#did you all conspire against me to keep this information from me

[johnlockbbc]

guys why the FUCK did no one tell me that Charles Augustus MAGNUSSEN is Mads Mikkelsen’s BROTHER?? WHAT

[moonstruck-poet]

The Confrontation

Pairing - Kaz Brekker x reader!

Summary - three times where the Crows find you two in suspicious situations leading them to conspire and the fourth time when they learn the truth.

Warnings - Assault, Harrassment

1. Nina

"You ready?" Nina Zenik questioned, quickly giving the surroundings a scan before pinning her eyes on you. "The minute Kaz joins us, you have to leave".

You exhaled and nodded, trying your best not to wince at the obnoxiously tight corset and trying to breathe properly. "Was this the only available option?"

"Thr most suitable option," she corrected and smirked after looking at you.

"Stop checking me out when I'm literally struggling to breathe, Zenik. Remind me why is it not you instead of me? Saints know you're better at this," you grumbled and shivered as the cold hair brushed against your off shoulder gown.

"Because unfortunately I'm the Heartrender here, aren't I?" She grinned and you glared, understanding that this was quite amusing. "Ah! There's your ticket," she nodded towards Kaz who was stumbling his way towards you, slightly out of breath.

"Here it goes," you sighed, smoothing your outfit. Somehow this simply seemed a much difficult job that gutting someone in the right place. Using a knife was just easier.

Kaz, now much closer gave you a nod, his eyes glinting as he gripped his cane tightly and you understood. You merely smiled softly before shooting Nina a wink and entered the club, your eyes immediately narrowing down on the target.

Your brain was replaying all of the tricks that your dear friend had so graciously shown. You weren't dumb of course, you knew the basics but she had a degree in flirting.

And so you braced yourself and appeared in front of the man, trying to hide a cringe when his gaze instantly swept over your physique shamelessly. A small flame of anger burned internally and you would be sure to use your favorite dagger very soon.

Meanwhile Kaz and Nina were sneakily observing from the window while also keeping an eye on the environment.

"She seems to be getting the required information," Nina exclaimed but her smile soon fell upon seeing the scene. "Oh Saints no," she whispered and Kaz, who had his back to the window whipped around.

His dark, dangerous stare found you with ease and his body tensed at your uncomfortable face that you were trying so desperately to hide.

He saw the way that man pulled you closer with every passing second until you were pressed flat against him, his foul breath staining your bare shoulders as your body shook with contained fury.

His fingers skimmed your skin while his lips brushed against your cheek and all Kaz wanted to do in that moment was to stride inside and take you out of his grasp.

But he was still talking, his lips moved and so did yours. You were still trying to wrangle every little piece of information you could possibly get while also trying to keep yourself safe.

"Kaz," Nina said urgently upon seeing the malicious smile on the stranger's face. "That's enough she needs to come out".

"I can't do anything," he said bitterly. "It'll just give out our position and put everybody in danger and I cannot have that," he finished, hating every part of himself.

"I like you, sweetheart," your target whispered, his face inches away. His breath fanning you, reeking of alcohol. "I wish to see you again. Please?" He asked, his voice manipulative and he dragged his lips from your shoulder to your neck.

"Of course," you murmured back, your tone deadly which he didn't seem to notice. "You'll see me soon. Very soon indeed".

"Perfect," he grinned against your cheek before kissing the skin and you stepped back with a smile, not breaking eye contact until you exited the door.

And immediately your flirty facade shattered and your were consumed by a dark energy as you rounded the corner, your pace increasing with every step.

"Oh Saints," Nina said as soon as you reached the meeting spot. "Are you alright?"

"Of course I am," you teased, a wicked smile but Kaz wasn't fooled, not at all.

He looked at you, trying to pick up every noticeable change and he sae many. The twitch of your eyebrow, the small frown appearing on your lips which was quickly replaced with a grin and the slight shudder of your shoulders.

He didn't think of anything at all as he removed his coat. "Here," he offered, his dark brown eyes burning into yours.

"It's okay, Kaz, I'm alright-"

"-Take it," he said firmly and when you didn't move, he put it over your shoulders and you almost sighed at the warmth. His touch was so gentle, so secure, a constrast to the emotions plaguing you moments before. "Are you okay?" He asked again.

"I want to go home," was all you could reply as you looked longingly at him, hoping that your eyes were enough to convey all of your feelings. "Please".

Kaz nodded, looking down as pain struck his chest. He could handle numerous difficult situations, but when it concerned you, he was always vulnerable.

"I'm sorry," he said lowly, his voice barely heard as he scanned your face, having an intense urge to place his palm on your cheek but the mere thought made him flinch. However he remained rooted to the spot, not backing away because he knew that you needed him at the present, and he wasn't leaving you.

Someone cleared her throat and that was what made him pull away.

"Extremely sorry but we have to move," she said softly and he nodded, his jaw clenching as he gave you one last, tender look before walking away.

The two of you followed and you clutched the coat around you tightly, a small smile threatening to break out on your face as you replayed the interaction with your dearest.

Meanwhile the Grisha was observing her friends quite eagerly, her eyes switching from one to the other. She had her suspicions from the minute she saw Kaz's panic-stricken face, and then the said person lending his coat confirmed it.

She saw his face contorting in sadness upon seeing your highly uneasy figure back at the club, saw the way his fingers fidgeted constantly because he felt helpless. In conclusion, she saw him lose control.

Kaz Brekker never lost control.

She should feel guilty for using her abilities on her boss, but how could she not? When a particular heart was thudding unbelievably as soon as his eyes fell onto someone else's. The beating had only seemed to intensify when he had put his coat around your shoulders.

The trip to the Crow Club was spent in silence. Everyone's mind being occupied by very different thoughts.

"There you are!" Jesper's cheery voice snapped them from their daydream. He slowly jogged over to you, excitement evident on his features. "Want to play a round of cards?"

All you gave him was a small, forced smile. He just looked so happy and you didn't want to be that person, "Let's go then".

"You don't have to," Kaz suddenly spoke making everyone stare in surprise.

"It's fine," you replied but he still gave you that look. The one where his eyes were just a tiny bit wide, eyebrows slightly raised to wordlessly ask if you were sure.

You nodded offering him a twitch of your lips before joining Jesper, Wylan and Inej at the table, helping yourself to some bread.

Nina had of course watched this soundless interaction quite seriously, and now she had some very interesting points that would definitely be shared with the other Crows; minus you two obviously.

"Now this seems fun," she said to herself, smirking at the way Dirtyhands had his eyes glued to you the entire time.

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2. Wylan & Matthias

Having a lazy day at the barrel was something that happened once in a blue moon, because Mr Brekker made sure to always keep everyone on their toes. Today was one of those rarest days that the Crows actually had no job and so naturally they were lazing around in the club.

Jesper and Nina were gossiping, holding a small muffin in their hands as they whispered amongst themselves, probably sharing the headlines of all that had happened in the Barrel.

"You're sure? Our Kaz? Kaz Brekker losing control like that?" Jesper asked, double checking to make sure they were talking about the same person.

"Yes Jesper!" Nina sighed. "His heartbeat seemed to skyrocket the minute his eyes fell on her. I wss actually worried that he might have a cardiac arrest or something.

"Djel help me," Matthias muttered. "She's too good for him to ever say yes".

"Oh come on," Nina insisted, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "They're made for each other!"

"I don't know about that but they do make quite a pair," Inej added, her face screwed up in concentration.

"There's definitely something going on," Wylan whispered, putting on his scheming face as he analysed his thoughts.

Meanwhile Nina was now feeding another round of conversation to her gossip partner who was enjoying it very much indeed.

"No way he went over to the Dime Lions!" Jesper exclaimed mid-bite, his mouth opening as he registered the statement.

"He did indeed Jes," you walked down the stairs interrupting their conversation. "Rumour had it that he was paid handsomely as well".

"Of course he was," the gunslinger snorted before shaking his head.

"Where were you?" Nina asked, her eyebrow raised in question and all four heads turned to hear your answer.

"Kaz's office," you said and sat down on one of the couch, not noticing the small smirks painted on everybody's faces.

"What's he doing in there anyway?" Inej asked, having sharpened her knives and taking yours making you shoot her a highly grateful look.

But before you could reply, the said person called from from above, "Love! Have you seen that Kerch document that I had shown you? Where did you keep it?"

Silence. Complete and utter silence followed his statement as the Crows glanced at each other, their expressions the epitome of flabbergasted.

"Check in your bottom right drawer!" You shouted unaware, standing right below the floor so your voice could be heard better. "I've kept it along with other related files".

The minute you went back to your previous seat, you felt eyes staring at every inch of your face making you suddenly look up. "What the hell?" You asked, being startled at seeing every gaze pinned towards you.

"Did he just-" Jesper began but Wylan elbowed him harshly.

"Nothing," he answered sweetly, ignoring the sharp glare thrown his way. "How about we go visit the marketplace? You said you'd show me some firing powders".

"Yeah let's go," you nodded, putting your gun in the holster and donning a black leather jacket over your shirt. "Anybody need anything? I'm not going to get you fruit loops, Jesper," you narrowed your eyes before the boy could even utter a word.

"But you told me that-"

"But you also happened to have eaten three packets yesterday. So no. Absolutely not".

Inej and Nina snickered at the banter which was surely an everyday occurence. Jesper always being the hopeless little kid and you unintentionally acting like his older sister.

The said boy was looking at you with wide eyes and a small pout and you groaned in exasperation. "Fine! I'll get you some stop looking at me like that!"

"I love you so much," he grinned and shot a wink your way.

"Whom do you love?" Kaz Brekker asked, walking down the stairs and towards him with a raised eyebrow. Everybody fell silent at his impeccable timing to arive during the most unwelcoming moments.

"Her of course!" Nina butted in, pointing towards you before Jesper could reply and Matthiss noticed the way the Demjin's face contorted and tightened.

Kaz shot the Zemeni a small glare, not knowing himself that he was actually doing it before turning to look at you and all of the other crows saw the way his gaze softened considerably.

"Should we leave then?" Wylan broke the silence and tugged at your sleeve and your attention snapped to him.

"Yes yes let's leave," you followed him, almost at the door when Kaz called your name and you halted. "What's wrong? You need anything?" You questioned softly as he walked closer.

"You forgot this," he merely said and handed you a necklace that you had forgotten on his desk. It was only Wylan who actually saw the pendant and his mouth hung open.

You took it from his hands, fingers gently brushing against his gloved ones and he instantly felt a small amount of warmth seep into his very soul.

You lit a spark with only your touch.

You ignited him.

"Thank you," you smiled and quickly clasped it around your neck, tucking it inside your shirt so it would be hidden from privy eyes. "See you later, yeah?"

He nodded, hands tightening on his cane as he watched you leave. He never got round to telling you that he had wanted to spend this day with you and you only. But unfortunately you had plans and so he remained silent. Not wanting to be a hindrance.

He couldn't even remember the last time he had spent some quality time with you. Being too busy finding new deals and searching for missions that he couldn't properly acknowledge the best thing in his life.

When did he last take you out somewhere except for sneaking around to gather valuable information? You loved having hot chocolate late at night, when had he ever bought it for you despite knowing that the drink was your favorite?

You deserved so much better, his mind kept telling him. He couldn't even bring himself to give you the comforting touches that he knew you longed for. You never said a word but he saw it in your eyes. Whenever a plan had gone too complicated and particularly difficult, all you needed was a good embrace. But he could only ever bring himself to hold your hand. Nothing more.

And he hated himself for it. Despised every inch of his self because of his inability to provide for you. It killed him inside.

You were lovely and brave and better than anything he deserved. And he was twisted, crooked, wrong but not so broken that he couldn't pull himself together into some semblance of a man for you.

He was so lost in his thoughts that his sharp instincts failed to notice the stares that were currently burning holes in his face. "What?" He snapped and was on his way back to his bedroom when they stopped him.

"Goodness Kaz you actually look sad," Nina concluded, fighting the smirk that was quick to spread on her face.

"I have no reason to be upset," he rolled his eyes and started climbing the stairs slowly, his leg throbbing with slight pain.

"Wylan's right," Matthias said lowly. "The demjin is infatuated".

Wylan on the other hand was busy geeking over the chemicals that were presented in front of him. "How did I never know about this!" He said in delight and you chucklef at the way his eyes lighted up. "These are so much cheaper too".

"Get whatever you want," you squeezed his shoulder and he nearly jumped in excitement. "I'll just quickly go and get something from that shop, yeah?"

He nodded and you crossed the street to enter the clothing shop, smiling to yourself upon seeing beautiful coats lining the walls.

"Can I see some black shirts and vests, please?" You requested the man who nodded and placed numerous boxes on the table. "I'll take these three," you smiled, selecting two dark grey shirts and a gorgeous black vest that you knew would suit your man well.

"Oh hey! Didn't see you coming in".

Wylan simply laughed and examined the clothes that were being folded neatly and transferred in a bag. "For you?"

"Oh no," you shook your head and paid the kruge, it was a little expensive but it's fine. You could give him a gift every now and then. "It's for Kaz".

His eyes widened in surprise just a tiny bit and his lips stretched wide as the two of you exited the store. But then he suddenly grabbed your hand and pulled you towards an artefacts shop.

