#chapter 12 rude and elena

[lordfentongaming]

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth How to Defeat Chapter 12 Rude and Elena on Nor...

[cburambles]

My favs bits of 7R! Elena is how they subtly hint at how calculated she is and that her cunning side could be almost as equal as compilation!Rufus in her group & how also the group dynamic often foils her.

Her first scene has her pondering about their orders & what is actually going on.

Elena reitere that point on Mt Corel as well.

In their situation, you need to be clear & share as much intel to your subordinates so they can understand the nature of this mission which Tseng doesn't (if he even knows). & we know Rufus knows the black robes might lead to Sephiroth, which could caught the Turks out of guard & potentially lead them to their death (see what happens to Tseng in the temple).

The scene also immediately establish that Elena thinks they shouldn't follow orders blindly tho it seems she's still willing to do what she thinks Tseng would do in some situations due to her idolization of him.

During her boss fight in the mines, Elena only uses stun grenades

But during the next cinematic, a vicious smile start to appear on her face as she switches her grenade to an explosive one.

It's the only time it happens during the game & the explosion is strong enough to blow off the cliff they were standing on. She was ready to decimate the party there by taking them by surprise. if it wasn't for Red parrying the grenade. It's a good plan that get foiled by the fact Elena isn't aware of Rufus' plans of letting Cloud & Avalanche walk away to find the Promised Land & kill Sephiroth & her lack of awareness towards the way Tseng feels about Aerith.

Next we get GS & Under-saucer chapter. During this, we learn that Cloud, Tifa & Barret are now officially wanted. Dyne then appear in the GS & kill some of Palmer's men.

Elena is seemingly the one who is sent to track him down & likely found his location with the help of Gus' intel (who likely hidden from her that he had captured Tifa & sent Cloud to run in the race so he can get his money)

But instead of capturing the culprit, Elena restrained Dyne & waited for Barret & the rest of Avalanche to show up since she & Rude sent up ambush them with a whole motorized brigade & Palmer's mech,

Elena probably put that plan in place likely in the hopes to make herself look good in front of her superiors by not only capturing Dyne but Avalanche as well. And she's willing to go as far as to jump from a crashing helicopter on a moving buggy to accomplish that goal.

But once again as in the next scene, we see Reeve change the wanted posters portraits under the eyes of Tseng and we discover Rufus decided to let Aerith walk away in the hopes that she will go find the Promised Land while remaining under Shinra surveillance via Cait Sith. Goes to show that once again, her plans diverge from her superiors because she lacks the necessary infos.

As a proof of that, In chapter 12, she state she took the initiative to study what the Promised land is & compliment the whole plan with Aerith

The way she approves about the plan is interesting as well. She talks about it with a lot of enthusiasm, which goes to show that she may be naturally inclined to delve into that type of manoeuvers & calculations. The only character in their group that has been clearly depicted as being the same type until now is Rufus.

Then there's the temple of the ancients. When they discover Avalanche is on the way, Elena immediately bring the idea of ambushing them which is actually smart: They still have troops at their disposition & the advantage to know the terrain better than Avalanche by that point.If they don't take them out now, they might end up in trouble later. (Which is what happened since Reno & Rude end up being outnumbered by monsters & Tseng understimated how ready Elena was to throw down to show herself off, which result in Tseng getting wounded & Elena having to do a sacrificial stand so he can accomplish the mission)

& this is her reaction when Tseng refuses.

Reno, who seemingly had a similar idea as Elena & likely couldn't wait to have a revenge match react as well, which goes to show that it would have been the right course to take but Tseng as his own agenda as he wants to protect Aerith by avoiding her.

Elena can be brash & vicious but it's interesting to note that through the whole game, the devs keep showing us constantly the gears turning in her head & her independance & how some of the mistakes & "bad" decisions she makes could be avoided if her superiors weren't so secretive about things.

It makes me wonder if it might be a set-up for the events of Wutaï, knowing the Turks were there in OG & that there's now this new plot with Glenn's Avalanche cell & Sarruf/Rufus.

With the way they are hiding informations, it's really likely she & maybe even Rude & Reno as well are not aware about Rufus' role in all of this & I wonder if Elena inquisitve & calculated side could have an impact on it & maybe potentially lead him to share his secrets but also connect with his Turks, with the way they emphasize that he is lonely & isolated, which make it easier for Sephiroth to manipulate him. In OG timeline, it always felt to me that the Turks loyalty to Rufus was emotionnally not worked enough & un-earned post- Meteorfall (in particular knowing that the text emphasize who they are in a way a group of friends in all but name because they're seemingly afraid to get rid of that company hierarchy they've always known) so hopefully they are put in the works in 7R.

[oh-my-may]

I FINISHED CHAPTER 12! (Basically... PS says I have like 7% remaining and that is probably gonna be leaving the Gold Saucer again so... yeah)

I HAVE THOUGHTS BRO.

Zack??? ZACK FAIR??? How dare you be the most beautiful gorgeous cute man ever. His sections always manage to have me tear up. The ending of this game is SO gonna hurt me my god.

My date was with Aerith... which i didn't mind but Cloti for the win you know. Aerith, girl, Zack is somewhere out there!

Didn't bother with any of the new minigames at the Saucer yet, since I wasn't a fan of a lot of them the first time around. Will probably only do it after finishing main story, since some of the exchangeable rewards are very nice.

Loveless was wonderful. Teared up seeing Jessie again. The song was so moving. The party acting as the main cast had me rolling tho. THE WAY YOU COULD CHOOSE BARRET AS YOUR TRUE LOVE? They're so unserious. The little game mechanics were a little confusing tho. I swear I don't have a left-right-weakness but this part had me questioning. Managed to get score A but still... wish there would havd been earlier triggers that told you what button to press... but maybe that's just me.

BUT THE COLOSSEUM HAD ME QUESTIONING EVERYTHING. WHAT DO YOU MEAN BASICALLY 6 ROUNDS OF FIGHTING BACK TO BACK AND THERES ONLY ONE OPPORTUNITY TO CHANGE YOUR EQUIPMENT. The first two rounds were easy, when they brought put the Tonberry I was having war flashbacks to the boss fight in Corel. Didn't expect a round 4, but Aerirh and Phoenix came through for me <3

THE TURKS AGAIN THO??? Listen, I'm a proclaimed Turks lover okay. I love them. My pookies. BUT YOU'RE GONNA MAKE ME FIGHT THEM A THIRD TIME NOW?? Elena is always easier to handle, Rude kinda annoying still but we got through it. Wanted to take this opportunity to say how much I love Elena being such a hater. And her having the most bone chilling horror movie scream when you land a hit or pressure her. Queen.

BUT THEN RUFUS??? ALONE AS CLOUD??? I was gnawing at the bars of my enclosure bro. I hate blonde men. Had to restart several times to get his patterns down. Was very upset with my inability tp dodge, usually I play my fights pretty head-on offensive... I was shaking crying throwing up until I had Rufus down to like half his health. Kujata on Cloud really helped me idk. Darkstar was annoying, but got him down eventually after using Clouds Limit TWICE. Almost died when Rufus was only like 3% HP remaining. The way I was shaking when it was finally over... damn. Never wanna do that again but I had already heard that the Rufus fight was pretty annoying...

Cait's betrayal was nothing new to me, I did know about it. Still made me sad ofc. THE WAY YOU CAN'T PLAY WITH HIM AFTERWARDS? I'm heartbroken.

Now it's off to the Temple/The Promised Land. Very curious what the last 2 Chapters are gonna bring. Heard 13 was quite long, but I wanna try and play it all now without any more interruptions... gonna play side quests and minigames later. Maybe I'll even be able to finish this weekend, which would be nice. I'm on vacation next week and won't be home...

So that's that. Enjoy some screenshots I took during this chapter!

[ff7central]

turks ONE-oh-ONE

(23326 words)

by barbariccia

Chapters: 12/? Fandom: Compilation of Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VII Remake (Video Game 2020), Final Fantasy VII (Video Game 1997)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Characters: Elena (Compilation of FFVII), Reno (Compilation of FFVII), Rufus Shinra, Rude (Compilation of FFVII), Tseng (Compilation of FFVII), Reeve Tuesti, Scarlet (Compilation of FFVII), Elena's Father - Character Additional Tags: Tags to be updated with future chapters, Experimental Style, in-universe redacted details, Unreliable Narrator, liberally blended continuities (but following the OG story), Smoking

Summary:

So a blonde, a brunette, a redhead and…a bald guy? all walk into [LOCATION REDACTED]…

Recommended by @allsortsoflicorice: Experience the events of the OG from Elena's point of view, told in the second person. It's an experiment in narrative voice that works brilliantly. The reader feels as if they're truly seeing the events unfold from her perspective. Strong characterisation and a savage sense of humour. A unique and gripping piece, completely different from anything else out there. 10/10 do recommend.

[rmtndew]

Where Kindness Grows

Summary: The Great Depression took its toll on a lot of people and some had to get creative to survive. Seraphina’s father decides his solution is to sell his only daughter to a much older man. But when Sy overhears a conversation about the young woman, he makes a decision that will change his life - and Seraphina’s - forever. 

(An arranged marriage AU with Captain Syverson) 

Pairing: Sy and OFC Seraphina

Rating: PG 

Warnings: Slight mentions of past parental abuse

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16

Thank you to my darling @lilliannaansalla​ for constantly putting up with my bombarding of ideas and helping me pull this one together! 😘

Tag List Round 1 - @hollydaisy23​, @alyxkbrl, @onlyhenrys​, @omgkatinka​, @speakerforthedead0​​, @gearhead66​,  @thethirstyarchive​, @oddsnendsfanfics​, @littlerinoa​, @agniavateira​, @aaescritora​, @justaboringadult​, @beenthroughalot​, @seriouslygoodlookinggents​, @xxxkatxo​, @musicartmayheminmyheart​, @lilliannaansalla​, @dashingcavill, @mariestark​, @summersong69​, @sugarpenchant​, @ruthoakenshield​, @rn7rocks, @feralrunaway​, @mzchievous-blog​, @kmuir1​, @the-space-between-heartbeats, @thereisa8ella​, @madbaddic7ed​, @daddys-littlewhitegirl​, @jaded808​, @risingtripletaurus​, @secretlywriting​, @princesssterek​, @witcherfan​, @the-problem-of-leisure​, @inlovewithhisblueeyes​, @amberangel112​, @eldarwen333​, @mary-ann84​, @legendarywizarddetective​, @vikingsbifrost​, @sanjaaaaaaa​, @mrsshiddleston​, @batgurl1989​, @absolutepie​, @wonderlandfandomkingdom, @elena-myth​, @mis-lil-red​, @stxlemate​, @tuckersgirl​, @excalibur22​, @diegos-butt​, @missredherring​, @coloraturadiva​, @that-chick212​, @momowhoo​, @nothingbettertosay81​, @goatboats​, @radkesgirl83​, @n-st-lg-cb-tch (if you’re crossed out, it won’t let me tag you!)

Let me know if you’d like to be added/removed from the list!

Every morning since I was thirteen had been the same. Wake up early, make Daddy breakfast, then get started right away on my chores. I’d learned that there were some things I could do a little slower that he wouldn’t complain about and I could have a little bit of time to myself. One of those was washing windows. It became one of my favorite chores because while I was washing them my mind could be faraway. Sometimes I thought about stories Momma had told me as a little girl, my mind adding new parts to them, making them bigger and bigger. Sometimes I thought about the programs I listened to on the radio at night, imagining myself as one of the characters. Sometimes I thought about running away, wondering how far I could really get before Daddy found me. That morning was a runaway morning. 

