#clapping and cheering when i walk into the first village and see the hanging tree and awful vibes

[carlsdraws]

PoE after veilguard really makes the insistence that veilguard IS dark fantasy have you seen d’metas crossing so genuinely laughable. i wouldn’t even classify PoE as a dark fantasy but there’s a grim realism to the villages and people in that game that is so interesting…. and veilguard is a glossy marvel movie in comparison

[gingerpeachtae]

Concentric [12]

masterlist

Words: 7.4k

Genres: fantasy!AU, angst, fluff, enemies to lovers, eventual smut (?)

Warnings: extreme violence/depictions of death up in this bish

Summary: You had been ready for the end of the semester. You had been ready to spend time away from your best friend, Jimin, and finally move on from the feelings you harbored. Yet, after your friend was forced to reveal a secret, you found yourself in a new world that was chock full of magic, war, and wonder. So, here you were, basically thrown into your own fantasy novel, with your best friend on one side, and six male warriors on the other.

A/N: If only I enjoyed writing fluff as much as I enjoy writing this stuff lol. Sorry it took me awhile to get this cranked out but here ya go! Please engoy and send me your thoughts! 💙

It had been over a minute since Jungkook left, yet you were still staring at the spot where he disappeared into the darkness of the forest. It was between two thick trees, one of which had a vine creeping up the side, and a branch was stretched across the opening. You remembered how he had placed one hand on the branch while ducking his head to go beneath it, all the while still not looking back.

The wind rustled the leaves and tall grass around you, causing the delicate green blades to lightly graze your legs. You shivered at the contact. It made you recall how lightly Jungkook had trailed his fingers against your skin. How it had made your body tingle and your breaths to come out in short gasps. You squeezed your eyes shut and turned your face away from the opening between those two trees, trying to block the memory out. Trying to block him out. You could hear Tae and Hobi shifting their feet beside you, probably unsure of what to do or say to you. Another gust of wind sent your hair dancing across your face and with a tiny, frustrated exhale you grabbed at it and held it back.

Tae, in a voice as soft as the moonlight, called out your name, which made you slowly ease your eyes open and release your hair. You took a few seconds to calm your breathing before looking his way. Both he and Hobi had their eyes on you, their faces a mix of confusion, intrigue, and guilt.

“So…” Hobi began awkwardly, pursing his lips and pulling out one of the blades of his forearm to toy with.

“So what?” You tried to sound nonchalant, but you knew that you were failing miserably. “You heard him. We were… sparing.”

Tae frowned while Hobi sighed and returned his blade to its sheath before crossing his arms and raising his chin so that he was looking slightly down at you. It was a daunting look and so different from his typically cheerful expression. For the first time, you felt like his demeanor matched his outfit.

You gulped and looked down, not wanting to face his intimidating stare that was obviously calling your bullshit. You didn’t elaborate, though. It wasn’t exactly easy to say you had almost canoodled with their brother not once, but twice. That both times left you extremely confused yet turned on. That regardless of him being a rude asshat and basically insulting you, you were wanting more. That you had no idea what either of you were doing, let alone feeling.

How could you explain something that you couldn’t begin to understand yourself?

Noticing your lack of response, Tae came up to you and grabbed your hand before suggesting heading back to the village to go to sleep. “And you can tell us what happened on the way, okay?”

You nodded your consent and he gave your hand a gentle squeeze.

The three of you began walking away from the moon-lit clearing and into the darkness of the trees. Hobi came up to your other side and snatched your free hand in his. He started swinging your clasped hands back and forth through the air but didn’t ask you any more questions. Both he and Tae just held your hands and walked in silence, waiting until you were ready to talk.

After raking your brain for several minutes for the best way to approach and word the situation, you hesitantly opened your mouth and told them what happened. But only the basics and none of the explicit details. So essentially, you told them how you and Jungkook had gotten, erm, close after the training seminar but were interrupted like how you were just were again and afterwards, he keeps highlighting how he doesn’t find you attractive because your human and blah blah blah.

“Aish, that kid.” Hobi grumbled and blew a raspberry.

You expelled a puff of air and removed your hands from theirs so you could press them against your head stressfully. “I mean… it’s okay if he doesn’t think I’m pretty or whatever, I just…”

The white-haired Saeni nodded in understanding. “You’re just confused because his actions differ from his words.”

You gave your hair a tug in frustration as you confirmed Hobi’s statement.

“I think he may just be scared,” the other Saeni with you said.

You peeked at Tae curiously. “Of what?”

Since your eyes were no longer watching where you were going, you tripped over who knows what and quickly grabbed his arm to steady yourself.

“Of you,” he replied with a smile as he helped you regain your footing.

“Why the heck would he be scared of me?”

The two males gave each other a knowing look before Tae said that Jungkook should be the person to tell you why.

You huffed and stepped over a pile of twigs, wondering how much further until you made it back to the village.

Why did I have to walk so fucking far?

All you wanted to do was cuddle with Tae and be lulled to sleep by his soft snores and the sound of a crackling fire. That was all you fucking wanted right now. But alas, you just had to make things difficult for yourself and walk eons away from the village.

You licked your lips as you moved a branch out of your face. You decided you didn’t want to talk about him anymore. You were tired, pretty much emotionally drained, and he was so annoying you were this close to getting a migraine.

Glancing at the male beside you, you coughed before lightly clapping your hands together as you stepped around a tree inconveniently in your way. “Since we’re on the lovely topic of, uh, feelings and being confused and whatnot… how are things going with you, Hobi?”

He sighed deeply and brought out another knife, twirling it in his hand.

Tae, on the other hand, drew his eyebrows in a curious manner. “How’s what going?”

Shit, does Tae not know?

You sent a sheepish look to the older Saeni, raising your shoulders a bit apologetically, but he just glumly hummed.

“I… I don’t know. He’s been acting weird lately and fidgeting a lot. Maybe he found out and is uncomfortable with me now.” He picked at his nails with the knife, a frown evident on his face.

Fucking hell, Mr. Sparkle Hands. Looks like I need to have a talk with him and his shitty flirting technique.

“Wait… what are we talking about?”

You went over to Tae, who had stopped walking in his confusion, and grabbed his arm to get him moving again. “Um, it’s nothing you need to worry about TaeTae. Promise.”

You could sense Tae pouting; he didn’t like being kept out of the loop, but he also knew when to leave something be.

You then turned to Hobi and gave him the best reassuring smile you could muster. “I’m sure everything will be okay.”

He sent you a smile back, but it wasn’t quite as sunny as it usually was. Then, he returned the blade to its home and braced his hands on a fallen log before jumping over the obstacle, you and Tae soon following suit.

The three of you walked on in relative silence after that until you finally made it back to the village. The low light of the many fires spread throughout the area alerting you of your arrival. As you neared, you looked around to see where everyone was. First, you caught sight of Jin and Namjoon speaking and laughing with some of the villagers straight ahead. You let your gaze shift to the right, where you saw the one and only asshat sitting in front of one of the fires, his arms resting against his knees with his head hanging low. The orange light from the fire flickered across his features, but you couldn’t make out his expression. Across from him, Yoongi sat with his back to you. From your angle you couldn’t tell for sure, but it looked like they were having a serious conversation since Yoongi kept gesturing and Jungkook was continuously huffing. You stilled as you watched them, wondering what they were discussing. Beside you, you heard Hobi take in a deep breath as he squared his shoulders then began making his way toward them. At his approach, Jungkook lazily tilted his head up to greet his brother, but saw you standing in the background. His head shot upright and he opened his mouth slightly like he wanted to say something, but you abruptly turned away, acting like you hadn’t seen him.

The new scene you were looking at, though, wasn’t much better. Your eyes landed on Jimin and Jiae, who were still huddled close while her guards watched them from behind. Seeing them together made you remember why you left in the first place as you felt a fresh flood of hurt stab your chest. Quickly averting your gaze to the ground, you tried to subdue the internal pain.

Tae nudged you tenderly. “Hey, come on, little scorja. Let’s go to bed.”

You let him tug you away from the others and over to the fire where you had left your things in a dazed state. You snapped out of it when he started rolling out your sleeping mat and blanket, protesting that you could do it yourself. He just shushed you and told you to wait and let him do it.

Once finished, he instructed you to lay down and get comfortable while he got his things. Following his orders, you nestled into your blanket and put one arm behind your head to stare up at the night sky. You started counting the stars, hoping it would distract your mind and make you drowsy.

Sixteen. Seventeen. Eighteen. Nineteen…

You felt Tae drop down beside you and ask if you were good. You gave him a limp thumbs up in response, not looking away from the stars, and he murmured a sweet good night before wrapping his arms around you and letting his breaths grow heavy. As you felt his arms around you relax into sleep, you let your head loll to the side and take in the empty space next to you. You did nothing but look at the empty spot for several seconds, just thinking. Then, with a deep inhale through your nose, you returned your gaze to the endless black expanse high above you.

Twenty. Twenty-one. Twenty-two…

Some hours later, you were roused from your magnificent dream of eating copious amounts of mozzarella sticks by a gentle sensation trailing against your jaw. You stirred, groaning slightly, and went to wiggle your body to the side to return to your cheesy dream, but something held you down. You were forced to remain on your back, but you didn’t think much of it. It was probably just Tae clinging to you. After a few seconds of trying and failing to fall back into a slumber, the sensation against your jaw became heavier and more familiar. You stirred once more and began to register a presence looming above you.

“I’m sorry…” You heard a voice you recognized whisper.

Cracking your eyes open, you saw a blur of burgundy and a flash of peridot in the low light of the fire’s dying embers.

Jungkook?

You couldn’t make out anything else besides him. He was all you could see; everything else was absorbed in a dark, rich black. You couldn’t even make out the moon or the stars. He was beside you, in the spot he usually took up that was empty when you went to sleep. In the back of your mind, you wondered why he even bothered coming over after he left you earlier. But the thought was lost as he brought a hand up to thread through your hair and cradle the back of your head. Although your mind was still cloudy, you automatically tilted your head into his hand to give his mouth better access to your skin.

You knew you shouldn’t be letting him do this. You really, really shouldn’t. You knew that. But you couldn’t find the will to push him away. You couldn’t bring yourself to make him stop.

“I’m sorry.” He continued to work his lips against your jaw, kissing the skin gently.

It was warm outside, though you couldn’t help but shiver with every movement of his mouth. Occasionally, he nipped at your throat before smoothing his tongue over the bitten skin, making your breath hitch. He was probably leaving marks, but you couldn’t bring yourself to care. Instead, you wanted to reach up and touch him too, but your limbs felt sluggish, like you were dragging them underwater through a current. Maybe it was because you were just brought out of a deep sleep? You closed your eyes to concentrate, but you still felt like you were lagging. You just weren’t able to raise your hands.

His sinful ministrations weren’t helping you focus either. The hot air of his ragged breaths hit your skin as his lips dragged until they hit a certain sweet spot that left you gasping and trembling. He paused briefly, most likely smirking to himself, before diving back in.

Cocky asshat… but what is he…? Isn’t Tae right next to us?

You tried to turn your head to check, but his hand held you firmly in place as he sucked harshly at that one spot. The feeling made your eyes roll back in your head and you released a delicate whimper.

“I’m sorry…” He bit down gently, no doubt leaving another mark to join the others. “I’m sorry I can’t give you what you want… it’s just that I…”

He stilled his actions and you felt him pull back.

“… I don’t want you.”

All the air in your lungs was suddenly expelled as you snapped your eyes open to look at him in disbelief. His green eyes were already locked on yours, staring at you deeply, but it seemed like there was no emotion behind his. It didn’t look right.

He stared directly at you as he continued. “Nobody does.”

You felt a lash of pain course through you and borough into your heart. With eyes wide in shock, you tried to push him off, but you still couldn’t move your arms. The more you struggled, the heavier and more sluggish they became. You couldn’t move your arms, your legs, your head. You couldn’t look away from his gaze. Dead green eyes and a never-ending blackness behind him. That was all you could see. It was suffocating.

“Even your own best friend doesn’t want you. He has no need for you anymore.”

A lump formed in your throat and tears began to prick at the corners of your eyes.

No… stop…

“Nobody needs you. Nobody wants you.”

You wanted to shrink and hide, but you couldn’t. You were trapped. Unable to move. Caught in his arms and gaze. From behind his head, the endless black background began to grow and pulsate. Tendrils of black smoke began to curl around the edge of his handsome face and enwrap his form. It moved as if it had a mind of its own. As if it was alive. With each beat of your heart, it expanded. You felt like you couldn’t catch your breath, not past your choked-up throat and the increasing pace of your inhales. You were stuck looking at Jungkook’s face as it began to crack and reveal small rivers of smoky darkness underneath his skin. His mouth slowly morphed into a small, manic smile as the cracks traveled across the expanse of his face and reached his eyes. The white of his sclera was shattered by rivulets of night as the cracks and smoke invaded his orbs. In mere seconds, the green of his irises was gone, and he stared at you with obsidian eyes. You watched in horror as he began to cry a semi-translucent black. The liquid trailed down his cheeks, some of it branching off and following the cracks in his face. It trailed down, down, down until it dripped off his chin. You flinched, expecting to feel the drops hit your face, but when they fell, they turned back into wisps of smoke.

Which then began to curl down toward you.

The entire time, Jungkook just maintained that twisted grin on his face while observing you with blank, dark eyes.

“J-jungkook…” You tried to break free from the heaviness weighing you down, but you had no progress.

His unhinged smile grew wider, causing more cracks to appear on his skin.

More smoke.

More struggle.

“Jungkook, stop!” Your body shook as you tried to move away.

The smoke was almost touching you now, dancing just above your nose, and he was still just looking down at you with dead, onyx eyes. With a jolt, you felt yourself start to sink into the ground, like the earth was pulling you down.

“Jungkook! Kookie!” Tears leaked down the side of your face as you begged. “Please!”

His unnerving smile faded until his lips were set in a straight line and he tilted his head to the side. “You need to wake up and realize that nobody wants you.”

All you could do was sob as you were drowned in smoke and earth. You weren’t even struggling anymore. What was the point? You just cried as you were swallowed by the dark. The obscuring black overtaking your vision. You could barely make out Jungkook.

“You need to wake up, Y/N.” His voice echoed down to you.

Nobody needs me…

“Wake up!”

Nobody wants me…

“Y/N, wake the fuck up!”

You jolted awake, upper body rising from the ground quickly as you gasped for breath and felt the solid earth beneath you. No smoke. No sinking.

A dream. It was just a dream…

Your eyes darting around, trying to get your bearings but not able to fixate on anything. All you could make out was blurs of brown, black, red, green, blue, white, grey, and orange. You felt a weight on each of your shoulders give you a hard shake and you blinked numerous times as you registered a person in front of you. Burgundy hair. Green eyes. Jungkook.

“What’s g-”

He gave you another forceful shake, rattling your brain. “Fucking Illai, would you get up!? They’re coming!”

Huh?

You blinked a few more times, finally focusing fully on the male and your surroundings. The first thing you saw was his steeled face, then his worried eyes. He moved to cradle your face with both hands but looked away from you as someone called his name. You realized there was yelling all around you. Frantic and rushed.

“What’s going on?”

He looked back at you and whipped the blanket off your legs, allowing the cool air of the early morning to attack your lower limbs.

The sun was just beginning to break over the horizon and you could see the other members of the kiela grabbing their weapons and running further into the village.

“You need to get up. Get your bow and follow me. Now.”

He let go of your face and you haphazardly made it to your feet as he explained, “Some villagers spotted a large group of draikensu headed this way.”

Oh… oh SHIT.

You placed the strap for your quiver over your head and on your shoulder, grabbed your bow, and dug through your backpack as fast as possible to find your daily petals. Ripping the small side pocket open, you grabbed them and stuffed the delicate objects into your mouth, shaking slightly as their magic assaulted your freshly awakened and still freaked out mind. Before the effects even subsided, you rose and nodded at the male, who grabbed your hand and began pulling you along. As you marched past the various shacks, animal pens, and structures, you saw the villagers hurriedly gathering their belongings and trying to reinforce their homes. Some were grabbing whatever rustic weapons they could find, and others were trying to help direct the flow of scared Saeni rushing down the paths. At the heart of the village, you saw the kiela grouped together as they listened to Namjoon. The leader was pointing in various directions and at various members, probably giving them orders.

Much to your surprise, Jungkook led you past them and toward a large shack that was being filled with the village’s children and parents who were unable to fight. Their frightened screams and cries began to full your ears and you looked to Jungkook in absolute disbelief as he brought you toward the doorway.

You tried to yank your hand out of his. “You can’t be serious! I’m not going to hide in there while you’re out here figh-”

He cut your words off as he yanked you around to face him and grasped your biceps. “Shut up and listen. You’re not going in there, you’re going to guard it. You and Mingi.” He tipped his chin toward Jiae’s guard, who you hadn’t noticed before.

He was helping direct the children and parents into the wooden structure. He appeared calm, but you could tell he was trying to get them to move their asses a bit faster. Jungkook suddenly gave you a shake, bringing your attention back to him.

“Jiae is in there too, part of the reason Mingi is watching it while the others help us. Just find a hiding spot and take out any fuckers who try to get close. But do not… do not engage with anyone who isn’t an immediate threat to you or the kids, okay? Don’t draw attention to yourself.”

His green eyes softened momentarily, and he opened his mouth to say something else, but you heard Namjoon calling for him.

With a sigh, his eyes hardened once more and he whispered, “Just be careful.”

Then, he turned and ran back in the direction of the kiela, leaving you to deal with a lot of panicking Saeni.

As you stared after him, you felt someone bump into you. Quickly, you broke your eyes away and reached out to steady the frantic female holding a small baby in her arms. She locked her eyes with yours and began hyperventilating, asking what she should do, where she should go. With a gentle hand and comforting words, you guided her to the entrance of the shack. Once safely inside, you turned to Mingi and gave him a questioning look. He described how two young villagers spotted the draikensu while hunting this morning and ran back to alert everyone. With how far away they had been when they saw them and how much time had passed since, they should be arriving at any minute.

Okay. Cool cool cool cool cool. Let’s keep it calm and composed, Y/N.

A few more Saeni and their children arrived at the shack while others were still running around with weapons or toward their homes. You had no idea where the kiela was or what they were doing. Hell, you had no idea what you were doing.

“Y/N!”

You looked up through the doorway and saw Jiae with a young boy in her arms looking at you over the crowd. You met her wide, frightened eyes and did your best to send her a reassuring smile as she was forced further into the back to make room for the last arriving additions. With how your mind was reeling and emotions were running, your smile might have come out as a grimace, though.

“Everyone get inside!” You heard someone yell in the distance, making the worried kids and parents stuffed inside the building cry out.

Shit. Shit. Shit. They must be here.

Ushering in the last Saeni, a father holding the hand of his daughter, you waved your arms frantically to get everyone’s attention. It took several seconds, though, as many of them were too scared to focus properly.

Once you had most of their eyes on you, you brought a finger to your lips and softly said, “You all need to stay very quiet, okay? I know you’re scared and it’s going to sound scary too, but it’s very important that you stay quiet.”

Jiae, majority of the parents, and a few of the older kids nodded, and they began trying to console and hush those who were blubbering and shrieking. Knowing you didn’t have the time to do or say anything else, you hastily closed the door and you heard someone bar it on the other side. Stepping away from the door, you locked eyes with Mingi, who gave you a curt nod and unsheathed his sword before taking up a position directly in front of the shack.

Alright, find a hiding spot. Find a hiding spot. Come on.

You did a 360-degree turn, taking in the now barren village and trying to decide where you should go. Spotting an opening with a protected back, you jogged to a nearby building and crouched down behind a pile of empty, wooden crates. They were stacked in an ‘L’ shape, providing you a clear view of Mingi as well as the pathway to the right of the shack. Your back was covered by the building itself and if you needed to, you could retreat further into the corner so that your front and left sides were protected too.

Let’s hope that years of camping in Call of Duty will come in handy here. You thought as you reached back to grab an arrow and loosely notch it.

You shifted on your feet as you heard yells and strikes of metal against metal start to erupt around you. The unmistakable screams of dying people already echoing in your ears. You lightly practiced your draw as the soft morning light was occasionally broken up by brief flashes of mint blue. You couldn’t see what was happening from your position, you could only hear the rising chaos. You didn’t know how many draikensu there were, in which direction they were attacking from, or what the kiela’s plan was. You could only stay where you were and listen. You tilted your head up to look over the crates to see if Mingi had any sort of plan, but he was focused on observing his surroundings.

Apparently, his plan was just to wait and take down whoever came by.

Okay, breathe. You can do that. Just get ready.

You felt your heart start to beat harder and harder and harder as you waited. Your palms began to sweat as you took deep breaths, trying to calm your raging pulse as the world went to shit around you.

Suddenly, you heard the sound of feet racing against the earth and through the slits in the crates to your left, you saw a smudge dart past. Peeking over the crates, you mentally prepared yourself to pull your bowstring back, but found it unnecessary as Mingi cleaved through the Saeni in one, powerful stroke of his sword. He slashed down diagonally, causing blood to spill onto the dirt while the Saeni spun as she fell with a pained cry. She collapsed and twitched once before stilling permanently; her blood pooling beneath her and soaking into the earth. Hearing an outraged yell from your right, you whipped your head in that direction and saw a male charging down the path toward Mingi.

Fuck!

Luckily, he hadn’t seen you yet, as you were tucked into the corner and his eyes were only fixated on his dead comrade. You turned your body, still crouched down, and drew your bowstring back. You did your best to breath out slowly and focus your aim despite the adrenaline and fear singing through your veins. With a shaky breath, you released the arrow and gasped as it thumped into the male’s lower abdomen. A blossom of crimson immediately sprouted on his torso. He staggered back from the impact but did not fall. Instead, he slowly raised his eyes from the shaft protruding from his body until he saw you huddled in the corner.

Ohhh shit. New arrow. New arrow!

Hastily, you pulled another arrow out, notched it, and took aim as he broke the shaft off with an angry, pained yell and began stalking toward you. To your side, you heard the harsh clanging of metal. Mingi must be fighting another draikensu. You needed to finish off this one fast and help him. You sent the second arrow flying into the male, this time hitting the right side of his chest. You watched as his steps slowed and he brought a hand up to brush against the shaft extending out from his body as he gulped for air. Blood cascaded past his fingers as he gingerly touched the wound. Metal in flesh, wood sticking out from skin, blood overflowing. He fell to his knees and leaned one hand on the ground as the other continued to clutch at his maimed body. He began coughing and bloody spit dribbled onto his chin as he continued to collapse. You just watched with wide eyes as his arm gave out and he finally and fully sagged to the ground, his mouth still trying to gasp for breath.

A defiant outcry captured your attention away from the slowly dying Saeni and you glanced to the left to see Mingi fighting two draikensu. You grabbed another arrow from over your shoulder and went to shoot one of them, but the sight of a new Saeni rushing down the pathway made you shift aim. Swiveling to your new target, you fired off the arrow. You missed. You weren’t even close. She was moving too fast. Cursing, you quickly sent another flying. Compensating for her speed this time, it hit her directly in the chest; the force of your shot caused her to land on her back as blood bubbled up from the entry point.

You heard garbled cries and grunts of exertion and you once again peeked over to check in on Jiae’s guard. He had several dead Saeni surrounding him as he breathed raggedly. Blood coated his sword and dripped off the tip. His face and body were painted crimson. From the shack, you could hear the whimpers from the children, but you were glad they were inside. You were glad they couldn’t see the carnage happening around them.

The ringing and crashing sounds of fights occurring throughout the village was still loud and clear, though you primarily heard your shaky and labored breathing. It almost muffled everything else. Your heart was frantically beating, and you swear it was about to jump out of your chest. Pure adrenaline was thrumming through you, making your hands tremble as you unsteadily reached back to grab yet another arrow.

Stay calm and don’t die. Stay calm and don’t die. Stay calm and don’t die. You repeated the mantra over and over and over in your head.

You perked up as a new Saeni began making his way down the path. He was going slowly, kicking in doors and upturning crates and baskets. You inhaled and raised your bow, narrowing your eyes on his chest as he rummaged through the contents of a smashed box. Waiting for him to go upright. You were so focused on him, though, that you failed to see his buddy turn the corner and lock his eyes on you. He called his comrade’s name before charging straight at you. With a yelp, you switched aim and messily shot at him, but he easily evaded the shot and rammed his body straight into yours like a fucking linebacker.

