "You insult my darrrling huntrrresses, insult my son who is leader of the tribe, and you insist that I prrresent our much rrrrespected guest to you so that you can…?" 

"Return him to the L tribe's current Nunh so he can resume his duties and be punished for running away," the mouthy brat postures as he speaks, far too used to abusing his position in the L tribe. F'rhuza, for all his usually peaceable nature, is furious at the disrespect. He draws back an arm and punches the smug kit in the face, even as L'tydan's face falls. 

The Nunh hauls the younger miqo'te up by his shirt. "What's this mouthy kit's name?" Tydan runs a hand up his arm, looking up at him from his shoulder.

"Pray put L'jahro down," he purrs, slipping into that simpering that F'rhuza had just gotten him out of doing even as he answers the question. "I can entertain you better, sir…" 

The tall Nunh practically cringes from the obviously put on nature of the flirting, seeing it come more awkwardly to the smaller man now that he's just barely begun to trust him - after a good couple of weeks of refusing the offers of bedding him and treating him the same as any other in his tribe. His tail fluffs in anger and disgust; is this how L'tydan survives with the L tribe's Nunh? 

"Put my heir down, F'rhuza Nunh, and hand over L'tydan." It seems he'll get to find out. The purple haired seeker tilts his head, adjusting his grip and moving his hand to L'jahro's throat.

"L'xayv Nunh, was it?" He challenges calmly, feeling Tydan hiss at him that he's doing something stupid. "I've a prrroposition for you and your heir." This is something that needs worded carefully if he's to get what he's aiming for out of it.

He sets the previously mouthy tia on his feet, crossing his arms. "Your heir is safe - for now. Take him, leave and I'll have one of my women bring out some food from our stores for your tribe and kits, as I had already agreed with your other Tia here since your stores are not very high. In exchange… I would be much obliged with the young man's continued presence here." He can feel the sudden tension from L'tydan, though the man makes it somehow look like he's surprised and flattered. "He's such a good bedwarmer, I'd miss his skills far too much," he lies through his teeth, hating the way the words taste on his tongue but making his expression seem sincere. "And I'm certain we could supply your tribe with extra resources in future in return?" 

It's a bold attempt, but F'rhuza never got anywhere by being timid. He can smell Tydan's sudden stress, compounded by the way L'jahro is staring at him, and forces down the protective growl that wants out. 

Tydan is slowly coming unstuck as he's unsure of where he stands suddenly. It's easy to deal with L'xayv, to manipulate his situation to his advantage… Though L'jahro is a nightmare in his life. 

F'rhuza is still a relatively unknown entity to him, and the taller man has thrown him off his usual way of coping with his situation over the weeks he's managed to spend with the F tribe. He knows at the very least that he can't afford to show any possible enjoyment of being here. Neither of his tribe mates would allow it, considering he's so useless for almost anything to do with the tribe that he's sure his life is their entertainment.

"Ah…" he steps in front of F'rhuza, batting his eyelashes coyly. "Surely, you would understand if my Nunh needs my company? I-"

"Your deal is... acceptable, I suppose, since he can't even hunt," L'xayv interrupts, looking sour. L'jahro's expression is thunderous; all the more amusing to F'rhuza that he won't be able to fuck his fellow Tia behind his leader's back. It's so obvious that it stings his nose and he wonders at how the tribe functions if this is rife within. He feels Tydan wilt against his arm, catching his meager weight easily while the Tia processes what's just gone on over his head.

Regardless of that, he has to honour the agreement he's just made and signals to some of the huntresses, having them bring out what appears to the now stunned L'jahro to be half of a massive boar. It's symbolic, it's an unspoken insult - and F'rhuza is all sharp teeth and a wide grin as he watches them growl under their breaths and accept it somewhat gracefully. It's going to be funny watching them get it back to their tribe.

The Nunh gently sits Tydan down, patting his ears affectionately. His ear flicks as his eldest walks up behind him.

"Dad… did what I think happened, actually happen?" F'zuula is used to his father's antics but this is a step further than what he's ever seen him pull off. F'rhuza looks over his shoulder and grins, nodding proudly as his tail curls. 

"Yes, yes it did." He's about to elaborate further when Tydan speaks up.

"You… traded a boar for me…" the shorter seeker is on his feet in a second, visibly irate - and confused by the entire exchange. "You traded food for a  'bedwarmer' when you haven't even fucked me?!"  The Nunh is quiet for a moment, letting him finish and noticing how the Tia begins to draw back like he's expecting to be hit, his brain catching up that he's just snapped at someone higher in the tribe than him. F'rhuza shrugs, reaching out and pulling the other seeker against him. He rubs a cheek over his head fondly.

"Well, I could hardly let him know I actually enjoy your company for other reasons, could I? He'd have definitely wanted to take you back with him if I'd shown a single ounce of care for you." He steps back slightly, taps the shorter miqo'te's cheek lightly. "Mind your language round the kits," he reprimands him softly, noticing his three year old daughter nearby and definitely listening in to what's being said.

The pale haired seeker startles at the light tap, his odd eyes showing absolute confusion still as the F tribe makes so little sense compared to what he's used to. He turns and walks off with a lump in his throat, storming his way into the Nunh's tent where he's been staying before F'rhuza can see him cry. He's been completely thrown by the man from the start of his stay here, not a single advance accepted by him or his Tia - and it only confuses him more that the supposedly vicious boar tribe only has one of age Tia, the next oldest being fifteen summers and still learning to hunt. He's not used to being treated like this and it makes it hard. He feels a bit lost, cut adrift with no direction without his usual purpose - though being a plaything is hardly much to live for, part of his brain whispers.

The flap moves and he wills back the wetness in his eyes, seeing the tall figure of the Nunh. He aims for a smile, though it comes out sad and strained. "I'm in a bit of a sorry state for sex, I'm afraid." It's a humourless joke but F'rhuza indulges him with a chuckle nonetheless, coming to sit by him, and begins to strip off bits of leather armour. "...You've put your tribe through a lot for someone who can't even survive on their own any more," falls out of Tydan's mouth as he looks down. 

"It seems to be a habit of my tribe," the taller seeker admits, smirking softly. "I was fourteen summers when my Nunh exiled me from the tribe I was born in. A too young Tia, half starved and unable to hunt for himself, alone and delirious when I practically fell into the boar tribe's territory. Skinnier than you, even - and they took me in, raised me into a decent Tia and then a Nunh." He places a hand lightly on the smaller man's back and feels him cringe and tense. When he does nothing else, Tydan slowly relaxes. 

"So you pity me."

"No. I pity that they took away your strength, certainly," his hands slides down the Tia's arm, tracing where muscles had once been. "But I do not pity you. You have survived whereas I nearly died. You have my respect, Tydan." He rolls his shoulders as he feels the stunned stare on his ears. A hand grasps his wrist, pulls and he follows to find himself near covering the other miqo'te. He tilts his head, red eyes focused on vulnerable pale purple and green. 

"Fuck me, please," Tydan asks him, meaning everything instead of flirting in that hollow way of his. "...Show me how someone takes a person they respect. Let me experience that at least once in my life." F'rhuza gazes at him for a long moment, softens and cleaves to his wishes. 

"Alright," he purrs, standing and without warning picking Tydan up. The Tia yelps in surprise at the ease with which he's lifted, being deposited on the Nunh's bed with care and looked over with an appreciative gaze. He shoves a hand in the taller man's face frantically as he leans down.

"W-Wait!! I… need… some rules," he bites his lip, flustered when out of control like this. F'rhuza sets a knee next to his legs and nuzzles him.

"Go rrright ahead," he invites, purring in a tone that calms the Tia.

"Right… N-No biting," he gasps as the bigger seeker kisses up his shoulder and neck, feeling his clothing being slowly slid off. "No… no inviting F'zuula to join-"

"Not happening anyway," he's interrupted by a possessive growl and he wonders if his head is swimming or if that's just F'rhuza's scent.

"Okay… and, don't ask about any…"

"Scars," the Nunh finishes for him, "I can guess, don't worry." He soothes the sting of his knowing by stripping Tydan down to his underwear - and pauses at the harness under his clothes. There's a second where his dislike of L'xayv turns to absolute hatred, but his cock makes its approval known by pressing against his clothes and his ears lower. "You mind keeping this on for now?" He asks the white haired miqo'te, watching his face twist in displeasure. "Trust me, Tydan…"

"I do and that's the worst part of this," he growls unhappily, reaching to pull of F'rhuza's clothes with deft hands.

His tail flicks up in surprise as the Nunh pulls him into a kiss while letting him work, a whine coming from him as he submits to it and opens his mouth to be plundered thoroughly. "Handsome, prrretty Tydan," F'rhuza coos and pushes him onto his back on the furs and blankets of his bedroll, fingers tracing strong paths downwards as he follows them with his lips and teeth. Nipples nipped and lapped at, causing the Tia to arch upwards with a sigh. F'rhuza maps down his smooth belly with kisses on every ilm of skin he can reach, hands already on Tydan's hips and squeezing gently. 

"H-Hey," Tydan complains, "this… isn't needed… you can just… oh fuck!" His legs come up and grip either side of the Nunh's head as his cock's engulfed in wet warmth, slamming his head back as the taller man sucks and licks him to full mast. "Shit… F'rhuza Nunh, sir… ah?" He lifts his head to find out why his dick is suddenly cold to see the Nunh's red eyes narrowed at him. His ears tilt back and he swallows nervously. Is he about to be punished? He trembles as he's leaned over - and kissed sweetly. 

"Not 'sir', Tydan," the man coos, "call me Rhuza, sweet." His tension melts away, leaving him boneless under the Nunh.

"Rhuza, Rhuza!" The paler seeker can only mewl as he's surrounded by warmth again, bucking helplessly at the strong suction. He's not used to being on the receiving end, and he's dragged over the edge embarrassingly quickly with a cry. His chest heaves as he watches F'rhuza sit up and lick his lips clean. "I should be... doing that for you," he eventually speaks, breathless. He feels like he owes the Nunh, should be the one doing the sucking and worshipping rather than being the one receiving it.

"But you taste so good," the larger seeker grins, watching the hint of a blush cross his bed partner's face. He relents from his teasing, beckoning Tydan over with a fond smile. "You can suck me if you want." He watches the Tia right himself and crawl over to his lap, lifting his hips to aid removing his underwear.

Tydan sucks in a breath as he sees the size of the Nunh's cock, imagines it splitting him wide open, and moans as he smells F'rhuza's musk. His pupils dilate and he purrs himself as he takes the head into his mouth, settling himself between the man's powerful legs as his eyes go half lidded and he finally feels somewhat in control. His new Nunh's dick makes his jaw ache just a bit (his brain screams that his Nunh is still L'xayv but he forces it back), and he purrs more at the weight of it. Heavy, thick, virile and safe, the taste tells him - this is not a man who will force or hurt him, even though he already knows it. 

He gets to work, sealing his lips around the flesh and bobbing, whining as he tastes precum on his tongue. Plenty of it as well, he has to keep swallowing as he sucks. Is the Nunh close to his rut season? Tydan's a little apprehensive to find out. He whines as he's pulled off the thick length, digging his nails in so he can't be moved as easily.

"Rhuza," he complains, "let me finish you off…" The Nunh chuckles breathlessly, ruffling his hair.

"Hmm… no, I want to come inside you, Tydan." He leans back against the solid board at the back of the bedroll, holding his hands out to him. One holds a bottle of oil that Tydan recognises; it's what F'huza uses to keep his armour supple. Three of the opposite hand's fingers are already slick.

"You want me to ride you? Nunh," he purrs, straddling his lap and barely getting situated before the taller seeker lifts him up. "Ah-mm!" He's kissed silent as a hand slips under his tail, the appendage lifting straight up his back in open invitation when a finger probes at his ass carefully. It's foreign, as most things when it comes to how he's being treated. The finger slides inside, followed by the second and he shudders as the Nunh begins to prep him. His own member is hard again already, and he pulls back from the kiss to breathe. 

"R… Rhuza… You don't have to - gods that's so good - I can take it without… nnnhh…" He has to give up protesting when it feels this good for him, even if he feels he doesn't deserve it. "Fuck, me, please just take me, I-I need you inside me!" His face is ablaze as he shouts it, though the only response he gets is the fingers leaving him wide and empty. He opens his eyes, panting, to see F'rhuza steadying his hips and gazing at him with open fondness.

"Take what you need then, Tydan," the man tempts him, and he follows it.

Sinking down on the Nunh's length is an exquisite feeling for once, rather than pain. Being prepped makes so much difference that he has to stop and savour it for a few seconds, a moan caught in his throat when F'rhuza is hilted deep in his body. There's some discomfort, but that fades under the touch of his Nunh's hands rubbing circles in the tensed muscles of his back. His Nunh. Rhuza. He sighs the man's name contently, letting him hold him up for a few minutes.

He's not felt painless sex for ages with how the viper tribe have treated him and handed him round, and basks in the novelty of it, spurred to lift his hips and sink down again with a happy moan. His brain is scrambled, letting him think about nothing but enjoying riding the larger seeker, hands flexing on his shoulders as he stabilizes himself on each thrust down that presses the large cock deep inside him.

F'rhuza enjoys the sounds coming from his partner, smirking playfully in a way that has Tydan's eyes widening when he gets a better grip on the smaller man's hips and thrusts up into him as he presses down. The white haired miqo'te cries out in surprise and pleasure as he's abruptly sheathed fully again.

"Rhuza!! Ohgods do that again-" he nearly collapses against the Nunh's chest, clutching tight on his shoulders and burying his face in his neck. His tail curls upwards over his back in deference to F'rhuza. "Please, please fuck me hard," he whines, feeling the man tuck his chin over him protectively and purr deeply. "I can take it, fuck me hard!"

With such a heartfelt plea, who is F'rhuza to deny Tydan what he wants? Another whine escapes the Tia and he soothes him, crooning gently as he tilts his hips and thrusts, rocking him each time.

"Gladly, prrretty," he purrs breathlessly, nuzzling his hair, ears, nudging his head up to steal his breath again. His hips thrust hard and deep, drawing moans and cries from Tydan along with sweet begging. The smaller man is so tight that he doesn't last too long, pulling Tydan down flush with his body and grinding as he bows his head. 

"Nnn-nno, no no no no, Rhuza, don't bite!" The pale haired Seeker panics, feeling teeth brush along his shoulder and squeezes his eyes shut, nails digging in as he can't pull away. One of the straps of his harness pulls tight and he whimpers, expecting the pain of a mating bite any second. There's none but he has no time to question it as there's a harsh thrust under him and it pushes him into another orgasm. His hips are pulled down tight and held, and his tail tugged. F'rhuza gets bigger inside him and he cries out as his brain seizes, feeling himself being spilled inside.

"Nonono not the knot! Don't knot me, he'll punish me-I?" he's babbling when the Nunh coos and purrs deep, petting his ears and holding him close, stroking a hand down his back to further soothe him. 

"It's okay, Tydan," F'rhuza reassures him, "come on, breathe sweetling. Handsome pretty sweet man. You're good, so good." His fingers run up and down the smaller man's back, soft affectionate touches that settle him down and make him wilt and curl into his neck. The soft sounds of crying surface after a moment and the Nunh thrums deeper in his chest, soft chuffs escaping his throat as he praises him without words. It makes Tydan feel safe and his tears dry.

---

[deermi]

Pink Roses | Part 1

Summary: Working as a florsit is somthing you absolutely adore, and love to do. You learn to love it even a little more when that pink haired guy comes in.

Genre: Fluff (not really... at least not yet)

Warnings: None ( s o f t )

AU: Florist

Pairing: Park Chanyeol x Reader

Word count: 2,7k~

Author’s note: Ooooh it felt so good to write sdsadjsaodpsa I want to make this series as soft as possible and I hope you enjoy this chapter.

“And that’s the last one.” I said to myself

I put the basket of white peonies on the ground, and let out a heavy sigh resting my hands on my hips. After and hour of planning and putting the flowers in right places I was finally done with the most tiring part of the job. Finally everything inside the shop looked the way it should.

Flowers were placed on the floor in different types of pots, while the beautiful bouquets I had been composing for days decorated the shelves. Roses, tulips, forget-me-nots, orchids, and a plethora of other plants only a florist could name.

I loved working here. The atmosphere in the shop made me feel like it was my second home. It didn’t matter if the customers were coming, or not because they weren’t the reason I was working here every day with joy. However, there’s wasn’t a day that nobody would’ve come.

The plants were so gentle, so fragile I had always felt like I was obliged to take good care of them. For almost my whole life everybody had been telling me I had the green thumb, and after years of listening to this I decided to settle down my own business. Combining work with something I loved to do I came up with the idea of a flowers shop.

And that’s how the ‘The Twisted Tulip’ had been born. The name of it was somehow reflecting me - I was absolutely crazy about flowers.

I but my lip with satisfaction, and looked again at the compositions of flowers I had created. They looked perfect. Especially that the pots they were in, were matching the pink walls of the room. When I had been selecting the color of the inside  of the shop, I chose that cotton candy shade which I had considered as splendid. Well, I still did. It was extremely gentle, and was symbol of being affectionate, caring, compassionate - I just loved it.

The door hit the bell above it, signalising somebody came inside.

I quickly wiped my hands into my apron, and looked up.

“Welcome to ‘The Twisted Tulip’.” I recited the usual greeting “How can I help you?”

The first thing I noticed when I looked up was the baby pink hair, fluffy as cotton candy. The guy that came in was incredibly tall and handsome. I couldn’t have lied about it. But, despite his posture, the smile on his face and the pointy ears made him look extraordinarily cute.

I had never seen this guys before, he wasn’t one of my everyday customers. He kept looking around the shop, absorbed by the look of flowers. My eyes were just following him. I had been working long enough to know he will ask me about something.

“Sir?” I asked after a few seconds, when he didn’t answer me

“Oh, yeah!” he snapped out

His voice was deep and melodic. It filled the silent room in a pleasant way.

“Well, I’m looking for…” he still wasn’t looking at me, his eyes flashing from one side of the shop to the other “I’m looking for… Um…”

My head tilted to the side.

“Um?” I repeated with a small smile on my face

“No!” he waved his hands abruptly, and I could tell he got flustered after realizing I had been waiting for him to say something

Our eyes met. Finally I could see his big, sparkling eyes in the color of warm, hot chocolate.

He patted his pockets looking a few times looking for something. He quickly found his mobile phone and took it out. I could see him scrolling through his photo album.

“I’m looking for these.” he came closer and showed me the picture

I furrowed my eyebrows and looked closely at the screen of his phone. The photo was a image of flowers in a glass vase. As a florist I scanned them rapidly - long stem and leaves, characteristic petals, anthers in a bright yellow color.

“Oh, you’re looking for the narcissus jonquils.” I said “Let me bring them for you.”

I usually placed them close to the table where I cut the flowers, right next to hyacinths.

“How many would you like?”

“I guess a medium size bouquet will be fine.” the guy massaged his neck with his hand

Luckily, I had already prepared one. Narcissus jonquils weren’t my favorite flowers. Actually, I didn’t like them that much and that’s why I wasn’t preparing them. They were the symbols of unrequited love and sick jealousy about the other person.

I didn’t want to worry the pink haired guy so I said nothing. The time I had spent working in this shop taught me, that the meaning of a flowers often reflected what was happening in somebody’s life. The guy looked so nice, yet he wanted to buy not so nice flowers.

“Would you like me to cut them a little?” I asked, as I grabbed the bouquet

“I don’t really know. Do they need to be cut?” he laughed awkwardly “I’m sorry. It’s just that my knowledge about flowers is equal to zero.”

A slight blush appeared on his face, making me smile in response.

“Don’t worry.” I put the flowers of the table “There’s no need to cut them. I just asked because I know some people tell me to do that. By the way, are these jonquils a gift?”

“Actually, yes.” the guy looked at me

“I can tie up a ribbon on the stems if you want me to.” I proposed “It’s free, of course.”