"How would this look on Jesper?" He said and pointed at a hat which was exactly what the gunslinger preferred.

"Absolutely perfect".

"Hey take a look at this," he directed your attention towards a few bracelets kept neatly in a box, making sure to keep his trained on you to pick up on every little change.

Your hand instinctively flew towards a handmade one woven with black thread. It was quite simple but had an intricate design. You loved it immediately and wasted no time in purchasing the little present.

"Let's go?" You asked, almost forgetting for a moment that you weren't alone. While the boy had his arms crossed and a knowing smile on his face as he followed your lead. Having an intense conversation with himself in his head.

It was almost night when you entered the Slat again and two of the Crows were lounging in the basement itself with the exception of Inej and Nina.

"I'll be back in a few," you whispered to Matthias who nodded and you climbed up thr stairs, eagerly wanting to give Kaz the gifts you had brought.

He waited until the sound of a door closing was heard before looking at Wylan who had a cheeky grin on his face.

===============================

3. Inej & Jesper

"Look at his hand!" Matthias whispered under his breath and nudged Wylan whose eyes shot towards Kaz Brekker. And indeed, a black bracelet was clasped onto his left wrist. Not that noticeable but nowadays nothing could ever escape their sharp stare.

"I've never ever seen him wear anything synonymous to jewellery," Matthias muttered and passed the message to Nina who perked up with a bright grin, as though struck by an inspiration.

"Watch me," was all she said and the the two boys glanced ahead in apprehension as she neared your location and bumped into you quite harshly.

"Saints!" A small shout escaped your lips as you were thrown backwards onto Kaz who was right behind you.

"Goodness I'm so sorry," Nina immediately apologised, not being sorry in the least as she rather scanned the couple's reaction.

Your back was pressed against Kaz's chest while his gloved hand, the one wearing a bracelet was wrapped securely around your waist, holding you against him. You placed your palm on top of his in reassurance, and your heart started taking up its pace.

"You okay?" He murmured in your ear and helped you stand up straight as you nodded; and he shot a deathly glare towards the heartrender, who gave a grin and sashayed her way back to the boys.

"I'm fine, thank you for that," you whispered before returning to the documents that were scattered on the table.

"You saw that?" She joined the duo with an excited expression, her hands flapping in front of her. "He didn't even flinch at her touch! It was almost like-"

"Like he's used to it!" Wylan completed her sentence and she nodded enthusiastically.

"Usually he'll push the person off for even invading his personal space, much less someone actually falling on him," Matthias added and she agreed.

"Ghezen this is going much better than I expected. Fifty kruge that they're already together since the past few months".

"Oh yeah?" Jesper interrupted the conversation with the biggest smirk on his face as he sat down, joined by Inej who was shaking her head with a smile. "Hundred kruge says that they've been married already".

"You do know that you're horrible at betting, don't you?" Matthias asked, raising an eyebrow at the large sum.

"But I think Jes is right on this one," Inej supported him making the said person's grin widen if that was even possible.

"What's making you so sure?" Wylan asked, quite suspiciously.

"Let me ah- tell you a little something I saw," his brown eyes glinted as he recounted the miracle that he and Inej had seen.

Jesper was walking on his usual route that led him back to the Crow Club with the Wraith beside him. They had both finished their parts of the job and had met on their way home.

"You got some intel?" He asked, his eyes scanning the various treats that were covering the shelves of stalls.

"Nothing," she answered with a sigh. "It is the same. He comes in everyday sharp at 7 in the morning and leaves exactly at 5. There has been no change at all".

"I think I'm going insane," he suddenly whispered and stopped dead in his tracks making Inej tense up immediately as she looked around for any threat.

"What's wrong?"

"That- That's Kaz isn't it?" He questioned, unable to believe the words that were on their way through his mouth. "In a- a goddamn flower shop?"

"Don't be ridiculous," she scoffed lightly but her she too froze upon seeing a familiar figure standing merely a few metres away. "Saints that is Kaz!"

"Let's go," he nudged her and she hesitated, not really wanting to pry but curiosity certainly gets the better of everyone. They walked closer silently, hiding behind another store which gave them the perfect view.

And there he was, the bastard of the barrel holding a beautiful, red rose in his bare fingers. Yes, he did not have his gloves on. Something that was noticed by the two.

They saw as he paid the small amount of money and began trodding down the road, his cane held tightly in one hand and the rose was held in the other that was hidden behind his back.

"Breadcrumbs," Jesper smirked at her and she let out a laugh as the two followed their leader, becoming increasingly suspicious. They didn't have to wait for long as the person that they had expected arrived soon enough making the two Crows grin.

"Nina was right after all," Inej muttered as she watched you waving at Kaz to gain his attention and the spying people stepped closer, wanting to hear the conversation that would surely grant them something.

"Hey," they heard you whisper, sounding slightly breathless.

"Hi," Kaz replied and took a tiny step closer so that his shoes were touching yours making you bite your lip. "This is for you," he added and presented the rose, his eyes hungrily scanning yours for every little change that he itched to see.

And you rewarded him with the grin that he oh so loved. When your mouth fell open slightly in surprise before morphing slowly into a gorgeous and breathtaking smile.

"For me?" You asked despite yourself, gently taking the flower from his hand and twirling it in your fingers. "Are you sure?"

A small frown marked his face, "Of course I am. Why do you ask such a thing?"

"Is it not for someone else? Maybe a pretty girl that you're thinking of wooing to help you get whatever information that you need," you teased, your lips pressed together.

"Darling," was all he said. His voice low, deep as he stared intently into your eyes, tilting his head to look even deeper. "There is no one like you," he finished and let a small smile form on his hardened face.

Jesper who had been listening with every ounce of concentration had to slap his palm over his mouth to prevent a squeal from escaping his feeble clutches. It was only for Inej roughly smacking his arm and dragging him away that he managed to not give away their position.

"Hence proved," he concluded his story with his arms extended to the present crowd who were utterly and completely shocked.

"No way that actually happened," Matthias grumbled, muttering to himself while Nina looked like she'd just received all of the available waffles for free.

"I'm a genius," she laughed heartily and chugged down a shot of whiskey in celebration of her matchmaking skills.

"I'm so going to win that bet, Zenik".

"Don't count your pigeons before they're killed, Fahey. We can't be so sure that they're actually married".

"We have to ask them!" Wylan urged, sitting up straight and looking at them for their opinions.

"We will," Nina nodded firmly while the rest appeared unconvinced. "Tomorrow".

"Let's hope that we're not murdered in our beds later that night then," Jesper sighed but he too couldn't contain his excitement.

===============================

4. The Confrontation

"Kaz," Nina said in delight as soon as the man climbed down the last step.

"Never thought I'd live to see the day when you're actually looking happy to see me," he retorted making her roll her eyes.

"We need to talk," Jesper elaborated making him raise an eyebrow as he took in all of his Crows minus you and Inej sitting with their arms crossed and heads held high.

"Does it concern me?"

"Of course it does that's why we're asking!"

"Saints give me the strength," he muttered under his breath before looking at the lot. "Go on then I don't have all day".

That's when Inej entered the scene, dragging you along with her and making you stand next to Kaz. "What's going on?" You questioned, heavily confused and looking around for an answer.

"We need to ask you something," Wylan answered your request.

"I gathered just as much".

"Are you going to ask or not?" Kaz growled in annoyance, his patience running thin.

"We just wanted to know-"

"I've been wanting to ask-"

"We had a feeling that-"

They all began together but not one could complete their sentence until Jesper was the one to blurt it out.

"You're married?"

Kaz and you stood still, dumbstruck before visibly relaxing and you chuckled, "That was quicker than I expected".

"I don't think four years is quick, love," Kaz responded, his lips stretching just the slightest making the crowd explode.

"FOUR YEARS?!"

"YOU TWO ARE ACTUALLY MARRIED!"

"WHEN DID YOU EVEN START DATING?!"

"HOW ON EARTH DID YOU EVEN MANAGE TO PULL HER OUT OF ALL THE PEOPLE??"

"Ask him about it," was all you said and sat down on a chair with a very obvious smile adorning your pleased face. Everybody fell silent at once and you knew you had said the right thing. Nobody sensible would ever dare to question Kaz.

Jesper glanced nervously at him, "Can I atleast see your ring? Just to you know, have some confirmation?"

You laughed and pulled the necklace out from under your shirt, revealing a thin but elegant silver band encrusted with a small diamond at its center.

"K- Kaz?" Wylan asked, or rather pleaded.

To their surprise, he took off the glove of his right hand to reveal a similar ring resting beautifully against his pale fingers.

"Saints I win!" Jesper said in disbelief and stood up straight, slowly turning his head to look at Nina. "GIVE ME MY KRUGE!" And all watched as the girl slowly backed away, probably hatching an escape plan and ran swiftly with him hot on her heels.

"That was something huh?" You grinned and looked at your husband, slowly leaning over to intertwine your fingers with his.

"Quite," he huffed lightly but couldn't stay annoyed for long and alas, he too smiled. Not a particularly big one, rather a small, gentle twitch of his lips. One that was only ever displayed for you.

His eyes held the entire universe as he admired you from the side, looking at you as if you had hung those few stars that formed his constellation.

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Taglist :-

@phoenix666stuff

[shewrites444]

rule bender [thomas shelby x reader smut]

word count - 3.9k

[ summary - following the events of season 2, the reader, major campbell’s abandoned daughter, meets with the peaky blinders to plot against her father’s downfall, but takes an unexpected interest in far more than what she came for. ]

[ warnings - implied age gap, virgin reader, dirty talk, oral sex (f), unprotected and slightly aggressive sex ]

-

there wasn’t much that needed to be said about my father other than he was a selfish, greedy, and obsessive man towards anything he wanted to manipulate into his life. i lived with him for only ten or so years before he took on his position as chief inspector, and ten years later, became major, assigned to the king and carrying out an extremely dangerous, highly destructive plan to not only use thomas shelby and the peaky blinders, but also get rid of them when done with.

i knew all this information through word of mouth and rumor, and frankly, didn’t mind using it to my own advantage. he was unaware of my presence in birmingham, and hadn’t heard from me in years since i moved to america, so i knew this type of threat would be the last thing on his mind.

when i wrote to the peaky blinders about my ideas, they expressed great interest in me, and intended to pay well for my travels and work ethic, allow me to stay with them or get me an apartment for some time, so much more than what my father would’ve done for me to carry out a mission for him.

when i sailed over, i spent the days wondering how much being back in birmingham would affect my well being, given the extreme amount of emotional turmoil i was put through in my childhood, but with the distance i had for so many years, i hoped that i’d be alright, and if i was being paid well, this would all be worth it in the end.

my father hasn’t seen me since my childhood, but i knew if we were to reconnect, he’d seem to pity me, and potentially present a soft spot to me, one i could easily manipulate for the shelby’s.

this didn’t even feel wrong, conspiring against him, given i felt no emotional connection. it was sad in a way, but i was struggling in america, given i was working as a secretary at a small bank and still remained unwedded. there were things i had to do to get by, and helping carry out an assassination of my father wasn’t plan a, but it paid almost as much as a year’s salary for me, so it must’ve been in the cards.

upon my arrival in birmingham, an assistant of the shelby’s had already been waiting for me, and drove me to their residence, where i was guided into a meeting room that also seemed to be a kitchen, so i already knew i was in the family residence. this could mean one of two things - i was highly trusted, or such a high risk they’d have to kill me where no one would find me. maybe both.

i sat down, the man asking me if i wanted something to drink, which i kindly declined. he told me the shelby family would be with me soon, and to remain patient.

i kept that request to heart, but also couldn’t help but feel anxious. of course, that was reasonable, but with such a high ranked family, i had to keep my composure, and talk business like my life depended on this meeting, because it did.

an older woman opened the slide in door, looking to me with a flat expression as she pulled out the chair next to me, sitting down and taking out a pack of cigarettes, offering me one, which i also kindly declined by shaking my head softly.

she chuckled, lighting it with a small match. “it seems america can change a woman. you can smoke here, dear.”

i smile softly, brushing my hair behind my ear and cross my arms, straightening myself out in the wooden chair. “i moved there when i was a teenager, i never smoked much anyway, so i’m used to living differently, i suppose.”

“well, if all is well and you house with us, get used to the smoke.” she said, putting the cigar into her mouth.

our attention was averted to three men that stepped through the doors, all of different ages and looks, but clearly related. the oldest, or at least who i assumed to be, sat aside the woman, and the other brother sat beside me, and the final, who seemed to have the most intimating look of them all, sat facing me, across the table.

he cleared his throat, looking at me and holding our eye contact, blinking once or twice before he leaned his elbows onto the table, holding his hands together as he collected his words.

“you must be [y/n] campbell. did you travel well?”

i nod, uncrossing my arms and resting my hands against my legs, glancing down at the table. “yes, i am, and yes, i did. it was fine.”

“good.” he says, leaning back and reaching into his pocket to grab a pack of cigarettes. the woman was right about their tendency to smoke.

he lights one before he begins to smoke and his brothers do the same.