His tackle forced you through the crates and you felt the air in your lungs get knocked out. Shattered wood littered the dirt underneath and around you. Struggling to regain control of your body, you felt yourself spasm briefly as the Saeni leaned back from where he straddled your waist and grabbed a knife from his belt. Without a second thought, you let your bow drop to the ground and you thrust your forearm up to block his arm that was descending toward you with the blade. The low morning light glinted off the weapon. Your arm shook as you strained to keep the knife away from you. With a strangled grunt you sent your other fist straight into the male’s stomach then genital area. As he wheezed and went limp on top of you, you managed to bring a knee up and buck him off you. The action made a piece of broken wood dig into your side, and you winced from the sharp, stabbing pain. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Mingi attack the Saeni you had initially targeted, their blades locking. Heaving your body to your knees, you grabbed the male’s wrist holding the knife while he was still disoriented and twisted as hard as you could. He hissed in pain as your maneuver caused him to release the weapon. It landed on the ground softly a few feet away. Panting, you went to grab it, but the male grabbed your leg and dragged you backward. Your hands fought for purchase on the ground, but found none, so you tightened your hand around a jagged piece of wood. Splinters dug into your palm. The pain helped you focus. He flipped your body over and crawled on top of you once more. He leaned down to try to wrap his hands around your throat. Striking out with your makeshift weapon, you scratched his hands and wrists deeply. Pulling back, you roared before thrusting it into his side. He shrieked in pain and reared back. You were able to scramble out from underneath him. While he slowly wrapped his hand around the wood stake buried in him, you turned back over and dug your fingers through the dirt to propel your body toward the knife. You had just closed your hand around the hilt when you felt him grab you again. With a scream, you slashed at his stomach with the blade, knocking into the wood in his side you did so. The arc of the knife opened his gut, making him release you to clutch at the severed flesh. Breathing heavily, you rose to your feet and adjusted your grip on the knife’s handle before plunging the serrated metal into the junction of the male’s neck and shoulder. Then you ripped it out. Blood spilled out from the wound and drenched the male’s body. It flew through the air after the blade and spattered against your skin and clothes. Once again, it surprised you how easily the metal entered the body. How simple it was for the cold blade to puncture warm flesh and how effortlessly it could be removed.

With a rasping wheeze, the male collapsed forward. He died with a face full of wood, dirt, and blood.

The scent of iron filled your nose and made your head light. As you backed away from the corpse, you looked up to see Mingi shove his sword through the middle of the other Saeni. He met your eyes as he pulled the sword out from the Saeni’s body, and you nodded at him to signal you were okay before letting go of the bloody knife. You quickly scanned the ground before bending down to retrieve your bow, pushing your sweaty and blood-coated hair out of your face as you did so.

You sighed and looked at your destroyed camping spot. Most of the crates had been demolished. There was no way you could hide there anymore. That left you with standing out in the open or… you glanced up then at the few crates left intact. There weren’t many but maybe…

You hurriedly stacked four of them and stood on top of the wobbly structure. You took a deep breath and counted to three before jumping up and grabbing the edge of the roof. You squirmed, your lower half flailing, as you dragged your body onto the top of the building. Luckily, all the morning training with Jungkook had started strengthening your arms so while it hurt it wasn’t an impossible feat. After successfully pulling your body all the way up, you leaned your weight forward so that you wouldn’t fall off. It was an open gable roof, so you had to compensate for the slant. The last thing you wanted or needed was to tumble off the damn thing.

Now that you were higher, you had a much better view. Not only for defending the shack and helping Mingi, but for seeing what was going on around you. Plus, nobody could freaking tackle you from up here.

Up ahead, you saw eruptions of blue light at the edge of the village and you could make out a Saeni with orange hair standing on top of a building much like yourself. Jimin. He was sending arrows down into the blue light, no doubt to assist Yoongi. As you trailed your eyes to the left, you saw some villagers engaging a group of draikensu, but they were not faring well. They were quickly being cut down, red flooding the pathway. You wanted to help, but you were too far away. You could only watch helplessly as they fell one after another. Close by, you saw Taw and Jin fighting, quickly disposing their opponents. The way they fought was almost… beautiful. Their attacks were fluid and they moved as a unit. But there was too much gore and chaos to truly appreciate their grace. Thankfully, they didn’t seem hurt, and you watched as they ran to aid the villagers. Turning your feet carefully, you shifted to look behind you, and caught glimpses of white and burgundy running between the shacks. Hobi and Jungkook. You heard chokes of pain following their path, the two of them a deadly and efficient combo.

Turning back around, you looked to the right and saw Namjoon running down a path in your direction. His brown hair was matted down from sweat and blood and his hammer was at the ready in his hand. Close behind and holding a short sword was Suho, another one of Jiae’s guards. They were checking each crossroad as they made their way toward you and Mingi when, all of the sudden, three draikensu charged into view from around a corner behind them. Namjoon immediately wrecked one of them with his hammer, the impact making the Saeni fly back into a building and slump to the ground. He then turned his attention to the second opponent, who slid below his next swing. You sucked in a breath as the third draikensu, who had gone after Suho, thrust her sword deep into his belly. You froze as you watched her place a hand on his shoulder to steady herself as she sickeningly twisted her blade inside him. With a laugh, she yanked the blade out and kicked Suho to the ground, the light in his eyes dimming to a dull glossiness. Smiling, she turned to Namjoon, who’s back was to her as he focused on the Saeni before him.

Just as Namjoon slammed the head of his hammer into the chest of the Saeni in front of him, the female behind raised her sword. Time seemed to slow down as you watched her prepare the strike. You didn’t even think, you just acted. Notched an arrow and sent it flying past Namjoon’s brown hair and into the body of the female draikensu. The thump caused the Saeni to stagger back and gaze at the arrow now implanted in her thigh in shock. It also alerted Namjoon to her presence. He quickly turned on his heel and crushed her with a yell. You swear you could hear the crunching of her bones from your position, a good thirty-five feet away. You felt your shoulders relax slightly and you released a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding as you acknowledged that Namjoon wasn’t about to be gutted before your eyes.

The leader of the kiela took in Suho’s lifeless body for a few moments, then turned and raised his eyes to see you staring at him. Before either of you could do or say anything, you registered movement to your left. Shifting your crouched figure, you saw more draikensu making their way through the village. You flexed your fingers and shook your hand out, trying to control your shaking as you drew out another arrow and readied yourself.

Fuck hiding and waiting for them to come to me. If I see one of those fuckers and they get close enough, they’re dead.

The dark thought didn’t mortify you as you steeled your nerves for the next wave of onslaughts. You probably should have been a little more repulsed by the idea of killing these people, but you weren’t. You felt no guilt in sending arrows toward their hearts and blades into their bodies. They were trying to hurt not only innocents, but people you cared for. You felt no remorse. They could all go to fucking hell.

You gritted your teeth and breathed in through your nose as the draikensu neared closer.

You never thought you could be a killer, but you just wanted to protect the kiela, Jiae, the remainder of her guards, and the villagers. If getting your hands bloody accomplished that, then so be it. You’ll be a killer if it meant keeping them safe.

Maybe, once it was all over, you’ll look back at your actions and become nauseous and disgusted at yourself. But for now, you simply narrowed your eyes and looked for your next target.

It wasn’t that much later that you slipped down from the rooftop. It had been several minutes since you saw any draikensu and you hadn’t heard any residual sounds of fighting in that time, so both you and Mingi agreed the battle was done. It was good thing, too, because you only had two arrows left in your quiver. As your feet hit the ground, you stumbled awkwardly over the broken crate pieces. Mingi was quick to limp over and steady you before you both silently took in the bodies littering the area. Pushing your dirty hair out of your face, you squinted in the rising sunlight as you braced your hands on your knees to inspect the slash on Mingi’s upper thigh. He sustained the injury after flinging himself in front of a draikensu that was getting ready to throw a dagger at you from behind. You prodded at the wound, grimacing as you did so and causing him to suck in air sharply. Thankfully, the cut didn’t go deep, and the bone wasn’t showing, meaning Yoongi would be able to easily heal it with his magic.

You looked up into Mingi’s eyes, taking note for the first time that they were a soft hazel before sending him a tiny smile. “I’m sorry you got hurt because of me, but… thank you.”

He shook his head and told you to not worry about it before limping over to the shack that held the parents and children. He knocked of the door three times and voiced who he was so that they would unbar the door on the inside. He opened it just a crack and spoke to someone in a hushed tone before reclosing it and making his way back to you.

“I told them to wait until we cleared the bodies out, so the kids don’t see.”

You inhaled deeply and nodded your head in agreement. “I’ll start doing that lovely job. You sit down and wait for Yoongi to get here.”

The male opened his mouth to protest, but you placed your hands on your hips and raised a brow, just daring him to challenge you. Now that everything had calmed down, your adrenaline was starting to wear off, and you realized just how tired and sore you were. You back hurt like a bitch from being body slammed into the ground. Your arms ached from using your bow. You mind was heavy from exhaustion. In other words, you were cranky and was not someone to be arguing with at the moment. You and Mingi stared at each other for several heartbeats until he huffed and sat down on the ground. He stretched his injured leg out in front of him and applied pressure to the bleeding wound with his hand.

Satisfied he complied and wouldn’t be walking on his leg anymore, you pursed your lips and looked at the mess of blood and lifeless flesh scattered around you. With a sigh, you figured you might as well get started. The sooner it was over, the better. Walking over to the nearest one, you bent down and grabbed the Saeni’s leg before beginning to drag the body around the corner to start a pile of corpses.

previous [11] — next [13]

[the-observant-frisbeetarian]

Chapter 3

Bésame Mucho by George deValier

Summer, 1934 The French Countryside

.

"It's getting late. We should probably start heading back to town." Francis said the words reluctantly.

Antonio held a sprig of lavender to his nose and inhaled deeply. The bright afternoon sun descended slowly in the darkening sky above him; the thick, soft green grass felt like a blanket beneath him.

"Here, have another drink first," said Gilbert, passing a bottle of wine to Francis over Antonio's head. The red liquid sparkled as a ray of sunlight filtered through the glass.

"Fine," said Francis, taking the bottle. "But we can't stay on this hill all night."

"Why not?" asked Antonio. "I feel like I could lie here forever."

Francis laughed. "I'm quite sure you could, you lazy bastard."

"I can't believe the week's almost over," said Gilbert. "How does it always go so damn fast?"

Antonio shook his head, without an answer to that question. For the last five years, since he had turned fifteen, the best times of Antonio's life had been these brief weeks during the year he managed to spend with his two best friends. Talking, laughing, arguing, flirting, drinking, sightseeing… if only life could always be like this.

"Next time, my place, yeah?" continued Gilbert. "Ludwig's been asking when he's gonna see you guys again."

"How is the little guy?" asked Antonio. "Did he like that model plane I sent for his birthday?"

"Not so little anymore. Twelve years old and the little shit's nearly bigger than me. But he loved the plane. It's hanging from his ceiling with all the others."

"All right," said Francis. "Let's make it December, shall we? There's nothing like Christmas in Germany."

"Yes," agreed Antonio. "Gingerbread houses and glowing Christmas trees and candles and snow…"

"Gluehwein and schnapps and beer…"

"Muscular men in lederhosen and busty barmaids in low cut dirndls... Ahh," Francis sighed dramatically. "Yes, this December I shall fall in love in Germany."

Antonio twisted his neck and squinted up at Francis. "You're not going to fall in love. You're going to sleep with people."

Francis peered down at him disdainfully. "Yes, and I fall in love with everyone who shares my bed."

"That's not love, Francis. That's sex."

"Who are you to tell me what is love and what is not? I have fallen in love a thousand times, and I will a thousand more."

"Urgh," said Gilbert loudly. "I can safely promise you, I will never fall in love."

Antonio gazed back up at the dark blue sky and breathed the warm, clean scent of lavender. "I will fall in love but once."

"How terribly boring, mon cher. I never would have thought I'd hear you moralising."

"I'm not moralising. You can sleep with whomever you choose - bonne chance; cuidate; viel Spass. I am simply saying that I believe you only ever truly love once."

Francis scoffed. "And just how are you supposed to tell this one true love from all the others?"

"Well, I don't know yet. But I will when it happens. It'll be something like, when you look at them, this one person, and you really, truly see them. It might be immediate, or it might not be the first time you look. And it might be earth shattering, but it could also be just a silent realisation. But it's when you look at them and you realise, beyond any doubt, that they are the most beautiful thing you have ever seen in all your life."

Francis gasped in mock revelation. "I think that happened with that barmaid last night…"

Gilbert snorted. "You're both insane. This stupid idea of love doesn't even exist."

Antonio shrugged. "Laugh all you want. But it will happen. When I see them… I'll know."

.

Spring, 1942 A village in Italy

.

The air was warm and still, the afternoon sun low and golden through the orange clouds as Lovino and Grandpa Roma walked cheerfully down the country road towards home. Feliciano skipped excitedly around them. Someone had given him a glass of wine, which never failed to make him even more unbearably happy and energetic than usual. But today that was all right. Today Lovino did not mind. Because today was a good day for a free Italy.

"O partigiano, portami via," sang Roma, his boisterous baritone almost echoing in the fields around them.

"O bella, ciao! Bella, ciao! Bella, ciao, ciao, ciao!" Feliciano was always the better singer. Lovino only sang when drunk. Which probably had something to do with why he joined in as his brother chanted the chorus cheerfully back at Grandpa Roma.

"O partigiano, portami via…"

"Ché mi sento di morir!"

They all dissolved into wild peals of laughter. The mission that morning had gone perfectly - a truckload of weapons and vital information blown sky high - and the afternoon had been spent drinking, singing, and celebrating in the back room of the Cantina Verde. Lovino had actually been allowed along on the mission this time. Of course, he had done no more than stand with Grandpa Roma across the street as he gave the signal, but he had still been there. Still been a part of it. He was not sure if it was the wine or the exhilarating adrenaline still running through his veins that had him so exuberant.

"What's next, Grandpa?" Lovino asked eagerly when he finally managed to bring his laughter under control. "A base? A supplies route? A secret location in town?"

"Oh, Lovino," sighed Roma, smiling and clapping a hand on his grandson's shoulder. "Can't we just celebrate today?"

"But we must think ahead, yes?" The sun dimmed behind the trees as they turned into the narrow lane leading to the house. "That's what you always say, and I showed you today that I can take more responsibility, and I really think it's time that I..."

Lovino trailed off slowly as he looked up the road to the front door. There was someone standing before it. Lovino felt suddenly hot and dizzy as everything spun inside his head and time slowed to a stop. Feliciano gasped loudly, and Roma took a few hurried steps forward, holding his hand above his eyes and squinting. "Is that..."

"Antonio!" Feliciano cried, bolting up the lane and throwing his arms around the laughing Spaniard. Roma laughed and followed him, clapping Antonio on the back, kissing his cheeks in exuberant greeting. Lovino just stood still, stunned, beyond any thought or feeling, watching the lively greeting from a distance. His entire world split apart, spun around, turned upside down. He had long ago lost track of the days since Antonio had left. All he really knew, now, was that he had not really expected him to come back. It took Lovino too long to move, to force himself to walk slowly up the lane.

"It is so good to see you here finally!" said Roma, his loud voice carrying down the street.

Antonio's grin shone down the lane, lit up the countryside. "It's good to be here, Roma."

"Why were you gone so long? Where did you go? What did you see? Oh, oh, did you bring me presents?"

"Of course I did, Feli!"

Antonio finally looked up and smiled softly when Lovino eventually reached the doorstep. He looked exactly the same as Lovino remembered... and he evoked the exact same reaction. Still this fluttering in his heart, in his stomach; still this annoying ache that he could not suppress, could not control. Still this anger that Antonio had left, that he had not come back. After all this time - almost three years. Three years and not a thing had changed. Antonio smiled brightly, cheerfully, then rolled his eyes to the sky and laughed. "Not a damn thing."

For a brief, mad moment Lovino thought Antonio had read his mind. Then he folded his arms and scowled. "Not a damn thing what?"

Antonio just shook his head, his green eyes twinkling as he smiled that infuriating, perfect, terrible, wonderful smile. "Nothing."

Roma opened the door, took Antonio's arm, and led him into the house. "Come in, come in! Let us not stand on the doorstep all day!"

Feliciano bounced through the door, Lovino following slowly, still dazed and slightly confused. Antonio smiled the whole time: as Roma took his bags and offered him food and practically forced him into a seat at the table, as Feliciano laughed and asked endless questions, as it all went too fast over Lovino's head and he struggled to comprehend that Antonio was actually sitting before him, in his house, in his life. That he was really here, after all this time, no longer just an intangible dream in his memory but really here, smiling and laughing and answering Feliciano's questions and brushing his hair back and nodding and glancing over at Lovino so subtly, so briefly...

Roma placed two bottles of wine on the table. "I'll fetch some glasses..."

"I'll get them," Lovino almost shouted before quickly rushing into the kitchen. Once alone in the room he let out a deep, shaking breath and leant against the bench, staring at his hands before him. Three years and he thought he had gotten over this. But this reaction… this was stronger than he remembered. This threw him off balance; this was scary and unexpected and so intense it was painful. How could Antonio look so wonderful, his voice still so cheerful, his eyes still so warm and sparkling? How could he so easily shatter three years of trying to forget?

Unbidden memory came quickly flooding back. Memories Lovino had tried to suppress, that he had played over in his head a hundred times. Antonio leaning towards him and whispering he was beautiful; holding his hand and saying he would protect him; singing in Spanish and handing him a guitar and looking down at him in the sun and calling him his 'corazón.' And of course that moment, that moment that lived fixed in Lovino's memory, the one he replayed over and over in dark early hours alone. Antonio holding him close: the feel of his arms and his breath, the touch of his hands, those sensations he awoke and feelings he evoked that never really went away. And then, those same hands pushing him away. Lovino realised that he was still angry about it, after all these years.

By now Lovino was practically gasping, defenceless against the memories and emotions that assaulted him relentlessly. Because now Antonio was back. In the next room. He was here, he was back, and this was real again, and Lovino didn't know how...

"Lovino?"

"Holy shit!" Lovino jumped and spun around. Feliciano squeaked. "Don't sneak up on people, Feliciano!"

Feliciano held up his hands defencively. "But, I didn't, I…"

"What the hell do you want?"

"You said you were going to get glasses and you've been in here for fifteen minutes."

"Oh. Right, fine, I'm…" Lovino opened the cupboard and reached for the wine glasses. "I'm coming now."

Feliciano tilted his head. "Are you all right, Lovino? You seem…"

"I'm fine!" Lovino slammed the cupboard door shut and stormed back into the front room.

Sitting at the table while Antonio, Roma and Feliciano talked brightly and easily, Lovino felt at a complete loss. He did not know how to act, where to look, what to do with his hands. He searched for something to focus on and settled for the drink before him, quickly making his way through two glasses of wine before Roma took the bottle from him and told him to slow down. Lovino glared at the table, embarrassed, with no choice but to listen to Antonio's cheerful, lilting Spanish accent. It was obvious Antonio was only speaking of unimportant topics in front of him and Feliciano. He avoided mentioning anything about the war, instead chatting about silly things like the different cars they had in Belgium and the strange weather in Spain. He gave them presents from the places he'd been – chocolate from Switzerland, wine from France, books of poetry from England. And the whole time Antonio only ever gave Lovino the tiniest glances, the smallest smiles, while he laughed and joked and gave his full attention to Feliciano and Roma. Lovino started to wonder if the stupid bastard even noticed he was there. Not that he was upset by it, or hurt, because he wasn't, and he didn't care, he…

"And how have you been, Lovino? Have you learnt to play your guitar?"

Lovino froze. And stared. Antonio was looking at him. Smiling at him. Waiting for him to speak. And oh God, his brain had just shut down and he couldn't think of a single thing to say, he couldn't…

Roma grinned broadly. "Lovino's lucky that his old Grandpa learnt to play back in the day. He inherited my natural talent, of course. He's a virtuoso on the thing, aren't you Lovino?"

Antonio was still looking right at him. Lovino still couldn't speak. Why this nervousness, this tight knot in his throat and his chest and his gut making it impossible for him to say or do or think anything... Lovino looked down into his hands. "No," he managed to choke out. "Not really." He could have kicked himself. Luckily, Antonio quickly changed the subject.

"What do you think of the book, Feli?"

Feliciano tilted his head as he flipped quizzically through the book of English poetry Antonio had given him. "It says the poems are romantic but they're all just about mountains and roses and people shooting seagulls."

Antonio laughed loudly. Lovino clenched his teeth. "'Romantic' refers to an artistic movement," Antonio explained. "It's not always about love."

"Oh." Feliciano looked disappointed.

Antonio smiled at Lovino. "But love poems are my favourite too, Feli." Lovino ignored him and reached for the wine bottle.

Grandpa Roma forced Antonio to stay for dinner and the night continued the same way - Feliciano and Roma chattering on, Antonio laughing and asking them questions. Lovino staring silently at the table, the back of his neck burning and his stomach rolling with anger and jealousy and frustration. He barely ate, barely looked up, barely spoke the entire meal; but then, Antonio, Roma and Feliciano needed no help with the conversation. And Lovino was used to being ignored, after all.

After what felt like all night, and like only an instant, Antonio finally put down his glass and started to stand. "I am afraid I have imposed on you far too long. It is time I headed back to my rooms in town."

Lovino did not know if the feeling in his chest was relief or disappointment. But then Roma stood quickly and grasped Antonio's shoulder. "Nonsense, my friend. You have drunk far too much wine to make the trip safely. You will stay here tonight."

Lovino took a deep gulp of air and immediately choked. He coughed, spluttered, gasped for breath, then grabbed a bottle of wine and took a few swigs to try and clear his throat. Finally catching his breath, Lovino looked up, eyes streaming, wine dripping from his mouth, to find everyone staring at him.

"Wow," said Feliciano. "Are you all right?"

Lovino's cheeks burned in humiliation. He took a few deep breaths, slammed the bottle down, and kicked the chair behind him as he stood. "Shut up. What the hell are you all looking at? Fuck off!"

"Lovino!" shouted Roma, but Lovino ignored him and stormed from the room.

Lovino refused to speak to Feliciano when he barrelled into the bedroom asking what was wrong, why he was so cranky tonight, why he wasn't happy to see Antonio like him and Grandpa Roma, why he just kept glaring angrily like that… Lovino simply ignored him and threw the blanket over his head, intent on a very long sleep-in the next morning.

But he could not sleep. Of course he could not sleep. How the hell could he sleep when Antonio was in the next damn room? This was all so stupid, and he had only made a damn fool of himself all night, and he was so mad at himself that he acted this way, felt this way, and why could he not stop his thoughts from running like this and damn it all he needed some air.

Lovino got out of bed and pulled on a shirt. He checked to see that Feliciano was asleep before leaving the room and heading down the hall into the kitchen. He pushed through the door into the back garden, stumbled a little, and realised he was still a little drunk. The night was warm, the garden illuminated by the light of a nearly full moon. The nighttime air was scented with lily and rosemary. Lovino walked directly to the back wall, leant against it, and stared up at the starlit sky. It felt calmer out here; almost like he could finally begin to think clearly. But just as he started to lower his gaze, he noticed, from the corner of his eye, that someone was standing only metres away from him. A sharp jolt shot through his head and Lovino took a deep gasping breath, almost crying out as he placed a hand to his chest in shock.

"Sorry, it's me, sorry!" Recognising Antonio almost made Lovino's shock worse. Could this night possibly get more embarrassing? "Sorry, Lovino, did I scare you?" Lovino looked at Antonio like he was insane, and tried to even his breathing. Antonio's face suddenly furrowed in concern. "Seriously, Lovino, are you all right?"

"You stupid bastard, damn it, what the hell are you doing, you scared the absolute shit out of me, who the hell stands in other people's gardens at midnight, I mean oh my God, really!"

Antonio bit back a smile and sucked in a breath through his teeth, shrugging apologetically. "Sorry." He scratched his head then held out a small packet. "Would you like a cigarette?"

Lovino looked down at the offering warily, his breath coming a little easier. He narrowed his eyes. "Yes." He reached out and took one. He stared as Antonio put a cigarette between his own lips, struck a match, lit it, then held the light out to Lovino. Lovino lifted the cigarette uncertainly to his lips. Antonio held the match to it, smiling, his eyes glittering behind the flame.

"Don't tell your Grandpa."

Lovino had no idea why those words sent an aching, tingling, excited shiver shooting down his spine and across his skin. "It's none of his business anyway," said Lovino flippantly. "I'm eighteen years old, I can do what I like." Lovino took a draw on the cigarette and immediately dissolved into a coughing fit.

"Don't inhale," said Antonio. He almost sounded like he was laughing.

Lovino fought once again for breath before his lungs finally cleared. He glared up at Antonio, his eyes wet from coughing. "Why am I always left breathless around you?" Damn. That hadn't come out very well. "I… you… I mean… what are you doing here?"

Antonio answered too easily. "I needed some air. It's a beautiful night, isn't it?"

"No, I mean what are you doing here? Why did you come back now?"

This time Antonio paused. "It was the right time. What with the Germans taking control, and..." Antonio stopped, then sighed, then shook his head almost disbelievingly, just gazing at Lovino. "But it is so good to see you again, Lovino. And you're so grown up!"

Lovino shrunk back against the wall, feeling the need to hide from Antonio's eyes. "Well, that's what happens in three years."

Antonio nodded and took a draw on his cigarette. He smiled at the ground. "I missed you."

Lovino could suddenly feel his heart pounding within his chest. "I didn't even think of you." That was, of course, a total lie. Not a day had passed in three years that Lovino had not thought of Antonio. While the other village boys talked about girls, while Grandpa Roma joked about him getting a girlfriend, while he grew to understand just what was expected of a man and a woman… all Lovino thought of was Antonio.

"That is understandable," said Antonio quietly. "I thought you might have forgotten me." Lovino didn't say it, but that was impossible. And he should know - he'd tried.

"Why did it take you so long?"

"Well, I was very busy."

"And you couldn't visit once? Not once, in three years?"

Antonio looked surprised. "Well, I..."

"I was so confused when you left, you know. I wasn't sure if I had done something wrong, but you said that I hadn't, but you also said that you left because of me, and I never quite understood why."

