#care for Liam and has to be persuaded

[cherry-treelane]

if a non-shameless fan saw the discourse surrounding the frank-monica-fiona dynamic they'd think well what the actual fuck is going on here

[no-144444]

chancer- o.piastri

Day 31 of fic-tober! fic-tober masterlist

summary: Can he figure out who you are at the masquerade ball before you leave forever?

a/n: thank you everyone for reading these stories over the last month! this has been so fun and i've loved getting to write everyday!

ps, these were the costumes i had in mind (plus random masquerade masks):

you: oscar:

(both from pinterest!)

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Oscar knew he wasn’t the first person anyone would choose to go to a party with. He was awkward, quiet, unknown, and uninterested in getting to know new people. He had his friend group; Logan, Lando, Alex, Charles, George, Daniel, Pierre, Arthur, Liam, and himself. He was happy just talking with his friends. He wasn’t looking for more, and he didn’t want to entertain small talk more than he already had to with his job.

“What if you meet someone there?” Alex had wondered out loud, trying to persuade him to go. He was the only girlfriend-less guy in the group. Alex knew he wasn’t looking for a girlfriend. He knew, because every single week one of their girlfriends would text him about ‘a friend that was really interested’ and every time he’d say no. He wasn’t looking for a hook-up (mostly because he didn’t believe in hook-up culture, not being into having sex with someone without knowing them), and he didn’t want to lead someone on. Objectively, yes, he knew he was an attractive man. He was a fucking racecar driver who was paid to take care of his body. He was paid to model clothes and go to nice events. He was paid to drive a fast car, on track and off it. Could he probably put more effort into his look? Absolutely. He didn’t even own a hairbrush, and he wasn’t going to start anytime soon. 

Yet there he stood, pirate costume on (complete with a masquerade mask, as to keep with the theme of the party), walking into the biggest house he’d seen in a while, with a bubbly sense of anxiety in his stomach. Logan was walking beside him, talking to Liam about something or other. 

“You’re nervous,” Arthur teased. Oscar rolled his eyes. 

“I don’t want to be here,” he sighed as he got handed a drink. 

“Why not? Have a bit of fun!”

“Fun to you, is drinking and making out with your girlfriend in the corner of a party. Fun for me, is going home and sleeping,” Oscar took a swig o f his drink, it burned as it went down his throat. 

“We should’ve invited Hattie instead,” he scoffed. Hattie and Arthur had become friends during Oscar’s overlapping time in F2 with Arthur. Hattie was always the more outgoing sibling, and Oscar wouldn’t have blamed them for inviting her instead of him. He could’ve at least gone home and slept. 

“Oscar!” Fernando cheered, resting an arm over his shoulders. “You came!” 

Ah, this was Fernando’s party. Of course. 

“Of course I did,” he smiled. Fernando had always been kind to him, especially in his time in Alpine. 

“I have someone I want you to meet,” he whispered. “It’s a girl…” Oscar rolled his eyes. “Is everyone trying to set me up with someone tonight?” 

“Maybe, I know I am,” he laughed. “Follow me.” 

Oscar dutifully followed behind Fernando, being brought further into the party. It was going to be impossible to find any of his friends again, so he sent the group chat a quick text to meet him at the front door in 1 hour, as that would be when he would be leaving. He was met with sad and angry emojis, but he didn’t care. The host had seen him, and he had a weekend's worth of sleep to get.   

“This is-” Fernando was too quiet to be heard over all the shouting and singing. But in front of both of them stood you. You were dressed as a mermaid. What a pair you two made. 

Oscar’s mouth literally fell open. You were gorgeous, the costume showing a great deal of skin and he was not complaining. What really drew him in was the bright smile on your lips as Fernando spoke (he had tuned everything else out) and the way you nodded along. 

“So, I’m sure you’ll get acquainted!” Fernando announced just in time for Oscar to close his jaw and stop drooling. Then your attention turned on him. 

“I think him telling me who you are defeats the purpose of the masks, right?” you chuckled. He chuckled. 

He was a goner. 

“You’re right,” he smiled. “I’m Oscar.”

“I know,” you bit your lip, smiling brightly. “He told me, remember?”

He internally kicked himself. “Of course, yeah. Sorry.” 

“No need to be sorry,” you shouted over the music. “It’s a little loud in here, want to go somewhere quieter?”

He nodded. “Yeah!” 

You took his hand and led him out to the garden, which was still full of drunk people. You brought him further, him following diligently. You brought him to the edge of the forest at the back of the house. “You trust me?”

He nodded, trusting you implicitly. You led him further, into the forest, until you made it to a treehouse. 

You helped him up (despite being in a skirt), and there you two sat for a moment, just enjoying the quiet. 

“What do you like to do?” you asked, out of the blue. 

“I like to drive-”

“Other than of driving,” you giggled. 

He smiled. “Well, I like to sleep, I like to play video games, I like watching movies, I like baking-”

“Baking?” you questioned. 

“Yeah, baking,” he nodded. 

You looked at him sceptically. “Explain.”

He chuckled. “Well, my mum and my grandma used to make me sit with them in the kitchen to learn how to bake, and when I was a kid, I fucking hated it. Now that I’m older, I love it. It’s so relaxing.”

“You learn something new everyday,” you smiled. 

“What about you?”

“Well, I like to read, I like to cook, I like hanging out with my friends and family, I like writing-”

“What do you write about?” he asked.   

You smiled cheekily, he could see the way your eyes crinkled, just slightly. It made him smile. 

“You chancer, I don’t know if I can tell a random stranger that…” you shook your head. “I’ll need to get to know you better.”

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So, there you two sat, talking about your lives, enjoying each other's company, and just having fun. The hour he was supposed to spend had long since passed, and he had silenced his phone the second you had started talking about your life. He didn’t see the messages from his friends about leaving, he didn’t see the missed calls from them, wondering if he was alright. He didn’t want to either. 

You ended up with your head on his shoulder as the topic of love somehow came up. 

“Have you ever been in love?” you asked, curious about his experience. 

“I don’t think so,” he answered, mildly confused. 

“So, no then.” 

He chuckled. “No, then. You?”

You shook your head. “Nope. But I do love racing.”

“You race?” he asked. 

“Yeah,” you shrugged. “MotoGP.” 

“That’s awesome,” he praised. 

You looked into his eyes, the majority of his face covered by the mask. “I want to kiss you right now,” you admitted, your voice low. 

He gulped. “I want to kiss you right now.” 

You smiled cheekily again. “What’s stopping you?” 

And that was that. He kissed you.

His hands found space on your hips and held you against him, feeling the sparks between you two like a fuckign fire. He wanted so much more than just one kiss. Your lips against his was like the perfect symphony, your hands on his body the greatest touch, his hands on your skin like the softest connection. 

“Oscar,” you moaned against his lips as he bit down on your bottom lip, his tongue fighting yours. 

The loud bang of fireworks pulled you both apart. You both gasped, pulled away abruptly, then laughed as your adrenaline calmed down. 

“That was…” he started. 

“Wow,” you finished. 

He chuckled. “Wow,” he agreed. 

You checked your phone, wondering the time. “Shit!” you cursed. “I have to go, it was awesome meeting you, my friends-”

“Can I get your number?” he asked, rushing after you. 

“I think that defeats the purpose of the night Oscar,” you chuckled. 

“I-I don’t even know your name!” he stressed. He needed to see you again. “I want to see you again.” 

You ran ahead of him, rushing through the trees. He followed behind, thankful that his trainer makes him go on endurance runs. 

As you two got back into the house, you tried to shake him off, just for fun. He wasn’t budging. When you finally made it to the front door, he grabbed your arm and kissed you. Again, those same butterflies were sent free in your stomach, and this time it didn’t make you nervous. It made you happy. 

As he kissed you, he pulled your mask off, revealing your identity to him as he pulled away. 

“Shit you’re beautiful,” he chuckled. “Sorry if that was too-”

You cut him off with a kiss of your own, pulling off his mask. “Pretty handsome yourself.” 

He smiled. “Please. I want to see you again.” 

“You already have my number, idiot,” you chuckled. 

“I know,” he chuckled. “I’m just asking you out now anyways.” 

You smiled. “Yes, I’ll obviously go out with you.” 

He pressed his lips to yours once again, and both of your friend groups cheered, happy that you’d finally gotten together.

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navigation for my blog :) (masterlist)

fic-tober masterlist

taglist: @anotherapollokid @theseerbetweenus @simbaaas-stuff @5sospenguinqueen @yootvi @linnygirl09 @lanadelray1989 @teamnovalak @gleeblegnarp

[teecupangel]

What if Desmond was reborn as Shay’s son and the same age as Connor

We have this idea where Desmond is reborn as Shay’s son but, in that one, we made Desmond the same age as Arno for that sweet, sweet angst.

For this one, we need to talk about the timeline for a bit.

Ratonhnhaké:ton is born in 1756 and Shay put his lot with the Templars the same year.

This means Desmond has to be conceived in 1755 before Shay leaves for Lisbon. Specifically: Desmond must be conceived months before November 1 1755. (If you want, we can put it his birth date as March 13 then Desmond would have to be considered around June 1755)

He returns to the homestead late 1755 to early 1756 and there was a lot of snow during the cutscenes during that time so we can say Winter Months (December ~ February)

Why is this important?

Because we have a prime ‘candidate’ for Desmond’s mother:

Hope Jensen.

Hope would definitely hide the fact that she’s pregnant and would never say that Shay was the father.

Perhaps it was simply a night of passion that they never talked about.

Maybe there was a sliver of ‘something more’ but it was postponed when Shay sailed to Lisbon.

Regardless, Hope would still join the hunt for Shay and she would watch as he ‘dies’ after failing to persuade him into returning the manuscript (maybe even hint on her current ‘situation’)

After that, she would never tell anyone who the father of her son was.

Desmond would be born in one of her gang’s hideout.

He would stay with her while she worked for the Brotherhood and he would know she’s an Assassin early on. Her gang would serve as both his bodyguards and his nannies when she’s away.

He would be 1 year and 8 months old when his mother died while he was taken away by her most trusted gang members, running away when she noticed Shay spying on them while she was talking to Liam. Desmond was nearby and was taken away while Hope slowly filled the warehouse with poisonous gas.

Desmond would then watch the fall of the Brotherhood and his mother’s gang as Shay hunted them down.

By the time Desmond is four years old, the only living gang members that he knows of are the ones who took care of him.

To him, Shay Cormac is the man who betrayed the Brotherhood and joined the Templars to hunt them all down.

The man who killed Desmond’s mother.

And now we have the setup for Desmond’s revenge plot (with a twist).

So, in this one, Desmond comes to Achilles around the same time Ratonhnhaké:ton does. Maybe he timed it that way, maybe it was fate. An important thing to note is that he has been making a name of himself by rebuilding his mother’s gang.

Of course, it’s less of a gang and more of a Brotherhood by its own rights. They stick to the shadows and follow the Creed and its tenets.

People see him as a genius youngster.

The ones who raised him after Hope died believed that he’s a prodigy like his late mother.

So he didn’t come to Achilles to ask for him to train him, he came there to learn about Shay Cormac and if he knows his current location.

This is where our plot can diverse into specific plot points:

(1) Desmond learns Shay is his father but Shay remains oblivious.

(2) Shay learns Desmond is his son but Desmond doesn’t know about this.

(3) They learn of their connection with one another in different ways.

For Desmond, either one of the people who raised him (maybe the ‘nanny’) knew the truth, maybe she was a servant of the Jensen family who came to care for Desmond, or Hope left a letter for Desmond to read when he was older if she died to one of the people who cared for him beforehand.

For Shay, it could be the good old ‘Hope Jensen had a son’, ‘said son is around this age’, Shay remembers they had sex around that time, and did the math himself. Or the Templars learned of the connection and informed Shay.

This would change how tragic this becomes, especially on Shay’s side.

Desmond’s side though?

He already had a bad father as Desmond Miles. His father being the one to kill his mother? Yeah, that just another nail in the coffin he would be carving for Shay Cormac, to be honest.

Shay though? If he learned that Desmond is his son, he would absolutely try to connect with him.

He would be the reason why Shay would return to the colonies during AC3.

So if you want Shay to be part of AC3 then Shay must know that Desmond is his son.

Or…

He learned that Hope Jensen’s son has been wrecking havoc with Haytham Kenway’s son and felt that it was his duty to ‘finish’ what he started.

.

Whatever situation they have, Desmond would be loyal to the Brotherhood. Not Achilles’ Brotherhood but the one he made himself. He’d support Ratonhnhaké:ton on his missions while suggesting Ratonhnhaké:ton join them.

Haytham would even comment on how their relationship is a bit similar to Haytham’s relationship with Shay but with the ‘roles’ reversed.

Desmond would clarify that he sees Ratonhnhaké:ton as an equal.

Desmond and Ratonhnhaké:ton would also bond over having bad fathers (although Ratonhnhaké:ton would remind Desmond that Shay Cormac doesn’t even know that he has a son so it was less ‘bad father’ and more like ‘bad Assassin’). In the end, Desmond would never betray Ratonhnhaké:ton and he has no memories of Shay being anything ‘good’ to him. Being his mother’s killer definitely soured their entire relationship before it even started.

So… it’s not going to have a happy ending.

.

.

.

Or, you know, Desmond’s mother could be some random woman Shay slept with and he found out about him after betraying the Brotherhood. He raised him away from his Templar business and Desmond becomes an Assassin anyway because of Ratonhnhaké:ton. This one’s angst would be the hesitation of fighting his father.

Pick your poison. XD

[mariacallous]

Over the past decade, China has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in its international media network. The Xinhua News Agency, China Global Television Network, China Radio International, and the China Daily web portal produce material in multiple languages and use multiple social-media accounts to amplify it. This huge investment produces plenty of positive coverage of China and benign depictions of the authoritarian world more broadly. Nevertheless, Beijing is also aware that news marked “made in China” doesn’t have anything like the influence that local people, using local media, would have if they were uttering the same messages.

That, in the regime’s thinking, is the ultimate form of propaganda: Get the natives to say it for you. Train them, persuade them, pay them—it doesn’t matter; whatever their motives, they’ll be more convincing. Chinese leaders call this tactic “borrowing boats to reach the sea.”

When a handful of employees at RT, the Russian state television network formerly known as Russia Today, allegedly offered to provide lucrative payments to the talking heads of Tenet Media, a Tennessee-based far-right influencer team, borrowing boats to reach the sea was exactly what they had in mind. According to a federal indictment released last week, RT employees spent nearly $10 million over the course of a year—money “laundered through a network of foreign shell entities,” including companies in Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the Czech Republic, and Hungary—with the aim of supporting Tenet Media’s work and shaping the messages in its videos.