“That would be amazing.” the happiness I saw in his eyes made my heart beat a little faster “Thank you.”

I quickly grabbed the pink ribbon and tied it up. The shade matched the flowers, somehow represented my flower shop, and was reminding me of the guy standing in front of me.

His eyes were following the movements of my fingers.

“Your girlfriend is really lucky to have a boyfriend who brings her flowers.” I said and looked up, just to see him blinking in surprise a few times

“How did you know?” he asked

“Most of the times, guys who come with a photograph of a flower want to buy their girlfriend’s favorite.” I explained “And they just don’t know the name of it.”

“Oh, right.” the adorable blush on his face got even deeper as he laughed “She loves those.”

‘And that’s what I’m concerned about.’ I thought, but tried my best not to show anything

I grabbed, now decorated, flowers and gave them to him.

“That’s nine dollars.”

The pink haired guy took the money out of his pocket. My hands automatically opened the cash register, looking for a few coins.

“Keep the change.”

My eyes went wide with excitement.

“Really?” I grinned, and when he nodded, my smile got even wider “Thank you. That’s really kind of you.”

“No, actually I should be the one to say that.” his fingers caressed the yellow petals of the plants “At least now I know what’s the name of the flowers… Again, what were they called?”

I laughed, this time really loudly.

“Narcissus jonquils.”

“Narcissus jonquils.” he repeated “Okay, I will remember.”

He turned around to leave the shop, his beautiful eyes looking away from me. But when he was about to go out he stopped, leaving the door open. I didn’t expect him to do that, so I just kept staring at him.

“May I asked what’s your favorite flower, miss?” he asked, facing me once more

It took me a while to register his question, and another few seconds to think about the answer. Nobody had ever asked me that, so when he did, it took me aback. I was just a florist standing behind the cash register, and the customers didn’t care about my preferences. However, I couldn’t have found the proper answer. It was hard for me to pick just one type of flower. But, when I pondered a little longer, I came up with something that was actually the truth.

“Roses.” I said “Especially pink.”

The next day I was sitting on a chair reading a book, when the bell rang. I scanned the paragraph, trying to get through it as quickly as possible. When I finished, I closed the book and put it in the drawer of my desk.

“Welcome to ‘The Twisted Tulip’.” I said “How can I help you?”

And just like the day before, the first thing I noticed was the, now familiar, pink hair. But I realised that I hadn't noticed his cute, pointy ears.

“Welcome back.” I smiled “What can I get you today?”

The tall guy came straight up to me, absolutely beaming. I immediately guessed his girlfriend had liked the small gift from him.

“I would like the same flowers I bought yesterday.” he announced with his deep voice “You know, the nemesis. With a ribbon ”

I raised my eyebrows cockily.

“I’m pretty sure yesterday you bought the narcissus.” a small smirk creeped on my face “The narcissus jonquils to be exact.”

He was staring at me intensely, before realising his mistake and running his hand across his face.

“Oh, right…” he murmured “I messed up, didn’t I?”

“Don’t worry, you’re not the first one to do that.” I circled the desk I was previously sitting behind “I will bring the narcissus jonquils for you.” I stretched out the name of the flower

I found the bouquet in the same place as yesterday. My eyes darted from side to side, looking for any more plants like that. However, I didn’t find any.

“I think it’s the last one.” I brought the boquet up to the table, and grabbed the pink ribbon “But the new flowers are supposed to be delivered tomorrow morning.”

“That’s great. You better expect me coming.” he laughed

“Of course, I will.” my voice was as cheerful as his

I quickly finished decorating his flowers.

“There you go.” I said

He gently grabbed the flowers from me, and took out a ten dollars note.

“Keep the change.” he told me to do the same thing as the day before

“It’s nice of you, but I really shouldn’t.” I shook my head

“I insist.” he reached out his hand and moved the money my direction

With a shy blush on my face I took it, and put in the pocket of my apron.

“Thank you.” I whispered “I don’t have many customers who would do that.”

“It’s good to know that I’m a rarity.” a few small wrinkles appeared in the corners of his eyes when he smiled “I think I… Can I get your name?”

I blinked a few times, thinking I hadn’t heard him clearly. It wasn’t a rare thing to happen - a customer asking about my name. But I guess that guy, with his cotton candy hair, was the type to surprise.

“It’s Y/N.” I said after a few seconds “You?”

“Chanyeol”

The name really suited him.

He reached out his hand for me to shake, and without hesitating, I did that.

“It’s nice to officially meet you, Y/N.” his smile was addictive

Chanyeol really was a rarity.

He had come on the third day, on the fourth, and the fifth as well. And then the days had become weeks. I hadn’t even realized that I had been a months since our first meeting.

I had a special bouquet of narcissus jonquils prepared especially for Chanyeol because he only asked for them. No roses, no tulips. Just jonquils. His girlfriend was really lucky to have someone like him by her side. Every time he came in, I had a feeling like he was falling in love more and more. His eyes were brighter and, I didn’t know it was possible, but his smile also got even wider.

Not only had he bought the flowers, but also stopped for a small chat with me. It turned out that Chanyeol had moved to his friend’s flat because it was closer the university where he was studying. He majored in music, and absolutely loved playing the guitar, piano and other instruments. Whenever he talked about them, he got so excited it made me want to try it all out myself.

The bell above the door rang, signalising somebody came into the shop. I put the watering can down, next to anemones.

“Welcome to ‘The Twisted Tulip’.” I repeated the greeting cheerfully “How can I help you?”

I saw Chanyeol walking in, but this time something was wrong. The smile on his face faded and his eyes were staring directly at his feet. Usually, they were traveling from one side of the room to the other, like he was completely absorbed by the flowers..

“Hi, Chanyeol.” I smiled, not knowing whether it was good idea to ask him about the look on his face “You narcissus are waiting.”

The way he ran his hand through his hair confirmed my guess. Something had happened.

“Um, Y/N…” his voice was oddly quiet “Will you… Is it going to be a problem if I didn’t take the jonquils this time?”

I was starting to get really worried. The Chanyeol that came in, wasn’t the Chanyeol that had been coming to my shop for the past month.

“No, of course it’s not going to be a problem.” I shook my head “Do you want, um… Would like to buy any other flowers?”

To be honest, I didn’t expect him to do so, but even though he acted differently today, he still was surprising me.

“Actually, yes.” he said

“Oh.” I wasn’t ready for this answer “What would you like?”

“Roses.” he announced confidently “Pink roses.”

I started at him for a while, but I quickly realized I should better stop. I started to look for the flowers he wanted. Chanyeol had never asked for something different than the narcissus jonquils. It had become a routine - he had been coming, I had had a prepared bouquet for him, he had bought it and had told me to keep the change.

In my shop there was a huge variety of roses. Red, white, even yellow, many others, and of course pink. Which were my favorite and that’s why I had the most of them.

I moved to the spot where I usually placed them and grabbed a medium bouquet. The prettiest one I could’ve chosen. I walked towards the table and without a word I started to automatically tie up the ribbon. But this time, instead of pink one, I chose white. Chanyeol didn’t say anything.

“Here you are.” I finished and gave him the bouquet, breaking the silence

“How much is it?” another unexpected question came out from his mouth

He had never asked me about the price because he knew what it was. Despite the fact, I didn’t know why was he so sad, I felt so sorry for him I wanted to give him the flowers as a gift. But at the same time, I didn’t want him to feel like his mood was bothering me somehow.

“Ten dollars.” I said quietly

He had already prepared the money, but the note he had was equal to the price of the flowers, and he couldn’t have told me to keep the change.

Instead, he reached out the pink roses, almost shoving them back into my hands. I jumped a little at the sudden movement and looked up at him. The way he was holding the bouquet out, and what I saw in his eyes, told me he wanted me to take them.

“It’s for you.” he said “It’s the only way I can say ‘thank you’ for always being so kind and helpful to me.”

Chanyeol had been surprising me almost everyday, but I had never been expecting something like that. It was so adorable, yet so heartbreaking because I knew he gave something up. Or someone.

I couldn’t say no, and took the flowers from him. My fingers brushed the petals in color of his hair, while I hugged the plants gently.

“Thank you, Chan.” I uttered “But… Do you want to talk?”

When he nodded while pressing his lips into a thin line, I realized I the meaning of the narcissus jonquils affected his life.

[tilltheendwilliwrite]

Rise Up

Chapter Twenty Nine

Previous Chapter

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader  |  Word Count: 6357 Warnings: Language and Drama

Song: Marry Me by Train

Steve still couldn’t believe what his eyes were showing him. Loki had gone all out to make the day special for (Y/N) though how much of it she would see was, well, yet to be seen.

It was out in the forest, but where once pine trees and slightly stumpy maples had lined the roughly honed path of hundreds of feet which had traversed the distance between the main compound and the bunker, now giant redwoods had replaced the scraggly trees towering above a wide gravel path. Lanterns glowed beneath the limbs of the lowest branches, hung along with garlands of small white flowers.

Everything looked… magical, like something out of fairytale world.

“Wow…”

Steve turned to smile at Peter and chuckled when he saw the teen. “Well, look at you.”

The boy’s eyes were enormous. “Me? Look at you!” Peter reached out to touch, only to pull his hand back. “Wow.”

“Go ahead,” Steve encouraged, holding out his arm.

Peter instantly clamped on, following the path of winding knots engraved on the bracer.

“This is so cool,” Peter breathed.

Steve ruffled his hair and looked at Loki. “What’s with the kid’s getup?”

“He will stand as the bearer of the handfasting cord. Traditionally, it is carried by the boy of your family who is closest to becoming a man. (Y/N) assured me Peter is family.” Loki motioned for them to continue down the path.

Steve looked at Peter who stood with his hands twisting together and head lowered. His heart beat faster than usual and a sheen of sweat had appeared on his brow. “Peter? You don’t have to if you don’t want to.”

“No, I want to!” Peter yelped, then flushed red. “If… if that’s… okay?”

“Yeah, kid.” Steve gently bounced his fist on Peter’s shoulder. “That would be great. Though I’m not sure what it is you’re doing.”

“I will explain once we are moving.” Loki shooed the group of them forward.

The others had headed on while Steve had waited for Loki to return at the head of the path. He’d gone to check on (Y/N) a final time, and apparently, pick up Peter.

Hemme had come to visit, and Steve had stepped off the path and into the forest, out of view as a hoard of well-dressed people had tramped by, laughing and excited. He'd paid them no mind and no one had noticed him in the deep shadows with the big black stallion.

“So?” Steve asked, heading into the forest with Peter between himself and Loki.

“Asgardian ceremonies are… extravagant. They are held in the open to allow the Norns the best opportunity to bear witness, and while I’m certain you think I have gone… overboard, I assure you I have not. This is rather tame.” He waved his hand at the trees. “You and (Y/N) will stand before the fire, speak your heart to each other beneath the boughs of the willow arch; then Thor will begin the binding.”

“And what is the binding?” Peter asked.

“This,” Loki waved his hand, and a cord of braided lengths of white ribbons, golden threads, and sparkling gems appeared draped over his palm, “is the handfasting cord. During the ceremony, Peter will stand with me, and when Thor begins the binding, you will present it to him. While on Earth handfasting is simply a symbol, an act they go through to present a union, for us it is quite different. And permanent.”

“Permanent?” Steve asked.

Loki cast him an indignant look. “As your bond with Sváfa is already quite permanent, this should not be an issue for you, Captain.”

“Isn’t. Just curious.”

“Hm. On Asgard, those of us who live long lives usually wait to find our one before committing ourselves to matrimony. The person meant to be with us throughout our years. When this happens, we handfast. It creates a bond unbreakable, increasing the affection we hold for one another, so the centuries together do not become stagnant.”

“Cool,” Peter piped up. “So they’re like, what? You’re soulmate?”

“Yes.”

“That’s really neat.” Peter looked up in awe.

“It is our way,” Loki murmured, returning his focus to Steve. “Thor will call for the cord at which time he will have you and (Y/N) join hands. He will ask you certain question to which you need only answer him with the words we will. The ceremony is not difficult. Just follow instructions and (Y/N)’s lead. You will be fine.”

“We’re not sacrificing a goat,” Steve muttered.

Loki snickered. “Father is quite put out by that fact, though it is more a Midgardian tradition or for the people of our realm than a godly one.”

They’d made it further into the forest and Steve admired the bridge which had been built to span the small ditch before the turn toward the bunker. Through the now redwood forest, he should have been able to see the old bunker they used for training, but it had disappeared, replaced by what looked like the ruins of an old stone church. Large peaked windows, ornate cornices, and heavy, ancient stones which stood behind rows of glowing mini lights, hung like a waterfall of sparkle in front of them, each strand wrapped in more of the small white flowers.

Once they rounded the corner, he stopped to stare. Awe filled him for the stage set was incredible. There were no pews per say, but fur covered daybeds piled with pillows. Members of the staff had gathered in groups of twos and threes, some with cups in hand which steamed slightly into the air. Others were milling still, checking out the decorations — some taking pictures.

Steve glanced at Tony who winked, letting him no there would be no accidental posts to social media. Likely the tech genius had something in place to keep the news from getting out. That was fine by Steve. He’d rather the news didn’t break until after he and (Y/N) were away.

Tony had already decreed he would be sending them on their honeymoon, to a location of his choice, and no, they were not allowed to know where they were going. Natasha and Wanda would pack a bag for (Y/N), while Bucky had taken care of Steve’s.

Returning his attention to the front, he marvelled at the wicker arbour standing sentinel over an ornate rug surrounded by a ring of flowers and a few flickering candles, placed just beyond a large fire pit of beaten copper with logs already lit and burning.

Odin broke away from where he waited with Thor and Heimdall to traverse the winding aisle and approach Steve’s small group. “If we are ready to begin, I will return for Sváfa.” Without waiting for agreement, he walked away.

Steve looked at Loki. “I get the distinct impression he doesn’t like me much.”

“It is less that he dislikes you and more that he his… disconcerted by your newfound title,” Loki murmured. “Come.” He motioned toward the front where the team waited.

“Damn, Cap!” Grant called out, grinning where he sat huddled with Faye. “Looking badass!”

“Who knew you could pull off the Viking thing so good!” Sammy yelled. “Wowza!!”

Whistling and thunderous applause turned his ears red, but he took it all with a good-natured grin and raised hands. Wanda and Natasha both poked at his chest and ribs. He hugged Pepper and welcomed her back. Accepted the teasing of Shuri, the soft smile of Nakia, and the smug grin of Okoye. He crouched to speak with Laura and Clint’s kids and blushed a little harder when Laura asked if he had any more armour he’d like to lend Clint.

But it was the person rising from the seat beside Sam who froze his blood. “Sharon?”

“Hey, Steve.” She gaped at him, mouth open in clear disbelief.

“Uh, what… what are you doing here?” he asked, stepping to the side and away from the people who were trying to look like they weren’t eavesdropping, and Natasha who didn’t bother to try and hide her displeasure at all. “Does (Y/N) know you’re here?”

“Yeah,” Sharon assured him, unable to pull her eyes away from his armour. “Wow. I… just… wow.” Her hand fluttered toward him, but she pulled it back before it landed.

“Yeah,” Steve laughed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Little different.”

She finally lifted her gaze to his, worry on her face. “Steve, is this what you want? Are you sure? It's only been a few months and-”

Steve held up his hand, cutting her off. “Don’t. She’s my world, Sharon. There is so much you don’t know or understand, but this? Yes, it's not exactly what I would have expected, but I love her.”

“They all told me. But, Steve! It all seems so fantastical! She’s some Valkyrie Queen? You’re some long-lost heir to some Asgardian kingdom? What the hell, Steven?”

It was odd but having her use his full name felt… wrong. Like he was being scolded by someone who no longer had that right. Like she was stepping into space which no longer belonged to her, but only to (Y/N). “Look, Sharon. I appreciate your concern, but this is my choice. She’s my soulmate. We live lives together! I met one. Myself in our first life together and it was like seeing my twin! It may sound like some fairy tale but its real. All of it.”

“So you believe she’s some Valkyrie Queen? She’s got you all believing it. What if it’s…” she glanced toward Loki and lowered her voice. “A trick?”

He straightened to his full height, anger furrowing his brow. “Don’t ever question her again. She’s exactly what she says she is. And if you’d been here this morning when nine wings of Valkyries rode in on their Pegasi from a tear in space, you wouldn’t be asking me these questions.”

“Pegasi?” she snorted. “Horses with wings? You expect me to believe there are horses with wings?”

Steve lifted his hand and pointed over her shoulder. “His name is Hemme, and he belongs to my girl.”

Sharon glanced over her shoulder, did a double take, and turned all the way around to stare at the big black loitering in the trees munching on ferns. “Ho… holy… wow,” she whispered.

“Still think we’re delusional?” he asked, crossing his arms over his chest. He didn’t bother to mention the mission they’d gone on with (Y/N), the panels they’d found in the mountain stronghold or the alien creature whose ass she’d kicked.

“Okay, I’ll… I’ll give you that one.” She turned around to study him for a long moment. “But, Steve… are you sure, really and truly sure this is what you want? You’ve only ever had two girlfriends, and Aunt Peggy was-”

“I think you should go, Sharon,” Steve cut her off. “If you can’t be happy for me and (Y/N), if you can’t wish us well, then you should go.”

“She was your first love, Steve.”

“Sváfa was my first love. My true love. And she’s been my wife more than once. Yeah, I loved Peggy, but what I feel for (Y/N)... it's like comparing a candle to the moon. No one outshines my sjelevenn.”

She stiffened, shock washing over her features. “You… but you… you said you’d never love anyone as much as you loved Peggy.”

“I was wrong.”

The colour bled from her face. “Wow. I never saw this coming when we broke up, and I encouraged you to go after her.”

Steve didn’t know what to make of that statement. “I’m happy you did, but it was (Y/N) who finally confessed to me, not the other way around. Besides, you’re engaged to Eric. What should it matter if I marry my girl?”

“Eric and I... aren’t,” she whispered.

“Excuse me?” Steve asked.

“After… after (Y/N) was rescued and back for a few weeks, Eric and I, we had a falling out. He said I was too focused on… on you.”

“Jesus, Sharon!” Steve hissed and scrubbed his hand over his face. “Why didn’t you say something?”

“You were… busy. With her.” She shrugged dismissively, but Steve couldn’t help but hear the kernel of jealousy in the words. “Anytime we talked, you were full of news about her and her progress. How she was adjusting to being blind. How great she was doing. Even now I can’t believe how not blind she appeared. Other than those eyes.”

He knew his girl’s eyes bothered people, but when Sharon shuddered, he turned away to take in his surroundings. The stern look on Bucky’s face, the hard visage of Natasha, and the anger of Tony’s only helped firm his resolve. This was out of line. “Look, Sharon…”

“He wasn’t wrong, Steve.”

He closed his eyes, having been desperately hoping she wasn’t going to go there. “Please, don’t do this. We’ve been done more than a year. We drifted apart, and dammit, Sharon!” He spun back to face her. “I’m getting married! Nothing will change that! Nothing!”

“Okay, time for you to go.” Natasha appeared at his elbow, her dress a full-length black number with a thigh-high slit. A thick shawl of bright blue draped around her shoulders was meant to keep off the chill of this fall evening. “I think you’ve caused enough chaos for the bride and groom. Was that your real purpose here? Stir things up and try to stop the ceremony? How did you find out about Steve and (Y/N)’s wedding?”

Sharon looked shocked and took a step back. “I… what? I was delivering intel on an upcoming mission. I had no idea this was taking place!”

“Old intel. Intel which had already been delivered by another courier,” Tony said, sauntering over in an immaculate three-piece suit. “You know, I couldn’t figure it out; how Ross was getting his intel. It took me longer than I’d like to admit, but I finally got it. Thanks for that. You’re arrival made the lightbulb burn.”

“Tony? What are you talking about?” Steve asked.