There was a very long pause as Antonio stared at him, as Lovino slowly processed what he had actually just said. He very nearly ran away, but then Antonio responded. "Lovino, I am so sorry. I think I told you once, that I was never very good at separating right from wrong – that I always felt too much to know the difference." Antonio broke off again, like he was debating whether to continue. Lovino waited silently, his heart fluttering, his hands shaking. The night was so still and silent around them; like they were somewhere far away, long ago, where things like this could be said to each other. Antonio took a deep breath before continuing. "Well, that was why I left. Because when I was around you, I could not stop the feelings that engulfed me. They screamed at me, overtook everything, blocked out all sense of what was appropriate and…" Antonio closed his eyes, furrowed his forehead, took a draw on his cigarette. "I shouldn't be saying this."

Oh no. He couldn't stop there, not when Lovino was on the edge like this; his heart thumping, his head hazy, his knees weakening… "What feelings?" Lovino asked it softly, scared of the answer. "What do you mean?"

Antonio opened his eyes. They were so much darker in the moonlight. "I'm not one to play games about things like this, so I'll be honest with you. You have a right to know. I have... feelings for you, Lovino. I always have. I wondered if going away would change anything. But of course it didn't."

Lovino clutched onto the brick behind him, sweat rising across his skin. This conversation was heading somewhere he was not sure he wanted to follow. "Feelings?

"Yes. Very strong feelings. Romantic feelings."

Lovino gasped and looked away. He did not expect this. He felt like he would fall over any moment. "You mean… like the way a man feels about a woman?"

Antonio spoke slowly. "Something like that. But men can feel that way about men, as well."

Now Lovino's heart felt like it was being squeezed, his entire world turning upside down. "People say that is wrong."

"People are afraid of what they do not understand."

"So why… if its not wrong… why did you leave then?"

Antonio took another shaking breath through his teeth. "You were fifteen, Lovino. Even now you're still…" Antonio broke off and sighed in frustration. "Even now I should not be saying this, I'm still so out of line. But I could not stay away any longer. Every night for the last three years I have thought of you. And seeing you now… my God, but how much I missed you, it's... it's stunning."

Lovino shook his head, everything unreal and far away. He could not comprehend it. That anyone could say these things about him, could feel this way about him... No one ever said things like that about him. Hell, no one even liked him. Antonio must be confused; he could not mean this. This must be a mistake, Lovino must be misunderstanding... He stood still, the night silent around him, the forgotten cigarette burning slowly between his fingers.

"I'm not asking you for anything, Lovino. It's just, as I said… you have a right to know."

Lovino was beyond stunned. He was simply numb. "I… I don't…" Lovino spoke not to himself, not to Antonio, but just because he could not stop the words spilling from his lips. "I don't know what I'm supposed to…"

"No," said Antonio quickly, severely. "You're not supposed to do anything."

Breathing through the silence, Lovino finally looked up at Antonio: his green eyes so dark in the moonlight, his always cheerful, passionate face so like the image imprinted on Lovino's memory. He wondered exactly what Antonio's words meant. What possibilities were there, what it could all mean... and suddenly he couldn't breathe. "Oh." Lovino gulped for air, dropped the cigarette stub, turned away... He placed a hand on the wall to steady himself, and said it again, unable to stop. "Oh... oh..."

"Mierda." Antonio was suddenly right beside him, his face twisted in distress. When Antonio's hand almost brushed his Lovino nearly shouted. He reached out to hold onto him, to push him away, he didn't even know, and then he just settled for sinking to the ground. Antonio followed him, speaking quickly. "Forget it, Lovino, it was nothing. It never happened, all right? We'll just pretend that it never happened, and I never said those things, all right?"

Lovino shook his head, then paused, then nodded, the whole time refusing to look at Antonio. He tried to calm down by thinking how stupid was he being, what a fool he was making himself, how ridiculous Antonio must think him. Why did he always overreact like this? Everyone thought Feliciano was silly and high-strung, but Lovino was just as bad. He was at least grateful that it was probably too dark for Antonio to see his cheeks burning in embarrassment.

"Do you want me to go away?"

Lovino looked up as Antonio asked the question slowly, reluctantly. And he realised... no. No, he didn't. Because out here, alone, in the middle of the night, it still felt like another time and place. So maybe it was all right to let his guard down for just a moment. "No."

Antonio sat back slowly against the wall. Lovino covered his face with his hand, ashamed, but Antonio smiled at him. Lovino ran his hand over his eyes, looked up at the stars and the bright, nearly full moon. Everything felt so different here.

"You are so beautiful in the moonlight." Antonio said the words so softly that Lovino was sure he was not meant to hear them. He scowled and kept his gaze up at the sky.

"Don't say such stupid lies."

"It's not a lie, Lovino. You really are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen…" Antonio gave a short, quiet laugh, almost a sigh. "In all my life."

.

It was the first Resistenza meeting since Antonio had returned, and the cantina was full. Feliciano sat drawing in the corner and Lovino sat on the table beside him, swinging his legs nervously as the meeting got well underway. But Lovino barely spared a glance for his Grandpa as Roma gave the usual speech about recent activities and constant vigilance. Instead, Lovino's eyes were fixed on Antonio. The night before felt like a dream. Lovino was not even sure it had happened. Surely that could not be real. Surely Antonio could not actually think those things about Lovino, could not feel that way for him. Antonio was a stupid bastard, sure, but no one was that stupid. Lovino chose to believe he had imagined most of it, and misunderstood the rest. Because that was easier to deal with.

It took Lovino a few moments to realise that Antonio was staring right back at him. And smiling. Lovino turned bright red and concentrated on the picture Feliciano was drawing beside him. With his thoughts running wild and swift through his head and his nerves overtaking him, Lovino could hardly pay attention to the meeting until he realised Antonio was speaking.

"The Germans have been using a few different supply routes, but none so important as this. This railroad is their most direct link to Austria and is being used to transport vital supplies to bases..."

Lovino tilted his head to the side, bit his lip, and completely lost concentration once again. There was something different about Antonio when he spoke like this. Something exciting and passionate and confusing and just so... appealing. Everyone in the room sat hanging off his every word.

"Our objective is simple. If they lose this rail line, we delay the Germans by months. This line must be destroyed."

The room erupted in quiet words and murmurs. "We've never attempted anything like this before," said one of the men.

"No. But the situation has never been so serious. This is just the start. From here, our attacks against the Germans are going to increase... as is the danger."

A thrill ran across Lovino's skin at the words. And yet he was surprised by just how much those words worried him. Because this was what Antonio did, all the time, and Lovino started to realise how dangerous that actually was. And how much it scared him.

Over the next few days Antonio quickly became a part of their lives once again. It was just as Lovino remembered. Antonio coming and going constantly, giving them silly presents and trinkets, staying for dinner after speaking privately with Grandpa Roma. Lovino was learning Antonio all over again, and trying desperately not to fall into this painful want and longing. But it was so hard when Antonio smiled at him like that, when he gazed at him from across the room, when all Lovino could think of was those words he had spoken in the garden, that life shattering confession. When he found himself wondering if maybe, just maybe, there was some way that confession could become something more. But Antonio had left before, and he would leave again, or he would finally realise just what Lovino was really like and that he had made a huge mistake in these silly, misguided feelings for him.

The evening before the mission, Antonio and Grandpa Roma spoke in the front room until well into the evening. Feliciano was already in bed, but Lovino sat waiting in the kitchen, sick with anticipation, scared and unsure, his stomach twisting nervously and his head pounding... Eventually, unable to stand it, Lovino jumped up and stormed into the room. Antonio and Roma both looked up in surprise. "I want to go with you."

Antonio smiled, but Roma frowned and shook his head. "No. It is too dangerous."

Lovino burned immediately with frustrated anger. Not only was Roma still treating him like a child, he was doing it in front of Antonio. Lovino glared at him, his hands in fists. "I know what I'm doing, Grandpa, I…"

"Lovino, we are not having this conversation now. The answer is no. Besides…"

"I don't have to do any fighting," Lovino pressed on desperately. "Surely you need someone to drive the car or something…"

"The plans are already made, and we have no room for one more."

"But just listen to me…"

"NO, Lovino!" Roma looked at him as though he was a nuisance, a naughty child, and Lovino's eyesight blurred with rage. His pulse hammered in his head. He clenched his teeth and his fists, furious and humiliated. He bit his lip so hard he tasted blood, then glared at Roma defiantly.

"I could go join the army tomorrow if I wanted, you know. I bet they wouldn't think I was too young."

Roma just looked exasperated. "Don't say such stupid things, Lovino."

"It's not stupid, it's the truth!" Then angrily, unthinking, wanting to hurt and anger Roma, Lovino shouted, "How would you like it if I went and joined the fascists? I'm sure I'd have more freedom with them than I do in this household!"

Roma reacted immediately. He slammed his fist on the table before standing, furious, and taking an angry step towards Lovino. Then suddenly, shockingly, Antonio stood and moved between them. Everyone stopped. There was a heavy, silent pause as they registered what just happened. Even Antonio looked surprised as Lovino stared at him wide-eyed, Roma glaring with an expression of confusion and anger. And then Antonio laughed.

"If it's action you want, Lovino, I don't suggest joining the Italian army. I believe they recruit based on how fast you can run away with a battle raging at your back. Sadly different from the days of the Great War, Roma, no? Which reminds me, I've been wanting to ask about your famous evasion technique before the sixth battle of the Isonzo. I've been thinking of how we could use this brilliant move in a smaller setting. I'm sure you have some ideas."

Roma narrowed his eyes, flicked them quickly between Antonio and Lovino. But Antonio just kept smiling easily, and eventually Roma nodded slightly and took a step back. "It is interesting you should mention that. Run along, Lovino."

Still furious, but now also confused and irritated and very strangely, slightly flattered, Lovino raced out of the room, through the kitchen, and into the garden. He felt like screaming. Instead he walked to the wall, kicked it, then spun around and leant back heavily against it. What the hell had just happened? Why had Antonio moved between him and Roma like that, almost as if trying to... protect him? That was ridiculous, he didn't need protection from his Grandpa. But then Antonio seemed to have done it unthinkingly, automatically. Lovino put his hands to his head as though trying to prevent it exploding. He could not deal with this. He was never good at handling his emotions, but whenever Antonio was around it just became a thousand times more confusing. Did Antonio even know what he did to Lovino? If he did, would he stop? And more importantly - would Lovino want him to?

Closing his eyes, Lovino felt his skin cool in the slight evening breeze, his pulse start to slow and even. He refused to admit to himself what he was waiting for. But his stomach twinged nervously, his head spinning in anticipation of something he could not quite grasp.

Eventually, the sound of footsteps approached and Lovino opened his eyes to see Antonio smiling down at him. Lovino's pulse raced again, but he just frowned back. "Well. I supposed I had better ask you to be careful tomorrow."

"I will."

"And I'll… I will see you after the mission."

"Yes." Antonio's eyes shone in the moonlight and he laughed softly. "Please don't go and join the army in the meantime." Lovino glared and opened his mouth to answer, but bit back the words and looked at the ground. "Did you want to say something?" asked Antonio cheerfully.

"No!"

"Well all right, then. Goodbye, Lovino." Antonio turned to leave, and Lovino's chest crowded with panic and doubt.

"Wait, Antonio, I…" Antonio looked back slowly, hopefully. Lovino fought to return his gaze. Damn, this was so hard. "I've been thinking about your words. Here, in the garden, last time. When you told me…" But he couldn't finish the sentence.

"I remember," said Antonio softly.

"Well… that's all. I've just… been thinking about them."

Antonio smiled. "All right."

Lovino scowled at Antonio, afraid of how he might interpret the words. "That doesn't mean anything, you know, it doesn't mean that I…" And Lovino had dug himself into a hole. What a stupid thing to say... He frowned bitterly and folded his arms violently. "You can go now."

Antonio laughed again, his face so handsome and carefree in the soft light. Then he reached out for Lovino's hand and lifted it slowly. Lovino felt the touch shoot through every part of him, felt it fire through his head and burn through his veins and stop his breath. He tried to pull his hand back; he could not make himself do it. This was the first time Antonio had touched him since he had arrived back... the first time in three years. And then the whole world spun around when Antonio lifted Lovino's hand to his lips and kissed it gently, smiling down with sparkling eyes. "Adios, mi corazón."

Lovino could only scowl and snatch back his hand. He did not know what else to do. Antonio laughed, nodded, and strolled out the back gate, whistling as he went. As soon as he was gone, Lovino gasped for breath, an unwanted smile spreading uncontrollably across his face. His head felt light with giddiness and he almost glided up the house, laughter close to bubbling over, all anger and embarrassment gone in the uncontainable happiness of this moment. He went to walk through the back door, only to stop short, abruptly, the smile falling immediately from his lips. Grandpa Roma stared down at him in the doorway, his expression dark.

"Grandpa."

Roma's darkened eyes flicked over to the back gate, then back to Lovino. "Lovino, you are never to be alone with Antonio, do you understand me?"

Lovino bit back a gasp, then tried to look confused. "But Grandpa, what..."

Roma nearly yelled the words. "Do you understand me?"

Lovino choked off a protest and simply nodded, his eyes on the ground, his heart falling to his feet. "Yes, Grandpa."

"Good boy. Now go to bed."

Anger. Humiliation. Futile frustration. Lovino nodded again. "Yes, Grandpa."

.

"It was unexpected. A small group of station guards. They were just as surprised as we were. We took them down but lost some of our own, and we had to escape immediately..."

Lovino had come early to the cantina to meet Grandpa Roma and hear the results of the previous night's mission. He hadn't been quite sure what to expect. A quiet debriefing, an empty room, wild celebrations like last time maybe. Instead he stood listening as Roma explained what had gone wrong, why they had failed. But Lovino didn't need to know all this. Why Grandpa Roma's shirt was red with blood, why the members of the mission looked worn and dead-eyed, why extra patrols had been placed around the streets outside, why people sat in the corners staring blankly and angrily. He only needed to know one thing.

"Antonio," he asked, his voice cracking slightly. "How is Antonio?"

Lovino pretended not to notice the quick, sharp glance Roma shot him. He just stared at the wall, waiting for the answer. "The bullet only grazed his side. It was deep enough, however. He has lost a lot of blood."

A sickening hot shudder ran down Lovino's spine. The air turned thick and slow around him, his head caught in a hazy place where everything was too dark and too fast. "Where is he?" he finally managed to choke out, his throat dry.

Roma did not answer. After a long pause, one of the members said, "The side room there has become our little hospital."

Lovino did not wait to hear anymore. Too lost in his terrifying emotions to think about what he was doing, he ran across the room to the side door, ignoring the shout that came after him.

"Wait, he's sleeping…"

Lovino did not stop. He threw open the door, then immediately recoiled at the smell of blood that hit him. Antonio lay on a red stained mattress, his eyes closed, his face white, his chest rising and falling evenly. Bloody bandages wrapped around his body and littered the ground; metallic bowls and instruments sat upon the centre table. Lovino's body was stone; his head was fire. A horrified fear rolled in his stomach as a hundred awful, unbearable thoughts attacked him. What if this was it? What if Antonio died? What if Lovino had only realised how he felt just in time to lose everything… What would he do, what could he do, oh God, what was he supposed to do! He was terrified, panicking, and all he wanted was to scream.

"He's going to be all right, Lovino." Lovino did not turn at the sound of Grandpa Roma speaking just behind him. He kept his eyes on Antonio, on his pale, sleeping face, on his bloodied side. "He is wounded, yes, but he will survive."

Lovino felt dizzy, sick. The walls closed in on him - his breath too fast, his pulse hot and pounding - and it was all too much. He had to get out. He turned and ran through the room, unheeding of the looks shot his way. He ignored Roma calling behind him.

His feet pounded on the hard stones and it was all still so unreal, so heavy and strange and stifling, but more than anything it was terrifying. This crawling, spinning, horrified fear that crowded his mind, shook his body, suffocated his lungs. He could not stand this fear. Lovino reached the end of the street before the rolling nausea in his stomach rose and overcame him. He fell against the wall, steadied himself with a hand against the cold stone, then bent over and vomited onto the pavement.

Lovino could not deal with this. It was not worth it. Nothing was worth this feeling - of caring so much about someone that the very idea of them leaving or dying left him a frantic mess, sick and shaking and burning and freezing, with this feeling that his chest was going to rip apart and darkness was going to engulf him and he was going to collapse and scream and break into a million pieces.

The realisation was sudden, stunning. If he loved Antonio, he would have so much to lose. And one day, he would. Because what Antonio did was too dangerous. One day Lovino would be destroyed... and he could not endure it. He could not endure any more of this. Lovino wiped his mouth and stumbled down the street, ignoring the concerned and disgusted looks of the few passersby. And he came to the decision. It would be easier to close off his heart now, to stop this silly little infatuation before it went any further. And besides, look at him – a broken mess, a pathetic coward, a worthless, powerless, friendless weakling who was still treated like a child. He would be doing poor, deluded Antonio a favour, too.

Lovino refused to return to the cantina over the following days. Instead he spent his time at home, sometimes venturing to the village market with Feliciano. He knew Grandpa Roma was starting to worry about him, but Lovino easily ignored him. He did not ask about Antonio, though he burned to know; luckily Feliciano solved that problem with his constant, insistent questions about Antonio's well being. Lovino was desperately relieved to hear that Antonio was doing even better than expected, though he never asked or acted like he was the slightest bit interested. Roma continued organising missions, but Lovino no longer asked to go… he could not handle seeing Antonio. And always there was this voice inside of him; a tiny, stupid, insistent voice that told him how stupid he was being, how selfish, how completely idiotic… a voice that knew he was lying to himself.

Lovino tried to convince himself that if he did not see Antonio, then these feelings would all go away, and everything would go back to normal. But even as he thought it he knew that could never happen. And of course he could not avoid Antonio forever. So when he walked into the kitchen one afternoon and overheard Antonio speaking with Grandpa Roma in the front room, everything he had tried so hard to suppress came flooding back, engulfing him, pouring through every part of him.

"This was merely a setback. We will see many such hindrances in the coming months. What matters is how quickly we fight back, how soon we can get on our feet. A few lives mean nothing to the fascists… we can not afford to let them mean more to us."

Until recently, Lovino would have listened avidly. But today he fled the sound of Antonio's voice, ran into the sunny garden, hid himself in a far corner behind a bed of sage and rosemary. It was childish, he knew, and it was foolish. And yet, it was all he could think to do.

This should not change anything, Lovino tried to tell himself. He was still uninterested in Antonio. He still didn't care. It still wasn't worth it. Oh God, he was still lying. No matter how he tried to change it, every thought he'd had for weeks now, all the avoiding and waiting and ignoring, had all been tied to one man, to one desire, to one fear. And when Antonio walked out the back door and into the garden, Lovino felt his resolve strengthen, weaken, fall away, disappear. The early summer sun shone down, bright and hot, forcing Lovino's inadequate hiding spot into blazing view. Antonio simply walked over to him, smiled down in a way Lovino could not bear to see.

"I've missed you this last week."

Lovino did not respond. He looked away from that smile, rested his arms on his knees, fidgeted with a sprig of rosemary.

Antonio left a silence for Lovino to respond, before filling it himself. "Are you well?"

Lovino nodded. He knew he should be the one asking Antonio that. But he didn't - he couldn't. Even as the relief of seeing Antonio standing healthy and well before him turned his body weak, Lovino could not possibly say the words. Antonio waited in silence for a few seconds that began to feel like hours, until Lovino blurted out, "Grandpa told us you were fine. Feliciano was worried."

"Was he?" Antonio's voice was almost amused. "Were you?"

Lovino could barely stand this pressure. Why couldn't Antonio leave him alone, why did he have to stand here smiling and asking these questions Lovino had no way of answering... What did Antonio expect? What did he want? Lovino felt sweat start to rise on his neck. He had to leave before he lost control and screamed. "I am glad you are well." He scrambled to his feet. "I have to go now."

"Lovino, wait."

Why did he have no choice but to stop… why did he have no choice but to wait for Antonio to continue?

"They told me you came by the cantina. When I was injured."

Lovino gritted his teeth, fixed his eyes on the kitchen door across the garden. "Yes."

Antonio stepped towards him. Lovino's breath came faster, even as he jerked his head away. "I was happy to hear that you… that you were concerned."

"I was worried for the cause." Lovino said it too quickly.

"Of course." Antonio said it too easily.

Lovino put his hands in his pockets and twisted his foot into the ground. This conversation was so difficult. He did not know what to say, what Antonio wanted him to say, what he himself wanted to say. He finally forced himself to bring his gaze back to Antonio, but the look in Antonio's eyes brought back too many memories. Of words said years ago… Maybe you'll understand one day… Of ones spoken only weeks ago... I have... feelings for you, Lovino… The memory sent an excited, yearning flutter through Lovino's veins. He felt so close to giving in… But there was nothing there to fall into. Lovino could not feel this, could not accept it. He had to stop this now. Lovino closed his eyes and breathed out all his useless hopes, his broken desires. Then he opened them, and spoke.

"Do you remember, Antonio… the first night after you came back. Our conversation in this garden. The words you said to me."

"Yes." Antonio's expression was almost hopeful. But that hurt too much, so Lovino looked away.

"Well I just... I just… I want you to know that… I…" Oh God he was going to say this… He tried to convince himself that he was doing this as much for Antonio as himself. "I do not have those feelings for you."

Antonio blinked in surprise. "Oh." He narrowed his eyes in confusion, his expression uncertain. "But Lovino…"

"You need to know that." This was better for him, better for Antonio, better for everyone...

"I am sorry, but somehow, I was starting to think…"

"No!" Lovino could not let Antonio weaken his resolve. "Look, it's easy to understand. I don't feel anything for you. I never will. So stop this. Stop staring at me, and stop giving me things, and stop calling me your 'corazón' because I know what that means!" Lovino almost tripped over the words. This hurt so much… hurt so much to say these things, to see the look on Antonio's face, but Lovino tried to convince himself it would hurt more to admit the truth, so he just kept going. "I'm not like you, Antonio. I don't feel anything for you, because it's not normal and frankly… frankly it's quite disgusting as well."

Lovino could see the words hit Antonio. He flinched briefly, his face turning white and his eyes dropping to the ground. "Oh. I see."

"You expect too much. And you wear your feelings too plainly. So I… I am…" Lovino faltered but quickly pressed on. "I am asking you to hide them."

Antonio nodded, his hands in fists and his jaw clenched. Then he gave a little sigh, a shrug, and smiled at Lovino. "I will try, Lovino. I will endeavour to behave more appropriately in future." Lovino blinked rapidly, breathed through the rising tears and the crushing in his chest, and felt Antonio's bright gaze and smile like a knife. Antonio inclined his head slightly. His accent grew stronger as he spoke. "I apologise for any distress I have caused you. It was unforgivable of me. And I also apologise for mistaking my own selfish desires for reality." Antonio turned on his heel, and Lovino had to fight back a sob, had to stop himself from reaching out to stop him. Antonio paused briefly at the back gate. "But Lovino. I will never apologise for loving you."

When Antonio walked out the gate Lovino sank down against the wall, put his head in his hands, and finally let the tears break. He tried to convince himself this was right, that he was shielding his heart, that he was protecting himself from pain. But he couldn't stop the thought that screamed at him stupidly, insistently. How could anything possibly hurt more than this?

.

Christmas, 1934 A village in Germany

.

"So, Antonio, what happens if this one person of yours decides they don't feel the same way about you?"

Gilbert groaned loudly. "Are we really talking about this again?"

"Oh hush, drink your glue wine."

"GLUEHWEIN!" Gilbert shouted before taking another deep swig of the liquid. The table before them was covered with empty plates and half filled bottles and crumpled coloured paper, the last remnants of a truly magnificent Christmas dinner. No one did Christmas like the Germans.

"Well," said Antonio, trying to think of a way to respond to Francis' question. "That is the risk, isn't it? You can not stop yourself from loving someone, and you can not control how that person feels. If they do not love you…" Antonio shrugged. "They do not love you."

Francis looked appalled. "But how terribly depressing! You are trying to say that you fall in love just once, and if that person does not love you, then there goes the only chance you get?"

"It is unfair, isn't it. But what can you do?"

"What you can do is spend a week weeping over them - eating too much, drinking too much, having filthy, dirty, fabulous sex with strangers - and then forget them forever."

Gilbert waved his glass before Antonio's face. "No, what you can do is spread rumours that'll follow them forever, so the little shit never forgets they messed with the wrong guy."

Antonio rolled his eyes. "I'm not talking about loving someone in expectation of anything in return. I'm talking about loving someone because of who they are. Because of the way they talk, they smile, they fight; because of what they say and what they believe; because of all the wonderful, annoying, beautiful, frustrating, stupid, lovely, embarrassing things they do and they are. Because they are the one person in all the world who makes you finally understand how perfectly, intricately amazing a human being can be. And if they do not love me it changes nothing, because I will not love them so they love me, I will love them because I have no other choice."

"Antonio." Gilbert shook his head and sighed in frustration. "You are one stupid, melodramatic bastard."

Antonio flashed him a wild grin. "But come on. With lines like that, no one is gonna be able to resist me for long."

.

Next Chapter

Disclaimer: This story belongs to George deValier. Hetalia belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya. I own nothing.

[thewritewolf]

Nino’s Quest Chapter 5: On the Road

The gang hits the forest road as they make their way to the capital.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 (Final)

Enjoy!

Read on Ao3.  My ko-fi.

Lord DM: Alright dudes whatre we thinking.

Marinoodles: Did I ever get that journal decoded?