I was still washing the windows when I heard Daddy’s car. I looked over my shoulder and saw a blue truck following him. I’d never seen the truck before but it wasn’t unlike Daddy to bring home company, so I went back to washing. It wasn’t long before I heard Daddy’s voice hollering for me.

 “Seraphina! Where are you?” he called. 

I dropped my rag into the tin bucket full of dirty, half sudsy water, then wiped my hands on the apron tied around my waist as I walked to the edge of the porch. “I’m right here,” I said, then stopped dead in my tracks. 

Daddy was standing at the bottom of the steps and next to him was a bull of a man. He was taller than Daddy and much, much bigger. He was wearing what looked like his Sunday best, except the shirt didn’t seem to fit and the jacket strained against his arms. His hair was cropped close to his head, almost not there at all. And the thick beard that covered his face worked to hide whatever little bit of his mouth was visible from the stern line he had it set in.

“Don’t be rude. This is Mr. Syverson, come say hello.” 

I walked to the edge of the top step, bringing me closer, but stopped again. “Hello Mr. Syverson,” I said nervously. “It’s nice to make your acquaintance.” 

“Seraphina?” He said it like a question so I nodded. “It’s nice to meet you, too.” 

“Will you be staying for dinner?” I asked. “I’d be more than happy to set another place at the table.” 

“No. But I appreciate the offer,” he said, giving me something bordering on a smile. 

“He’s here on business,” Daddy said. 

“Is that what we’re calling it?” Mr. Syverson asked. He sounded none too pleased. I’d never heard anyone challenge Daddy before but that’s exactly what it sounded like he was doing. 

“You have a better term for it?” Daddy asked, standing up tall as if that would somehow make him more imposing. He still looked puny next to his guest. 

Mr. Syverson took an audible breath, as if he was trying to calm himself. “Do you mind if I speak to your daughter alone for a moment?”  

Daddy looked unsure but I pushed myself to step down onto the second step. “We’ll just go over there,” I said, pointing to the fenceline. “You’ll still be able to see us.” 

He nodded but didn’t answer me. Instead, he looked at Mr. Syverson. “Stay in sight.” 

“Yes, sir.” 

Mr. Syverson stepped up and offered me his hand to help me down from the last step. I was surprised, not used to chivalry and not expecting it from someone that looked like him. My hand felt tiny in his. It was practically a bear paw. But he took care to hold it gently as he assisted me down. When I was finally standing in front of him, I realized just how big he truly was. If he wanted to, he could snap my neck with one swipe of his hand like a grizzly. I was convinced of it. But he surprised me again with his gentleness as he offered me his arm. 

“I don’t want to get your nice suit dirty,” I said, suddenly quite aware of how I must have looked.

That time he gave me an unmistakable smile. “It’ll come out in the wash. I promise,” he said quietly.

I had to reach up to accept his arm but I did and together the two of us walked to the fence. We stopped, looking out at the field beyond the house. The grass was tall and scorched from the sun and lack of rain. 

“If you don’t mind my asking, why do you want to talk to me if you’re here on business with Daddy?” 

“Because it’s not business to me.” 

“What is it then?” 

He took a breath. “I’m here to ask for your hand in marriage, Miss Seraphina,” he said softly.

“Oh.” 

“I know. You thought you’d be marrying Jud Boswell tomorrow but things changed. Your daddy gave me your hand instead.” He looked down at me. “I know it doesn’t seem like it matters because it’s already been decided for you, but did you want to marry Jud?” 

I shook my head. “He scares me,” I admitted in a whisper. 

“With good reason. He ain’t a good man.”

“What kind of man are you, Mr. Syverson?” 

He looked back out at the field. “I probably ain’t a good one, either, but it ain’t for a lack of trying,” he said. “I don’t live fancy but I can provide you with what you need. My Pa’s farm passed to me when he died, so I work hard but it’s honest. I can’t promise you everything will be fine and dandy ‘cause I don’t know that it will. But I can promise you that I’ll treat you kindly and with respect. I’ll give you a good home. And most importantly, I won’t ever give you a reason to be scared of me.” He looked at me again. “If you’ll have me, that is.” 

“Of course I will. I’m sure you done paid Daddy and I don’t think he’d give you your money back now.”

I saw anger in his eyes. “You know he’s selling you?”

“It was never a secret. He’s threatened it for years. But when things got rough and money got tight, he started looking. That’s how he found Jud. I figure he either made Daddy mad or for some reason you offered him more. I don’t need to know which.” 

He nodded. “I have already paid him. And you do need to know which,” he said. “I don’t want you thinking I’m anything like Jud Boswell.” He turned towards me. “I’ve known Jud for a long time. He grew up around my Pa. He’s cruel as they come. I heard him talking about you at the feed store and I couldn’t stand by knowing he would mistreat you. Ain’t no woman who deserves that but especially not one young as you. You got a whole life ahead of you, you deserve to live it peacefully, not under some cruel man’s thumb until he dies of old age. So, I made your daddy an offer and doubled what Jud paid.”

“But what about you? You’re mighty handsome, certainly you could find a wife that you didn’t have to buy. Don’t you want to marry someone you love?” 

“While I appreciate the compliment, that’s not my lot in life. I thought it was at one point but it didn’t work out and I’ve made my peace with that,” he said. “I’m not losing out on anything by marrying you and since you don’t get to marry for love, either, I figure we’d make a good pair.”

“That’s awfully kind of you but that had to be a lot of money for someone you don’t know, Mr. Syverson. What if you don’t even like me?” 

He smiled at me, making his face look younger. “You seem like a right nice young lady. I think we’ll get along fine. As for the money, don’t worry about it, alright? It’s done and taken care of. The only thing I want you concerned about is packing for tomorrow. But other than that, I don’t want you to worry yourself.” 

“Okay.” 

He reached into his pocket and pulled out something small wrapped in brown paper. A piece of twine was tied around it. “Your Pa said yesterday was your birthday, so I brought you a present.”

I looked over my shoulder at the house. Daddy was standing watching us. “He...he might have fibbed a bit about that.”

“You mean you’re not eighteen yet?”

I looked back at him. He was angry again. “No, I am. I’m twenty. But my birthday is in two months, so I’ll be twenty-one soon.” 

A crease formed between his brows. “Why would he lie about that?” 

“He knew that’s what Jud wanted, so that’s what he told him. I guess he thought you’d want the same.”

“He knew an old man would want to marry his daughter if she was a child two days before her wedding?” Anger was seething from him. “If he thought I wanted the same thing, he was wrong.” 

“Please don’t tell him I told you that. He’ll get mad.” 

He took a couple of deep calming breaths. “I won’t,” he assured me. “It’ll be between you and me.” He held out the present again. “I still want you to have this, though. He made the mistake, not you. Now you’ll get two presents this year.”

My cheeks heated. He was being so nice to me and I knew I should have told him that one present was enough but I wasn’t used to getting any at all and I felt selfish, so I let the offer stand. I accepted the one he handed me and opened it. It was a white handkerchief with forget me not flowers embroidered on the corner. I ran my fingers over it. It was soft. 

“This is the prettiest thing I think I ever owned.” I looked up at him. He may have been a bull of a man but he seemed such a gentle one. At least towards me. At least right then. “Thank you, Mr. Syverson.” 

“You’re welcome. And you can call me Sy, if you’d like. Most people do.” 

“I think Daddy might tan my hide if I called you that before we got married, so I might have to start tomorrow. Would that be alright?” 

“He puts his hands on you?” 

“Only to correct me,” I said. “I reckon that’ll be your job now.” 

He shook his head. “No. Once we’re married and you live with me, there ain’t nobody going to lay a hand on you. Not me and especially not him.”

“That’s enough yapping you two! Come on back!” Daddy’s voice yelled, startling me. 

I jumped and Sy put his hand on my shoulder gently. “I know you ain’t got no reason to trust me but I promise you, after tomorrow, things are going to be alright.”

I nodded. “Yes, sir.” 

I tucked the present into the pocket of my apron and he offered me his arm again. I took it willingly. He walked me back to the porch and then took my hand, helping me to step up onto the first porch step. He was still so much taller than me, but I could look him in the face a little bit better. 

“Did you two talk about what you needed to talk about?” Daddy asked. 

Sy tucked in his bottom lip for a moment, as if trying to bite it to keep from saying something mean, and took a deep breath. I never knew I could hear frustration in a single breath but I could with his. “Yes, sir. I think everything’s going to be good for tomorrow,” he finally said. 

“Good.” Daddy clapped a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll be at the church at four.”

Everything I owned in my twenty years of life fit into two suitcases. I wanted to take a picture of Momma with me, but Daddy wouldn’t part with one, even though he never looked at them. The closest I got to taking her with me was wearing one of her dresses for the wedding. She’d worn it the last Easter Sunday she’d been able to go. When we arrived at the church, Sy was waiting outside. He had on a suit that fit him much better than the one he’d had on the day before and I couldn’t help but think how handsome he was. Daddy walked me over to him but once he handed me off, he turned and started walking back towards his car. 

“Aren’t you coming in the church?” Sy asked him. 

“No. I’ll pack Seraphina’s things in your truck for you so after the ceremony you can go ahead and leave,” Daddy said, waving him off. “Go on.”

Sy had a small bouquet of daisies tied together with a short bit of lace ribbon and he handed them to me. “You look beautiful.”

My cheeks heated. “Thank you.” 

He offered me his arm and together we walked into the church. The ceremony was simple. Just a few short vows for me to love, honor and obey a man I’d only just met, while he vowed to love, protect and cherish someone he’d just bought. Once the vows were complete, he gave me a ring and as he carefully slipped it on my finger, he explained in a whisper that it had been his Ma’s. I was surprised that it fit so perfectly. When the reverend gave him the blessing to kiss me, Sy bent down and kissed my cheek. A mere ten minutes had passed between me entering the church and leaving but my whole life changed in that short time as suddenly I was a wife. 

When we left the church, we found Daddy leaning against Sy’s truck. I was holding onto his arm as he escorted me out and I could feel him tensing up. I knew he was none too happy to see Daddy just standing there. 

“Is it done?” Daddy asked. Sy nodded then Daddy pushed off the truck and clapped Sy on the shoulder. “Well, she’s your problem now,” he said and began to walk off. 

Sy stopped, took a couple of deep breaths, then walked me the rest of the way to the truck. “Wait here.” I knew he was upset but when he glanced over at the bed of his truck, his face turned red. He turned around then and stormed over to Daddy. Dust kicked up in his wake, making him look like a bull on the attack. He grabbed Daddy by the arm and spun him around. “You didn’t come in and see your daughter get married because you had to put her things in my truck but all she had was two suitcases?” he barked, towering over him. “You sold her off like cattle at an auction and didn’t even have the decency to come inside and witness the wedding, then as soon as it’s over, you leave without a word to her?”

“How I handle my daughter ain’t none of your business. You sought me out, remember? I was going to let her marry Jud Boswell.” 

“That man is as cruel as they get, and plain as day about it, too, and all you cared about was money.”

“You think you’re better than me? You’re the one who bought her.” 

Sy put his hand on Daddy’s chest and pushed him up against the car, pinning him in with his body. “That’s right. I did. She’s married to me now. So unless she wants to talk to you, don’t you dare contact her. You put your hands on her, you sold her and you made her lie about her age so some perverted old man would want to marry her. Then when some stranger came through and gave you a better offer, you snatched it up and pushed her out,” he said. “That’s not what a man does and that sure ain’t what a father does.” 

He pushed him again and then left him, coming back to the truck. He opened the door for me, then took my hand and helped me in. As he was going around the back of the truck, Daddy yelled something at him but Sy didn’t respond. He climbed in beside me and started the truck. I watched Daddy disappear in the mirror as we drove off and had a passing thought it might be the last time I saw him. Once I couldn’t see him anymore, I stole a quick look at Sy. He was angry. Even though he wasn’t talking, I could tell.