“Little Miss Perky isn’t at fault, but her boy toy likely is. You talk to her, Cap. Why wouldn’t you? Things ended amicably, and you’ve remained friendly. I bet you’ve told her a few things, but we wouldn’t have flagged your calls. Why would we? There was no way you were spilling Avenger secrets. You never even named names, I’m sure, when it came to our… special guests, but Eric? Now, he had no loyalty to the Avengers and was, likely, smart enough to figure out just what was happening here, so it doesn’t surprise me he sold us out to Ross. Pretty smart, actually. What better way to know what’s happening within the walls of the compound then by spying on the one person with inside access who didn’t live on site.”

Steve gaped at Tony before scrubbing a hand over his mouth. “Son of a bitch,” Steve swore.

“You kiss your girl with that mouth, Rogers?” Fury asked, striding down the aisle to take a seat beside Maria.

“Good to see you made it,” Steve nodded, but his mind was reeling. All this time. His casual conversations with someone he trusted, that was the reason Ross knew what was happening.  

“And (Y/N)’s mouth is worse,” Natasha snickered.

“I’ll kill him!” Sharon snapped. “I’m gonna murder him!”

“Who sent you here today, Sharon?” Steve asked.

“My boss. He just said the intel needed to be delivered. That it was time sensitive, and I shouldn’t delay.”

“Phone.” Tony held out his hand. Sharon instantly handed it over, and Tony passed his watch over it. “As I thought. It’s transmitting. Luckily, I’ve had this place on lockdown since Cap proposed. You would have gone radio silent the moment you entered the grounds. Still. FRIDAY, darling?”

“Yes, boss?”

“Best set a perimeter warning. Don’t need any unwanted guests,” Tony muttered.

“But how’d they know to send her today?” Steve asked.

Tony had been clicking away on his phone and sighed. “Your discretion in the city didn’t quite cut it. Some intrepid Twitter follower saw you coming out of the back door at Tiffany and Company and followed you to Cartier. Speculation is running rampant, especially with this image.”

He turned the phone so that Steve could see it. They’d caught him coming out of Freyja’s place, looking stupidly happy with the small box in hand.

“Dammit!” He couldn’t catch a break.

“Steve, I’m so sorry,” Sharon said, her tone ringing sincerity.

“There’s enough blame to go around. You don’t need to take it all on yourself,” Steve assured her. “But maybe you should still go.”

“Too late,” Bucky muttered, peering through the trees before turning cold eyes to Sharon. “Sit and keep your opinions to yourself. (Y/N)’s on her way.”

Sharon nodded, looking contrite, but Steve couldn’t think about all this right now. No matter what she’d had to say, it would have made little difference. (Y/N) was his heart and soul. He wanted nothing more than to marry her and spend as many lives with her as possible.

“Captain,” Thor called, motioning for him to come forward to where the fire burned. “Wait here. Friends!” He waved their immediate teammates to stand in a circle around the arbour. “We invite all who are here to bear witness to this joyous occasion, but I ask those Steve and (Y/N) call family to gather close and become part of the ceremony.”

Bucky came to stand at his side, giving Steve a wink while holding (Y/N)’s sword.

“Buck,” Steve murmured.

Bucky shook his head. “She didn't know her Aunt that well if she thinks Peggy wouldn't be over the moon happy for you, Steve.”

Steve nodded, appreciating the sentiment.  “I don't ever want (Y/N) thinking she's less in my eyes. Sharon did that once. I won't let it happen again.”

“That’s good, cause here she comes, and I’m pretty sure if she thought you’d changed your mind, she’d stab you with your own sword,” Bucky chuckled as the guests got to their feet.

“I’d walk through Hell for her. I don't have any doubts about where she belongs, or where I belong. Even if that means standing behind her throne in Asgard.” Steve stood a little taller, able to make out Clint leading the way with his sword stretched across Clint’s palms.

Loki had explained that the exchange of swords was basically a promise. By Sváfa giving up her most powerful weapon, Glemsel, she was announcing her complete trust and faith in Steve’s ability to protect and provide for her. Her sword was an extension of herself, and without it, she was easy prey for her enemies.

By keeping Steve’s sword, Randulfr, with her, it was Steve’s way of providing his protection even though he was not present. None would dare go against her for she was not helpless because he had provided his most powerful protection to her, for her use, until they met again.

Before the fire they would meet, the blades would be laid bare and returned to their owners. Held in trust, they were exchanged with great reverence, showing the care and esteem each held for the other. Giving back a damaged sword, unless needed in battle, was considered disrespectful and had, more than once, ended a wedding before it began. The transfer of his sword back to him also symbolized the acknowledgment that he was now responsible for the guardianship and protection of his new bride, while his return of her sword let her know he had absolute faith and trust in her ability to protect herself, their home, and future children. It was a balance, a partnership, and a give and take. One was no better than the other but moved forward from their marriage as a unit.

While he may think it odd, their traditions a little archaic, they were also beautiful in a violent - potentially stabby - kind of way, and he’d charged Bucky with taking the utmost care with (Y/N)’s sword.

Clint’s eyes widened as he took in the setting before shooting his kids a wink when Lila called out, “Hi, Dad!” She made the gathered guests chuckle, and Steve smiled fondly at her.

Thor tilted his head, and Clint followed his meaning, moving to the side to wait, but Steve only had eyes for (Y/N).

His breath caught, and the burn of tears had him sinking his teeth into his cheek. She looked beautiful. Her dress was such a pure white it seemed to glow in the low light. Her long sleeves swung with each step. The neckline highlighted her locket, causing him to choke up even further. There was a bouquet in her arm of more white flowers, stalks of wheat, and sprigs of lavender, the stems wrapped in a ribbon whose ends glittered with crystals.

More crystals gleamed in the silver crown upon her brow, some clear while others were the same milk white as the moonstone in her ring. She looked ethereal, and when she stepped beyond the shadow of the trees on Odin’s arm, Steve could no longer hold back the little gasp of breath or the tear which escaped his eye.

“Friends,” Thor intoned. “We stand before these flames meant to symbolize those of Valhalla, and call upon the Norns to bear witness to this man and this woman who choose this night to be joined together and live as husband and wife.” He took (Y/N)’s hand from Odin. The All-father kissed her cheek and moved off to stand with Loki and Peter - whose hands now held the handfasting cord.

Steve turned to face his girl, her smile wide and cheeks lightly pink. Her heart beat beside his, happy and excited and so full of joy.

“Steven.” Thor held out (Y/N)’s hand. “Join your hand with (Y/N)’s and pass them over the fire as you join me beneath the brambles.”

He didn’t need to be told twice, simply reached out and took her hand from Thor’s, allowing the Asgardian to move away to step beneath the arbour.

Before taking another step, Steve bent toward her and whispered, “You look beautiful, min vakre skjoldpike.”

***

You smiled, heart full to bursting. “You look…” The fire crackled and sparked beside you, the heat helping to highlight his beautiful armour. “Incredible.” And you wanted to touch every inch of him.

He chuckled softly before catching the point of your sleeve and folding it up over your arm. “You lead, sweetheart. I’ll follow you.”

You were fairly certain if you smiled any wider your face would cramp, but you gave him a wink and nudged him toward his side of the brazier. You stepped to yours and with outstretched arms, you let the heat of the fire lick at your joined hands while you made your way toward Thor.

“May the flames of Valhalla bless you, keep you warm, and light fires of passion forevermore in your hearts for each other,” Thor spoke as you moved beyond the fire to stand with him in the circle of protection beneath the wooden arbour. “Bring the swords.” He motioned to Clint and Bucky. “Captain, draw the sword, and if (Y/N) finds you worthy, we shall continue.”

Steve turned toward Bucky who held the sword out so he could draw it smoothly from its sheath and present it over his palms to you. “Not a scratch.”

Handing your bouquet to Wanda, you wrapped your hand around the hilt. Glemsel greeted you, humming with power, and you took your fingers down the blade. “Thank you for your care, sjelevenn.” Bucky handed over your sheath, and you returned your sword to it before passing it off to Natasha.

“(Y/N),” Thor murmured. “You’re up.”

Clint stepped forward, and you closed your hand around the hilt of Randulfr. The power which raced up your arm had you breathing out in shock as you drew it forth and held it out to Steve. “Wow. That’s… intense.”

He chuckled softly and took it from your hands. You weren’t sure what the others saw, but there was a loud gasp from the group at large. To you, Steve appeared to glow, more in keeping with Thor or Loki or Odin, strong and powerful with a very bright soul.

“Perfect. Just like you,” Steve murmured.

Wanda awed, and Clint snickered but turned over the sheath to Steve. He handed it off to Bucky when Thor motioned for him to wait and took the weapon from him. Much of Steve’s glow diminished with its removal.

“The rings, Captain?”

Sam swiftly dug into his pocket and dropped them into Steve’s open hand. Steve gave them to Thor, who set them on the hilt of the blade.

“Consecrated on this blade, we emphasize the sacredness of the compact between man and wife and the binding nature of the oath which they take together. Captain, take up (Y/N)’s ring and speak the vows from your heart.”

Steve picked the ring from the blade, took your hand, and began to slide it up your finger. “(Y/N). Today, I take you to be my partner, my one true love, and my wife. I promise to encourage you and inspire you, to love you truly through good times and bad. I will be there to laugh with you and to lift you up when you’re down. I will love you unconditionally through all of our adventures in this life and all the ones to come. You talk about being my shield, but I’m gonna stand as your sword. Whatever comes, you’ll never be alone because I am always with you.”

You tried hard not to cry, you really did, but at least one tear slipped out to trickle down your cheek. “Oh, Stevie…”

“Baby.” He cupped your cheek and brushed the tear from it.

“(Y/N).” Thor shifted the blade toward you.

Picking Steve’s ring from the hilt, your fingers shook a little when you took his hand and slipped the ring on his finger. “Steven… I always thought it would be difficult to find someone who’d love me when I felt… so plain. Then, everything changed, and I lost my way for a while, got a little scattered. It was like trying to complete a puzzle when the pieces were the wrong size. But then there was you, and you showed me every piece didn’t have to be perfect to create something beautiful. You showed me that love could exist in the most imperfect, lost, broken person. You lift me up. You stand with me. You’re my heart and my soul, and I love you, so damn much. I need you like I need air.” Continuing to hold his hand, you reached up with the other and set it on his wet cheek. “Alt jeg har, alt det jeg er, alt jeg vil være, er din. For alltid. All I have, all I am, all I want to be, is yours. Forever.”

His face softened when he smiled and swallowed thickly. “Sjelevenn.”

“Forever, Steven,” you affirmed.

He leaned down to kiss you only to have Thor clear his throat.

“Patience, Captain,” he chuckled, sheathing the sword and returning it to Bucky. “Peter.”

The boy practically jumped the distance to Thor’s side and thrust the cord outward. You winked at him, causing heat to rise in his cheeks.

“Thank you, Peter. You may step back.” Thor looked at you both, then out at those gathered. “We begin the binding. In this, gathered friends, I invite you to witness as two are made one, in love and life, for better or worse, where not even death shall part them. As Steve and (Y/N) go through this life together, I bid you remind them of their oath here today if trouble should brew between them. Join your left hands.”

Steve gently took your hand in his. His smile soft. His hand warm.

“Steven and (Y/N), I bid you look at each other. Will you honour and respect one another, and seek to never break that honour?”

“We will,” the two of you agreed, and Thor draped the cord over your joined hands.

“And so the first binding is made. Will you share each other’s pain and seek to ease it?”

“We will.”

He crossed the cord beneath your hands, brought it up, and draped it over them again. “And so the binding is made. Will you share the burdens of each other so your spirits may grow in this union?”

“We will.” The cord made another round, this time draping each wrist.

“And so the binding is made. Will you share each other’s laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the best in each other?”

“We will,” you agreed, and Thor wrapped the cords the final time.

“And so the binding is made.” He tied the cords together and cupped your joined hands between his own. “(Y/N) and Steve, as your hands are bound together now, so your lives and spirits are joined in a union of love and trust. Above you are the stars and below you is the earth. Like the stars, your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation from which to grow. Today and each day forward, may you be a symbol of love to each other and the world.”

With his final word, lightning licked over your joined fists, and as you’d done this before, you knew a golden glow would radiate from between his palms as the binding took place.

Steve’s fingers squeezed yours and love overflowed your heart.

“Friends! I bid you join me in congratulations for this couple, now joined forevermore, as they have given me the honour of presenting them to you for the first time. Steven and (Y/N) Rogers, King of Sváfaland and Queen of the Valkyrjur! Captain! Feel free to kiss your bride!”

Hands still bound together, Steve dragged you toward him, sank his hand into your hair and closed his mouth over yours.

The cheers and whistling faded into nothing when the steady beating of Steve’s heart took over your ears. It thudded in time with yours. Even with his armour hard against your chest, you could feel it, beating, full of love and devotion and unending desire.

You wrapped your hand around the back of his neck; your joined hands held tight to your belly. Getting enough of his mouth was impossible. The taste which was all Cap, a combination of minty toothpaste and heady spice, and something which bespoke a will that could move mountains, slid over your tongue when you took the kiss deeper and licked his bottom lip.

He made a noise like a tiger purring and sank in, dragged you higher against him until you lifted up on your toes. And time stood still for one brief moment when air became necessary for life, and your mouths parted only enough to breathe together, moist puffs of air whispering over plump, wet lips.

Foreheads touching, Steve shifted his hand to your cheek. “You’re mine now.”

“I’ve always been yours,” you whispered and nipped your teeth into his full lower lip. “And I’ll be yours until the end of time.”

The loud clearing of at least three throats finally broke you apart.

“If you two are done sucking face, there’s a party to be had,” Sam laughed and bumped hips with Bruce.

“Yeah, brat. Save that for the honeymoon,” Clint teased.

“Small people watching. You’d best keep it clean,” Bucky snickered.

“Just because I’m wearing a dress, doesn’t mean I can’t kick all of your asses,” you warned.

Thor belted out a laugh. “Come, everyone! Let us feast!” More cheering erupted.

Loki moved closer, but you shot him a smile. “Could Steve and I have a moment?”

Happy smiles and laughter along with good-natured ribbing filled the air, but people started making their exit, following Tony away from the ceremony space back toward the compound. But when Bucky and Natasha made their way toward Sharon and quick marched her away, you frowned.

“I will wait for you down the path, (Y/N),” Loki murmured, stepping forward to kiss your cheek before walking away.

“Thank you, Loki. Thor. All-father.” You smiled at the lot.

“Daughter,” Odin said, taking your hands. “You look lovely. Frigga would be pleased.” He looked at Steve and finally held out his hand. “You wear Hurgid’s armour well.”

“Thank you, sir,” Steve murmured, gripping his wrist.

“Congratulations, Sváfa,” Heimdall murmured, also kissing your cheek. “Ravishing, as always.”

“Heimdall, you flatter me,” you chuckled. “I’ll take it.”

He belted out a laugh and encouraged Odin away allowing you and Steve a moment alone.

“Can we take this off now?” Steve asked, holding up your tied fists.

“Yeah.” You tugged one end loosening the rope.

Steve caught it when it started to slide and wrapped it around your waist, turning it into a belt and making you giggle. “That’s improper use of a handfasting cord.”

“Matches your outfit.” He took you by the waist and just held you. “You do look… incredible.”

“I know it’s not what you expected and that this whole ceremony isn’t traditional-”

He succeeded in stopping your words with a well-timed kiss. “Baby, I wouldn’t have cared if we got married in an alley. All I want is you.”

“Steve,” you sighed and melted. “You’re too good.”

“Only when I want to be, Mrs. Rogers.”

“That’s going to take some getting used to.” You brought your hands to his chest and stroked the heavy armour. “You really do make this look good. I love your work suits, but this. Steve, you look enormous. So big and strong. It’s just… amazing.”

“Gave Odin a shock.”

“I bet,” you murmured, continuing to touch him. “I want to peel you out of this.”

“Does it turn you on?” he teased.

You lifted your head and smiled at him. “You have no idea.” You wanted to climb him like a tree.

His hands went to your ass and jerked you in tight. “I could find out.”

“Mmm, I would say yes, but there’s no time. Loki is waiting because I have a surprise for you.” You turned toward the fire and gave a quiet sigh. “I do wish I could see this. I’m getting images, shapes of things. I can see this,” you touched the arbour, “and feel the fire burning. I know there are couches set up for the guests and I can smell mulled wine and spiced mead. But… I miss the colours.”

Steve stepped into your spine and held you close, his head tucking down on your shoulder. “Everything is shades of green, brown, and red. The redwoods are so tall they blot out the sky except for directly above us. There are garlands of white flowers strewn everywhere, even cascading like a waterfall behind us, braided together with small twinkle lights. The fire glows in reds and oranges against the copper bowl, and more flames flicker in the wrought iron lanterns hanging in the trees.”

“And you?” you asked, able to picture it now with his voice low in your ear.

“The armour is burgundy, a deep rich red, and there is a brindled fur collar. Dark leather pants, boots that match the armour, and a tunic in blue and black.”

“Sexy,” you purred, and he laughed.

“Not as sexy as you. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” he whispered against your cheek. “I want my mark, baby.”

The words caused a clench to hit your womb. “Tonight. I promise.”

“You’d better. Should we join the others?” he asked as the moon crested the tops of the trees. Then, he gasped. “(Y/N)!”

“What?”

“The stones… they’re… glowing!”

You laughed softly and touched the crown. “I’m not surprised. They were from the Elves, and the Valley of the Veil on Álfheim Loki said. The light elves were quite tied to the moon, and their stones tended to retain their light.”

“But… your ring glows too.”

You held out your hand and could feel the magic pulse. “Freyja, what tricks are you playing?”

“No tricks, darling,” Loki said, appearing out of nowhere. “It is but an Elven Moonstone like those in mother’s bridal crown. They strengthen the bonds of love and passion. Freyja has been doing everything in her power, so it seems, to make certain you and your sjelevenn are unable to be torn asunder. The bond you share has become as unbreakable as the metal of Mjolnir.”

“That she’s gone to such lengths… worries me,” you murmured.

“Whatever comes, together, baby. Always together,” Steve promised.

“Are you ready, darling?” Loki asked.

“Ready for what?” Steve frowned.

“I did say I had a surprise for you,” you murmured and stepped backward out of his arms. “I know this day didn’t go quite as it should. It wasn’t what you expected, but you indulged my traditions.”

“Sweetheart, we discussed this already. I’m fine with it.”

“I’m not.” You lifted your chin. “You deserve every chance at happiness because tonight is about the two of us. I can’t give you a church wedding, not now. If you want one in the future, I’m happy to do this again. The one thing I can give you is a piece of the past. Bucky helped me find it, pick something he thought you’d like so if it’s hideous, blame him. But this, Steve. This is my gift to you with the help of our friends.” You nodded to Loki and felt the magic swell around you.

When it ended, you stood to wait for his reaction.

“Holy… shit,” Steve swore.

Next Chapter

[curlsandcrown]

I’m a Fiend and You’re All I Need (Bughead, 18+)

Summary: Serpent Betty Cooper and Northsider Jughead Jones are thrust into an arranged marriage as a way to bring peace to the rival sides of Riverdale. (Ao3) Characters/Pairings: Betty x Jughead, apperances by Veronica, Toni, and Alice Word Count: 9,598 Warnings: arranged marriage, fluff, some language, smut (18+) sex

Betty’s boots echo off the walls of the Whyte Wyrm as she walks to the bar where Toni is readying the glasses for the day. As much as she wanted to sleep in for once, her slumber had been interrupted by an urgent text from her mother calling for a mandatory meeting for all Serpents. The last few months have been a test for everyone on the Southside and anytime Alice Cooper called for a meeting, especially a mandatory one for everyone, that meant something big was going to happen. Betty could only hope her mother had a new plan to join the Southside and the Northside once and for all.

“Morning, Betty,” Toni says without looking up from her work.