Lord DM: Yup! It basically just backs up what the dude was saying He had a master. A true Necromancer There are hints of a plot. Like raising legions of the dead Some harsh stuff, to be sure

Alya’ll Beware: I don’t like the sound of that We need to get the truth out there

Marinoodles: Hm… i dunno If everyone knows, that might bring panic And gives the Necromancer warning

Adrien Regreste: We should do something though Is there someone higher up that we can talk to?

Marinoodles: Right! That’s a great idea! If we’re in a kingdom… maybe we can talk to the king?

Lord DM: It’ll take a while. Two weeks to reach the capital.

Adrien Regreste: That’s not great Is there any shortcuts we can take?

Lord DM: If you go through the forest, sure But its lawless Tons of bandits And worse It’ll shave a week off the trip though

Alya’ll Beware: So we get there in double time AND we get to smash some baddies? Sounds like only upsides, babe

Marinoodles: We say that now Let’s see how we feel after an ambush

Adrien Regreste: With someone as clever as you with us, how can they ever catch us by surprise? :3

Marinoodles: Thank you! :D <3

Lord DM: to be clear, you are choosing to go through the forest?

Marinoodles: Yuppers!

Adrien Regreste: Yes! >:3

Alya’ll Beware: Did I stutter?

Lord DM: Nice. I’ll see you guys at Marinette’s on Saturday then.

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

Nino entered the Dupain-Cheng home with his bag slung across his shoulder. Immediately, the delicious scent of baked goods hit him and he took a deep breath to enjoy it. The food was probably his favorite reason for them hanging out here. It was nice to know that he wouldn’t be leaving hungry.

As he walked into the living room, he saw Tom and Sabine playing Ultimate Mecha Strike. They were so into their game that they had failed to notice his arrival. At a passing glance, it looked like Tom was winning, but even as he watched that seemed less and less certain.

“Sup, dudes.”

Tom glanced toward him before returning his attention to the screen. A wide grin split his face. “Nino! Great to see you. How’s it hangin’, son?”

Chuckling, Nino replied, “S’alright. Wait, aren’t you two usually in the bakery this time of day?”

“We’re closed today,” Sabine chimed in. “Bakery holiday.”

“Yeah? What holiday is that?”

“Beating Tom’s butt at Ultimate Mecha Strike holiday.” She laughed as she delivered the final move on her husband’s character, winning her the game. “But more seriously, we’re just on a break. Marinette is using the kitchen right now.” She turned around to look at him now that the match was over. “I assume that has to do with why you’re here?”

“Yeah! I’m pretty pumped for another session of Dungeons and Dragons.”

“Oh! I remember playing that years ago. It was a fun way to spend time with friends back in the day. It’s nice to see you kids still playing it.”

Tom leaned back and crossed his arms. “I never got into roleplaying games, myself. I found my love in fighting games, and I never could stray.”

“Mhm, such a shame that love doesn’t translate to skill,” Sabine replied with a smirk. Tom shook his head with a chuckle.

“Well, I have to let you win every once in awhile. Otherwise you’d stop playing completely and I’d only have Marinette to fight.”

“Uh-huh.” Sabine rolled her eyes playfully as she stood, straightening her dress as she did so. “Let’s get back to the bakery, sweetheart. The kids need space for their game.” She gave Nino a wink as she returned to the shop, Tom in tow behind her.

Once he was alone, Nino got to work setting things up. He had high hopes for today’s session, and a few tricks up his sleeves to keep the party from getting complacent.

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

“The villagers gather in the town square to see you off. Your backpacks are full of supplies and your spirits are high as you go down the Old Road.” His friends listened intently as they munched on freshly baked macaroons. “By the time you’re ready to set up camp for the night, you’ve already entered the forest.”

“Oh, cool!” Alya nodded. “Plenty of firewood, at least. Who are we going to send out for that?”

Marinette tapped at her chin. “Well, since it’s pretty dangerous around here, I should go. I’m pretty good at avoiding danger.”

“Sounds like a great plan,” Adrien said. “I’ll start setting up the tents.”

“I guess I’ll sharpen my sword while I wait for the campfire.” Alya shrugged. “Can’t cook without it.”

“Right.” Nino made a quick perception roll. The bandits nearby were well hidden and always prepared to ambush travellers that set down this road. Marinette didn’t have much of a chance to spot them, but-

His eyes widened, his jaw drops, and he just barely resisted the urge to face palm.

She’d gotten a natural twenty.

“Okay - Marinette, as you are gathering firewood your keen elven eyes notice faint, barely noticeable marks in the trees. Your eyes widen as you recognize them as a crude thieves’ cant. Probably the work of bandits.”

She sucks in a sharp breath. “I see… Do I have any idea where they are at?”

“Do you want to look around?”

“...Sure.”

“Roll for stealth.” He nodded as she rolled high - because of course she did. “Right, you find their camp well positioned at the base of a hill. Even the glow of their fire and the smoke is easily hidden from most vantage points, but you’ve managed to find it. By your count, there is probably ten of them.”

“Gotcha. I’ll head back to camp and get the others.”

Adrien’s fingers drummed along the table as he watched Marinette. “How are we going to take them down?”

“Yeah, M. What’s your plan?”

“Wah- Why do I have to come up with the plan?”

“Well…” Adrien rubbed the back of his neck. “You’re kind of the best at it? So far, none of them have failed yet.”

“We’re gonna need it too.” Alya stretched. “Otherwise, we don’t stand a chance against those numbers. Something tells me bandits are going to be tougher customers than kobolds.”

“Um…” Marinette furrowed her eyebrows. “Well, we could sneak into the camp. Take out a few of them unaware, maybe light some fires to cause panic. That’d at least even the odds.” She shrugged. “We’d have to get pretty lucky though.”

“With you in our team, we’ve got luck to spare!” Adrien shot her a winning grin.

Nino took a sip of hot chocolate. “Alright, so you approach the lip of the cliff where you can look down at the camp. From there you can make more plans, but first… roll for stealth.”

It wouldn’t be that difficult of a roll. Night was falling, there were plenty of trees, and the bandits expected them to still be at their roadside camp. With Marinette leading the way, there shouldn’t have been any difficulties. Everything seemed fine when Marinette and Alya rolled decent enough.

But they didn’t factor in Adrien’s consistently poor rolling. A dreaded natural one reared its ugly head and Nino couldn’t help but chuckle as Adrien stared, dumbfounded at the traitorous die.

Cracking his knuckles, Nino leaned forward. “Alright, so let me give you the deets about what just happened. You’re all walking along, right? Most of you being supes stealthy.” He turns toward Adrien, who was looking like a kicked puppy right about now. “Then there’s this guy. He’s doing his best. But there is only so much you can do when you trip on a root and cause a bunch of loose stones to go sliding down the cliff.”

Alya winced as Marinette patted Adrien on the back. “How bad is it, babe? Did they notice?”

“Yeah, they’re totally awake now. You can even see a few of them aiming bows in your direction.” He leaned back and took another sip. “What do you do?”

They all faced Marinette, who was still absentmindedly rubbing Adrien’s back. He didn’t seem to mind, though. She hummed as she thought. Then her eyes went wide. “Wait. You said a root knocked some rocks loose?”

Nino gave her a cautious look. “...Yeah?”

“So that means the cliff is unstable! We could cause a rockslide and bury their camp!”

Not for the first time that night, Nino’s jaw dropped as the party cheered. He held up his hands for silence. “Okay, so is that what you guys are going to spend your turns on?”

“You bet, babe!” Alya was grinning.

“Right, well, the bandits are going to start firing on you then.” He rolled, but with the darkness and the cover, the arrows went wide. “Okay, another turn of working then?” At their nod, he rolled again with no better luck. On the inside, he sighed. “Again?”

When they confirmed, he set his dice down and leaned forward into storyteller mode. “Right, so after some quick thinking and quicker work, you manage to loosen the soil enough that a firm strike sends an earth slide towards the camp. Most of the bandits are crushed instantly, and the survivors are no match for all four of you.”

The three of them cheered and Nino couldn’t help but clap along with them. Adrien had pulled Marinette into a half hug, quickly followed by Alya. It was all very overwhelming for their de facto leader.

While they were distracted, Nino surreptitiously opened his notes and took out the sections about them getting captured by bandits and introduced to the bandit lord. He’d have to wing it for the rest of the session, but he couldn’t help but feel proud of them. They were even more clever than he had expected, Marinette especially.

With an evil grin, he realized that this meant he could be even more devious to match.

[grace13star]

Better Get Superstitious (Prologue)

Logan Dennison is a firm believer in science, and the facts are that no one can come back from the dead. Witches and magic could never exist, he's known this since he was a kid. But after a sudden move to Salem, Massachusetts, suddenly everything he's ever believed is challenged by a talking cat, a cute believer, and a trio of undead witches from the 17th century. What's a skeptic to do? 

Character(s): Roman Sanders, Deceit Sanders, Remus Sanders, Anton (Antagonist), Missy (Misleading Compliment), Terrence

Trigger(s): Death, Deceit, Remus, electrocution, witchcraft

This is a Hocus Pocus AU, so Roman’s last name is Binx. Eventual Analogical, and that’s the only ship. 

AO3  Here  Chapter 1  Chapter 2  Chapter 3  Chapter 4

Roman woke up later than usual, which was his first clue that something was off.

The sun was already up as he stumbled outside of his house, still disoriented from waking up. He held his hand up to block the light.

“Missy?” he called.

Come little children, I’ll take thee away. Into a land of enchantment.

“Terrence!” He said, spotting his friend. “Terrence, hast thou seen my sister?”

Terrence shook their head. “Nay, but look.” He pointed in the direction of the woods. “They conjure.” A column of strange purple smoke was rising from the Sanders cottage.

Roman straightened up, tiredness forgotten. “Oh God, the woods! Emily!” He started off for the woods, but Terrence grabbed his arm, stopping him from moving.

“She’s done for. You won’t have a chance.”

Roman shrugged Terrence’s arm off, giving his friend an apologetic smile. “Get my father,” he said. “Summon the others. I’ll try to distract them long enough.”

Terrence seemed hesitant, but patted his arm. “Good luck.” Then he started off to gather the village.

As soon as he was moving, so was Roman. He started off in a dead sprint, forgetting that he didn’t even have shoes. Rocks and sticks dug into his feet, but he barely noticed them in his panicked state.

One particularly big rock sent him tumbling down a hill. He gathered himself at the bottom. His ribs were hurting, but he didn’t have time for that now for right ahead of him was his destination- the Sanders cottage.

Biting back a hiss of pain, he ducked behind a tree, as one of the brothers was outside of the house with his sister.

As Roman watched, Missy followed the green-clad witch into the cottage. Once they were inside, he ran across the clearing to one of the open windows.

From inside the house came laughter- laughter from the Sanders brothers themselves. They all wore long velvet cloaks- yellow, green and orange. The green one was dancing like he was deranged around Missy, who was sitting on a wooden chair in the middle of the room.

She spotted him and sat up. The witches noticed, so Roman was forced to duck out of view.

One of the witches came over to the window he was at, and he held his breath.

“Oh, look. Another glorious morning.” A sound like an intake of breath. “It makes me sick!” The shutters were slammed, leaving Roman without a way to see in.

He looked around quickly, and spotted a water wheel. There was a window near the top of it, so he hitched a ride to the top, then entered the house with as much stealth as he could muster. He wanted to go in guns blazing, but he couldn’t risk Missy getting hurt. He ducked down to observe and wait for the right time.

The yellow witch was flipping through a book, ignoring his brothers as the green one fooled around and the orange one tried to get him to stop.

“We must finish this spell now that our guest of honor has arrived.” yellow was stroking a book like it was a dog. “Wake up now.”

As Roman watched, what had seemed like a latch on the cover opened revealing a yellow snake eye, mirroring the yellow witch’s own eye. It rolled a bit, looking all around the room.

“Anton, I definitely don’t need any help,” yellow said to the orange one.

Orange- Anton, apparently- rolled his eyes as he walked over to the cauldron. “I notice Remus isn’t helping,” he muttered.

Green- Remus- struck a dramatic pose, as if he’d been shot in the heart. “I’m hurt, Antie! I lured the child here, didn’t I? Didn’t I!”

“Don’t be quiet you two,” Yellow groaned. “Remus hath done his chore.” Then he turned back to his living book, either missing or ignoring when Anton dragged his thumb across his neck in a ‘you’re dead’ motion and Remus stuck out his tongue in retaliation. “Bring to a full rolling bubble. Then add two drops of oil of boil.”

Anton put the drops in as Yellow continued. “Six, but the hour with the herb that’s red. Turn three times, pluck a hair from my head. Add a dash of fox and a dead man’s toe. Don’t get a fresh one.” The last part was addressed at Remus who cheered and danced over to a box singing about dead men’s toes.

Roman tried not to gag as the green witch pulled out a human toe, sniffed it, announced, “it’s fresh!” and tossed it into the cauldron. Did they just have a collection? Where did they get them in the first place?

Remus threw a toe at Anton, and he threw it back, causing a toe throwing war until Yellow snapped at them.

“Will you two never stop that? I am definitely able to concentrate right now.”

“Sorry, Damien,” Anton and Remus chorused, sending each other dirty looks.

Suddenly Anton stopped in his tracks. He sniffed the air, turning round the room before stopping right at Roman’s hiding place.

“I smell a child,” he said, eyeing the balcony.

Damien gave a long-suffering sigh, putting his gloved fingers up to rub his wrinkled eyes. “What do you call that?” He demanded, pointing at Missy.

“...A child,” Anton muttered. Remus laughed at him and he sent a glare back.

“Whatever. Potion’s not done now,” Damien said, waving them all over. “Just need a bit of thine own tongue.” They all spit in the cauldron, making it steam and turn a bright green color. “Now just one taste and her life will be mine.” He paused. “I don’t mean, ours.”

He scooped up some of the potion and started towards Missy.

“No!” Roman shouted, standing up.

The brothers looked up in surprise.

“I knew I smelled a child,” Anton growled.

Damien shook his head. “It matters now. Get him!”

Roman leapt down from the loft and ran to the cauldron. He pushed with all his might, briefly wondering how he was able to do this without being burned, and managed to tip it over, spilling potion everywhere.

“No!” Damien shouted. “My potion!”

The witches were confused, so Roman took the chance and ran to Emily. He grabbed her sleeve, but before he could do anything else, pain hit him.

He fell to the ground in agony, the electricity running through him aggravating his bruises from earlier.

“Damien, look,” Remus said, clapping his hands. “The child!”

Roman’s vision was blurry, but he could see Missy was now glowing. He attempted to move, but his limbs wouldn’t respond to him. He struggled as much as he could, but he could do nothing as the witches advanced on his sister.

“Come now,” Damien said, reaching out his hands. The other two witches grabbed them, forming a line. “We shall share her.”

They started sucking in air, but instead of just air, the glowing around Missy went into their mouths. She started growing older before Roman’s eyes, even as he tried to get up.

Before too long she was old and gray, and the witches were now young. Roman stared in horror at his sister, who was sitting unmoving in the wooden chair. Was she-?

“I am beautiful!” Remus cried, dancing around again. “Boys will love me!”

“We’re young,” Anton said, smiling. The smile looked out of place on his face, and Roman shivered just looking at it. Luckily that meant he could start moving again. He pulled himself up on a ladder slowly.

“Well, younger,” Damien said deprecatingly. “But we’ll get younger as we suck the lives out of all the children in Salem.” He turned to Roman who was swaying on his feet, even with the ladder as support. “Let’s brew another batch.”

“You hag,” Roman spat with all the strength he could muster. “There aren’t enough children in the world to make thee young and beautiful.”

The three witches gasped. “Ooh, did you hear what he called you?” Remus whispered dramatically.

“Let’s just kill him,” Anton said. “We can get other children.”

Damien shook his head. “No. This one’s punishment should be more fitting.” He snapped his fingers and the book flew over to him. “Let’s see here.”

Roman watched in fear as the witch searched through the pages. He knew he wouldn’t be getting out of this one- he could barely stand and they and magic. He just hoped his death wouldn’t be in vain. Hopefully Terrence had been able to gather everyone so they could kill these witches and stop their terror once and for all.

“Perfect!” Damien slammed the book shut. “His punishment will not be to die, but to live forever with his guilt.”

Roman’s heart pounded as the witches started chanting. He could barely hear the words over the roar in his ears as pain filled his body. He could feel himself changing, and watched through blurry eyes as the witches seemed to grow, leering down at him as they finished their chant.

Soon a cat stood where he had last, a cat that hissed at the witches. Remus went in to pet him, but Roman swiped at him, claws out.

Suddenly there was pounding and shouting at the door.

“Open! Witches! Sons of Satan! Open this door!”

Roman’s heart leapt at the sound of his father’s voice. Father would make everything all right- he’d kill the witches, save Missy, change him back…

“Hide the child,” Damien ordered. Anton threw a shawl over Missy, then joined his brothers near the door.

“Witches? There are no witches here,” Damien called.

“Just three brothers spending a quiet night at home,” Anton added.

“Sucking the lives out of children!” Remus said gleefully. Damien growled at him.

The village was quick to put up the noose, especially after finding Missy’s body.

The witches were sentenced to hang that day, and soon enough they were standing on barrels awaiting their deaths.

“Damien Sanders,” Roman’s father said. “I will ask thee one final time.”

“Yes?” Damien said smoothly.

“What hath thou done with my son, Roman?”

“Hmm, I don’t recall,” the yellow witch grinned. “Cat’s got my tongue.” All three burst out laughing at that. Roman growled.

“This is uncomfortable,” Remus said, moving his head.

“Brothers, sing,” Damien demanded. What followed was the worst harmony Roman had ever heard. They weren’t bad singers, per se, but the notes they were singing did not go together at all.

“Cover your ears!” Roman’s father cried. “Listen to them not.”

The boy holding the witch’s book threw it down in his rush to cover his ears, and as Roman watched, the cover opened and the pages flipped.

The witches stopped singing as Damien cackled. “Fools! All of you!” He announced. “My ungodly book speaks to you. On All Hallow’s Eve when the moon is round, a virgin shall summon us from under the ground. Oh, we shall be back, and all the lives of the children will be mine!”

Roman’s father gave a signal and the barrels were kicked out from under the witches.

The crowd, including his father turned to leave, so Roman hurried over. He rubbed against his father’s leg, hoping he’d notice.

Unfortunately, he didn’t notice in the way his son was hoping.

“Away, you beast, away,” his father swatted at Roman, sending him off.

Roman watched him go with a mournful meow, mourning the loss of his sister and the life he once had.

[odderancyart]

"im going to kill my brother! drinks are on me!" with spicyhoney

The music wasaudible a bit down the path, and it only grew louder the closer he came. TheFat Druid Inn lied at the edge of town, a tall brown building surrounded by asmall garden and a forest of wild apple trees, leafless for the season. Thepath was gravel, and Stretch’s horse insisted on walking at the very edge of itto avoid the hard ground, even though one wrong step would have them crashinginto the ditch. Stretch couldn’t really find it in him to deny her the smallpleasure of grass beneath her hooves, no matter what his brother or the stablemasterwould say about it. You’ve got to teachher who’s in charge. The corner of his mouth twitched upwards.

“You alreadyknow that, don’t you,” he murmured, stroking Pan’s neck. Her thick winter furwas soft between his fingers. The brown mare jerked her head, snorting in response.Vapor stood like a cloud around her head as she breathed. The inn soon toweredabove them, and a couple horses were already tied up outside. Among them was a greystallion who was calmly drinking the water put out for them and Stretch noddedto himself as he saw it. Good. If he was there, then so would Edge, seeing how itwas his horse. He quickly tied Pan up before stepping up to the door.

It squeakedas he slid it open, and warmth washed over him. So did the sound of thetroubadour’s jolly playing and the talking and laughter of the people. He tookoff his black cape, hanging it by the door, revealing his black and orange suit.Stretch couldn’t help but grin as he went deeper inside, and multiple shouts greetedhim. He raised a hand at some of his friends from the village and eyed thenewcomers curiously. It wasn’t too common with new people around here, especiallynot adventurers, but judging by the looks of the people playing dice, he was goingto say they were absolutely adventurers. He’d have to talk to them later.

But right now,he had a mission.

“Hiya,darling,” a sing-song voice came from behind, and he turned around. His grinwidened as he found Twist there, holding a tray of beer mugs. The other was dressedin the usual brown trousers and vest of the commoners, but the way his whiteshirt was half-unbuttoned was positively shameless. Stretch had long sincestopped being bothered, though. “What gives us th’ honour o’ havin’ th’ brothero’ our beloved lord at our fine establishment?”

Rolling hiseyes, Stretch swept one of the beers of his plate, taking a swing. “Ha ha,Twist. Are you going to say that every time I come here? Probably, you’ve beendoing it for three years. Have you seen Edge?”

“Yer knightin shining armour’s over at th’ bar, sweetheart.” He winked. “He’s lookin’ abit pent up. Perhaps ya should bring him home to yer fancy castle an’ make himrelax fer once.”

Stretchgrinned, saluting jokingly as he turned his back to Twist. Over his shoulder,he called. “Thanks! I might just do exactly that.”

He receiveda raised mug before Twist put it down in front of one of the guests. Lookingforward again, he navigated the crowd until he reached the bar. And indeed, infront of it, a glass of what probably was whisky in hand, sat Edge. As alwayswas he dressed in his city guard uniform in its red and dark blue glory, and hesat leaning against the desk. Stretch’s soul flipped as he saw him. It had beenthree weeks since he’d last seen his lover.

At thethought, he frowned. Straightening his back, he marched over to the bar and tookthe chair in front of Edge without a word. He crossed his arms, glaring at the other.Edge startled, eyes growing wide as he saw Stretch. Then he smiled faintly, hesitantly.“Good afternoon, lo- my lord.”

“Cut thecrap,” Stretch said. He ignored the sting of pain in his soul as the othercalled him by title. Edge startled at his angry tone. “Why have you beenignoring me?”

Edge sighed,the smile dropping of his face. “Stre-”

“Don’t you Stretch me, give me the goddamn truth.”He hesitated for a moment, considering. Well, if Edge was going to be formal,then he might as well be too. “That’s an order,Captain.”

Annoyancelit up Edge’s face for a moment, but it disappeared just as quickly. Discomfortand sorrow played on his face as he put down his glass on the counter with a thump, meeting Stretch’s gaze. “It’s onyour brother’s orders, dearest. He doesn’t consider a city guard a fittingmatch for a noble.”

Stretchgaped. What the fuck did Blue thinkhe was doing? Rage burned in his soul as he grabbed Edge by the collar, pullinghim down into a kiss. Edge yelped in surprise but soon his hesitancedisappeared, and he grabbed Stretch back, slipping his tongue into Stretch’smouth. Stretch’s soul rushed as he clung onto his lover, receiving his firstkiss in three weeks.

When theyparted, a wolf-whistle rang out from the back of the bar. Stretch didn’t needto look to know it was Twist, and apparently neither did Edge as he lifted hishand and flipped him off without taking his eyes of Stretch.

Still, theanger at Blue’s actions hadn’t disappeared. He stood up in his chair, whistlingloudly. The inn quieted down and suddenly everyone’s eyes were on him. “Attention,everyone!” he said, clapping his hands together. “I’m going to kill my brother!Drinks are on me!”

Cheeringrose through the inn as he sat down once again, and the innkeeper, Grillby,gave him an amused gaze from behind the counter. Edge watched him with a mix ofconcern and adoration in his eyes. Stretch rolled his eyelights. “I’m not actually going to kill him, precious. Idon’t wish to get beheaded for noble fratricide, you know. Then I couldn’t seeyou anymore.”

Snorting,Edge smiled. It was small, but bright and honest. He pulled Stretch’s chaircloser, the legs scraping loudly against the floor, and embraced him, pulling himinto his side. “God, I’ve missed you,” he murmured into Stretch’s neck, hisvoice gentle. Love burned in his eyes. “These past weeks have been Hell.”

“I know.”Stretch intertwined their fingers, his soul finally calming. He felt warm andsafe, finally at Edge’s side again. “I love you too.”

[scarheaded-ferret]

Professors in Love (and a baby Scorpius) - Chapter 1

It’s here guys! This was based off of the Professor!Drarry headcanon post I did a couple days ago, I’m so excited to write this!!! :^D

Chapter Links

***

Harry beamed as he watched Ginny walked down the aisle. She looked beautiful in the tailored navy blue robes that complimented her flaming hair surprisingly well. He looked to his left to see Luna staring at her soon-to-be wife with loving eyes. Harry took Ginny’s bouquet from her as she took her place on the altar, opposite from Luna.  Their vows were beautiful, and had everyone in tears by the time they finished.

“I now pronounce you wife and wife,” said Luna’s great uncle, who they had gotten to be their minister. The two leaned in and kissed as their guests erupted into cheers and applause. Harry grinned and clapped along with everyone else, the love he felt for both of his friends was so strong, and he was extremely happy for them.

After the war, Harry and Ginny both realized that they loved each other like brother and sister, and parted mutually as friends. In fact, their past relationship was often brought about as a joke, and Ron liked to tease that Harry turned Ginny gay. But everyone knew that Ginny and Luna fit better together than Harry and Ginny ever could, and Harry was quite relieved at that. He realized that he had used Ginny as a way to be legally apart of the Weasley family. When he and Ginny broke up, he apologized extensively for this, and Ginny with her fierce temper was mad at him for using her, but understood his reason.