The indictment makes clear that the influencers—propagandists, in fact—must have had a pretty good idea where the money was coming from. They were told that their benefactor was “Eduard Grigoriann,” a vaguely Euro-Armenian “investor.” They tried to Google him and found nothing; they asked for information and were shown a résumé that included a photograph of a man gazing through the window of a private jet. Sometimes, the messages from Grigoriann’s team were time-stamped in a way that indicated they were written in Moscow. Sometimes the alleged employees of Grigoriann’s alleged company misspelled Grigoriann’s name. Unsurprisingly, in their private conversations, the Tenet Media team occasionally referred to its mysterious backers as “the Russians.”

But the real question is not whether the talking heads of Tenet Media—the founders, Lauren Chen and Liam Donovan, who were the main interlocutors with the Russians, but also Tim Pool, Lauren Southern, Dave Rubin, and Benny Johnson—had guessed the true identity of their “investor.” Nor does it matter whether they knew who was really paying them to make videos that backed up absurd pro-Moscow narratives (that a terrorist attack at a Moscow shopping mall, loudly claimed by the Islamic State, was really carried out by Ukrainians, for example). More important is whether the audience knew, and I think we can safely say that it did not. And now that Tenet Media fans do know who funds their favorite influencers, it’s entirely possible that they won’t care.

This is because the messages formed part of a larger stream of authoritarian ideas that are now ubiquitous on the far right, and that make coherent sense as a package. They denounce U.S. institutions as broken, irreparable: If Donald Trump doesn’t win, it’s because the election is rigged. They imply American society is degenerate: White people are discriminated against in America. They suggest immigrants are part of a coordinated invasion, designed to destroy what remains of the culture: Illegal immigrants are eating household pets, a trope featured during this week’s presidential debate. For the Russians, the amplification of this narrative matters more than specific arguments about Ukraine. As the indictment delicately explains, many of the Russian-sponsored videos produced by Tenet Media were more relevant to American politics than to the Ukraine war: “While the views expressed in the videos are not uniform, the subject matter and content of the videos are often consistent with the Government of Russia’s interest in amplifying U.S. domestic divisions.”

But these themes are also consistent with the Trump campaign’s interest in amplifying U.S. domestic divisions. People who have come to distrust the basic institutions of American democracy, who feel aggrieved and rejected, who believe that immigrants are invaders who have been deliberately sent to replace them—these are not people who will necessarily be bothered that their favorite YouTubers, according to prosecutors, were being sponsored by a violent, lawless foreign dictator who repeatedly threatens the U.S. and its allies with nuclear armageddon. On the contrary, many of them now despise their own country so much that they might be pleased to hear there are foreigners who, like the ex-president, want to burn it all down. If you truly hate modern America—its diversity, its immense energy, its raucous debate—then you won’t mind hearing it denounced by other people who hate it and wish it ill. On X earlier this year, Chen referred to the U.S. as a “tyranny,” for example, a phrase that could easily have been produced by one of the Russian propagandists who regularly decry the U.S. on the evening news.

These pundits and their audience are not manipulated by Russian, Chinese, and other autocrats who sometimes fill their social-media feeds. The relationship goes the other way around; Russian, Chinese, and other influence operations are designed to spread the views of Americans who actively and enthusiastically support the autocratic narrative. You may have laughed at Trump’s rant on Tuesday night: “The people that came in. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating—they’re eating the pets of the people that live there. And this is what’s happening in our country. And it’s a shame.” But that language is meant to reach an audience already primed to believe that Kamala Harris, as Trump himself said, is “destroying this country. And if she becomes president, this country doesn’t have a chance of success. Not only success. We’ll end up being Venezuela on steroids.”

Plenty of other people are trying to reach that audience too. Indeed, the Grigoriann scheme was not the only one revealed in the past few days. In a separate case that has received less attention, the FBI last week filed an affidavit in a Pennsylvania courthouse supporting the seizure of 32 internet domains. The document describes another team of Russian operatives who have engaged in typosquatting—setting up fake news websites whose URLs resemble real ones. The affidavit mentions, for example, washingtonpost.pm, washingtonpost.ltd, fox-news.in, fox-news.top, and forward.pw, but we know there are others. This same propaganda group, known to European investigators as Doppelganger, has also set up similar sites in multiple European languages. Typosquatters do not necessarily seek to drive people to the fake sites. Instead, the fake URLs they provide make posts on Facebook, X, and other social media appear credible. When someone is quickly scrolling, they might not check whether a sensational headline purporting to be from The Washington Post is in fact linked to washingtonpost.pm, the fake site, as opposed to washingtonpost.com, the real one.

But this deception, too, would not work without people who are prepared to believe it. Just as the Grigoriann scam assumed the existence of pundits and viewers who don’t really care who is paying for the videos that make them angry, typosquatting—like all information laundering—assumes the existence of a credulous audience that is already willing to accept outrageous headlines and not ask too many questions. Again, although Russian teams seek to cultivate, influence, and amplify this audience—especially in Pennsylvania, apparently, because in Moscow, they know which swing states matter too—the Russians didn’t create it. Rather, it was created by Trump and the pundits who support him, and merely amplified by foreigners who want our democracy to fail.

These influencers and audiences are cynical, even nihilistic. They have deep distrust in American institutions, especially those connected to elections. We talk a lot about how authoritarianism might arrive in America someday, but in this sense, it’s already here: The United States has a very large population of people who look for, absorb, and believe anti-American messages wherever they are found, whether on the real Fox News or the fake fox-news.in. Trump was speaking directly to them on Tuesday. What happens next is up to other Americans, the ones who don’t believe that their country is cratering into chaos and don’t want a leader who will burn it all down. In the meantime, there are plenty of boats available to borrow for Russians who want to reach the sea.

[jrob64]

Ghosted

Chapter 4 - Attacks

It appears I lied about this story being 4 chapters long, because the muse has spoken and now I have to write an epilogue too. So, I hope you enjoy this next-to-last chapter. And a reminder - don't read this just before going to sleep.

Many huge thanks to my beta @hookedmom and my artists @kmomof4 and @motherkatereloyshipper. You ladies are the best!

If you haven't checked out the great art and stories for this final @cssns event, you are missing out on greatness! They are all spectacular!

STORY SUMMARY: When Emma Swan’s ex-boyfriend dies, she’s haunted by his ghost. Her neighbor, Killian Jones, a ghost hunter who has a YouTube channel, realizes what’s happening and offers to help. However, there’s more at stake than simply helping the apparition move on. There’s also the matter of Killian telling Emma he’s in love with her. 

Rating: M (for intense scenes, language, and possible smut in the epilogue)

Words (Ch. 4): 9055

Previous chapters on Tumblr: Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3

Also posted to Ao3 and ffn

He sucked in a breath, knowing what he said next would inevitably change their relationship. He simply didn’t know if it would be for better or worse. Shifting on the couch so he could fully face her, he looked her in the eyes and said, “Don’t you know, Emma? It’s you.”

Her mouth dropped open and her brows shot up over wide eyes. Without taking her gaze from him, she slowly reached over to place the box of Cheez-its on the coffee table. She missed and the box fell, spilling crackers on the floor, but neither of them cared.

“Me?” she asked, her voice sounding as stunned as she looked. “You want to ask me out?”

“Is that so surprising?”

“But I…I thought you just wanted to be friends.”

“Is that all you want us to be?” he asked, beginning to feel a faint glimmer of hope.

“It was at first, when I was getting to know you, and obviously while I was dating Neal, but then…” Her mouth opened and closed wordlessly, as she pulled her feet out of his lap, placing them on the floor and sliding closer to him on the couch.

“Then…what, Emma?” he asked breathlessly.

“I don’t know if you remember this, but one day, Neal followed me home from work and was hanging around outside my door. He kept calling to me, trying to persuade me to let him in. I was just getting ready to open the door to yell at him, when I heard you talking to him.”

She paused. “What did I say?” Killian encouraged.

“You told him that if he really cared about me, he would respect my wishes to be left alone.”

“I do remember that. He told me to fuck off and mind my own business.”

“But you didn’t, and it’s what you said next that made me…begin to think of you as something other than a friend.”

His eyebrow raised in curiosity. “I don’t recall what I said, Love.”

“You said that…that a woman like me is a precious gift who should be told how wonderful she is every day, who shouldn’t be stalked and treated like a piece of property. Neal said something stupid about how you would never have a chance with a woman like me, and you said…”

“If I was ever lucky enough to be with a woman like you, I would treasure every moment and never be foolish enough to let her go,” Killian finished. “I didn’t know you heard all of that.”

“I did and it started me thinking about how lucky someone would be if they were your girlfriend, and then…then I started thinking about how I wished that someone was…me.”

“That was months ago, Emma. Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

“Why didn’t you ever ask me out after I broke up with Neal?” she shot back.

He chuckled as he reached over to take her hand. “Point taken. Liam told me I was a coward for not asking you out. I denied it, but I guess he was right.”

“You told him about me?”

“I knew he could keep a secret since no one else can see him or hear him,” he grinned.

She studied their interlocked hands where they lay between them on the couch. “So…what happens now?” she asked.

“Now, since it appears you’re open to the idea, and if you accept, we go out on a date.” He expected - hoped - she would show excitement for his suggestion. He was disappointed when she simply began to chew on her lower lip and wouldn’t meet his eyes. “Emma, what is it? Would you rather not…”

“No,” she interrupted quickly. “No, Killian, I want to go out with you, I really do. It’s just…this whole thing with Neal’s ghost…I kind of wish it was over before we start dating. I want us to be able to go out, have fun and enjoy ourselves without being paranoid about his spirit hanging around.”

Killian’s head dropped a bit, but then he nodded. “I understand. The problem is, we have no idea of knowing when he’s going to move on. It’s been six years and Liam is still here.”

Emma whipped around to face him, eyes huge. “You think Neal could haunt me for years?”

“Calm down, Swan,” he soothed. “Liam’s spirit stays because he isn’t unwanted and his reasons for staying aren’t nefarious, like Neal’s. I’m quite sure you won’t have to put up with him for an extended period of time. We have a plan that we think will work.”

“I’m sorry, Killian. I know this isn’t fair to you after I finally admitted I want to date you.”

Dropping her hand, he lifted his arm to put it around her shoulders. “Come here, Love,” he urged. She slid over to curl up against his side. “I’ve waited this long, I can keep waiting for however long it takes his ghost to leave. In the meantime, we can still spend time together.”

“Mmhmm,” she hummed. “This is nice.” Her fingers found the charms on the necklace he always wore, while he caressed her shoulder and periodically pressed kisses to the crown of her head.

After several minutes of comfortable silence, she turned her face up to look at him, sliding her hand up to cup his cheek. As her thumb brushed over his bottom lip, her eyes met his.

Killian watched her lick her lips, her intentions clear. He dipped his head, stopping just short as he flicked his eyes up to hers. The look in her crystal green depths told him what he needed to know. Still, he allowed the final decision to be hers.

She closed the distance, kissing him hesitantly at first, then tilting her head to deepen it. Her fingers stroked through his hair as her tongue traced the seam of his mouth, then slipped inside.

On the rare occasions when Killian pressed a kiss to her forehead, cheek or hand, he had marveled at the softness of her skin. Now, feeling her lips against his, her tongue exploring his mouth, he was drowning in the emotions she was stirring up.

He pulled back slightly and she chased after his lips, then glanced up to meet his awed gaze. His hand cradled her cheek, running silky strands of her hair between his fingers and thumb. Seeming to read his thoughts, she smiled to reassure him that this was indeed happening. Then he was kissing her again, slow and unhurried with a tenderness that he hoped conveyed the depth of his feelings for her.

When they finally broke the kiss, she snuggled back into his side with a contented sigh. “You’re right, Killian. We don’t have to wait for Neal to move on. He shouldn’t be allowed to steal our time together, like he’s stolen my sleep and peace of mind. He has already cost me too much and I’m not going to let him cost me the chance of a relationship with you.”

“You truly want that, Swan?” Killian asked, a sense of wonder evident in his voice.

She looked up at him again. “Yes, I do,” she replied confidently.

He sat up straighter and twisted his body toward her, cradling her face between his hands. “Emma, I would consider it the greatest honor to be in a relationship with you. I meant every word of what I said to Cassidy in the hallway that day. Not a day will go by that I won’t treasure the time I get to spend with you, and I will make sure you know how very special you are.”

She blinked several times and smiled. “Good,” she whispered, before engaging him in another kiss.

After a few more kisses, they cuddled up on the couch and ended up falling asleep there. Killian woke up around 4 AM with neck pain caused by sleeping in an uncomfortable position, but realized Emma was still in his arms. Carefully, he maneuvered both of their bodies until they were lying down, his back against the back of the couch and Emma tucked up against him, so he was spooning her. He was relieved that she didn’t awake - just mumbled something that sounded a lot like his name. Smiling, he wrapped her securely in his arms and fell back to sleep, his nose buried in her sweet mane of hair.

*********

Emma awakened slowly, her senses becoming alert one at a time. The first thing she realized was how safe she felt, something that had been sorely missing for weeks. Her hands found strong forearms wrapped around her middle. They were holding her gently but securely, and while lately she would have instantly panicked, this morning she knew she had nothing to fear. Next, she felt soft puffs of air against the back of her neck, accompanied by muffled snores, making her let out a small giggle. She also detected a delightfully familiar scent of musky cologne and body wash.

Killian.

As she snuggled into his embrace, thoughts of what transpired hours before flooded her mind. She tried for months to bottle her feelings toward this man, knowing she was still dealing with the shit show from her last relationship and not wanting to ruin her friendship with Killian. However, after hearing what he said to Neal outside her apartment that day a while back, she couldn’t seem to repress the attraction she felt. Every time she was with him, it grew stronger, especially with all of the physical touches he shared in an attempt to calm and reassure her since Neal began haunting her.

Thinking of the kisses they shared last night filled her with warmth and brought a smile to her lips - the same lips that could still taste and feel his own on them. She had never kissed anyone who was so receptive and undemanding, yet all-consuming. His entire being surrounded her to the point that she never wanted that feeling to end. If she could spend the rest of her days kissing Killian Jones, she would die a very happy woman.

As these thoughts flooded her mind, Killian shifted behind her and she could feel his body’s instinctive reaction to holding her close. Then she heard his breathing pattern change as he uttered a low groan. Unwilling to have him wake up embarrassed, Emma swiftly loosened herself from his grip and sat up, then slid to her knees on the floor in front of the sofa.

Scooting closer to look into his handsome face, she caressed his cheek, quietly saying, “Good morning, Killian.” Leaning down, she pressed a kiss to his forehead and watched in fascination as his eyes slowly blinked open, revealing his sapphire gaze. Her thumb brushed across his lips, conjuring a lazy smile from him.