“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice shaky. “Daddy isn’t usually like that.” 

“You don’t have to apologize for him. He made his own choices,” he said. “But I shouldn’t have yelled, not in front of you.” He glanced at me. “I don’t want you scared of me.”

“I’m - I’m not.” 

“You sure?” 

I nodded. “Yes, sir.” I chewed my lip for a moment before looking back at him. “Did you mean what you said, though? About Daddy not talking to me?” 

“That’s up to you. I won’t stop you from talking to him if you want.” 

“Is it bad if I don’t want to?” 

He looked at me again. “No, it ain’t bad at all,” he said. “I’m not going to tell you to disrespect him, I don’t believe in that, but you don’t owe him anything just ‘cause he’s your father. He didn’t do his job, so you don’t have to do yours, either.”

We traveled a long while before Sy told me that we were getting close to his farm. I’d never spent that much time alone with a man other than Daddy before. I’d been nervous but he was kind and soft spoken. Closer to how he’d been with me the day before instead of how he’d been when he was yelling outside of the church. 

The sun was going down as he turned onto a long dirt driveway. When his house came into view, I could see the big field across from it and the sun was like a great glowing ball hanging right on the horizon. I’d never seen anything like it. I gasped and Sy looked at me. 

“Is something wrong?” he asked.

“No, sir. That’s just the prettiest sunset I’ve ever seen.”

He smiled. “It is awfully pretty.”

When we reached the house, I stepped out of the truck and it seemed to me that the whole place came to life in an instant. It was so much greener than at home. I could see cows and horses grazing. I could hear chickens and crickets and frogs. It was hot but there was a breeze blowing through and bringing with it the strong smell of honeysuckles. 

Sy grabbed my suitcases then came and stood beside me. “You think you’ll like it?” 

I looked up at him and nodded. “Yes, sir. I think I will.” 

He smiled at me, making wrinkles around his eyes appear, and for some reason my heart skipped a beat. “I’m glad. But you ain’t gotta call me ‘sir’. You just call me Sy, alright?” 

“I’ll try.” 

“Come on. I’ll show you the house.” 

He led me up the steps of a great big porch where my eyes kept darting to the porch swing. I wondered if I’d ever finish my chores in a house that big to be able to swing on it. Inside was a living room with a fireplace that was much prettier than the one at home, and a kitchen that was prettier and much bigger than ours, too. But the thing I was most excited about was that he had an inside toilet.

“You mean I ain’t gotta go outside at night anymore?” I asked. 

He laughed. “No. Ma hated snakes and spiders, screamed like a banshee when she saw either one, and she made Pa build this after she found a snake in the outhouse when I was a baby.” 

“I don’t like snakes, either.” 

“I’ll just have to protect you from any you come across, how’s that?” he asked. I nodded. “Good. Let me show you the room.” 

He led me to a bedroom that was much smaller than I expected. The walls were pale yellow and the curtains were light blue, and there was a white metal frame bed that I couldn’t imagine us both fitting in. But I didn’t question him. It wasn’t my place to do that. He set my suitcases on the floor by the foot of the bed and turned to me. 

“Are you hungry?” he asked. “I can make us dinner.” 

“You don’t… I mean, it’s not fittin’ for a man to cook. Not while he’s got a woman in the house,” I said. “I should be making dinner for you.” 

“Now where did you get a silly idea like that?”

“That’s what Daddy always told me.” 

I could tell he was biting his tongue. Finally he bent his head down to look at me better and said, “Things are going to be different here, alright? I don’t want you to have to lift a finger if you don’t want to.” 

My eyes widened. “Oh, I couldn’t do that.”

“Well, I’m your husband now. You want to make me happy?” he asked.

I nodded. “Of course.”

“Then let me take care of you,” he said. “That’s what a man is supposed to do.” 

I picked nervously at my fingernails. “Would that...would that really make you happy?” 

“Yes, ma’am.” 

“Then I’ll try.” 

“Good.” He gave me a big smile. “Now what would you like for dinner?”

“I’m not picky,” I said quietly.

“That may be so but it’s our wedding day and unfortunately there’s not a lot I can do for you to make it special but I can cook. Just name what you want and I’ll do my best to make it for you.”

I chewed my lip. The last thing I wanted was to be a bother to him, especially on our wedding day, but I didn’t ever get asked what I wanted. Not for food, not for anything. 

“I like fried chicken if that’s not too much trouble.” 

He shook his head. “It’s not too much trouble at all,” he said. “Anything else?” 

“Fried green tomatoes?” 

“That sounds like a fine dinner.”

We went back to the kitchen and I sat at his table while he began cooking. I watched him moving around comfortably in a place that was so unfamiliar to me and I think that’s when it started to settle in my mind that it was my new life. I wasn’t going back to Daddy. I was someone’s wife. He was kind and talked to me sweetly as he cooked, but I couldn’t stop the nerves that creeped up my spine and into my brain. Everything was different. Even just sitting there like a knot on a log felt wrong. I’d been taught my whole life that idle hands were the Devil’s tools and it felt sinful.

When Sy finished cooking, he brought our plates to the table then fetched a bottle of milk from the refrigerator. He poured us both big glasses of it, then sat across from me before taking my hand to say the blessing. Strange as it was, I had to admit that I didn’t mind how my hand felt in his. It was nice. And during dinner, he was so good to show interest and ask me questions about my likes and dislikes. I tried to be polite and show my manners and ask the same of him, but I was nervous and worried I might not remember all of his answers. 

After dinner, we walked back to the bedroom and my nerves finally got to me, making my stomach hurt. I wrapped my arms around me as I stood in the center of the room, hoping it would stop it but it didn’t. I had a whole new set of duties to fulfill and some that I was embarrassed to admit that I didn’t understand. I knew there were things I’d been too young for Momma to tell me about before she died, and things that were too indecent for Daddy to tell me himself, but I’d heard murmurings from other girls, older cousins, and I knew there was something more I was meant to do. I just hoped that whatever it was, Sy was patient with me as I figured it out.

“Stomachache?” he asked. 

I shook my head. “I’m just nervous,” I admitted quietly. 

“I don’t want you to be nervous. I’m not as mean as I look, I promise,” he joked.

“I know. You’ve been sweet to me, it’s just…” 

“It’s what?”

I sat on the bed. My hands were shaking. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I know there’s something that’s expected of me tonight but I don’t know what,” I said. “All I know is that some girls say it hurts, but -”

In a moment he was kneeling on the floor in front of me. He took my hands in his, holding them steady as they continued to tremble, and shook his head. “Hey, no. Nothing is expected of you tonight. Nothing. You don’t know me and you sure don’t owe me anything just ‘cause we’re married, you hear me? I don’t want you to ever worry about that. You’re safe here. I won’t ever do anything that hurts you. I promise you that.” 

“B-but I’m your wife.” 

“You are my wife. There’s no denying that. And I’m your husband. I made a vow today to protect and cherish you and I meant every word of that, you understand? I know all of this is new to you and it’s going to take some time to get used to it. That’s fine. You take your time settling in and getting comfortable. I’m going to be right here. Okay?” 

I nodded. “Okay.”

A tear ran down my cheek. Sy moved one of his hands to wipe away the tear with his thumb. “Tonight you’re going to get some good rest. I’ll make you breakfast in the morning and if you want, I’ll show you around the farm. If not, you can stay here at the house and do whatever you like,” he said. “We’re gonna take it slow.” He gave my hands a gentle squeeze before standing up. “If you need anything tonight, or if you get spooked from being in a new place, you come get me. I’m at the end of the hall.”

“We’re not sharing a room?” 

He looked surprised that I’d thought that. “No. This is all yours.”

I chewed my lip. “I’ve been scared of this night for a long time. If it wasn’t for you, I’d be with Jud right now and I know he wouldn’t be this kind to me. Whatever is expected of wives normally, he would’ve done taken it from me by now, I know it. He wouldn’t’ve cared about hurting me. I think…I think he might have enjoyed it. And you saved me from him,” I said. “Thank you.”

There was sadness in his bright blue eyes. “You shouldn’t have to thank me for that, but you’re welcome,” he said. “I know this ain’t conventional but we’re going to make it work, alright?” I nodded. “Goodnight, Seraphina.” 

“Goodnight.” 

After Sy left, I changed into my nightgown and braided my hair, then climbed into my new bed. It was far more comfortable than the one I had at home. Home. I had to stop thinking about that being Daddy’s house. I wasn’t there anymore and if I was honest with myself, it hadn’t been a home since Momma passed away. 

I looked out the window across from me. It was cracked slightly and a breeze was blowing through it, making the curtains billow and dance. The moon was big and white, hanging low in the sky that was dotted here and there with the glow of lightning bugs. I could hear the cicadas singing, lulling me to sleep. I’d spent so many years dreaming of running away but as I lay there that night in a strange bed, in a strange house, down the hall from a complete stranger, I wanted nothing more than to stay right where I was. 

[romanarose]

Sunshine, Starlight, Sweetheart, Brightside: Chapter 11

Masterlist here

Bonus mini chapter : Chapter 12

Steven Grant X OC X Marc Spector

Summary: If you've been waiting for some Marc/Sam content, here you go! Fluffy, and theeeeeeeeeen less than fluffy.

Warnings: Bringe drinking, mentions of puke, mentions of SH scars and SH wounds.

This is an ongoing fic of my OC (Sam), Sam is in an established relationship with Steven and things are building with Marc. Could be read separatly if you really squint and use context clues. You can find the full story at the master list or on my AO3, romana_rose

Jake is is red, Marc is bold, Steven is italics

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

Sam was spending Friday night at her place, Marc and Steven were talking this time to rest and clean the apartment. Jake had appeared here and there to make a comment. He made Marc uneasy, but Steven decided to look at it like Sam said, it can be a positive. They were both here for a reason, after all.

Steven woke up to a phone call. He was too groggy to look at the number. Marc said not to answer, but Steven didn’t want to be rude.

“Hello?”

A woman’s voice “Hello, is this Steven Grant?”

Steven was about to reply, but Jake took over “Whose asking?” Enough of a British accent that no one would notice it was fake unless they were listening for it.

“This is Elena, Sam’s friend”

Steven pulled forward again, sitting up “Elena? What's wrong?”

“Sam gave me your number for emergencies, I hope that’s okay”

This isn’t good, get ready to go “Yeah, yeah, is there an emergency?” Steven started panicking. Let her talk before you run out the door

“Um, no, I mean maybe? I can’t find her…”

Steven’s heart dropped “What?”

“Yeah” Elena sounded worried, the background noise was loud, people passing and yelling and music. “I walked away 2 fucking seconds and she was gone, she wonders around sometimes and she will go off with anyone when she’s drunk and I’m really worried. I was wondering if you’ve heard from her?”

“No, no I haven't, I’ll come help look.” Hold on, she shares her location with you “Oh, wait, she shares her location with me, I’ll look” Steven flipped through his apps and found Sam’s location, she was between streets in what he assumed to be a bar. “Are you near 52nd?”

“No, WTF how did she even get there? Can you send it to me?”

“I’m near-by, I’ll come get her” This was a lie, but he summoned the suit and would be there quickly.

“Oh my god, thank you. I didn’t know if I could get her home, she’s stronger than me. Thank you Steven, I mean it.”

“Are you okay? Do you want me to get you too?”

“No, no I’ll be okay. I’m going home, she gave me enough of a scare for one night”

“Thank you for calling me” he was out the door.

“Text me when you find her and when you two are home”

“Will do, good bye”

Steven sped to where she was with the suit and had it disappear and walked into the bar. There she was, dancing like a madwoman on the dance floor to Fergie.

