#consummate professional never admitting weakness

[beautifulterriblequeen]

Runaan was pretty hurt in S7. Here's how I know:

He's loud about it. Everything he's feeling just comes right out of his mouth. He's carrying wounds of battle, hours of torture, days of privation, and years of psychological torment around with him. It's nearly impossible to keep all that suffering to himself when all he wants to do is go home to his husband.

Which makes his ability to shut the fuck up and stymie Viren

all the more impressive.

[barnes-dameron]

I Think of You

Double Sided Facade 

Soccer player!Cassian Andor x physical therapist!reader

Summary: You came to this country to learn the language and find work to pay off for school, nothing else. Getting a job as a physical therapist for the National soccer team was a plus and getting to see the star player, Cassian Andor, was a major plus as well. But what happens when your visa expires and immigration is on your tail? Your only hope resides in Cassian, who is more than willing to marry you until you can get your green card. What can go wrong?

Word count: 2.9k 

A/N: This is going to be a series but I don’t know how long will it be. I didn’t explicitly say what country this is taking place in because I want everyone who reads this to feel included. So for example, if you’re from the U.S., you can pretend it takes place in Mexico since Diego Luna is from there. Or if you’re from Mexico, you can pretend it takes place in the U.S. or another country. I want all readers to feel included instead of being excluded.  I hope you all enjoy! Let me know if you want to be tagged for future parts. 

Catch up: Part One

***

Cassian had to admit to himself that he was starting to panic when he saw your reaction to his insane question. You stood there in front of him, your eyes wide and your mouth open and gaping. 

“Cassian,” you let out slowly in a voice just above a whisper. “What are you doing?” 

Cassian got up from his stance on the floor to stand in front of you. He needed to be calm and collected, else wise he would spill everything to you. 

“I know about your visa,” Cassian revealed. “You can’t leave now. Not when the season is about to start. So I figured the best way for you to stay is marrying a citizen so you can at least get a residency here faster than the usual process.”

Cassian watched your chest rise slowly and fall at the same rate. Your eyes were no longer wide from shock, but were wide with disbelief. 

“Cassian, I can’t let you do this,” you whispered. “If someone finds out that the marriage is fake, it could run your career.” 

“I’m willing to take that chance,” Cassian replied quickly. meaning every word.

“You would really do this?” you asked, your gaze burning into Cassian, but he welcomed it either way. 

“I would,” Cassian said, looking into your eyes and noting the different shades of color. He suddenly found it hard to breathe in that moment. “It’s what’s best for-” He stopped himself before he could say anything else. He was about to say for you, he would do whatever he can, whatever is best for you. But he couldn’t say that, and you couldn’t know. “The team,” he finished. “It’s what’s best for the team.” 

“Okay,” you said, nodding your head. ��I have to go tell Mon and Bail.” 

Cassian let out a breath that he didn’t even know he was holding as he watched you make your way out of the exam room to the door. So this was happening. It wasn’t how he imagined it in his head. He always thought he would propose to you on the beach after a night of dinner and dancing. The moon would be shining bright, casting its reflection on the navy blue waves. The sand would still be warm under your feet. It would’ve been perfect. Of course, he imagined asking you to marry him would occur after two years of dating and learning everything about you. But life doesn’t come out the way you plan doesn’t it? 

Cassian turned around in the room, looking for where he put his shoes before participating in the therapy. But the next thing he knew, you were wrapping your arms around his neck, and fitting your head against his neck. Cassian was shocked from both the embrace and the closeness. However he welcomed the warmth that radiated off of you and the sweet scent from your shampoo. 

“Thank you,” you mumbled into his neck. “You don’t know how much this means to me.”

As quickly as you appeared before him, you left, leaving him a gaping mess as he processed what just happened. He kicked himself for not reciprocating the action. He wanted to wrap his arms around you and bring you closer to him. He wanted to press his head against yours, and leave you a kiss. But instead he was shocked from the action, and stood there like a tree. Well, hopefully the opportunity would present itself again. 

***

You traced the wood pattern of the table as Anderson’s voice droned on and on in the Rebel’s conference room. It’s been about two weeks since Cassian’s proposal, and once you told Mon and Bail, they sent out for Anderson to draw up the marital contract. 

You sat at the long oak table listening to Anderson, who sat at the head of the table. Alongside you was your own lawyer, diligently taking notes on her pad. After revealing everything that happened to you to Jyn, she recommended for you to get your own lawyer in case someone “tries to screw you over,” her words. Across the table sat Cassian, dressed in a suit instead of his usual uniform which you were so used to seeing him in. You secretly scolded yourself from admiring the way he looks in it. Does he have to look good in everything he wears?  He was sitting next to his own lawyer who was also taking notes. 

“So in summary,” Anderson finally said, grabbing your attention at last. “Mr. Andor and Ms. L/N will marry as soon as possible so his citizenship would cover her for a time period of one year. During the time period, Ms. L/N will be required to live with Mr. Andor in order to make the marriage look authentic and in the case an immigration worker makes a surprise home visit. After the one year time period, they are free to divorce. Is there anything that the parties would like to present?” 

“Yes,” your lawyer jumped in as soon as Anderson finished. “My client would like to propose that she and Mr. Andor will get an annulment instead of a divorce, for personal reasons.” 

You felt the heat rise to your cheeks when your lawyer announced that. You really didn’t want to get a divorce, the idea of divorcing someone without a good reason bothered you. Plus the divorce could bring unwanted publicity since you would be divorcing the captain of the major soccer team in the country, and there could be a possibility that someone will unveil the true nature of your fake relationship. 

You watched Anderson’s brow furrow together, his pen trembling a bit in his hand. 

“Well,” Anderson said, still processing the request. “The only grounds for annulment for the two parties would be failure to consummate the marriage.”

“That’s right,” your lawyer replied confidently, her spine straight and her gaze icy. That was another personal reason. It’s not that you didn’t want to have sex with Cassian, but you were sure that he doesn’t have any intention to be with you intimately. He wasn’t doing this whole thing for you anyway, it was for the team. You figured it would be best for the both of you to try and maintain your mutual friendship as long as possible, not to make it any more awkward then it needs to be. “Since my client works closely with Mr. Andor, we thought it might be best that they maintain their professional relationship.” 