He yawned widely and stretched both arms over his head, then wrapped them around her. “Good morning, Love,” he said, the sound of his voice both satin and gravel. She shivered involuntarily and he noticed. “Are you cold? I should have given you a blanket…”

“No, I’m not,” she assured him. “In fact, I woke up cozier than I can remember being for a very long time.”

“Mmm, so did I,” he said, yawning again before moving into a sitting position. “Would you like some coffee?”

“The elixir of the gods? Yes, please.”

He chuckled as he stood and walked toward the kitchen. Emma suppressed a chuckle of her own as she saw him trying to adjust himself surreptitiously.

She used the bathroom, then joined him in the kitchen. The coffee maker was already brewing and Killian was looking into the refrigerator. She walked up behind him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

He peered over his shoulder at her, overactive eyebrow arched. “Good morning to you, too! This is certainly a welcome way to treat the man who is going to fix you breakfast, Swan.”

“What are you making?” Emma inquired, feeling lighter than she had for as long as she could remember.

“Pancakes?”

“Do you have any bacon?.”

He reached back in the fridge and straightened up with a package of bacon in his hand. “I’ll accept a kiss as a thank you,” he grinned.

Humming happily, she moved closer, slid her hand up his arm and behind his neck, then leaned in to fulfill his request.

The conversation as he prepared breakfast and while they ate was lighthearted and animated, a far cry from the gloomy, depressing ones they had been having as of late. Emma helped clean up afterwards, then reluctantly told him she needed to go back to her apartment to take a shower and go to the grocery store.

“What time do you work today, Love?” Killian asked as he walked her to her door.

“Four to ten.”

He nodded. “Text me when you get home, okay?”

Turning to face him, she asked, “Are you still planning to, uh…to try to get into my nightmare?”

Unbeknownst to her, that comment had Killian fleetingly thinking about other things of Emma’s he would prefer to get into. “Aye,” he replied after a moment. “I’m hoping it works and this entire thing with Cassidy will be over tonight.”

“I hope so, too,” she exhaled. “God, I just really, really hope so.”

“I know,” he murmured, pulling her into his arms.

“Is Will going to be there tonight, too?”

“No, we’re not intending to have any equipment set up. I’ll bring the flux just in case, but we won’t be recording anything.”

She breathed in his comforting scent for several moments before pulling away to give him a brief kiss. “Okay, I’ll see you tonight.”

“Have a good day, Swan.”

“You, too.”

With a small wave and a smile, she went into her apartment. As soon as she entered, she felt a sharp, cold pain through her chest, as if an icicle had been plunged through it. She gasped and staggered backwards, managing to regain her balance before she fell. Hanging onto the back of the recliner, she struggled to get her racing heart rate under control.

Once she could breathe again, her eyes darted around the living room, trying to figure out what caused the pain. Seeing nothing, but feeling a familiar aura, she whispered, “Neal?” The same sensation tore through her again, leaving little doubt it was his ghost causing it.

Pain gave way to anger. “You possessive asshole! Go to hell! I mean, literally, GO. TO. HELL! Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

Cold speared through her once more, driving her to her knees. She lay down and curled into a fetal position, whimpering, “Leave me alone. Just leave me the fuck alone.”

It took her several minutes to get herself under control enough to stand and make her way out the door on legs so wobbly they barely supported her. Reaching Killian’s door, she weakly pounded her fists against it. When he opened it, she stumbled in, collapsing into his arms.

“Emma? What happened?”

“N-Neal,” she choked out. “He…he attacked m-me.”

“What? How?”

“I…he…” Feeling her knees beginning to buckle, she grasped at his shoulders to remain upright.

Killian scooped her up and carried her to his couch, but instead of laying her down, he sat, cradling her against himself. He didn’t ask any more questions, simply held her until her trembling subsided, murmuring comforting words into her hair.

Finally, she took a calming breath. “When I went into my apartment, this icy, sharp…pain went through me. It took my breath away. There was nothing there, but I had that…that feeling of being watched. When I asked if it was Neal, I felt the pain again. I knew he was there, so I started yelling at him, telling him to leave me alone and to go to hell. It must have pissed him off, because the third time the cold cut through me, it was worse than ever.”

She felt Killian’s arms tighten around her and when he spoke, his voice was low and menacing. “Is he still there?”

“I…I don’t know. I got out of there as soon as I could.”

“Before I go over there to find out, I want to make sure you’re okay.”

Closing her eyes, she tried to relax in his arms. “Just give me a minute. I’ll be fine.”

“Take all the time you need, Love. I have all the time in the world.”

She hated feeling so weak, and hated Neal even more for making her feel that way. She desperately needed Killian’s plan to work, because she truly felt like she couldn’t take much more of this.

After a few minutes, she took a deep breath, straightened her spine and looked Killian in the eye. “I’m ready.”

“Are you sure?”

She nodded vigorously. “Please just find out if that dickhead left my apartment.”

“As you wish,” he said, loosening his arms from around her so she could stand. “Let me go grab my EMF meter and thermometer.” He dashed back the hall to his office and returned momentarily with the necessary equipment in his hands. “Do you want to come with me?”

She considered for only a second. “Yeah. I don’t want to give him the satisfaction of terrifying me to the point that I stay here cowering.”

Killian tilted his head and gave her a small, reassuring smile. “That’s my brave lass.” He stepped forward, pressing a kiss to her forehead before turning to lead the way out of his apartment.

She was getting ready to open her door, when he said, “Hang on a minute.” Setting the EMF meter on the floor, he switched it on, then hit the power button on the infrared thermometer as well. They both studied the readouts, determining there was no paranormal activity in the hallway.

“Ready?” he asked, collecting the instruments and standing up.

She nodded and turned the doorknob, but before she could enter, he stepped in front of her. “Let me go first, Swan. He might be ready to ambush you again.”

“Okay,” she gratefully conceded. She didn’t wish that pain on Killian, but she wasn’t sure she would be able to withstand it again.

He cautiously walked through the door, holding the thermometer out in front of him. The hum of the EMF meter was unchanging as he walked around the living room, through the kitchen, and down the hall. Emma stayed close behind him while he checked the bathroom and both bedrooms.

Finally, he let out a heavy breath, declaring, “He appears to be gone, Love. Nothing is registering out of the ordinary.” He switched off both devices and set them down on her bed. “But I can stay here with you if you want.”

Her automatic response would have been to tell him it wasn’t necessary, but she was severely spooked by what happened and didn’t want to be alone if Neal’s spirit returned. “I still need to take a shower, but if you really don’t mind, would you stay until I’m done?”

“Of course. I’ll be out in the living room, if you need me.”

Before he could collect his devices and leave her bedroom, she wrapped her arms around him. Immediately he enveloped her in his warmth and strength, which was exactly what she needed to calm her fearful thoughts. Closing her eyes, she concentrated on breathing evenly, Killian’s masculine scent making her feel safe again.

Given a choice, she would have stayed in his arms for hours. Since that wasn’t possible, she loosened her embrace, running her hands up his solid chest. “Thank you, Killian.” Sighing, she added, “I seem to be saying that a lot these days.”

He smiled at her reassuringly. “I told you I’d be here for you anytime you need me. I’m glad you’ve taken me up on that offer and that I’ve been able to help.”

Pushing up to her tiptoes, she kissed him, then tried to give him a smile. “Make yourself at home while I shower. The TV remote should be on the couch. I don’t have much to offer by way of snacks and drinks, except water. Thus, the reason why I need to go to the grocery store.”

“I’ll be fine, Love. Don’t worry about me.” After kissing her once more, he left the bedroom.

Emma showered, letting the hot water run over her body for longer than usual. When she emerged to a steam-filled room, she dried her hair and body with her largest, fluffy towel, then wrapped it around herself, tucking it in at the top to hold it in place. Unable to see her reflection in the fogged mirror, she used a hand towel to wipe it off…and screamed.

Neal’s apparition was behind her.

For the second time in her life, Emma fainted.

*********

Killian was skimming through a novel he found on Emma’s coffee table when he heard her scream. Jumping to his feet, he tossed the book onto the sofa and ran toward the bathroom.

“Emma!” he shouted, knocking insistently on the door. “Are you okay? Can you let me in?”

When he received no answer, he tried the knob and, finding it unlocked, threw open the door. Emma was lying on the floor unconscious. He knelt down beside her, frantically calling her name.

He was reaching the point of pulling out his phone to call 9-1-1, when she groaned softly, struggling to open her eyes.

“Emma, Love, what happened?” Killian asked urgently.

Her hazy gaze finally fixed on him. “Neal,” she said simply, then started to sob.

“I’ve got you, Love,” he crooned. He moved to sit beside her, then gently lifted her head to cradle it in his lap. He stroked her cheeks until her sobs began to subside, as she gulped in mouthfuls of air.

He swept his eyes down her body to see if she had any injuries, noticing for the first time that she was covered with only a blue striped towel that barely reached the top of her thighs. At the moment, her modesty was the least of his concerns.

Peering down into her face, he felt tears prick his own eyes at seeing the despair on her beautiful features. She was calmer now, but clearly still very upset.

“Are you able to tell me what happened?” he asked again.

She raised a shaky hand to her forehead. With the blow she must have taken when she hit the floor, he was concerned she might have a concussion. He gently caressed her temples, smoothing her damp, tangled hair away from her face.

“I got out of the shower,” she said hoarsely. After clearing her throat, she tried again. “The mirror was all steamed up, so I…I wiped it with a towel. When I looked in it, N-N…” her voice caught and a tear leaked from the corner of her eye.

Killian caught it with his thumb, his heart going out to her. He knew why she was having so much trouble saying the name, and it made his blood boil. How could a man claim to love a woman, then put her through something like this? The answer, of course, was that Neal obviously didn’t love Emma and probably never did. He just wanted her as a possession and even death wasn’t going to stop him.

But Killian would.

Right then and there, he renewed his vow to make Neal Cassidy move on to his eternal punishment. He couldn’t bear to see Emma tormented any longer.

“You saw Neal again?”

She nodded. “He was behind me, staring right at me in the mirror.”

“That’s why you screamed,” Killian stated matter-of-factly.

“Yeah, and that’s the last thing I remember.”

“Did he do or say anything?”

“No, he just scared me and that’s why I fainted. God, what is wrong with me? I’ve never passed out in my entire life, and now I’ve done it twice.”

“Nothing is wrong with you, Sweetheart. You have been exceptionally brave through this entire ordeal. What he’s been doing to you is enough to drive even the most valiant person to their knees.”

She muttered, “Or, in my case, flat on my back.” Pushing herself up to a sitting position, she requested, “Help me up, please.”

“Take it slow, Swan. If you hit your head on the floor when you fainted, it’s possible you could have a concussion.”

“I doubt it. I landed on this rug,” she said, gesturing to the plush blue rug on the floor. “Plus, I’ve had a couple of concussions, so I know how it feels to have one.”

“You’ve had more than one concussion?”

“When I was a bail bondsperson, I was always getting hurt…”

“You worked in bail bonds?” he questioned.

“Yeah, for about three years,” she explained.“I used to set honey traps quite often in the hotel bar where I work now. It got to the point where I knew how to make most of the mixed drinks just by watching the bartenders. After I nearly broke my ankle chasing down a skip one night, the manager of the bar offered me a job - said he was having trouble finding good help. It was an easy choice. With this job, I have regular hours, always know when I’m going to get my next paycheck, and don’t have frequent visits to the emergency room.”

He stood, extending his hand to gingerly pull her to her feet.

She looked down at herself. “I didn’t have time to get dressed. Stupid Neal, coming into the bathroom while I’m taking a shower. Even as a ghost, he’s a pervert.” Stepping in front of the sink, she started to raise her eyes to the mirror, but squeezed them closed instead. “Can you tell if he’s gone?”

“I don’t feel any cold spots. I can check with my equipment if it will set your mind at ease, but then, to set my mind at ease, I think we should go get you checked out.”

“Killian, I’m…”

“Please, Emma? If you do have a concussion, we’ll have to follow the protocol. If you don’t, at least we’ll have peace of mind.”

She sighed. “I suppose you’re right.”

“Good,” he said with a soft, reassuring smile. “Will you be okay if I go back out to the living room to turn on my devices?”

“Yeah, I should be, but just hang on a minute until I get up enough nerve to look in the mirror. If he’s there, at least you’ll be here to catch me this time.”

He moved to stand behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Ready when you are.”

Slowly, she let her eyes drift up until they locked on her reflection. “Wow.”

“Do you see him?” he asked, his grip on her tightening.

“No, but I do see a very handsome and charming man.”

He grinned at her, then sobered before asking, “How do you feel? Do you have a headache?”

“I have the beginning of one, so I agree that I should get checked out.”

He ran his hand over the back of her head, probing with his fingers. “It feels like you might have a bump. You ought to put some ice on it.”

“Yeah, probably.” Plucking at the towel wrapped around her body, she added, “But first, I need to get dressed.”

“I can’t say I dislike what you’re wearing,” Killian smirked.

“It’s a wonder the towel didn’t come off when I fell. Then you would have gotten a free show.”

He wiggled his eyebrows flirtateously. “Under different circumstances, I wouldn’t have minded.”

“Easy, Tiger. One step at a time,” she teased. “I think I’ll be alright getting dressed in my bedroom. If Neal decides to make an appearance there, hopefully I’ll pass out on the bed.”

“I honestly don’t think he will. He used a lot of energy this morning, and if his spirit works the way Liam’s does, he probably won’t return for quite a while.” He was glad to see her shoulders drop in relief. “While you dress, I’ll get you some ice from the kitchen freezer, then use the devices to check your apartment again, just to make sure.”

With a grateful nod, she grabbed her clothes and left the bathroom. He went into the kitchen, pulled ice trays out of the freezer and wrapped several ice cubes in a small kitchen towel. Then he went to the living room to switch on the equipment, and just as he suspected, there was so indication Neal’s apparition was still there.

When Emma came out of her bedroom, dressed in jeans and a band T-shirt, carefully pulling a brush through her snarled hair, Killian told her he didn’t find anything.

“It didn’t feel like he was still here,” she responded, sitting down beside him. “Of course, I couldn’t sense him in the bathroom either, so going by my feelings isn’t very reliable.”

“I think he just showed up for a second to give you a good scare,” he said, handing her the towel containing the ice.

“Well, he succeeded,” she said, holding the ice against the bump he had found behind her left ear. “If his goal is to kill me, all he has to do is play that little trick a few more times. My heart won’t be able to take it…and neither will my head.”

“We’ll get him to move on before he can do that, Emma. I swear to you we will.”