Settling on a bar stool, Betty watches Toni silently for a short moment. “I know it's early, but can I get a drink?”

Toni’s eyes meet hers and she can see how tired the other woman also is. “The usual?”

Betty nods. Toni grabs a bottle of the best whiskey they stocked and fills up Betty’s glass halfway. Then she pours herself one. If this meeting is going to be like any of the others recently, they will need it.

“Cheers,” Toni quips with a raised eyebrow and they both knock back their glasses.

As if on cue, the doors open and in comes Veronica followed by Sweet Pea, Fangs, and a few other male Serpents. While the men are dressed in their Serpent jackets, Veronica is clad in a form-fitting black dress and a black coat. If she didn't know better, she would have no idea that Veronica is a Serpent. She would think she was a New York socialite. Oftentimes, her appearance is a huge help to the Serpents.

“Good morning, ladies!” Veronica greets with a smile, leaning against the bar next to Betty.

“Can I get you anything?” Toni asks after the girls greet each other and the men walk past to set up a game of pool while they wait. Not many of the Serpents were morning people.

“Martini,” Veronica answers simply before looking at Betty. “Do you have any clue what this meeting is about?”

“My mom hasn't told me anything. I know as much as you do.”

Toni places Veronica’s glass in front of her and she sips it delicately.

“Think it's time for peace?”

Betty laughs. “More like time for a truce, but never peace. The Northside won't be happy until we're all working for them.”

Veronica rolls her eyes dramatically and sits on a bar stool after taking off her coat and crossing her leg. “Surely there has to be a way to end this silly feud.”

“Silly?” Toni voices then leans her elbows on the bar. “It's been going on since your parents were Serpents, before they moved to New York and came back with you to help out in the business.”

“You know what I mean, T. We have the upper hand in this town. We just need to assert it. Besides, who on the Northside can speak for everybody?”

Her best friend raises her eyebrows, taking a sip of her martini and Betty has to give it to her, she's not wrong.

“That is what we're here to discuss,” Alice calls out before moving her way to the stage of the bar.

Betty abandons her drink on the bar top and stands, not drifting towards her mother like she usually would. She's nervous.

“Have you been able to negotiate anything?”

Alice nods and sits on the edge of the stage, looking at everyone in the room. “I met with a few of the people who essentially run the Northside along with the mayor. We've come up with something that could bond the two sides.”

“That's amazing. I'm surprised they agreed to something. What is it?” Veronica asks as she turns in her seat, smiling to Betty before looking to their fearless leader.

The older blonde seems to hesitate before meeting her eyes. Betty stiffens and raises her eyebrows in question.

“They proposed a marriage, between Betty and one of their own.”

“What?” They all exclaim.

“That's absolutely absurd,” Veronica states as she moves off the bar stool. “There's only a handful of men over there that they all deem as the golden boys. And not to mention all the older horn dogs.” She shudders in disgust then looks over at Betty with a distraught look.

Betty smiles softly at Veronica’s concern. Her best friend has a great point and, although Betty would do almost anything for the Serpents, the thought of marrying someone she doesn’t know sends a shiver of dread up her spine. She has read enough romance novels to know that it could very well be one of the older men. He could be a secretly horrible man with unhealthy desires or prejudices against the Southside. It doesn’t sit right with her. 

“Shouldn't it be our choice since they picked Betty?” Sweet Pea asks in the distance, leaning against the pool table.

“I'm glad you mentioned that. My best friend from high school, FP Jones, suggested his son before they could say that we can't pick a suitable bachelor. He recently got out of a relationship, he owns the Riverdale Register and runs it with Archie Andrews who is his best friend, and everyone thinks very highly of him.”

They all look to Betty and she can feel her breathing begin to quicken. Why is this happening to her? And why did they pick her out of everyone. Veronica is a better catch and looks more like a Northsider than herself.

“Maybe it won't be so bad, Betty. How old is he?” Toni asks, laying a supportive hand on her bicep.

“Same as Betty, 24.” Alice looks at her, a hesitant and sad smile adorning her face. Betty can tell how tired she is, fighting with the Northside constantly and defending them over their previous Southside reputation. Her mother has turned it around from what it used to be, especially after her father left with her older sister Polly.

While Betty is relieved that he’s the same age as her, it’s still not the way she expected to get married. And with the obvious pressure on her mother and the Southside, she’s not sure she could ever say no.

Toni’s hand is still on her arm, which is a great comfort now, and Betty takes a deep breath to calm herself before saying, “If you believe them, mom, that this will help everyone else, I’ll do it.” The thought still doesn’t sit well with her, but she trusts that her mother wouldn’t make a decision that would ruin her life. At the very least, she believes that her mother feels that it’s the only option they have left.

Her mother is clearly surprised by Betty agreeing so quickly, but if she has learned anything over the last few years, it’s that sometimes she has to put everyone else first. No Serpent stands alone. She knows that her family will support her every step of the way.

The day of the wedding, which is three weeks and two days after she has met Jughead and his father, Betty is standing in front of a mirror in a lavish mansion. Her friends and mother are moving around behind her to ensure everything is going according to plan, but she's looking at the dress she picked out last week, the intricate details of the flowers spread out and flowing along with the fabric pooling at her feet.

Part of her wants to cry but the rest of her wants to laugh at the situation that she has found herself in. It's her wedding day and it's the dress of her dreams but she's being married off to a Northsider like some sort of sacrificial goat peace-offering. Betty scoffs and turns in the mirror, glancing at the low cut of her dress that's exposing  her back and the small slits along her ribs. Her hands smooth down the fabric, fingering the small petals now and then before dropping her arms to her sides.

“You look so beautiful, Betty,” Veronica murmurs in her right ear.

Toni and Veronica flank her on either side while looking into the mirror. They both have a proud smile as her mother comes up behind them to put the veil in her loose curls pinned back in a braided half updo and her blonde hair falling down her shoulders. The sheer cloth drapes along the back of her dress and Betty knows she looks amazing.

“The most beautiful bride the Northside will ever see.”

Her blood turns to ice as Betty meets her mother's eyes. “Will every important person going to be here?”

“If you mean mayor McCoy and all of her posse, yes.” Alice pauses and asks both of her best friends to give them a moment. After they walk away, she turns Betty towards her and tucks a stray hair back behind her ear. “Thank you for doing this, Betty. I know it's not ideal but FP speaks proudly of his son. He'll treat you well until you two can get an annulment, once they see that this union shows that the two sides can come together and live peacefully among one another.”

Her eyes drop to the ring on her right hand, running the pad of her thumb over the small diamonds along the band that Jughead had given her. Betty knows that he'll be good to her. In fact, he’s been nothing but a gentleman the few times that they had met. He even did a small proposal and gave her an engagement ring without even needing to because he was put into this situation just like she was. But he wanted to because he thought it was right, that they should have the little things to symbolize this marriage despite how they got here. It's far more decadent than she thinks she deserves, being a Southside Serpent, with its delicate rose gold band, the diamonds running along it and the large oval diamond.

Betty swallows roughly and looks out towards the area where she'll say her vows. He deserves better than her.

“I know that look, Elizabeth. You are not a bad person.”

She wants to believe it but she's done things, bad things, for the Serpents. Jughead is good and the last thing she wants is to taint him with her venom.

Betty rolls her eyes as she thinks over her mother’s comment. Obviously part of her wants to disagree but she also knows that her mother has worked really hard to turn around the Serpent ways. There are some things that can’t be avoided in gang business but Jughead doesn’t need to know that either, however, at this rate it might be inevitable.

So she changes the topic completely.

“I’m surprised that the Blossoms even let us use their property for the nuptials.” Betty moves closer to the window and looks over the gardens then to the greenhouse that will host the reception.

Her mother moves next to her, adjusting the veil tucked into her bridal hairdo. “The mayor says it’s the most beautiful grounds for a peaceful union between the two sides.”

Betty huffs out a laugh, “Maybe if you can ignore the part of it that seems haunted by the ghosts of Blossom’s past.” She turns and sees the solemn look on her mother’s face and the tears threatening to fall. “Mom?”

Alice brushes the tear away with a manicured finger, always looking impeccable no matter the occasion. “I’m sorry that this is how your wedding is happening and that I put you into this position. Your father would be horrified.”

Moving closer to her mother, she intertwines their hands together. “Who cares what dad thinks? He left, mom. It was his own choice and even if this was my happily ever after, he still wouldn’t be here because I’m a Serpent. I’m doing this for us, for our family and for peace in this territorial, twisted town. Jughead doesn’t seem so bad,” she offers with a smile.

They hug for a few minutes, feeling the tension of the moment melt away despite what they were about to do for the sake of the Southside. Alice pulls away and strolls across the room, picking up the extravagant peony bouquet that Veronica had designed. This entire wedding is thanks to her best friend’s style and planning and the Northside’s funding. With that in mind, Veronica had went all out, making a lavish New York style wedding at the Blossom’s house.

“Are you ready?”

She nods, taking the bouquet then holding up the end of her dress as they move towards the staircase. “I’m ready to see what kind of dent V made on their wallets.”

The Cooper women grin towards each other than her mother moves down to go out to the ceremony grounds with the rest of the town. Betty makes it to the bottom of the stairs and sees both Veronica and Toni standing with their bouquets in dark green dresses. She thinks it’s quite smart that they pulled Serpent green into the wedding without the Northsiders seeing what’s happening.

“You two look amazing.”

They both turn and smile, the two of them tilting their head to look at her. Her best friends take a long, appreciative gander from her perfectly curled hair down to Betty’s blush pink wedding shoes with gold vines running up the heel.

“Not as amazing as you do. That dress is absolutely stunning, B.” Veronica says as tears come to her eyes and holding a hand over her heart. They’ve been best friends for years and this is a big turning point for them both, despite the fact that this union has been planned between the two rivalry sides of Riverdale.

“Jughead is going to die once he sees you in that dress. All of the Northside probably will.” Toni throws in with a wink.

That makes Betty grin as she flares out the bottom of the veil over her dress. “Think they’ll hate it? Too much skin?”

“Absolutely not!” They both exclaim.

“You are the Southside Juliet to today’s story. They won’t dare say anything bad today or else they will have our most prominent people jumping down their throats. Now, let’s go see how your Romeo cleans up. I’m sure he’ll have a hard time keeping his hands off of you.” Veronica quips and neither her nor Toni dare to say otherwise on her thoughts.

She nods with a smile and follows them out onto the manicured lawn where everything will take place. The groomsmen are waiting to walk them down the aisle, more of the peace treaty being shown to the town.

Betty lingers back so the men can’t see her dress, wanting everyone’s jaws to drop as she moves towards her groom. A man named Reggie holds his arm out to Toni and they begin to walk towards the crowd in front of them while Veronica meets the best man. Betty watches as Veronica’s hand moves to his arm, a redhead named Archie. Her best friend gives him a cheeky grin, saying something quietly before they begin to move behind Toni and Reggie.

She glides along the grass to where her closest friends were just standing, watching as they take their respective spots by the canopy that was constructed in the gardens. Betty sighs and looks to her side, feeling a slight pang of sadness at the spot where her father should be standing. As her eyes look over the grass, imagining the indent from polished leather shoes, her mind lingers to a time long ago when Betty would often fantasize about her wedding day. Polly would be standing next to Veronica and Toni, her signature headband replaced with a braid. Her dad would be holding back tears as his baby girl walked to him for the final time before giving her to the love of her life. 

But now, Betty wonders if he’s walked Polly down the aisle to her own prince charming with neither her or their mother there to help get her ready for the ceremony. And if she has replaced her with a different maid of honor, maybe the first friend she made in whatever city they moved to.

Her heart hurts just thinking about it.

Shaking her head to drive the thoughts away, she looks forward and straightens her back, waiting for the wedding march to start. This is her day, even if Betty didn’t actually pick any of it herself and she doesn’t want the bitter taste of her family abandoning them in her mouth.

The music starts and she’s pulled out of her reverie, causing her to move forward while the attendees stand and turn to watch as she comes. Instead of looking to her friends and family, who she knows are looking to her with pride, her eyes immediately look for Jughead. As soon as she’s in front of the crowd, Archie taps his arm and he turns. Betty locks eyes with him, looking for any sign of apprehension or disgust but instead she is met with blue eyes that show shock and adoration while skimming over her dress as if to memorize every single detail.

During their first dance, his hand is low on her back, warming her skin while they move close together. Kiss Me by Ed Sheeren is playing in the background and Betty rests her cheek against his, tilting her lips towards Jughead’s ear and closing her eyes.  

“Why did you agree to this, Jug?” She asks in his ear while everyone watches their every step, the song choice probably being a joke from the Northsiders.

Jughead pulls away and looks down into her eyes and she notices that they are a different shade of blue than earlier. “My dad is best friends with your mom, at least our family is connected and you aren't with a complete stranger. I can't imagine you being with someone like Reggie.”

They both look over at the man in question who is talking up Toni, running a finger down her arm in his groomsmen tux with the tie undone. Betty giggles and moves closer to Jughead without realizing what she's doing.

“Or Archie, even though he's my best friend. He's,” Jughead hesitates, tilting his head in thought. “I don't think he'd be able to keep up with you. He's great but I also think he wouldn't be able to pull it off since his sights are aimed elsewhere.”

She looks over to where Archie and Veronica are huddled together, his finger tracing a pattern high up on her best friend's leg. A smile is adorning her face that Betty has never seen before, as if her friend is smitten. Betty laughs lightly and squeezes his bicep. “Well thank you for being kind and throwing me a bone.”

Her head tilts back as the corners of her lips stay in a smile and their eyes meet, a comforting smile of his own meeting her. It's weird how she does feel safe with Jughead in this moment, like he won't take advantage of this.

Suddenly the room fills with clinking from the Northsiders in the room.

“What is happening,” Jughead trails off and looks around.

“They want us to kiss.” Betty laughs softly. “It’s a wedding tradition. We’re supposed to kiss anytime they clink their glasses.”

Jughead looks apprehensive and despite the situation, Betty finds herself wanting to soothe him. She squeezes his arm again, causing him to look down into her eyes.

“We don’t have to, but it would help sell us to them.”

He shakes his head at her and smiles sheepishly. There’s a boyish charm about Jughead that makes her stomach flip in ways she hasn’t felt in years. Who knew that she would end up with someone like this, even if it’s just for a year before they tell the town that it just couldn’t work out.

“No, we do have to do it. We have to make them believe this is real, after all.” There’s a teasing tone to his voice and a sparkle in his eye that wasn’t there before. It’s enough to make the nerves in her stomach tighten into something else.

Wrapping her arms around her husband’s shoulders, Betty places a hand at the back of his neck and pulls him down toward her, Jughead meeting her halfway. When their lips touch for the second time that night, the pressure of his mouth on hers stays there for a long moment before they pull back for air, looking at each other with matching smiles. The imprint of his lips are all she can think about for the rest of the reception. Luckily for them both, the Northside doesn’t let up their clinking until it’s time for everyone to leave.

Once they arrive at their suite by the airport - because Jughead insisted on them going on an actual honeymoon, Betty moves towards the window and looks out at the night sky. The moon is bright and low in the sky but her nerves are unsettled. She’s married. It’ll be at least a year of awkward conversations and temporarily moving in with Jughead into his apartment to keep up appearances.

She hears Jughead drop his tuxedo jacket onto the chair in the corner but she still hasn’t turned towards him. They’ll have to share a bed since they’re officially a couple but Betty isn’t sure how she’s supposed to act right now.

Suddenly his hand rests on her waist and the heat from his body causes chill bumps to raise along her skin. His touch is electrifying and her breathing automatically speeds up, thinking of the way his hand felt on her bare back while they were dancing hours earlier and how she had wanted it to move just a bit lower.

“We don’t have to do anything, Jug,” she says quietly into the room.

Jughead moves to stand in front of her and she has to tip her head back to look up at him. The tie at his neck is undone, the top few buttons of his dress shirt are unbuttoned as well. He pulls her closer and raises his free hand to run the back of his fingers along her jaw. “I’ve had to look at you all night in this dress. Did you even know that part of it was see through?”

Her lungs are struggling to take a normal breath, her intake of air coming in short bursts as he pulls the straps of her wedding dress down her arms. “No,” she whispers.

“Luckily everyone knows you’re a Serpent and mine now, but seeing the shadow of your legs every time you moved around the room,” he trails off then runs his finger to her chest, gently scratching his fingernail down her sternum to the low cut between her breasts. Jughead’s digit hooks into the fabric there then ducks his head down to her ear. “Do you know how sexy you are?”

She whimpers in response as Jughead pulls away and dips his head down, tongue replacing the spot where his finger was. Betty brings her hands to his hair and tips her head back, pulling the strands a bit before his tongue follows the trail that his finger created and comes up the valley of her breasts. His lips stop at her collarbone and begins to suck a mark into her skin.

“Jug, this will make everything more complicated.” Even as the statement leaves her mouth, Betty knows how much she wants this. Him. Maybe this is all a result of the champagne.

Then he says the three words that makes her lose all of her control. “I don’t care.”

They clash together in a searing kiss, his hands moving down to her ass to pull her up against his pelvis and she can feel how hard he is. Betty starts to unbutton the rest of his shirt and pushes it off his shoulders and gasps for air when he pulls away for a moment. Once the white fabric hits the floor, Jughead’s hands move up to push the straps of her dress down the rest of the way and moans when he’s met with her braless chest.

“Fucking hell, Betty,” he pants before pulling her into a bruising kiss.

It’s messy and uncoordinated but kissing him sends a thrill through her and his reaction to her lack of bra makes her clench her thighs together. Betty wants to ask him something but he feels so good that she’d rather just keep undressing him.

But he has other plans.

Jughead pushes her dress past her hips, the fabric floating to the ground in a sheer pile around her high heels. His fingers brush along her ass then follows the fabric of her dark blue thong to the front of her pelvis, causing her to moan against his lips.

He spins them and backs her towards the window sill, getting Betty to sit along it before dropping to his knees. She looks down at his lust blown eyes and opens her legs for him to nestle between them. Her breathing hitches at the sight of him in the white tank top undershirt, biceps on display and flexing as he pulls her underwear off. Betty moans when his hands grip her thighs and spreads her wide.

“God, you're gorgeous,” he says mostly to himself but it makes her heart soar.

“Touch me, Jughead. Or get naked.”

Jughead laughs a bit at her bossy demand but bends down to bite her inner thigh. Her hands drop down to his hair and tugs at the dark strands while guiding him to her core. As his tongue licks a stripe up her center, Betty's head drops back against the window and she shivers. The thrill of it all is turning her on even more; whether it's because of the way they're deceiving the town or just the fact that this is something new.

Or maybe it's the way he's expertly moving his tongue against her and bringing his fingers up to tease her entrance. Betty whines out as they move inside her, curling up while Jughead’s lips fasten over her clit.

“Fuck, Jughead, yes,” she murmurs as her grip tightens on his hair. Betty rolls her hips and makes a keening sound as he flicks his tongue over the bundle of nerves. The closer she gets to her release, the more that she becomes inpatient. “I need you naked. Now.”

Betty can feel him smile against her as he pumps his fingers faster, then curls them as she clenched around him. Her back arches as she rides out her release but Jughead stands up, fingers still moving then uses his free hand to undo his belt and strips out of his dress slacks, green eyes watching his erection spring free. She spreads her legs more as he pulls out, watching as his tongue darts out to clean the fingers that were just inside of her. Jughead strips out of his undershirt and her mouth practically waters at the sight of him naked.

Jughead moves towards his jacket but she hooks a leg around his calf before he's too far away. He raises an eyebrow in question but Betty bites her lip as he returns between her thighs and runs a thumb over her nipple.

“I'm on birth control, I'm clean and I'm aching for you to be in me.”

“Is that so, baby?” He asks and Betty nods, running the heel of her wedding shoe along his leg. “I’m clean, too. You ready?”