“I see,” Anderson said, turning his attention to Cassian’s side of the table. “Does the other party agree with this proposal?”

“Yes,” Cassian replied, not waiting to discuss with his lawyer who seemed to be annoyed with him. 

“Very well,” Anderson concluded, making a note on his pad. “Is there anything else?”

“Yes,” Cassian’s lawyer spoke up. “We would like to propose that Ms. L/N will sign a prenuptial agreement in order to protect the wealth and properties of my client.” 

You felt like a bucket of ice cold water was dumped over your head. A part of you couldn’t believe that Cassian would think you would take half of his money and belongings. Does he really think that lowly of you? However at the same time, you understood why he would do it. It’s only temporary, you reminded yourself. 

“Understandable,” Anderson said, turning his gaze to you and your lawyer. “Does the other party agree with this proposal?”

“Yes,” you affirmed, pressing your lips into a fine line. 

You never thought this was how your marriage would start off...with a legalized contract and lawyers. Every little girl’s dream. 

“Very well,” Anderson said, making another note. “If there is nothing else, I will go ahead and add these points so that it is ready to be signed tomorrow. As for now, you are dismissed.”

You watched as Anderson packed up his documents into his briefcase before leaving the room. As you watched him walk out, you silently wondered how big is the stick that seems to be shoved up in his ass. Your lawyer gave you a small goodbye as she too left the room with her briefcase. You took a deep breath, glad that this meeting was over. You bent down to grab your bag, and when you stood back up, you were met with Cassian’s stance right in front of you. 

“Hey,” he started, his hands shoved into his pants pockets. “I was wondering if you were still free for tonight?” 

Over the past two weeks, you and Cassian have been going out to dinner in order to learn more about each other so you can make your marriage look real. Neither of you know what kind of questions the immigration agent will ask, so you had to learn everything about each other, inside and out. It’s been nice, but after every dinner, you had to remind yourself that it was all fake. Your relationship is fake, the marriage will be fake, but you couldn’t help to feel real feelings. The dinners were a facade for the public, but at times the facade fooled you as well. Fooled you to think that it was real, and gave you false hope that anything could happen.

“Yeah,” you replied, ignoring the butterflies that were erupting in your stomach. 

“Great,” Cassian said, a small grin appearing on his face, making your knee go weak. “I’ll pick you up around six.” 

“Great,” you repeated. “I’ll see you then.” 

You gripped the strap of your bag, and made your way out of the room towards the elevators, not bothering to give Cassian a goodbye. As soon as you got into the elevator, you pressed your head against the wall. You can’t catch feelings. You can’t risk this, and mess it up for both you and Cassian. But you couldn’t help but think about Cassian’s smile when hearing you were free. He smiled...

***

Cassian waited outside in front of your apartment building, leaning against his car. He would’ve gone up to get you, but you begged him not to. The first time he took you out, he came to your door. Some of your neighbors caught sight of him and instantly recognized him, which led to autographs and pictures and caused you two to be late to the dinner reservation. After that, you told him not to come up again, and he respected your wishes. 

His head snapped up when he heard the building door open. Cassian’s stomach dropped to the street and every rational thought in his mind disappeared into the abyss. The only thing he could focus on was you. You were wearing a flowing magenta off the shoulders dress. The length ended just a little below your knee, revealing your smooth beautiful legs. You wore your hair naturally with a flower behind your right ear. Your stride was graceful and confident, like a queen. All the air escaped Cassian’s lungs, and he felt heat blooming in his core as well as his cock hardening. 

“Hi,” you greeted. “Are you ready?” 

“Yes,” Cassian got out, struggling to find proper words. “Let’s go.”

Cassian opened the passenger door for you, trying to think of things to calm himself down. The drive to the restaurant was silent. You didn’t say anything, just looked out the window, and Cassian couldn’t think of anything to say to you in that moment. He was still in shock of your beauty. He always thought you were a beautiful woman, but tonight you were strikingly gorgeous. The past couple of dinners, Cassian wanted them to be a date without an impending marriage hanging over your heads. But now, he desperately wanted tonight to be a date. He wanted to hold your hand, to hug you close, and to kiss you with everything he has. But then he remembered the annulment that you requested. He can’t have what he truly wanted. He was Tantalus and you were a delectable fruit. He could only admire the thing he wanted most, but knows he will never get it.

Cassian walked behind you as the two of you entered the restaurant. It was softly lighted, creating a romantic ambiance to the place that he originally didn’t intend. The place was near the beach, the gentle lapping of the waves heard in the background when the violinist was in between songs. Cassian has never been to this restaurant, and he mentally cursed Kay for suggesting this place. This place will only make it harder to suppress his feelings toward you. 

The waiter sat you both at a table that was close to the beach and near the violinist. The candle light from the center of the table casted a soft glow on your face, bringing out your gentle features. Cassian had to be sure to take deep breaths every once in a while. This would be the last dinner as colleagues before becoming husband and wife. The thought still shocked Cassian. 

“So that meeting today,” you said, trying to break the silence. 

“Yeah,” Cassian let out, trying to think of something else to say. “Kinda crazy right?” 

“I know,” you replied. “I just hope nothing changes between us.”

That comment hit Cassian like a bullet in the chest. So it was clear, you didn’t want anything else with him. He always thought that was how you felt, but hearing you actually say it hurts even more. 

“Yeah,” Cassian agreed. “It’s only for a year anyways, it’ll be over before we know it.” 

Cassian felt a pang in his heart when you pressed your lips into a thin line. This whole thing was crazy. Cassian knew he would fall deeper in love with you as this time goes by, which would make the split hurt more. He would be worse off next year compared to now. Cassian thought he was broken now, but once you walk away from this fake relationship, he will be shattered. Cassian couldn’t concentrate on the items on the menu, and decided to order whatever the chef recommends. 

“Cassian,” you said, placing your hand on top of his softly, gently grabbing his attention. He felt an electric shock upon the touch, making it hard for him to concentrate. “Are you sure you want to do this? You could still back out, we didn’t sign the contract yet.” 