The corner of her mouth lifted in a small smile. Then, letting out a sigh, she said, “I need to eat something before I get checked out. After that, I still have to shop for groceries.”

“Why don’t you come over to my place and I’ll make lunch for us, then I’ll drive you to the hospital. After that, you should probably come home and rest, given what you’ve been through this morning. You can always put in a grocery order to be delivered, instead of going to the store.”

  “I’ve never had groceries delivered. I always thought it was for shut-ins and hermits.”

Killian laughed. “Believe it or not, ordinary, everyday people are allowed to use that service, too. I’ve had them delivered several times when I have nothing in my fridge and I’m too exhausted to go shopping after traveling for a ghost hunting trip.”

“Alright, but you’ll have to show me how to do it.”

“That’s not a problem. Just bring your grocery list and I’ll help you after we get back.”

Once they ate, Killian drove her to the hospital emergency room, where the doctor gave her a test that screened for concussions, ordered a CAT scan and examined her carefully. Nothing indicated that she had a concussion, but he advised them to watch for symptoms that might appear in the following hours and days. After giving them a list of things to watch for, he told her to go to the hospital if any symptoms appeared, advised her to take Tylenol as needed for pain, and sent them on their way.

When they got back to Killian’s apartment, he helped Emma order her groceries and put them away once they arrived. They took a nap together on her couch, and after she convinced him she was fine, he saw her off to work.

Then he went back to his apartment to call Will and Belle, realizing he had yet to tell them about being pulled into Emma’s nightmare and the plan the two of them devised for that evening.

*********

“I’ve never heard of a person being able to enter someone else’s dream,” Belle commented, after hearing Killian’s narrative. “I’ll have to do some research to see if there are any records of that ever happening.”

“D’ya really think you’ll be able to do it again, Kil?” Will asked.

“I don’t know, but I truly hope it works. Neal is ramping up his attempts to affect her physical and mental health.” He went on to relate the events of the morning.

“Oh my goodness!” Belle exclaimed. “Is Emma okay?”

“I took her to the ER and the doctor said to monitor her for the next few days to make sure she doesn’t show any symptoms of a concussion. She had a bit of a headache, but after taking pain meds and resting, she was able to go to work this afternoon.”

“She’s one tough lass,” Will said.

“Yes, she is,” Belle agreed. “You have to admire someone who is being bombarded like that, but keeps going.”

“Do you want me to be there tonight and try to catch it on video?” Will asked.

“I told Emma you wouldn’t be there and we wouldn’t be recording.” Killian hesitated a moment before speaking again. “I want to make something very clear to both of you. I don’t want anything about me being able to get into her dreams to be included in the episode.”

“I have a feeling there’s a specific reason behind that request,” Belle said.

“I don’t want viewers to know about it because they might think I would be able to do that for other people,” Killian explained. “I think the only reason I was able to do it for Emma is that I have a…connection to her.”

“Are ya sayin’ ya had a literal connection to her, boss?” Will asked cheekily.

“Will!” Belle admonished.

“Sorry, Love,” Will apologized, “but that was just too good an opportunity to pass up!”

When Killian didn’t say anything right away, Belle tactfully asked, “What exactly do you mean by having a connection to her, Killian?”

He was quiet a moment longer, mulling over how to explain what happened between him and Emma last night. “I haven’t told you everything, yet,” he finally began. “When I got back to my apartment after Emma’s nightmare, I couldn’t sleep. She texted me and asked to come over. We talked and…”

“And ya finally admitted yer madly in love with her?” Will interjected.

“Not quite, but I did tell her I want to date her.”

“Oh, good!” Belle exclaimed. “How did she react?”

“She, uh, she said she would like to date me, too, but we both decided we need to get this whole thing with Neal over with first.”

“Then let’s hope tonight will be the end of it,” Belle said.

“Aye, that’s what we’re hoping. After seeing what he did to her today, I’m very much afraid he’s going to keep trying to inflict bodily harm on her. Even though you won’t be here tonight, Will, would you mind keeping your phone nearby, just in case I need you for any reason? ”

“You got it, Kil. You know I’m only ten minutes away, so if there’s anything you and Emma need, I’ll be there for both of ya.”

“Thanks, Will. I appreciate it.”

“Is there anything I can do?” Belle asked.

“Pray that our plan works.”

*********

The closer the time came for Emma to get home from work, the more anxious Killian became. He was so antsy, he couldn’t sit still and found himself pacing around his apartment, continually checking his phone. When that didn’t make time pass more quickly, he busied himself trimming his beard, putting on sleepwear and brushing his teeth.

When Emma’s text telling him she was home finally came through, he grabbed the flux and was out of his apartment in a flash. He barely knocked once on her door, when it swung open. “Hey,” she breathed out, as though she had been holding her breath until he got there. Her hair was down and she was in her pajamas, too.

“Evening, Love,” he said, stepping inside and kissing her on the cheek. “How do you feel? How was work?”

“I feel fine. Work was pretty dead when I first got there, but it picked up this evening. I like it when it’s busy. Time seems to drag when it’s not. What have you been doing since I last saw you…” she glanced at the clock on her phone, “seven hours ago?”

He followed her to the sofa, sat down beside her and took her hand. “I called Belle and Will to tell them everything that happened last night and this morning. Then I caught up on answering questions people asked on my YouTube channel. Tried to watch the telly, but I couldn’t concentrate.”

“Thinking about what happened today?”

“Aye, and what might happen tonight.” After a moment’s pause, he asked, “Did you have any problems with a headache at work?”

“I took some medicine when I felt another one coming on, but that was six hours ago and it hasn’t come back.”

Neither of them spoke for a few minutes, lost in thought as they tangled and untangled their fingers.

“I think I’m gonna make some hot chocolate,” Emma finally said, standing to her feet. “Do you want some?”

“No, thanks, Love. I find it difficult to sleep if I eat or drink anything besides water before going to bed. I’ll help you make it, though.” He stood and followed her into the kitchen.

She got out the milk and a pan, while Killian followed her instructions to find the cocoa and sugar. “I know my cupboard is a mess. Don’t judge me,” she said, her cheeks pink with embarrassment. “That’s why I only let you put stuff in the fridge when we put away the groceries today.”

“It’s not that bad,” he said, then barely caught a box of Pop-Tarts as they fell off the shelf. They both burst out laughing, which seemed to break the tension.

Once her cocoa was made, he grabbed a bottle of water out of the refrigerator and they went back into the living room. As she blew on her hot beverage and sipped it cautiously, he picked up the novel he’d seen earlier. “Are you reading this?”

She swallowed the mouthful she had just taken. “I’ve been trying, but with all this shit going on with Neal, I haven’t gotten very far.”

“Would you like me to read it aloud? It might be relaxing for both of us.”

“That would be really nice.”

“You have a bookmark in here. Do you want me to start from there?”

“Honestly, I can’t even remember what’s happened so far, so you can start at the beginning.”

He nodded and flipped through the pages, clearing his throat before beginning to read. By the time he got to the third chapter, Emma had drained her mug of cocoa and was leaning against his side, battling to stay awake.

Killian turned the page and yawned widely before beginning to read again. Emma sat up and put her hand over the page. “You can stop now, Killian. You sound tired and I can’t keep my eyes open. I think it’s time to go to bed.”

“Aye, Love. I think you’re right. I’ll take care of the dishes while you brush your teeth.” Putting the book down on the table, he picked up her mug and carried it into the kitchen.

When he was finished, he went to Emma’s bedroom, tapping on the open door to announce himself. She was sitting on the edge of the mattress, her arms wrapped around a pillow in her lap. She looked up at him, giving him a weak smile.

He sat down beside her, putting his arm around her. “I know we both want this to be over tonight, but please try not to set your hopes too high. It may take several tries, or it might not happen at all.”

“Yeah, I know,” she sighed, “but after everything that happened this morning, I made up my mind that I’m done being scared. Now, I’m just pissed off, and I’m not gonna let him continue trying to control my life. If you’re able to break me out of that trance in my dream, I’m going to unleash on him.”

He gave her shoulder a squeeze and kissed her temple. “I will be very happy to see that happen, Swan.”

“It would be so nice to wake up in the morning knowing that I’ll never have to deal with that imbecile again.”

They got themselves settled under the covers, lying side by side and staring up at the ceiling, thoughts swirling.

“You never mentioned working in bail bonds before,” Killian said quietly. “What made you decide to do that?”

“I didn’t have many prospects after I graduated from high school. I had just aged out of the foster system and didn’t have any money to go to college or a trade school. I worked at Dunkin’ Donuts and this customer always came in during my shift. One day, she started asking me what I planned to do with my life, that I didn’t seem like the type to be satisfied with menial labor. When I explained my situation, she offered me a job at her bail bonds office. We realized pretty quickly that I had a knack for tracking people down, so she started taking me on stakeouts and showed me all the ropes. After working for her a year, I was going after skips on my own. Cleo was very proud of me.”

“I’m sure she was. Do you keep in touch with her?”

It took several moments for her to answer, and when she did, her voice was emotional. “She, uh…she died. A person she was chasing got aggressive and pushed her through a plate glass window. A shard punctured a main artery and she bled out before help could get there.”

His hand found hers. “I’m so sorry, Emma.”

“Thanks. Her assistant and I kept the office going for a while longer, but when I was offered the position at the hotel, we closed it. Johanna was close to retirement age anyway.”

“Do you think you’ll keep bartending for a long time?”

“I don’t know. It pays the bills and the tips are great, but it’s not what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

He turned his head to look at her. “If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?”

She licked her bottom lip, then pulled it between her teeth in contemplation. “I’d like to be a counselor, I think.”

“What kind of counselor?”

“For older foster kids who are getting ready to age out of the system. When I aged out, it was terrifying. I already had a job, so they just helped me find a place to live, and that was it. I was on my own.”

“You didn’t have any counseling at all?”

“Not at that time, but I have a friend who is a social worker and she said lately they’ve been hiring people to help phase foster kids into society when they age out.”

“I think you would be great at a job like that, Emma.”

She rolled her head and met his eyes. “Yeah, well, I would have to take college courses to do it and those aren’t in my budget right now, so who knows if it will ever happen?”

“There are grants and other types of financial aid available, and you could take courses part time while you continue to work. Perhaps you should look into it. It’s a noble dream and I’m sure with your drive and determination, you will make it happen.”

“Thank you, Killian. Maybe I will check into it,” she said, the last word cut short by a yawn.

“I think that’s our signal to go to sleep.”

“You, um, you have to be touching me to get into my dream, right?”

“I’m pretty sure that’s the way it works. Do you…how do you…”

“When we’ve slept on the couch, it’s been nice having you spoon me,” she said, almost shyly.

“I’m fine with that, if you are.”

In response, she turned onto her left side and reached behind her to grasp his arm, pulling it around her waist. “Even if Neal’s stupid ghost doesn’t show up tonight, at least I’ll be able to sleep, knowing you’re here with me.”

“As long as you need me, I’ll always be by your side, Emma.”

“Mmm, good to know,” she murmured, burrowing backwards to get closer to him. “Goodnight, Killian.”

“Night, Love.”

*********

“No!”

Killian was jolted awake when he heard Emma’s cry. They were in nearly the same position in which they had fallen asleep. He tightened his grip around her waist, feeling his nerves beginning to amp up. Her body was making little jerking movements and she was breathing in short gasps, so he knew she was beginning to dream.

He only had to wait a few minutes until he felt the same slight shock he had the night before. Then he was in the same dream world and Emma was in front of him, facing the other direction. He heard the chanting from Neal and was sure these were the whispers Emma said she kept hearing in her nightmares.

Without hesitation, Killian rushed around to face her and could see she was already in a trance. He took her by the shoulders and began to shake her. “Emma! Wake up!”, he shouted, but his actions had no effect on her whatsoever.

He looked behind himself to see Neal moving rapidly in their direction, screaming, “She’s MINE! She will never be yours! I came so close to killing her! Next time, I will succeed!”

The way Neal was swooping in, Killian knew he was coming for him and, even though it was a dream, he didn’t want to take the chance of being torn away from Emma. His mind raced desperately, trying to figure out a way to break through to her. Then Liam’s words came to him.

  Perhaps you could try a true love’s kiss.

Turning back to Emma, he pulled her closer and leaned in to kiss her. The moment their lips touched, a burst of what he could only call magic passed over them. Emma’s eyes popped open as she gasped, “Killian!” Then she looked over his shoulder and a gamut of emotions played over her face - surprise, fear and finally, anger.

Killian turned to see Neal’s spirit with a look of unadulterated fury on his face. Killian was between Emma and Neal, but she stepped around him and got in Neal’s face, her arms waving wildly to emphasize her words.

“You fucking bastard! I am not yours! I do not want to die and spend eternity with you! That would be literal hell for me! Leave me the fuck alone!”

Neal began rapidly circling them, apparently attempting to create a vortex to pull her toward him. She thrust her fist into the air, her hair whipping around her face, which wore a look of furious determination. “GO. TO. HELL!” she screamed.

Suddenly, they heard a deafening roar that was so loud, Killian clamped both hands over his ears. Squinting in the direction of the sound, he saw a chasm starting to open, its yawning opening belching out black, sulphurous smoke.

From the midst of the smoke, a gigantic beast with huge, curved horns and fire shooting out of its eye sockets emerged. Its mouth was wide open as it emitted another eardrum piercing roar. Other screeching figures, with flaming tongues, swirled around the beast’s massive legs.

Killian stood rooted to the spot, but he felt no fear. He knew these monsters weren’t a threat to himself or Emma. They were here for one reason - to drag Neal to his eternal punishment.

Neal must have realized it, too, because he stopped spinning around them and tried to flee in the opposite direction from the chasm. It was no use, though. The screeching figures descended on him, swiping at him with their razor sharp claws, as the beast stomped closer.

Emma and Killian wrapped their arms around each other, watching the scene in fascinated horror. He heard her attempting to say something to him. “What?” he shouted.

She moved closer and yelled into his ear, “Is that a Hell beast?”

He nodded furiously. “I think so.”

Neal’s screams were so loud, they could hear them over the continuous roaring. “EMMA! HELP ME! DON’T LET THEM TAKE ME! EMMA, NO!”

The beast grabbed his shoulders with its sharp talons. Neal clawed frantically at the air, his face a mask of complete terror. The screeching figures began wrapping around his legs, squeezing tightly and viciously biting at them.

Neal twisted around until he was facing the monster, and obviously immediately regretted that action. The beast’s mouth opened even wider, and for a split second, Killian thought it was going to bite Neal’s head off. Instead, it spat noxious fumes into his face, causing him to retch violently.

His body continued convulsing as the hell beast threw him down and turned to head back toward the chasm. The other beings unwrapped themselves to follow their master. Emma turned to look at Killian, a look of disbelief on her face. “Aren’t they taking him?” she asked.