“your father has been causing me and my family quite the trouble for some time.” he begins, shaking his head. “i’d never ask you to commit such a crime, but you are obviously well aware you have to assist through the process. if you don’t have what it takes to do so, we can sail you back home, if that’s what you’d prefer.”

“i wouldn’t travel this far if i didn’t.”

the oldest brother smirks, reaching to the middle of the table to grab the bottle of whisky, opening it and pouring himself a glass. “it seems she means business, tommy. don’t meet many women these days who plan on killing their father.” he laughs, gesturing his glass towards me. “shoot him yourself and we’ll throw in-”

“arthur, enough.” the woman interrupts, shaking her head with annoyance. she looks back to me, putting out her cigarette.

“continuing what thomas was saying, if you are completely prepared for this, we will allow you to stay with us, completely secure, as long as you follow what we ask you to do. we can’t let you leave the residence without our permission, given your identity. if your father finds out you’re here, you are a threat to not only us, but your own well being. we ask you only leave to visit him, when we thoroughly plan out that conversation, and other then that, remain here. you are free to eat what i cook and what we have here, spend time in the library, do whatever you please, in these walls. you are welcome to stay in the guest room, which has a bathroom as well, and i don’t mind getting you some clothes this week since you’ll be here for some time.” she stands up, nodding to me and pushing her chair in. “it’s getting late and we have business to do tomorrow morning, so if this is alright with you, we’ll discuss details tomorrow, and you can get settled in tonight. agreed?”

“yes, ma’am.” i nod, looking around the table as everyone stares at me. “that sounds fine to me.”

thomas, who i now realized was the man sitting across from me, stands up as well, and gestures his hand towards me. “i’ll show you where you’ll be staying. everyone else, finish your business for the night and we’ll discuss this topic once again tomorrow afternoon.”

the room was cleared of the group within a matter of seconds, his authority made clear, as the door was shut by the woman. thomas walks towards me and gestures me to stand up. we walk towards a hallway left of the kitchen, a few doors down until we reached the guest bedroom, which was decorated plainly but well enough for someone to reside in for some time.

he lit the two candles on the dresser with a match from his pocket, setting it on the surface before he turned to me, his hands tucked into his pockets.

“i was the one who read your letter and wrote you back. it really shocked me, eh. i know you’re angry, and i understand that feeling, believe me, but don’t let it get in the way of what you, what we, are trying to accomplish. this may be revenge to you, but it’s business to me, and my family. try to make it seem like that to you as well.”

i sit down on the bed, my eyes averting from his hidden hands and up to his eyes. i sigh, crossing my arms. “i think i’ll be okay, thank you.”

he nods, holding eye contact for a short moment before turning around, walking towards the door and grabbing the knob.

“goodnight, miss [y/n].”

“goodnight.”

i watch him shut the door and sigh, shaking my head to almost physically get him, and that conversation, out of my head. i’m here for business, and yes, a bit of vengeance, but not for some sort of fatal attraction that just showed up when speaking to him alone. fuck. that’s the last thing i’m here for.

with that off-putting thought, i knew i needed to sleep soon. i changed into a nightgown that was in the top drawer, pulling my hair into a loose bun and washing my face from the long day of travel and conversation that i had, before i sunk into the soft mattress and bundled myself into the covers.

i closed my eyes, thoughts of not only my current situation, but thomas running through my tired mind. he was attractive, but clearly uninterested given his dry, blunt tone, but he was so powerful, god, it made me think. it made me think far too much.

although, even if he wanted me, i didn’t have much experience, so i’d make a complete fool of myself, and the mission i came here to perform, which had nothing to do with sleeping with thomas shelby.

this pointless overthinking wasn’t helping me sleep.

i slid out of the bedsheets, rubbing my forehead in annoyance and cursing under my breath as i walked towards the door, opening it quietly and heading back to the kitchen, one of the few places i knew in the shelby house, to grab a glass of water.

to my surprise, what i was attempting to get away from was sitting at the dining room table, reading through a few papers with a glass of whiskey in hand. i blush, standing awkwardly as he looks up to me when the wooden board i was standing on creaked. he set his drink down, but kept one paper in his free hand.

“looking for something?”

“yes, uhm, water.” i say, crossing my arms as my nerves collected and also to block any showing of my breasts, which were pretty visible through the white fabric. “i just can’t sleep.”

he stood up, pouring me a glass and handing it to me, glancing down briefly to stare at my newly changed clothes. “then sit out here. surely these would put you to sleep.” he gestures towards the documents on the table, pulling out the chair next to me.

"it's alright." i awkwardly nod, gesturing the glass towards him. "thank you for the water. i should at least try to lay back down though."

"i don't think you want to." he says bluntly, licking his finger to flip to the next page of the newspaper. "come on, miss [y/n], have a seat."

i sigh, walking a few steps over to sit aside him in the wooden chair, setting the clear glass on the table. "to be frank, i am really not in a sufficient mood to discuss anything that involves my father, mr. shelby... i do want to go to bed."

he chuckles, setting the paper down and sitting back into his chair. "i know you don't want to discuss your father, and neither do i at this hour. i was simply suggesting the reason you aren't in your bedsheets touching yourself to me is because you wanted it first hand, is that right?"

my eyes widen a bit as i hear him speak. i stand up, despite the urge to discover this scenario more, and push my chair in. "have a good night, mr. shelby." i say rather quickly, turning back to the hallway that lead towards my bedroom, before i hear his chair push back, his footsteps following my path.

i feel him take my hand, turning me around and into a deep, lustful kiss, his hands immediately traveling down to my waist, guiding me down the hallway and into my room, where he sets me on the bed, shutting the door behind him. i sit there, my body frozen, and frankly, already burning my passion, but one i was unable to act on with another. everything i was overthinking just minutes before was unfolding before me.

thomas tiled his head, looking at me confused as he began to unbutton his white dress shirt. he stepped closer, stripping of his top and letting it fall to the floor behind him. he pursed his lips together with a plain expression, yet so much thought was read before his eyes.

"you're a virgin." he says blankly. "aren't you?"

my eyes widen and i really couldn't hide the truth, if he was already getting that conclusion so quickly. i nodded slowly. "uhm, yes.. i.. i am.."

he leans down, and eventually, sinks onto his knees, lightly pressing both of his hands to the opposite ends of my hips, sighing softly through his nostrils. “in.. everything?”

“mr. shelby, i’m no pru-”

he chuckled, rolling the nightgown up enough to pull down my white panties onto the floor, gesturing for me to lay back. “then i believe you, miss [y/n], just lay down.”

i gasp softly as his lips kiss my folds, the wetness of his saliva trailing up to my clit as his tongue digs inside of me, sucking on my sensitive skin while his arms wrap around my legs to bury himself between my thighs.

i reach down to lightly hold him by the hair, my other hand hiking my nightgown up more and more until i was able to see his head. i meet his eyes, and that only pushes him to go faster, his tongue dancing in circles and different rhythms on my clit, but breaks free soon after, to trail kisses down my thighs, up to my stomach, to my breasts, and to my lips. i taste myself through our kisses, his hot breath enveloping mine as his tongue slides into my mouth.

i moan into the kisses, my arms reaching up to wrap around his neck, fingers lightly grazing his now exposed skin. he was warm, and he knew what he was doing, which frankly, made a bit nervous, but i wasn't opposed to letting him carry the weight of our situation.

he lightly pulled himself away before meeting my eyes as he hovered above me. he glanced down between our bodies before looking back to me. i could feel his erection through his pants as it grazed against my inner thigh, practically begging for its release towards my slit.

i felt his hand trail between us, gently rubbing my wet clit and watching for my reaction, as my mouth opens again and my cheeks grow redder at his touch. i close my eyes, my back arching lightly at the feeling, my legs spreading before him. he leans back down to trail kisses down my neck, before his teeth grab the top of my down near my right breast and pull it down, tucking it underneath the ball of flesh he wanted to see. he began to lick my nipple, sucking at an increasing speed, his tongue distracting me from his release from my clit.

i could hear his belt buckle, and his pants drop to the floor, his boxers following the clothes as he leaned up, leading me out of touch as he positioned himself between my inner thighs. he glanced down to me, his right hand lightly grazing his cock as he aligned it against my folds. he sighed through his nose, looking down at our bodies before lightly pushing his tip in, barely enough for me to feel.

"tell me if it hurts, [y/n]." he says my name alone with a husky tone, before gently sliding himself inside me, his thick cock stretching my tight, sensitive walls as he slowly worked his way inside.

i gasp, looking down between my legs watch his cock disappear into me, and his hand moving from his length to my thigh, lightly holding it up to push himself in further. when he finally got inside of me, so deep that i felt his balls lightly against my ass, he glanced down at me for the first time since he was inside.

"i-it feels good, mr. shelby." i say, knowing he wanted my word for it.

he clicks his tongue lightly, beginning to slowly pump himself in and out of me, the sound of my wet pussy enveloping the noise of the room. his cock twitched at the feeling, small breaths coming from his nostrils as he focused on the feeling of my body holding him close. he leans down, planting a kiss against my lips before pulling himself up, just enough that our noises were still touching as he breathed against my face.

"such a pretty woman you are, miss [y/n]. you take cock so well, you know that, hm? you feel so natural around me, love. like you were built for my cock."

i gulp at his words, feeling my face burn at the talk mr. shelby spoke above me, as his pace began to lightly increase with each smooth word. i nod, pursuing my lips together and feeling my core tighten as the sounds of our bodies against each other began to fill the room, much more than before.

he chuckles at my silent response, but i showed it through my body the more he fucked me. his strokes were gentle, but deep, his cock nearly leaving my pussy through each and every stroke, but pushing back inside through one thrust every time. i could hear him grunt at the sensation, and it was evident he needed more for release.

i lightly lean up, my arms shaking slightly while i adjusted myself, and he leaned up once more, still inside of me.

"d-do you.. do you think i could take your cock as well from behind me, mr. shelby?" i stammer, glancing up to him with a red face. "if.. if you think that would feel better for the both of us.."

a grin spread across his cheeks, and he lightly pulled out of me, gesturing for me to flip over and get onto my knees. he places his large hands on my lower hips, his thumbs resting on the top of my ass. i could feel his cold rings on my body as he leaned forward to push himself inside once more.

it felt much different this way, the way he was holding me, the way his cock was pushing through my tight walls at a quickly accustomed angle. god, it felt fucking good, but i knew he wouldn't be rougher, or more, with me, if i didn't say so. mr. shelby seemed to be a ruthless man, but he was taking it easy with me given the circumstances.

"harder." i mutter under my breath, but just enough that he could hear me from his position.

"are you sure, love?" he asked, his grip on my hips tightening and his cock begin to take up a new speed. "because i can fuck you like a whore, but i'm not too sure you'd like that during your first time."

"i-i am sure, mr. shelby. i need it."

with my permission, he pulled himself out of me, before nearly slamming himself back inside, his tip grazing close to what felt like my lower stomach as he began to pump himself further into my body, his cock making my body turn towards some sort of shock, as i felt a sharp feeling of pain yet pleasure escalate through my core, my legs, everywhere.

i gasp, leaning down to rest my head into the pillow, trying to muffle the loud moans and high pitched yelps as mr. shelby pounded his length into my pussy, every stroke earning a whine from my covered lips. he took one of his hands off of me to reach down and grab me by my tied up hair, lifting my head up to cause my body to arch in reaction, and my open mouth to gasp at his sudden movements.

"do you think whores stay quiet, miss [y/n]?" he tilts his head, looking down at my half-covered body as he talks, slightly taunting. it seemed a more demeaning attitude came with more of mr. shelby's dominance.

i shake my head, trying to catch my staggered breath as the question pent up my nerves. "n-no, mr. shelby.. they.. they don't.."

"exactly." he huffs, his hand moving from my hair to my neck, his fingers gripping my red, sweating skin. "so how should you behave when i fuck you?"

"but.. but it may be loud, mr. shelby.." i conteract, closing my eyes as his hard hits travel farther into my pussy, his balls slapping against my clit, which only increased my harsh stimulation. "i-i don't want to wake your family.."

thomas lifted his hand briefly to smack my ass, hard, earning a yelp from my lips. "does it look like i give a fuck what they think? i have the authority here, don't i? i can fuck you as i please, can't i?"

"y-yes.." i moan as his hand left my body stinging, nodding hastily. "you do, fuck, mr. shelby.."

he kept his motions at their highly aggressive rate, pounding my pussy and expecting the reactions i gave him, which were loud, visible moans and yells cued by his manipulation, as he fucked me so hard the room was full of our own created noise, and the sound of the bed frame creaking against the wooden wall, and the floorboards slightly screeching against the rapid movements.

i felt my own release building up, and with his thumb suddenly planting against my clit, i gasped, my climax releasing against his cock as he rode out his own high, filling my insides and thrusting momentarily before slowly pulling out.

he leaned forward to help flip me over, watching me catch my breath and straight my own out as he got himself dressed. he leaned down to grab my panties, then got on the floor to slide them up my legs, and adjust them against my hips before leaning forward, gently sticking his index finger past the cotton before slowly pushing it into my pussy, and sliding it out, licking it slowly before me as he stood up.