She nods again, not sure if she could speak a coherent sentence and sighs when he slides in, head resting back against the window again while she grabs onto his biceps. Jughead leans down to kiss up her neck then connects with her lips, causing her to moan as she tastes herself on his tongue.

“You're so tight,” he murmurs as he presses closer and hooks his arms underneath her thighs.

As if answering to a silent demand, Betty spreads her legs and wraps her arms around his neck. She threads her fingers into the dark strands while they deepen the kiss, arching into Jughead’s torso. “You feel so good,” Betty whispers along his lips as she pulls back. With a firm tug, she exposes his neck and scrapes her teeth along Jughead’s jaw before sucking a mark onto the soft spot behind his ear. “Take me to the bed.”

He picks her up with what seems like zero effort and transports them to their king size bed. Jughead rests her down ever so delicately, their connection broken as he slides out of her before climbing over Betty's body. His hand runs up her side and they begin to kiss again, her breasts brushing up against his chest as she kicks off her shoes.

Jughead slides back into her and she releases a loud moan. The feel of his hands slowly caressing her body paired with the feeling of him hard against her is almost overwhelming. Betty fists one hand in the sheets as her other wraps around to his shoulder and she grips with her fingertips, trying to get him even closer. It’s when he holds her hips with both of his hands, fingers gripping for purchase, that she lets out another loud moan.

“Harder, Jug,” she whimpers out, meeting his thrusts with her own. Her husband works his hips so he’s pressing harder into her, but his pace remains the same, earning a breathy moan from her. He’s touching every part of her that she needs him to as if he already knows how to read her body.  “Yes, just like that.” She’s barely known him for three weeks yet there’s something about him that makes this wedding night mean more than she ever could have imagined.

Suddenly Betty encourages him to flip them so she's on top. The change of angle makes her gasp into their kiss, Jughead's hands moving up to pull the pins from her hair, tossing them towards the nightstand. She sighs in relief as his fingers work the braids lose, her hair cascading down and protecting their faces in a blonde curtain. Their tongues stroke against one another while Betty rolls her hips down against his length.

“That's it, baby,” Jughead murmurs encouragingly against her lips.

Betty sits back with her confidence soaring, grinding down before she lifts onto her knees and rocks down in a quick tempo. She runs a hand through her hair, moving the strands out of her face while looking down at her husband, his eyes never leaving hers.

A slow smile begins to work it’s way onto his face, Jughead’s hips starting to raise and thrusts to match her speed. Betty can feel her heart quicken even more, a flush starting on her chest as a drop of sweat starts to move down the valley of her breasts. Her eyes follow the movements of his hand as it moves to her core, his thumb brushing against her clit.

She can feel her hips falter for a moment then tips her head back, completely lost in the feeling of Jughead thrusting into her. Betty brings a hand to her throat and runs it down her body, brushing over her nipple then down to rest on his torso, wondering how any of this is real. How did she get into a marriage with a man who is so incredibly sexy and good in bed?

“Betty, look at me.”

Her eyes automatically obey his command and she looks down, clenching around him at the sight of his hand bringing her pleasure and the quick rising and falling of his chest.

“I need to feel you come, Jug,” she says to him a bit breathless.

Jughead moves his free hand around her waist then up to the middle of her back. With a bit of force, he stills her from moving and just as she looks at him in confusion, he takes over and thrusts hard up into her.

“Fuck, baby, yes,” she moans out as his thumb continued to flick over her bundle of nerves.

Both of his hands move to her hips so he can focus on their release. She leans back and grips his leg for purchase while her release builds up, Jughead hitting the spot that makes her legs shake.

“I'm close,” he moans and moves a hand to begin rubbing at her clit again.

All she does is nod, hoping it's encouraging enough for Jughead to release since her own orgasm has begun. Her teeth dig into her bottom lip as he thrusts into her, clenching around him while she tightens her grip onto his thigh as Jughead makes an obscene noise to make Betty aware of his own release. His thrusts are a bit more erratic, faltering slightly as their eyes connect and ride out their orgasms.

She grinds down against him, swiveling her hips in a figure eight pattern before he pulls her up and grips her waist, thrusting up one last time before his body goes limp against the mattress.

Betty collapses against his chest, closing her eyes and feeling how they’re both trying to catch their breath, completely in sync. This was a bad idea, she tells herself. After how mindblowing that was, how could they avoid touching one another until they get an annulment. If they can even get one now that they consummated their marriage. She tries to push the thought from her mind, just wanting one night of not thinking about the stupid feud or the pressures of the Northsiders and everything else that has been going on.

“Holy shit,” Jughead gasps as his hand runs through her hair.

“That was amazing,” she replies honestly before propping herself up on her elbows. Betty notes how sleepy he looks and it’s then that she remembers how long of a day they’ve had. “I’m going to shower real quick.” When he nods, she leans down and kisses him softly then stands up.

She moves over to the suitcase she packed and grabs all of her toiletries then heads to the bathroom, turning on the shower and pulling her hair up into a messy bun. Her reflection shows how much she enjoyed having sex with Jughead - her flushed cheeks, swollen lips, the hickey that’s angrily appearing on her collarbone, the salty sweat drying on her skin. In a way, she doesn’t want to wash any of it off, wanting to keep this memory vivid in her mind for the struggles they might face after the honeymoon.

But with a shake of her head, Betty moves into the shower and sighs in relief at the heat on her tired muscles.

After toweling off and doing her nightly routine, Betty moves out into the room and sees Jughead laying on the bed while looking at his phone. She smiles over at him when he stands and moves into the bathroom, probably following suit to shower the day off. As the door clicks close, she bends to pick up her dress and smiles fondly at it. Betty grabs two hangers out of the closet and puts the dress on one then hangs it up by the window, moving to do the same with his tuxedo.

The hot water feels amazing on his back after all the events of the day but his mind keeps going back to their first dance and the question Betty asked him. Why did you agree to this?

It's something he's been asking himself for three weeks. First it was a favor to his dad, to not let his best friend's daughter be thrown to the wolves of the Northsiders. Then he actually met her and he agreed with his father, half of the men in Riverdale who would sign up to be her husband as a peace treaty would be disgusting horndogs. He knows what kind of guys he went to highschool with.

Jughead turns in the shower and tilts his head back so the water can wet his hair. His hair that is damp with sweat at the roots from the mind blowing sex with his wife. Wife. With her slightly see through wedding dress and low cut slits by her chest and ribs. He turns and lowers the temperature of the water a bit then tips his head back again.

And he didn't think it would be so bad, having basically what is an arranged marriage. After the explosive end of his last relationship, the thought of being set up with someone who his father thinks pretty highly of didn't seem like such a bad idea - plus he was given the option of getting an annulment after a year once they've sold it and hopefully by then, peace will have came over Riverdale instead of the feuds he would constantly hear about at school and work.

With that final thought after he's washed his hair and cleaned off, he exits the shower and runs a towel over his body then over his head. All of his clothes are out in his suitcase and he really doesn't care about Betty seeing him naked at this point.

Jughead moves out of the bathroom, the cool air hitting his body as he moves a hand through his wet hair. Betty is hanging his suit next to her dress by the window, the moonlight streaming in through the curtains along her pale skin, still just as naked as when she left the bathroom before him. Just as she finishes putting his tie around the collar, he moves behind her and squeezes her naked waist with his hands.

“What are you doing?”

She looks at the tangle of fabrics hanging in the window, running her fingers down the length of her dress before turning to look at him over her shoulder. “Just hanging everything up. Do you feel better?”

Their eyes meet and instead of answering her question, he feels captivated to say something else. “Tell me something about yourself that no one else knows.”

Her teeth dig into her bottom lip as she thinks about it. “I love to read and write. But what most people don’t know is how I want to travel, get out of Riverdale and leave all the bullshit behind.”

“Good thing you’re going to Hawaii in the morning,” he teases and squeezes her hip.

“What about you?”

Jughead sighs in an exaggerated manner as if there’s nothing secretive about him that no other woman would know. She rolls her eyes and he chuckles, learning that she’s not the most patient person in the world. “There is something new lately that I haven’t even told Archie about. I’ve been getting into photography.”

Betty turns and rests her forearms on his shoulders, smiling at the revelation he’s told her. “Really?” He can feel his cheeks burning and turning red, like maybe he should have kept that small detail to himself. But soon she’s pulling away and looking at the room around them, then to the moonlight coming in. “Do you want to practice with a nude model?” she asks coyly before turning back towards their wedding attire.

Jughead swallows roughly and watches how the light filters over her skin where she’s standing. She looks angelic and it’s the first time he’s noticed the Serpent ‘S’ snake tattoo on the left side of her ribs.

“I don’t have my camera on me, so the phone will have to do. You sure you want to?”

She turns and looks at him, nodding. “Absolutely.”

He moves to the bed and grabs his phone from where he left it, ignoring the large amount of text messages he’s received from high school classmates who managed to snag a seat at the wedding. Betty is standing by the window, waiting for him to notify her of when he’s ready. But he doesn’t.

Instead, he opens up the camera icon then moves behind her to get the right angle for the lighting he saw just moments earlier. Betty moves her hands up to her hair and takes the hair tie out before letting it drop down over her shoulders, the curls falling flat and more into silky waves of cornsilk. Jughead is a little breathless as he snaps photos of his wife, moving around quietly while she is unaware that he already has at least ten photos taken. His blue eyes follow as her left hand moves up, fluffing out the strands and her wedding rings twinkling in the light. He takes this opportunity to move a bit closer to capture her Serpent tattoo in the moonlight, wanting to touch it but refraining.

“Juggie?”

His eyebrows lift at the nickname, a small smile forming as he moves behind his wife. “Yes?”

Betty jumps and turns, looking over her shoulder at him then down to the phone in his left hand. “Are you ready to start?”

“I already did,” he replies with a smirk before bringing the phone up to capture her freshly cleaned face with the light moving over her cheeks.

A blush begins to bloom over her face and he can’t help but think how beautiful she looks. Jughead would even say he prefers this raw, unguarded version of Betty that he guesses not many people get to see than when the two of them being paraded around like show ponies. Though as he looks at her wedding dress, the image of her walking towards him looking like an angel is burned into his mind.

“What do you want me to do, Mr. Jones?”

“Can you step into your dress and pretend you’re taking it off?”

Betty nods and takes the dress down, proceeding to do exactly as he asked. He moves back and begins taking photos again. She moves slowly as the straps come off her arms again and the low dip in the back of the dress falls down her hips. Jughead is completely mesmerized as the fabric falls to the floor and she begins to hang it once more before turning to him.

She smiles shyly, a complete opposite from when Betty told him that she would be his first nude model. Maybe his only nude model. He nods his head towards the bed, watching as she walks over to it with a sexy sway to her hips. The camera shakes slightly due to his nerves becoming heightened and his arousal making its way to the forefront of his mind.

Her arms come up again as she stretches like a cat, fingers threaded together as they reach for the sky. No matter what she does, every photo he’s taken looks amazing and it’s all because of Betty. She bends over the bed, laying on her stomach and looking over at him.

“Is this still okay?”

“More than okay,” he murmurs as he walks over to her. Jughead takes a final photo before placing the device in front of her to look through the ones he took. As she swipes through each one in the gallery, he moves over her body then starts to kiss up her spine. “I’d dare to even say perfect.”

Just as he places a kiss between her shoulder blades, Betty moves to prop herself up on elbows and looks over her shoulder to him.

“They look amazing, Jug. No one has ever captured me looking so…” she trails off and pauses as if she’s trying to find a word that fits.

“Sexy.” Kiss. “Angelic.” Kiss while moving down her body. “Seductive.” Moves even lower. “Sensual.” Kiss. “Risque.”

As his lips reach the small of her back, Betty is keening and pushing her hips back towards him.

“Yes,” she replies breathless.

“Are you ready for more, Betts?” The nickname falling off his tongue like he’s known her forever.

“More than ready. Please?”

He doesn’t need any more encouragement than her consent and the sweet ‘please’ that fell from her lips. Jughead takes his hands to her hips then runs them up her stomach to find her breasts. They fit perfectly into his hands like they were made for him as her ass brushes up against his erection. He nudges the tip of his cock against her entrance and a quiet moan comes from underneath him, reviving his energy from earlier.

Jughead slides in slowly and he moans against her spine, even more so when she pushes back against him until he's bottoming out. He stills so she can get used to him at this angle, rubbing the heel of his palm over her nipples.

She sets the pace as she slowly pulls away then pushes back against his pelvis. Jughead let's her resume the control, his hands moving from her breast then down to feel the contours of her body. He presses kisses along Betty's shoulder blades, closing his eyes as he concentrates on the feeling of being inside her, so different than when they connected together a couple of hours ago.

After letting Betty control the pace for a bit, he grabs her hips and raises up fully onto his knees, thrusting in slowly. Jughead watches as her back arches, lowering her front and stretching both arms out to clutch the sheets beneath her fingertips.

“How do you feel so good?” Betty asks to the white plush comforter while pushing back and clenching around him.

Honestly, he wonders the same but snaps his hips to thrust a bit harder. The resulting gasp makes him grin before pulling out. With those words, he wants to see her beautiful face as she says them. “Roll over, Betts.”

She complies and rolls onto her back as Jughead steps away, slowly stroking himself until he can see Betty's flushed chest. Her green eyes travel from his chest down to his moving hand, licking her lower lip as if he's something she wants to devour.

“See something you like?”

Betty lets out a breathless laugh and nods, biting her lip while she looks at the expanse of his body again. Not even his ex girlfriend looked at him this way. It was invigorating to know he has this affect on his wife. Her eyes meet his before dropping down to his moving hand once more. Betty's mouth opens a bit while her breathing increases, eyes practically glazing over as Jughead runs his palm down the length of his erection. The extra boost of confidence makes him eager to be inside of her again.

“Yes, my husband and his incredible body.” Her eyes then dart to his wedding band, just a white gold band with raised satin in the middle that she had picked out for him.

That sentence leaves him speechless and Jughead doesn't think he could form a coherent sentence to reply to her. Instead he moves down against Betty's body and brushes his lips against hers.

Betty's hands come up to rest on his cheeks while wrapping her legs around his waist to bring him closer. She teases his bottom lip with small kisses, seeking permission to go further and deepen it. When their tongues brush together, he slides back into her and muffles her moan with a kiss. Her back arches, causing her breasts to brush against him and Jughead starts to thrust with long, languid strokes and pulls away to reach a hand up into Betty's hair. His lips brush along her jaw while she pants then tugs it back to expose her neck. Their eyes briefly meet and her teeth begin to sink into her bottom lip before Jughead leans down to lick up the column of her neck. The shiver that runs through her body beneath him encourages him to snap his hips and bite her pulse point.

“Fuck, Jug. Keep going,” she murmurs as her head tilts to the side.

Jughead thrusts into her quicker and braces his left hand by her shoulder and moves his other down to Betty's breast. “That good, baby?”

When she nods, her breathing becoming even quicker while she moans, he brushes a thumb over a hardened peak while Betty's nails begin to dig into his skin. The pain that it brings spurs him on. His tongue moves along her nipple, sucking on the sensitive flesh until Betty begins to writhe beneath him and chants his name underneath her breath. Something in him tightens at the sound. None of his prior sexual partners have ever been this reactive to him in bed.

He picks up the pace a bit more, closing his eyes as his forehead rests against Betty's chest, her heart thudding against his skin. Jughead feels her hand move through his damp hair until her fingers softly caresses his cheek.

“Juggie,” she murmurs. He looks up into her lust filled eyes. “Come here.”

His body moves, obediently following her request. Their lips meet together once more in a lazy and much softer kiss. With his hand still braced against the bed, Jughead uses his right to pull her thigh up into the crook of his elbow. The change of angle has Betty moaning against his lips and he continues to bottom out with each languid stroke.

“I'm so close, Jug,” she whispers as her forehead pressed against his.

“Touch yourself, Betts. I'll come with you.”

Betty nods and he watches her hand move between them. Her fingers circle her clit and Jughead pauses long enough for them to gather some of her wetness from his cock then begins to thrust again. He pulls her thigh wider so he can look at their bodies connecting, her walls beginning to clench around him, so Jughead begins to thrust faster.

“Look at me, Betty. I want to see you come.”

Her eyes connect with his and he can feel his gut tighten as his release sneaks up on him. Her teeth dig into her bottom lip once more before a long moan releases and her orgasm begins to move over both of them. Jughead's hips falter for a moment before his own release starts.

He rests his forehead against Betty's, murmuring how fucking good she feels while her free hand digs into his shoulders. Her head tips back and he kisses her neck once his hips stop moving. She has some residual clenching around him but their breathing is in sync as they both come down from their high.

“You made me see stars,” she murmurs before moving to kiss again. Part of him stirs inside her, causing Betty to laugh. “You need rest, Juggie. We can do this again in Hawaii.”

He pulls back and looks down at her, blonde hair fanned out against the sheets. Jughead looks for any hint of hesitation but doesn't see any. A shy smile accompanies the blush on her cheeks and he nods. “Absolutely. Though you're welcome to wake me up in a few hours.”

Betty laughs louder this time while running her hand down his back. “Be careful what you ask for.”

He rolls his eyes playfully and pulls out, both of them hissing a bit at the loss of contact. “I'll be right back.”

Jughead walks to the bathroom and wipes himself off before grabbing a wet rag to go back into the bedroom with. He's met with Betty looking at her phone and a scandalous look when he asks her to open her legs up for him. The washcloth dangles between them and she blushes as he cleans between her thighs then tosses it away. Betty’s blushing may be one of his favorite things about her.

“What a day,” he murmurs when he lays face down beneath the comforter and she hums in agreement. His eyes close as exhaustion takes over, barely recognizing the sound of Betty putting her phone away. The light turns off, immersing them into darkness. She turns onto her side, facing him and he rolls so that Betty can move closer. “C’mere,” he says gently until he can wrap his arm around her then kisses her forehead.

Both of them instantly fall asleep, wrapped around each other as they're thrust into this new marriage.

One Year Later

Jughead wipes the sweat off his brow with his forearm after piling another box on top of the small stack that is forming in the living room of his apartment. It's been a year since him and Betty said their 'I do’s’ and the town has been a more peaceful place to live. No longer did any Northsider fear going to their southern part of town. Businesses had flourished and now it's difficult to tell who is actually Northside or Southside.

He sighs while looking around, most of the memories from the past year are packed up different stacks, one in the living room and one sitting by the kitchen.

Jughead is in the kitchen, drinking from a bottle of water and tossing things into a donation box when the apartment door opens and Betty moves inside.

“Hey,” she murmurs before moving towards the bathroom.

His eyebrows dip in confusion and Jughead moves around the counter before following her in. But as he moves into the small space, he notices that she's dabbing her cheek. “Not a good meeting I'm guessing?”

Betty's eyes meet his in the mirror and she nods. “The morons from Greendale I can handle, this,” she points to her cheek before dabbing it again, “was an unfortunate crash with Sweet Pea. The worst part of the visit was my mother.”

After finishing off the bottle, he caps it and nervously bounces it against his thigh. “What was she saying?”

She turns and leans back against the sink, sighing a bit. “Asking if we're getting the annulment since our anniversary is on Sunday.”

The bottle crushes underneath his fingers, their eyes meeting but neither of them say anything. He clears his throat and tosses the bottle into the trash can then leans against the door frame. “What did you tell her?”

“I told her I didn't want to talk about it just yet. Honestly, I wanted to wait until everything is settled and done.”

Betty averts her eyes and he moves towards her, lifting her chin with his finger so that they'll meet again. Jughead smiles reassuringly then leans down to kiss her softly, knowing how frustrated she can get when Alice bombards her with a million questions. One of the many things he's learned about their relationship this past year. “I understand. I'd rather wait until everything is in the new house and we can get packed for our vacation. Run out of here before they can start firing off another million questions about our relationship.”

She nods and raises to her toes to kiss him again. “Let me change then I'll help finish packing.”