He was opening his mouth to answer, when suddenly Neal’s piercing scream once again rang out. Emma and Killian turned to see fiery, barbed whips flying out of the black hole, wrapping around Neal’s body and extremities. He was dragged backwards, his hands scrabbling futilely at the ground, his face disfigured with panic and pain.

“EMS! EMMA, PLEASE! NOOOOO! HELP ME, EM…”

Emma buried her face in Killian’s chest as Neal’s words were cut off, having been pulled into the gaping, hellish abyss. The roaring sound intensified as if the demons themselves were screeching out their glee over claiming another soul. Then, with a whoosh, the chasm slammed shut and there was silence.

Emma sat up in bed with a gasp, Killian right beside her. She turned to him with eyes the size of saucers. “Oh my gosh! Was that real?! Were you there? Did you see…”

“Aye, Love,” Killian said, trying to sound calmer than he felt. His heart was racing so fast, he could barely get the words out.

“Do…do you think it’s over? Is he gone for good?”

“I would bet money that he met his eternal demise and will no longer be haunting you.”

“Even though it happened in a dream?”

Killian mulled it over. “I think…” he began, considering how to explain it. “Your nightmares were Neal’s way of manipulating you. I don’t think you were dreaming the conventional way. My theory is that he was creating the nightmares and pulling you into them. That’s how he could put you in a trance and make you feel like you were tied and gagged.”

She was looking at him quizzically, clearly trying to comprehend what he was saying.

He took her hands and continued. “Since it wasn’t a conventional dream, but one of his making, I’m pretty sure that what took place actually did happen. I’ll continue to monitor your apartment for a few days, but I honestly think he’ll never bother you again.”

Emma stared at him for several long beats, then collapsed against him, her body shaking with sobs. He held her, stroking her hair and whispering reassurances, wondering if her outpouring of emotion was out of relief or a reaction to the horrors she just witnessed.

Finally, her weeping ceased, her body slowly relaxing against him. He thought perhaps she had fallen asleep, when he heard her whisper something. Bending his head to hear her better, he asked, “What did you say, Love?”

“How did you do it? How did you get to me and break me out of the trance?”

His hand automatically reached up to scratch nervously behind his ear. “I was able to get into your dream immediately and I saw you standing there, just like last time. Neal was coming and I knew he was going to try to separate us.”

He paused, and when he didn’t continue, she leaned back to look up into his face. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t get you to wake up. Then I…I thought of something Liam suggested.”

“What was it?”

“I told him about being in your dream, seeing you catatonic and not being able to break you out of it. He said, uh…he said I should try…true love’s kiss.”

He studied her reaction. Her jaw dropped and her eyes widened. “You…you kissed me?”

More nervous scratching. “Aye.”

“And it worked?”

He dipped his head in a nod. “Aye.”

“You woke me up with a true love’s kiss? But that…that means you…” Her words trailed off and she stared at him, her breathing quick and shallow.

“That means…I love you,” he said quietly.

“But doesn’t it…” she began, then changed directions. “In fairy tales, for a true love’s kiss to work, both people have to love the other person, don’t they?”

He looked up through his lashes at her. “Aye,” he stated simply.

Her head bent forward, but he could still see her eyes darting around, as if to seek an answer amongst the bed sheets. “I…I’ve never had any luck with love. Every time I was close to falling for a guy, something happened. Neal was the only one I ever…”

It was as if she was talking to herself, reciting a monologue to try to make sense of her feelings. Killian remained quiet, allowing her to work through it without interruption.

She stopped talking and her body became completely still. Minutes stretched on, and he was beginning to wonder if he had declared too much, too soon.

Suddenly, her head whipped up and she looked at him, dumbfounded. “With you, it’s different. I feel different. I trust you. I feel safe and protected when I’m with you. I can talk to you about anything and you listen. I look forward to seeing you every day, and these last few weeks, all I want is to be with you. I know you’ll take care of me and I want to take care of you. Is that…is that what love is?”

He reached up, tenderly running his fingers along her cheek. “Aye, Love. I think that’s exactly what it is.”

“That’s why it worked, then. Because I love you, Killian.”

A slow smile spread across his face before he dipped his head and captured her lips, sealing their declarations with another true love’s kiss.

*********

Thank you all for your response to this story! I hope it's been the perfect mix of scary and sweet.

@qualitycoffeethings @grimmswan @cs-rylie @wyntereyez @kmomof4

@hookedmom @ultraluckycatnd @paradiselady19 @xarandomdreamx @motherkatereloyshipper

@lfh1226-linda @pawshapedheart @vampcoffeegyrl23 @tiganasummertree @bluewildcatfanatic

@eleveneitherway @elfiola @kday426 @julieenchanted-swans @gingerchangeling

@andiirivera @djlbg @jonesfandomfanatic @snowbellewells @anmylica

@booksteaandtoomuchtv @cocohook38 @ilovemesomekillianjones @zaharadessert @lyssapup27

@undercaffinatednightmare @winterbaby89 @jennjenn615 @xsajx @jackieorioncat

@teamhook @soniccat @jarienn972 @softkilly @kymbersmith-90

@apiratewhopines @hollyethecurious @laianely @resident-of-storybrooke @exhaustedpirate

@caught-in-the-filter @stahlop @veryverynotgoodwrites @darkshadow7 @fleurdepetite

@whimsicallyenchantedrose @earanemith @superchocovian @idristardis @captainswan-kellie

@beckettj @cssns

[gayuu-the-necromancer]

How are the suitors relationship with Kate in ikevil? Like can you describe it if you have leisure time?

If we put the whole creepy aspect aside, all the male leads are extremely kind towards Kate. They don't want her to be a part of their dark world so they all make sure she's safe and happy as long as she is with them.

Now this is just my general view about the characters based on William's route.

William- He wants Kate to be more open and more selfish of her desires. He doesn't want her to shut herself inside her room for the whole month until she leaves. He wants her to enjoy herself, eat her favorite food, do her favorite things, say whatever she has on her mind etc. He talks to her in a very gentle tone with a smile, not ordering her around, and instead, comforts her like she's a child. He finds her asking him so many questions really cute. He finds it funny when she openly admits that she loves food. In the end, all he wants is for Kate to get along with everyone in the Crown.

Liam - Liam is also very considerate of Kate. His lovely child-like personality eases Kate very much and it feels like Liam, according to her, is the easiest one to get along with out of all the Crown members. He has this very charming aura that attracts people. Liam sees Kate as his friend and was also ready to help her with her 'mission' in William's route. He was worried about Kate when she was stabbed in William's route. He kept telling Roger that he couldn't protect her when she was stabbed right in front of him and William.

Harrison - So far Harry's role in William's route is to warn her about things. Like saying 'William's affection is like rain'. There is no biggg role like saving her from the jaws of death or something like that.. He's there in the background with other members. He also doesn't see Kate as some kind of burden when she comes with them on their mission. Like when she doesn't understand something, he doesn't mock her or leave her in the dark but instead explains what they're doing and why they are doing and when she thanks him politely, he's stunned. Later she also asks if Harry telling lies is his own way of protecting his loved ones and Harry was again stunned.

Elbert - This man does some things in William's route, which if you look out of context, it's hella creepy. But when you find out that he did it with pure intentions, you'll think it's a little too much. Elbert is still so confused because he thinks Kate is beautiful but doesn't know if she is the 'most beautiful thing' he is looking for. Therefore El keeps asking Al if Kate is actually beautiful or not and Al keeps saying 'No, she isn't' because if he by chance he says 'yes' El would be literally ready to lock Kate in his room and also kill William. Yes, I'm not joking. Al literally says "Let's not have bloodshed within the Crown, shall we?"

Alphonse - This guy has a confusing personality. I haven't yet seen a scene where he shows genuine care for Kate. Yes, he also comes to help Kate with her mission along with Liam and Harry, but not because he wanted to, but because El forced him to. Other than that, he just teases her by saying some creepy things and that's about it. I don't know if he actually cares about her or not. Maybe he does and I just didn't notice it.

Roger - He was the one who took care of Kate when she got stabbed in William's route. After that they all have a party to celebrate, Will's return and Kate recovery and Kate thanks Roger for saving her, and Roger just shakes his head and congratulate her. That's all I can say about him.

Jude - This guy has like two whole scenes with Kate in William's routes, but I know this guy better than any other Crown members. He's a cocky bitch. Yes, he is arrogant, swears a lot, and acts like he doesn't care. There is one scene where Kate goes with Jude and Ellis to persuade Brian for a story-related purpose and Jude tells her that she has 3 minutes to persuade Brian and if she can't do it within that time limit, he will persuade Brian in his own way and she will have to stay quiet. No exceptions! But even after 3 minutes he still kinda lets her have her way because she tells him that she wants to persuade him without using violence and Jude is like 'Yeah, whatever'. That's all. He doesn't treat her like she is less than him or anything. He treats her equally as he treats all the other members of the Crown. If anyone tries to attack, he will stomp that guy unconscious and then acts like he didn't do it for her.

Ellis - Like Liam, Ellis is also very caring towards Kate. He keeps on worrying when she is not happy, so he does everything he could to make her happy. Like when they went on a mission to kill Avalus, Kate faints, and when she woke up in Roger's lab, Liam and Ellis were ready to bawl their eyes out because she didn't wake up for a long time. Ellis also gives her a chocolate, saying that something sweet will make her happy. The 4 of them, then spend time together talking about random things so that Kate forgets the gore she witnessed in their recent mission.

Victor - He's more like the dad of this game. He is the one who asks how Kate actually feels about William. He also cheers her up with his magic trick when she feels down. Victor is also the first guy that comes to Kate's mind when she wants someone to talk to and he is always ready to listen to her. He also encourages Kate to go and save William if she wants to and not only that, but he also encourages some of the Crown members (indirectly) if they want to help Kate with her mission. Then he also prepares a party for all the Crown members and Kate later on. SO yeah, he also cares about her.

[anincompletelist]

rwrb fic recs round two! :D

HELLO! I was going to wait a bit longer before doing another rec, but I've read some phenomenal works lately and I wanted to share!

as always, if you feel inclined to share your own recs or even self-promote, please do! also, please remember to be kind and give back when possible by sharing fics, commenting, leaving kudos, or reaching out to the author to let them know that you enjoyed! happy early thanksgiving and all ;)

thank you again to these authors, as well as anyone who makes content for this lovely little corner of the internet. your work and art continues to get me through the persistently dark days, and I am eternally grateful to get to be privy to your talent and labors of love!

I hope you're all doing well, and happy reading! <3

in no particular order --

I Knew You Were Trouble When You Walked In | doeyedgirlyevil | E | 42k | WIP

There he stood. Frozen. In the presence of a man who Henry was willing to swear before Queen and country, under pain of death, was the single most beautiful person on the face of the planet, and possibly several galaxies beyond. A man who possessed the kind of magnetic pull that could persuade Henry to believe in a Catholic God. A man Henry needed to get at least 800 kilometres away from before he caused an international scandal in a tea room at Kensington Palace. - Henry has a new equerry. And he's too hot for Henry's fragile, gay heart to handle. (AKA the Alex as Henry's equerry AU that I'm sure someone asked for)

+

Mr. Party Hardy | @inexplicablymine | T+ | 7k

Delicate isn’t the kind of word that would describe Alex Claremont-Díaz, not in this world or any other. He is fiery passion and loud excited exhaltations on whatever subject has currently caught his fancy. He is explosive lacrosse plays, the effusive energy he’s told he radiates. Nobody has ever treated him like he is something delicate, soft. Someone who needs a “Caution: Handle with Care” sign. He didn’t realize he needed that kind of care so badly. But Henry Fox-Mountchristen-Windsor does that and then some.  A look into what college parties look like for Mr. Party Hardy B.H. (before Henry) and A.H. (after Henry)

+

the clementine thing | anonymous | 6k | T+

And, really, it doesn’t matter whether or not Alex explains it to Liam and the rest of his friends. They’ve never really discussed it between themselves through the years. Slowly, Alex had gone from asking Would you please peel this for me? to Please? to silently extending the citrus without any comment at all, just a soft smile. It’s one of the things that make them Alex-and-Henry; the silent conversations and the contentment in each other’s company. Now, as Alex starts to flourish through his position on the lacrosse team, his slew of AP classes, and his role in student government, getting him to slow down at all is a feat. The only way that Henry can do it, guaranteed, is by one of those innocuous little fruits. There’s nothing Alex can’t do—surely, he could peel a fucking orange if he felt so inclined—but Henry delights in being able to do this for him. (Five times Henry shares a clementine with Alex, and one time Alex returns the favor)

+

they're gonna watch me disappear into the sun | @raysletters | 18k | M

Alex and Henry have been living together for four months already, and they couldn't be happier.

It all crumbles down when one morning, Henry is rushed to the hospital.

+

get him alone | @congee4lunch | 103k | E

Alex looks at him, like Henry’s a speck of dirt on his pristine chinos. “Why would June send you to check up on me?” “Because I’m her best friend and you’re her brother?” “I always said she has bad taste.” “Well,” Henry smiles. It feels as placid on his face as it probably looks. “I would say the same thing, but family doesn’t account for one’s taste, unfortunately.”

(in which henry fox is june’s childhood best friend and alex claremont-diaz is june’s younger brother. as the years pass, they tolerate each other at best and are downright destructive at worst. until they begin falling into each other's beds.)

+

the beagle, the ghost, and the wardrobe | @dumbpeachjuice | 11k | M

Henry’s new flat comes with one unexpected feature: it’s already inhabited. But not by a human. By a ghost.

+

that's all for now! I want to do another one of these very soon once the halloween, huh fics have been revealed! until then! happy reading! :D

-- anincompletelist / sarah

[sobeksewerrat]

Do you have any drew headcanons too !?!? Also I am concerningly more obsessed with Albert I made him my blog theme jelp

1. Genuinely worried but glad u r in ur Albert era

2. You're literally unleashing demons

DREW HEADCANONS!!(again, mostly projecting and not all of them)

He has quite literally zero ambition in life and has no idea what he wants to do after highschool. My man spent his whole life basically getting good grades in everything to please his parents he has no idea what he is actually good in or has a passion for. He'll probably just go with whatever his parents want

Henry and Liam were definitely his first *real* friends. He had friends before, but he only ever really been close with them. Mainly because they were both loser and were the first people not to care about the fact that he is fucking loaded. People were definitely confused as to why Drew would choose these two pathetic idiots to be his best friends of all people.