He briefly watched her, relieved she was safe, but also entranced. She wasn’t a good dancer, but that wasn’t really the point of dancing in a bar, was it? She was in leather pants, a white crop top and a maroon jacket, in an outfit that made him think of James Dean. But when he watched her take a drink from a man, he walked over before she could drink it.

“STEVEN!!!” she screamed and ran to him, nearly knocking him over “OH MY GOD WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE!!”

Steven glared at the man she was with and he walked away. He pulled Sam back to look at her “Elena called me”

“OH ELENA WHERE IS SHE?!” She was loud.

Steven remembered to text Elena that he found Sam “Are you okay? Come on, let's get you home.” He began to pull her out of the dance floor. 

“NOOOO Steven PLEEEAASEEE! I requested a song and I wanna hear it!!”

“Sam, I think we should go.”

“NO I WANNA HEAR MY SONG!”

Let me handle this Steven let Marc take over.

“What song is it, Brightside?”

Sam laughed loudly “OH FUCK I don’t remember!”

Marc sighed “Okay, if I play a song I know you’ll love, will you leave with me?”

“OOOOOHHH tryna take me home, handsome?” he couldn’t tell if she was doing a bit, or if she was really too drunk to know who he was.

“Sam.”

“Fiiiine! Then you can take. Me. Home” she poked his chest to punctuate each point. Marc held onto Sam’s hand, not daring to lose her again, and went to the DJ, slid him some money and the DJ promised to play it next. Marc paid Sam’s tab and got her card back, putting her card and phone in his pocket so she didn’t forget or drop them.

When the beginning to Mr. Brightside came on, Sam screamed so loud Marc’s ear hurt. “OH MY GOD MARC!!! IT’S OUR SONG!!!” Marc couldn’t help but  smile. He knew she would love it. She grabbed his hand and tried to take him to the dance floor “I don’t dance, Brightside. You have fun, I’ll be watching”

“NO! Marc pleeeaasseee” she put her hands on his chest, sending a spark through him “Marc pease, just once?”

She kissed his cheek so tenderly, he knew he couldn’t say no. “Okay. One time.” He went out to the dance floor and let Sam guide him. She only really knew moves that were borderline swing dancing, so that’s what they did. Marc began to take over, spinning her, moving her in and out, and finally dipping her at the end.

As she looked up at him while she was dipped, auburn curls hanging low and her blue eyes sparkling at him, he wondered if a person could look more beautiful. She was gripping his neck, and as he pulled her back up, she used the momentum to pull him into a kiss. Marc briefly kissed her back, then his senses took over and he pulled back, she buried her face in his shoulder “You don’t want to kiss me?”

He stroked her hair and held her close. He whispered “I want to, more than you know, Brightside.”

“Then why won’t you let me?”

“I’m not Steven.”

“I know. You’re my Starlight, and I want to kiss you.”

“You’re drunk, you’ll be glad I didn’t kiss you in the morning.”

“I feel sick”

“I’m sure you do. Let's get you home.”

She clung to him as they exited, and when they got away from the crown, he summoned the suit, letting Steven take over. She puked behind a dumpster, before Steven could grab her hair and she got throw up in it. 

“Come on, I’ll carry you home my darling.”

“Nooooo, I’m gross, I’ll get puke and make up on the suit” she stumbled into a puddle and fell back into the water.

“Oh, oh yeah, I’m carrying you. Don’t worry about the suit, it cleans itself…” then more to himself than to her “I think. I guess I don’t really know how it gets clean.” 

He scooped her wet body up and carried her to her home, letting himself in with his spare key. Get her out of the clothes or she’ll get sick. But she’ll be naked. She’s drunk, I don’t want… I don’t think I can do that. Jake, I know you’re here, just go okay? Understood and he was gone.

Just look away. I think she’ll prefer being warm. Try and wake her up first, she might be able to do it.

“Hey love” Steven tried to sturdy her “Can we get you out of those clothes?”

Her eyes were closed, but she talked “Ohhhhh Steven, awfully cheeky”

He smiled, “No love, you’re soaked.”

Sam seemed like she was trying to make a sexy face “All for you babyyyyy”

Steven couldn’t help but laugh “Let's get you in some dry clothes” he pulled a pair of pjs from her draws, when he looked over, she had taken off her shirt and bra  “Oh god, okay” he put the top on and held her up “Can you take off your bottoms now?” she did as she was told and Steven looked at the ceiling as he helped her put them on.

He then carried her to the bed. As soon as she was on the pillow, she was out like a light. He got a wet washcloth and ran it over her hair as much as he could, getting as much pink puke as he could. He found makeup remover and took off her face make up and some of her eye make up, the stuff on her lids and eyebrows. He knew she would be concerned about a break out if she slept with it on. Next, he set his alarm for 8. She usually met her Little Sister on Saturdays, so he figured he’d wake her up and see if she needed to go.

Don’t forget her socks, they are drenched from the puddle. Right, right

He grabbed a pair of fuzzy socks from her drawer and went to take off her high socks, but his heart dropped when he saw what they were hiding.

Marc… Oh my god…

Her ankles and the lowest part of her leg were covered in burns in various degrees of healing, only stopping around her TARDIS tattoo. Marc please tell me that's not what I think it is. It is… And they are very recent, aren't they? Some might be within a few days… you can see there are open wounds from the bubble of the burn, she must’ve been picking at them… Steven this is really bad

Marc felt Jake return, he was being to become more aware of Jake’s presence in the consciousness.

Yeah, I know, you don’t have to tell me its bad, Marc, she’s burning her skin open, you don’t have to fucking tell me it’s bad. She hasn’t been taking her meds What? How do you know? I confronted her after I figured it out And you didn’t tell me? Jesus Marc, you didn’t think I needed to know? She said she’d tell you! “Well she didn’t!” Steven accidentally shouted, but stopped when he saw her stir, but breathing was becoming difficult.

Give me the body Steven, you’re having a anxiety attack, I can feel it coming

No, you’re fucking useless but he felt his heart rate speeding up.

Marc took the body by force. He went into her medicine cabinet and got some first aid what are you doing? The wounds are open and she got street water in them, we need to prevent infection. Steven watched from the mirror as Marc went to work, cleaning her ankles, patting them dry, then putting antibiotic cream on them very carefully. He put gauze around them to prevent irritation. She’ll know we saw them tomorrow. We’ll have to talk to her about it. Can you put those fuzzy socks on? She always wears them. Her toes get cold easy… she thinks it’s poor circulation… yeah, of course, Steven.  Marc put the socks over her bandaged ankles. He let Steven take the body back. Steven put a blanket over her and crawled into bed, pulling her close. He watched her sleep. Steven, you gotta go to bed buddy... It’s fine, I used to do this all the time, remember? But his eyes were already heavy. I know, and how well did that work? I can’t leave her… We won’t leave her, I won’t go anywhere, neither will Jake, right Jake? Sure. See? It’ll be okay. You’ll need your energy for tomorrow. What if something happens while we’re asleep his eyes closed and sleep pulled at him, Steven tucked Sam closer to him. I’ll stay up and keep an eye out. That’s not how it works Steven mumbled in the consciousness. Go to sleep. She’ll be safe, I promise Steven let sleep take him.

@ahookedheroespureheart

LMK if you want to join the tag list!

[aitaikimochi]

I noticed that some people didn't know much about Reno and Rude's epic bromance outside of the major FF7 compilation installments (OG FF7, Advent Children, Crisis Core, FF7R), so I compiled a list of moments from lesser known but official sources (light novels, Ultimania, etc.)! Enjoy~

FF7 On The Way To A Smile - Episode Shinra Light Novel (2009)

-Rude loves thrills.

-For Rude, It’s too painful to imagine a life without the Turks.

-During Meteorfall, Reno and Rude are alone together and seek refuge in the Shinra building bathroom stalls because Rude wanted to go back to the building to get his tool kit.

-Rude apologizes and notices that Reno’s tone is different from his usual self. Reno asks Rude, “Hey Rude, we’ve been together for a long time.” Rude says, “Yup.” Reno then asks “We’re partners, right?” and Rude says “Sure.”

-Reno then goes to Rude’s stall and kicks in the door. Rude is surprised and asks why Reno kicked the stall’s door. Reno says, “I want to give one last thrill to my partner. Thrills- you love ‘em.” Rude says it’s not enough.

-They leave the building together to see the destruction caused by the Lifestream.

-Reno looks around and says “Holy shit is that the Lifestream!?” Rude turns to him and says, “Reno…”

-Reno says “Yeah?” and Rude answers, “This is amazing.”

-Later in the chapter, Reno frowns and is worried about Geostigma and asks Rude why Rufus was putting his trust into the sketchy Doctor Kilmister. Reno wonders why he and Rude hasn’t contracted the disease yet.

-Rude cheers him up by lightly punching his arm and says, “Hey partner, how about a sparring session? We haven’t done that in a while.”

-Reno asks why, and Rude explains “Exercising both your mind and body can prevent sickness.”

Reno calls him an old fart but gets ready anyway.

Reference: Japanese version of the On The Way To A Smile light novel

FF7 The Kids Are All Right: A Turks Side Story Light Novel (2011)

-Reno’s Profile (official English version):

“[…] Reno also values his relationships, especially the strong connection he shares with his partner, Rude. He also comes to care about Evan and Kyrie, and he starts keeping an eye on them from afar.”

-Rude’s Profile (official English version):

“Reno’s long-term partner and one of the Turks’ elite operatives […] Taciturn but compassionate, Rude ends up joining his partner in watching over Evan and Kyrie.”

-Evan describes Reno and Rude as “they are always together, like a fork and a knife.”

-Rude thinks that Evan might find it annoying that Reno is trying to meddle with family affairs. Rude thinks to himself “My comrades are all I ever need.”

-Reno and Rude end up stranded and away from Rufus, Tseng, and Elena. Reno tells Rude “You’re all I have, man. The Director and Elena aren’t answering our calls, and the Boss just tells us to finish the Monument. They’re definitely up to something. We’re outcasts. You and me, me and you, if we don’t stick together then what?”

-Rude is the only person capable of falling asleep in a car despite Reno’s reckless driving.

Reference: Japanese version of the light novel Chapters 3, 12, 19

FF7R (2020)

-When you cast Sleep on Rude, he says Reno’s name in his sleep.

References: Chapter 8 or 12 Boss Battles

FF7R Ultimania Book (2020)

-Reno only expresses his doubts and worries in front of Rude.

-Rude greatly cares about his friends.

-Reno and Rude work together in perfect sync.

Reference: Pages 52, 53, 641

FF7R Material Ultimania Book (2020)

-Rude worries about Reno’s reckless fighting due to his “professionalism.”

-Rude is willing to risk his own life to protect Reno.

-Scenario Coordinator Oishi says the scene when Rude tosses the EMR to Reno shows a glimpse of their responsibility and readiness for Shinra as well as the bond that Reno shares with his partner.

Reference: Pages 103, 282

FF7 10th Anniversary Ultimania (2007)

-Reno loves gossip, so that’s why he asked Rude who he likes in the OG FF7 Gongaga scene.

-Although Reno likes hearing about other people’s gossip, he never reveals much about himself though, and that’s part of his aesthetic.

-When Reno heard about Rude dating someone (in Before Crisis), he was more keen on figuring out this mission than any other mission he’s ever done.

Reference: Page 94

FF7 Before Crisis (2007)

-In the bonus Episode Reno, Rude is grumpy all day during a mission. After they complete the mission, Reno asks if he’s still mad and says “I can’t have my partner stay mad like this.”

-Rude says he’s just peachy. Reno then says they should have a competition on who can obtain the “target” the fastest. Rude is confused what Reno is referring to. Reno says the target is Rude’s usual pair of sunglasses that’s undergoing repair since he’s wearing a spare right now.