"we'll discuss plans for your father tomorrow, hm?" he asked casually, adjusting his shirt into his pants. "perhaps i'll take you shopping for some new dresses as well outside of birmingham?"

i nod, slowly sitting up on the bed. "uhm, yes, i'd.. i'd like that, mr. shelby."

"thomas." he says, leaning down to peck my lips. "no mr. shelby. you're a bit different than a business partner now, eh? we've bent the rules a little here."

i chuckle lighting, shaking my head. "i.. uh, suppose so, yeah.."

he holds my cheek lightly before walking towards the door and holding his hand against the knob. "goodnight." he opens the doors then, glancing to me.

"goodnight, thomas."

[petrichorium]

satoru tries to keep it from you, as if your reach in the court isn’t threaded more firmly even than his own. as if the royal guards do not prefer your company to his, as if you’re such a fool you wouldn’t notice how he’s come to bed long after you’ve gone to sleep every day for the past week—he tells you it’s dull financial advising, you know it’s because he’s been busy torturing a man. an assassin, you’ve been told; a poisoner who hadn’t even made it out of the kitchen before being caught.

you also know he’s back earlier tonight because he’s executed another man—the one who hired the hit, one of his own cousins. ordinarily such a thing would be dealt with swiftly, except that the food found dosed had been not your husband’s but yours, and your king does not take kindly to threats against you. the maids had told you all of that days ago; it’s the guards that tell you he assembled the court without you, hours past sunset, and made a display of cutting down his own kin for your sake. ruthless, they tell you, savage, lest there be any doubt in his affections for you.

he comes back to your shared bedchamber without a drop of crimson on his clothes, but the satisfied air about him and the heavy drum of bloodlust you can see in his eye tell you that your information is correct. still, you greet him casually and don’t bring up your discontent as he removes his blindfold and makes himself comfortable on the bed, unabashedly peering at you while you sit at your vanity pretending to ready yourself for sleep. he’s silent with his staring, and you are silent as well, busy ruminating on how you’re feeling until you come to the conclusion that the only action of his which has sparked your ire is that he has chosen not to share them with you—no, you’re not bothered by his barbaric display, but rather that he did it without informing you. with your opinion found, you are ready to initiate the conversation.

“so?” you begin casually, gaze flitting up to meet his eye through the mirror. “are the conspirators dead, then?”

at first he gives no response, but when you turn in your seat to face him he rises to stand and strides over to you. lacing his fingers with yours, he pulls you to your feet—holds you close, leans down to press his forehead to yours.

“can’t get anything past you, hm? not with your brain.”

“well, are they?”

“yes. of course. they’ve hardly earned the title of conspirators frankly, not with that pitiful display.”

“mm.” you purse your lips and pull away, turning your back on him. “lovely to know that you’d accept my death if it were at the hands of a competent man.”

he follows you swiftly, eases his arms around your waist and rests his chin in the crook of your neck. his tone is easy, light—amused, perhaps. “i don’t believe i said anything of the sort.”

“i do not find this amusing, my king.” despite your tone, you reach up to thread your fingers through his hair, drawing a contented noise from him which he buries into your nape. “i’m displeased by you.”

“are you, now?” his lips quirk against your skin, and he shifts, his whole body moving so that he can trace kisses along your jaw. “i’ll simply have to please you, my queen.”

“satoru.” the name makes him pause. you tighten your hold on his hair, pull him to rest against your shoulder again in an attempt to halt him. “you killed your kin for me and attempted to hide it. did you truly think i wouldn’t find out?”

“not this quickly,” he grumbles, petulant, entirely unsuitable for a king who had just slit the throat of his own cousin before an audience.

“people chatter, especially when you require the attendance of the entire court. but since we are being honest, i knew of the whole ordeal the moment it happened—i do believe i was made aware of the poisoning before you were, my husband. so tell me, why did you torture a man for a week and choose not to inform your wife? why did you so courteously invite my companions to witness this execution but neglect to extend that invitation to me?”

he doesn’t speak for a moment. his breath comes hot against your neck, not quite a sigh but certainly a deep breath—then he turns his face into your hand, leaves a fleeting kiss against your palm, and lifts his head.

“they need to learn, hm? how would they have learned if i’d let this go?” his eyes are manic, the closest you’ve seen to what they’d been that night—yet the moment they meet yours they soften, reverence seeping in. he stands to his full height behind you, hand coming beneath your chin to tilt your face upward so that he can loom over you and press a kiss to your brow; he’s gentle with you, but the steel at the core of his tone is more than palpable. “i won’t show mercy, certainly not when it comes to those who wish to harm you. you cannot ask me to be forgiving with such things.”

you realize with those words that he believes you’re balking at the brutality, that he thinks you timid and soft. he thinks you don’t know what he does to maintain his power, as if you’re not intimately aware of the monster he’s had to become—as if you hadn’t come face-to-face with it, with his blade.

you think you probably shouldn’t be as endeared as you are. you certainly shouldn’t turn around, wrap your arms around his neck, and tug him down into a real kiss to reward his actions, yet you still do. it’s addicting how quickly he melts to your affections; you know how intimidating his size must be to so many but it’s impossible for you to fear it when he’d drop to his knees for you at a single word.

when you pull away he doesn’t let go—he whines at you, a wordless protest, and buries his head into your shoulder to nip at your skin.

“i’m not angry with you for refusing mercy,” you mutter to him, “i’m angry with you for lying to me. i am your queen, your partner. you will not do this again, you will tell me the next time you intend to cut down a man in my name.”

he pulls back and opens his mouth, eyes wide, but you cut him off by lunging upward to peck at the corner of his lips.

“it’s in your best interest to comply, husband. you cannot hide things from me.”

“i know, wife.” his sigh is love-struck. “i’m a fool to have tried.”

usurper!gojo masterlist

[ssplague]

Chapter Four

Mature 

Masterlist

Warnings: A/B/O themes, soulmates, mating, sex, manipulation, power and control.

Oh how can one’s feelings

spin a tale so profound? 

For only true love shall

Determine whether darkness 

Or light shall abound?

You were now queen of an earthland kingdom, you were married to the Dragon King, a mere princess no more

                                                                                                          ✨          👑          ✨

“Gods for the millionth time, I’m fine! Why are you two so worried about this all of the sudden?!” Bakugou snapped, slouching further in his high backed chair.

It made him angry that he’d had to leave you like he did just to meet with these two old geezers! That combined with their repeat line of questioning had him growing increasingly furious. 

“Now more than ever are your draconian instincts going to need regulating Katsuki, you can’t run the risk of letting them get the better of you, if you get upset and do something irresponsible like shifting accidentally, your wife could be in real danger” Jeanist reminds the soon to be king. It was frustrating for a decorated general like himself having to tip toe around the truth. A surprise shift pales in comparison to what those “in the know” truly feared happening. Both himself and Aizawa had made a promise to Midnight that they would advise Bakugou to the best of their abilities in order to keep tragedy from befalling the Royal family once more. If they fail, then what would remain of the kingdom would forever be condemned to suffer, and surely the young King’s soul would be eternally damned.

“You’re sure she’s your true mate? What does your dragon feel about her? If we’re satisfied with its response then we’ll dismiss you for tonight” Aizawa offers, yawning loudly before focusing on the young monarch. Closing his eyes, it’s easy for Katsuki to call forth his dragon and it needs no prodding to talk about you; “I knew she was mine as soon as I laid eyes on her, her scent puts the most expensive perfumes to shame, I’m growing restless, what importance are these stupid human customs when it comes to claiming my mate? I want to kill anyone that looks at her with lust in their eyes, and crush the skull of anyone harboring perverse thoughts about my goddess, she’s mine and im going to make sure she knows it, 

y/n…my greatest treasure”.

“You harbor no ill will towards the lunarian princess? You do not despise the light that radiates from her pure heart?” Jeanist asks, studying the king’s form for any hint the dragon is thinking of uttering a false hood. “Dragon’s protect their mates, our love knows no bounds, our love is eternal, and unconditional…unlike you human’s” snarls the beast. “That’s good enough for now” Aizawa states, signaling for the king’s consciousness to return.

With a fierce display of teeth Bakugou returns, “There, are you geezers happy now?”.

“For now…but I think we should meet once more the morning of the wedding, and weekly after that” Aizawa says, looking at Jeanist for his approval. “I agree, just as a per caution-“ the finely dressed dressed man adds, only to be cut off by a furious snarl. 

“I’m getting real fucking sick of you two insinuating I’m some loose cannon that would bring harm to my woman!” The irate blonde shouts, banging his sparking fist on the table “Ever since I returned home and told you guys about her you’ve been acting weird, is there something going on that I don’t know about?!”.

Both of the older men give each other a side eye, which only proceeds to agitate the temper-mental man further. 

“For years I’ve respected you both for your knowledge and strength, that’s why you became my trusted advisors in the first place! That aside, I’ll tell you one last thing…” the dragon king gets to his feet, leaning forward on the sturdy oak table “If I find out either one of you has been keeping information from me, are aware of any conspiring, privy to any plot against my marriage or that could possibly bring harm to my wife…I will execute you myself…understand?”.

Crimson irises are alight with fury as they stare down the two men. Neither one of them display any emotion as they reply in unison;“Understood, your majesty”.

“Good, this meeting is fucking adjured…Tell the old hag I’m retiring for the evening” with that, the soon to be king storms out of the room, red cape billowing behind him.

Mate is safe, she’s here where she belongs, that’s all that matters…forget their words, the Thoughts and feelings of humans mean nothing when it comes to the bonding between dragons.

With a heavy sigh, Katsuki can’t help but agree.

The day before the wedding has you bombarded with last minute preparations non stop. You’d stood for nearly two hours as the capital’s best seamstress, accompanied by her assistant, took your measurements and quite literally crafted a dress (made from your ideal choice in fabrics) by magic. Naturally everything happening was seen under Queen Mitsuki’s watchful eye. Which allowed the two of you time to bond, the stories of her time as ruler had you looking at her with stars in your eyes. This woman was not to be trifled with; She was a warrior unlike any other, going as far as to ripping out the heart of an enemy general who had attempted to over throw her rule. You weren’t entirely sure how old she was, since it’s rude to ask (but dragons do live extremely long lives), she looked to be in her late twenties, and her mannerisms were every bit as youthful as her outward appearance.

“My son is lucky that the goddess has granted him such a perfect bride, and myself such a wonderful daughter” the older woman says as she marvels at your appearance in the finished wedding gown.

Examining yourself in every angle from the surrounding mirrors you can’t help but be delighted. You finally felt like you were coming into your own as a future queen, not just the daughter of the moon goddess.

As the day wound to a close you were finally dismissed from wedding preparations! Completely worn out, you couldn’t be happier to finally sit down for dinner. A table had been placed in your room to make things easier for the maids helping you get dressed tomorrow. A small spread of food rests atop it, along with four place settings for yourself and the three individuals you insisted dine with you.

“I don’t understand where Katsuki could have run off to, he’s been gone all day…I didn’t even get to see him off this morning, he left before I woke up” you glumly inform your new friends. Serro and Denki took Kirishima’s place in guarding you, as his majesty had apparently needed the bulky redhead for something. “You most likely won’t see him until the wedding your highness, he had plenty of his own preparations to see to” explains Serro. “You gotta tell us your secret on how you deal with him y/n, he’s been so weirdly calm ever since you came to stay” Denki states, tearing his bread roll in half.

“Well I hope to continue keeping the peace around here in the future, I’ll do my best….unfortunately I have no special secret, or method that I use on him” you reply with your usual polite smile in place.

“Not even your “womanly wiles”? Ow! I was joking Mina geez” the electric blonde cries, rubbing the knot on his head.

“Do you want to get executed? You idiot! You are talking to the new queen, if his majesty hears that kind of talk happening around her you are dead!” The pinkette scolds.

“I swear I won’t tell! We’re all friends here, right? No telling the king anything that won’t hurt him!” You exclaim nervously, “That was a hard hit you delivered Mina, how does a hand maiden know anything about hand to hand combat?”. The two men begin to snicker at your question, hiding behind their hands as the pinkette glares at them. “Actually y/n…I have a confession to make…I’m not a hand maiden, I’m the second in command of his majesty’s royal guard” Mina admits, giving you a bow and a wink.

“Wait…what?! Oh no! How rude of me to have been thinking you were my assistant this whole time! Oh goddess, what must you think of my ignorance” you fret, the other three watch you with amused smiles. “You didn’t treat me badly y/n! We’re friends remeber?” Mina asks, using your earlier words against you. “Yes, we are…we’re all friends! Regardless of station, you’re all my precious new friends” you say with a nod, dazzling smile back in place. The rest of the meal was uneventful, your guards tease you about tomorrow’s festivities until it’s time for you to turn in. The two males take their places outside your door, while Mina stays to brush out your hair. Once you bid her good night and get into bed you already know it’s pointless. Your mind and body are abuzz with excitement and anxiety, sleep won’t be coming so easily. Moonlight peeks in through the cracks in the curtains, you sit up noticing the soft glow growing brighter, the shadows shrink back as if they were being burned, the air in the room began to shimmer.