Of course he wanted to do this. Sure you two would only be husband and wife on paper, wouldn’t be an actual couple, wouldn’t exchange blissful kisses, or even have sex. But he would still get to see you every day and night, and that was enough for him. 

“I’m sure,” Cassian affirmed. “This is what’s best.” Cassian fumbled his other hand around in his pants pocket, reaching for the small velvet box. It was Anderson’s idea to make a formal proposal in public in order to get the support of the fans. They needed to get the public’s support so no one would dare question the nature of your marriage. “Are you ready?” 

“Yes,” you breathed out, rubbing your hands over your thighs. “Let’s do this.” 

Cassian nodded, getting out of his seat and kneeling on one knee before you, the second time. He heard the collective gasps and “oh my gosh’s” of the other restaurant patrons. He saw the flashes of people taking pictures from his peripheral vision, and heard the whispers of others saying “Is that Cassian Andor from the Rebels?” The plan was working. Cassian brought out the navy blue box, presenting it to you, and opening it to reveal a dazzling two karat diamond ring. He had to admit it to himself, he found it fun picking out a ring for you. He wanted to get you something that was impressive but no too over the top. When his eyes landed on the chosen ring, he knew it would be perfect for you. But some of the dread washed up against him. At some point in the future he’ll have to return it. For now, however, he pushed those thoughts aside. 

“Y/N L/N,” Cassian began. “Love of my life, my only one, will you marry me?” 

He watched you bring both your hands to cover your mouth in shock, before pressing them against your heart. A smile spread across your face as tears formed in the corner of your eyes. You nodded your head, pretending to be at a loss for words then strangling out a quiet “yes.” You were a good actress. 

Cassian smiled in turn, placing the ring on your finger as the small crowd around him applauded. He placed his hand along your jaw, bringing your lips to meet his. This was his first kiss with you, and he never wanted it to end. Your lips were smooth and soft to the touch, intoxicating if anything. But he pulled back, not wanting to get caught up in the action. He smiled at you when he broke away, watching as you did the same. 

So this was it, the beginning of a long journey which would leave Cassian an utter mess. For a moment, however, he got caught up in the scheme. For a moment, he felt like he was actually proposing to you. For a moment, he felt that your yes was genuine. For a moment, he felt that your returned kiss matched his feelings. But it was all a lie; a coping mechanism for the impending future. 

Cassian turned around, facing the multiple cameras and smiling with your hand in his. He nodded to some who waved, and thanked those who gave him congratulations. 

And this is only the beginning, Cassian thought to himself.  

To be continued...

[amon-cavendish]

hello! very excited to start writing with everybody :) please find the intro for amon “stick in the mud” cavendish (aka the duke “wet blanket” of devonshire) under the cut.

how is your character viewed by the ton?

Amon is respected, if not liked. It is common knowledge that he is a man of competence, who achieves precisely what he means to. As such, he is invited to many social affairs in London: he is a good man to have on your side in a rough patch. However, as of late he is beginning to suspect that people look on him with pity more than respect. His wife has humiliated him and made him look a fool in a society where appearances are so important, and his limp makes him look weak. He is quietly furious about these things, but refuses to give in to those pitying glances; he is more determined than ever to prove to the ton that he is still every inch the strong, forthright man he has always been.

what are two potential plotlines you would be interested in exploring with your character?

- I’m very keen to explore the fallout of the Duchess’ affair. They are publicly separated now, but Amon won’t be content to simply let the state of things remain as they are. He is not a man prone to flights of romance, but he knows the importance of marriage. He must have an heir to the duchy, preferably several heirs of whom he can be sure are his own blood, and that is not something that is currently achievable. There’s loads of options to consider here! Maybe he’ll try to repair things with the Duchess, maybe he could try to obtain a divorce through an Act of Parliament, which would be horribly embarrassing but would at least leave him free to take another wife. He can’t get an annulment on the grounds on non-consummation because there’s kids, but can he accuse the children of not being his? Who knows! There’s definitely a lot of options to consider here.

- At present Amon is a bit of a stick in the mud. He takes everything too seriously and wouldn’t know a holiday if he was kidnapped and shoved into a bathing machine. I’d love to explore a relationship that helps him relax a little, someone that encourages him to come out of his shell and enjoy himself for once. It would be good for him to attend a ball not for political interest, but because it can be fun to dance and eat fine food. He’s very concerned with the state of his reputation, and I think he would do his reputation a favour if he smiled, and leaned into his social life a bit more. Everything right now is terribly transactional for him, and he largely looks at people for what he can achieve with them. I’d love to explore him expanding beyond that. (A/N This will probably be Lady Poyntz, but I cleverly wrote and submitted my application before she was posted. However I am open to more than one person being a Soft Spot for Amon. He probably has the capacity to like multiple people at once.)

how does your character’s early life differ from their current life?

Amon’s life has followed a consistent trajectory. He was born and bred into wealth, and he was raised to expect the weight of the world on his shoulders. The only difference now, is that the weight is actually there. He wasn’t a playful child, though he would make exceptions for his sister. With more than ten years between them, he took his duties as big brother seriously and would commit himself to playing whatever games she fancied: tea parties, adventures out on the estate, stealing sweet treats from the kitchen for her, he would always indulge her. As he got older, he learned that indulging people is not always the best way to look after them, and he grew from a serious young man into a gravely stoic adult. He has always lived in comfort, always known servants and expansive hallways and sumptuous clothing. He also always knew that doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels. Amon was born ready for his position, and he has taken it unwaveringly in his stride.

how does this character’s reputation differ from who they actually are?

Amon’s reputation is closer to who he truly is than he would care to admit. He does not want anyone’s sympathy, and it seems that of late, sympathy is all he is worthy of. It infuriates him, because he feels there is far more to him than the bad things that have happened, and yet it is now that people are really taking notice of him. He has never cared for fame nor love, and wants only to maintain peace and prosperity in Devonshire, but currently many eyes are on him. And yet, he is a pitiable figure in many ways. He has lived such a restrained life, and he has lived it for everyone but himself, and now it is beginning to come apart at the seams. He may not want to admit it, but people are not wrong to look on him with pity.

how does your character view themselves?