-Reno mentions that they’ve been partners for a very long time, so of course he noticed Rude was wearing a spare pair of sunglasses all day, which affected his mood.

-Rude can easily recall and remember a lot of different random quotes and sayings that Reno said to him early on in their partnership.

-Reno and Rude have a near perfect record for completing missions successfully.

-In Chapter 4, Rude and the player are on a ship with AVALANCHE hostages, and one of the hostages named Sears escapes. The player says they should get Reno to come join them for back-up. Rude says to let him sleep as he was taking a nap in the ship quarters.

-Rude gets hurt by Sears in the fight. Reno wakes up from his nap and finds Rude on the floor and injured. Reno asks Rude who did this to him, but Rude doesn’t answer. Reno then goes and hunts down Sears.

-Rude eventually joins Reno at Costa Del Sol and the two of them find Sears at the beach and easily defeat him. Reno asks Rude what he would have done if no one came to help him, and Rude says he knew Reno would come for him as they have been together for a long time, so he knows how Reno thinks.

-In Chapter 6 of the game, when Reno tells Rude they should go home to the Turks company housing after a day’s work, Rude excuses himself to go somewhere. Reno gets suspicious about this and asks the player to follow Rude. The player tells Reno they saw Rude on a date with a woman (named Chelsea).

-Reno then secretly follows Rude on another one of his dates with the girl but sees that she’s actually an AVALANCHE spy who’s trying to use him to get information.

-Reno approaches Rude about this, but Rude says he already knew.

-Rude tells Chelsea he has something to tell her and to meet him on Christmas Eve in front of the Illuminated Christmas Tree in Midgar that symbolizes undying love. On the day of, Rude waits in front of the tree to see what Chelsea will do.

-Chelsea never turns up, and the player and Reno follow her to see what’s going on. They see that she tells AVALANCHE she cannot carry out her duty because she had feelings for Rude. She then leaves and tells the player that perhaps they can meet again in another life.

-The player returns to the tree to see that Rude is there standing alone in the cold. The player tells Rude that Chelsea said she can never meet him again. The player asks if he will chase after her, but Rude said she made up her mind. Rude is about to leave the area but stops as the person who does appear on Christmas Eve in front of an Illuminated Christmas Tree that apparently symbolizes undying love, is none other than Reno.

-Reno teases Rude and calls him a sentimentalist. He then says they should all go back home together to Turks base.

Reference: Chapters 4, 6, Episode Reno

[sephiwothh]

Chapters: 12/34 Fandom: Final Fantasy VII, Compilation of Final Fantasy VII Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Reno/Original Female Character Characters: Reno (Compilation of FFVII), Rude (Compilation of FFVII), Elena (Compilation of FFVII), Tseng (Compilation of FFVII), Rufus Shinra, Original Female Character(s), Cloud Strife, Tifa Lockhart, Barret Wallace, Scarlet (Compilation of FFVII), Hojo (Compilation of FFVII), Heidegger (Compilation of FFVII), Reeve Tuesti Additional Tags: Enemies to Lovers, Love/Hate, Hate to Love, Fluff and Smut Summary:

Reno Sinclair thinks he's hit the jackpot when he manages to capture an eco-terrorist attempting to storm Shinra Headquarters, but she turns out to be much more than he bargained for, with a troubled past of her own. FF7 main story as told from the perspective of Reno, with a healthy splash of canon divergence.

I’m pretty sure everyone currently following this blog found it via my author’s notes in the last chapter, but for anyone else, this is currently my only ff7 fic, but one I’ve been honing and crafting for about a decade and am finally posting a rewrite of. I’ve just about finished writing it, so I should be able to maintain a fairly regular update schedule.

[erismerald]

Never alone

Hiiii! Okay this is going to be my first imagine (and btw my english is good but sometimes it manages to be pretty shitty)

Warings: None

Chapter 1

Okay it's confirmed, that now I will be forced to live here because of my stupid stepfather...

I had a fantastic life but it's tragedy started about nine years ago, my parents were both archaeologists, my father met my mother at an annual meeting and so their love story started and I was born years later... But 8 years after I was born my father was summoned to war and unfortunately died in battle...

Me and my mother were desolated but some time after, my mother remarried, at first I thought he was a good person, thought that me and him could get well, but unfortunately when I was 14 years old my mother died with a rare disease and I ended up staying with him.

At first I was not sad because I had him but as time went by he began to become rude and almost every night he was drunk at home.

About a month ago he had gotten drunk and came inside the house and went out to my room and without me realizing he tried to rape me but I defended myself and he ended up having serious injuries, having to go to the hospital, as soon as he left the hospital he put me in this damn orphanage...

And well, this is how my story begins.

My name is Y/N and I am 17 years old and honestly I do not have much to tell about me... I like to draw and love history, never dated and I think now that I'm here no one will ever want me...

God I've been here for almost two months and this has been hell for me I never thought that living in an orphanage was so hard...

Good to know what it looks like, today comes a new "father" This is what we call a person who eventually adopts us, so the nuns asked me to dress well because maybe today is the day! I can't believe I can get chosen.

It was almost 12:30 am and I was in my room sitting on a little couch reading and when I looked in the atrium I saw a white van from where a man came from, is that him?

Sister Monica came to call me to my room to go to the auditorium.

Barely there I felt that the tall man in red shirt and gray hair was looking at me and when I looked at him I saw that he threw me a little smile

"Good girls, this is MR. Sullivan, today he came to fetch one of you, to be his daughter and heiress"

I hardly heard that name remembered me ever having read anything about it, and I ended up distracting myself in my thoughts...

"Y/N!!" I startled myself when I heard Sister Monica scream my Name

"Y-yes? Sorry I was thinking and got distracted "I tried to excuse myself quickly not to do MA figure

I noticed that when I looked at my side no longer was no one will have ' dormant ' for so long

"Congratulations you were chosen, I will accompany you to your room to fetch your things and today you go with Mr. Sullivan"

~ 1 hour later ~

At this time I was being directed to the House of Mr. Sullivan

"Thank you... For having adopted me Mr. Sullivan " you said in a gentle voice

"Don't call me Sullivan darling you can call me sully! So I'd like to know more about you, tell me your story "

Along that talk I noticed that his expression was changing

"That's very sad y/n, I'm sorry you got past these things but now it's okay"

As he was saying that we were approaching a mansion in the middle of the forest, does he live here?

We got out of the car and he went to get my luggage. "Good Hope you like the House we will be all at your disposal, everything you need I give you, you do not need to be afraid, now I will take care of you"

He said with such a big smile on his lips that made me smile automatically

When we entered we heard voices, who could they be?

"Nathan? Sam? Elena? Already here they could have called me before, I went to fetch this cutie here "

We arrived, to the living room, which by the way was full of artefacts and books (a prefect place for me), when we arrived there, were three people seated, both arose and came to our meeting.

"Sully of course that we are already here, we were eager to meet her" said the girl who was with them, that if I remember correctly her name was Elena... Now that I repair was a man between them that was incredibly beautiful, he should be over 40 years old but still made my heart beat too fast... The hell why I'm nervous ? I'm going to ignore this feeling

"oh that's good, well this is Y/n she have 17 years and ended up becoming my daughter"

The first to see me lengths was Elena, she is blonde and super cute to be honest

"Hi Dear, my name is Elena it's a pleasure meet you honey!"she smile and gave me a kiss in the check

The lad who stood beside her came to my meeting and embraced me

"Welcome to the family my name is Nathan Drake" he smiled and I smiled at him and felt happy to be there

After the elder came, he was so charming that I haven't stopped looking at him since I got here... What does he have, Nathan and Elena went with Sully to the other side of the room, I think Nathan was showing him something.

The elder approached me and caught in my hand kissing her.

"Very pleased my name is Sam Drake" and smiled sideways at me

Fuck he's so beautiful hope he can't figure out how much he made me nervous

"My name is y-y/N, the pleasure is Mine"

He dropped my hand and I went towards the rest until I felt his hand pulling my wrist and whispered in my ear "we will see who gives pleasure" and left there my front without looking to bring, to be authentic I was so blusher that I do not know what to do nor how to react

What did he mean by that?

I hope you enjoyed my first chapter of this new fanfic sorry for my English ❤️❤️

[yootaesowlwrites]

Give Me Strength Chapter 16;

Alex woke up the next day later than she usually would, she slowly sits up on the bed and feels the cold air hit her exposed chest, her head pounded with a headache and there was a stickiness between her legs, her memory quickly reminded her what had happened the previous night.

"Oh... that's right." Alex mumbles. "Santino couldn't help himself, he just had to have both of us." Alex picks up her phone to look at the time before jumping up from her bed and running towards the bathroom, she needed a shower even if it were just a quick one to clean her pussy from the fun they had.

She climbs out of the shower and wraps a towel around her body before picking up her toothbrush, she brushes her teeth and her hair before leaving the bathroom and going towards the closet, she quickly picks a black set of underwear and bra along with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, she leaves the bedroom and practically running down the stairs, she was late for school and she didn't have the time to be a good host and make breakfast for Jenna and Santino, who was probably still in the guest bedroom asleep, she picks up the bag she had left by the stairs the previous day, still containing the drugs she had bought, she picks up her car keys and left the house.

Alex runs into school and towards her locker, nobody stood in the hallway confirming just how late she was, she opens her locker and grabs her history book and slams her locker shut before dashing down the hall towards history glass, she pushes the door open gaining everyone's attention.

"You're late," Alaric states, Alex shrugs before walking towards the back of the class. "Perhaps you could share with us why you are later."

"I've got a splitting headache, so no, I don't think I'll share," Alex says as she sits down at her desk next to Jayden. "I think I need a smoke." Alex held her hand towards Jayden, right now she didn't care if they were on school grounds or not, Jayden took out a cigarette packet from his bag and took one out, he hands it to Alex before fishing for his lighter in his jeans pockets.

"There you go, are we really going to do it?" Jayden asks. "Are we really going to live out the dream?" Alaric slowly walks towards the back of the classroom as the students in the room had their eyes on Alex and Jayden.

"Yes," Alex says, she places the bud between her lips and Jayden lights it.

"Smoking on school grounds is not allowed," Dana states staring at Alex, Alex looks directly at Dana as she removes the cigarette from her lips, blowing the smoke out.

"Here's the thing, Dana, I don't give a fuck right now," Alex says, Dana turns around to face the front of the room as Jayden lights his own cigarette, Alaric now stood between Jayden and Alex's table.

"What exactly do the two of you think you are doing?" Alaric asks bending over while placing his hands on their desks, Alex blows a puff of smoke into his face but it doesn't seem to bother him.

"Smoking." Alex states. "Living out the dream of smoking in class." Alex wanted to blurt out about her night with his girlfriend but decided to keep it for herself, he had helped her with the wound on her arm. "But please, continue teaching, I need to learn this shit." Alaric only stares at Alex, it appeared as if he was thinking for a moment before he stood up straight.

"Very well," Alaric says turning around. "But I'll only allow it once, do not make a habit of it." That surprised everyone, Alaric would never say something like that but nobody dared to question him, Alex smirks and glances at Jayden. "Be sure to pay attention."

"Don't worry Mr.S, I want to get out of this forsaken place and the only way to do that is to finish school." Alex mumbles.

"That was amazing, so much better than I ever imagined." Jayden beams as they exit History class. "This is not going to be the last time."

"You heard Mr Saltzman," Alex says. "One time only." Jayden rolls his eyes, knowing him he would probably do it again.

"Whatever," Jayden says, they walk down the hall towards her locker. "Are we going to go to this stupid dance?" He asks spotting a poster for the dance.