When she brushes by him, he playfully swats her ass, causing Betty to giggle down the hall to their room. Jughead goes towards the kitchen and resumes tossing in random mismatched things from bachelorhood into the box.

Just as he's taping the flaps down, she moves in wearing tight shorts and a tank top. Her arms wrap around his middle, pressing a kiss between his shoulder blades. “Have you been packing all day?”

“Yep. Figured if we got done we could go celebrate. Or order in.”

“Mm, ordering in sounds perfect.”

Betty begins rummaging through the kitchen, picking out things she'd like to keep and then makes a pile of things that she would need his opinion on. As he watches his wife move, her rings sparkling under the lights, he smiles. It's weird how a feud gave him everything he's ever wanted.

Turning towards the freezer, he pulls out the wrapped top tier of their wedding cake and places it in front of her so it can thaw out for dessert later.  He settles his hands on her waist while dropping a kiss to Betty's neck. She tilts her head to the side, effectively stopping the work she was doing then brings her hand to rest of the back of his neck.

“Are you happy?”

Her fingers pause their movements in his hair and moves so she can glance at him. “Of course, Juggie.”

Jughead hums and moves his lips to her neck again, scraping his teeth teasingly where her neck and shoulder meet. Betty shivers a bit and moans quietly, tugging the strands of hair between her fingers.

“Jug-” she whines out.

“Does this mean we can officially change your name to Betty Jones?”

Jughead imagines she's smiling, pausing her reply just to torture him. “Yes. I want that more than anything.”

“You're making me the happiest man on this planet, Betts.” He pauses and looks over his wife's shoulder at the dessert on the counter. “Are you sure we can eat that cake? It looks weird.”

“Yes, Jug,” she giggles out. “I wouldn't let a piece of cake kill you after being together for a year. I'd miss you too much.”

He grins against her warm skin then takes Betty's left hand in his, looking at their rings. They're about to start the next chapter of their lives and no one but them knows it yet. And as if she's thinking the exact same thoughts, Betty says something that makes his heart soar.

“I love you, Jughead.”

After she turns in his arms, he kisses her gently then runs his hands underneath her tank top, his right hand settling on her Serpent tattoo. “I love you, too, Betts.”

Written by J. (With a little help from R, but this is all J’s work!) This was an idea that we had based around the Arranged Marriage trope and we had to throw Serpent Betty into the mix! Please let us know what you think!

[coloredseouls-blog]

[ Retaliation ]

[ Retaliation ] 

// Chanyeol Fanfiction Series //

© @coloredseouls - joint-collaboration

[ SEVEN ]

"Welcome to the Seoul Kingsman Society, Xena Takahashi. Your next step of involvement is to be branded."  

                                                              *

Cold air met Xena's skin, her shoulders rotating back as she shed her shirt. She could feel the intense stares of many as they stared at the already occupied skin, fingertips brushing against it. Taking strides towards the chair, lying face down, the material stuff. Goosebumps spread across her skin as the alcohol came in contact, a razor shortly following it.

Within little time, the stencil was removed from her skin and the sound of the tattoo machine filled her ears, the ink burying its way into her skin. A familiar wave of heat washed over her, her body reacting to the contact, almost like a bad cat scratch. However, as Junmyeon made his way to the top of her spinal bone, her body grew tense, the area tender.

"Frightened kitten?" She heard him whisper in her ear and it took her everything not to hit him in the throat.

The life of her tattoo depended on it.

"Don't forget who you're talking to Junmyeon."

"Right.."

She felt the slight pain loosen on her body as Junmyeon pulled back the needle, turning it off and switching to color.

She hated this part the most. No matter how much she told herself that this part should have been the easiest, it wasn't. The constant nagging of one needle driving ink into her skin was enough, however, the feeling of multiple going over the same surface was enough to drive her wild.

Junmyeon tried his hardest to make that part quick, sensing the annoyance by the way her body tensed up.

Soon, the excess ink was removed, leaving Xena with a fresh tattoo and new branding on the lower part of her neck.

She felt powerful.

However, she also felt like she belonged to a cult.

"Welcome to The Seoul Kingsmen Society. Your initiation is complete."

                                                              *

It had been a month since Xena been branded, two months since she had been at the EXO base. Over the course of these months, she had grown some kind of connection to each member, especially Chanyeol. Chanyeol occupied her side day and night, not once letting her out of his sight, though this was an annoyance to her she found herself soon enjoying his company.

Today was no different. Chanyeol was in his regular spot outside the training room, he decided to give her some privacy so she could focus on her skills more and perfect certain moves. She ended her training for today with a final kick to the dummy, who was rightfully labeled as hers, sending it backward smiling at this she was pleased with the amount of strength she had built up in a matter of 3 months. Retrieving her towel that rested on her chair she wiped the sweat that coated her body, switching off the light as she closed the door her eyes instantly meeting the tall male that stood against the wall before her.

"You took longer than usual. I thought you would never come out, what do you do in there?"

She rolls her eyes at him snatching the water he was handing to her, taking a sip.

"I'm training myself to beat your ass."

"Oh keep dreaming princess."

Laughing at his comment she sighs, the air suddenly growing silent. As they walked down the familiar hallway to the shower room she busied herself by tapping her fingers along the sides of the cold bottle as she bit her lip in anticipation, a question she had so longed to ask him sat at the tip of her tongue.

"Can I ask you something?" The two unexpectedly asked at the same time, laughing Xena insisting on him to go first.  

"I've been meaning to ask you this, but what's the story behind your tattoo?" Awkwardly stuffing his hands in his pockets he earned a light chuckle from her.

"Depends on which one you're talking about."

"The one panning up your ribcage."

"Oh that one..well..it's a symbol of my mother..it was her favorite flower."

Her mood suddenly dulling at the thought of her deceased mother, Chanyeol noticed this, his immediate response being to comfort her, pulling her into his embrace. Pulling from him she silently thanked him.

"So what was your question for me?"

Retrieving her clothes from her locker, Chanyeol rested on the bench behind her.  Taking the spot next to him, she fiddled with her fingers in her lap.

"Well, can I just question why are you so protective of me?"

"Because I'm your designated bodygua-"

"Say something sarcastic and I'm not promising that I won't deck you in the throat."

His hand automatically covers his throat protecting himself from her, clearing it he spoke,

"Well if you want the truth..I'm so protective of you because you remind me so much of my ex-fiancée."

"You have a fiancée?"

"What part of ex didn't you understand?"

"Right..sorry."

A silence grew between them once more, yet the silence screamed what each of them wanted to say.  After growing tortured by the silence she spoke,

"Do you miss her?"  Her voice was scarcely a whisper.

He sighed saying three little words that pulled the strings to her heart.

"All the time."

She never knew that three words could cause her heart to ache, she had grown attached to him in not only a friendly way but more of a romantic. Though 3 months is a short period of time to actually love someone, he made her feel as if she had known him for years. So, hearing him say those words tore her up inside, the familiar feeling of heartbreak resurfacing.

"She was smart, beautiful, talented..she was just everything a man wanted in a woman..."

He paused taking a shaky breath, his head hanging low.

"Only if I knew that the last time I saw her was going to be my last...I think I would've held her tighter and not let go."

Raising her hand, she rubs small circles on his back.

"I could've prevented it...I could've protected her. If only if I wouldn't have gone on that stupid mission then maybe she'll be alive today."

"Alive?"

"Our house was broken into. They were looking for me but they found her instead."

Her heart dropped. She felt almost selfish for getting upset because of his past lover but learning that she had been killed when the intention was for Chanyeol... Her hand clasped around his, tilting his head she was met with glossy eyes searching for comfort in hers.

"I know what kind of pain you're feeling, trust me I know it all too well. But I have learned to not blame myself for their deaths..and you should too." Cupping his face she wiped his eye with the pad of her thumb, though no tear had slipped.

"You'll make it through this...I promise." She smiled. In an instant, she had him in her arms cooing him as she tried to take away any pain he was feeling at this moment. He was limp at first, but soon closing in the hug with a tight grip.

"Hey, Xena Junmyeon wants you in his office..."

The two slowly broke apart catching the eyes of Baekhyun who stood in the doorway.

"I can just tell him you're busy and just come back lat-"

"No. No, it's fine. Just tell him I'll be there after my shower."

With a nod, Baekhyun scurried out of the room showing that he had grown awkward from the scene he had just witnessed. The two laughed catching each other's eyes.

"Okay, I'm gonna go shower so while I do that you do what you do best."

Saluting her he gave her a smile as she walked into the showers, his regular feeling of loneliness returning causing his smile to quickly fade.

                                                           *

"There's a problem I'd like you to solve."

"What kind of problem?" Xena questioned, following behind him. With fresh smelling skin as well as a change of clothes, she felt a lot more positive as she did before.

Junmyeon walked towards the display screen, grazing his fingers across it as he pulled up a coordinate grid, pinching and zooming on a certain location.

"There's a party going on downtown later this evening, specifically a Masquerade Party. Nothing too dramatic, casual," He clicked on the location, a large building appearing before Xena's eyes.

"Sounds simple. Is this a one-man mission, or-" At that moment, she felt an annoying presence enter the room, her mind putting two and two together.

"Please don't tell me-"

"You wanted to see me Myeon?" Sehun cutting her off, eyeing her out the corner of his eye.

"Correct. You and Xena are going to complete a mission together. Tonight."

"Oh hell no." They both said in unison, groaning.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me."

[fire-emblem-supports]

Dancer Inigo & Performer Azura: C - S Supports

C Support

Inigo: Milady! Fate has brought us together once again!

Azura: Oh. Yes, err... hello.

Inigo: Such an honor to once again be graced with your presence.

Inigo: We should get to know one another better! Perhaps... over tea?

Azura: My. It’s... uncanny.

Inigo: What’s that?

Azura: Nothing. You remind me of someone I’ve met before.

Inigo: Ah, was he charming and handsome?

Azura: Immature and relentless. 

Inigo: Oh. W-Well, could I at least get your name?

Azura: ...Azura.

Inigo: A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. I am Inigo.

Azura: Well, it’s very nice to meet you, Inigo. But I must be off.

Inigo: Of course. When we meet again, perhaps we could have that tea?

Azura: I think we both know you’re hoping for more than a cup of tea. Please, excuse me.

Inigo: Oh... Fine.

B Support

Azura: ♪ Embrace the dark... you call a home... ♪

Inigo: Such an entrancing melody...

Azura: ♪ Gaze upon an empty white throne... ♪

Inigo: Why, Miss Azura! Are you the one blessing my ears with such lovely sounds?

Azura: Oh. Inigo. Yes, that was me.

Inigo: A beautiful woman with a beautiful voice... Be still, my beating heart!

Azura: Are you quite alright?

Inigo: No, I am not! But perhaps some dinner would help! Would you join me?

Azura: ...

Inigo: O-Or could I at least hear more of your singing?

Azura: Oh... Well, I don’t see why not.

Azura: ♪ Sing with me a song of conquest and-- ♪ Eek!

Inigo: Ack! *thud*

Azura: I’m sorry. I’ve been working on that step... I suppose I need a little more work.

Inigo: N-No, you’re fine. Here, maybe I can help. My mother taught me a lot about dancing.

Azura: Well... alright.

Inigo: Show it to me again. I’ll just, uh, stand back here.

Azura: Don’t worry, I’ll go slow.

Azura: 1, 2, 3, 4... 5, 6, 7, 8...

Inigo: There’s your problem. You’re crossing your left foot in front of your right.

Inigo: If you step back with your left foot like this... it’ll lead into the twirl better.

Azura: Oh, you mean like... that?

Inigo: Flawless, milady! Bravo!

Azura: Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.

Inigo: We should go celebrate! What if we--

Azura: Don’t push your luck.

Inigo: Oooof course not.

A Support

Inigo: Hello, Lady Azura! A wonderful evening, isn’t it? Perhaps we could sit together and watch the sunset?

Azura: Hello, Inigo. Yes, that sounds lovely.

Inigo: Oh, milady, how you wound me! Very well, I will-- ...wait. Did you say yes?

Azura: Yes. I owe you for helping me with my dance moves. One sunset couldn’t hurt.

Inigo: ...

Azura: Inigo?

Inigo: I’m sorry, I’m not sure what to do next. This has never happened before.

Azura: ...I would suggest you come watch the sunset with me.

Inigo: Right! Right. Okay. Can I hold your hand?

Azura: No.

Inigo: Right. Okay.

Azura: You know, Inigo, I must admit. I have been a bit curious about you.

Inigo: Uh...

Azura: Not like that. I mean as a person. Like I said before, you remind me of someone.

Azura: Where are you from?

Inigo: My mother comes from Regna Ferox.

Azura: Regna Ferox... I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of it.

Azura: Tell me. Have you ever met anyone named Laslow?

Inigo: Laslow? ...No, I don’t believe I have. That is a nice name, though.

Azura: Hm. I don’t usually believe in coincidences, but this... It seems highly unlikely...

Inigo: Not to be rude, milady, but...

Inigo: Must we spend so much time discussing such trivial matters when we could be enjoying each other’s company and this lovely sunset?

Azura: I suppose you’re right. And, to be honest, I do quite enjoy your company.

Inigo: Really? Wow! Thank you, Lady Azura.

Azura: Haha. The pleasure is all mine.

S Support

Inigo: Lady Azura! I-I need to speak with you.

Azura: Inigo, you’re as red as a tomato. Is something the matter?

Inigo: I’m fine. But... I have to ask you a very important question.

Azura: Are you hiding something behind your back?

Inigo: Lady Azura... I’m sure you know by now that I consider you a very attractive woman.

Azura: I’ve heard rumor of such, yes.

Inigo: And... i-in our recent interactions, I’ve found... your personality matches your appearance.

Inigo: Milady, I’ve been smitten since I first laid eyes on you. But now that I’ve gotten to know you better... I do believe it is true love.

Azura: My. You’re laying it on thick, aren’t you?

Inigo: I mean every word of it.

Inigo: These flowers grow only in Askr. They symbolize eternal love. I know it’s a long shot, but... will you accept them?

Azura: Oh, Inigo. I must admit... I’ve grown quite fond of you, too.

Inigo: Y-You have?

Azura: Yes. Your persistence and truly kind heart have won me over. I hope I didn’t tease you too much...

Inigo: Nonsense, milady. I’ve experienced much worse.

Azura: I will accept your flowers.

Inigo: ...

Azura: Inigo? Oh, dear, you look like you might pass out!

Inigo: I-I-I can’t believe this is really happening! I don’t know what to do next!

Azura: Haha. Well, how about you start by coming here and giving me a kiss?

Inigo: Well, if you insist!

[followingthecreed-blog]

Loki x Reader: The Feeling of Not Belonging

Over a certain period of time the feeling of not belonging had crawled it's way into your heart as well as your mind and it hasn't departed. The only thing it has served to do is create doubt and insecurity in addition to the incredible amount of sadness that you have been expertly hiding for months now. The problem, per se, is rooted to the fact that you are dating the infamous Loki Laufeyson. It isn't that you don't love him; that isn't true at all. The love that both of you share is uncommonly special to the point where either of you would do absolutely anything for each other. The problem was that Loki was the adoptive son of Odin and Frigga, two of the most wealthy people on Earth.