Amon views himself more as a utility than a person. He takes his duties extremely seriously and will always put those duties above his own well-being. While the rest of them are off gallivanting around ballrooms, Amon prefers to be in his study working. To use the modern vernacular, he is a workaholic. It is what he was raised to be. His duties to his duchy come first, and though he is not wholly against the idea of indulgence, is it always later, later, later. Since his wife’s affair became public knowledge, his tendency to overwork himself has only worsened. All the tutors in the world can’t teach a young man the art of self-reflection, and he means to ignore any and all personal ramifications of the Duchess’ infidelity for as long as he can. He views this as strength: he must, because if he stops to think on it for too long, he fears those certainties will begin to waver.

is this character a leader or follower?

Amon is a leader. His father placed a lot of expectations on his young shoulders: with no younger brothers for the title to fall to should anything happen to Amon, it was drilled into him from birth that he was born to lead. It wasn’t something he ever questioned, because he trusted his parents explicitly. He doesn’t even consider his leadership skills to be virtues, but instead qualities he must exhibit. When you are born to inherit a title, you do not allow yourself the luxury of days off. You do not allow yourself the luxury of questioning your own decisions. He can appear arrogant, and does not take counsel easily, and it is because he has never considered that to be an option. He has to believe that he is correct in all things, because if he is ever wrong, that means he has failed his father in his training.

what are two headcanons you have for this character?

- Though often perceived as cold, Amon is fiercely protective and loyal over those he cares for. This can lead to disagreements, particularly with his sister as they are both strong-willed. He thinks he knows best and can be bossy to the point of controlling, but he truly does just want to look after his loved ones. This protectiveness extends to his duchy, and he is very conscientious in his duties to Devonshire. He may not be beloved, as he maintains a professional distance from most, but nobody in Devonshire can say that he doesn’t care.

- Amon turned to drink after the Duchess’ indiscretions. At social events he still maintains his control, but in the privacy of his bedchambers he often drinks himself into a stupor. This is what led to the fall in which he injured his leg: he was drunk, and in a foul mood, and he lost his footing on the stairs to his chambers. At present the drinking remains a secret, though his household staff whisper about it. Amon is aware that it is a problem, but he is concerned that his reputation is tarnished enough, and has no interest in addressing this issue with anyone.

[mikotyzini]

Earth to Echo - CDAD oneshot

As the title suggests, this is NOT a RWBY oneshot!  It’s based on this story I read a few months ago called Charon Docks at Daylight written by @mezoereed, which was...basically, zombies, gay girls, and angst.  (I recommend it!  And you can read it here: https://www.fictionpress.com/s/3095130/1/Charon-Docks-At-Daylight)

“Echo!”

The sound of her name drew her gaze away from the book she’d been reading in the lobby of the med center.  Spotting the young girl rushing towards her, she smiled and set the medical textbook beside her.

“Hey Kara,” she replied before reaching out and greeting the tail that never left Kara’s side.  “Hey Wolf,” she said before turning back to Kara.  “What’s up?”

“You wanted me to let you know when they got back and...they’re back!”

Echo’s heart jumped at the words, and she immediately stood up.

“They are?” she asked, more out of surprise than questioning Kara’s information.  When Kara nodded, however, Echo felt the girl’s infectious smile spread to her lips.  “Let’s go greet them then.”

While Kara accepted the invitation with a big smile and nod, Echo tried not to let her own excitement get the best of her.  Genevieve had been gone for several days on a mission - several long, lonely days and even lonelier nights - but Echo didn’t want to be that person.  The one that couldn’t stand a few days apart without becoming a clingy mess.

Still, she struggled to control her pace so as not to leave Kara and Wolf behind while hurrying to the front gates.  The moment they rounded the corner, she saw the Strykers parked just inside with soldiers unloading supplies and equipment.  And when she saw Genevieve, her heart did an embarrassing jump that she’d never admit to.

The next second, however, confusion mixed with her overall happiness.

“Oh!” Kara exclaimed, adding a small hop for emphasis.  “They found people!”

Based on the strangers talking to Genevieve and Blake, as well as the crowd of onlookers, Kara was right.  Echo couldn’t remember the last time the squads found survivors and brought them back to base.  From what Genevieve said, finding survivors was growing rarer and rarer, and, on top of that, sometimes the people they found had no interest in joining the base.  If they’d survived this long on their own, they were comfortable taking their chances from here on out.

It was a group of two - a middle-aged man and a girl around Echo’s age - both with backpacks around their shoulders and weapons strapped to their hips.  From that fact alone, Echo knew they must be friendly, or at least friendly enough that Genevieve didn’t view them as a threat - a remarkable feat considering her propensity to be overly cautious with people she didn’t know.

“Wow, she’s pretty.”  

As soon as Kara made the remark, Echo felt a twinge of dislike pull at her lips.  But the new girl was pretty.  Tall, with an athletic build and blonde hair falling just past her shoulders, she looked like she belonged in a mall more than a military base.  And she was looking at Genevieve with an intent smile that Echo didn’t particularly enjoy.

“Thanks, Kara,” she said, sparing a smile for Kara and ear scratch for Wolf before joining Genevieve, Blake, and the newcomers.

“ - you should see April for your injuries,” Blake was in the middle of saying before gesturing to a long cut on the man’s forearm.  “She’s in the med center.”  Turning around, he pointed out the building Echo had just come from.

“Thank you,” the man replied with a nod of respect.  “And what about our belongings?”  

Before Blake responded, Echo took the opportunity to catch Genevieve’s attention and pull her away from the conversation.  With Blake handling all the talking, she wasn’t needed for this anyway.

“Hey,” Echo said in a low voice once they moved several feet away.  She couldn’t stop the smile that appeared as soon as Genevieve met her gaze with warm brown eyes and a hint of a smile.

“Hey.”  Genevieve’s gaze went to Echo’s lips, but she quickly looked away and shifted her weight between her feet - almost always the consummate professional in public.

“Looks like you guys did pretty well.”  When Echo turned towards the Strykers, she caught the new girl’s gaze before pointedly ignoring her and nodding to the bags of supplies being carried towards their ultimate destinations.