Without any warning a gorgeous woman materializes at the foot of your bed. Her long silver hair sparkles, her deep blue eyes twinkle, she wastes no time in coming to hold you close to her chest. “My sweet girl, so far from home…about to become Queen of this foreign land…my how you’ve grown up so much in such a short time” her voice is as beautiful as the sound of wind chimes in a summer breeze. “Are you proud of me? I’ve finally found my way” you ask, nuzzling into her embrace.

“I am always proud of you, that will never change” Selene responded, holding her princess tightly. 

“I wish you could have met Katsuki before the wedding, I know it all seemed so rushed but words can’t describe how he makes me feel…It’s just right, I know it is” your words are rushed as you try to get everything out in one breath. This makes the moon goddess chuckle, your bottom lip begins to poke out.

“What makes you think I haven’t met him, hm?”

The question hangs in the small space between the two of you.

She motions for you to scoot over and she brings her legs up to rest atop your bed. Her hand begins to caress the top of your head once you’ve gotten comfortable with it laying in her lap. “How? When?” You ask, blinking up at her in adorable confusion. “The first time was about a year ago…the last was around six months ago” Selene says thoughtfully, “Before you get angry at him for not telling you, I used my power and swore him to secrecy, he couldn’t have told you if he wanted to”.

Just as you open your mouth to protest, she cuts you off;

“That story can wait until another day, you need to rest, tomorrow is an exciting day, your mind needs to be focused on the present”.

“You’ll be here tomorrow? From the time I wake up?” You ask as your eyes begin to grow heavy.

“After you get dressed I’ll come to see you, but I want to be seated well before the ceremony begins so I don’t take away any attention from you, we’ll have time to talk afterwards, good night my love” as soon as her words reach your ears you fall asleep.

“Your majesty”

You’re suddenly roused from the most peaceful slumber you’ve had in ages. 

“Princess, it’s time to wake up”

“Mm awake…jus need a minute” you murmur groggily, yawning and rubbing your eyes. 

“We prepared a light breakfast for you your highness, it’s on the table” says a maid to your left.

“Would you mind if we applied some oils to your hair while you eat? That way once you finish, it will be ready to wash out before you get in the bath” says the maid to your right, who places a robe over your night gown.

“Whatever you guys need to do is fine, let me know however I can help make this easier on you” you replied, shuffling over to the table that had a single plate amongst a number of other items. Unwrapping the silk scarf from your hair both maids lightly brush out your strands and set to work applying the conditioning mixture. It doesn’t take long to finish your toast, handful of grapes and swig down the cup of tea that made up your breakfast.

The same two maids usher you into the bathroom and you’re immediately reminded of that first day with Mina and Momo. Only you aren’t nearly as shy when you allow these women to exfoliate your entire body and scrub all your cracks and crevices. It was during that time each of them gave you their names.

“You have such a lovely complexion, it’s nothing like I’ve ever seen before!” Hakagure croons as she and Tsu finish drying you off. “Is it true you come from the moon, princess?” The green dress the dark haired woman wears reminds you of a frog’s skin. Especially with the off putting way her tongue seems to peek from between her lips on occasion. “Yes, that’s where I was born…” you replied, hesitating to disclose any more private information to these two women. So you skirt around any further personal questions, just replying politely to mundane small talk as they got you ready. Mina stuck her head in to check on you a little while later, and immediately took over the task of styling your hair. Demoting Tsu to polishing your now sharpened nails as she did so. Momo entered shortly after that greeting you and giving congratulations before handing you a silk bag.

“Ooooh let me see!” Mina squeals as you examine the contents. Reaching in you grabbed out what appeared to be a scrap of lace, confusion had you looking further into the bag and upon further inspection your face burns with embarrassment.

“You‘ll change into them after the ceremony!” Ponytail assured you “Those things are for his majesty’s eyes only, so don’t feel embarrassed”. The pinkette snickers, waggling the hair brush at you, “I’ll help you put them on 

y/n don’t worry!”. The other two women laughed along with her while Momo berated them for such childish behavior. The memories of having the king pressed up against you the other night immediiiately came to mind.

“Treasure…”

Just remembering the way he sounded growling in your ear as he ground into you against the wall. It had a flush crawling up from the tips of your toes to the roots of your hair. “I need to tell you guys something…so I can ask some questions…and I hate how this will sound so commanding…” purposefully using the repeat pause between words to build up the nerve you needed, your eyes briefly close. When they reopen any flicker of insecurity or hesitation was absent, the e/c irises now sparkling with confidence,

“As your soon to be Queen I demand that any part of this conversation is not repeated outside of this room, is that clear?”.

A cheerful chorus of “Yes, your highness” comes from each of the women helping you get ready.

A relieved sigh allows you to relax against the high backed chair you occupy, “I’ve never had any sort of intimate encounter with anyone, let alone anyone of draconian descent sooooo…What exactly am I supposed to do? How will our um…how will he? Oh goddess you lot know what I mean right?!”. So much for the cool, calm, collected persona you’d channeled seconds ago.

MoMo clears her throat in attempt to hide her embarrassment, “Ahem, well my lady if I may, since you are looking for pointers on how to go about consummation-“

“Bite him!” Mina interrupted.

“Scratch and growl at him!” Hagakure exclaims.

“Stroke his ego” Tsu offers.

“Ladies please!” Momo shouts, the other three are still tittering with laughter as she clears her throat once more “Now as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, when it comes to consummation in our culture”.

Now that her mediative hour had concluded Midnight gets to her feet, stretching her limbs to combat the soreness from being stationary for so long. Extinguishing the incense she’d been burning, the dark haired woman moved across the room to push back the heavy drapes and throw open the large floor to ceiling windows. Inhaling a large breath of fresh air, she savored the taste of spring on her tongue. The oracle was optimistic, her cheery disposition had been favorable as of late. Eyeing the dark purple slip and black robes she planned to wear for the days festivities, she began to get ready.

Only for a sharp rap on her door to interrupt, her cheeks puff out in frustration as she hurried to answer it. The two men on the other side don’t wait to exchange pleasantries as she allows them entry.

“How did your talk with his majesty go?” 

The difference between the two men was always similar to that of night and day. Today however, it could be considered comical; With Jeanist in his perfectly pressed dark blue General dress robes adorned with shining silver metals, matching cuff links sparkling brilliantly. Standing tall beside Aizawa in his black Dress robes with a few obvious wrinkles but equally decorated with badges of honor, his tattered scarf ever present around his neck. The latter speaks first; “The king was more on edge than usual, I’d chalk that up to pre wedding jitters, the beast-“.

His companion is quick to take over the explanation, “The dragon gave the same answers as we reported the other night, I detected no treachery or malicious intent, to be honest it seemed preoccupied…possibly a bit bored”.

“So it’s thoughts were elsewhere? Where might that be, my lord?” asks Midnight from behind her changing stands, an airy chuckle reaching their ears. “I hardly think it’s up for discussion if there was no indication of hostility towards the Princess” Jeanist replied in a clipped tone, but professional as always. Stepping out in her new outfit, the oracle grabs a black ribbon off her vanity and moves towards the dark haired man. 

“Since you will be amongst the audience you’ll get a chance to see the two of them interact, we can rehash our individual thoughts after the ceremony concludes” Aizawa says with an annoyed huff as Midnight pulls his hair back, tying the ribbon around his messy locks.

“I agree with that, now which of you is escorting me?” Her violet eyes fluttering as she smiles at the men, even though she knows the answer.

Jeanist opens the door, gesturing for the Oracle and Advisor to go ahead of him. “Don’t forget to lock it!” The woman calls as she tosses a key towards the sharp dressed man. Heeding her request, Jeanist shakes his head as Midnight’s patronizing giggles echo down the hallway.

“Are you nervous?”

The question comes from one of the two older women sitting behind you. It was strange to see Selene and Mitsuki enjoying a cup of tea together in this setting.

Both beautiful in their own right, two powerful women, one a queen of this earth land kingdom, and the other a queen residing over the moon that oversees this blue planet from the heavens above. It was the moon goddess herself that had made an offhand suggestion that perhaps Mitsuki would be able to trace her lineage back to the warrior queen of Mars. They both chuckled at this, and watching their exchange you can’t help but wonder if there just might be truth to her claim.

Seeing them get along so well made you feel at ease.

“A little” you admit, examining your reflection in the mirror for the umpteenth time “But listening to your banter has made it easier to relax, you two seem more like old friends rather than two women who just met the morning of their children’s wedding”. Both women looked towards each other before looking back at you with smiles on their faces. Almost like they knew something you weren’t aware of.

“Maybe Goddess Selene will bless us mere mortals with her presence more often now that you’re here” Mitsuki’s voice had a slight teasing tone about it, and you could swear your mother had the slightest flush to her cheeks.

“Careful what you wish for, what if you were to grow tired of my constant intrusions? Then I’d have to give you twelve years of bad luck” Selene replies, as quick witted as ever, yet her tone held no malice.

“Mother!” You squeaked, shocked she would even joke about such a thing. The two older women laughed at your reaction. 

“Well I suppose I should go check in on Katsuki, I haven’t seen him yet today” the blonde woman says as she gets to her feet.

“You haven’t seen him at all?” You ask confused.

“That boy is a nightmare to deal with when he’s preparing for an important event, one could hardly blame me for preferring the company of two lovely celestial ladies over the company of my foul mouthed brat” she replies, patting you on the back as she walks past. Only to pause at the door and glance back at Selene, “I’ll meet you in the foyer in fourty-five minutes?” She asks.

Your mother nods and the two of them hold eye contact for a few seconds before the blonde woman leaves the two of you alone.

“How long have you known?” 

The question is sudden and quiet.

The goddess sighed before answering your question,

“After you fell asleep last night she came to your room and sought me out, I just found out”. You merely nod in response, now wasn’t the time to confront her about it.

“You look so beautiful, I’m happy that you followed your own path, I raised a perfect young woman” Selene comes to stand behind you, wrapping an arm around you.

The both of your reflections smiled in the mirror, “Oh no! I forgot to ask you-“ your sudden exclamation was hushed by your mother “I have it”. The shimmering piece of selenite appeared in your hand, it was crafted into a perfect crescent shape, a small gold hoop stuck through the top. “Thank you momma” you gushed happily “It’s perfect”. “I have one more thing to give you” she replied, moving towards your dresser. She brought back a small stone box with a large moon on the lid, ancient inscriptions were carved in on all sides proving its age. 

“This belonged to my great grandmother, and now it’s yours” 

The handsome (albeit grumpy) king readjusted the gold chain and fang necklaces around his neck for the umpteenth time. An annoyed growl rips from his throat as he takes the smaller few off. Looking back In the mirror he nods, now sporting only the largest golden chain and his newest piece made from the fangs of the ancient dragon he’d slayed recently. The Royal jeweler had just delivered it this morning, along with a few other pieces that Bakugou had also requested be made.

“Very impressive your majesty” Kirishima says with a flash of his own fanged smile. The red head and three other members of the king’s personal guard lean against the wall of Bakugou’s bedroom closest to the door. Just the five of them occupied the room, the servants that had tried assisting the temperamental Royal at getting ready had vacated the premises a long time ago.

“Looking a little nervous my king” Kaminari says offhandedly.

“Not getting cold feet are you?” Serro is quick to add, both men smirking at the king’s now obviously ruffled feathers.

Katsuki whirls around on them with clenched teeth and fire alight in his eyes, and just as he opens his mouth to begin a ferocious tirade, the bedroom door opens.

“You clean up well brat” Queen Mitsuki teases her son as she enters the room “Would you four give us a moment, it’s about time for you to take your places”.

A chorus of “Yes your majesty” comes from the four knights as they single file out of the room.

“Here it is, the day of my first and only son’s wedding…The day you will become king in more than just words, this land will be not just your’s to rule but your Queen’s as well” the blonde woman comes to stand before her son, “I know your father is proud of you, and I am just as proud of the man that you have become Katsuki”. The way his mother wraps her arms around him comes as a surprise to the king, he is still quick to return her hug just as tight, mumbling a soft “Love ya mom”. When the two of them separated the older woman dabbed at her eyes with the sleeve of her dress, “Don’t you dare hold this against me, I’m probably going to be bawling more than once today”.

“Wouldn’t dream of it hag”

“So much for a sentimental moment between mother and son, you brat”.

“My lady, it’s time” the voice of a servant alerted you. Taking one last look at your reflection, the glittering tiara atop your head fills you with new confidence. The magic that flowed through your veins even seemed to be amplifying thanks to the treasured heirloom. You had to walk yourself down the aisle, which would mean that every eye will be focused solely on you. Remembering that you are a representation of the lunarian kingdom, you were sure to stand tall and proud, walking with the utmost grace. Exiting the open door, a beautiful burgundy rug has been laid out over the grass, leading down the sloping palace grounds, between the many rows of occupied seats. Excited whispers began as everyone turned to watch you walking down the aisle.

“Absolutely stunning!”

“Is she really from the moon?”

“How beautiful our new queen is!”