"Okay, no, dances aren't for us." Alex states. "Besides, We don't have anything that will fit with the 60s decades dance." They arrive at her locker and she opens it, she places her history book back inside before pushing her bag into it, she takes out her math book. "Please help me remember that this is in here, it still has the pills in it, I didn't have time to take it out yesterday."

"Okay, but I can't promise you anything," Jayden says, Alex closes the locker.

"I'll thank you when you remind me," Alex says. "Besides, I have company at my house, It would be rude of me to leave them alone all night."

"Wait, you have company over? Who is it?" Jayden asks.

"Just someone..." Alex says, it was better for if Jayden didn't know that it was Jenna.

"Is it a man? Wait, is it that other man... what was his name...?" Jayden trails off as he thinks.

"Elijah?" Alex questions.

"Yes!" Jayden says. "Is it him?" Alex nods her head.

"Yeah, he's staying over at my home, the hotel became too crowded and he couldn't concentrate." Alex easily lies, Jayden nods his head.

"Okay, Well, I'll see you at lunch then," Jayden says, Alex nods her head and walks past him towards her next class while Jayden went to his locker.

"Jenna," Alex says while walking down the stairs, she was searching for her bag when she remembered it was still at the school sitting in her locker, Jenna steps out from the living room. "I'm going to go get my bag, I forgot it in my locker." Alex picks up her car keys.

"If you want to go to the decades dance, you don't need to lie about it," Jenna says, Alex chuckles at the thought of her at the dance.

"Okay, firstly, I hate dances and secondly my bag has some important things inside of it," Alex says while opening her front door. "I'll be back as soon as possible."

"All right, drive safely," Jenna says, Alex smiles at her and walks out of her house, she closes the door behind her and takes out her phone, she quickly finds Jayden's number in her contacts and calls him as she walks towards her car.

"Jayden here." Jayden answers.

"You absolute piece of shit, you didn't remind me about the bag," Alex says.

"Oh, right, yes, Alex, remember to grab your bag before you leave," Jayden says, sarcasm clear in his voice.

"Dick," Alex says, she climbs into her car.

"Okay, sorry, sorry, are you going to go get it?" Jayden asks.

"Of course I am, and tomorrow you'll be needing stitches," Alex says and ends the phone call.

Alex climbs out of her car slamming the door shut and locking her car, she walks towards the school entrance hearing the music from the dance, she sees Elena and Bonnie exiting the school looking some-what nervous.

"Would you look who it." Alex couldn't help herself. "Elena and Bonnie, the two besties, did the dance get too boring?" Bonnie and Elena stop in their tracks.

"If it's so boring then why are you here, druggy?" Bonnie asks, Alex rolls her eyes at her comment.

"I'm just here to get something you little witch," Alex says, she could see Bonnie's eyes widen for a second. "Did I touch a nerve? Or are you really a witch?"

"Leave her alone." Elena quickly defends her friend.

"Why? Am I on to something? Do you two actually believe in the supernatural?" Alex asks, messing with them. "Wow, you two need to lighten up, I have some weed, it helps a lot with stress." Alex walks past them chuckling at their expression, she stops at the front door and looks over her shoulder as they start to walk away. "I wouldn't blame you if you did believe in the supernatural, this town is crawling with them."

"You're such a bitch, Alex," Bonnie says. "Come on, Elena."

"I'd rather be a bloody bitch than a witch," Alex says, she pulls the school doors open and walks inside and down the hallway towards her locker, she arrives at her locker and opens letting out a sigh of relief when she finds her bag still inside, she pulls the bag out of the locker and slings it over her shoulder, closing the locker in the process. "Thank goodness."

Alex walks down the hall and turns the corner only to see Alaric's back towards her while Bonnie and Elena stood a few feet away from him, Alaric goes towards Bonnie but with a flick of her hand Alaric flew through the air backwards, Alaric chuckles standing up from the floor and went towards Bonnie again.

"Is that all you have?" Alaric asks, Bonnie lifts her hands and with an invisible force Alaric was pushed backwards towards Alex's direction and the glass display behind her, his body slams into her as they both collide with the glass display case, Alex was instantly knocked out as the fight continued.

[1] - [2] - [3] - [4] - [5] - [6] - [7] - [8] - [9] - [10] - [11] - [12] - [13] - [14] - [15] - [16 you’re here] - [17] - [18] - [19] - [20] - [21] - [22] - [23] - [24] - [25]

[justfangstvdto]

Open Coffin | Chapter 12:  “Where do we go from here?”

Pairing: Kol x SalvatoreSister!Reader

Chapter Summary: Y/N and her brothers, still in the Lion's den, have to deal with secrets that will be uncovered by none other the master puppeteer himself; Klaus. But behind the Puppeteer´s back, a plan has been formed that will change the course of action.

Warnings: angst, drama, horrible time management, typical violence, plot divergence (as always)

Word count: 3346

Tags & Author Note at the bottom. Feedback is welcomed and appreciated.

Open Coffin Masterlist

Your name: submit What is this?

Previously on Open Coffin: 

“Stefan. Where is the lovely Elena tonight?” Elijah asks, changing the subject to something more pleasant.

Or so he thinks.

“I don't know. Ask Damon.”

Klaus laughs out loud, while Elijah seems to be startled by Stefans reaction “I'm sorry, you've missed so much.” He says “ Ah, trouble in paradise.”

“One more word about Elena and this dinner's over.” Stefan flashes Klaus a false smile, his eyes dead serious.

Klaus smiles and puts a finger to his lips as a promise to keep quiet about Elena.

“You know what, probably best just to keep Elena in the do-not-discuss pile.” Damon

“You're probably right.” Klaus agrees “It's just the allure of the Petrova doppelgänger, still so strong. What do you say, brother? Should we tell them about Tatia?”

“Now why should we discuss matters long since resolved?”

“I don't see the point either.” You shrug “You fell in love with Tatia like you two fell for Katherine. And Elena.”

“Well there are other stories to tell, Y/N.”He says and stares at you, torturing you with his eyes “For example, there is your undying love for my brother Kol.”

“What?!”Damon chokes on the wine he was drinking, glaring at you from across the table.

That bastard.

The room falls completely silent. Merely the fireplace crackling in the background deflects from the fact that everyone is staring at you. Only Stefan looks at the ceiling, rolling his eyes at Klaus awful timing.

Speaking of Klaus, he, of course, smiles like a Cheshire cat.

“Oh, you were unaware of your sisters love affairs?” He says fakely offended by his indiscretion “How rude of me.”

“Niklaus, this is not the time to-” Elijah begins, the Peacekeeper in him in full swing, but Damon interrupts him

“No no do tell. We´re curious, right Stefan?”

“Not really, no.” Stefan shakes his head “I know all I need to.”

“You knew?!”

“Leaving the oldest brother in the dark. What a turn of events.” Klaus puppeteers yet again.

You bite the inside of your cheek to avoid saying anything about Klaus unnecessary commentary.  

Damon once again proves that he doesn't trust you still. Not even when it comes to love.

“Are you gonna say anything or are just gonna sit there?”

“What do you want me to say? I won't apologize for falling in love. “

“Love? You can't actually think you one, know what love is and second, think that he, a Mikaelson is capable of anything remotely close to love.” He blurts out suddenly unaware of his environment. He looks at both Mikaelson brothers and raises his hands in defense “No offense.”

“And you would know that how? Right, you don´t. You haven't known me for centuries.” You glare at him, your fury rising to an already unhealthy level “Besides, I don't see why you should be allowed to judge me anyway, considering your past. Or present.”

“That has nothing to do with-”

You plunge the knife you had been clutching into the expensive table, the pinch damaging several inches  “It has everything to do with that!”

“Finally!” Klaus claps as if to congratulate himself “I feared you’ve lost your fire.”

“I'm so fucking sick of your double standard.” Damon swallows, quite a bit baffled by your sudden offense “Need I remind you,  you are in the same exact situation with yet another doppelganger claiming to be so in love you’re willing to sacrifice your relationship with your own brother. Do I like any of that? No. Do I judge you because of it? Actually yes, but I would never tell you what to do. So, don´t you dare judge me or the only good thing that has ever happened in my life. Don´t you dare.”

The room falls silent yet again, only the breathy laugh of Klaus on the opposite side of the table. He, of course, seems to enjoy this quarrel, especially because for once it's not him and his sibling's bickering.

Must be refreshing indeed.

“Now now, we don't intend to judge anybody, now do we? Your brother, as well as I, are merely curious about how you came to know of my brother's whereabouts in the first place.” Klaus asks, more satisfying his curiosity than Damons “Somebody must've sent you. I would´ve known if a Salvatore lived in New Orleans.”

“Do you really want to know who send me? I don't think you'd be happy with the answer.” You say and Klaus narrows his eyes, trying to gather any information as to who you're referring to.

“You were sent? Like a spy?” Stefan asks, now curious despite his previous statement.

“You could say that.” You nod“ It was in 1913. I was ordered to gather information about the Original family. So I did. When I learned of Kols history I discharged my mission and we joined forces.”

“Why would you do that?”

There it is. The moment at the crossroads. You could either go down the same path you´ve been trodding on since you returned to this dreadful town. It's the path lead by the fear of losing your brothers again, so you kept secrets hidden behind lock and key or you sugar coated them to lessen the blow.

Then there's the unknown, foggy path, where every secret and bottled feeling lies out in the open. The road might be lonely, but if there is one feeling you´re used to it is loneliness.

Screw it. Nothing left to lose anyway.

Secret´s out. Better to abandon the path the led to nowhere.

“Because he was abandoned by his family like I was. The odd ones out that nobody seemed to care about.”

Stefan looks on his plate as does Elijah, a rush of guilt rushing over both of them. Stefan seems to feel responsible for sending you away after he figured out that you were the one that told your father about Katherine. And Elijah, well, he stood by while Klaus daggered his siblings and did nothing. Of course, he feels guilty. He should.

Klaus and Damon, on the other hand, don’t seem to be too faced by all of it. Their masks of anger and wit still glued to their faces.

“And somewhere along the line, we fell in love. Until he decided to take him away,” You reminisce, pointing at Klaus,“ simply because we planned on doing the same to him he did to all of his siblings.” You look at Klaus, his face unchanged, almost bored by the telling of your story. “And you saw it as a betrayal, didn't you? As if you never betrayed your family before.”

“And despite all your joined ambition look where you are now. Kol is safely tucked away, as is the key ingredient of the weapon that has the same effect as a common dagger. You´ve dealt your cards, now haven't you?”

He's right. You have dealt your cards and you don´t have an ace in the hold.

“So, that's why you waltzed back into town, isn't it? To find Kol?” Damon asks, eerily similar to Stefan only mere days ago.

“No, Kol not the only reason. I came back to help Stefan. And maybe even for you. Not that you care of course.”

“Now now, Y/N, don't forget the best part about your arrival. Or should I say Elijah´s arrival?

“Niklaus.” Elijah shakes his head, warning his little brother to stop treading on the path of alienating you and your siblings.

But Klaus being Klaus he decides to make things worse instead. “Tell me, who falsely lured my dear brother to Mystic Falls with the promising news of yet another Petrova doppelganger, hoping it be me who comes running?”

Stefan snickers at Klaus words and shakes his head in disbelief.

“Something funny?” Klaus asks, not quite understanding the reason for Stefan's amusement.

“Yes. You.” Stefan looks at him  “She wouldn't do that, you're lying.”

“Such faith in your sister. It´s ill-placed I'm afraid.” Klaus sighs and looks over to you “ Isn't that right Y/N?”

Stefan glances over, his eyes fixated on you once he sees the guilt written over your face “Tell me he's lying.”

“I can´t. It's true.” Your voice is shaking with the heartbeat that seems to be stuck in your throat.