“Surprisingly well.”  After glancing over her shoulder at their haul, Genevieve finally smiled.  “It helped that Layla and Tim locked the supply cabinets years ago.”

“The new people?” Echo subtly nodded towards the newcomers, whose conversation with Blake was wrapping up.

“Yeah, they’ve been holed up inside for years but were willing to help once they heard what we were doing.”

“Is that why they got to keep their weapons?”

If Genevieve heard the slight resentment in Echo’s tone, she didn’t acknowledge it while shaking her head.  “We got attacked by a group of Ferals while loading up.  It was either let them keep their weapons or risk our lives trying to keep them safe.”

By now, Echo knew better than to question Genevieve’s judgment on missions.  It just sucked to remember that she’d had to earn the right to carry her weapon while these people got the opportunity through circumstance alone.  Before she could respond, however, she caught sight of the new girl - Layla - walking over to them.  

Echo couldn’t put her finger on it, but something about the girl bothered her.  Her tall, lean figure.  Her too-bright hair.  

It wasn’t until Layla smiled that Echo figured it out.  It was that look.  The look she hadn’t seen in years but still immediately caused a visceral reaction of dislike.  The look that brought back so many memories she’d rather forget, yet here they were again.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Layla said before turning towards Genevieve with that charming smile still in place.  “I just wanted to say thank you again.  For letting us come back with you, but also for taking on that Feral for me.”

“Oh.”  Looking genuinely surprised by the gratitude, Genevieve smiled and nodded once.  “Of course.  That’s kind of what we do.”

“Taking on full grown Ferals with nothing but a knife is what you do?” Layla restated before laughing and shaking her head.  “Pretty sure I’ve never met a girl like you.”

No one heard Echo’s jaw snap shut, and she ground her teeth together when Genevieve glanced her way.

“Uh, thank you.”  It didn’t look like Genevieve had more to say than that but, fortunately, Layla gave a small wave and headed after her companion.

“I’ll see you around.”

“Yeah, see you.”

In the short silence that followed, Echo knew she shouldn’t say it.  She knew she should keep her mouth shut, but she just couldn’t.

“What was that about ‘not risking your lives’ for the new people?” she asked, hearing the agitation in her tone.  And, from the way Genevieve sighed, she heard it too.

“We were trying to make it out of there quietly - you know how it is.”

“I knew how it was…” Echo grumbled.  Once again, she was reminded of how much she hated being left behind.  Not only did she get restless on base, but the idea of Genevieve fighting Ferals without her put a ball of terror in the pit of her stomach.

“Hey.”  Feeling a hand gently touch her cheek, Echo looked up and found warm, patient brown eyes locked onto hers.  “We went through this...we knew it would be more than a day trip, and with your headaches…”

“I know.”  Cutting Genevieve off before she launched into another spiel about safety, Echo leaned into the hand on her cheek.  “I just...hate being left behind…”

“And I hate leaving you behind…”

Hearing that simple admission, Echo felt better.  At least if she was stuck here missing out on all the action, someone else felt bad for her.

“Well, what are you going to do now?” she asked as a subject change, preferring to forget her self-pity for now.

“I need to debrief the guys.”  When Genevieve walked over to the door of one of the Strykers, Echo followed.  “But I’ll see you at dinner?”

Echo wanted to argue for more time together.  Instead, she watched Genevieve haul a large duffel bag out of the Stryker and set it comfortably atop one shoulder.  If Echo had to guess, the bag probably weighed a good eighty pounds, but Genevieve treated it like it was nothing.

“You know…” Echo said, taking a step closer and setting her hands on Genevieve’s hips.  “Pretty sure I’ve never met a girl like you.”

“Oh stop.”  Gently pushing Echo’s shoulder away, Genevieve shook her head but failed to hide a smile.  “Just make sure you’re at dinner on time - I have stories for you.”

The casual comment caught Echo’s full attention.

“What kind of stories?” she asked, but Genevieve simply waved over her head while walking away.  Watching her go, Echo sighed in pure, genuine relief.

With Genevieve back on base, Echo was happy.  She’d be even happier if there weren’t so many responsibilities preventing them from spending every second together, but dinnertime would roll around soon enough.

Until then, she busied herself the best way she knew how - mindlessly patrolling the perimeter of the base while searching for any potential weak spots.  Not that she needed to check - the official patrols checked every inch of fence regularly - but she felt better seeing their security with her own eyes.  It helped her sleep at night.

Fortunately, the fence looked the same as it always did - sturdy, unbroken, and humming with electricity.  Nothing to report there.

Once her extended stroll wrapped up, she headed to the cafeteria right away.  Normally, she’d go to the barracks first to meet Genevieve and walk over together, but tonight they were meeting there instead.

With dinner just getting underway, the line wasn’t long and the tables were predominantly empty.  After grabbing a bowl of food - another vegetable stew - she spotted a familiar face and headed across the room to join them.

“Hey Micah,” she said while sitting down across from the boy.  “How’s it going?”

When he merely raised the book in his hands as a response, Echo nodded and said “gotcha” before falling silent.  Apparently, he’d decided to read rather than participate in conversation tonight, which was fine with her.  At least he tolerated her presence now, just like he’d promised to do if she found Genevieve.

She would’ve gone to the ends of the earth looking for Genevieve anyway.  Earning Micah’s somewhat-forgiveness was just an added bonus.

While Micah read, Echo mindlessly ate dinner and scanned the cafeteria for Genevieve.  It wasn’t until the room was nearly full - people talking and laughing after another hard day’s work - that Genevieve walked through the doors and immediately caught Echo’s gaze.

Just looking at Genevieve reminded Echo of how long they’d been apart.  Three whole days...and she felt every second in the look Genevieve gave her.  Being apart for a few hours felt like too long sometimes, but three days?  Too much could go wrong in three days...which was why she’d worried practically nonstop.

Part of her believed that Genevieve felt the same because, instead of getting in line for dinner, she walked over to the table and dropped into the chair beside Echo with a sigh.

“And you told me not to be late,” Echo teased while bumping Genevieve’s shoulder, silently rejoicing in their proximity.