Now is probably the time when most people start to wonder why this is such a problem? It would be amazing to be dating someone who would inherit billions of dollars, wouldn't it? Perhaps it would be if you were also of the same social class. To put things in perspective, Loki was a patron of the arts. He enjoyed going to many social gatherings as long as they were locations were artists creating art was found. He was the in charge of the money his parents donated to charity and in that respect he would be subjected to attend many events like this as well as sponsor them. That's where he met you. In his mind he had never met a woman more enticing. You had been invited to the event to show off some of your own art but as soon as your little space in the gallery was displayed you went on to helping the live artist (people hired to create art live so people could watch the process) who all wanted your tips and expertise. Never in his life did he ever think that a women wearing simple clothing that was covered in paint with her hair in a messy bun would ever capture his heart so instantaneously. It was almost as if he had been hit with a lightning bolt. He couldn't do anything else except watch as people pleaded for your aid or your acceptance and how you gracefully had time for everyone who called you no matter what art they were displaying. Painting, sculpting, music, dance, writing; you could do it all. Your life hadn't exactly been a normal one by whatever definition of a normal life was. Your parents had been nomads, so to speak. You couldn't recall living in one place for too long because as soon as you had started getting used to making friends and enjoying that place you were uprooted and taken somewhere else. From the jungles of Costa Rica to the beautiful remote mountains of India, you were raised by people all around the world; learning all of their cultures and forms of art. You were accustomed to walking barefoot in muddy ground, living in places where food and shelter were not always available; so when a billionaire approached you with such interest, you didn't know what to do. He was a man who had been given everything in a silver platter from the moment he was born and you were a woman who learned to be thankful when there was food on the plate and grateful even when there wasn't any. It wasn't necessarily a perfect match but the both of you were bound by love. Wasn't that supposed to be enough? He seemed to be from a completely different world than you; you had even joked about him being from the golden city in the sky meanwhile you were just a simple Midgardian compared to him. He was acquainted so many things that you either didn't know or that confused you. Polar opposites is what the both of you were but the saying was that opposites attract...then why did you feel so persecuted when you were at his side? [] [] [] The months proceeding that meeting had been joyous. The relationship had entered that stage where neither of you wanted to be too far apart from the other for long periods of time and communication was an important factor. It did not matter if you were participating in an intricate theatrical event that needed your entire concentration or if he had been in an important meeting with very significant people, the two of you would send messages to each other as much as possible. This is when people started to notice that something had changed. "My son, it seems that someone has caught your fancy and I would like to know who this grandiose woman is." Frigga had calmly demanded one afternoon while Loki had been preparing himself to go meet you. "I don't know how you seem to read me so easily when other's struggle at doing just that," Loki said as he fixed his tie and then moved to fasten the button of his suit. "You normally wouldn't be taking this long to insure that your appearance is as near to flawless as possible." She smiled with regal excitement. "Now answer my question. Who is this fine young lady and when will I have the pleasure of meeting her?" Loki ignored his mother for a few moments, keeping a very stoic expression as he ran his hand through his hair and looked at his reflection making sure that nothing was out of place. It was only after he made sure that everything was alright that he turned to his mother and couldn't hide the love in his eyes or the smile that was beginning to grow on his face at the mere thought of you. "Mother, she is grand. Unlike any woman I have ever met or laid my eyes on," He said honestly. "She is the most virtuous, talented, confident and well formed character on this planet." "You speak of her as if she was a queen," Frigga's eyes sparkled at the sight of her youngest son in love. "I must meet this lady, it is settle. You are to invite her to dinner before this week ends, my son." "Must I?" "Yes. Now go. I wouldn't want to keep you from your glorious enigma." When Loki had arrived at the place that had been assigned as the location where the date was going to be held and he told you of this news you didn't seemed bother by it at all. There had been more dangerous and far more terrifying things that you have experienced at a younger age-like running away from a hungry lioness in Africa-than meeting someone's parents. But as the days neared the special occasion, you began to feel more and more nervous. The library where you had been reading with Loki just one day before the dinner is when he started to notice that something about you was not as it usually was. The library was a quiet place with barely any inhabitants inside it's dark wood walls. You enjoyed going to the children's section where the beanbags were located and every time you would sit on one you reminded yourself to buy one for your apartment but you always forgot to purchase it. With a leather bound, golden paged book of Shakespeare in your hands you flipped to the pages to find your favorite sonnets, not noticing the dark haired man approaching you. "Greetings, my sweet." Loki whispered into your ear as he knelt down to your level and kissed your cheek. "Did I startle you?" "You did and you did it on purpose." You accused with a playful glare as your eyes wandered up from the contents of the book to his gorgeous eyes. "Perhaps this will earn my forgiveness," Loki smirked. He moved from behind you so that he was kneeling down in front of you and bringing a hand from behind his back he presented to you a single tiger lily. You couldn't help but grin as you took the flower from his hands and brought it close to you so that you could breathe in its scent. "I remembered when you told me about your first encounter with that particular flower in one of your misadventures in London. I also happen to read somewhere that this flower symbolizes mercy and compassion which is what I hope you have with me." "Really? I was told by a wise old woman that if I was ever to receive a tiger lily it meant that I was expecting a child." "Is that so?" He acted frightened. "Then give it back." You laughed at his behavior and he joined in, adoring the sound of your laughter enough that he leaned in to give you a loving kiss. You reciprocated without any hesitation as your hand found its way into his hair and he got lost in your spectacular presence. The kiss advanced in a short amount of time and you pulled away from him before he started getting any bad ideas. "We are in a library," You reminded him. "If you utter that statement in hopes of stopping me then you are mistaken. It does not matter where we find ourselves, if I want to express my love for you then the entire Earth will have to witness it." He declared this with such certainty and such bravo that it caused you to giggle and look away from him and at the beautiful flower that was still in your hands. You began to wonder what good you must have done to be rewarded with such a perfect man like Loki. With each beating of your heart your love for him intensified to new levels and it grew to blossom, just as that flower had. "I had called for you, you know." Loki said as he stood up to sit in a chair in front of you. "When you didn't answer, I deduced that you had lowered the volume on your phone because you were at the library and here you are." "Deduced, hmm? Seems you're right again, Sherlock." You smiled as your twirled the flower in your hand. "As always, my dear. I came to tell you that tomorrow's dinner will be held no later than six o'clock. Everyone is very eager to meet you. So eager, in fact, that father has called a group of close family friends to join us on morrow's eve." "Close family friends?" "Yes, I know how it sounds my dear. I do not know if I am entirely pleased with these arrangements but it seems to me that your arrival is expected to be something great. Most of those people mother invited never thought that I would never obtain the love of a woman, for whatever spiteful reason they may have." Loki crossed his arms and his eyes narrowed as he thought about the guests. "But fear not. If they want to make this an exhibition then I will happily concur. It will be our night tomorrow and I will show you off to all of them as my precious treasure and love." Whatever amount of nervousness you might have had before was now multiplied at his words. The way he spoke of these people displayed to you that he did not like them very much but it was in Loki's nature to always try to impress those whom he disliked. It was a way to make himself look superior; to let everyone who had eyes see that no matter that they thought of him, he was better than them. He must have seen all the emotions that were building up inside you reflected in your eyes because he left the chair that he was sitting in to kneel down next to you and bring a hand to lovingly caress your face. "Oh, no darling, I didn't mean to frighten you." His tone was now soft unlike what it had been before. "We are going to have a splendid banquet tomorrow, you will see. I will be by your side the entire time. I've even had a dress made for you. You will be the shining star of that event." "Is there any way that I can be something other than the shining star?" "If there was I would not allow it. You are my shining star and I wish for everyone to see that, my love. Now, let's not think about the trials tomorrow will bring, hmm? Let's read a sonnet or two." He said in an attempt to comfort you. "Only if you sit in a beanbag." "Those over sized cushions can do horrid things to your posture." "Please?" You morphed your expression into that adorable one that he could never deny anything to. "Alright, give me a moment while I go fetch one." The next day came and you were surprised when someone knocked on your door well into the afternoon. You had just finished making yourself a dish that you had learned while living in Peru. You dried your hands on your jeans as you quickly turned off the stove and made your way towards the door only to see about four or five women dressed in expensive white dresses, all wearing similar hairdos. As soon as the door was opened they pushed themselves into the apartment which was filled with the amazing aroma of the food you were not going to ever eat. They introduced themselves as your stylist to which you responded that you didn't have any stylist and that they were in the wrong apartment. "We were sent by Mr. Laufeyson to get you ready for tonight's dinner at the Odinson mansion," One explained as the other's look around your small apartment with judgement in their eyes. "We must get started at this very moment if you want to look amazing." "There's still five hours left," you tried to reason. "And I made enough food to go around if you wish-" "Daphne, get ready to do her nails. Dorothy, your in charge of hair. Delilah if anything happens to that dress it's going to be your head. Dawn and Daisy, you come with me. We have to make her the star tonight." Never in your entire life have you spent five hours going through intense beautification (as they liked to call it) for a simple dinner party. You weren't going to lie and say that all your nerves had just gone away. You were still incredibly nervous for tonight but as these girls did their job, you couldn't help but feel that they were trying to hide who you really are with all those layers of make-up. You had noticed how they looked around your apartment as if it was a garbage lot. They were probably used to working with movie stars and rich people. You tried not to take offence because they were here to help you and they did not comment on what they thought but if they acted like this now, how would Loki's family act to you at the dinner? Would you have to pretend to be wealthy as they were? Did Loki tell them who you really were? "Alright, Delilah. Bring out the dress." Danica, the leader of the team, ordered as you sat withering in pain after they had just plucked every visible hair that wasn't supposed to be visible from your body. The red headed girl had carefully rolled out a clothing rack that only housed a single green dress that was probably the most beautiful article of clothing that you had ever seen. It was lacy, exposing your back, but covered in intricate little designs and adorned with jewels you couldn't even name. "Isn't it gorgeous?" Delilah smiled when she saw your expression. "Mr. Laufeyson had it hand made from an exclusive designer who was shipped here from Europe. All of the jewels were hand sewn into the dress." "It's truly a marvelous gown." Dorothy cooed. "You are going to capture all of the attention tonight with that on, certainly!" Daphne said happily. "They might think your a princess from a far away land." "That's what I'm afraid of," you muttered. "Alright, girls, enough chit-chat! (Name) has half an hour to arrive at the mansion and it will only be acceptable if she is fashionably late." Danica ordered as she proceeded to unzip the dress and carefully guide you in it. It fit like a glove and the material felt soft on your skin. The dress flowed down to your feet, covering the heels that they had forced you to wear. You had perfectly good flats that you could have worn with this dress but they had assured you that a dress as expensive as this could only be made justice with heels that were equally expensive. You didn't like the fact that Loki was spending so much money on you when this dress was only going to be worn once. After the girls were finished they wrapped you up in a black coat and sent you off into a limousine that was instructed to leave you at the gates of Odinson mansion. When you arrived at the mansion you weren't sure if you were here to eat dinner with your boyfriend's family or dine with the King and Queen of Asgard. You had never been to Odinson mansion and you really hadn't been interested in looking it up on the internet to see how it looked like but in person it looked more like a castle than anything else. Limousines circled a gigantic fountain that was found right out side of the building and you were again surprised to see the storm of flashing lights the paparazzi caused. "(Name) what have you gotten yourself into?" You asked yourself as you looked through the dark tinted window to see Loki calmly walking down the marble staircase that led to the front doors of his house. You watched how calm and composed he was as he ignored the yells of the photographers that were hysterically taking pictures of him getting closer and closer to where you found yourself sitting. It was only then that your nerves and anxiety hit their all-time record and your hands started to tremble as the love of your life opened the door like a complete gentlemen. As soon as Loki's eyes met yours, his heart-if only just for a moment-stopped beating. Your hair was braided into such an elaborate and complicated way that must have taken hours but it left you looking like a goddess. The same jewels that adorned your dress were placed in your hair and with the flashing of camera lights you looked surreal. The makeup they had done to you made your eyes pop shine and sparkle. Your lips were painted in a delicious red color that made it hard for Loki to be a gentleman and not passionately kiss your right then and there. The black coat covered your dress which only made his imagination go wild at how flawless you must look in it. "Right on time," Loki smiled as he extended a hand out for your to grab. Your shaky hand was placed on his as he helped out out of the limo and closed the door behind you. He wrapped his arms around you as he began to lead you away from the crowd that was screaming to know who you were and up the marble stairs until you were safely inside the Odinson mansion. Loki took the task of taking your coat and he let his eyes, respectfully, wander down your body to take in the beauty of you in the dress while you looked around the house he was born in. It looked like a museum of everything expensive. You felt really out of place. What was a girl who was raised in the humid, muddy jungles who used to run barefoot and play with iguanas doing here? "You look ravishing, (Name)." Loki told you as he handed off the coat to a butler. "Absolutely breathtaking." "Thank you," you said as you collected yourself. "You look undeniably handsome yourself." You had to treat this as if you were about to go on stage in front of a live audience. You had to act as if you were just as confident as Loki always was. "I know when you are acting, my dear. Just relax." He whispered in your ear as he lead you through the hallways of his palace. "Everyone is already situated at the dining room waiting for the guest of honor." "You mean I was late?" You asked slightly horrified. "No, darling, you were not late. They were simply early." The dining room looked like something designed and painted by Michelangelo. The dining room's roof was dome shaped and painted with angels flying around in their heavenly setting. The artist in your started to slowly take control and all you wanted to do was lay down on the floor and stare up at the angels, no matter how uneducated it seemed. Loki knew how eccentric you were when it came to art and it was his hand at the small of your back that kept you walking elegantly instead of doing what you really wanted too. All the heads at the table turned when Loki walked in with you but you held your head high and proudly, smiling at those who smiled at you and looking at those who didn't in the eyes without fear. "Everyone, I would like to present you the wonderful lady I have been courting for months now...(Name) (Last Name)." Loki announced before he loosely introduced everyone to you. At the mere sound of your name there were people who already showed clear dislike of you. It was probably the fact that they didn't recognize your last name which, in their mind, automatically met that you were worth nothing. But there were people at the table who genuinely seemed pleased to finally lay eyes on you. There was a woman sitting next to a grey haired man at the head of the table. She, to you, was the epitome of elegance and sophistication. Her hair was piled up in elegant blonde curls, her neck was adorned in so many gems you were sure she could get the United States out of its debt with what she was wearing but her eyes were warm and inviting as was her smile. There was also a very strong blonde man with a bona fide grin on his face. He was as elegantly dressed as Loki was but he seemed like more of a warrior than anything else. His blonde hair was held back and his eyes shined naturally as he looked up at you. His fingers were intertwined with a regal looking woman with dark hair and eyes that sat next to him. She looked upon you with favor as well. All the others at the table, well...it was clear to you that they were expecting more; though they were impressed at first when you walked in. "It is a pleasure to finally meet you, my dear. I've heard lots of fantastic things about you." The woman with blonde hair said, who was obviously Frigga; Loki's mother. "I am honored to finally meet you, Lady Frigga." "Oh, no need for formalities tonight, my dear." She grinned gracefully as she gestured to the two empty seats in front of her. "Please, do us the honor to join us at our table so that dinner may commence." Loki guided you to the chair that he pulled out for you while looking at you with loving eyes. You smiled your thanks to him as he pushed in the chair and took his seat at your left hand side. Instantly the people at the table began to be served strange delicacies that you had problem identifying but growing up the way you had made you eat whatever was placed on your plate in front of you. You had no idea what to do with all the forks, spoons and knifes that were laid out for you to use and Loki must have picked up on this because he grabbed a folded cloth napkin that was in front of him and placed it over his lap. He wasn't looking at you but he smiled slightly when he noticed that you did the same. As the meals began to be served your eyes would glance at what Loki was doing only for a second and you would execute what he was doing the same way. No one at the table noticed that you were doing this, they just assumed that you knew what to do. You were an actress after all. "I know that I am not the only one waiting to hear the story of how my brother met his beautiful date," Thor boomed loudly while others quickly agreed. "If you must know, (Name) is one of the most respected artist in the world. She has lived and traveled among all the cultures that the continents contain and her knowledge is unequaled. She was an important guest at our annual art gallery and that is where I had the pleasure of meeting such a fascinating person as she is." Loki looked over at you and grinned. "I am also going to accompany her on her travels to China. She's been invited by the People's Republic of China's president, Xi Jinping, who has commissioned her for an art piece." One of the first things that you had learned about Loki in just a few weeks of dating him was how much of a talented liar he was. The man had a sharp silver-tongue that he used frequently, in moments such as this. Yes, you were going to China recently but it was to visit an old village you used to live in and donate your time to help them in whatever way it was possible. Not to paint for the leader of China. "That is impressive." A blonde woman said with a snooty tone. "From just the first glance at you I didn't think you were good at doing anything." "Appearances may be deceiving," you replied back as you coolly drank from your glass. "I am more interested to hear of your travels." Thor said as he looked at his partner, whom he seemed to be married to. "Sif and I have been wanting to explore what this world has to offer for years." "That may be so but you must keep your focus on the Odinson company, Thor." Odin reprimanded slightly. Your eyes wandered from Odin to the excited looking Thor before your grinned. "May I recommend a place to visit?" "Please do!" "The Indonesian island of Bali is an unforgettable place or maybe walking the 500 miles of the Camino de Santiago from France to Spain." That was how most of the night proceeded on. Thor, his wife Lady Sif, Fandral, Volstagg, Hogun and Frigga seemed to be the only ones who cared about your attendance-even though the dinner was in your honor-and about the story that you could tell. Loki seemed to beam proudly when he looked around, just a half hour later, to see that you have gotten everyone's attention even the ones who acted like they ignored you. It seemed that the lives of the rich was filled with stress because even though they were wealthy enough to go around the entire globe a couple of times, they never really traveled outside of the city. "If we go on adventures then we must surely bring along (Name). She can be our guide and travel-in expert." Fandral said after you had finished enchanting everyone with yet again another tale. "You're life is a content one," Hogun said softly. "For the most part it has been, especially now." You agreed as you felt Loki grab your hand from under the table. "Having lived through all of these experiences has given you quiet a level of skill." Frigga commented. "In all the areas of art, even the culinary ones." Loki added. "You must cook for us some time," Thor thundered. "We must invite you to our summer home, perhaps we could all have a family gathering with (Name) as our honored guest once again." "The night has not yet past and you already begin to make plans for the next occasion." Odin shook his head slightly. "Well, of course, father. Aren't you charmed by (Name) as well?" Thor asked. Odin nodded his head but it was clear to everyone that he did not like you very much. There were two other women at the table who would do anything to capture the attention of the dark haired son of Odin. Their names, you had learned, were Amora and Sigyn. From just a brief glance you could tell that they were given everything they ever asked for and had become accustomed to this. So the fact that Loki did not even spare a glance at them now did not rub right with them. In the months that you have been getting to know Loki, he told you about how hard his childhood had been emotionally. How everyone favored Thor over himself and how he lived in the shadow of his brother for years until he learned that he had to shine with his own brilliance. But before that happened, he told you about how many of their family friends, like Sigyn and Amora, ignored him purposefully because he was nothing like his brother. The moment that Thor married Lady Sif was when they shifted their gazes over to the last remaining heir. You took pride in knowing that you had not fooled anyone that evening. In your conversations you have hints of how you lived your life as a child and how you were taught everything that you knew. The way that you lived your life seem to captivate all of those who were lucky enough to hear you speak. Odin had not been at all pleased with you because you were no one of wealth. The rich needed to keep getting richer and if Loki married you it would only be a loss in his eyes. He had always pictured his son Loki with either Amora or Sigyn. It did not matter which he would chose to marry as long as it was something with refined class and social stature. You were not that. The night progressed and soon the dinner had ended. Thor and Lady Sif bid you farewell with the promise of going traveling to some exotic place that you had suggested and you grinned, asking them to bring back lots of photographs. Fandral had kissed your hand and winked before retiring for the night, much to Loki's annoyance, but for the most part he was pleased with how the night had gone. "You worried for nothing," Loki said playfully as he led you back towards the entrance of his home. "You were positively marvelous tonight, darling." "I'm still nervous right now." You admitted which caused him to laugh. "Should I accompany you to your abode and help you relax a bit, my sweet?" He whispered suggestively in your ear. "There is no need for that, really. I'll be fine on my own, these heels are killing me." You whined softly so that no one could hear you but him. "I apologize for the pain they may have caused. I will ask the stylist to choose some of more comfort for the next time you join us, I promise...but I couldn't help but notice that even with them on, you are still nothing compared to my height, love." "Haha, very funny." You glared playfully. "Not everyone can be a giant like you, Loki." The cool breeze of the night greeted you as the doors were opened by a very kind looking servant; though the black coat kept you warm. The paparazzi were no here to be seen but the stars looked incredible from where you were at. Your heels made soft clinking noises as you and your boyfriend walked down the stairs and towards the limo who was waiting for you. Before leaving, Loki pulled you into a loving kiss; holding your face with both of his hands and your lips moved together in synchronization. "Until we see each other again, my dear." He said as he looked down at you tenderly. "You mean tomorrow?" "Yes," he laughed. "Until tomorrow. I entrust you to my most reliable driver. I hope you make it to your home well." He opened the door for you and watched as you climbed into the limo. "When you get home, dream of me." Loki winked and smiled at your laughter as he closed the door and watched the limousine drive off into the night.       