Drew would spend time actually choosing a good outfit instead of just "black hoodie and grey pants" if he didn't think everything in life was meaningless

I know you read Connection Lost, but seriously Drew definitely knows how to cut people's hair. He is the Dromies' official hair stylist

He tried to persuade Jake not to get that stupid fucking undercut but he literally wouldn't listen to him

He can sing and play the guitar somewhat, but he really doesn't like doing either unless he is alone. It isn't a "he is insecure about it and that's why he hides it" situation, no, it is a "he just thinks it's dumb" situation

Proudly a member of "curly hair Drew nation"

Eating? Like, everyday? What's that?

Cries at children's movies more often than he'd like to admit

Probably has a Tomato-San shrine hidden within his closet

Definitely has a car and a driver's license but hates driving

[ARAB FREAKS AU] Permanently traumatised Hailey unintentionally making her think he is flirting by calling her "habibti" all the time because Hailey is a lame American and doesn't understand that it is slang and not literal

In a perfect universe where Drew and Jake make up and the Dromied befriend the Club Drew would have personal beef with Sean for reasons I think are quite obvious

And I have many more but this is enough I think

[gollanta]

an idea for a maxi(?) thiam fanfic where theo dying after the sixth season. (please, someone write this😭)

Theo isn't a perfect chimera, right? Sooo he has one problem. The Dread Doctors kept him alive but without them, he would have died a long ago (as a chimera). Every year the same shit: Theo starts to lose his strength and healing. Then he loses werewolf powers and almost dies, but the Doctors inject him with some kind of serum(?) and save him. (This may sound stupid because they killed everyone who started to die for some reason, but let's pretend that the guy was fucking special, and they were ready to tear their asses off to keep him alive?? You'll understand) They always said that Theo is the one but without them, he would have died for sure. And Theo believed them. He felt like he was dying, how could he not believe them?

He was trying to find this serum or at least records about it, but there was nothing. He couldn't leave them without it. He thought he could live alone if he took Scott's power, but it didn't work.

He went to hell and when he came back he thought that maybe this time he finally can get a full life.

After season 6 he stayed to protect Liam and his friends. A year later, they all began to trust each other and became friends. Theo finally had people who cared about him, loved and trusted him.

But then his wounds stopped healing.

He knew what that meant. He tried to figure it out on his own, but it didn't work. He just found the last of the serum, which he used to stall for time and come up with something. Or to say goodbye to everyone. He left some of the serum to test it, but it didn't work.

So he just accepted it. He didn't want to tell anyone about it. He thought it would be better if he just left the city and died somewhere else. So that others would think he just ran away like he wanted to for a long time.

At the time, Stiles returned to BH and noticed that Theo was acting strange. Everyone had told him that Theo changed but he knew he was still keeping secrets. Stiles couldn't just let it go and took Theo for a ride. With a little fight, Theo finally said what was going on.

«Everyone is worried 'cause you're acting fucking weird. They don't know what is going on but think you're gonna leave BH soon. OMG Liam is going crazy because he thinks he's not enough to make you want to stay. What's your plan? To leave the house like a goddamn cat and die somewhere on the street? They will not forgive themselves if they find out that you left to die alone when you have a pack to take care of you.»

Stiles persuades him (with threats) to tell at least someone about it and go to Deaton. 

And he does. He returns to the pack and, under Stiles' supervision, tells the truth.

I think he kept some of that serum to analyze it, but he couldn't do it himself, so he gave it to Deaton, but he also didn't know what it was. I like the idea that Malia and Deaton went to France to find something that could help Theo. They came back on the day that Theo was dying. They said nothing but "wait" and watched Theo die. Theo suffered in pain for several days but did not die. After a while, his power returned. He started healing. He was alright.

Then Deaton explained that all this time Theo was not dying. The doctors poisoned him so that he would never leave them, because "without them he would die". He was not supposed to feel pain again, but a few months ago he went to the place of doctors (I don't remember where they were) and found the last of his serum. He was afraid he would die without it, but in fact he only poisoned himself. I think it works like a poison and an antidote. When you take it once (the first time) in a few months you'll start to feel like you are dying. When you take it a second time, the pain will immediately disappear but recur in a few months. It will happen again and go around and around.

«You needed to get through it without the poison, so the next time the pain would be easier until it completely disappeared», Deaton said.

*Somewhere in the background are flowers and tearful scenes where Liam begs Theo to fight and stay with him because they have just begun to understand their feelings for each other.*

*Some kind of cool ending with happy thiam and good relationships between Theo and everyone else*

I want a MAXI, like a big fanfic with everything written in detail. With drama, with flashbacks, with jokes, with the reactions of almost all the characters (better without Scott, I hate him, but it's okay if he's there), and with Theo refusing to accept that he's been deceived all this time.

I really wanna read this😭😭

[zot3-flopped]

She's just so insensitive. Liam could easily find a teetotal girlfriend but all he seems to care about is skinniness and giant fake boobs. He even persuaded Maya to have a breast enlargement

I just don’t see what he sees in Kate besides that? She has the typical annoying influencer way of talking and seems shallow and only parties and has no known job. But I guess Liam only cares about having a trophy girlfriend if he’s been with her this long. IMO he would’ve been better off with Cheryl or Maya but maybe he wasn’t/isn’t mature enough for kids and marriage.

He seems to enjoy women being needy and totally dependent on him, as Kate is. Cheryl is worth about £30m and Maya has family money.

[liamieddumbar]

"Well if he doesn't because of me, then I'll persuade him otherwise. He took care of you when I couldn't. That's enough for me." Liam said and smiled at Scott. "It has never been your fault Scott. It was just my ignorance and stupidness. In fact I'll prove it to you. I want to work here for one night. Do you what you do so to give you proper respect."

"Maybe I'll find one eventually." Scott chuckled and looked at Liam as he apologised. He reached out and put his hand to the beta's shoulder, squeezing it as he tried to comfort him. "It's okay Liam.. It's my fault for the job, but it'll be okay I promise." Scott smiled at the other continuing his attempts to comfort him. "I'll mention it to him, but I don't know if he wants to be with us anymore."

[ficsyoumayhavemissed]

all I remember — @andfollowthesun

2.159 words / @1dchristmasfest / Harry x Niall

“Okay,” Niall says. “Don’t get me wrong, ’m grateful for the fans and the music and everything— “—and your fifty guitars, and the very expensive pieces of real estate in London—” “Yeah, yeah,” Niall waves his hand. “But fame is also what’s right now preventing me from throwing me hat in the ring to be Holmes Chapel’s next jelly wrestling champion.”

Heartwarming, that is the perfect word to describe this fic because even though it is very short you are able to fall in love with Niall and Harry with every word. It's fun and portrays Narry perfectly, showing how important is for your partner to be your best friend as well.

Winter Light Spectacular — @reminiscingintherain

2.631 words / @girldirectionfest / Harry x Louis

‘Coming Soon! Winter Light Spectacular! Starting Friday 11th December, 5pm, Golden Botanic Gardens. Entry free.’ Louis blinked as she read the poster in the staff room. “Uhh… what is this?” she asked, looking around with a raised eyebrow. ~~~~ When head gardener Louis has the plans of a light show dropped in her lap, she's instantly protective of her gardens. Can coordinator Harry change her mind?

This fic is simply wonderful. Louis’ sassy character swearing up a storm, but still being kind and good natured rings so very true. Give this one a read if you’re looking for a sweet fic with good banter! You can also listen to this as a podfic here!

Dine with me — cyandiamond

2.689 / Harry x Louis

Harry’s ready to close up the shop and go home after a long shift, until an unexpected turn of events makes him rethink.

Some fics you read in order to be in a new world and this is one of them. This fic has such a wonderful and vivid sense of place. The imagery brings the cute story to life and a smile to any reader’s face.

Worries, Kisses and Surprises — @neondiamond

3.105 words / Harry x Louis

Harry and Louis are hosting Christmas dinner with both of their families for the very first time. Harry is a little stressed out about it, but for a good reason.

The domesticity packed in this fic is just perfect! It’s sickeningly sweet and a cozy read for a cold winter evening.

I don't care about the present — littlejo_ana

3.522 words / Harry x Louis

“You're not really saying that Michael Bublé's version is better than Mariah's." He said, raising his eyebrows, but Louis just smiled. “That's exactly what I'm saying," he answered, crossing his arms over his chest, his blue eyes focused on Harry as if daring him to contradict him. “Well, you're wrong then, Mariah Carey's version is a classic, and it's iconic!” He said back, crossing his arms over his chest as well, because two could play that game. “It's overplayed and everybody's tired of it," Harry gasped dramatically. “Now, Michael's version, it's new, romantic and engaging.” or the one where Harry and Louis compete for the best version of "All I want for christmas" and somehow, they both win.

This fic is a frank and fun discussion of Christmas songs. It’s wrapped in some cute banter and friendly competition that in the end both Harry and Louis win.

santa, won't you bring me the one i really need? — @alwaysxlarrie

5.539 words / @1dchristmasfest / Harry x Louis

This Christmas, Louis is going to ask for new friends, because his are the worst. That's the only possible explanation for how he's been dragged into dressing up as Santa and taking photos with strange small children at the mall for hours on end. I mean, Christmas is a season of being cheerful and all, but this is ridiculous! …although the handsome guy who his friend somehow managed to persuade to play the elf is at least a small perk of the job.

This fic is extremely cute and funny, perfect to start getting into that chilly Christmas mood, almost like a Christmas romcom!

Christmas won’t be the same this year— @dearmrsawyer

7.473 words / Liam x Louis

Liam is a suburban dream. Louis hates him and his Christmas lights.

One part new neighbors, two parts jealousy, one part attraction. Add some Christmas sparkle and stir generously, and you’ll get this crazy, fun fic about rivalry and redemption. Liam will warm your heart. Louis will have you groaning into your hands. But when they come together, it’ll leave you cheering.

Avoiding every mistletoe (until i know it’s true love) — @stylesthebrave

10.315 words / Harry x Louis

Even as the day comes to a close, Louis isn’t afraid to call the man sitting next to him on the sofa, watching snowflakes fall outside as the scent of sugar cookies fill the flat, the love of his life. Through his anger and sadness, never once did he stop loving Harry or regret loving Harry. If anything, he’s afraid of a world where he isn’t loving Harry. So, yeah, his heart is pretty content right now. Or, the Christmas exes to lovers AU.

While a chilling snowstorm builds around them, Harry and Louis attempt to talk about what broke them up and slowly rekindle the warmth that used to burn between them. The feelings are relatable and the hope is contagious in this sweet story of ex-lovers getting a second chance.

—-

As always, support the authors by leaving kudos and comments! Happy reading!

If you can’t get enough of our recs in this post, make sure to check out our tags page and scroll through the categories to see if you find any more fics you like! — FYMHM xx

[malkaleh]

I thought I’d actually try and write an overview of The Tudor Triad Cinematic Universe because while I do have a pinned post at the top of my tumblr with content it’s a lot of content so perhaps a summary would help. Firstly though, I’ll say this - the first fic started off as a crack pairing and it turned into a self indulgent wish fulfilment verse for me - the kindest possible world biracial queer jewish woman happy place. Not a perfect world but the kindest. I do go ‘how would this be historically plausible’ and try to ground it in details because I’m a Dork but just be aware. 

The basic premise is that Anne Boleyn, Thomas Cromwell (specifically played by James Frain Thomas Cromwell because I’m bi and shallow) and Henry VIII are in an OT3 from 1536, have eight children and the world is changed for the better. 

Anne and Thomas are both born later (1510 and 1505 respectively). In 1515 Thomas Cromwell’s father sells him to a noble named John Norwich who sexually abuses him for five years - he runs at age fifteen to Italy, befriends a Florentine Banking Family, meets Elizabeth Wykes (in this world her family are merchants who’ve lived in Florence for a while) and their first child Gregory is born in December 1520, followed by Nora (1521) and Grace (1523). They die of plague in 1527 and Thomas Cromwell returns to England with Gregory in around 1529. 

In this world Henry starts seriously considering a divorce after the birth of Henry Fitzroy in 1520 but holds off to make sure his son lives. Then in 1522 KOA is told she can no longer bear children and there’s a murky maybe just an appearance maybe an actual attempt to keep it secret from Henry which is the final straw and he decides to go for an annulment. 

In November 1522 he gains the annulment (Mary is considered legitimate due to the marriage being made in good faith) but the effort to legitimise Henry Fitzroy and marry Bessie Blount are turned down/delayed/stalled for Reasons. Then from 1522-1525 Henry is very much fighting for the legitimacy/to marry Bessie until Henry Fitzroy dies age five. 

In that year, in a last attempt to keep England from breaking away from Rome the Pope offers a settlement (The Great Settlement) that ensures freedom of worship for all (Christians) and a very loose creation of the Anglican Church - Wolsey helps craft it and persuade Henry. 

1525-31 is Henry attempting various marriages of state that fall through for various reasons (bride to be dies, marries someone else etc). 

In 1530 a twenty year old Anne returns from France and she meets the King. They (and in retrospect Thomas) have a courtship over the next three years until 1533 when Anne becomes Queen - a beloved and welcomed one, who reconciled Mary with Henry and who is embraced by Mary and KOA both. 

Elizabeth is born in September 1533, a beloved Princess. 

In 1534 Anne has a miscarriage and Henry Does Not Make Good Choices due to being terrified of losing her and convinces himself that he doesn’t care and starts taking mistresses. In 1535 he meets Jane Seymour and convinces himself actually he wants to make her his new queen. 

Anne though, is pregnant again. Then in January 1536 Henry Doesn’t Joust, has a wake up call and the OT3 come together and then their son Thomas is born on May 19 1536. 

Norwich comes up as a problem in 1536-7. 

The triad have seven more children (Anne includes Mary as her child and Mary would do the same re Anne as her mother) - George (1538), William (Liam) (1539), Margaret (Meg) (1541), Owen (1542) and the twins Edmund (Ned) and Philippa (Pippa) (1547). 

There’s a rebellion in 1541-42 involving the Duke of Norfolk and also Thomas Seymour attempts to abduct and forcibly marry Mary. 

Thomas (Tommy) is betrothed to Mihrimah Sultan the in this universe youngest daughter (born in 1536) of Hurrem Sultan and Sultan Suleiman - she arrives in England in 1547. 

Elizabeth Tudor marries Robert Dudley in 1551 and they have five children (the children are given choice in who they marry). 

Henry Tudor dies in 1570, Thomas Cromwell in 1585 and Anne Boleyn in 1600. 

Thomas is my attempt to be like - what if you got a genuinely perfect and good, decent, kind and wise leader who along with his wife is actually progressive by modern standards in what they do, because of the loving family, because of who he inherently is but because loving family. He is human - he has to learn it’s okay to take care of himself, he has so much trouble not being hard on himself and he doubts but he’s just…inherently like that because it’s an interesting writing challenge for me (and I swear he arrived this way) and also he and Mihrimah are amazing and so in love with each other (they have six children). They do amazing infrastructure, social welfare things (building on things Tommy’s parents do), pluralism etc, Scotland, Wales and Ireland are all places England leave and actually pay compensation to. They don’t do imperialism or empire. Also I don’t know exactly how but Queen Juana absolutely gets justice, stops the inquisition and Columbus is Jail In Spain. 