“I’m sorry.  I got caught by basically everyone I passed.”

“Must be nice to be so popular.”

“I don’t know if I’d put it like that…”

“Micah,” Echo said, gaining the boy’s attention.  “Isn’t your sister popular?”

“Gen, you’re one of the most popular people on the base.”  When Micah rolled his eyes, the corner of Genevieve’s mouth lifted with humor.

“Since when do you side with Echo?”

“Since she’s right.”  When Micah stuck his tongue out before going back to his book, Genevieve huffed in amusement.

“It’s not a popularity contest.”

“But if it was,” Echo butted in.  “You’d be winning.”

For a moment, Genevieve looked like she wanted to argue.  Then she laughed and leaned into Echo’s side.

“Whatever you guys say.  I’m just happy to be back.”  When Genevieve reached across the table and ruffled Micah’s hair, Echo smiled and felt her heart hum with content.  Unfortunately, the feeling evaporated as soon as she noticed an unfamiliar yet all-too-familiar face heading towards them.

Though Echo narrowed her eyes, Layla didn’t appear to notice.  Or, if she did, she wasn’t at all deterred from tapping Genevieve on the shoulder.

“Hey Genevieve,” she said, smiling when Genevieve turned her way.

“Oh, hey Layla - how’s everything going?”

“Pretty good.  Tim got that cut cleaned and stitched up - April said he’d be better in no time.”

“That’s great.”

“Yeah, it is.”  Pausing for a second, Layla thought about her next words before finding another winning smile that made Echo dislike her even more.  “But, uh, Blake told me I should have someone show me around base.  And I thought...who better to show me around than the girl who can take on a Feral with her bare hands?”

Genevieve chuckled at the compliment, but Echo’s brow furrowed even further.

“Ok, sure.  You want to go now?”

Of course Genevieve agreed.  She was too helpful to turn down that type of request, especially when paired with a compliment like that.

“I can introduce you to the kitchen staff first,” she added while standing.  “When you’re deciding where you’d like to help out, that’s always an option.”

“Where do you help out?” Layla asked while turning to leave with Genevieve.  The feigned innocence in the question wasn’t lost on Echo, who watched with a growing frown while the two headed towards the kitchen.  

An ugly feeling was brewing in her chest and, unfortunately, she had a name for it - jealousy.  

“You’re really going to let her get away with that?”

Surprised by the question, Echo turned and found Micah shaking his head at her.

“What do you mean ‘let her get away’ with it?”

“I’d never let someone try to steal my girl like that.”  When Micah’s eyes slid towards the end of the table, where Kara was in the midst of an animated conversation with Mal, Echo raised one brow.

“You better not let Dugan catch you looking at her like that.”

Immediately turning red, Micah focused on Echo instead.

“I’m just saying...all that girl talked about in the clinic was how amazing Genevieve is.  I know Gen’s awesome, but she’s not worth that much praise.”

“Don’t let her hear you say that, either,” Echo replied with a huff, but her gaze slipped to the doorway of the kitchen where Genevieve and Layla were talking to one of the cooks.  Layla stood needlessly close to Genevieve, their shoulders grazing in a way that looked too coincidental to be an accident.

“You have to show her that Gen’s taken,” Micah added.  “Stake your claim.”

“‘Stake my claim?’”  Saying the words out loud, Echo emphatically shook her head.  “If I ever said something like that around your sister, she’d kick my ass.”

When Micah sighed and picked up his book, Echo thought he was finally giving up.  And he might have been, but then he shook his head and said, “She played soccer too.”

That pushed Echo over the edge.  And, before she knew it, she was stalking over to the kitchen to interrupt the pair.  Like hell was she letting Layla win Genevieve over with some nice smiles and conversations about soccer.

“Hey, Gen, sorry to interrupt, but I need to talk to you.”  Gently taking Genevieve by the elbow, Echo pulled her a few steps away before letting go.

“Echo?  What are you doing?”

Now wasn’t the best time to figure out what she wanted to do.  All she knew was that she needed to break into the conversation somehow.  Now that she had, and now that Genevieve and Layla were staring at her, she needed to come up for a good reason for the disruption.

“I thought I could help you give the tour,” she offered with a forced smile.  “You know, give some pointers and stuff.”

It was the best way she could think of to keep the two from flirting all night, but Genevieve’s eyes immediately narrowed at the suggestion.

“...why?” was all she asked while studying Echo with an intensity that made her scuff her foot on the floor.  

“Just...trying to be helpful,” she mumbled.  

The answer wasn’t good enough - she knew that the moment Genevieve shook her head.

“It’s ok.  I know how much you love giving tours.”  After giving Echo one last searching expression, Genevieve smiled and patted her shoulder.  “But I’ll see you later tonight, right?”

That wasn’t the answer Echo wanted, but she knew better than to force her way through Genevieve’s decision.  Before she left, however, she had to try one last time - she had to remove a bit of the desire and want from Layla’s eyes.

“Right,” she replied with a flimsy smile.  “But uh, before you leave.  I uh, I was hoping for a kiss.”

Eyes widening in surprise, Genevieve looked around the cafeteria - filled with people - before turning back to Echo.

“Right now?”

What she really meant was right here, in front of all of these people.  Echo didn’t care so much about the other people, but in front of Layla was exactly what she wanted.

“Yeah, just a short one?”  She knew it would reassure her if they kissed right now - that it should ‘stake her claim’ and send a clear message that Genevieve was off limits.  Unfortunately, that plan hinged upon Genevieve saying ‘yes.’  And, from the confusion and borderline discontent in her eyes, that probably wasn’t going to happen.

“Layla, can you give me a minute?”  When Layla nodded, Genevieve pulled Echo far enough away that they could talk in private before dropping her arm.  “What’s wrong?”

��Nothing.  God forbid I ask for a kiss from my girlfriend…”  Echo knew she was laying on the guilt pretty thick, and it immediately backfired when Genevieve frowned.

“Ok,” Genevieve replied in her ‘I’m trying really hard not to get annoyed but I still am’ tone.  “How about this?  You figure out what’s wrong, and I’ll see you later.”  