But things after the night slowly began to change. There were days when Loki did not call to check up on you as he normally would. Often times you texts were replied with excuses of why he could not speak to you at the moment and rarely did he give you the surprise visits he was known to give. It seemed that your position of importance in his life was taken down a level or two and it got to the point where you felt like you were nothing but a pet he kept around to flaunt to his friends. Thinking about the way Loki used to be brought nostalgia and pain to your heart because that is how you wanted things to be currently. You hadn't changed; but he had. He had changed all because of the two devils named Amora and Sigyn. The night of the dinner his attention had been placed on you because he had shown you off to all of those people in his life that meant something. He had shown them that he was worthy enough to gain the love and affection of another even if she wasn't someone that measured up to Odin's expectations. You started to see how he treated you as an act of rebellion against his father for always preferring Thor over him. The more you analyzed each situation the more depressed it made you. After that night when you left, Amora and Sigyn started to show faux interest in Loki. They had approached him with lies of friendship and Loki, being Loki, began to enjoy all the attention that he was getting. He felt as if he had finally reached the point where all the things that he could not have as a child, he could obtain now as an adult. He had the attention of two beautiful women who used to ignore him but now sought him out. To him it was an achievement. But he didn't notice that he was pushing you aside. He didn't notice that Odin wanted him to marry one of the two so he continued to encourage their advantages even though Loki was already spoken for. This little game went on for months. It was a game to see who could embarrass and belittle you more when you were in their presence. "Look at the uneducated little savage gawking at that worthless piece of art," Amora had teased one day that you found yourself in the Odinson mansion, basking in the beauty of some of the art they owned. You had been in a miniature version of heaven, observing the way the artist had decided to stroke the brush against the canvas or the colors that they chose to use and how perfectly they complimented each other. But even Satan can dress himself as an angel of light and sneak into heaven to try to disturb the peace. "No art is worthless. The painter placed his love and soul here." You said as your fingers carefully touched the edges of the frame. "It is not appropriate for someone of your social status to openly stare at something like that." The other devil, Sigyn said with a degrading tone. "Oh wait! The only social importance you have is dating Loki. Other than that, you're just as worthless as that mess on a canvas you call art." They took it upon themselves to make sure that when you entered a room in the Odinson mansion or anywhere else where Loki invited you to go that you felt unwanted by everyone there. They criticized you for your lack of knowledge of wine and other finery. They scorn you for your inexpensive clothes. They treated you the like scum of the earth simply for being different from what they were used to. There were even times when they publicly ridiculed you to the point of making you want to leave and never return. There were times when Loki was in the same room as you when these things happened but he always seemed to be at a distance where he did not hear what was doing on. It was like he wasn't there at all. Thor, Lady Sif and the Warriors Three (what you had nicknamed them) seemed to notice when this was happening and always came to your defense. "Do not let their words harm your gentle soul, (Name)." Hogun would tell you. "They are jealous because you have something they don't." But for how long would you have that thing? For how long could you keep Loki around and interested when he kept giving time to everyone who ignored him before and not to you, someone who loved him so immensely. You decided to let go of all of these feelings with the only way that you knew how to; with art. You went to the city's center of performing art and danced away a bit of your worries. After spending long hours in the studio, you would go to the art gathering that people invited you. You felt alive again when you dipped your hands in the buckets of paint and along with so many other people you began to let your worries go on a gigantic canvas. On a rare day at the library while you were reading some of the poems Edgar Allan Poe had written, a gorgeous sunflower was dropped right in between the pages of the book. You looked down at the warm flower that symbolized happiness and realized that you haven't felt happy for some time now. "Hello, my darling girl." Loki said cheerfully as he leaned down and placed a kiss on your cheek. "How has your day transpired?" "My day's been okay." You said. "That is wonderful. Do you want to know why I am so excited today?" You simply nodded, not even offering him a smile but he didn't notice that in his jubilation. "Amora and Sigyn will be hosting an end of Summer ball in a very nice place further upstate. The decor will be much like the times of ancient Greeks and I know how much you enjoy Greek mythology. Will you accompany me there as my goddess?" He asked with a grin. You sighed, closing the book in your hands and placing the sunflower down on the table. "I don't want to go to that party, Loki. I'm sorry." It really did hurt you that those two envious girls had managed to blind him. Couldn't he see that something was wrong now? Couldn't he see that your dazzling smile was missing from your face and that your eyes no longer glimmered when they looked at him? You turned away and began to walk out of the children's section when you felt him grab your arm. Your heart beat wildly for a moment as you began to think that he finally noticed, that he was finally going to forget Amora and Sigyn and apologize for the way he has been acting. "Are you sure you don't want to go? I was the first one to receive an invitation from the sisters themselves, it would be rude to decline-" "I'm sure, Loki. You go and have fun." You cut him off as you walked away from him. He stood with his hand left hanging in the air where it had been on your shoulder. He watched you walk away until the vision of you was obscured by the tall wooden book shelves. Loki let his arm drop from the air and back to his side as he used his other arm to run a hand through his hair. The bluish-green colored orbs of his eyes wandered over to the sunflower you had abandoned on the table. He picked it up sadly and brought it close to his nose so he could take in its scent. He began to wonder if he had done something wrong.       The sun's rays happily brought like to all the inhabitants of Earth who lived in your hemisphere as both you and Lady Sif worked on the pots you were making. Lady Sif had really become a good friend to you in the last few months and it seemed that every time she visited you she had wise words to say about the difficult times you were going through with Loki. On a day such as this, you had called her up to see if she wanted to accompany you to a little artist gathering where sculpting and creating was the main theme for the day and as always she agreed. You had learned many things about Lady Sif during these times. She was called Lady Sif because she was an actual Lady from England. She came from a long line of descendants who were very close to the crown and that fact seemed like a fairy tale to you. You were hanging out with someone who might as well be a princess! "You will have to pardon Loki for his ignorance, (Name)." Lady Sif said as she moved her foot to spin the clay around in her hands. "I will be completely honest with you as I always have been. Loki used to be a very different person from what he became after meeting you." The both of you were dressed in shorts and baggy t-shirts as well as covered with paint and clay. You both camouflaged into the rest of the people around you who wore similar outfits. The atmosphere here felt light. "You say that every time I see you, Sif." "Because it is the truth." "What's also the truth is that I'm not important to him anymore and it's not that I'm demanding and hard to maintain, either. I understand that he has things to do. Just like I understand that he is a very busy man and that sometimes he won't be able to talk to me but it's been months since we've gone on a date together. All he worries about his Amora, Sigyn and all his other non-childhood friends who've shown up out of nowhere begging for his attention." "Which is why I ask you to forgive his ignorance. Loki is a very strange man, always has been. But if there is something that he craves is acceptance and he's finally getting that from the people whom he thought disliked him." Sif said as she moved some stray pieces of hair out of her face and left a bit of clay on her forehead. "But soon he's going to realize that they've been using him just as they have done before. He will return to you." "I probably won't be here when he realizes that. It will probably be too late." "Why do you say that, (Name)? Do you plan on ending your relationship with him? I know that things seem difficult at the moment but the sensible thing would be not to get carried away with these emotions. Loki is the brother of my husband, I want him to succeed and for that he needs you, (Name). I promise he will surely realize it soon, you must have patience." "I've had patience, Sif. I've tried talking to him about but he continues to side with the others. In a few days, I leave for China and I don't know when I'm coming back if I'm coming back. I've always been a wanderer. I've never stayed in one place for too long and I decided to stay here because of him but now I don't have him. I don't belong in all that high class mess, Sif, and I tell you this because you're my friend. I'm going to China to help and after that...who knows where the wind may take me." Sif looked at you with worried eyes as she continued to work on her pot. All of the things created today were going to be donated to a nursing home in hopes of making the elderly feel happy and knowing that there are people out there who still care about them because most of their families don't even visit them anymore. "A few days is a long time. What if Loki comes back to his senses?" She asked. "I'm not going to cancel my trip to China because he realizes that he's been wrong," you tell her firmly as you form the clay under your fingers. "And if I'm going to be completely honest as you are with me, Sif...I don't think he'll recover from this until I'm in another time zone. And that's if he notices I'm gone."       All of the arrangements have all been made and you had to catch your plane to from New York to California in just four hours. Every single thing in your apartment had been packed, boxed and placed in the storage unit your parents had bought before you were born so you did not have to worry about any charges. The fact that Loki had not appeared nor had he made any sort of contact with you throughout these last few days was something that you couldn't ignore. How could something that had started off so beautiful and spontaneous end in a way that felt so wrong? You felt replaced. You had been replaced by someone who was better suited to stand by Loki and receive his love. You should have known that it was going to end like this from the very beginning but you didn't want to accept that all of this had been a mistake because there had been real feelings involved in all of this. You had loved him with every fiber of your being and he in return had loved you. You had taken the time to write a little letter that you would leave to him before you set off on another one of your adventures. The old, stitched up backpack you always took on your journeys was left in your apartment as you set out to the Odinson mansion to leave the note for Loki there. "How long you gonna be in there?" The cab driver who had a thick New York accent asked as you opened the door. "I'm just giving this to one of the servants, I'll be right back." "Servants? How lucky they must be to have servants." The man commented as you closed the door behind you. Walking up the steps brought back better memories to the dinner that had been held in your honor. The quote, "It was better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all," really seemed to fit in this situation. You had lost the love and affection of Loki but you did gain some amazing friends who were to soon join you in your travels. Something good always comes out of a bad situation but you didn't want to think of Loki right now. You were just here to leave some sort of explanation before you left because leaving without saying a word didn't seem right to you. "Ms. (Last Name), how good it is to see you," Heimdall, the faithful and watchful butler said as he opened the door. You had spoken to Heimdall on countless of other occasions. He had always seemed to be around when Loki was too busy doing something, even though he invited you to spend time with him. Heimdall was a good listener but what you liked most about him were the stories that he also liked to share. There was always so much character to a person, each person was so interesting and infinitely intriguing. It was hard for you to understand how some people were mean to others when everyone is so beautiful if you just take the time to know them. "It's good to see you too, Heimdall. How is your family?" "They're doing well with the money I am able to send to them but please, let me take your coat. We can continue the conversation inside." He said as he opened the door wider. "Shall I search for Master Loki?" "No, actually...I don't have much time to talk today, Heimdall. I have to catch a flight in a few hours. I was just here to drop this off, if you could give this to Loki whenever you see him." You handed off the vanilla colored envelope to your friend and smiled up at him. But Heimdall was all seeing and he could see the sadness hidden behind your convincing smile. "You are going on your trip to China." "I am," you nodded. "I wish you and your family the best of luck and who knows, Heimdall, maybe I'll see you in one of my visits." "Take good care, Ms. (Last Name). I will deliver this to Loki immediately." You nodded and put your hand in your pockets before you made your way over to the taxi that was waiting for you impatiently. What you hadn't known was that Loki had not gone to his meeting that day and he was in the house when you delivered the letter. What you had not known was that Heimdall quickly made his way up the grand staircase and towards Master Loki's room where he delivered the letter that you had given him. What you had not even the slightest clue about was that during the last two days Loki had realized what an unbelievable fool he had been and through that time he had been thinking about a way to redeem himself to you. The letter that you left him broke his heart completely; it shattered it until it there was nothing left but dust. The taxi driver had not stopped talking at all during the ride back to your apartment to pick up the bag filled with your possessions. You only took what was absolutely necessary because the poor people that you met around the world who lived in poverty that could not even be imagined, were always the most generous. You knew that you could of just taken your back pack with you but you wanted to return to your humble little abode just one last time before you left the United States. You climbed up the stairs slowly, remembering all the times you complained about lifting up the grocery bags to the floor you lived on or the times you almost tripped as you ran down them because you were late to go somewhere. A little smile found its way to your lips as you reached the door of your apartment that had been painted (color) but the paint had started to chip badly. You were a little too lost in your thoughts to notice that your door had been open when you turned the handle; you always lock your door before leaving your apartment. You walked down the long hallway that led to your living room but instead of just grabbing your back-pack and leaving, you were met with a very disheveled looking Loki. This was something that was uncommon for Loki. If there was one thing that he always maintained was his appearance; he was always wearing a sharp suit, his black hair was always styled back and he constantly looked impeccable. Never in all the months that you have known him have you ever seen him so...heart broken. "This is the way you were going to say goodbye to me, (Name)?" He asked as he held up the letter you had written. The envelope had been slightly crushed under the pressure of his hand and that's when you truly noticed how he looked. He was angry but his eyes and his voice revealed that he had been crying or close to doing so. "Answer me!" "You are lucky that I decided to say goodbye to you at all. By the time you opened your eyes, I could have been in China or even further than that." "You were going to leave me because of what those people thought about you!" "I was thinking of you! You had no idea how cruel they were or how bad I felt!" "Why didn't you tell me that this was how you felt?! Why didn't you sit me down and explained this to me until I understood exactly what you were feeling?" He yelled at you as his eyes watered. "I made you feel out of place in my presence...why didn't you tell me how horrid I was being?!" "I tried! I tried many times but you always took their side!" You yelled back as you seemed to copy the state that he was in. "I waited for you, Loki. We met each other in January and things started to go bad in May. Now after four months of waiting for you to see that they were just using you, it's too late." "I know I was a fool, (Name). An ignorant, blinded fool but do not tell me that it is too late." He spoke those last few words in such a broken tone that it hurt your heart. "It's not too late, it is never to late, my love." "My plane leaves in about two hours and I'm not going to cancel my flight because you finally made up your mind." You said firmly even though the tears in your eyes betrayed you. "Now if you'll excuse me, I need my bag. There's a taxi waiting for me downstairs." "Do you have any idea how I felt when I read this letter? I felt like a monster who needed to stop existing because I had hurt the one truly good thing that has ever happened to me in life. When I arrived here and saw that everything was packed and no essence of you remained in this home, I felt my entire soul shatter." You moved to grab your heavy backpack from off the floor and you flung it over your shoulders as your tried your hardest not to listen to the words spoken by the gifted silver-tongue. "I know that I have ignored you for some time and that when I called for you I did not give you any attention but right now in this moment I am fighting for what I love and admitting that I acted stupidly. I'll admit that I myself am mindless. I'll admit whatever I need to in order for you to stay with me. Please." You turned around silently trying to walk to the door but he got in your path. You looked up from the floor to meet his pain filled expression. You were only a foot away from him as you watched tears pour from his eyes and down his cheeks. He really did regret what he did but the question was, could you forgive him? "My dear, please listen to me," he said as his hands rose up to cup your face. "I cannot bare with the thought that the moment you walk out of that door and board that plane that I will never see you again. I don't want to live in a world where you aren't with me. In a world where I don't know if you are safe, where I do not know if you have been well fed, where I can't have you in my arms. I would rather let you go now knowing that you are going to return to me than letting you go and spending the rest of my life scouring the planet to find you." You still haven't spoken a word as Loki broken down right in front of you. You tried to look anywhere that wasn't his eyes but every time your (eye color) orbs left his he would move his entire body until he met your eyes again. Loki didn't know what to do, you weren't speaking to him and he was starting to become desperate. "My dove, please say something." He begged. "Can you please move out of the way? I don't want to miss my flight." "Have you not been listening to me? Did you just stop caring? Have you...no. No. Please tell me it isn't so." His eyes widened at the thought and pure fear shook his body. "Don't tell me that you don't love me anymore...say it isn't so. Have my actions caused you to lose your love for me?" "I need to get to the taxi." You tried again. "You aren't going anywhere until you answer my question!" Loki said as his hands moved down to grip your arms as he frantically searched your eyes. "I see love for me in your eyes. I see the potential for forgiveness. I can see the future you wish to have with me in those perfect orbs of yours, my darling. You still love me." "Of course I do." You admitted as tears now fell from your eyes as well. "But I meant what I said in that letter, Loki. It's too late. I have somewhere to be." "Postpone it. Please." "No." "Please, it will only be for a while longer. I can't let you go. Not until I make up for all the things that I've done. Not until I convince you that there is no one that I would rather be with in the universe other than you." He said as he slowly backed away from you and got a bouquet of flowers that had been hidden in your kitchen. "I got these before coming. I always surprise you with flowers." You watched as he took out the first flower from the bouquet. It was a red tulip. "A red tulip symbolizes true love which is what we have. It's the treasure that I am trying to protect and that I would die to protect." He said as he handed it to you. The next flower he took out of the bouquet was a white tulip. "This one is another tulip, the shop owner had quite a few tulips," Loki tried to joke and laughed shortly at what he had said. "It symbolizes forgiveness which is what I wish to earn from you even if it takes a life time. I'm willing to do anything and everything for you. I do mean that." He handed this flower to you as well as he took out yet another flower. "A light red carnation represents admiration which is the first thing I ever felt towards you when I saw you at that art gallery. I was stunned by your brilliance and in awe of your goodness," He sniffled a bit as he took out the next flower. "A dark red carnation means deep love and affection which is what my heart beats for when I think of you." A tear rolled off your cheek as he handed these to you and you stared at the flowers in your hands. "This one here is very special." He said as he pulled out the last flower and held it up for you to see. "A Calla Lily." You recalled. "Yes. It represents everlasting re-union." He carefully handed it to you and look right into your soul with his gaze. "All I want is your forgiveness and I can assure you that our re-union will only happen once. I swear to you that I will not commit the same mistake twice. Will you please forgive me, (Name)? Please?" It never failed. Every single time that Loki appeared out of nowhere, he brought your flowers and even in a moment like this he kept his tradition. Yes, you had suffered these last few months and spilled tears over the man that was now spilling them for you. You weren't so heartless as to leave him without saying anything and anyone can commit a mistake but you weren't going to hand him your forgiveness on a silver platter like he was used too. Not everything would be his way, this is a lesson he had to learn. If he truly loves you then he will have the same patience to wait as you did. You clearly heard the horn of a car squealing from below and you knew that the impatient taxi driver was nearing his limits. In only a few seconds you made one of the biggest decisions of your life. "I forgive you, Loki." The reaction to your words was immediate. The happiness flooded into his eyes and for a second he couldn't believe what he had just heard. He felt like the luckiest man alive. And with all that emotion he moved in closer to place a kiss on your lips but you stopped him. You pushed him back gently and placed all of the flowers back in his hands. This also caused a quick reaction. One of fear, regret, and confusion. "I forgive you and if you truly love me then you'll wait for me to come back from China." You told him as you took a step back. "You told me that you would rather let me go knowing I'd come back to you." "But I-" "I had patience for you and if you truly love me as that dark red carnation says you do, then you'll wait for me to return." You dried the tears on your cheeks and you heard another irritated car noise coming from below the apartment. "Lock up when you leave, will you? The land lord is going to come by some time this week to make sure it's ready for a new tenant." You took one last look around, at him, before walking back down the stairs to meet the annoyed taxi man. "I will wait for you!" You heard Loki call after you. "I will visit the airport every day until your return! I swear it!" A smile found its way up to your lips as you readjusted your old but trusty backpack. You would only know if he truly meant his words when you came back but there was something in your heart that knew he would truly wait for your return as much as you waited for his. [] [] [] Returning back to the states after seven long months had given you a strange feeling. You had indeed traveled to China and helped out in as many ways as you could to the village you used to live in and while there you took the opportunity to travel to India and stayed in the home of a friend. You had met a lot of people on your journey, people that you might not ever see again but that you were fortunate enough to get to know. Coming back to the United States were everyone had things to easily, where if you were in need help could be found, always gave you a perspective of how difficult people have it else where. You weren't sure what to expect when the plane landed. You didn't have a working cellular device where you had been so you were sure that no one knew of your arrival. You only had your backpack with you, which was now lighter than it was when you started. You ignored baggage claim and headed towards the doors that led outside so you could call a taxi. The ridiculous part of everything was that there was no available taxi's waiting outside. You were in New York! There were always taxi's available but it seemed that you had no luck with you today. This didn't bother you because you had been given a few books from the people you helped and this was the perfect time to read them. You sat in a bench just out side of the airport and watched as family members eagerly hugged each other. After your parents had died from a sickness in Russia, all the family you had was gone. Family was then replaced with all the friends that you had gotten over the years. A part of you wanted to start a family while the other part just wanted to keep being the free spirit you were. You opened your bag and took out the first book that seemed interesting. It was a story book with unique little fairy tales about princesses meeting their love written in Cantonese. The weather was pleasant in the city this time of year, not too cold but at the same time not too hot. The wind carelessly played with your hair as you flipped a page in the little book when a huge bouquet of flowers was delicately placed on top of the book's pages. Your heart began to beat so fast as you looked at all the flowers; that bouquet had so much meaning. Your eyes wandered up to see Loki Laufeyson, immaculately dressed as always with his hands in his coat pockets. "I bought a bouquet everyday you were gone and came to the airport just like I promised." Was the first thing he said to you. You couldn't stop your heart from melting that the utter sweetness of what he said. Your eyes got watery as you lifted the bouquet up to you so that you could take in its powerful scent. "I've been quite a little busy too." He continued. "I bought a house up in upstate but it's away from Odinson mansion. I've taken it upon myself to make every little feature of it to your liking. I bought art supplies by the dozen and built a quiet library for you to venture off to when you want a silent place to write." You opened your mouth to say something but he cut you off. "Please allow me to say everything that I've planned to." He spoke softly as he sat down next to you and moved some strands of hair away from your face. "Each day I would come in hopes of seeing you and holding you, dreaming to keep you in my arms for all eternity. I was so worried about you. I asked myself if you went to sleep with enough to food in your stomach or if you were okay knowing fully well that you could protect yourself. What I've learned through all of this, my dear (Name), is that I never want to be away from you. If you decide to travel then I will accompany you. I don't ever want to be away from you again and I am willing to follow you to the ends of the earth." "Loki," you said with tears in your eyes as you pressed your forehead to his. "I want you to come live with me in the home I have constructed for us. I want to make you fall in love with me each day. I want to wake up in your arms and one day call you Ms. Laufeyson, if you would allow me that honor." His words caused the tears in your eyes to overflow but he wiped them away lovingly and looked at you with so much love and emotion it was hard to process. He waited seven months for you and now said that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with you; how were you supposed to react to that? You might get the family you've always dreamed of. You might get to travel to different places with Loki at your side and live with him. "I know what I've said is a lot to process...I don't even know if you feel the same way after all this time, perhaps I-" You cut him off with a kiss and poured in everything you had to say to him. All the times you missed him while you were away, the love you felt for him and everything else that you needed to say in words but couldn't. You reassured him with such a powerful act of love that you did want to spend the rest of your life with him again. The relationship now started anew from now on until forever comes. "Oh, how long I've dreamed for that," Loki whispered as you two pulled away. "I could say the same." You smiled. "Then can we leave this airport, I fear I've visited it one too many times and I wish to show you our new home." His smile was blinding as he took both your hands in his. You nodded, believing yourself to be the luckiest woman in the world to be with a man such as him. He had his flaws but so did you; so did everyone. Good things can come out from a bad situation and both of you were now more determined than ever to fight for what you two had. Nothing could stop you two from having your happily ever after now. He led you to the limousine where the familiar driver, who had driven you to the dinner so long ago, waved at you. You waved back happily and couldn't wait for the new adventure that lay ahead for you and Loki.