Another realization for Harry, was that he was bisexual. When he told Ron and Hermione, they both gave him a look that said, do you think we’re stupid? Even Ron had concluded some things from the way Harry would look longingly at both boys and girls during their Hogwarts years.

“So, you’re- you’re okay with it? I’m not a- a freak or anything?” Years of hearing the Dursleys ramble on about how disgusting the gay couple who lived down the street was flashed through his mind. Disgusting faggots, polluting our children, that’s what they’re doing. Vernon had liked to say when the Sander-Davies could be seen walking with their adopted son.

“Of course not, Harry! Blimey, calling you a freak would have me going against Ginny, wouldn’t it?” Ron had told him reassuringly.

“Harry, we’ll love you no matter who you choose to love, you deserve that happiness,” Harry beamed at their words and had enveloped them both into hugs. He felt so loved in that moment, and for the first time after the war, he felt a small shrivel of peace. Two months after that day he was walking into Luna and Ginny’s wedding reception with Justin Finch-Fletchley on his arm.

The reporters had gone into a frenzy as he walked into building, shouting inquiries about his sexuality, and if he was in a relationship with Justin. He seemed a bit nervous, and Harry gave his arm a reassuring squeeze as they stepped into the hall the Weasley’s had rented for the wedding. Harry smiled at Justin before walking over to take his place at the head table beside Neville, who was Luna’s best man. They both gave their speeches that had half of the guests in fits of laughter, and the other crying from the emotional parts.

“To the happy couple!” Harry shouted, and the room repeated his words with enthusiasm. The rest of the wedding went very well. Harry danced with Justin a couple of times, and found him to be a fun, even if shy, person to be around.  They didn’t kiss, but promised to meet up for a pint sometime before Justin left for Auror training.

As Harry laughed with his arms slung around Seamus and Ron’s shoulders, singing to a song they didn’t know, he felt like the pressure and guilt from the war was lifted from his shoulders, not entirely, but enough.

Harry said his goodbyes, wished Luna and Ginny a happy honeymoon, and left with Hermione and Ron to go back to the flat they shared in Hogsmeade. Ron and Hermione weren’t together either, understanding that they were both better as friends.

Their flat wasn’t big, but managed to fit the trio just fine. Harry still had Grimmauld place, but it held too many memories that he wasn’t ready to deal with yet. There was a sitting room with an overstuffed couch and armchairs, similar to the ones found in the Gryffindor common room. Bookshelves lined the walls, holding the books Hermione couldn’t fit in her room, along with several photographs and potted plants.

The kitchen was full of muggle appliances that Ron refused to touch after a peculiar incident involving the toaster. There was a wooden breakfast table that had a view of the village, and even a distant glimpse of Hogwarts.

The three of them stumbled into the flat laughing about nothing at all, sporting grins and equal levels of amusement. They murmured goodnights and went to their separate rooms. Harry got into his bed and fell asleep right away, the night was fun, yet a tiring one. As he dozed off, the last images that flitted through his head were the happy smiles of his friends and the way everyone seemed to forget about the war for one beautiful night.

***

Two years later, and not too far away, Draco Malfoy was on the receiving end of news that he had anticipated. He knew what was wrong the minute Astoria sat down with him.

“You’re pregnant,”

“I’m pregnant,” they both spoke at the same time, Draco smirked.

“Damn, how do you always do that? You knew when I told you about my Healer internship and now this!” She yelled but there was no mirth to her words.  

“How old should he be when we divorce?”

“I’d say at least two years, and how do you know it’s not a girl?” “At the moment I cannot come up with any Malfoy men who have produced a girl as their first-born, and you know I have the family tree memorized by heart,” Astoria sighed and shook her head fondly.

“Alright, we should tell our families now, yes?”

“Yes, I’m certain mother would kill me if she found out I did not inform her immediately,”

Draco stood and they both visited each family together, informing of them of the pregnancy, but only Daphne was to know of the coming divorce. Astoria trusted her more than she was willing to admit.

They entered their townhouse and sat down together in the sitting room.

“How’s Millie doing?”

“Oh she’s lovely, I’m seeing her tomorrow night,” Draco raised a brow, this would be the fifth time she would be meeting up with Millie this week. “Speaking of dates, why haven’t I seen you with any hot young men?”

Draco raised his left arm, showing the faded mark, “I think you may be forgetting a certain detail,”

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use a glamour and pull every once in a while,” Draco rolled his eyes. He knew he could do that, but abhorred the idea of his glamour fading and his partner recoiling in disgust at the sight of him. “And besides, there are plenty of men who would be willing to overlook it, you are very handsome you know. If I wasn’t a lesbian I would probably enjoy our sex life,”

Draco laughed and kissed her cheek as he stood, “I’m going to visit Pansy, I’ll see you later, Stori,”

“Think about going to one of those gay bars!” she shouted as he stepped through the floo.

Draco supposed that he and Astoria would be a good match if they both weren’t extremely gay. They had an agreement that as long as they produced an heir, they could go out with anyone they wanted while still being married to the other. Draco loved Astoria, but not in the way their mothers had hoped.

She was his best friend, and even though their marriage was arranged, he wouldn’t pick anyone else to be his wife.

He greeted Pansy at the little cafe she had grown fond of, a little shop on the edge of Hogsmeade. Pansy’s taste was often questionable, but Draco found the little tea shop, with it’s fairy lights and light yellow walls, wasn’t all too bad. The tea was good as well, Draco thought as he sipped his peppermint blend. He crossed his ankles and relaxed as he listened to Pansy go on about how awful the man her parents had introduced her to the night before was.

“Far too full of himself, and this is coming from me! It seemed as though he wanted me to applaud him for bringing the bloody wine! Fucking narcissist,” Draco smiled at her rantings, he didn’t realize how much he had missed hanging out with her. Nothing was ever normal after the war, but they were healing, very slowly.  

“Takes one to know one,” Draco said, quirking up the end of his mouth.

“Oh fuck off,”

It was August, a little over two years after the war and Draco had surprisingly kept in touch with most of his Slytherin peers. He and Pansy had tea almost every Sunday afternoon, on Friday nights he would have a pint with Blaise, Millie, and occasionally Theo. And at least three times a month, he, Astoria, Daphne, Pansy, Blaise, Theo, Millie, and Greg would meet up to eat dinner as a group and get pissed.

He had expected them to have split up after the war, it was the most realistic outcome. But they were Slyterthins, and would stick together for as long as possible.

“Stori’s expecting,” Draco said casually in between sips of his tea. Pansy shrieked, attracting the attention of the people around them. She ignored them and clapped her hands.

“God, it’s like fifth year all over again,” Pansy rolled her eyes but was smiling joviantly.

“Oh! I’m going to be an Aunt Pansy!”

“And a terrible one you will be,” Draco said, smirking. Pansy smacked his arm playfully.

“It’ll be a spring birth! Oh, imagine you getting the alert in the middle of a lesson!” Pansy laughed and Draco huffed. He had been the Arithmancy professor at Hogwarts for a year now, and was mortified at the thought of his students hearing about the birth of his son in the middle of class. He would much rather have a proper, public announcement.

A half-hour later he was bidding Pansy goodbye. There was a little potions shop he needed to go to for Astoria’s maternity potions. He walked out of the door of the little teashop and right into the person he had been hoping to avoid.

[writersblock2point0]

The Little Mouse Pt 2 (Vikings)

Summary: Some small snippets of her past:) Enjoy 

We traveled on boats for a very long time. I was stuck looking at water for days on end. Fader said that we would be home very shortly. Mother told me about how the mountain looked, how the trees were green, and how the forest was filled with animals. Mother braided my hair, teaching me how to braid as we spent our days on the ship. Ships that my father built. He was a carpenter, a builder, an inventor. He also told the best stories. He told me of the gods; Loki, Thor, and Odin, along with many more.

Father and Mother would put me to bed at night, and I would lay awake as long as I could before the sea rocked me to sleep. Mother would talk to Father, while brushing my hair behind my ears, her voice soft and quiet. She would talk about things I didn’t really understand because they were about me. She talked about how she was so lucky to have found me, of Ragnar letting them adopt me. I didn’t understand because they were my parents, I was born to them. Ragnar’s sons, Ubbe and Hvitserk were okay, not as mean as I had originally thought but they were older than me and treated me like I was a baby. I was younger, and slower to them, so I didn’t get to participate in the many games-mostly just battling against each other-they played.

I did not mind though, I liked spending time with mother, and following father around as he tended to the boats and whatever thing he needed to make or fix. I loved to watch him put things together, and I could sit still and help him make things for hours.

I spotted the hills as soon as I awoke one morning. Mother was smiling, cheerfully packing things up and making sure everything was put away. I stood at the side of the boat, peering into the water. It was dark and looked black as I saw my own self smiling back at me from the water. The mountains were high and surrounded us, just like Mother said. The trees were green, melting together in a mush. I bounced on my feet, eager to get off and explore.

Father picks me up, surprising me as I shriek, legs kicking out as he tosses me in the air. He sets me down, smirking at me as Mother pats my head before I feel the ship rock as it hits the side of the docks. I could hear many people cheering, yelling loudly for our arrival as we being to get off. Mother steps off, holding a large rolled up blanket. She turns to me, and I feel Father lifting me, handing me to Mother. She kisses my cheek, setting me down before handing me the large roll. I hold it with both arms, waiting for Mother to be done. People walked around, crowding me as they rushed to their loved ones.

“Ellenor, come.” I turn to Father, seeing him walking, Mother behind us. I walk fast, my small legs thumping against the roll with every step as I try to keep up with Father.

Ragnar is speaking to a very tall woman. Her hair is golden and she is holding a boy in her arms as another boy is standing at her side. Ragnar’s sons rush to the woman, and I think it is their mother. Father leads us to him, and claps him on the back.

“We will be back for the feast.” Ragnar nods, before turning to me.

“Oh, and who is this?” The new woman says, smiling down at me with kind eyes.

“This is our daughter, Ellenor.” I smile up at Mother, feeling her fingers brush some hair from my face. “We adopted her after a raid, everything was destroyed.” I hum, looking at the boy in her arms, not sure why she was holding him like she was. It was like she was cradling his legs, like he was still a baby. “Ellenor,” I blink away from him, peering up at Mother. “This is Queen Aslaug, King Ragnar’s wife.”

I smile at her, leaning back into Mother’s legs. “It is nice to meet you.” My words were jumbled but clear, at least I hoped. Mother has been getting me to talk, along with Father, more than I would like. She pointed to things, telling me to name it. She made me recite sentences and songs, and stories. The house wasn’t located inside the village, but in the woods, near the ocean. I could see a few smaller boats tied up near a hut that sat right at the edge of the water. The house was on a hill, surrounded by trees. I let go of Mother’s hand and ran to the hut by the ocean, stopping at the edge of the water. Pebbles were visible through the glass like water, the waves lapping lazily against the sand.

“Alright!” Father’s voice called from behind me, and I scream as he picks me up, tossing me in the air before settling me on his hip. “Let’s go inside, little mouse!” He hurries to Mother, who is smiling and waiting by the door. The inside of the house is actually big. There is a table for food. A fire place with a large pot to cook meals. There is a fireplace to keep us warm, that is located near the back. I see a large bed with some furs and symbols carved into things hanging from the walls. “Helga, will you make something to eat? Ellenor must be hungry.” Father sets me down and I turn a circle, looking around at the home. It was different, but when Father started the fire, it soon grew to be very warm.

“Father!” I called, rushing after him as I saw he was headed outside. “I want to come too!” Father picks me up and we walk to the hut that I now see contains different tools and tables.

“This is where father builds his boats!” Father sets me down and I walk around, careful not to touch anything. I turn to see him smiling at me, “Do you want to learn how to make boats too?”

“Yes!”

Father and I created a bond that day. I would spend my mornings with mother, helping around the house, braiding her hair-even though mine were never very good she still kept them in-and she let me wear kohl around my eyes like she did. Then after lunch I would follow Father around and help him work. He would tell me all about the gods and what trees make the best boats. He always made jokes, making me laugh but he never joked about the tree picking. He said that in boat building, choosing the tree was the most important; because if a wrong tree is chosen, and is made into a boat, then that means the crew and the mission of the journey is destroyed. Everyone dies, and he says that is why it is nothing to joke about.

My opinion of the village changed when my Father was thrown into custody. I found out from my mother, on a cold day. Let me explain was what happening before I found out. Ragnar wanted to raid the lands of paris, which is a city that Athelstan told him about. Athelstan, was a monk from england and my father never liked it when I was around him. He said the man was no believer in the gods and believed he was filling Ragnar’s head with silly lies. I never really knew Athelstan, though I suppose that was because of my father.

Ragnar took many men with him to paris to raid, and when they were returning, Ragnar says that he knows Father killed Athelstan. I never thought father did it on his own accord, because he follows the gods at all costs. If the gods told him to do it, then I stand by him, and I hope that Athelstan would forgive him, wherever his one god has taken him. Bjorn, Ragnar’s oldest, arrested my father for the murder of him. I didn’t understand at first why they did, because when Father told Mother that Athelstan had found his religion, and renounced our gods, he told the village and the villagers were mean to him. I didn’t understand how they could turn around and suddenly hate my father for doing something that our gods demanded.

Those days when Father was chained in front of Ragnar’s home, in the village, my mother and I tried to get children to stop throwing things at him. Villagers just laughed and watched. I remember telling Mother I hated them for doing this, for turning on a friend. She shushed me and told me that everything would be okay. We took food and water to him, and I tried to stay with him as much as possible. It was nearing winter and Father did not have much clothes to keep him from the cold.

“You are such a treasure, little mouse.” Father whispers to me one night as I sat in his lap, a fur blanket wrapped around us. It was still cold, but at least Father had stopped shaking. I snuck out most nights, to visit him and bring him hot broth and heavy furs. I carried everything in a wagon Father made for me when I would gather different rocks and flowers from the forest and make small gardens. They always died, but that gave me more incentive to go out again with my little wagon. Mother didn’t know I did this, and if she had, I am sure she would have stopped me.

“Why do they not like you anymore Father?” I asked him, looking up from his chest as the furs blocked most of my vision. “You are his friend, why did Bjorn do this?”

“It is just what the gods have instore for me, mouse.” I remember muttering how I didn’t like Bjorn, and that I wouldn’t forget this, but father just patted my head and hold me to sleep. He woke me in the morning, telling me to hurry home so mother would not worry. I got a cold that winter, from being out with father. Mother made me rest for a few weeks, scolding me for being so reckless.

I didn’t have any friends, as I always stayed by my father or mother. Father would be working, and Mother would be working, so no play time for me unless I did so by myself. However, I got a friend when Ivar came into my life. Queen Aslaug came to our home one day, while Father and I were in his hut, making some animals for me to play with. He had been let free from custody but I don’t remember how he and Ragnar stood at that time. Queen Aslaug was carrying her youngest son, Ivar. He was a small boy, at least, in my opinion. He had long shaggy brown hair fell around his soft pale face and his blue eyes reminded me of an icy storm.

Queen Aslaug begged for Father to take Ivar in and teach him, and father accepted. He spent time with Ivar, a lot of time. It bothered me, because it was never just us anymore. Father was either teaching him about the gods, or something that he always did with me. Mother noticed, and she always had me with her, either taking my attention away from them or taking me out into the woods. I missed my father though, and when the times came that Ivar wasn’t around, Father would be busy or too tired for me. It angered me. I found myself hating Ivar, and even hating my father for ignoring me.

I was just five when Mother and Father brought me back to our home in Kattegat. Now, it has reached the spring and I knew I was six. Mother made me breakfast, and all day she sent time with me, letting me braid flowers into her hair-I had gotten better-and she also made me a special dessert that she knew I loved. Fruit Pudding. I did not see much of Father, but he did wake me up with a kiss and I was sure he would spend the day with me. However, he soon left after breakfast, disappearing over the hill in the morning sun. He was going to Ivar. I scowled and turning to my food, not feeling as if I could eat the last bites.

“It is alright Ellenor, your father just does not want to anger the gods, nor our Queen.”

I shrugged my shoulders, I was a year older and I was a mature young lady. I did not care, nope, not at all. “It's okay, Mother, I wanted today to just be us anyways!” I smiled, jumping up from my seat and taking my plate to her. “Let’s hurry!”

Mother and I got the wagon ready, and I accompanied her as she would need to go to town to get supplies for my ‘special surprise’. She needed things to make the fruit pudding. The sun was out but the air was still a little chilly for the spring air. We past the house of Ragnar and Aslaug, and I can see Father sitting out in the front with Ivar, showing him different pieces of runes carved into wood. I think back to when he would do that with me, and then together we would make small protection charms, I would make one for him and he would make one for me.

“Come, dear.” Mother says, taking my hand before pulling me away from the scene.

A few days later I was playing by myself in the woods. It was not far from my own home but I had set up a small little area to myself. It was under a thick tree, one that I was sure my father would have used to make a wonderful boat. The base split out, the roots making a half circle and around it green grass grew and wild flowers cluttered the place. I have clumsily carved runes into the tree, practicing by myself as my Father was occupied with Ragnar’s son. I didn’t know why he was spending too much time with Ivar, it confused me because Father never seemed to spend time with the other sons. I wondered if he wished I was a boy, maybe he would spend more time with me then.

I was humming to myself, I didn’t hear Father’s steps coming towards me, and I suddenly fumbled my knife as I tried to get a chip of wood out of the bear I was carving. The small knife slipped and sliced my finger, and blood started to pour out. I yelped, dropping my bear and knife, cradling my hand. The blood was pooling in my hand and dripping into my skirt in my lap. Tears stung my eyes and I tried to hold in my cries, not knowing what to do. It hurt to move, but I needed Mother.

“Little mouse?” I looked up, seeing Father rushing to me. He crouched down, reaching for my hand. “Come here, let me see.”

“No!” I glared, pulling my hand away from him. Father’s eyes widened in shock, and he held up his hands, leaning away from me. I sniffed, as moving my hand away from him caused more blood to come out. It ran down my arm, the color dark against my pale skin.

“What’s wrong little mouse?” I felt more anger bubble inside of my as he used that name for me, making more frustrated tears come to my eyes. “I want to help you.”

“I don’t want it!” I grumbled, turning away from him. I pulled my knees to my chest, trying to put pressure on the cut; finding that it took some of the pain away, making it dull. It was quiet, but I could still feel Father’s eyes on me. “Why don’t you go and help Ivar, s’not like I care anyways!” I shot over my shoulder, and bit my lip to keep from crying. I flinched as Father placed a hand on my shoulder, pulling me towards him. He spun me around, and I curled tighter into a ball.

“Ellenor, look at me.” I looked away, not wanting to look at him. He was disappointed with me, that’s why he’s ignoring me. “Mother told me that you’ve been upset lately, and I am guessing that has to do with Ivar.” I glare at the flowers beside me, answering with a angry sniff. Father sighs, sitting down as he pulls his legs to his own chest, looking at me. “Ellenor, Aslaug has asked me to help Ivar. He is not like us, he needs special care.”

I look up at him, “How? What makes him so special?”

“He can’t walk, Ellenor.” Father explains, “His legs are twisted and he cannot use them.” I frown, trying to picture that in my head. “His older brothers don’t play with him and his father doesn’t spend much time with him, so the queen asked me to guide him. Teach him how to be a viking.” I looked at my hand, the bleeding stopped, I think, but the pain was still there. “I’m sorry for not spending much time with you, like we did before.”

“You like him better.” I mutter, keeping my head down. My hair fell around me, braids and curly locks dangling in my vision. “You wish I was a boy.” Father’s hands are under my arms and he’s lifting me into his lap, holding me tighter as I try and pull away from him. I didn’t want hugs, I wanted to be left alone. I was embarrassed, and angry and I didn’t want to talk.

“Little mouse, I do not wish that.” He situates me and gently takes my hand and looks at the cut. “I love you and I don’t want you to change.” I feel more tears in my eyes, again, feeling overwhelmed with emotions. “I’m so sorry I made you feel that way.” I sag into his chest, tears streaming down my face as I hide my face. “Now, can I see your hand?” Unable to speak, my throat getting tighter with each breath, I hold up my hand. The cut was on my palm, not deep but maybe the dried blood was hiding how bad it was. “Oh, I think we may have to cut it off!” Father says, holding my hand up and I spring up.

“No!” I pull away, shaking my head. “It’s fine! All better! Promise!” Father laughs, hugging me close, chin resting on my head.

“We need to clean it before it gets infected, come on Little Mouse.” He stands, holding me in his arms. He picks up my bear and knife, walking back to our house. Being in his arms makes me feel very tall. I wasn’t scared of heights, and I liked to sit on his shoulders and see over other people.

“Ellenor?” Mother gasps when she sees my hand. “Floki! What happened?”

“She cut herself trying to make a bear.” Father gets some herbs and a knife, along with water and a cloth. “She’ll be fine, Helga.” Mother watches, scolding me for not being careful as Father cleans my cut. When it was better, the pain was gone and my hand was wrapped. Father stood, walking towards the door. He pauses, turning to me before asking.

“You coming?”

Glancing at Mother, she gives me a smile before nodding to him. “Yes!” I jump up, rushing to him and laughing as he lifts me into the air and begins to carry me. Perhaps this day will be better?

[avengeultrons]

Title: Home for the Holidays (Reader x Peter Parker) 

Summary: Natasha brings her niece home for the holidays, just in time for all of the drama.

Word Count: 1453

A/N: This is an early Christmas gift/first part of an ongoing christmas gift hopefully so I really hope you enjoy! MERRY CHRISTMAS! Also this was really quick to upload so it’s not edited thoroughly! 

--

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to New York,” the airplane pilot’s warm voice welcomed all of you to your home state. Some people clapped as the plane slowed, excited to get off and see their families. You yanked your earbuds out and gathered your things, bouncing your foot impatiently.  All you had left to do was navigate the holiday crowds of the airport and grab your bags and you would be on your way to visit your aunt and her great group of friends in the city that never sleeps, your home away from home for the holidays.

With your backpack thrown over your shoulder, you braved the crowd. You couldn’t even hear soft bells ringing in the Christmas music over the bustling people trying to get to their destinations. A large, extravagantly decorated tree caught your eye as soon as you left the gate, and your aunt Natasha stood front and center with a glittery sign, your name written in large cursive, “Y/N!” she pulled her cell phone out and started recording as you ran to her, your arms open wide to envelope her into a hug, “Gosh you’ve grown up. You’re a teen now! That video was so cute, I’m sending it to everyone. I can’t believe you’re here!”

“I’ve missed you so much,” you said with a laugh as you looped your arm through hers. Natasha was always the cool aunt who slipped you cash whenever she was over and would have sleepovers of pizza and movies in your bedroom when she was supposed to be babysitting.

Natasha led the way to baggage claim where you grabbed your things and followed her to her car, “I have so much to tell you, Y/N. First off, Tony and Steve had a big blowout. Huge, dramatic fight. I guess you’ll find that out at the holiday party tonight,” she heaved a sigh as she lugged your suitcase behind her, “It’s freezing out here. Wait, where’s your coat? Here, I somehow knew you’d forget so I brought an extra,” Natasha tossed you a puffy coat that had a fluffy hood and stared at you until you threw it on with a groan.

You and Natasha talked the whole ride to the Avengers Facility about everything you had to catch up on since the last time you were in town, and the last time you were in New York City  was when you were seven. The fact that the last time you had seen everyone was when you still thought an octopus could come out of the bathtub drain was making you nervous; you hadn’t seen these people in nine years.

“Welcome to your home for the holidays!” Natasha parked the car and helped you grab your things from the back seat, your nerves bubbling up inside you. She led the way to the door and threw it open, doing dramatic jazz hands as she stepped aside to let you in.

You could hear the cheerful commotion as soon as you walked inside and dropped your bags by the door, “Y/N’s here! It’s baby Nat!” you could hear Steve from the kitchen and laughed at the nickname, Natasha throwing her arm over your shoulder as the common area filled with excited Avengers.

“You’re getting so old,” Clint ran over and hugged you, a hearty laugh escaping his lips. You rolled you eyes at him; Clint was basically an uncle to you, one with too many bad jokes to count.

“I could say the same for you,” you smirked over at him, which only made everyone laugh more. Clint merely rolled his eyes, but ended up smiling anyways.

You were put to work as soon as you were shown where you’d be sleeping. The Avengers Facility was big, too big for just Natasha and a new Avenger that had taken a keen liking to you, Wanda, to decorate for the party alone. You didn’t mind one bit, it gave you something to do to pass the time until Tony’s party. Yet you hadn’t even seen him yet, he wasn’t around when you arrived, “Y/N, go ahead and set up the Christmas village on the mantle, we can string lights around it,” Wanda pointed to the sleek and modern mantle above the fireplace where nothing but a creepy robot head with glowing blue eyes sat.

Jingle Bell Rock was playing through fancy bluetooth speakers in the kitchen and you were nodding off in your seat at the bar, watching Natasha and Steve make candy cane shaped sugar cookies for the party. It had been a long day already and it wasn’t even over.

“Boo!” A hand on your shoulder jolted you awake, pulling you out of the nap you had almost been graced with. Your eyes widened and you whipped around to see that it was only Tony, a wide smile on his face, “and you all thought I’d be late to my own party. Welcome back, Y/N,” he rubbed the top of your head obnoxiously, something he used to do to mess up your hair and make you laugh.

You swatted at his hand and got up, rubbing your eyes exhaustedly, “Hi,” you said, trudging over to the counter to pour yourself a cup of coffee. Natasha and Tony eyes you carefully, eyebrows furrowed in confusion, “What, am I not allowed to drink coffee?”