When Genevieve turned to walk back to Layla, Echo let out a disappointed breath and felt jealousy consume her.

“Fine, whatever.  Have fun getting hit on by Soccer Barbie.”  

She barely made it two steps away before Genevieve grabbed her by the arm and spun her around.

“‘Soccer Barbie?’  What the hell are you talking about?”

“The hot blonde who keeps hitting on you?” Echo replied, feeling her jealousy spill over as agitation.  “You know, the one who can’t stop making eyes at you and telling you how amazing you are?”

“That’s not what she’s doing -”

“Uh, yeah, it is.”

It looked like Genevieve wanted to argue.  Instead, she furrowed her brow then shook her head.

“Well who cares, anyway?” she retorted.  “It’s not like it means anything.”

“It means something to me!”  

Echo immediately regretted the force behind the words.  But she’d already said it, and Genevieve’s eyes had already widened in surprise.

“Echo…” Genevieve tried again, in a much softer tone this time.  “What’s going on?”

Running a hand through her hair and sighing out loud, Echo suddenly wished she hadn’t walked over here.  She should’ve just left it alone and dealt with her issues how she normally did - mainly, by hitting something.

“It’s nothing -”

“No, it’s something,” Genevieve interrupted.  “I can see in your eyes that it’s something.”

Since when could Genevieve read her eyes so accurately?  Echo didn’t know when the change had happened, but now it was almost impossible to keep her thoughts and emotions from being picked up.

“I just...don’t like people hitting on you...” she muttered towards the floor, knowing she had to give Genevieve something.

“But why?  Imogen hits on you all the time, and you don’t see me pouting about it.”

“That’s different.”

Genevieve crossed her arms at that response.

“How is that different?”

Not having an answer that didn’t sound completely hypocritical, Echo sighed and hung her head.  She understood why this bothered her so much, but she really didn’t want to say it out loud.  Unfortunately, Genevieve deserved to hear an explanation for her behavior.

“It just...reminds me of before.”

Looking up, Echo watched Genevieve mouth the word to herself before realization sprang into her eyes.

“You know…” Echo continued.  “Before all of this.  When the hottest guys in school tripped over themselves for you while I was...nobody.”

She’d hardly turned towards the floor before a hand tilted her chin up and lips met her own.  The kiss was firm, open, more loving than she deserved, and gone before she could reciprocate.

“I love you,” Genevieve whispered, her brown eyes willing Echo to believe.  “No one can take me away from you.”

And between the kiss, those words, the look in Genevieve’s eyes, and the way she still held Echo’s chin with one hand, Echo smiled.

“Not even if they played center field for the Olympic team?” she joked, feeling lighter than air now that Genevieve had put her fears to rest.

“Midfield,” Genevieve corrected her with a smile.  “And no.  Not even if they were a midfielder on the Olympic team.”

Sensing that the window was still open, Echo leaned forward and stole another kiss - this one soft, lingering, and filled with the emotions she could never put into words.  But she was...grateful...that Genevieve put up with her insecurities.  Not only put up with them but knew just what to say to make her feel special and loved.

“Ok,” she said while patting Genevieve on the hip.  “Have fun showing her around.”

“You’re ok now?”  

“You’ve convinced me I was being immature.”  When Genevieve huffed, Echo responded with a playfully serious look.  “But I expect more reassurance later tonight.”

When the simple sentence lit a spark of desire in Genevieve’s eyes, Echo couldn’t help a smirk from appearing.  

But “we’ll see” was all Genevieve said before returning to Layla, whose expression had completely changed after witnessing that interaction.  Gone was the intent to pursue.  In its place, confusion and just a little chagrin that she wouldn’t get what she wanted.

“Such a tease…” Echo replied with a shake of her head before walking back to the table.   

Even though she’d said it earlier as a joke, it was true - she’d never met a girl like Genevieve.  And she wasn’t letting such an incredible person go without at least...staking her claim.

[akelyokikagu]

The Priest and The Witch I

A good day starts with tea and scones.

Mornings were a divine punishment, Okita was sure. How else could you explain such torture happening every day? The sun rays blinding your eyes, burning retinas and a stiff body that wouldn't leave its previous sleeping state. The worst was to hear the voice of Hijikata bellowing at six o'clock to get him to work. Surely only God could be as cruel— the sinners they were.

All because of a single woman that fell into the trap of the forbidden fruit tempted, fucking woman. If he ever crossed the path her spirit or the one of her useless husband he would make sure they suffered before sending them to Hell, the end of the corridor. Whatever.

Priest or not, Okita had limits you couldn't go past — mornings, he couldn't forgive. Technically it was his job to believe, preach and forgive like Hijikata or Kondo. He did his job as good as them; Hijikata being known as the mayonnaise psychopath and Kondo a professional warrior of love or simply put, a disgusting stalker. Amongst the three he maintained his image the best, common people would swoon at his gentle face and tone.

Well, almost everyone would. Except one girl.

"True torture is making me bake your breakfast at five," the female eased in his room with an obvious frown marring her childish face. She never failed to show her dissatisfaction each morning even if she accomplished the task perfectly.

"Nobody said you needed to bake'em fresh each morning. And stop acting like you could read my mind."

"It's for the Neighbours too, and I don't read your mind since it's on your face."

"Are those things more important than me?" He referred to the fireflies-like dots floating, agglutinated to the female. There was a reason why he trusted her right away even if she came through his windows. "They're sticking to you as if I were pest."

"You are, to them," she pushed the silver tray on the night table, her fingers lifting to reach one of the light orbs. "They are scared of people like you but can't be fooled like humans." He could almost discern the shape a fairy through her eyes, and only hers. His eyesight wasn't good enough to see more than illuminating orbs around her, only her blue eyes were able to fully observe the Fair Folk. "They favour those with a pure soul."

"I don't see what you mean." He sipped the tea— fairies brought petals from Japan. They were peach blossoms, much less sugary than what he had known until now yet he couldn't help but love it. "I'm a perfectly suitable handsome man whose life had been devoted to our God. My only sin is making women cry because they can't reach me."

"Scoundrel." Kagura bit a scone and sat down on the bed, making it creak. "You must be one since you accept a woman in your home so fast."