There is an English Civil War but it’s about the fact that there’s a group of influential people who don’t want the democracy and diversity that’s being Increased Even More. And then the monarchy returns and increases the Fucking Thing. There’s also an abdication situation in the 1930s which I can answer questions about and there’s also information on my pinned post. But this is the basic overview. 

[camillemontespan]

you can’t just leave [drake & camille part one]

My writing is a bit rusty but I hope you enjoy this! I’ve had to split this into two parts as I’m sleepy and so a cliffhanger it has to be!

So much angstttttt.

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

Her dress was too tight. 

Although it was made of the finest and lightest silk, Camille's dress felt constricting around her slender frame. 

The music that lilted around the ballroom was too loud. 

Even though it was only strings, the sound of the violins filled Camille's ears and she couldn't hear herself think. 

The ballroom was too warm. 

But the French doors that led out to the terrace had been flung open, allowing the cool night air to breeze through the gilded ballroom. 

Her dance partner was clasping her hand too tightly, holding her too close.

But Liam was the Prince and she had to dance with him whenever he requested her hand. He was a kind man, respectful, funny even. 

Liam wasn't Drake Walker. 

Drake, his best friend, and Camille's secret.

Drake had been difficult to get to know at first. When Camille had arrived in Cordonia, she had firstly been surprised by his apparent dislike of her. After all, he didn't know her. Anytime she asked him a question or tried to talk to him, he would respond with sarcasm or bluntness. He would only address her by her last name. 

Camille persevered. 

Gradually, she had broken down his walls. He admitted that he had kept her at arms length deliberately. He actually liked her. Hell, he said, I think I more than like you. 

He would find her in a crowded room. He would seek her out. He would take her outside of the palace to do normal things, like go to a pizza restaurant or a dive bar. The palace was claustrophobic and the suitor competition was fierce. Camille needed normality. Drake could provide that. 

They both pretended they weren't dates. 

But they were dates. Everytime they met in secret, they got to know each other a little more. Drake opened up and told her about his family - dead father, sister who upped and left, mother living in Texas. They shared secrets and spoke in whispered voices about things they had never said out loud before. 

Feelings became stronger. 

Hands would lightly touch in the dark. 

Shy kisses gave way to urgent and desperate embraces. 

'I love you,' he had breathed in her ear, his breath tinted by whiskey. 'Fuck, I love you so much.' 

'I love you too,' Camille had whispered back. 

All this said in darkness at 3am. 3am when the whole world except for them was asleep and nobody could hear the searing honesty under the silk sheets. 

Then the sun rose and Drake and Camille would return to their charade of pretending to be just friends and Camille would take part in the suitor competition in a bid to win Prince Liam's hand in marriage. 

Whenever Camille danced with Liam, Drake would sit in the corner of the ballroom, nursing a glass of whiskey and unable to tear his eyes away from Camille. She could always feel his intense stare on her. She could always sense his presence. 

But tonight, she couldn't feel his eyes watching her every move. She couldn't feel his presence. 

Camille sneaked a glance around the corners of the room and found that Drake wasn't there. 

********

His head was slightly foggy from whiskey but Drake had never felt more alert in his life. 

He was packing his clothes quickly into a battered leather bag, not caring about folding them neatly. He needed to get out of the palace and away from this situation. 

Drake knew he should have told Camille his plan to leave. She deserved better. But after months of watching Camille excel at every aspect of this competition, and watching Liam fall head over heels in love with her, Drake couldn't take it anymore. 

He loved Camille. But he knew that in the harsh light of day, he stood no chance against a Prince. Drake was a commoner, the boy who rode on Liam's finely tailored coat tails. 

A Prince vs a commoner vying for the heart of a beautiful girl. 

Fuck that. 

Better to leave and save face. Better to escape to a new life, move on and forget about Camille Montespan. 

Camille was a dream he couldn't imagine into real life. A fever dream. 

He took another swig of whiskey and then continued to throw clothes into his bag. 

Nobody would miss him. Liam would be busy with Camille. Everyone else at court acted like he didn't exist. Drake didn't matter. 

As he threw a pair of jeans into the bag, Drake heard a knock on his door and he knew he had been caught. He could recognise Camille's knock anywhere. Abrupt and quick, no fuss. 

'Fuck…' he muttered. He continued packing though, hoping that she would assume he was out and would go back downstairs to the ballroom. 

'Drake, I know you're in there,' Camille said through the door. 

Drake swallowed. No, he had to keep quiet. 

'Drake, I asked Maxwell and he hasn't seen you leave and he's been hanging around outside obsessing about the llama pen!’

Drake sighed. 

Fucking llamas. Who the fuck thought it would be a good idea to hire llamas for a fucking ball?

Oh yeah, the nobility.

Admitting defeat, he dragged himself across the room and opened the door to find Camille who was standing with her arms crossed, looking less than impressed.

‘I thought we were working on your social skills!’ she sighed. ‘But instead you’re hiding!’ 

She gave him a smile to show she was only fake angry.

But her smile fell slowly as she looked past him into the room. Her eyes settled on the bag filled with clothes.

Drake prepared himself for her real anger fairly soon.

*********

'Drake.. Why are you packing up your clothes?' 

A horrible, awkward silence filled the space between them. 

‘Drake?’

Camille’s voice was laced with anxiety now. Her hands had clasped into fists at her sides and her eyes were penetrating his. 

Drake cleared his throat. ‘I’m leaving.’

His voice was low and gruff. He kept his eyes on hers, willing her to understand why he was doing this. She had to understand. 

‘Why?’ Camille asked. She stepped forward; Drake stepped back. Camille stopped and a wounded expression filled her face. Drake instantly hated himself.

Drake could feel his heart hammering against his chest. ‘I have to leave,’ he whispered, hearing his voice crack and strain. ‘I can’t take this anymore.’ 

‘What do you mean?’ 

Drake looked down at the floor. 

Camille stepped forward again and caught at his wrist, refusing to let him go. ‘Drake, what do you mean?’ she repeated.

Drake closed his eyes. ‘I can’t stick around and watch my best friend fall in love with you,’ he murmured. ‘I can’t sit back and watch. So I’m leaving.’

Camille’s eyes were huge now. ‘You can’t just leave,’ she said, her voice rising. ‘You said you love me.’

Drake opened his eyes now and settled his gaze on hers.

‘Exactly,’ he replied. His heart was pounding in his chest now and he could feel his skin turning cold. ‘I love you. That’s my problem.’

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

Camille stepped back and blinked away hot tears that she could feel forming. 

'But..' she whispered. 'I love you too.' 

Drake's shoulders dropped. This was killing him. He could hear her heart breaking and it was all his fault. 

'I just can't watch the woman I love be with someone else,' he muttered. 'Camille, I know I've only known you for five months but these have been the best five months of my life. But that's all I'm gonna get. Five months. Liam will propose to you -' 

'We don't know that!' Camille burst out, moving towards him quickly. She grabbed his arm and pulled him towards her. 'Liam could propose to Madeleine or Olivia or Kiara or Penelope! He could pick any of those girls!' 

Drake let out a frustrated groan. 'You know that's bullshit!' he said. 'You know how much he cares about you! He's always seeking you out, taking you on romantic walks around the palace grounds, dancing with you at balls. You're his favourite. Camille, I've known him since I was five years old, trust me when I say that I know how Liam thinks. I know when he likes a girl. He is going to ask you to marry him.'

Camille shook her head fiercely. 'Then I'll say no.' 

Drake let out a dry laugh that was devoid of humour. 'You're going to reject the Prince of Cordonia? You can't. That would be humiliating for him and social suicide for you. Everything you have achieved in this competition will have been for nothing.'

'Maybe I don't care about that!' Camille shouted, finally breaking. 'Maybe I want to be with you, have you thought about that?!' 

Drake surveyed her silently. His eyes penetrated hers. 'All the damn time,' he finally said. 

Camille let out a shuddering breath and wrapped her arms around herself. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she looked down at her feet. 

Drake stepped forward and tucked a finger under her chin, bringing her face up to look at him. 

'I think about being with you all the time,' he whispered. 'About taking you out for dates. Actual dates, not secret ones. I think about dancing with you in public and kissing you without caring about what people will say. But we can't do that.' 

‘If we told Liam how we felt..’ Camille whispered, ‘maybe he would understand-’

‘He’s my best friend,’ Drake interrupted, his voice still soft, coaxing her, trying to calm her down, trying to make her see sense. ‘I can’t betray him.’

Camille clenched her fists against her sides. ‘But you already have. We’ve been together so many nights. We’ve kept this a secret for months. We could just come clean and he will understand in time. He has to understand!’

Her voice was rising in desperation. But the more she tried to convince him, the more she saw his walls being built back up. The walls she had worked so hard to break down. As she tried to persuade him, he would look away, looking anywhere in the room but at her. If she reached out to touch him, he would step back. 

‘Drake, I love you,’ she said. ‘That has to mean something.’

Drake felt the lump in his throat and his heart beating hard in his chest. This was brutal. Part of him really wanted to listen to her and go along with what she was saying. They could tell Liam. They could be honest. They could admit the truth and finally be together. 

‘You know I love you,’ he murmured, finally fixing his brown eyes on hers. ‘But I can’t watch my best friend be with you. He will propose and you will have to say yes. Forget your feelings; this world forces you to put your feelings into a box and lock it away. Trust me when I say I have first hand experience with that. When he proposes, you will say yes and you will present your best smile to the world. You will marry him and become the princess. Later, you will become the Queen of Cordonia. I won’t be around to see this; I refuse to. Please, Camille. Don’t ask me to watch you marry him. I couldn’t take it. Please.’

He was actually begging her. Begging her to let him go when deep down, all he wanted was to be with her. 

Camille started to shake her head but Drake stopped her.

‘If you love me,’ he whispered, dealing the fatal blow, ‘you will let me go.’ 

***********

To Be Continued

[gayuu-the-necromancer]

William Rex Chapter 17

 WARNING! The following story contains scenes of violence and torture.

｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

I slowly open the door to my room, listening to the rain drops tapping on the window.

(Let's talk to Victor first)

Victor is a man who always looks at William and everyone in the Crown with compassion and cares for them.

He decided that he couldn't move the Crown, so it would take a lot to persuade him to do so.

(...Don't be timid)

I took one step into the corridor and then----

???: "Kate....!"

???: "See. I told you she would come out soon."

(Eh....?)

When I look towards the voice, I see Liam and Harrison.

Then there was Mr. Alphonse, standing by the window, looking at me.

Kate: "What are you all doing here....?"

Harrison: "Where are you going with a face like that?"

(If I can convince Victor, the next step is to get the Crown to help me)

(There should be no need and no point in lying and deceiving here)

Kate: "....I was going to go and negotiate with Victor."

Harrison: "I figured it would be something like that."

Harrison: "I know you're not the kind of person who stays in your room when you're told to 'behave'."

Harrison: "That's what Will likes and that's what he wants everyone to do."

Harrison looked at me rather seriously with his light-coloured eyes.

Harrison: "The time to turn back is now. You can lock yourself up in this castle, safe and quiet, and then you can go back to your normal life."

Harrison: "Tonight, whether a certain villain dies or lives, you don't have to know about it, and you can go on with your normal life as usual."

Harrison: "You still have a way back to that warm sunshine."

(Looking back...Harrison was also there that night when we all first met)

----FLASHBACK----

Aloof man: "Sorry if that freaked you out, but these are just props for a stage play."

Kate: "Liar...."

Aloof man: "....It would have been good for you if you had pretended to believe me."

----FLASHBACK ENDS----

(You went to great lengths to keep me out of this world of darkness with your lies)

Perhaps the lie he told at the time was a roundabout kindness.

Kate: "....Thank you, Harrison."

Smiling with gratitude for their concern and an apology for letting it go unchecked.

Harrison: "....Guess, that's it then."

Harrison smiled thinly, as if he knew what my response would be and shrugged his shoulders.

Harrison: "You were going to try negotiate with him about the Tower of London, right?"

Kate: "Yes, I want to free these innocent prisoners. Before William does."

Harrison: "What happens after he agrees? How do you prove their innocence?"

Kate: "....It is difficult to prove their innocence and salvage them through a straightforward process."

Kate: "If we were to appeal in court that their arrest itself was unjustified, they would probably be dismissed."

(If the arrests were engineered by the Privy Council, at least some collusion with the police is certain. The police cannot be relied upon)

(Even the courts would use the prisoners' trumped-up charges against William)

Kate: "There are two ways to prove his innocence. Either William pleads guilty and testifies that he has nothing to do with them...."

Kate: "Either that or William himself will be in a situation where he cannot be charged with a crime."

Kate: "If Mr. Brian wrote an article, the latter might be possible....but I am still uncertain."

Kate: "In the meantime, their freedom and dignity continue to be damaged. And William is not going to let that go unnoticed."

Kate: "I don't want to see the prisoners get hurt, and I also don't want to see William hurt."

Harrison: ".......Let me ask you something."

Harrison: "William is actually killing people. Do you think it's right that he should go free of that charge?"

Kate: "It's not....right. Killing is sinful, no matter who it is or what the circumstances are."

Kate: "But I can't stand by and watch him be judged...just because the evil he perpetrates is not right."

(That's how much----William saved me)

(That he rescued me from being unreasonable, listened to my heart and pushed me to be on my own....)

(I know how much it means to the people he saved and I know how much it means to him)

-----Options------

Pretending not to see.

Even if it's not right.

Even if stained with the same sin.

--------

Kate: "I will not be sorry if I am tainted by the same sins as William."

Harrison: "....Oh."

Kate: "Now we have to rescue the prisoners and stop William from being lured to the Tower of London."

Kate: "And in due course, the prisoners will be exonerated. ....That's the best I can do now."

Harrison: "....So that's what you've been thinking about all morning and all this time."

Harrison: "And what? Now you're going to convince Victor?"

Kate: "Yes. I also need your help, so let's start with Victor."

Harrison: "I don't think that would do anything."

 ｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

Harrison: "I don't think that would do anything."

Kate: "Eh, but..."

Liam: "Victor said 'Be as quiet as possible so they don't know you're here', right?"

Liam: "He didn't say 'don't do anything'. So as long as we appear quiet, we can do anything."

(Nn...)

Kate: "That's what he meant!?"

Kate: "But, 'the Crown cannot be moved in the name of her Majesty the Queen...!"