“I didn’t know they started them so young,” Tony said with a look of shock and bemusement, “On, Y/N. You’re a teen right?” Natasha rolled her eyes and laughed quietly to herself as you nodded, taking a bite out of one of  the candy cane shaped cookies, “Great! Mr. Parker is a teen, too. Peter, meet Y/N,” with that, Tony grabbed a tray of sugar cookies and ran off to the party already filling with people.

You looked over at Natasha wearily for help, but she merely shrugged. Her and Wanda shared a glance, an all knowing look that left them both giggling quietly to themselves. You huffed and leaned against the counter while the fellow teenager sauntered over, his hands jammed into his pockets, “How long has it been since you’ve been here?” he asked you with a nervous smile.

“Ten hours and twenty six minutes,” you said in a whisper, causing him to laugh. Your aunt glanced over her shoulder at you and wiggles her eyebrows tantalizingly, making your cheeks turn pink. You sent her a glare, “But who’s counting?”

“I’m Peter, by the way. If you, uh, didn’t know,” the boy named Peter crossed his arms over his chest, almost too nervous to look at you directly in the eye, “Are you glad to be back?”

You merely shrugged, snagging another cookie off of the serving platter. Wanda had to swat your hand away and shoo the two of you out of the kitchen and into the party of usually sophisticated adults loosening up with beers and gingerbread, “I knew that. Tony introduced us, remember? Glad to be back? For the most part. It was home for a long time, after all. ” you said with a shrug, finding yourself beginning to spill too much of your family life with a boy you’d just met, “But anyways… who are you? Like, what do you do?” “What do I do? I go to school,” he gave a nervous laugh, yanking at the collar of his holiday sweater while you gave him an all-knowing look. You knew that everyone that was apart of the Avengers had something, “I mean, I’m an intern for Mr. Stark.” A huff escaped your lips as you reached for the hanging snowflake ornament on the tree. It was one that you had made, it even had your name and the year you made it on the back, all worn from love, “I mean, what do you do? You can tell me, you know. I know there’s something,” you smiled at him, cocking your head to the side. He was quite cute, cuter than anyone back at home. You’d never had a boyfriend, only a quick kiss from a boy that you later found out was a dare.

“Okay, fine. I’m Spider-Man,” your eyes lit up and you opened your mouth to say something as he shushed you. Spider-Man was your personal favorite to keep up with on Twitter and YouTube. He was always saving someone on the streets of New York, “Quiet!”

“Can you, like, shoot webs and everything? Wow, I can’t believe aunt Nat didn’t tell me,” you shook your head at him, a wide smile on your face. Your cheeks were beginning to hurt from smiling so much that day, “Okay, now I’m definitely glad to be back.”

[everlarkbirthdaygifts]

Happy Birthday, amazinglovers747!

Apologies to @amazinglovers747 for the delay on your gift. We hope you had a wonderful birthday back on November 2, and celebrated in style. To bring back the birthday cheer, the lovely @mega-aulover has written a story just for you!

For: amazinglovers747 Happy Belated Birthday! Sorry, it is a little late. Thank you @notanislander for betaing at the last moment heart you greatly.

Request: I'd love an Everlark honeymoon newlyweds story, please. Rated E

Rated: M

Title: WAITING

"IT'S YOUR WEDDING DAY!" Prim excitedly jumped on Katniss's bed.

Katniss groaned, "Prim." Her sister's bright blue eyes were the first things he saw when she cracked open her lashes.

"Katniss and Peeta sitting in a tree. K. I. S. S. I. N. G." Her sister sang, "First comes love, then comes marriage…" Prim dissolved into a fit of giggles.

She rolled her eyes. She had been waiting for this day, from the moment she discovered she was deeply in love with Peeta Mellark.

She'd known Peeta all of her life; they'd grown up in the same town. They became close after her father died when she was eleven. He was the shy boy who'd shared her lunch with her, every day for months when her mother had gone into shock.

It was a rough time for her, and it if it wasn't for Peeta sharing his lunch she wouldn't have had anything to give to Prim at night. Things turned around for them when Haymitch moved in with her family, but for months she'd survived on his generosity.

Katniss tried to pay him back, by defending him on the playground. She’d even once stood up to his mother.

When boys became more than playmates and everyone wanted to have first crushes, Katniss wasn’t ready. She still wanted to play, and hunt. Peeta played right along with her. When she turned fourteen and she had a choice to make as to whom to take to her first dance. Gale her neighbor who asked her or Peeta. Peeta did the honorable thing offering his friendship instead.

She'd chosen Peeta.

They'd innocently dated for a year, holding hands sharing lunches. Watching movies and laughing at all the awkward phases that took place. They'd had ups and downs and knew the other better than anyone else. She and Peeta were a team.

Katniss sighed then grimaced as her perky sister bounced on the bed until she fell on top of Katniss. Prim smiled.

Her sister was a morning person but Katniss was the opposite, she needed silence. A solid hour of silence before she was able to greet people without scowling.

"Does Peeta know you're a grouch in the morning."

Katniss blushed.

"No, he doesn't. I can't believe you guys decided to wait until you got married to have sex." Prim sat back.

Katniss blush went from pink to deep red.

It was a commitment they'd done after a pregnancy scare in high school. They'd used protection, they'd always been so careful. But just after she’d turned seventen the condom broke when she'd just turn seventeen. Katniss found herself facing the plus sign at the end of a stick.

She'd gone to the clinic to find out it was a false alarm.

She and Peeta decided they were not ready for sex, even though it was good. It was a hard decision to make, and a hard one to keep but they'd abstained from going all the way again, promising that they'd wait until they were married. Though they fooled around, more than the couples that were having sex and oral was definitely something they practiced.

No one knew about their pact until somehow Finnick found out and during their engagement party, he drunkenly let it slip out in front of their families that they'd abstained. Now everyone thought they were virgins. The constant ribbing during the months leading up to the wedding had made her want to elope. Peeta convinced her their coupling would be so much sweeter, because they’d patiently waited for the other.

"Prim," Katniss warned pushing her sister off of her as she sat up.

"Katniss why are you such a prude, it's just sex," Prim wiggled her eyebrows.

Katniss took her pillow and hit her sister with it. A pillow fight erupted and for a minute both sisters were transported back to a time when they were much younger and their dad was alive.

"GIRLS!"

Effie Trinkets stern voice stopped them. Both girls stood in the room biting down on their bottom lips to keep from laughing.

"Now this is a big, big," Effie walked around them. "Big day! The day you've been waiting for so the whole of your life. Primrose your mother is looking for you. Katniss your prep team is here. They have a lot of work of to do so, Prim please leave the room. Some girls are not blessed with perfection.

Prim winked, "See you later, virgin."

"Traitor," Katniss muttered under her breath, as she faced Effie's team. They surrounded her like sharks right before a feeding frenzy. She was dipped and galvanized like a piece of steel that had to endure all times of outdoor climates.

Her skin was rubbed, shaved, stripped of offending body hair. By the time they finished she needed a vacation or the very least a nap. Her last step was to put on the dress. Her photographer came in and shot a few private moments, but Katniss couldn't pose and pretend. It was Cinna her dress designer who suggested the photographer hang around, ready to shoot the candi moments. It worked.

But the time she was dressed Katniss just wanted to get the ceremony over with so she could go eat, she was starved.

On the short trip to the venue, all she could think about was Peeta's face when he finally saw her. With this in mind she waited patiently for the moment she'd stepped out onto the carpet.

"Ready sweetheart? You've been waiting for this moment, to see me all cleaned up in a penguin suit."

Katniss affectionately straightened his bowtie. Her uncle Haymitch moved all the way from New York City to Victor's Village to help them out when her father died. He was unconventional in his ways but he was the only one Katniss could imagine walking her down the aisle.

"Do you think dad would've-" Katniss trailed off.

"Katniss, your paw would've loved Peeta, he’s the sort of man he wanted for you to marry."

Katniss smiled reassured that her father would've liked Peeta.

"Okay take your positions the Bridal Chorus is about to play," Effie swept by.

"This is your song," Haymitch said giving her a slight wink as the first notes of Here Comes the Bride began to play.

Katniss beamed the moment her eyes connected with Peeta's. She saw his surprise, approval and pure love. In her heart love bloomed like dandelions, bright, delicate but strong enough to withstand the storms because of its deep seeded roots. Katniss loved Peeta and she'd spent the last ten years loving her childhood sweetheart in all of the available ways. She wanted to run to him, but she'd walked at the pace Effie Trinket had drilled into her head.

"Hi," he mouthed.

Katniss glowed from the inside out as she finally reached him. Haymitch was correct her father would have loved Peeta. When it came time for Haymitch to let go, she hugged him tightly. "Thank you for taking care of me, mentoring me," she whispered.

When she pulled away Haymitch's eyes were wet with unshed tears. "It's been an honor, sweetheart. It's been an honor."

In the background, the photographer snapped away at the spontaneous action.

Katniss finally turned to Peeta a bright smile on her face and she leaped into his arms. This caused the audience to laugh. He spun her around and there was an 'awe' was sprung from the lips of the audience.

The officiant waited patiently as Peeta put her down and the ceremony began.

"Dearly beloved we are gathered here today…-"

The words were only the topping, to a past filled with laughter and love. Katniss had sworn fidelity and loyalty to Peeta. He was steadfast and the perfect compliment to her. When it came time for the kiss, she expected the small token as Effie had made them practice.

He grinned pecked her on the lips then whispered in her ear, "I'm hungry for you."

She gasped as her underwear suddenly became damp. She cast her eyes downward to look as if she was the blushing bride, when in reality she was the turned on bride, no thanks to her husband.

As the day passed Peeta kept on making small salacious comments. In the car just a few feet away from their stuffy wedding coordinator Effie, he told her he wanted to make hear her purr his name when she came. While taking a few pictures during the cocktail hour, his eyes kept on straying to her breast. He gave her an innocent look, but his lips quirked in that little way that told her he was thinking of having one of her breasts in his mouth.

Katniss sat down to eat and she felt his hand rest on her leg. Immediately she forgot about the food and could only think about how she could get his fingers inside of her. She realized when she looked at him that he too was pushing his food around the plate. Reaching over she placed her hand on his crotch. His eyes flew to hers, as she felt him grow.

A small delighted smirk appeared on her lips, he was just as turned on as she.

The rest of the night they privately touching and grabbing body parts without the knowledge of the guests or Effie. Katniss was so turned on her nipples were like headlights, had the front of the dress been plain it would have been visible.

"Peeta, I want you," she whispered while they were doing the slow dance.

"Tell me how?"

Normally she wasn't good with these things, but she was ready, ready to be with him again for the first time in since they were seventeen. "I want you to rip the dress off of me, I want you in-"

Peeta groaned before she could finish, he kissed her. "Katniss I'm going to do just that, rip this dress off of you, bury my face in between your legs and then pound into you until neither one of us can walk straight."

Her legs gave out and he easily carried her.

The crowd clapped thinking it was a romantic gesture, not knowing the real reason. They went back to the seats. Effie seemed to materialize from nowhere.

"How are my angelic lovebirds?"

Katniss glanced at Peeta.

"Effie you have done an excellent job," he pulled out an envelope and discreetly gave it to her. "I believe this is my family's way of thanking you for all of your attention to detail."

"Well, it was nothing my dears, nothing."

"Miss Effie do you suppose we could leave a little early, Katniss and I want to get a head start on our honeymoon."

Katniss wondered how Peeta did that, he managed to tell the truth without giving away that he was horny as hell.

"Oh, surely the cake…"

"Please," he gave her an angelic look.

"I suppose I can cause a distraction with the entertainment…"

"Thank you," Peeta gushed.

Effie left and Katniss took a dinner roll, a swig of her champagne and a huge slice of cheese. She had a feeling she was going to need her strength.

Together hand in hand they snuck out of the venue. "Peeta we can go upstairs."

"They'd find us." His eyes traveled up her form, "I want to take you to a place no one can hear you scream my name."

She laughed but shivered at the same time. The driver was waiting for them outside, Peeta nodded at him and as soon as they were seated they whisked away to parts unknown. Katniss put her head on his shoulders, and he wrapped her up in his arms. Peeta raised the partition just as his warm mouth found hers.

Sparks flew immediately as their lips connected his hands strained over the material of the dress. Hers over his suit. He looked gorgeous in that white jacket and dark pants. Her hands strained to feel the skin beneath.

"We're here."

They jumped apart breathless.

Katniss didn't care where they were she wanted Peeta all by herself. Getting out she noticed the ground crunched under her shoe. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness and she gasped. "Peeta."

The car silently pulled away.

"My brothers and I we fixed it." Peeta quietly stated, "I know it's not Hawaii or so some far off place. But this is where we first kissed, and first made love."

This was her father's cabin. This was the place she'd fallen in love with Peeta. It was here at the cabin they kissed when she turned fifteen. It was also here they'd had sex for the first time at sixteen.

The cabin held so many memories. It was small and run down from a bad storm a few years back when they were in college. She'd never been able to fix it, but he'd done it. It was the perfect place to spend their first days as husband and wife.

She took his hand and tugged him toward the entrance, once the door was shut she leaped into his arms. He quickly grabbed her and they made it to the sofa. His large hands cupped her breasts and she mewled when he reached in and pulled one out to take it into his mouth.

She arched into the bulge in his pants. It wasn't enough she needed more. She began to pull the material of her dress out of the way as he leaned up and tore off his jacket. When he loosened and removed his bow tie Katniss thought he looked like a rouge and her her blood flowed between her legs.

She ached, her clit throbbed needing attention as she took in the sight of his bare chest. Peeta stood and removed his pants, she licked her lips at the sight of his erect member. He was long and thick, and his head was weeping.

She yearned to touch him, but the dress she was impeding her movements. He helped her stand and with deft fingers did what she couldn't do, yanked down the zipper and got her out of the dress. She stood in a delicate white lace bustier and matching underwear. His blue eyes turned dark.

Katniss rubbed her legs together, she was soaked and it her thighs became damp. He slid his hand into her her hair and kissed her roughly, she leaped up wrapping her legs around his waist his hands cupped her butt. The damp cloth of her racy underwear came in contact with his abdomen. He groaned, then quickly walked toward the bedroom.

They fell on the bed rolling around her hands scraping down his muscular back, as their mouths widely connected. His hand slid up her legs and in one smooth move ripped her soaked panties. His fingers found her throbbing pearl and she screamed when he put his mouth on her sopping core.

She tore at the blond curls on his head chanting his name. She was at the summit but she refused to go over it without him. She tugged at him unable to speak. Desperately clutching his arms when he moved up her body, seeking to be filled by him, to have him surround him and be tied to Peeta to show him what she felt deep inside of her was an all-consuming love. It'd been ten long years since they'd done this and the moment he began sinking into her she gasped his name. Her body stretched slowly accommodating his rightful space.

Peeta waited poised above her, his blue eyes filled with passion and love. He waited for her like the first time they were together. Katniss nodded, and he began to move. The sweet friction of their bodies caused them to make noises. They were lost in the feel of being with the other. She felt warm all over, and it was as if she was exhaling him as well as breathing him in with each movement of his body.

"Peeta," she gasped when he put one leg over his shoulder driving deeper into her.

He grunted a fine sheet of sweat accumulated on his forehead. Her leg slipped off of his shoulder. Katniss kissed him, his tongue emulating each thrust. Katniss pulled away his lips found her neck and he roughly began to pick up speed. She felt as if she was at a higher summit, a peak she'd never been to. Small noises burst from her lips as she felt she was close to jumping off the tip. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as she tried to hold on. His thrusts were quick and forceful and he hit a spot that made her cry, out his name.

Suddenly it hit her, and she tumbled into the abyss. Peeta came along with her. Their passionate cries bouncing off of the timber roof. There was no beginning or end to the sweaty stated pile of limbs they'd become.

"That was," Peeta said in between small chaste kisses on her lips, "amazing."

Katniss cracked one eye open. Had she not been so preoccupied with biting his earlobe at the time she would've noticed the candles and flowers. She turned to him, sweet smile on her face. "I love you."

"I love you too, I was afraid that I'd be bad at this."

Katniss laughed, she sat astride him. He never removed her bustier, she wiggled her chest in his face.

He groaned, "Woman, I need time to reboot."

Katniss smiled grabbed his shaft and pumped it. It sprang to life. Katniss poised herself before sliding down on him. She'd been waiting for this moment and now that she had it she wasn't going to let go.

[jadeblossom-journeys]

“The Cooking Competition”

“Well, there we are!” The water walker smiled as finished adjusting the rug. With the mat freshly washed, its corners evenly pressed against the ground, a good afternoon’s worth of work was well completed. After lifting herself off the ground, she retreated the hut’s flaps, hanging them to either side of the entrance. Winoa leaned against the frame, swinging herself out to see the small Shu’halo child chasing a glistening pink dragonhawk. The brilliant creature was nearly as long as the boy’s legs, its wingspan nearly able to wrap around his torso. “Eagle! Granny Yainah’s gonna be here soon and you still haven’t perfected your fire breath!” Maliko hollered as he slowed down. “What are you doing, Mali?” “Working on Eagle’s training.” The boy huffed, dramatically collapsing under a pine tree. “You know- he’s a fast one. Good enough to chase after snakes.” The water walker pursed her lips. “He’s been chasing snakes?” “Uh...no. But he could.”

A flash of pink dashed by Winoa’s eyes, racing into the abode. The taureness gasped, giving chase to the critter. “Hey!” The dragonhawk perched upon a broken spear shaft, peering down on the tauren. Winoa sighed with relief. “Alright, you stay up there and-” “Mama!” Maliko burst into the hut. Eagle squawked, gliding back outside at the sudden noise. “Granny’s here!” Giving a small sigh, the water walker stepped back out of the hut. There she was meet with a large golden cloud serpent. Atop her ornate horns, a small dragonhawk was happily perched. The serpent didn’t seem to mind, instead curling up as a pandaren woman dismounted. Her red fur was streaked with gray, but her blue eyes smiled knowingly as she picked up the tauren child. “How have you been, sweetie?” Yainah asked. Maliko beamed eagerly, pointing to the dragons. “Eagle won!” The priestess blinked in confusion, glancing between the creatures and tauren. “Won what?” “The dual.” The child rose an eyebrow. “What else?” “Mal, I think he’s just saying ‘hello’.” “Nah, Granny Yainah. Look at him- he’s cheering.” “I see.” Yainah smirked, quickly setting him down. “You want to go check on Jia and make sure she’s not taking the loss too bad?” “Can do!” The child nodded, giving a sloppy salute before rushing to the serpent. The pandaren chuckled, turning back to the hut. She enveloped the observing taureness in a fast and furious hug before letting go. Winoa stiffened hesitantly, slowly warming into the gesture. After a moment, the water walker pulled back with a fond smile. “He’s getting big…” Yainah mused. “Indeed he is.” The taureness chuckled. “At this rate, he’s going to riding his own kodo.” “And eating as much as they do.” Winoa blinked in shock before remembering where the priestess was from. “Ah, not yet. Jafern only ate a quarter.” The pandaren woman roared with laughter. “Really?” The water walker nodded. “He must have been a skinny one then. The poor thing.” “Not particularly…” “At that rate, he was a walking stick!” The priestess huffed, turning to the entrance. “I can’t let you two suffer the same fate!” Winoa tightened her lips, stepping towards the abode. “You don’t have too, Yai-” “Nonsense! No one will deal with a tiny meal tonight!” The water walker shook her head. “I suppose we’ll allow it then. No meal is complete with some pandaren noodles.” “Exactly!” Yainah exclaimed, pointing to the door. “Do you mind if I come in to start preparations?” “Ah, not at all.” Winoa smiled, lifting the loose leather flaps above the frame. “We just have to remember to leave some leftovers for Kennocha. She’s supposed to be coming back from critter army training early.” “Have you ever known me to cook less than needed?” “No...if anything, we usually leave your home with bundles for food for the next week.” “Then there’s no need to worry, dearie.” The priestess entered, rushing to the bags of spices and stored food. She began gathering armfuls of them, handing them to her friend. “There’s plenty to work with here.”

“Oh, these are better than last time!” The child slurped his bowl down. Setting the empty dish down, he licked his lips in satisfaction. The priestess laughed. “Ah, it was nothing, dearie. Just a little something I whipped up. Your Mama actually made most of this possible.” “Uh huh.” Maliko passed his bowl towards the pandaren. “Can I have more?” “What do we say if we want more noodles?” The child furrowed his brow. “More?” “Please.” “Oh…” Maliko scooted his bowl closer to the pandaren. “More, please?” The priestess nodded, turning to the water walker. With one hand tentatively over the handle, her other poked Winoa’s shoulder. The taureness hummed in thought, looking out to the path. Upon finding no new figures, she nodded slightly. With that, the pandaren scooped up another bowlful of noodles for the child. After Maliko breathed down the noodles, he tapped his mother’s knee. “Wasn’t Auntie Kenn suppose to be here already? She hasn’t seen Eagle all day and he’s getting kinda mad.” The dragonhawk squawked, as if agreeing with the boy’s sentiment. Winoa furrowed her brow, glancing up at the setting sun. “Indeed she was, but the critters must have been time if it’s taking this long.” “Can you get here already then?” The priestess shook her head. “Patience, young one, or else you won’t be having any more tonight.” The child shrugged. “Eh, I’m full.” Yainah smirked. “It only took you three bowls then?” Ignoring the priestess’ inquiry, he got up and began heading to the path to the village below. “I’m going to work on Eagle’s fire breath then.” “Alright, as long as you’re back before dusk.” Winoa called out. “Yes, Mama.” With the boy running towards Sun Rock, the priestess turned to the water walker. Upon seeing the taureness tapping her hooves on the ground, Yainah swirled the pot. “Do you want any more noodles before I close the pot then?” Winoa shook her head. “I’m good.” “Alright.” The pandaren nodded, putting the lid on her dish. “You know- I don’t think I’ve seen so much meat in one place before.” “Well, we just came back from a kodo hunt last week. There were quite a few we took down, enough to supply everyone there with enough hides and flesh to keep us stuffed for the season.” “Oh?” “Indeed. We were spending a few days spreading the goods around the tribes.” Winoa smiled fondly. “It was quite the coincidence when it turned out one of our deliveries was in the middle of a mating ceremony. They were all quite surprised, but there was a wonderful feast that night.” “Oh my goodness!” Yainah chuckled. “I can only imagine what would happen if that happened at my wedding!” Winoa joined in the laughter. “Do pandaren weddings not have bountiful food then?” “We do. The only difference is that we know it’s coming.” The priestess smiled fondly at the pot. “Yet extra food would have been a better surprise.” “Better than what?” The water walker furrowed her brow. “My cousin’s gift.” Yainah sighed. “Meliin figured Nuan and I needed a good laugh after the chaos that was wedding planning. So she and a good friend of ours spent an entire week writing a ‘joke’ about an old relationship coming back with a vengeance.” Winoa leaned closer to the central fire, nodding towards the pandaren for her to continue. “At our wedding, they read the story aloud to everyone. Nuan and I, our other friends, our family… Mei used to joke that was when I got my first gray hair; grown by simply listening to their perverted tale.” The taureness winced. “How terrible…” “It was. In their story, my old friend crashed our wedding, taking me away to some fun ‘rocking the turtle’. I don’t think I’ve ever read anything as nasty since!” The priestess glanced towards the village. Although it appeared in long thought, her face suddenly perked up. Her eyes widened and mouth gaped, slowly twisting into a telling smile.

Winoa pursed her lips. She knew that look, the smirk she made when she came with a horrible idea. “Yainah?” The priestess let out a small cackle. “Yai?” The pandaren in question snapped her attention back to the water walker. “The wedding! Oh, this is perfect!” Winoa pursed her lips. “You aren’t making much sense.” “Eunci and Tsing’s wedding!” Yainah declared estatically. “Yes, they are becoming mates.” “No!” The priestess clapped loudly, momentarily dropping her hands as she realized her mistake. “Well, yes they are...but it’s coming up soon!” “Indeed it is.” “I always told Meilin that I would return the favour, but then she never married. Even now, none of children are looking at that sort of commitment-” “So you want to write something similar for their union.” The water walker finished, clearly unamused as she began stacking the leftover bowls. “Good luck with that, Yai.” “Oh, I’ll have more than luck with you helping writing it!” Winoa paused, slowly turning to the priestess. “What?” “I’ve heard your stories, Winoa. They’re wondrous tales, beautifully written.” The priestess flattered, setting her hand on the water walker’s shoulder. “You would make a wonderful author of such a work.” Winoa shook her head. “No, no, I’m good. You can write this on your own.” “But you’re so well versed!” “And you had the idea for this mess. You’ll be fine, Yai.” The priestess hummed. “Perhaps, but you would be a fantastic coauthor. Think of it- this could be your first story you share!” “While that’s a nice thought, I don’t want to be known for perverted stories about our friends.” “Alright, how about we compromise? You help me write this tonight, and it will stay between us.” The water walker glanced back to the path, peering between the road and the village below. With a heavy sigh, she turned back to her friend. “Alright then.” Stopping out the last of the dying flame, she ushers the pandaren woman into the abode. “Perhaps this could be fun.”