As sun rays beamed through clear glasses and even if Kagura disliked him for more than one reason he found his mornings to be peaceful. Hijikata and Kondo decided not to wake him anymore since there was a servant for such dangerous task, besides this girl couldn't fully hate him. "You were the one who asked my help, and I'm generous enough to let you a room."

"I'm a beautiful girl," her shoulders slumped and she casually waved her hands. "Who could resist me?"

When they finished breakfast and toilet, separately, Okita rose up and buttoned his dark uniform, if one could call a priest's attire to be a uniform. It wasn't exactly the time to go to the Church yet, there was someone he absolutely needed to see first.

Kagura joined him as they strolled to another room, at the corner of the fireplace and bookshelves, in the deepest part of the house where sun rays were the strongest. They opened the door in a creak there was a woman who lied on a bed, beautiful as ever like Snow White waiting for her prince.

The first time Kagura saw her she immediately knew it was Okita's sister, they shared similar hair colour and features only, unlike her little brother, Okita Mitsuba was adored by fairies. As soon as they opened the door they flew to greet the female on the bed, followed by Okita himself.

"Older sister," he kneeled solemnly at her bed and gently held her hand, more gentle than Kagura ever thought he could be. She never got used to how fast his character would change with Mitsuba; even if the said woman was in comatose for years already. A miraculous body that was alive and dead at the same time— villagers often explained the situation by using the Okita's family devotion and Mitsuba's generosity but Kagura knew better.

"Our neighbours keep her safe so you don't need to worry," she said and laid out a satchel from her belt. Herbal scents spread quickly in the small room as she seized the lavender stick she carefully made, entwining and supporting them with ribbons. "It's amazing that they protected her even with your presence," Kagura smiled.

She loved them, her Neighbours, as they liked to be called. They were alike to her kind, unable to stay far from humans for long. The cloak danced in the air, wind gushing out of nowhere as a profusion of golden orbs went towards the bed, the lavender stick was dipped into an oil tincture before Kagura drew.

At each movement the fairies moved, the lavenders bent as blue marks appeared on Mitsuba's body. Okita was suspicious at first, witchcraft didn't seem like the best solution to save his sister but he was desperate, and hope eased its way into his heart when he heard his sister breathing. Breathing with her lungs easily, without a rumbling noise in the background, without any blood shooting up from her mouth. It had been years.

He may be her guard but Kagura would be his savior if she kept her promise to save Mitsuba and cure her of the illness consummating her.

Kagura spoke in a language he couldn't understand, she was focused and he would simply keep his mouth shut, observing the blurred forms of fairies through her eyes, like the flame of a candle flickering, only to grow stronger. They summersaulted as if swimming in the air before surrounding Mitsuba's body.

It was at this kind of moment Sougo just couldn't breath because it was too beautiful— not the witch, but his sister losing day after day the sickly complexion she wore, her lungs purified treatments after treatments.

Just as lavender aroma completely filled the room, Kagura blotted the sweat from her forehead and let out a long sigh. It had been a week and a half and while the body of Mitsuba gradually became healthier there was something wrong with the innate, the heart. It struck her. The sweet bitterness that coursed through her when healing Mitsuba, the way memories that didn't belong to her etched into her mind.

"That's enough for today," Kagura finished. The thing when you had an attractive soul was that beings just projected unwanted emotions and reminiscences through her.

"Will she wake up?"

"I'm sure," Kagura stared at the female lying on the bed. She felt sorry, she learned to help humans through with her magic but she couldn't heal a broken heart, this was a trial Mitsuba needed to go through by her own force. "She will."

Kagura closed her eyes.

To Okita, Mitsuba was his dearest, a solace. She was a mother, a sister, the only one who could understand yet accept all of him in her warm, gentle arms when his sadistic hands already got the lives of few insects who dared to cross his path. Their parents had died early, he was not old enough to remember how or why but his sister did all three jobs.

However, she was also weak. Her body had always been, as a matter of fact, and if he was torturing unfortunate insects in the fields then Mitsuba could only stay behind at home, watching his back. It must have been lonely. That's where everything went wrong because of him.

Hijikata Toushiro. He hated that one man for taking advantage and slipping into the breaches of Mitsuba's heart when she was lonely, but most importantly he hated the man for doing something he himself should have done; taking care of her when she needed it. But he was young, and an idiot.

He noticed upon returning home that the two were always found chatting with each other, the dinner ready and her eyes would be brighter than anything he had seen. Because of her natural disposition to sickness Mitsuba never enjoyed life as much as other women of her age, but her red eyes would bubble up when Hijikata came to visit. He always accompanied Kondo, and the latter would take him to fun places while Hijikata stayed with Mitsuba.

Maybe this was why his dear sister fell for this man.

He could remember this day very well, the day where Mitsuba lost the Sun of her sky. Had Hijikata not rejected her this day, maybe he would have forgiven him— his sister's happiness came far before his own jealousy— had Hijikata be able to bring her the happiness she deserved.

He never did.

He had rejected her. Okita knew the reasons, because being an exorcist was dangerous and demons, vicious, it would put Mitsuba into unnecessary danger. He understood yet couldn't forgive the man completely, he tried to comfort his crying sister but her tears were already all dried up. Her eyes reflected of great sadness, she felt better with time but never recovered, and he'd find her staring longingly at the back of Hijikata.

There wasn't a day he didn't hope for the bastard to accept his sister's feelings. It tore him apart to see her weaken, and when finally Hijikata realized it may be the last time he'd be able to enjoy her presence it was too late— Okita Mitsuba fell down, blood dripping from her mouth and her eyes never opened again.

Then came China, a witch that broke through his windows because she was pursued by demons and pleaded for his protection in exchange for her saving the life of Mitsuba. It was hard to admit but she reminded him of Mitsuba, always coated by lights. She was not nearly as elegant, graceful and beautiful as his sister but both of them were loved by the fairies.

And sometime, as she stared into the fireplace he would catch glimpses of sadness—

Mitsuba and Kagura's face would overlap.

END

I hope this new fic will be good and that I didn't do too much info dumping! Put in a nutshell this fic is: witchcraft + drama.