Stefan blinks once before he lowers his head, the truth sinking into his bones. You are responsible for Elijah finding Elena. You're responsible for Klaus coming back here and breaking his curse. And you are responsible for everything that has happened after.

How could is own sister, that he loves, be the cause of his misery that has befallen him?

“Say something, please.” You plead, burning tears of frustration and hurt threatening to fall from your eyes “Fine. We're right back where we started, aren't we? After everything I did for you.”

“You mean what you have done for yourself,” Damon speaks out what presumably everyone in this room is thinking.

“Nothing I did was intended to hurt you or Stefan, but believe whatever you need to believe. I know that my intentions coming back here were true. Not entirely unselfish, but true. If you can't see that, so be it.”

Klaus opens his mouth to pour another tinge of salt in open wounds, but Elijah stops him from doing so.

“That's enough.” he says “Why don't we move this evening along and discuss the terms of this proposal, rather than relive memories that have no place at this table?”

“You know what, you go right ahead. I'm done.“ You throw the handkerchief over the plate and get up “Congratulations, Klaus. You win. You burned me out. I give up.” You look at Stefan who refuses to even meet your gaze.

You don't even have to look at Damon to know what he shares his brother's fury.

Tears roll down your cheeks as you turn around, not looking back once. Slamming the door behind you, tears now freely running down your face blurring your sight.

You showed them the side you´ve been hiding. The rotten part of yourself. All the lies, loneliness and secrets were put out in the open. All the feelings of despair and loneliness.

You spoke the truth and you were judged for it. Worse, you´re ended up right where you started. Yet another set of memories that will soon crumble, be immortalized and buried six feet under.

What´s left to do then leave and never look back?

Exactly, nothing.

Meanwhile at the Mikaelson Manor

“Let´s get to the deal then. ” Damon says and leans forward, his elbows resting on the table “Klaus gets his coffin back, in exchange, he and the Original extended family leave Mystic Falls forever.”

“The deal sounds fair, brother.” Elijah shrugs.

“I don't think you understand. Elena's doppelgänger blood ensures that I will always have more hybrids to fight those that oppose me. I will never leave her behind.Nor will I leave my family.” Klaus shakes his head and gets up to pace the room “Let's say I do leave her here, under your protection, what then? How long before one of you turns her into a vampire? Or worse, how long before she dies caught between your feuding?” Damon looks at Stefan at Klaus words, but Stefan keeps his head down, still digesting the secrets that have been laid before him. “You see, each one of you truly believes that you're the one that can protect her, and that is simply a delusion. Gentlemen, the worst thing for Elena Gilbert is...the two of you.”

Damon gives Klaus a weak smile “I'm gonna get some air.”

“Let me deal with this.” Elijah springs up from his seat and follows Damon outside.

“Well, I guess the only reason you agreed to this evening, Klaus, is to drive a wedge between us,” Stefan says, as he paces the room. He can´t seem to sit still anymore.

“Oh no, you're doing that well enough on your own.” Klaus laughs, obviously still very amused by the chaos he caused.

Klaus and Stefan turn their heads as Elijah and Damon reenter.

“Elijah...is there a problem?” Klaus asked wearily, already sensing that something appears to be wrong

“Where are your manners, brother? We forgot dessert.” Elijah takes the cover off the tray one of the servants bring in.

Two silver daggers lie on it.

Klaus looks at the tray and his eyes widen “What have you done?”

“What have you done? You see, I've learned not to trust your vulgar promises, Klaus. And after your despicable act tonight I decided to abandon my tactic. We're doing this on my terms now.”

Right on cue, Kol enters the room, eyes burning at the sight of his bastard brother.

“Kol.” Klaus says, fear written over his features. Kol is the sibling he fears the most, especially now that he just severed the ties with you and your brother. Kol will be furious once he finds out.

And if Klaus and Kol share one aspect of their personality, it´s rage.

“Long time, brother.” Kol walks towards him and Klaus backs away.

The oldest brother Finn, now undaggered as well suddenly appears and grabs a dagger and stabs Klaus through the hand “Finn, don't!” Klaus rushes away, bumping into his sister.

“This is for our mother.” Rebekah stabs Klaus in the heart with the remaining dagger: She pulls it out the dagger out and Klaus falls back into Kol's arms and he restrains him.

Elijah looks at Damon and Stefan switching before his eyes land on Kol. Should he tell his little brother to go with them to find Y/N? Or would Kol feel even more excluded as he already does if he sends him away?

“Stefan, Damon, you're free to go.” Elijah says and gives them a nod “This is family business.”

“Salvatore?” Kol pushes Klaus over to Finn, the thirst for revenge overshadowed by the longing he feels for you.“Was your sister with you´?

“She left.” Damon answers shortly. He is still bitter about the secret you´ve been hiding. Right now, he couldn't care less where you are.

“Take me to her,” Kol demands.

Stefan and Damon share a quick look, having one of their silent conversations. They both know that if Kol is anything like his siblings, he won't take no for an answer.

Besides, Stefan can't help but think how you are dealing with this situation.

Even after everything you´ve done to get here, he knows that sometimes drastic measures like luring the Mikaelsons to Mystic falls and every chaos that has unfolded is necessary. If it was in this case, he has yet to figure out.

“Fine.” Stefan agrees to Kol´s demand “Let's start at home.”

Kol glances out the slightly dirty passenger window, outlandish looking cars fly by, accompanied by strangely dressed people either talking or looking at a handheld device.

It's safe to say he's confused by the sudden time leap.  He feels even more like an outsider in this day in age, than he used to.

“So you´re-” Damon begins to talk, attempting to form some sort of non-awkward road conversation.

“I'm in no mood to talk. Especially not to you.” Kol blows him off. After everything you've told him about your family quarrels, Kol doesn't have the slightest desire to talk to Damon.

“Nevermind, I do have one simple question.” Kol shifts in his seat to catch a glimpse of Stefan in the backseat “Who do I have to torture to find out who scared  Y/N away?”

“Who do you think?” Stefan scoffs, the answer obvious to him.

“Nik, of course.” Kol looks out the window, hands clenched and lip twitching.“Let me guess, you played his hand, didn't you?“

“It's her own fault. She could've told us the truth.” Damon says, the bitterness and fury hearable.

“Because you handle the truth exceptionally well the last time.” Kol scoffs and shakes his head.

Your brothers remind him so much of his own siblings. He too is always the first to blame or the one that´s judged the harshest, even if his own siblings committed as awful of atrocities.

Sometimes even worse ones.

Y/N | Boarding House

You´ve been crying all the way to the Boarding House. Calling it home now, would not be appropriate. At least not anymore.

Your brothers searched for the first indicator to push you away again. And Klaus served it on a silver platter.If they want to get rid of you so badly, so be it. You'll cross the town borders in the next minutes without looking back.  

A new adventure awaits.

Another road redefined.

You swing the heavy bag containing your belongings over your shoulders, as you turn to get a last look at your room that has never quite felt like home. You close the door behind you, as well as the metaphorical door of this failed attempt to reconcile with your brothers.

Alone, like you´ve been used to for the last 100 years.

Maybe it's better this way. Wherever you to set foot in chaos soon seems to follow. They´re better off without you.

You open the front door, stepping outside under the darkening sky, your heart both heavy for leaving, especially the way you do, but the tiniest part of you feels freer.

Finally, they know what you´ve been hiding for a long time. Not everything still, but the most important parts.

You take a deep breath before turning to close the door behind you. The wind seems to pick up once you do, a swift breeze running down your back. Before the door fully closes, a firm hand wraps around your neck, squeezing tightly before pulling you into the darkness with a swift break.  Your bag falls on the floor, as does your phone as your attacker drags you away at rapid speed.

Not a minute later, Damon speeds down the driveway and Kol jumps out while it's still moving, impatient to see you again. He has the brightest smile on his lips and he knows once he can wrap his arms around you, every pain he endured will be washed away.

He´ll know he´ll be whole again.

His smile quickly falters as he stops at the door that's still ajar, the bag on the floor catching his attention. He looks around him in panic, searching for any indication of you. When he can´t find one he kicks the door open in rage and worry, speeding through the entire house searching room for room, but nothing.

Kol balls his fist and returns outside, grabbing Damon by the neck holding him firmly a few feet above the ground.

If this would be any other vampire than your brother, he would go straight for the heart. But he knows no matter how much your brothers hurt you, you would never let anyone hurt them as long as if there's no way around it.

“Where. Is. She?” Kol grits through his teeth, voice dangerously calm and sharp.

“Knock it off! We don´t know where she is.” Stefan intervenes, but Kol doesn´t budge.

Stefan then switches from defense to offense and speeds towards him. Kol doesn't even have to look behind him to anticipate the attack and grabs Stefan as well.

“If you would´ve stood by her for once in your pathetic lives, she would be here. Now you will help me find her. And we will find her, do you understand?” They nod, face already red from the loss of oxygen.

“Very good.” Kol releases them and they heave for air, coughing their way back to normal breathing “Let's get started then, shall we?”

A/N: Guys, before I start, please put the pitchforks down!!! I know letting them miss each other by just a moment this is cruel, very cruel in fact. But how boring would´ve been if I just went with the normal plot line. I mean, I am a sucker for that overdramatic running into each other's arms thing, but the angst won once again.

Also, what do you think about the secret(is) revealed? Do you think Stefan and Damon overreacted? I know where I stand, where do you´? ;)

Open Coffin Tags:  @shadyladyperfection @laitalianax3 @newurleans @originalbish98 @christinalibertymikaelson @acourtofhopeanddreams @bonniebird @imnoaingeal @onlygodcanjudgeme-sh @vaniileiinkeks  @relmi-llorrac @piercethepottorff @maliae14  @5-seconds-of-animals @captain-amelia-bradley  @rock-n-magick @flymeawayworld @givemesomehybrid @mikealsonlover @nuteller28 @fandoms-fandoms-everywhere99 @drkplum @fandooomqueenforyou @free-the-fangirl @clockworkballerina @twisted1ginger @superwholocksociopath474   @pacifyprincess @mustachio1616 @thealyana @sandyclaws @unicorntrooper @buckysummers @sanity-is-overratedxp @akshi8278 @lunna-star-8 @graysonmalfoy @woodworthti666 @elenavaldez02 @lilulo-12 @selmasemlan @thelostallycat @characterobsessed @cococola-cocaine 

[hollywoodx4]

Sticking with the Schuylers (Interlude 2)

Hi everyone! Thank you for your patience in waiting for this part-it’s been a crazy week-working 3 jobs, taking my class,...I’m glad to be kind-of-sort-of back into the swing of things. We’ll continue on with present-day next chapter...first, we delve into the past.

In this part, we get to see a piece of early-day sister bonding. 

1  2  3  4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   I   13  14   15   16   17   18A  18B   18C

The Schuyler mansion is tucked into a gated community with a grand entrance, set farthest back from the bustling streets of the city. Its houses are historic, all brick and slightly boxy in character. But it’s the additions that each family has made that turns the street into such an eye-catching place. Some have added farmer’s porches, others painted the bricks a blinding white or dazzling blue. The Schuyler’s have done it all. A wrap-around farmer’s porch was the first addition, when the girls weren’t yet born. Then came the fountain, the Roman columns, the statue…Phillip Schuyler had even added a fence to his yard. Catherine Schuyler thought the sight was ridiculous

               “A gate in a gated community? What’s next, Phillip, an electric fence around the front door?”

               The Schuyler sisters live a blissful existence in this house; neighbors walking by often stop to chat to the girls, who are more often than not found playing in the front yard. When they’re younger they toddle around, picking at the freshly mowed grass and hanging at Elena the gardener’s side as she tends to the landscaping. She always has a flower for each of the girls, who then tote them inside at the end of the day and gift them to their mother. Catherine Schuyler always makes a big production of the thing, examining each flower before putting them in an ornate blue crystal vase on the countertop. The very idea makes the little girls smile, wide and prideful.