The compliments only made you more reassured in your self-confidence. You look towards where the rug ends, seeing steps leading up a raised platform and your heart skipped a beat. The Dragon King stands waiting for you in all his glory; His usual fur lined cape is draped over his shoulders, tribal ink snaking up his impressive biceps, that unintentionally flex as his arms are crossed in front of his chest. The golden chain around his neck glitters, drawing your attention to the second necklace he wore made up of black beads and large jagged teeth. Somehow you manage to keep yourself from hurrying forward. Each step you take is slow, and meaningful and once you finally reach the bottom step Katsuki reaches a hand out to you. Which you take and return his firm grip with a squeeze, allowing yourself to be led up the remaining few steps. He resembles something like a demigod, with the way his blonde hair shines in the sunlight, surrounding his head similar to the halo of an angel. Both of you smile as you take in the appearance of one another, quick to become lost in each other’s eyes. The priest clears his throat and it puts an end to the stupor you two were seemingly caught up in.

“Today marks a momentous event that will forever change history; A bridge between heaven and earth, the joining of celestial and terran, the blessed union between our Dragon King and the Lunarian princess” the elderly man says, pausing to allow the applause and cheering of the crowd. It was nice to see the few hundred or so people seated in chairs closest to the raised platform, but it was astounding to see all of the hundreds if not thousands of people, along with magical creatures, crowded in to the castle grounds. Those that didn’t fit were seated atop the heads of dragons, enabling them to watch the ceremony despite being behind the protective walls.

Turning your head away from the crowd, the squeeze of the grip on your hands has your eyes flitting upwards. Looking into Katsuki’s eyes was like being swept up in a harsh current. The priests words were immediately garbled nonsense, you were drowning in a sea of red. The veil over your face fluttered in the wind, and the king says something aloud. 

The smile he gives you has you feeling weak in the knees.

“Princess Y/n”

The sound of your title has you standing at attention, listening to the priest’s words intently;

“Do you take King Bakugou Katsuki as your husband? To have and hold through good times and bad? To stand beside him and rule this country to the best of your ability as a queen and wife?”.

“I do and I shall” you replied confidently, squeezing the large hands holding your own.

“Then by the power invested in me, witnessed by all that are here, I now pronounce you husband and wife” as soon as the words were said the veil was lifted from your face and Katsuki was kissing you. The kiss was deep and breath stealing, you could feel the desire and happiness in it. Cheers had broken out all around the courtyard, the roars and shouts echoing from all around the kingdom. Just as your lungs began to burn from lack of air did the kiss finally end.

“I now present your new King and Queen!” Announces the priest, holding his arms open as he declares this to the crowd.

The events that followed all happened in such a rapid procession, it felt like you were wrapped up in a sort of whirlwind.

You remember receiving hugs from both Mitsuki and your mother, but after that it was just a bunch of congratulations, well wishes, and handshakes from a variety of strangers. It was only once you were ushered back into your bedroom that you could take a moment to breathe. Sitting down on the soft bed everything had started to sink in; You were now queen of an earthland kingdom, you were married to the Dragon King, a mere princess no more. Speaking of which, you hadn’t gotten a single moment with your husband, the kiss at the altar was the only one you’d gotten thus far. He hadn’t said a word while you two were being bombarded by the gathering well wishers. You hadn’t even been able to give him your present…

Fishing the selenite out from your cleavage, you sighed. Without warning the door of the room burst open and in came Mina and Momo.

The latter holding three champagne flutes, while the former clutched a half empty bottle.

“Congratulations y/n!” The pinkette cheered, hugging you happily.

Kicking the door shut behind her, the dark haired woman strides over gracefully, offering you one of the flutes, “How about a toast before we help you get ready for your special night?”. “Ah yes! That would be lovely” you smile, taking the glass as you get to your feet.

“To our new queen, and beloved friend y/n! May your marriage be happy and the fires stemming from undying love as well as passion never extinguish!” Mina exclaims and the three of you clink glasses.

Laughter proceeds only after you’d each drained your respective glass, along with Momo giving Mina a hard time about her ridiculous toast.

True to her word, Mina had indeed helped you Into the garments from that silk bag.

You couldn’t bare the embarrassment as you peeked at your reflection in the full body mirror. The two women had made sure to bathe you throughly once again. “The king won’t react well to anyone else’s scents on you during your bonding” Momo had explained, as you gave her glove covered hands a strange look.

They rubbed you down with a slightly vanilla scented, shimmering body oil (Apparently it was close to your natural scent, according to Mina). Now you were standing in the middle of your room skin glittering, clad in what was essentially scraps of silk, with dragon scale accents that hid your nipples and pussy (barely). Just as you were downing another glass of champagne, the girls pulled a thin, floor length black cloak over your shoulders. Making sure it was secured before placing a cape over your shoulders. “A gift from the King” you had been told. The outside fabric was thick and white while the inside was a black velvet, and a black fur made up the collar. It was almost just like the one your husband always wore. Your helpers made sure everything was fastened to keep any of your unmentionables from slipping out.

Just as they both stood back to admire you, a loud knock could be heard on the door. “You’re all set! You look lovely your majesty” Momo smiles. “Remember everything I told you! Especially that last bit! Just relax It’s going to be great, no worries!” Mina reminds you cheerfully as the two of them accompany you out of the door.

Kirishima was standing there waiting to escort you with his usual smile in place, he offers you his arm. Taking hold of it, the knight begins to usher you down the hall, both ladies cheering until you rounded the corner. “You look very nice my lady” the red head compliments, keeping his eyes forward but still smiling all the same. “Thank you…” you appreciate the compliment but the nervousness you felt grew with each step forward.

Finally reaching the end of the hallway, its down a short staircase and the knight opens a door for you. Another exit from the castle you weren’t aware of. The breeze is gentle, and stars are beginning to twinkle in the twilight sky. You see your mother and Mitsuki talking to Katsuki, who immediately looks towards you as you walk across the grass. His intense gaze has your face heating up, and if both your mothers weren’t standing there he probably would have pounced on you. Once you come to stand beside the three of them your king takes your hand in his and kisses the back of it “Ready to go?”. The spot his lips touched sends tingles throughout your body, all you can do is nod in reply. “You two have fun” Mitsuki says while pulling you into a hug.

“Mother, I thought you and I-“

Selene interrupts you before giving a hug of her own, “Plenty of time for that when the two of you return, enjoy this special time with your husband”.

You don’t have time to argue due to the sudden appearance of a familiar red dragon waiting just a few feet away. Bakugou bids your mothers goodbye and scoops you up bridal style. He doesn’t set you down once the two of you are seated, you stay in his lap as Kirishima takes flight. Katsuki groans as takes in your scent, nipping and kissing the sensitive flesh “Been waiting for this moment all day, could hardly wait to get my hands on you”. One of his hands slips beneath the cloak to run up your bare legs. Your toes curl as he squeezes one of your thick thighs, he doesn’t miss a beat when engaging you in another passionate lip lock. Your fingers lightly caress his cheeks before running them down to his pecs.

Your tongue tangles with his when you finally feel yourself slicking up.

The wetness between your thighs reminds you that a thin string is the only thing there to catch any drips, and you’d rather not leave a wet spot on your new husband’s pant leg.

Breaking the kiss, you rest your forehead against his as you catch your breath. “My king…I’m sorry if I may not act like a proper lady tonight, I hope that come sunrise you won’t hold any of my actions against me” You say with a sigh, moving your head back to properly look him in the eye. A blonde brow is raised before a sinister smile appears on the king’s handsome face, “oho is that a challenge or a threat? my queen”. Your eyes catch sight of the slivers of sharp canines in his mouth, and your gaze lingers on them as you quietly reply, “It’s neither…I just don’t exactly feel like my usual self right now, not to say I’m someone else but my feelings are unfamiliar and overwhelming”.

Gently you reach for one of his hands and guide it towards your chest, laying it over your heart.

A sudden shyness comes over you, and looking up at him with innocent eyes you enquire, “Do you feel it?”.

Unbeknownst to you, Katsuki had been able to hear the pitter patter of your heart this entire time.

How adorable, it’s just like a bunny that’s been cornered by a hungry wolf

He can’t help but agree, his hold on you becomes impossibly tighter.

Eliminating any space between your bodies, he cradles the back of your head in a large palm. Guiding you to rest it in between his neck and shoulder. “S’normal to be nervous treasure, because after tonight you will be a different person” your king presses a kiss to your forehead “Just relax for now, it won’t be much longer until we arrive”. Something inside of you feels as though Katsuki’s voice has this underlying nefarious tone to it. An abrupt shiver shoots down your spine, in attempts to soak in the natural warmth that radiates off his skin you’re quickly wrapping your arms around your lover.

The wind is always a bit cooler at night, especially at this altitude. That explains where these continuous chills are coming from.

Right?

A/N: Something I didn’t call attention to at the end of last chapter; If you read the prophecy laid out in the prologue, and compare it to the version that Izuku reads during the flight in chapter 3 you’ll notice quite a big difference! Just to explain that in case anybody didn’t catch onto it; Only a few people in the kingdom were made aware of the complete prophecy that Midnight spoke of. There was a heavily censored version that was put out to the kingdom’s general public and it’s regarded in a celebratory way. So much so, the people turned it into a nursery rhyme song for children. This is because they remain ignorant to the other half of it. The version they know only speaks of the king finding love and that the kingdom will in turn be blessed and forever remain prosperous.I felt this was important for me to explain, just so nobody is thinking “This bitch is so dumb she can’t even remember words that she wrote three chapters prior 🙄”.I would hope none of you think that negatively of me 😅 It sure doesn’t seem that way but just Incase! ❤️‍🔥 So any thoughts or theories as to what’s going on or going to happen?

Thank you all for every like, share, comment and follow! 

Honorable mentions 💌

@lalachanya  @mrsmelaninhood 

@whatdidshesayyy @faemagic88

@viridianhero  @alishii @rv19 

@maggiecc @crazy-eight17 @nnubee @nemisimp @yesitsmewhataboutit 

[hebuiltfive]

The Mouse

This has been sitting in my drafts since last October. I never got around to finishing and posting it. Until today. It's still a little messy but I'm throwing it out there regardless.

Prompted by this post here.

Gordon faces his worst adversary yet!

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

“Penny! Help!”

Gordon’s shrills echoed throughout the house.

At first, Penelope had thought the worst; maybe he’d come across an intruder and ended up in an unfortunate situation, or that he’d injured himself trying to slide down the bannisters to one of the many staircases in her manor… again. Both options seemed plausible and neither filled her with much hope.

With those panicked thoughts she rushed out of the library and followed Gordon’s constant calls for help. Eventually she found him.

In the pantry.

On an old wooden chair.

With a broom in his hands.

“Gordon, what on earth—?”

“Be careful! It’s just gone under that cabinet there and it… There it is!”

His yell made Penny jump out of her skin.

Her eyes followed Gordon’s pointing finger until she came upon the little grey mouse, scurrying across the floor.

“Gordon.” Penelope breathed a sigh of relief, her attention back on the blonde on the chair. “I thought something terrible had happened to you. Don’t scare me like that again unless—”

“What do you mean?” His voice was a higher pitch than normal, fear laced every word he shrieked. “Something terrible did happen! I was attacked!”

“By a mouse?”

“Yes!”

Penny’s features hardened into a worried frown. “Did it bite you?”

“… No.”

Another fond, if exasperated, sigh. “Then you were hardly attacked, Gordon.”

“I thought you were rich, Pen.” He grumbled. “If you’re rich, why do you have mice scurrying around the place. Ah!”

His broom rose as the mouse darted around the legs of the chair.

“Because,” Penelope began to explain, taking the broom from Gordon and using it to hurry the mouse along and out of sight. “Old houses like these are prone to the little creatures. It’s just how it is. It will move on when it realises there’s no food for it here, which reminds me I must inform Parker so he can check the other larders and— Oh, Gordon, do get down from there before you fall and break your neck!”

Penelope stood the broom up against one of the pantry’s cupboards and offered her hand out to assist Gordon off the chair. He still seemed tense and Penelope tried not to chuckle.

“Are you sure it’s gone?”

“Quite sure, Gordon.”

His hand squeezed hers gently as he stepped onto the floor. He shivered. “Good.”

“What were you doing in here anyway?”

Gordon had one last quick look into the pantry as they exited. Satisfied he was now safe from the furry little invader, he relaxed and slung his arm over Penelope’s shoulder. “Duh, finding snacks!”

“We just had breakfast—”

“That did not count as breakfast. Geez, Pen, I know you were entertaining some uppity posh people,” his attempt at an old English accent had Penelope yet again biting back a chuckle, “but there was hardly anything on those plates! A guy’s got to eat.”

“So you thought you’d help yourself to the pantry food?”

“I thought there’d be something worthwhile in there, and I would have got away with it if it wasn’t for that dastardly rat!”

“Mouse, Gordon. It was only a mouse.”

“I could have died!”

“That’s a little overdramatic, don’t you think?”

Gordon shook his head adamantly. “Nu-uh. I could have died!”

“I’ll be sure to tell Virgil all about it.” With a gentle pat on his back, Penelope smiled a conspirator’s smile.

To which Gordon gasped, betrayed. “Don’t you dare!” 

“If you ‘almost died’ I should think they’d want to know about it.”

“Do not tell Virgil…”

“I could tell John? He’d probably be better. Yes, John would be able to file it away in the systems.”

“Penny…”

“It might be important to keep on file. Heaven knows I won’t always be there to rescue you from the menaces and—!”