The druidess slowly walked into the village, nearly dragging her hooves. The day had been a long one up the plateau, spent with anxious rabbits and furious mice. At this point, Kennocha was eager to reach the hut and go to sleep. “Auntie Kenn!” The taureness straightened her back, searching for the cry’s source. “Maliko?” The child tapped the tip of her tail. “Back here.” Kennocha twirled around, only to see her nephew and his dragonhawk. “Mali, what are you doing out so late?” The boy shrugged. “Eagle was learning to breath fire. He needs space so he doesn’t burn the hut down.” “Ah, indeed. That would have been a terrible fate.” Maliko nodded in agreement. “Exactly! Granny Yainah didn’t think he’d have enough to rival Jia, but Eagle’s gonna show her-” “Granny’s here?” Kennocha interrupted. “Yep!” The young tauren grinned. “She’s just finishing up with Winoa.” “Oh,” The druidess rubbed the side of her robe. “I suppose we should be heading up there.” “Okay.” Maliko agreed, grabbing the druidess’ hand. He began running as fast as his legs could carry him, pulling her forward. Kennocha widened her eyes, surprised by the lad’s speed. “Are you eager to sleep too?” The boy shook his head. “No, Granny said if you came around before she left, I was going to bring you up and,” He rose his spare hand, making air quotes with them. “‘Seal the deal’.” “What deal?” The child beamed eagerly, ready to rant his heart’s contents about it. Yet they were meet by a running pandaren figure, dashing straight towards them. Her arm was extended in front of her, revealing the outline of a rectangle. “Ah, Kennocha! Wonderful timing, darling!” “Yainah!” Another voice cried out, closely following Yainah. “Kennocha? Kennocha! You can’t take the envelope!” The druidess furrowed her brow, tilted her head in confusion. “What envelope?” As the priestess drew closer, she could see the basic shape form the figure of an envelope. “Take it, Mali!” The child jogged to catch up with the pandaren. He extended his hands, quickly grabbing the papers as they were passed off to him. He turned as rapidly as his body would allow, circling back to the druidess. Upon reaching his aunt, he leaned on her leg and reached the envelope to her hands. “Here you go!” Kennocha bit her bottom lip, hesitating to take the envelope. After a moment though, her fingers closed around its tip, accepting the enclosed paper. “Ah!” Winoa hollered. “How could my own betray me like that?” The druidess blinked rapidly. “Betrayed-?” “It’ll be good for you, Winoa! They’ll be able to appreciate your stories now!” The priestess grinned. Maliko slugged his back forward, slowly making his way to the pandaren. “So, we’ll go see the eagles?” The pandaren nodded. “On Jia, no less. You did well, sweetie.” “Thank you, Granny Yainah.” The young tauren huffed, turning to his mother. “But can we bring Mama too? She’ll need something to help her tomorrow.” Yainah nodded. “Ah, of course. It will be good for her while Kennocha recites the story tomorrow.” The druidess steps towards the three, envelope in hand. “This is one of Winoa’s stories then?” Winoa nodded. “Yes, so you need to give it back, Kenn. Please.” Kennocha bowed her head, taking a cautious step towards the water walker. “Alright then.” The other two stepped between them, though the elder seemed particularly stressed at the thought. “No! Kennocha, you know how good her stories are. You can help us all out by sharing this tomorrow at Story Time!” “But Winoa-” “Kennocha,” The priestess sighed. “It will help us all if you simply read it tomorrow. Nothing could go wrong, and Winoa will finally be able to share her incredible stories with the others. That will be good, won’t it?” The druidess nodded. “Alright...I will do it.” Yainah smiled, giving the taureness a hug. “Thank you, dearie. There’s extra kodo noodles as thanks.” Kennocha bowed her head, returning the gesture eagerly. “Ah, it will be good to help you two out. It will be great tomorrow!” The priestess nodded in agreement, heading back to the serpent. “You three have a good night!” Maliko waved to the pandren. “You too!” Winoa looked back to her Sister as the pandaren left. “Kennocha, could you possibly reconsider…?” She trailed off at the sight of her Sister shaking her head. The water walker sighed, heading into the hut. Kennocha pursed her lips as she ushered Maliko inside. The three settled along their mats, preparing for their restful night. The druidess slipped the envelope in her bag and slid onto hers, falling asleep to the sound of steady breathing and her eager heart.

The Next Day.... Kennocha carefully opens up the envelope, pulling out a small stack of parchment. She draws the papes close to her and begins to read aloud its contents. “‘The Cooking Competition, by….Winoa Summerdream, Maliko Bloomcaller, and Yainah Jadeblossom.’” The tauren hunters gasps, with Nonahkee whispering to her friend. “This is going to make me hungry.” Kanyenke chuckles, offering his bag of jerky to snack on. “So that is what they were doing last night…” The druidess shrugs, continuing along with the story. “‘It was only a few nights ago when chiefs and brewer from all over Pandaria gathered in the tranquil settlement of Half Hill. Pandaren, orcs, elves, and everyone in between came to share delicacies. All in the hope of getting acknowledged as a master cook. Among the hopeful was a young couple by the names of Tsing and Eunci.” Nonahkee bounces eagerly, taking another piece of jerky. “We know them!” The druidess nods, grinning eagerly at the names. “Indeed! They are quite lovely people!” Kanyenke looks to his friend and whispers. “We know them?” Nonah nods, looking back to Kenn to continue. “‘They were just finishing their own dishes at their quaint home when suddenly- another large pandaren rushed in. Why, it was no other than Kuri! The brewer huffed as he walked towards the baking chiefs. ‘Eunci, Tsing, I know it is late to ask you this, but my partner dropped out of the competition! Please, may I accompany you as you enter the contest?’’ “The two pandaren looked at one another before nodding. ‘Why of course!’ Tsing declared. ‘Who else but a fine brewer to compliment our dumplings and pies!’” “Thus the three went off to Half Hil, ready to share their dishes with the finest of judges. Yet the town was even more crowded than they thought! Tauren danced with their rice cakes, worgen with their roasts, and they even heard an angry hollar from a gnome they tripped over. “They held hands with each other, trying to stay together in the chaos. However, they were still many tables away when Tsing spotted a beautiful plate of donuts! And not any donuts, oh no! These were fresh, dripping sweet icing of fruit and sugar. The pandaren cook stopped to admire the delicacy, but his friend and love continued onwards without him! When he called out for Eunci to look at the heavenly dish, she was already gone.’” At this moment, a small elf arrives at the tauren hut. Vynedara bows down, receiving a welcoming smile from both Kanyenke and Nonahkee. The two waved for her to join them. She quietly sat by the hunter’s side. “I apologize for being late!” Kennocha smiles to the elf, bowing her head as she resumes the tale. “‘Meanwhile, Eunci and Kuri reached their table, settling their plates and keg around the tabletop. Though the noodle cart vender wondered where fiance was, she was simply too excited as she put the finishing garnishes on her entre.’ “‘The two finished up their plates, now concerned with looking for Tsing. Eunci began to call out for the lost pandaren when Kuri shook her shoulder. ‘Kuri,’ She turned in confusion. ‘What-?’ Yet the pandaren’s stoic face and gently pointing hand revealed the source of his concern approaching from the distance: a judge.’ “‘Eunci blinked, unsure of what to do. After all, she had entered the contest with Tsing and he could be anywhere...but the contest must go on! She brushed off her goggles and smiled to the hasty judge.’ “The judge glanced over here, brow heavy with impatience and hours of dealing with people. ‘You two must be Tsing and Eunci- the famous pandaren couple of enlightening noodles, yes?’ Kuri shook his head as Eunci opened her mouth to speak, but the judge came no toots about that. Excellent!’’ “‘Thus he began trying their dishes, ignoring the protest from the pandaren chiefs. After enjoying a healthy bite of all their dishes, the judge gave a small grin. ‘Not bad. I shall bring more judges to show off your amazing partnership of cooking!’’ “‘Hence the two were left to their own time once again. Eunci frowned ever so slightly as she peered around the village. Still, there was no sign of her fiance to be found.’ “‘It will be alright. He will find his way back from the mounds of food here. It’s what he does best.’ Kuri reassured the distraught pandaren. Eunci gave a soft smile, nodding in agreement. ‘You’re right! He might be taking a nap somewhere! We should go-’ Yet three judges interrupted her, licking their lips at the smell of their food.’ “‘’Whatcha got there, toots?’ The goblin judge asked.’ “Eunci beamed eagerly, gesturing to their table. ‘Oh, we have lots of dishes for you to try! There is a platter of chicken dumplings, some noodles I sell at my cart, and even an old goblin recipe for the Boss’ Mama’s meatballs!’’” Nonahkee nudges Kanyen for more jerky, as all this talk of food and tasting is just too much. Kanyenkee chuckles. Handing her what’s left of the kodo jerky, he begins searching for other food items in other pouches. “‘The goblin nodded, scooping a handful of each. He grinned like a full maniac, equally as satsified as the other judges. Heck, he even scooped the rest in his bag! ‘Well done, toots! Ya oughta get a ribbon for these…’ He declared as he shoved another ball in his mouth.’ “‘Eunci smiled gleefully. Their dishes were making so many happy with their coolness! She turned to Kuri, her smile contagious to the brewer. She leaped into his arms, giving him a big ‘ol hug. ‘Oh, they like it!’ “Kuri blinked, uncertain of what to do. He looked to the female chief, about to speak when another judge saved his fluffy butt. The goblin came back, hopping on the table to slap a blue ribbon on Eunci’s goggles. ‘Grats, tits!’ He grinned slyly before realizing his mistake. ‘I mean, toots. Yeah…’’” Kennocha widens her eyes, glancing up to the group. “Oh deer…” “Oh dear…” The elven nerd profuses. The male hunter chuckles, as Nonah claps with sheer joy. “Oh they won!” The other two elves sat silently, with a small smirk coming from the warlock’s mouth. Kennocha clears her throat before continuing. “‘Eunci smiled, jumping up and down at her goggle’s new award. ‘Oh, we’re so cool!’ At this moment, Kuri was confused until a lightbulb went off in his head. ‘Hey, uh…’tits’?’ He furrowed his brow, debating whether it was the right word before nodding that -yes- it was.’ “‘’You and Tsing make some wonderful food, but I forgot to bring my dish to compliment the brew.’ Eunci gasped. ‘Oh, we can go get it really quick! What was it?’ The pandren brewed his head, unsure if he really wanted to proceed before glancing back up with an imitation of the goblin’s smirk. ‘It’s a beef wellington.’” The druidess blushes furiously, settling the papers on her lap. “Oh...Maliko did not write this….” She gulps, twirling a pinch of her loose leather in her hand before letting go. She picks the paper back up and resumes the tale, trying not to shake terribly hard. “My goodness…” Vyn blushes. Kanyenke blushes as the realization hits him. “Oh...Oh!” “‘Eunci continued smiling, unaware of what the brewer was trying to imply. ‘Oh? That sounds delightful!’ The brewer blinked, a grin growing as he assumed she knew what the…” Kennocha trails off, trying to find a filler. “..roses...was going on. ‘Wonderful! We must be quick to get it before the judges come back!’ Eunci nodded, once more looking around the twon. ‘What about Tsing? I am sure he would like some too!’” Kennocha purses her lips. ‘“He bit his lips, thinking over the prospect. ‘Eh, why not? Of course we can!’” The elf blinks, trying to avoid blushing further. “OH!” Kanyenke hollars. A goblin by the name of Freudrik rubs his chin. “Very interesting...After this you must tell me of your mother.” The druidess sighs, continuing where she left off. “‘Thus they continued the search for Tsing. They searched high and low, by the gnome they tripped over and the singing tauren of rice cakes. ‘Tsing!’ Eunci cried out, brushing stray branches out of her face. ‘Tsing!’ Kuri screached in vain. ‘Tsing!’ They came together, but with no result.’” Freudrik questions to himself as to whether or not the writer of this story had a happy childhood. “‘Kuri was able to give up and simply take Eunci to his awaiting dish, when suddenly, they heard a loud snore! Eunci rushed over to the sound, shaking him awake. ‘Tsing?’ The pandaren fluttered his eyes. ‘Do you have any peppers?’ “‘The female hummed, rummaging through her bags. ‘I don’t have one down there, no.’ The pandaren shrugged, standing up to see Eunci’s ribbon. ‘We won?’” “‘Eunci nodded, showing off her goggles. ‘Indeed! They really liked the Big Boss’ balls!’ Tsing grinned, enveloping his fiance in a good hug. ‘How wonderful!’’ “‘Kuri cleared his throat, interrupting the sweet moment. ‘Indeed! Congratulations you two!’ Eunci grinned before widening her eyes in remembrance. ‘Oh, Tsing! Kuri forgot his beef wellington at his house. He wants us to help him get his dish here, but first, he wants to show us the plate!’” “‘Tsing smiled, stepping up eagerly. ‘How generous! Let us hurry before the judges miss out on his beef wellington!’” Kennocha shakes her head, grabbing a thick handful of her robe to calm her nerves. “Oh…” Vyn tries to hide her face behind her curls, as Kanyenke looks more intently at Kennocha as she opens her mouth once again. “‘The three rushed over to the lone house in the Jade Forest, eager to find the beef wellington that Kuri had claimoured about. They arrived soon enough, with the brewer rushing into his home first. ‘I shall go finish the final touches on the wellington. Could you stay here and wait me to get ready?’ Eunci nodded. ‘Of course! Anything for a friend!’ “‘Hence the couple sat together in front of Kuri’s house, eagerly sniffing the air for hints of what was to come. ‘It must be a succulent treat for such an occasion!’ Tsing declared, rambling on. ‘Thick, meaty goodness rolled up in a doughy bread…’ Eunci nodded in agreement. ‘I can’t wait to see it! Do you think he’ll let us sample it?’ “‘Just as they couldn’t take the wait any longer, Kuri emerged from his home! ‘This is my wellington!’ He drooped to the ground, dramatically revealing the dish under the silver platter. A beautiful dish laid in front of them, baked to a golden brown wonder that made the two drool with excitement. ‘What a platter!’ Eunci exclaimed. ‘It must have taken you a long time to make this.’ “‘Tsing nodded. ‘Indeed! We must share this fine culture with those delightful judges!’ The two smiled in unison, trying to rush Kuri out the door. ‘That nice goblin would certainly love this!’ “‘Yet Kuri shook his head. ‘No! I wanted to share this with you two, in honour of your wedding and successful balls!’ “‘The other two stopped in their tracks, blinking in surprise. ‘Oh, we haven’t thought about that!’ Eunci thought, tapping her chin thoughtfully.’” Vynedara blushs. “My goodness…..” “‘Indeed!’” Kennocha continues. “Tsing widened his eyes. ‘But all our balls were enjoyed at hte contest. We don’t have anything to offer for such generosity of your wellington!’ Kuri chuckled, going through his cupboards to find a bag of nuts and berries, mixing them into the last drinks.’” Nonahkee whispers in Kanyen’s ears. “Why is everyone laughing? I think we are missing something.” To which, the hunter simply shrugs. “There’s no need to worry! There’s plenty to go around!’” Kennocha furrows her brow. “‘Kuri poured a glass for each of them, raising his own in a toast. ‘To a happy union, full of love, kisses, and of course, delicious food!’ The other two clinked their glasses.” The druidess gulps hard, setting the papers down as she finishes the last line. “‘To our balls!’” Kanyenke blinks before bursting into a long, hearty laugh. Vyn simply covers her face, hiding the blush on her face. By this point, Kennocha’s face is radiating off heat from her embarrassment. “Well...that would explain why Winoa was so upset last night….I am terribly sorry.” Kayne’s howling’s laughter continues, encouraging Lady Sunfox to join in the frenzy. Vynedara looks up, her face almost as red as her dresses. “M-my goodness..” Kanyenke gently pats Vyn, trying to settle down the nervous air. Kennocha shakes her head, eager for the night to end. Although Story Time would end soon, it wouldn't be soon enough to apologize to her Sister.

[imaginesnkdorks]

“Listen, Brat!” Levi X Reader

Pairing: Levi X Reader

Words: 1847

Genre: Action, fluff(?)

              He was the very first one to ever call me a brat! Can you believe his nerve? But I need to learn to ignore him. There is no way I’d quit or let him kick me out – not after what happened.

“No! You can’t just have me marry some stranger!” I yelled, my temper spiraling out of control.

          And just like me, my father’s face was contorted in his rage. “I am the father – the head of the family! You’d do well to listen to me, (Y/N)! I never should have let you play with swords.”

          “Really?” I remembered that he was the one who taught me how to fight in the first place. Father changed.

          “Just do as I say, (Y/N). It is a good match with Alexis. You will be set for life! You won’t need for anything like those peasants in the outer districts.”

          “Oh yeah? Well, I’d rather be one of those peasants in the outer districts than get married to that Alexis. You know what, father? I’d take it even farther than the outer district! I’d go outside these damn walls! I’d rather be a Survey Corps soldier and get eaten by a Titan than stay here!”

          Out of spite, I walked away and never came back. True to my word, I enlisted in the military. After three years of training, I graduated the top of my batch. After which, I entered the Survey Corps. It was just after the wall Maria reclamation program, too. Meaning there are a lot of vacancies.

And as luck would have it, I got assigned to the so – called Special Operations Squad. It’s a brand new squad, with a brand new leader.

“Tsk. You’re the newbie?” Said this man, called Levi. That’s captain Levi for me, though. He’s my squad leader, and this squad functions differently than the other ones. How? I’m not quite sure yet – honestly, I don’t really know what this special operations is.  

          “Yes, sir.” I saluted. “(L/N) (Y/N), sir!” to my surprise, he handed me a broom. An effing broom? Before I could stop myself, I lost my composure as a soldier and asked, “what’s this?”

          Levi glared at me. He looked so offended right now, but I am too! Why the hell is he handling me a broom?

          “Listen here, brat.” I can’t help but notice lingered on the word brat. “Every member of my squad need to learn how to clean up their mess before anything else.”

          He stepped closer, leaning down a bit so his eyes are directly looking at mine. “Are we clear, brat.”

          “Yes.” Despite my lack of respect, he deemed it good enough and left me with the broom.

          “The heck am I going to do with this?” I looked around the room, and it was already clean! Ugh! Maybe the special operations is cleaning up what’s already clean! I sighed. I might as well as just sweep around.

          “I can’t believe it! Three years of training all for this?” But I got no other choice now, do I? It’s either this or go back home.

          Fifteen minutes into it, though, I actually got very immersed. Checking every nook and cranny of the room, so as the shelves and windows. But that doesn’t mean my mouth was shut the whole time.

          “I can’t believe – ugh!” I lifted a set of books once I was done wiping down the shelf, “why do we even need books!”

          “Do you just whine all day?”

          “Shi –!” I whipped my head back, and lo and behold, my captain was back, with a teacup in hand.

          “No. Sometimes I just punch walls.” Then I turned back to sorting.

          “You can’t help being a brat, can you?”

          “Excuse me?!” With my fists clenched, I dropped the books and walked over to where he’s sitting. He just sighed – an exhausted sigh.

          “Let me guess, brat,” – the way he lingered on brat is so annoying! – “you’re running away from something.”

          I froze. That was spot on. I was careful – no one knows anything. So, how?

          “You came to the wrong place. One wrong move out there, and you’re dead. No matter how good you were during training, the real thing is something else. Especially since you think that all there is to a soldier is his sword.”

          He left the room again after that, leaving me to my thoughts.

***

          A month after that, I went on my first ever expedition.

“Listen, brat!” Levi said. “The moment we step outside this gate, Titans are going to surround us. Be ready for hell.”

At a loss for words, I nodded. It was hell, alright.

It was the first time I ever saw a Titan. They’re ugly, macabre creatures. Creatures that shouldn’t exist even in nightmares. Despite the initial shock, though, my training kicked in immediately. I went after every Titan I saw – finally having the outlet for all my pent-up frustrations.

1 … 2 … 3 … One by one they fell. I’m getting the hang of it.

“Captain! Two more incoming, a 10 – meter class from the left and a 6 – meter class from the right!” Eld barked.

“Brat, Olou, come with me. We’ll take on the 10 – meter. The rest of you go after the 6 – meter!”

“Yes, sir!”

We all went zipping to our assigned tasks, and as quick as lightning we were upon the 10 – meter class. It was just standing there, not even reacting to us. The captain signaled for me and Olou to do the routine – cut out sight, then the limbs. But that’ll waste our time. It’s literally just standing there!

I shook my head and went it for the nape. “Easy kill.” I smirked. Of course, it was easy. It was like a dead tree.

“No, (Y/N)!” Levi yelled. Too late.

I was almost there when the Titan suddenly turned! It’s head – no, it’s mouth! – was rushing towards me. Rather I was rushing towards it. Just when I thought I was gonna die, an arm wrapped around my stomach and pulled me away.

Black hair was almost all I could see, and a faint smell of antiseptic. I looked back at the Titan and it was already evaporating. Did Olou go in for the kill? Or was it Levi?

Dropping me uncourteously on the ground, Levi leaned down so we met at eye level.

“I told you before, brat. One wrong move and you’re dead. Recklessness is stupidity! And being stupid means you’ll die first!”

He’s right. He was right.

“I’m … so – rry.” It was hard to get my voice to work again after all that, especially the part of me admitting I was wrong.

“Get up. Just … learn to listen.” And then he walked away.

***

We reunited with the rest of the army later that day, and began setting up camp in an abandoned village. The local Garrison Hq here wasn’t big enough for all of us, so it was only the commander’s squad and the special operations squad who could stay.

Despite the fact that Titans can’t function at night and knowing full well we are actually safe, I couldn’t sleep. Being at death’s doorstep make you … realize things. Captain Levi was right. I do need to listen. It was my recklessness that almost got me killed.

Finally giving up on trying to sleep, I decided to walk around. I found a rag, somehow and started cleaning the old dining area. Five months’ worth of dust was waiting for me, but I couldn’t care less. I need something to do.

“Can’t sleep?”

“Ah!” I wasn’t alone. Captain Levi was here. Why? Instead of answering that I just nodded.

“I see you finally stopped your whining.” Despite that being incredibly annoying, I actually smiled. Well, at least I think it should have annoyed me yet I feel nothing.

“Was I that loud every time I clean?”

“Yes. I was tempted only too many times to kick you out my squad. I have no need for a brat like you.” He said, looking me straight in the eye.

“Why didn’t you, then? Kicked me out?”

At that, though, he looked away. And silence passed that I thought he was never gonna answer but he did.

“Because you’re actually good at cleaning.” He said whilst looking at the wall, you’d think he was talking to it. In spite of the subtle insult there, I can’t help but smile and feel the tiniest bit of pride at my work. Okay, not the tiniest. Captain Levi is the master of being clean, and having him praise my work is some kind of an achievement.

“Thank you.” I said, before we both settled back into our silence.

***

          “(Y/N), back me up!” Eld called. We were facing a 7-meter Titan. It was an abnormal, too.  When he called me to back him up, that meant I should be in sync with him in disabling the Titan. We sped up to cut off its eyes when the damn Titan jumped out of the way. Good thing me and Eld didn’t slit each other’s throat when we almost collided.

          We quickly recovered, and one look between us conveyed our next move. A faint, a smoke screen and then bam! I went in for the nape!

          “Finally!” I yelled, victoriously. “Area cleared!” I yelled out to my squad mates. We all then gathered around captain Levi.

          “Good job, Eld!” Gunther said as he clapped Eld on the back.

          “Thank you. But (Y/N) did a great job, too. After all, she dealt the killing blow.”

          “Whoa! That’s your fifth kill, (Y/N). And it’s only your first expedition.” Petra mused.

          “That’s noth – “I tried to shrug it off, but Olou cut me off. That ass.

          “That’s nothing. Five kills aren’t that amazing.” Olou said haughtily, even crossing his arms for full effect.

          “Funny you should say that, Olou.” Eld said before he and Gunther burst into laughter. Once he was calm enough, he continued, “(Y/N), on this pig’s first expedition you know what happened? He peed his pants!”

          “Oh my goodness! Really?” That was probably the grossest thing I have ever heard. And to think I just saw people get eaten.

          “Tsk. He reeked so bad, too.” Levi added, a look of disgust on his face. “Picnic’s over. We’re heading to the left plank.”

          “Yes, sir!”

          We all moved towards our horses, however Levi held me back.

          “Hey brat!”

          “Still?” I thought we bonded last night. Well, maybe that was only me.

          He sighed, as of what he was about to say is something so difficult and would contradict his principles. “You did great, (Y/N). You actually listened.”

          “Hey! You called me by my name for the first time!” I was wrong. This felt better than being praised for my cleaning skills. I was so cheered up that I was actually skipping!

          “Idiot, I’ve called you by your name before. You just didn’t listen.”

          “Well, sorry! Promise I’ll listen better from now on.”

          To my great surprise, he actually smiled at that.

[shuuenka-writes]

Within the Gray Mist [4.]

Paring: Marufuji Ryo/Zane Truesdale x Reader

Summary:  [Dragon!AU] You were a village nobody, one of a many faces in the crowd. You’ve always thought your life will be simple and normal. But when you met a wounded dragon on one snowy day, everything you knew was challenged.

pervious: [3.] [masterlist]

“Ouch,” you hissed, rising a bucket full of water and clothing. With every stretch your muscules screamed in pain. You wasn’t able to see your back, but the constant pain asssured you that you were covered in bruises.