Alphonse: "In simple words, he meant 'I won't give you orders, so you guys can do whatever you want.' "

Kate: "That's...what he meant...."

Harrison: "Yes, that is, as far as that freak is concerned."

Liam: "Let me escort you to the Tower of London. Haha, I'm looking forward to it, a prison that's rumored to be haunted!"

Kate: ".....So, you guys will help me?"

Harrison: "We'll be working with a minimum number of people to keep a low profile, and Liam's ability to disappear makes him perfect for infiltration, don't you think?"

Liam: "....I think Will would have appreciated it more if we'd waited and trusted him."

Liam: "But if we let you go without telling him...he'll probably be sad."

Liam: "I want Will to compliment me. Oh and you too, of course."

Kate: "Liam...."

Liam's eyes were filled with madcap curiosity when he said 'fun'

Now it was like looking for a landmark in total darkness, both haunting and desperate.

We don't yet know what the circumstances are.

William may be in one of his most important strongholds.

Harrison: "I'll support you from the outside in case of emergency...And also, I don't know why Al is here."

Alphonse: "Master El asked me to do this in his place."

Kate: "Master Elbert...?"

Alphonse: "Yes. He said 'Your abilities are more suited for inflitrating enemy territory'. And...."

Mr. Alphonse puts his lips to his ear. The sweet, decadent scent softly wafted over my nose.

Alphonse: "I have always thought that if Mr. William were to be killed, it would be by an innocent civilian."

(Eh....)

Alphonse: "It's going to be a hilarious spectacle whichever way it goes, so I thought I'd follow along."

(He doesn't care if William lives or dies, or if the prisoners are freed...he is just going there for shits and giggles...?)

The attitude that everything is a farce appears to be unreliable.

I wonder if my emotions were showing on my face, but Mr. Alphonse didn't seem offended and smiled.

Alphonse: "Fufu. Don't look so worried. If necessary, I will be a helpful ally. Of course."

(....I am aware that I am trying to do something selfish that I cannot achieve alone)

(I don't care what the motive is, as long as I can get help...!)

Kate: "Yes, thank you!"

We had some discussion and strategy on the journey to the Tower of London and how to move internally.

Harrison: "That's how many people are housed there. It's not easy to break them out."

Harrison: "If you don't think it's possible. I suggest you just investigate this time and go back...just saying."

 ｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

We secretly left the castle for the city of London, where the skies were dark, hinting on a possible downpour.

Liam: "Okay, we're about to move. Close your eyes if you feel scared."

Kate: "Y-Yes! ....!"

A floating sensation hits my body and I gasp in instinctive fear.

With me in his arms, Liam leapt lightly over the roofs of London houses.

Liam: "Will showed me this route. He said its beautiful and he likes it...woah!"

Kate: "Ah."

Liam: "Ahaha...It's thrilling and fun, isn't it?"

Liam: "Will is a genius at enjoying life, isn't he?"

I smiled somewhat unsteadily and agitatedly, nod at Liam and cling desperately onto him.

(He is trying to talk about something to make me feel at ease...!)

Kate: "Oh and Mr. Alphonse, have you used....this route?"

Alphonse: "Yes. I've been using it sometimes with 'friends' since Liam told me about it."

Alphonse: "We play this fun little game where, for every roof you fly over, you get a drink and if you get scared or fall off, you lose."

(What a dangerous game...and who are these 'friends'....?)

Alphonse: "Well, it's certainly a good route for tonight's operation. Because there are policemen roaming the streets."

Looking down below at Mr. Alphonse's comment, the shadows of police officers can be seen all over the city.

(Indeed, if we were walking on the ground, we would likely be---)

Cold sweat trickles down my spine as I recall the gun being pointed at me.

I felt a deep sense of relief at being hidden in the darkness of the night.

(I never thought....that darkness could reassure me)

We arrived at the gates of the Tower of London, as previously discussed,

Liam disappears and Mr. Alphonse, gently removes his leather gloves.

Alphonse: "Well, shall we get going?"

.........

Alphonse: "Thank you for your efforts."

Security guards: "....Excuse me, who are you? If you don't have a pass then----"

Alphonse: "Oh my, have you forgotten the face of your colleague?"

Alphonse: "We've gone to a lot of trouble to 'bring prisoners into custody'. "

When Mr. Alphonse touched the nape of his neck and whispered, the guard's attitude changed.

Security guard: "Oh yes. You can go through."

Alphonse: "Thank you. Then, shall we."

The gate is opened and we slip inside through the gap.

(Such a convenient ability to break in so easily...right?)

Kate: "Wouldn't this mean that if we let him think he's being restrained by Alphonse's ability, he doesn't actually have to be restrained?"

Alphonse: "Wow! You're very sharp even at times like this."

(Of course...!)

Alphonse: "Oh, you're not angry?"

Kate: "....If you think of it as a cooperation fee, it's about as cheap as being tied down."

Alphonse: "Aha! You're funny. I wish Mr. William had let me borrow you for a day."

(You completely think people are toys or something....)

.................

With the help of Mr. Alphonse and Liam's ability to fool the police, things went according to plan.

They stole documents from the control room and located the cells where innocent prisoners were being held.

We ran inside the cold towers, using the floor plans as a guide to kill our footsteps.

Liam: "These towers used to be used for the detention of high-ranking political prisoners and for executions."

Alphonse: "It is a horrifying historical place to invite Mr. William to feed on the general public...."

Alphonse: "Not bad, Grimsley."

Liam: "....! Al, Kate, I hear something at the bottom of the stairs."

I listened for Liam's voice, and sure enough, from downstairs, I heard what sounded like a scream.

Kate: "....Let's go."

 ｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

With each step down the stairs, the multiple screams become more vivid and stirring in their poignancy.

(...This is---)

Alphonse: "...It looks like we're in the right place."

While hiding in a corner of the staircase, we listen downstairs.

The screams of the condemned prisoners echoed behind the layers of bars.

Policemen: "You were involved in the crime, weren't you? Look, if you don't tell us what you've done, you'll never walk again."

Prisoner: "Stop! No! I'm innocent!"

Prisoner: "I didn't know that man was smuggling drugs! Please believe me, there must be some mistake....."

Policemen: "The company you built with his support...was it something about freedom for all?"

Policemen: "And at the same time he's smuggling drugs. What a hypocrite. Come on! Tell us where he is!"

Prisoner: "No! I don't know...I really don't know...!"

Policemen: "Tch...do it."

(!!)

I see a prisoner with his head in a water trough and manage to keep my voice from jumping out at the sight of it.

Turning to the prison next to the condemned prisoners, we saw people looking exhausted and staring at each other.

Young prisoner: "Why do we have to go through this...? It's all his fault..!"

Older prisoner: "....That guy..don't you owe Sir Rex a debt of gratitude too. ...It's not right to hold a grudge against someone like that."

Young prisoner: "Oh yeah!? Okay then...where the hell is that William?"

Young prisoner: "If he is not involved in this, why isn't he coming out and saying anything! The only reason he can't come is because that article is true, right!?"

Young prisoner: "....I was going to prove to people that slum-borns are not inferior to people born in normal circumstances...."

Young prisoner: "When I said that, he even wrote a letter of recommendation to the university saying 'you can do it'....!"

Young prisoner: "I'm a slum-born, and now I'm hearing that he buys and sells people like me. It felt like all this time he had been using me.."

Young prisoner: "I thought he was my benefactor and but now, I can't...forgive him..for deceiving me like this...!"

(...As I thought)

(Anger at this unreasonable treatment naturally turns to William)

The police are suppose to be 'justice'. But they capture these people without any evidence and tortured them without due process of law...

Even the people who are labeled as evil by the police do not easily recognize it as a 'crime'.

(If William comes here and hears these people cursing him...)

(He wouldn't mind, but...I don't like that)

Liam: "Kate, are you okay?"

Kate: "...I'm fine. We know where the prisoners are. Next is..."

Kate: "'Mr. Alphonse will get the key to the relevant prison', right?"

Alphonse: "Yes. It's easy to deceive them, don't worry. You two can hide in the corner until I get back."

Mr. Alphonse wandered off and I was about to discuss our escape route with Liam, when----

???: "Ugh..Nn..."

I thought I heard a familiar voice from the nearest prison and looked over to see----

Kate: "Mr. Brian....!?"

 ｡⋆｡˚🦋˚｡⋆｡

Liam: "You mean the one who wrote that article...?"

He had fiery red hair and looked emaciated, perhaps from the assault.

(...Why are you here?...)

Liam: "Hold on, Miss Kate...I'll make a noise and get the cop's attention."

Liam: "In the meantime, ask him what happened. I'll be back as soon as I've attracted the police."

Kate: "....Thank you very much."

Liam's figure suddenly disappears from sight, and a few seconds later----

At the far end of the prison-lined corridor, a loud noise could be heard.

Policemen: "What's going on!?"

A flurry of police officers head to see what's going on.

(Now)

I went downstairs and rushed to Brian's cell.

Kate: "Mr. Brian...."

Brian: "Nn!? Miss Kate, why are you here...?"

Kate: "That's my line...! Why are you here?"

Brian: "...I went to Grimsley to ask him about the truth."

Brian: "The charges I wrote in that article were a frame-up... and he came clean."

Brian: "That Sir Rex is really an organised assassin of evil who cannot be brought to justice by the law."

----FLASHBACK----

Grimsley: "Nevertheless, it is also true that he is a mass murderer."

Grimsley: "As the revolutionaries' movement has brought about new laws and expanded the rights of citizens, assassination squads...."

Grimsley: "An anachronism, don't you think?"

Grimsley: "You're clever enough to realize that it's in the best interests of this Britain to keep quiet, isn't it?"

-----FLASHBACK ENDS-----

Brian: "....I couldn't...nod my head. I said, 'give me some time' and left his office. On the way home....I was attacked and now I'm here...."

Brian: "Why are you here? Did they catch you too?"

Kate: ".....No. I snuck in here because I wanted to free you all."

Brian: "Why....?"

Kate: "Well----"

At that moment, the upper floor suddenly becomes noisy.

There were angry, shrill voices, whistles and the sound of many footsteps.

(No way!!)

.............

----A black shadow alighted gracefully from one of the carriages.

Security guard: ".....Whoa, that's----"

Raindrops wet the red and gold of his cloak and the silver of his swaying hair, reflecting off the street lamps as if decorating the darkness of the night.

The man slowly looked up as he walked towards the gate.

Her blood-red eyes gleam seductively in the darkness.

William: "Good evening. Sorry for intruding you all."

William: "I have friends who have been invited here, so I was wondering if you could let me in."

Security guard: "W-William Rex....!"

Soon after, a high-pitched whistle shook the silence of the night.

Guards and policemen quickly rush to the gate and pointed their guns at William.

Older policemen: "You are charged with murder! Put down your weapon and surrender!"

William: "Ahahaha, that's an enthusiastic welcome. Now....who should I dance with?"

William was in no hurry and looked around at the policemen as if he were looking at a cake in a bakery.

William: "You detain and tortured innocent people and violated their freedom for this purpose alone."

William: "....If there are extenuating circumstances, it is that they are orders from someone in authority."

Older policemen: "What are you talking about! Hands up! Or else....!"

William: "Raise your hand? Okay then."

William: "Raise your hands if you feel any remorse in your conscience about what is now taking place in the Tower of London."

Older policemen: ".....!?"

Young policemen: "W-Why...why are my arms...!?"

The officers were stared down by William, as he ordered them.

Some were puzzled by their own arms lifting of their own accord while others were mortified by their colleagues.

Old policemen: "Tch, you're breaking an order! You're breaking an order!"

William smiled gently as a man who appeared to be his superior officer barked at him.

William: "Don't scold them. They are just being honest with themselves."

William: "Whoever raises their hands now should stay in the corner, silent."

William: "As for the rest----"

William: "Plead guilty."

Chapter 18

[what-if-thoughts-daytiana]

What if Theo stays with an abusive partner?

Liam was sure he smelt woflsbane. Being the new “alpha”, he followed the smell and ended up with an apartment reeking wolfsbane, pain, fear, and most importantly, Theo’s blood. He broke in, found Theo lying on his own blood covered in whip wounds clearly made by wolfsbaned whip, barely concious. Then another man, who he never met walked out of the bathroom and pulled Theo up for cleaning. 

Theo then claimed everything here was consensual with a steady heartbeat, saying “What I can’t be gay and kinky and sexually active with my boyfriend?”

In reality however, Theo had no house and no job and no way of living. When one of the Doctors’ friends showed up in Beacon Hills to find some note and to study the left lab apparatus, he decided to make a deal with that man. He offered his knowledge and his chimera body for experiment and sexual  release, in exchange of enough food to survive and a place to stay. He haven’t decided whether he should leave with the man when he finished his experiment in Beacon Hills since the man was the only person who really cared about him. Not Tara, not Scott, not Liam. He knew he was fucked up in his head with some Stockholm shit but he really need someone to keep him company, even at the price of getting experimented on and tortured. Well, nothing he hadn't done before and the sex sometimes was good and intense, though.

Liam was angry and frustrated yet without the nerve to call Scott. What should he say, hey alpha something is wrong here, Theo has a boyfriend and is probably a masochist and I am jealou- No. He could not say anything so he just leave.

It was the Sheriff who really figured out something was wrong. When some police talked about the boy who slept in the car, saying it was a relief he seemed to finally have someplace to stay, he was concerned. He needed to figure what happened in case Theo was planing something again.

He spotted a tired Theo outside the laundry and confronted him. Theo was frustrated and evaded most of the question, saying he just had a place to stay and would leave soon. Sheriff followed Theo again and found out the boy was severely tortured. (He burst into the room with a complaint of noise.) He then asked Liam about this and was not convinced by the masochist excuse. “I am no longer young, but, that, that was not sex, Liam. Something is wrong.”

Theo, on the other hand, desperately persuaded the man not to kill their neighbour. The man trusted him, knowing he would not try to leave, and decided to lash out his anger on Theo. When Liam tried to sneak into the room the other day, he found Theo in a really bad shape and took him away. When Theo waked up in the hospital with Melissa and Christ next to him, he tried to leave. Those two handled teenagers for a long time and forced the truth out of him and decided to help him. Theo now had to deal with a distorted body, a fucked up BDSM relationship, Stockholm syndomes, PTSD, panick attacks, the man’s threat, the concerned so-called pack, and an angry and worrying Liam.

Liam was too angry and too young to realize the true problem. What Theo needed was not an address so he could apply for job, not a job so he could pay for food, not a legal ID so he could get enroll in University. Ten years with the Doctors and six months with a sadist were one thing. Nineteen years of loneliness and fighting for approval and survival and building blocks to hide emotions were another.