The rest of her playful teasing was cut off when Gordon halted midway down the hallway, pulled Penelope into him and caught her lips with his. It was a surprising move, yet one she found she’d been hopefully anticipating. 

With his palms resting on her cheeks, Gordon eyes met hers when he pulled back. They were pleading. “How about we just keep it a little secret between the two of us?”

Penelope purposefully took her time to answer. His thumb swept across her cheek as he waited, surprisingly patiently.

In the end, she smiled softly. “Of course it can stay our secret.”

Gordon appeared pleased to hear her agreement.

“But, if you try to steal from my pantry again, Gordon Tracy,” Penelope continued, “I may be inclined to inform someone.”

His relief fell from his features. He couldn’t tell if she was joking or not. He arched a brow. “What if I was stealing something to bring to you?”

“Then that’s hardly stealing.”

“Noted.”

“Gordon—”

“No more talking.” He placed a finger on her lips. “I almost died and my life flashed before my eyes. so, if it’s alright with you, m’lady, I’d like to spend the rest of the morning with my favourite person.”

“I’ll be sure to fetch Sherbet for you right away.” Penelope joked once his finger released her lips.

Gordon chuckled. “You’re killing me here, Pen.”

“Funny, I thought that was the mouse…”

Their lips clashed again, effectively ending any further conversation for the foreseeable future.

[toomuchracket]

longtermbf!matty determined to make ur bday special. you guys have plans for just the two of you on your actual bday but, in the week leading up to it, you have a girls night with all your friends. matty is in full domestic husband mode; taking coats, pouring drinks, bringing you nibbles. maybe you're sat outside with your girls so, as it gets darker, he comes out with blankets for you all. he sorts dinner and lays the table (either takeaway or caterers, this man hasn't actually cooked it himself). the kitchen is decorated with balloons and banners (which took him a few hours that afternoon). when all your friends leave (in various Ubers, as sorted by matty. I can see him in the hallway organising all your drunk friends into the correct cars), he asks 'did you have a good night, baby?'. and then he cleans up the kitchen the next morning, after a longggg night ;)

omg no i went to an informal hen (bachelorette) party last year like it was a lunch at the bride's house and the future-groom was doing this sort of stuff and it was ADORABLE!! so yeah, while you were upstairs getting ready matty's fully decorated the kitchen with "happy birthday" banners and balloons and a couple of really lovely bouquets of flowers, and he's put SEVERAL bottles of wine and prosecco and champagne in the fridge for you and the girls and you're so grateful and surprised but he just shrugs and goes "don't thank me i should be doing this for you every day" and you're like oh my god stop being so cute. and i also think he's been really funny and stuck pictures of you from every year of your life along the hallway from the front door to the kitchen, and you're like "matthew some of these are AWFUL where did you get them??" and he laughs and shakes his head and doesn't say, but when your friends start to arrive and he's greeting them and bantering with them and taking their jackets they're all going "oh the pictures look good you got a great selection from us" and you're like "you lot have been conspiring against me and i hate you lol". and because it's nice outside you and the girls are just spending the afternoon sitting outside having some drinks together and gossiping, and matty spends the whole time either taking pics of you all on everyone's phones for insta (like the good boyfriend he is) or making sure everyone has enough bubbly and bringing you guys snacks - one of your friends goes "matty i can't believe the day you're literally acting like a waiter is the day you choose not to wear a suit" and he laughs and nods to you and goes "it's cos your bestie can't keep her hands off me when i wear them, bit unprofessional" and winks at you and your friends just start cackling (you also find it funny because its true). and then yeah he appears with blankets when the wind picks up, and then the next time he tops up your drink he quietly asks you if you want to just ask them to stay for a takeaway dinner and you nod and thank him and he kisses your head and goes off to order some pizzas and desserts. and then when you all gather inside for dinner, matty sits at the table with you guys and has some wine and gets fully invested in your friend's workplace drama and you genuinely find it adorable, and your best friend nudges you and whispers "you really did find a good one. we all approve" and your heart just swells because you really love matty and really see a future with him so having your friends' like him is amazing. and then after the food people start to talk about heading home (day drinking will have you ready for bed at 9pm let me tell you), and matty's triple-checking that everyone's either got someone giving them a lift (he literally waits at the door with everyone to make sure they get picked up) or he's calling taxis and helping people into them alright with "text us when you're home". when he comes back in, he just smiles at you and says "i think that was a success! do you think people enjoyed it? did you enjoy it, darlin?" and you're like "matty that was the best day ever thank you" and you kiss him and he's like "i'm so glad, i love making you happy" and you're like "you do, all the time, and my friends were telling me they could see that too". and matty just beams and snuggles into you and you whisper "now, do you want to go upstairs and i can thank you properly?" and he's like "oh well if you insist" and you spend the whole night just loving each other. then the next morning, you wake up and come downstairs to find matty's cleaned the whole kitchen and made you both breakfast, and you're like "yeah i'm gonna marry this man" <3

[eldritch-araneae]

Sparkpulse XI: Vague Hope

Summary: Bumblebee is feeling ill. Nothing extraordinary, just another flare produced by his malfunctioning spark. He tries his best to focus on things that matter, but after recent events, the dread lurks in the back of his mind.

Content warning for self-harm!

Bumblebee wakes up from a dreamless sleep. With optics closed, he lies motionless in the bed. The pain in his chest is wailing, getting stronger with each passing second. He groans and tries to fall back to sleep, but after several minutes he accepts that the rest won't come.

He sighs, he hates it so much. Not only he has to endure the pain that doesn't fully go away after painkillers, but this condition makes him mentally unstable. He feels like the entire world is crushing down on him and there is no escape. Knowing that the AllSpark is missing and Vector Sigma is damaged makes it worse. Doubt sitting in the back of his mind, and he needs a distraction.

The minibot slowly sits up and inspects the room. Windblade is nowhere to be seen. Where did she go? Is she on a mission? Or somewhere in Stronghold? He hopes she's not working herself to struts looking for the information they need to solve this mystery with their memories.

Bumblebee wants to help. It's about him in the end and it feels unfair to just let his amica do all this work alone. Although, if he told her this, she would diffidently insist that he should just rest while he's sick. And she would be right! Yet, Bumblebee's inner voice urges him to act regardless and he will obey. Just carefully without aggravating his condition. The last thing he wants is Ratchet scolding him over self-neglect.

What he should do? Go out and find Windblade? Or he could chill in the bean bag chair and look for the information in Optimus' archives? The moment he thought about the latter, his chest gave him an uncomfortable squeeze.

Alright, no reading today, finding Windblade it is. Which is good since he's getting sick just from spending a week in the same room without going out. The minibot pulls his cane out of his subspace compartment to keep his balance and carefully walks out. He doesn't make it far before he hears voices. He senses Mirage and Cliffjumper, both not being too happy hearing each other.

"So, are you gonna admit you're conspiring with this yellow bug against us?" Cliffjumper asked in a nasty tone. Bumblebee rolls his optics and quietly moves to the edge of the corner to stay out of sight, but still close enough to interfere. Mirage only sighs in reply, knowing it's no use to reason with the red minibot when his paranoia skyrockets.

"Don't give me a silent treatment! This is a security breach! We have too many enemies among us and it's only a matter of time before they gonna execute their plan to strike us down! What will you even gain from this?!" Cliffjumper flails, trying to show the dangerous scenario he's describing.

"You're so annoying," Mirage says in the most chill voice in existence as he leans onto the wall behind him and crosses his arms.

"Why you--" Cliffjumper was about to jump onto the spy with his fists, only to be interrupted by Bumblebee walking out from the corner. Startled, he lets out an ungodly shriek.

"Leave him alone!" Bumblebee wastes no time and whacks Cliffjumper with his cane multiple times, not giving him a single chance to retaliate. "Shoo!"

Cliffjumper gives up and retreats, giving the yellow minibot a death glare over his shoulder. Bumblebee growls before he turns around to check on his taller comrade.

"Thanks." Mirage relaxes and lets out a sigh of relief. "He's been hovering near me for an hour and was getting really on my nerves."

"No problem!" Bumblebee smiles widely, feeling happy for being useful. "Sorry you had to deal with him."

"You know, sometimes I really bothered how black and white his thinking is. This will backfire sooner or later." Mirage rubs the side of his head, trying to soothe the headache Cliffjumper gave him. "On the other hand, maybe this is what he needs to learn."

"Yeah. He hangs out with Sunstreaker simply because he doesn't like me anymore. This can't end well. But it's not my business." Bumblebee huffs and then sighs in defeat. "I still don't understand why me."

"Who knows? Sunstreaker was always jealous of everyone for reasons he never disclosed. And Cliffjumper is paranoid and afraid of change." Mirage shrugs. "Perhaps this is why. You came and set stagnant things into motion. Changes are coming rapidly and not everyone is ready."

Bumblebee frowns, he never considered this. To him, change was always necessary. It's the force that drives progress and evolution. Nothing ever stays static. Even if everything will stop, the arrow of time will push everything forward with the speed of light. But there is nothing he can do about the situation. It's better to change the subject.

"So, are you going to the cafeteria?" He asks.

"Yeah." Mirage nods. "Wanna come with me?"

Bumblebee nods and both start walking. They didn't exchange a word, but he knows Mirage appreciates his company. At least he thinks so since it has always been the case. Although, he notices some recent changes in Mirage's spark that made him worry about the spy.

"How are you feeling?" He asks right away.

"Hm? I'm okay I think." Mirage looks at the minibot in confusion. People rarely ask how he's doing, knowing he doesn't like small talk. "Why?"

"Well..." Bumblebee trails off, knowing this going to sound weird. "I'm just checking on you. Your feelings are more distant than usual."

"What do you mean?" He tilts his head, eying the minibot curiously.

"You look confused, yet your spark gives off nothing. Like it's completely drowned in apathy."

"Oh, strange..." Mirage raises his optic ridge." I don't feel that different for the last few millenniums. I don't really feel emotions that much in general."

"I just used to pick them up when I first came here. Sure, they weren't as intense, as Prowl's for example, but still!"

"Wait, Prowl feels? I thought she's kinda like me, no?" Mirage's optics widen from this revelation.

"You have no idea." Bumblebee giggles, finding the spy's reaction amusing." She may often come off as flat or uncaring, but she actually feels a lot of them. I guess, she's more like me."

"Oh, my stars!" Mirage exclaims and this time Bumblebee feels a little spark of surprise. "I don't know what to think. This is new and completely changes how I see Prowl."

"She cares a lot; I can vouch for this." The minibot smiles. "We all just wired differently."

"Can't argue with that." The spy smiles back. Life keeps giving him surprises even now.

"So, yeah. Just know, that maybe you falling into apathy too much and --" before Bumblebee could finish, his balance was completely thrown off and he would fall if not for Mirage catching him.

"Careful." Mirage holds the minibot still. "Are you sure it's okay for you to be out of bed?"

"Uh." Bumblebee waits for a few seconds for his vision to clear and for balance to return. "Maybe not, but I'm tired of laying all day long. Thanks for catching me."

"Understandable." Mirage nods and offers the minibot his arm to hold onto. Bumblebee thanks his friend and slips his hand into the loop. "I will talk to Lifeline later when I'll get time."

Bumblebee nods, feeling relieved.

-------                                                      

The cafeteria is half-empty. It's nighttime, so most diurnal mechs already went to sleep. Mirage makes sure that Bumblebee stands firm on his feet before going to the counter for some energon.

Bumblebee's optics quickly skims through the current occupants in hopes to find his amica, but unfortunately, she is not there. He was about to continue his search until his optics landed Clobber, sitting alone in the corner. Her optic is deeply focused on her big datapad, her left hand holds a stylus and moves gracefully across the screen. Lockdown once mentioned that she's a great artist!

Before he could stop his rising curiosity, he walked up to her. "Hey."

 "Ah!" Clobber jolts in her seat. Seeing it's just him, she relaxes. "Oh, hi Shad--, I mean,  Bumblebee. Good to see you again!"

"I'm sorry for startling you!" he quickly apologizes, realizing he's being rude right now.

"That's okay, I need a break anyway." She waves it off with a smile.

Bumblebee peeks into her datapad screen and sees a beautiful painting. The main colors are blue, pink, and purple, with colorful accents in many places. It depicts the scenery of a forest. Tall trees stretch so far into the sky that no sunlight reaches the ground. Animals are blending together with the environment, giving a viewer a surprise once their optics catch them. The painting is full of life and wonder.

"The Nigthsong Forest!" the minibot recognizes the place immediately.

Clobber blinks at him in surprise. "I saw this forest in my dream and struck me so much I wanted to paint it. Are you saying it was real?"

"Yes! It was one of the most beautiful and dangerous places on Cybertron. With an absolutely unique ecosystem, you wouldn't see anywhere else! And I can name every flora and fauna on your painting." He says with excitement gleaming in his optics. "I wonder how you know about it. The forest, along with many ecosystems, was gone once Quintessons took over. "

"That's the interesting part - I dreamed about it after your visit! "

"After my visit?"

"Yes. The next night, I was seeing many natural sceneries I had never seen before. And there is also a creature, watching me intently." She points at the shadow on the painting, standing behind tees and emitting a soft blue light from its optics.  