               As they get older their front yard adventures expand to the confines of their gated community; there are a few neighbors around their ages, and as they’re allowed the privilege of walking around the neighborhood instead of just the front yard, they welcome the new sign of maturity and responsibility.

               As the oldest Angelica gains the new freedom first, but doesn’t use it too often. She walks occasionally to their neighbor’s house to play with their daughter-also named Elizabeth. But her little sisters stand watching her leave at the door, and it breaks Angelica’s heart to be given such a freedom without sharing it with her best friends. So more often than not, she stays in the front yard.

               When Phillip starts letting Elizabeth go with Angelica, they go more frequently. Eliza is friends with everyone and decides that yes, 10 years old is the perfect time to start some sort of neighborhood club. And so she invites every kid in their neighborhood, and they all show up. Eliza is amazed; Angelica knew they would come. At first they don’t do much-they just meet in the middle of the neighborhood-the Washington Manor being the center of it all-and sit on the sidewalk, chatting. But then, Elizabeth wants to make sure everybody is happy, so she plans events. There’s a group of them that begin a small book club; a group she delegates to bring snacks. They’re happy to oblige. Soon enough, their neighborhood meetups turn into quite the show.

               Peggy watches from the bay window in her room. That summer she’s seven-almost eight-and still too young to venture out past the yard.  Even though her best friend Maria is. Even though she has two older sisters to watch her. It’s just not fair, she decides, and so she takes matters into her own hands.

               “Let me come with you.” She begs one morning, when her sisters are in Angelica’s room getting ready to leave. Eliza feels an immediate pang of regret. Angelica rolls her eyes. She loves Peggy, with all of her heart. But at fourteen, hanging out with her seven year-old sister doesn’t seem like the best use of her summer. She feels awful, but there’s logic. There’s always logic.

               “Both of us had to wait until we were ten to go by ourselves, Peggy. It’s not fair to try and bend the rules just because you’re hurt.”

               “Angie!” Eliza flies to Peggy’s defense, moving to sit by her side and wrap an arm around their little sister. “We’ve had the entire summer to go out by ourselves and we’ve left poor Peggy here alone. We should let her come.”

               Angelica sighs, considering the situation. Peggy and Eliza tare back at her with pleading eyes, waiting for her permission. She’s the end-all-be-all. She always has been. Finally, she grabs her bottle of water and sands by the door.

               “Fine, let’s go talk to dad.”

               Phillip Schuyler knows when his three daughters come traipsing down the stairs together, arm in arm, that he’d better brace himself. He hadn’t expected that three daughters could be such a…hurricane? A battle? But even at this young an age his daughters are a full on force to be reckoned with-and they work as a team.

               Angelica starts by presenting their case-always logical, bringing forth the facts of the situation and using both sides of the argument to their defense. Then in swoops Eliza, in her gentle, warm demeanor, using the emotional side of the argument to swing him to their side. And then Peggy  is the closer-always the closer-using her status as the baby of the family to seal their deal with pleading eyes and a cheeky little smile. And he’s often won over, nodding his head in defeat as the sisters keep their composure, beaming gratefully before taking off once more.

               Phillip Schuyler, man of business and great social status, is only ever won over by three matching smiles and shining sets of eyes. He’s simultaneously grateful for it, and shaking his head in disbelief because of it.

…

               Peggy joins in the neighborhood club very easily, finding her best friend and sticking with her while her sisters continue on in their normal ways. The only difference is found in Eliza, who has trouble splitting her time between the friends she’s made and making sure her sister is settling in alright. Peggy, however, becomes annoyed by Eliza’s constant checking-in.

               “I can handle myself, you know.” She argues on the way home, crossing her arms and turning up her nose. Eliza takes no offense, simply patting her little sister on the back.

               “I know that you can, Peg. We’re just looking out for you.”

               It isn’t until one Thursday morning, in the middle of the summer, that Peggy is thankful for her doting sisters.

               Eliza’s gone for the morning to her ballet class, leaving only Angelica and Peggy walking down the street to the sidewalk in front of the Washington’s house. Peggy chats aimlessly, rambling on about what they’ll get up to today while Angelica nods, pretending to listen while stuck in her own thoughts. When they finally make it to the meeting place, their usual friends aren’t there. Instead, there’s the McCagan twins, redheaded and shy, who’ve just moved in to the oldest house in the neighborhood. They’ve been invited multiple times to their group but haven’t responded. Now, they wave awkwardly as Peggy and Angelica approach.

               “Hi, you’ve finally made it! I’m Angelica Schuyler, and this is my little sister Peggy. We live five down from here, the house with the statue in front.”

               The girl McCagan looks to her brother, wrinkling her nose. Her brother responds with a matching expression. Neither of the two speak. Angelica lets the silence linger for a moment, playing with her hands and folding her lips. Then, she tries again.

               “We were looking forward to meeting you-I’m glad someone finally bought that house, I feel like it’s been forever since the Seabury’s moved out. How are you liking the neighborhood?”

               Still nothing. Angelica becomes increasingly irritated with each look between the twins, who are still nameless to their knowledge. Peggy idles by, unsure of what to say or do. The oldest Schuyler’s irritation and impatience grows with each passing moment. She folds her arms over her chest.

               “Okay, what’s your deal? Are you usually this rude or are you just too shy to continue conversation?” The boy twin smirks then, shrugging his shoulders. The girl twin looks down to her lap.

               “Sorry, we don’t associate with your kind.”

               “Excuse me?”

               “You heard what I said.” The boy twin grows terse then, standing from his spot on the sidewalk. Angelica squares up to him, three inches or so taller and with a menacing glare to match. She knows exactly what he means, although she knows Peggy remains clueless. She doesn’t want Peggy to remain clueless. So she repeats herself, stature tense and ready as she waits for the eleven year old boy to dare repeat his words. He smirks, gesturing for his sister as the retreat down the other side of the street.

               Angelica is fuming.

               She begins talking to the other neighborhood children, young and old, wondering just where the Macagans have come from (and how quickly she can send them back.) When Eliza returns from her lesson she assures Angelica that it must just be a misunderstanding. The oldest Schuyler isn’t convinced.

               It isn’t until three days later, the Sunday, when Eliza is proved wrong. It’s just Eliza and Peggy today; Angelica has gone off to sleep at a friend’s house. They walk down the street to the Washington’s in a blissful Sunday afternoon freedom, after being cooped up at a particularly boring brunch for three hours. When they get to the meeting place there’s a gaggle of neighborhood kids. The Macagan girl is one of them. She immediately eyes the two youngest Schuylers, who say or do nothing in response. Eliza leads Peggy to their own group of friends before being pulled away by one of the Smith kids, leaving Peggy to her own devices.

               She feels a tapping on her shoulder.

               “Hi, I’m Maeve-we just moved in down the street.”

               “I know who you are.”

               “Of course, we’ve met before-I just wanted to say sorry for the things my brother said.” Seven year-old  Peggy Schuyler is floored-first, by the fact that an eleven- year-old girl is talking to her. Then, by the fact that she’d heard what her brother said to Angelica not three days before. Sure, she’s not quite certain why it’d offended her so much, or what he’d even meant, but she knows well enough to stick by her sisters. Even when it is Conor McCagan. And he is pretty cute.

               “Okay.”

               “Just okay? Listen, Peggy,”

               “-Margarita.”

               “…Alright, Margarita. I just wanted to show Angelica something, that’s all. I got nervous. She’s just intimidating. Am I wrong?”

               “No,” Peggy laughs then, agreeing. Maeve smiles. She’s floored. Looking around the group of kids she finds Eliza entangled in a conversation with a number of them, entertaining them. Shining. She always shines. And then, she’d been kind of left out of it all-she’d had to beg to even be here. No, now it was finally her time. She’d be more than just the baby.

               “Angie is boring-don’t worry about it.  What’d you have to show her?”

               “I’ll show you, it’s at my house.” Peggy doesn’t even bother waving goodbye to Eliza-she simply follows the freckled, red-headed girl. She’s two houses down from the Washington’s, across the street. There’s a white picket fence separating their house from everybody else’s, newly installed, and a battalion of trucks line the street in front of it. There’s movers and landscapers, and a cable guy talking on his cellphone. Maeve ignores them all, practically racing past his parents to a room up the stairs.

               It seems to be the only completed room in the house; there are still boxes on the floor but it’s mostly decorated. An Irish flag hangs above a computer desk, and hung on either side are a few framed certificates. Maeve looks back at Peggy before reaching into the desk, pulling out a pair of silver scissors. She looks back at the McCagan sister, immediately confused.

               “My mom’s a hairdresser, she was looking for these. Wait-this is perfect. She just showed me the best new thing-everyone in Hollywood has this haircut…want to try it?”

               Peggy stands stark still, unsure of what to say. But at seven years old, she’s impressionable. Eager to make friends. Tired of standing behind her sister’s spotlight. So she nods, letting Maeve lead her to the office hair.

               Peggy returns home that day with a hat on her head, refusing to take it off-not even for Eliza. When Angelica arrives her middle sister corners her, pleading, thinking something must be wrong with Peggy. She hasn’t come out of her room-or let anyone in-all afternoon.

               Angelica knows how to pick a lock.

               When the two older Schuylers enter Peggy’s room Eliza gasps in audible shock.

               Peggy sits by the bay window, her back turned to her sisters and her knees curled to her chest. Her body moves slightly, an indication of her upset mood. Her head, adorned with dark, cloud-like hair kept at bay with only a headband, was the draw of attention. There, on the right side in the back, is a glaringly obvious bald patch. The hair around it is choppy; longer in some places than others, but it is noticeably much shorter.

               Angelica crosses the room in only a few sides, calling her sister’s name fervently.

               “How did this happen, who did this to you?!”

               Peggy turns her head, dark eyes glossy and brimming with unshed tears. She barely murmurs out the name before Angelica storms out the door, letting it slam behind her. Eliza gathers Peggy and they follow, slower, pedaling seven houses up the street on their bikes. Angelica tosses her bike on the lawn before knocking with hard fists on the door of the McCagan house. And when Conor the boy twin opens the door, she pushes past him with force. She’s not even sure where she’s going at this point, letting anger lead her quick feet up the stairs as her eyes search for the perpetrator.

               And then she sees her. Maeve McCagan is laying on her stomach on her queen-sized bed, book in hand, when Angelica lands a firm, closed-fist punch right on her nose.

               She’s not even sorry.

               And the eleven year-old girl is so surprised, so genuinely shocked, that she throws up. It pours out of her, right there on the fluffy white carpet that’s tucked underneath her bed.

               “Don’t you dare come near my sisters or I again,”

               “-okay,”

               “-I will socially end you, Maeve McCagan. You and your racist, bigoted family are done in this town, do you hear me?”

               At this point both Conor McCagan and her sisters have made their way up the stairs. The boy immediately runs to his sister, who is now clutching her bleeding nose and trying not to cry as she looks up-terrified-at fourteen year-old Angelica Schuyler. Eliza and Peggy flank their sister, each grabbing an arm before dragging her out of the house.

               “Did you really have to punch her?” Eliza frowns at her sister, shaking her head. But Peggy is grinning wildly, looking up at her oldest sister with a burst of pride. Angelica’s demeanor doesn’t change, despite her middle sister’s protests.              

               “This is something you both need to learn,” Angelica gestures to the sidewalk with a flourish, making her younger sisters sit while she stands in front of them, arms crossed over her chest with an air of victory. “Nobody messes with a Schuyler sister. Nobody.”