You started to hang clean clothing on the strings in the palace backyard, when you heard a noise. You turned around, shadowing your eyes from merciless sun, that burned your arms. The clothing you hung earlier, stayed unswayed till somebody decided it was an amazing idea to run through them. With a laugh, two girls appeared. One you knew; it was the girl called Princess Mana; and the other you didn’t recognize. You siged and turned back to your work, the earlier you finish, the sooner you’d be able to hide from the sun. “Hello!” the girl called out. “Hi!” You blinked and turned around; the princess was waving at you. You looked away and tensed. “Hey, what’s your name?” she stood beside you. “You were serving me breakfast past few days, right? I didn’t catch your name.” You clenched your teeth. She was doing this all the time; talking, asking, smiling. “So?” “______,” you mumbled, and bowed the way Aguhie taught you. “What a pretty name! And sounds so foreign!” she clapped her hands. “Pray tell, where are you from?” You pursed your lips, and stole a glance at the girl. She was beaming at you, with a curious sparkle in her dark eyes. The clothing waited for you in the basket, and you weren’t she sure if this idleness will be good for you. But you could appreciate a little relax it provided to your back. “Daksina Lands,” you replied minutes later. “Ooh! In the south, right?” she jumped with excitement. “I heard it’s really cold out there.” She looked at you, as if waiting for a reply. You nodded. You didn’t think it was really cold there, but for people of this land it could be. “Princess, let’s go,” the girl you earlier ignored, whined and tugged on the girls hand. She was dressed almost as extravagant as Mana, but surely looked more tidy. She glanced at you with distaste. Actually, you agreed with her on one point, the princess should go. “Don’t talk to her, she’s just a servant.” “Oh, don’t be rude, Nousha,” Mana scolded. The girl scoffed and turned away. Why has your presence annoyed her so much? People of Moratu Kingdom was so wierd, the old bowed to youngsters, women to men. They lived within blocks of stone, so suffocating and small, where the wind brings only a dust and sand, blinding their eyes. No real trees; no pines that would bring a homely smell; just a fruitless branches of a dry wood used to make fire. It was a different world where you were punished for seeking freedom, where you were scolded for forgetting to bow to a girl younger than you. “There you are princess,” a voice cut in. Tall, and well built man in his forties  appeared beside Mana with a bow. “It’s time for your archery lessons.” “Oh, right I forgot!” she took the bow in her hands and hugged it close as to not let it fall down. What a peculiar way of holding a bow, you cocked your head. “Are you coming, Nousha?” “Yes, princess!” You took it as a sign to get back work. The sweat already was dropping from your forehead, and you truly had enough if this sun for today. You wished you could hide within palace magazines, where you’d be able to cool off. Too hot. Way too hot. “_____ would you like to come with us? ” the princess called. “I want to hear more about Daksina Lands!” You blinked. Was she serious? From the look from her eyes it seemed so. “Uh, no,” you said. After a little thought you added, “your …um, Highness.” Mana pursed her lips. The archery teacher looked at you with a smile, but his voice was sharp. “It would be a great offence if you decline Her Highness’ invitation.” This sharp voice reminded you of the beating you got when last time you went against rules of this foreign world. As if on que, a shudder went through your spine. You nodded your head and lifted the basket. “Yay!” The princess chatted with you all way to the training grounds. At some point, the basket was taken from you, and now you just walked, your arms crossed. You were glad, that you were to stand under some kind of roof over your head, as the heat was getting unbearable. Though anyone else didn’t have as much problem as you. The Princess shot her first arrow to the target made of straw, and as you predicted, she missed. Her position was not entirely wrong, but still not good to be precise. To your surprise people around clapped their hands, and said their congratulations. When you missed your target, your father would correct you and make you shoot as many arrows till you did things right. Mana pouted, and the next three arrows went even further from the center. Nonetheless, people cheered. You looked towards her teacher, just to see his unnerving smile. You looked away before he could catch your stare. After this little presentation, the grounds started to clear, and you were close to sneak away if not for the teacher clamping his hand on your shoulder. With your lips tightly closed you sat down by Nousha on the pillows. Mana’s lesson continued, and you had nothing else to do, than to play with your talisman. It was around six days since you were beaten. Perhaps less, perhaps more. It was hard to keep the count, when the days were almost the same. Usually you liked routine, your routine – at your home, in your village. Here, you slowly were falling into domestication, and it somehow made you restless. It was not your home, you shouldn’t get used to it. No. But somehow, you were. Slowly you found out, you could recognize most of the faces around, even without giving them the name. Foreing land was slowly becoming familiar in its foreigness. Small shudder creeped on your back, as you took a deep breath. Six days, since you came back from the cells. Your hand clasped around the bracelet that was chained to your wirst. You rubbed the feathers on your talisman. Once from a raven, one from an owl. And what did it bring you? Nothing. Were gods above angry at you? Were they punishing you for helping a dragon? A being despised within the people? You didn’t know, not even from where such thoughts came from. And what was Ryo doing? Minus the evenings you didn’t see him at all, and even then you didn’t talk. Was he your friend? At some point you considered him as such. A companion, only familiar soul within mass of strangers. But he was a stranger too. Afterall, what you knew about him? Again, nothing. You were alone. And for the first time in your life, you felt lonely. “Ugh, why can’t I shoot just right?” the princess sat down, with a huff. “Because your footwork is wrong,” you said. Only a second later, when you felt stares on you, you realized you said that out loud. You gulped. “Really!?” Mana jumped. “Teacher, why didn’t you tell me?!” The teacher looked perplexed for a second, and then smiled once again. “Huuh? What a servant girl could know about archery?” Nousha piped in and send you a glare. You tried to make yourself smaller. Suddenly she smirked and gave you her bow. “Go, show us your amazing footwork then.” You remembered your first hunt, and a doe that looked at you, knowing it’s fate. You were sure you looked just the same. You looked at the princess, wishing she would just say no. But she smiled to you and nodded. “Yes, please show me how to shoot correctly,” she smiled. “I heard people of Daksina Lands are good with a bow, right master?” “Well, that’s correct, Princess,” he shot you a smile. Out of the three smiles you were offered, his was definitely malicious, unlike Mana’s naïve one. “Please, show us.” You felt their eyes on you, as you moved with stiff movements towards the targets. You picked up an arrow and took a deep breath to calm yourself down. You imagined your father beside you, with his gentle smile, telling you to relax your muscles. You imagined frost biting your fingers as you stretched the string. You imagined the calm forest around you, as you let the arrow go. And instead of the straw target, you saw a rabbit. And that was it, just in the center. “Whoa!” the Princess shouted, and your concentration crumbled to dust, as you once again stood with your head down. She run up to you, “That was amazing, ______!” You didn’t dare to look up at the teacher or Nousha’s face. You didn’t want to see them. “That’s… surprising,” the teacher said carefully. You glanced at his astonished face. Princess stood beside you, trying to recreate the pose you did, with concentration on her face. You gulped. “A little bit to the left,” you mumbled. “Like this?” You nodded. She stretched the string. “Princess, that’s not necessary for you to learn from a savage,” the teacher said. “Shhh!” You  helped her with positioning her arms, straightened her back and when the next arrow was let go, it hit much more closer to the center, than any of her arrows. She looked at it overwhelmed, and then laughed in glee. It was a good shoot, you decided. You felt glares on your back. You didn’t understand; when she was missing the target they celebrated, when she did good, they were unhappy. What a weird people. And that’s how you were asked to help the Princess with archery. You, a servant girl. You sat down with princess and her friend, that kept shooting you glares. Mana kept talking, and at some point you started to ignore her. It was easy, she wouldn’t even wait for a reply, but kept going on. “…and you know, I went to feed the dragon the other day, and she almost bit of my hand!” “No way!” Nousha gasped. You perked up. “A dragon?” you asked, bringing attention to yourself. “Yes,” Mana smiled. “We have three in the crypts, didn’t you know?” You shook your head. It sounded like they owned them, like pets. Unbelivable. “Would you like to see them?” Mana stood up, ready to go. “It’s soon their dinner time, so we can go, right master?” The man nodded his head. Striked with sudden interest you followed the princess. She led you through the corridors, still talking. “How come, you caught the dragons?” you asked. “Hm,” she hummed, “they were here before I was born. Teacher, do you know?” The man coughed and straightened. “One hundered years ago, it was belived that the dragons were thinking creatures,” he started. “Many could even take a human form. They possessed magic, and were the most prideful of all magic creatures.” You nodded in interest. You didn’t know much about dragons anyway. “But at some point they lost this knowledge and became the beasts, at least within our Kingdom. Now they are just animals, wild and savage. In Westenra, I’ve heard there are still living and thinking dragons. But that’s probably just a prattle.” He nodded to himself. “What would you do if there were thinking dragons?” you asked, your tone flat. He looked over you, in his monologue he seemed to forget that he was supposed to despise you because you were just a servant. “That would be amazing experiment!” he exclaimed. “To think they would exist. Surely, I wouldn’t let them go out of my sight!” he suddenly sighed, “but to find a blue blooded one, the real, free thinking dragon… That’s a pipe dream.” You felt your throat drying, and you didn’t want to ask any more questions. You stepped down the stone stairs, while the teacher rised a torch. Your shadows danced on the walls, and instead of a dread of going down, you somehow felt calmness sweeping over you. The teacher lighted torches at the very bottom of the crypts, and your gaze met shining eyes of the beasts. Gold, red, green. Three pairs of orbs turned to your group, and you heard sound of the rattling chains. In the light of the fire, the steel shone with a malicious gleam, the echo made the sound five times more overwhelming. You didn’t dare to take any more steps. While you stood frozen, a few other servants that went with you took out fresh meat. The dragon’s gazes turned to it, and growls echoed in the crypts. Their eyes, you seen them before. Glowing, seething with rage. Just like Ryo’s when he was weak and wounded. Eyes of the beasts. You walked a few steps towards the bars. You almost touched the steel, when the golden-eyed dragon jumped at you. He was stopped by the chains, but his ager filled howl echoed in the crypts. You saw how they jumped to the meat, and with a few loud growls, it was gone. You turned around. It was scary, how they turned into a wild animals, just like the teacher said. Their freedom was taken away from them, and now all they could do was to growl and glare behind steel bars. It was… sad. You ignored the rest of feeding session, wishing you could just get away from here. A half an hour later it came to an end, and your hurling stomach calmed down. You were free, you were out of the crypts, and when again on the surface you took a breath of relief. At some point you were released to your duties, and this time the scolding from Jaharis went deaf in your ears, as you couldn’t shut out the images you witnessed. And the teacher’s words still echoed in your mind. In the evening, you took all of your belongings and without a word you laid down beside Ryo. Even in his sleep, he had a frown on his face. You were quiet, but somehow he woke up and focused his eyes on you. You stared back at him, reminded of his almost white eyes when you saw him for the first time. “Ryo,” you whispered, so quietly, you weren’t sure he heard you. “You’re in danger.” “What happened?” he asked, turning his body to face you. “I saw dragons,” you replied, clutching hard at the dirty blanket. “You can’t let them catch you.” The silence stretched for far too long. Ryo shook off his covers and sat up. No, you thought, don’t ask me this. “Show me,” he said. “I can’t. I don’t have the key to the crypts.” He frowned at you. You weren’t this brave to look for the key, you didn’t even know where to look for it. *** You woke up next morning. You didn’t even know when you fell asleep. You guessed it was somewhere around the time Ryo went quiet about the key. You took a deep breath, your head hurt as you tried to open your eyes. You felt cold. It was early,; the sun was just peaking into the room, and in hour or so everyone would be waking up. You looked to your left, just to find Ryo’s bedding empty. You sat up, regretting it immiedately, as your stomach made a flip. You looked around the room, just to find snoring women and men, but no blue-haired dragon in sight. Goddamn him, you cursed as you stood up, leaning a bit onto the wall. He went to the crypts. Goddamn you, telling him about it all. How could you know he would just go and search for the crypts? But still. You wiped off the sweat of your forehead, and set off in the direction of the crypts. Your head was splitting, and you knew you weren’t walking straight. Just like a drunkard. You saw him before the bolt to the crypts. “Ryo!” you half-hissed, half-shouted. He glanced at you. “What are you doing here?” “Right back at you. Are you crazy?” he stumbled towards him. “Last time we tried to do something against the rules, we got beaten. You want that again?” He glared again, his eyes, a little bit brighter. But maybe it was just your imagination. You took a deep breath, rubbing your arms. It was cold. Weird. “So you are set on staying here?” he hissed at you. “Of course not!” you replied a little louder than you intended. You trembled without control. “But what can I do?” He frowned even more and clenched his hands on the bolt. You put your hands on his and glared back at him. “I won’t stay here and do nothing,” he said and pushed back your hands. “It will only get you killed!” you raised your voice. “If they know what you are, they won’t let you go.” “That doesn’t concern you. You should go back to sleep,” he hissed. You stumbled back. The headache was unbearable, your body shook as the cold sweat dropped from your forehead. Your eyes were slowly loosing focus, dizziness made the corridor spin. “_____?” a new voice cut in. Through the mist within your eyes you saw brown haired girl waling up to you. “Who are you?” You cradled yourself in your arms, trying to stop trembling. You recognized that person, it was the princess. You felt the reality fading away as you were slowly falling down, and just before everything faded to black, you saw white eyes. “Please…” you mumbled. *** You were drowning. The eight years old you saw the fading light as the oxygen was running out. The bubbles were surrounding you, as you tried to scream for help. You kicked and tried to swim, but you couldn’t. Your vision was clouding, when  you felt something under you, pushing you upwards. You were thrown on the ice, coughing and shivering. You looked back, and saw blue eyes of a beast you never seen before. It was staring at you intently, blue scales glowing in morning sun. “Guh…” you coughed. ‘’Thank you.” The creature blinked. It’s muzzle came closer to you, and you could feel it’s icy breath on your red cheeks. And then it happened. As if something within you stretched, and then broke, shattered in billion pieces, leaving you breathless. It did it. It took away something. Something you couldn’t name. Something important, which after a minute you forgot that existed. And it all faded to black. *** You felt a sour taste in your mouth. Famialiar. You couldn’t quite put a finger where, or when, you tasted it, but you knew you did. “Swallow it,” a voice ordered you.  It was soft, and smooth and after a second or so you obliged. After a gulp more of your senses slowly woke up. You felt something dropping on your swollen lips, to your mouth, a few drops trickling down your jaw and throat. “Once again, _____.” You gulped down again. You felt a hand on your forehead. And then you felt just how much you were feverish, when cold hand made a contact with your cheek. It was a chill that you welcomed. You coughed, but then again swallowed the sour liquid. Was it your mother taking care of you? Your father? No, you thought with tears prickling at the corners of your eyes. They couldn’t be here. They were gone. You opened your eyes. It hurt, but you did nonetheless. You met the gaze you knew. This time blue. Midnight blue. Not white. No longer a beast. “You have a fever,” he said quietly and you had to focus to understand. “You should rest.” You tried say something, but in the end you settled on simple nod. You watched as he drew his hand back and covered his wrist with a bandage. Ah, now you understood. Where were you? The mattress were too soft to be your own bedding. It smelled a little bit too nice to be servants room. But you couldn’t finish your thoughts as you fell asleep again, this time a little bit more calm and relaxed.

[robinhoodrevisited]

But, At What Cost? (pt.6)

Nottingham Castle. The Great Hall. (Little John and Much man the closed doors of the Great Hall on the balcony. Little John opens the door, throws something out, then spits and closes the door again. Meanwhile, Much yells down to Will.) Much: “Will, get up here! We can’t hold them!” (Will, who is helping Djaq, pours from a large pitcher.) Will: “Just a little bit longer!” (Clarke stands at his side.) Clarke: “Come on!” (Allan, Robin & Gisborne emerge from the tunnel.) Allan: “Leave the door! Everyone is to follow me! Robin’s orders! (Allan helps Gisborne down to sit on the floor against a barrel.) With me! To the cellars!(Allan leads the peasants out.) Those who can walk help those who can’t.” (Robin leans wearily on a barrel next to Will as Marian runs over to Gisborne.) Marian: “Guy, what happened?” Gisborne: “The Sheriff...Isabella...it was a trap.” Marian: (As Djaq arrives:) “Well you hang on, Djaq will look after you.” Gisborne: “If anyone can.” Djaq: “Shh. Less talking I have to see your wound.” Robin: (Trying to focus, to Will:) “Are we ready?” Will: “Yeah, we’re done, we’re done. (Looks at Robin with concern.) Are you all right?” Robin: (Shakes his head solemnly. Mouths:) “No. (Robin grimaces with the first twinge of the poison’s effects. Will nods, understanding Robin doesn’t want to talk about it, but suspects something very wrong with Robin. Shouting impatiently:) Get these people out!” Will: “Come on!” Djaq: (Calmly, while tending to Gisborne:) “Robin, look around you. These people are gravely injured, they cannot be moved. And Gisborne? (Djaq looks up to see Marian holding Gisborne’s hand.) I need to operate right away.” Robin: (Frustratedly:) “We are running out of time and options here! (Looking around:) Start breaking up the ladders for litters we need to get the wounded out of the castle via the tunnel before Vaisey’s army returns.” (The gang stand around mutely, watching Djaq prepare to operate on Gisborne as Robin paces, trying to think. Marian glances at Clarke.) Marian: “I think I have an idea! Grab as much of Djaq’s concoction as you can and follow me.”

Nottingham Castle. Poolside. (Allan and Little John are positioning barrels on opposite corners of the large swimming pool. Marian and Clarke do the same with their own barrels.) Clarke: “Are you sure this will work?” Marian: “We have to try. This is the only way we can stop Vaisey’s army without destroying the rest of the castle.” Clarke: “How will this work?” Marian: (Speaking loud enough for Allan and John to hear:) “When the second explosion happens, that’s our signal to light our barrels.” Allan: (Turning to Little John:) "Are we really going to blow it all up? (Little John makes a face and shrugs. Rubbing his hands together:) Should make one hell of a bang!” (Little John laughs and nods.)

Outside Nottingham. Graveyard. (Much is muttering and complaining to Will as he climbs down the graveyard entrance to the tunnel.) Much: “Why is it always me? I’m always the decoy.” Will: “Because after you embarrassed him by saving Marian, there’s no doubt the Sheriff will be after your blood.” Much: (Stares at Will a moment, then throws his arms up, exasperated:) “Honestly, no good deed.” Will: “Shh, they’re coming. Get down there.” (Much nods and heads down the hole into the tunnel as Will takes his position behind a tree, hidden from sight.) Blamire: (Approaching the tunnel entrance:) “Pick up your feet. I want the castle back in our possession before the Prince arrives.” (Much, playing the fool, pops his head out of the hole and looks around as if terrified.) Much: “You? I-I..I thought you’d retreated! (As Blamire and his men step forward:) Don’t come any closer! There are more of me... I mean us! Hundreds of us all down here waiting to kill you all!” Blamire: “He’s bluffing, he’s alone. (to soldiers:) Kill him.” Much: “Oh!” (Much drops back down the hole as the Blamire smiles.) Blamire: “Come along men, time to hunt.” (He sneers as one by one the soldiers step down into the tunnel after Much as Blamire stays behind.) Will: (From his hidden position:) “Come on, go down into the tunnel you git.” (As the last soldier disappears, Blamire looks around unsure of something, then finally enters the tunnel.)

Tunnel. (Much runs ahead, looking behind him to make sure he’s being followed as Blamire leads his men down the tunnel.) Graveyard. (Will steps out from his hiding place, bow and arrow in hand. He walks to the tunnel entrance, pulls out a flint from his pocket and kneels.) Tunnel. (Much has slowed his pace to a hurried walk, glancing over his shoulder as the soldier march towards him.) Graveyard. (Will manages to start a small fire with his flint and some dried grass. Standing, he ignites the tip of his arrow and nocks it do his bow.) Will: (Taking a deep breath:) “Gotcha.” Tunnel. (Much stands wide eyed on the spot trying to see into the darkness as Blamire and his men catch up to him.) Blamire: “Nowhere left to run?” (Much’s response is cut off as an almighty explosion is heard at the far end of the tunnel. The soldiers make various distressed noises as they are showered with rocks and dirt.) Soldier: “They’ve sealed the entrance, there’s no way out!” Blamire: (As the soldiers murmur:) “Shut up, shut up! We don’t need a way out. (Points at Much:) Forward!” Robin: (Hidden in the shadows:) “Much, get ready to run.” (Much, not needing to be told twice runs back towards the Great Hall entrance. Backing up as the army approaches. Robin shoots his arrow at a small barrel of Byzantine fire and runs for the exit. There is an explosion and several support columns collapse closing off the Great Hall entrance. More dust and dirt falls on the soldiers heads.) Soldier: (Coughing:) “Blamire, we’re trapped.” Blamire: “This is nothing, organise the men, start clearing the debris.” (Blamire wanders over to another part of the tunnel. Reaching around in the darkness, his hands find the handle to the cellar door exit. He turns it and the door opens. Just as he is about to shout back to the men four more explosions are heard overhead. With a horrible creaking sound the ceiling above them starts to crumble.) Soldier: (Squinting into the darkness:) “My lord!” Blamire: “Sorry.” (Blamire ducks inside the door, pulling it firmly behind him and bolting it shut. Soldiers yell as the ceiling collapses on top of the army and gallons of water floods the room.)

Outside Nottingham. (A series of explosions rock the castle. The villagers and townsfolk turn to watch.) Marian: “Robin!” (Marian runs toward him and they kiss deeply. He spins her around and places her back on the ground.) Robin: “That, my love, was brilliant!” Marian: “We did it! We did it!” (Allan laughs. Much punches the air.) Much: “Yeah! (Much runs to embrace Robin.) You did it!” (All the people cheer loudly. Robin sombrely walks through them as the people slap him on the back and congratulate him.) Marian: “Much! Yes!” Much: (Noticing Robin is gone.) “Where is he? Where’s Robin? He should be here to celebrate.“ (Will stops Much.) Will: (Solemnly:) “I think there’s something wrong with Robin.” Much: (With disbelief:) “What?“ (Gisborne, who is being carried on a litter by Allan and Little John, speaks up.) Gisborne: “Will’s right. (Gisborne is gently lowered to the ground and is quickly swarmed by Djaq who resumes stitching his wound.) Ah. (Continues:) There was a fight, in the tunnel. Isabella cut Robin with a dagger. The blade was poisoned.” Marian: “Poison? Where did she get poison from?” Gisborne: (Glances at Djaq:) “I gave it to her. I was trying to show her mercy. I took it from the Powis stores.” Djaq: (Stares at him a moment, realising the grimness of the situation:) “You fool.” Gisborne: (Winces as Djaq resumes her work, to Marian:) ”He’s dying, Marian, and quickly. It’s time to say goodbye.” (Little John is stunned. Allan hangs his head. Much refuses to believe his ears and runs after Robin, who is steadily climbing the hill towards the forest’s edge. Little John tries to hug Marian.) Little John: “Marian...” (Marian wrenches away.) Marian: “No!” (Little John reaches for her again, and she lets him pull her into an embrace, sinking against his chest. Will follows Robin, as do Little John and Marian. Allan glances back at Gisborne before following. Robin lets his hand slide over the tall stalks of brown grass as he walks up the rise.)

Sherwood Forest. (Robin looks up at the sun streaming through the trees as the gang slowly catch him up.) Robin: “I’d forgotten how beautiful sunsets here can be. (Robin sighs and turns his head to look around at the trees.) Sherwood. This is home.” (Robin looks back at the gang and realises he must say his goodbyes, however much he doesn’t want to. He turns to face them. Much tries to be brave and chokes back his tears.) Much: “Is it true?” Robin: (Nods.) “The final battle.” Little John: (Quietly:) “No.” Much: (Shakes head.) “No, this can’t happen. There’s... there’s a cure.” (Robin shakes his head.) Robin: “Much... (Robin steps towards Much.) We have cheated death... so many times.” (Much takes trembling breaths and takes a step forward.) Much: “What am I going to be without you?” (Robin claps his hands on either side of Much’s head.) Robin: “You... are already more of a man... than I will ever be. (Robin pulls Much’s head covering off and looks him sternly in the face.) You are Much... and you are my best friend.” (Robin gives Much a long embrace and Much can’t hold back the tears any longer. Robin pulls himself away and turns to Marian, tears streaking down her cheeks. Much turns his back, unable to watch any more.) Marian: "No. (Shakes her head:) It can't end like this, we're not finished yet. (Marian looks around desperately as Djaq & Clarke reach the clearing:) Djaq, surely there's time if we-" Djaq: "I'm sorry. Even if we rode non stop at full gallop we would not reach Powis and the antidote in time."

Robin: (Whispers:) "Marian... Our fight does not end with my death. Robin Hood goes on. As long as Prince John and his allies bring misery and suffering to the people of England, you will fight it." Little John: (Nods in agreement.) "We are Robin Hood." Robin: (Looks to him,  tries to smile. Fiercely:) “Today is a good day to die!” (Little John hugs Robin. They are both crying now. Will notices movement from the far side of the clearing.) Will: “Riders approaching!” (The gang turn and watch as five riders approach on horseback. Leading the group is Octavia flanked by Indra. Djaq gives an audible gasp at the sight of the third rider, Nyko, the Celtic healer. Clarke smiles beside Djaq as she realises there is now at least hope for Robin. However, the Princess’ attention is taken by the arrival of the last two riders. When Marcus crests the hill Clarke cannot remember him for a moment. But as the last rider comes into view, everything falls into place.) Clarke: (Walking slowly towards them:) “Mom?” (Robin and the rest of the gang watch as Abby dismounts her horse and quickly closes the distance between she and Clarke, pulling her daughter close to her in an emotional reunion.) To Be Continued...