"Woah!" Bumblebee exclaims as he didn't notice it on the painting. The animal is huge yet it blends among gigantic trees perfectly. It definitely belongs in the ecosystem, but for some reason, he doesn't recognize it unlike the rest of depicted animals. "Was it threatening or hunting you?"

"No. Despite its scary aura, it felt benevolent. It would stare at me for a bit, then vanish into the woods without a trace."

"That's so interesting! I wonder what it means... Anyway, your painting is beautiful! You captured the forest like it used to be perfect!"

"Thank you. " Clobber smiles widely. "Wanna see my other paintings?"

"Yes!" he sits closer and they spend a while looking through Clobber's gallery. Bumblebee complement each of them, being amazed at how people can capture their visions and dreams, then translate them into the canvas for everyone to see. He admires her skill, he knows she spent countless years honing her craft.

"You know, I shall do some new studies. It's been a while since I painted other cybertronians. How do you feel about being a model?" Clobber says, growing more amused as she observes Bumblebee's reaction.

"Me?!" the minibot almost jumps in his seat. The pink blushing is visible on his cheeks. "I don't know. I mean I could, I guess. I'm just not photogenic..."

"There is no such thing as photogenic! Everyone is beautiful in their own way."

"Well... In this case, paint me like one of your vosian mechs!"

Clobber explodes in laughter, understanding the reference from an old cybertronian movie. They hung out together a bit more before Bumblebee stood up and continued his search for Windblade. Perhaps he should look outside.                                                                                 

  -------  

Slipstream sits on the ledge above the entrance to the Stronghold. Bumblebee sensed a lot of sadness coming from her spark, so he decided to check on her. She's been like this since she joined them. He hopes it's not because of distrust or conflict coming from the Autobots. He rather takes it himself than let other people deal with it.

The minibot carefully climbs up, trying to not jolt himself and cause more pain. She looks to the side and silently greets him.

"How are you?" He carefully asks and sits by her side. "Is someone bothering you?"

"No, everyone has been nice so far." She shakes her head before she turns to face him. "Except, maybe, the short red one. He always stares at me."

"Ah, that's Cliffjumper." Bumblebee snorts, he is not surprised at all. "Don't mind him, he never trusts anyone. Many of us think he's a direct reincarnation of Red Alert!"

"I can see why." She laughs softly and her mood improved just a little bit. Bumblebee considers it a win.

They sit in silence for a bit, looking into the distance until Slipstream breaks the silence. "I want to ask you something."

"Yes?"

"So... you and Windblade... are bonded?" She asks timidly.

"Yep."

"...Conjux?" She shifts nervously as she continues.

"Nope, Amica."

"Ah! I...see." She quickly trails off. Bumblebee can see her brushing and it didn't take long to realize why.

"Let me guess: you wanted romantic advice! " A smile forms on his face as he leans toward her.

"Shush!" She glares at him. He can't help it, but his smile gets only wider.

"Is this about a certain pink opera singer?" he sing-songs and moves even closer. It's hard to miss when Slipstream's spark swells with emotions every time Arcee is in close vicinity.

"One more word and I'll punt you to the center of the galaxy!" Slipstream accurately points into the sky.

"Just the center of the galaxy? Why not further?" Bumblebee bursts into laughter. Slipstream stares at him for a second before making a motion like she's about to grab the minibot and shake him. The bluff was enough to make him squeak and hide behind his cane. Seeing he was safe, he giggle more, making her facepalm.

"Listen, I know nothing of romance, but I think you should just invite Arcee and see where it goes." He says after his giggles subside. " She loves handing out with people. Especially, with new people!"

"We kinda know each other..." She mutters.

"Oh?! You two have a history? Tell me more!"

"Not exactly." She pulls her datapad and opens a picture showing a huge group of people, standing in rows and smiling at the camera. They hold musical instruments. He spots Slipstream sitting in the second row and holding a violin. "This is the orchestra I used to be part of. We played for many plays, and Arcee would often be in the main role. And she would often come down to us and hang around as she sang. I guess I was her favorite..."

Bumblebee inspects carefully each member. He's not recognizing anyone among the living except Slisptream. His expression saddened, feeling terrible for the violet seeker.

"You know, I really miss playing music."

"You can always pick it back up. There is a music room in Stronghold and many bots hang out there. I'm sure you'll fit!"

"I don't know. It's been a while and I'm not sure if I can. It feels like this side of me died long ago."

"I'm sorry. It must hurt a lot." Bumblebee pauses, choosing words carefully. He wants to help, but he also respects her feelings. "But just know - you're still alive."

Slipstream stares at him. She opens her mouth but immediately closes it. He senses a lot of confusion, but her mind is too occupied with his words. He hopes they will be enough.

-------                                                                              

After Slipstream left, Bumblebee sat on his spot for a while. That conversation served as a grim reminder that they're far from being safe and now so many many things are uncertain.

What are gonna do now without the AllSpark? While he knows Optimus Prime is organizing the search, the hope is feeble. Even if Decepticons are potentially hiding it, it's useless without the Vector Sigma. Which is it's broken and Wheeljack is not sure he can fix it without crucial components. No one has ever done maintenance to this thing that existed since the dawn of their history!

Are cybertronians doomed to go extinct? Is this how the entire sentient species will be gone? With all history and culture going down into oblivion along with them? And they didn't make any contact with potential aliens out there!

"We will be gone and no one will remember us..."  Bumblebee whispers is horror. Despite amnesia, he knows what it's like. His spark wails in pain, forcing him to curl up. This is absolutely terrifying and panic-inducing, making him doubt if his insistence on leaving will do any good, but delay the inevitable. Maybe accepting their fate would be a mercy. Bumblebee feels useless and guilty for not doing what he promised to do. He cries quietly as his mind spiral into despair.

He doesn't want to accept this, but is there anything he can do? The spark of hope is still in him, but it's growing weaker. When he woke up for the "first" time, he knew he had a mission, a purpose. He was supposed to save what remains of cybertronians and get out of this planet!

Frigid tears are rolling down his face. There are so many of them they have no time to evaporate. Bumblebee bites his hand to stifle his sobs, but it's hard to silence the enormous pain erupting from his chest. He doesn't know long he was crying until a pair of gentle hands touch his shoulders. He looks up, but his vision is compromised due to tears frosting over his optics. Then a hand moves from his shoulder and takes his injured palm.

"Bumblebee." He hears Windblade's voice, bringing him a bit of comfort. She wraps her other arm around him while holding his hand tight and close to her chest. He leans into her touch.

"I'm so sorry, Windy... " he wails weakly before a wave of anger surges through his spark. "I'm so sorry. I failed you! I failed everyone!"

"Why?" she asks with sadness in her voice. It pains her to see him like this.

"I wa--wasted time!" Bumblebee choked as more tears rolls down. "I should have been more insistent and direct, instead of playing games and trying to be smart! If I was faster, the AllSpark and Vector Sigma would be ours and we could just leave this place and rebuild elsewhere. But now it's too late!"

"Bee, we're still alive and can leave!"

"We will be gone and it's all MY fault! What leaving will ever give us if we all cease regardless!" he claws at his face with a free hand. He wants so badly to mutilate his face, to rip off his horns, to break his body.

"Stop!" Windblade lets go of his injured hands to grab the other one, then hugs him tightly, giving him no room for movement. He tries to push away, but his amica has an iron grip on him. He gives up, only crying into her shoulder.

Windblade holds him tight and gently, idly caressing the back of his head for a while. Seeing him slowly calming down, she lifts his face to look at her. Bumblebee blinks several times to get rid of the frosting to see her clearly.

"Listen, even if we are going to be extinct, we're still alive right now. Leaving this planet will give us a chance to live normal lives so our last moments wouldn't be filled with fear and despair. And I think it's absolutely worth it." Windblade says softly.

"But if I was faster..." he trails off.

"We don't know that. There is no evidence proving otherwise and if someone has to be responsible for the AllSpark disappearance and broken state of Vector Sigma - is gonna be Megatron. It was under his control and he was supposed to guard it."

Bumblebee opens his mouth to protest, but nothing comes out. He knows she's right, but the guilt is not letting go. He stares at her in disbelief.

"You can't be responsible for things outside of your control."

Bumblebee exhales and gives her a small nod. It's hard for him to accept, but she doesn't want him to suffer. If he can't be kinder to himself for his own sake, he can at least try to do it for her. Windblade smiles and boops his forehead with hers, making him giggle. A small victory, but an important one.

"Wanna stargaze with me? There are no moons today and stars are very bright." She relaxes and looks up, feeling Bumblebee snuggling comfortably against her.

 "Yeah..." he looks up, noting that the stars are indeed bright. His amica's warmth and the beautiful sky right above them are enough to ground him. "I wonder which one will become our new home?"

"I'm excited to find out!" she says. "I was thinking about it all day as I was scouting in the east."

"Oh, that's where you went." He nods. "I was looking for you."

"Ah... I should have left you a note. Will do it next time when Jazz will send me somewhere."

"So are you the official member of SpecialOps? Because I think Jazz should write you in after all those scouting missions!"

"Maybe I should ask them about it." She laughs. "Who would have thought that to become a member of a secret spy group you just need to be friends with one of them."

"The best methods are always in plain sight!"

"In this case maybe it's good I'm not on the list. I'm not just a secret agent, I'm the secret - secret agent. They would never see me coming~!"

Bumblebee burst into laughs, quickly followed by Windblade. Then a familiar chirping draws their attention. They see Cheetor in their alt-mode, Nightstalker and Steeljaw are climbing up to them.

"Bee, there you are! We were looking for you everywhere. Also, hi Windy!" the spotted beastformer says. "Heard you're still in pain so I figured I could help you out."

"Hey guys!" both Windblade and Bumblebee greet the felines at the same time. Then the minibot speaks first. "Cheetor and Steeljaw, why are you up? It's the middle of the night."

"I don't know. I tried to fall asleep and got bored. I thought  I could sleep in another place." Steeljaw shrugs.

"Kinda the same, had another battlefield dream and decided that tonight I will cuddle with someone!" Cheetor laughs awkwardly.

"That's understandable, war related reams are never pleasant." Windblade moves to the side with Bumblebee to make more room for their friends to join.

"Plus, Nightstalker is kinda down today so I roped them into this as well." Cheetor sing songs as they gently pat the black feline with their tail.

"Hey! I'm not down, I'm just moody!" Nightstalker complains with a huff. The yellow minibot feels melancholy coming from them. Like sadness and aching together, mixed with worry. He frowns but doesn't say anything yet.

Steeljaw settles on Windblade's lap, while Cheetor lays around them, placing their head onto Bumblebee's lap. Nightstalker ended up sandwiched between everyone in the center. The comfort of the cuddle pile spread immediately in the group. Content, the yellow minibot lets out a series of low rumbles, almost sounding like he's purring.

"You did it Cheetor!" Windblade snorts. "Bumblebee now is a certified feline. Good job!"

"I did my best, thank you Windblade," Cheetor says with pride, before turning the black cassette. "So, Nighty, are you gonna talk about your feeeeeelings?"  

"Pfff, why? It's nothing really." Nightstalker waves their paw. "Just thinking of Ravage again, I wonder how he's doing."

"Hmm...do you think he'd be nice to you since he's with 'cons now?" Steeljaw is being a bit skeptical as usual but in a good way.

"Don't worry about it," Nightstalker replies but seeing all eyes on them now waiting for elaboration they added. "We usually meet during battles and just make it look like we fighting."

"Wait, really?" Steeljaw tilts her head. "Your fights are intense!"

"That's how we play. We have always been more of the rough side since we've been with our original cassette carrier." They look into the distance as if they try to see their sibling in the shadows. "But I haven't seen Ravage in a while now, which makes me worried. Last time we talked, he complained about Soundwave growing distance from his cassettes..."

"So... you and Ravage went separate ways accidentally?" Bumblebee frowns.

"Sort of. We got separated during Trypticon's rampage after our carrier died. We didn't see each for thousands of years and when we did, turned out we ended up on the opposite sides."

"Why did Ravage never join you after then?" Steeljaw is confused." Or, I guess, you didn't join them?"

"The answer is really simple. We bonded without new carriers and new cassettes. He and I formed new relationships since we both assumed that the other has perished. So, our relationship got... complicated. But none of us wants to burn bridges."

"I see... I hope you can solve it." Cheetor says before they decided to switch the subject to lighten the mood. "You know, I always been curious how cassettes are always in need of carriers and vice versa."

"Yeah, I wonder about it too. In most cases, cassettes are different species from carriers, yet we depend on each other." The black feline smiles.

"Different species?" Windblade asks as her curiosity rises. "I thought you all like us, no?"

"Ah yes, wonders of cybertronian taxonomy." Bumblebee laughs, his optics sparkle with excitement once again. "But yeah, most cassettes are different species from us. People usually don't know that because they see someone like Eject or Rewind and how all cassettes have the same alt-mode, assuming the rest are like them. But the relation to a species depends on your root-mode, regardless of your alt-mode."

"So, Eject and Rewind are in the same species as me and you, then Nightstalker and Steeljaw are not?" Cheetor sounds surprised as it never occurred to them.

"Yep, in fact, they are different species from each other, while sharing the same genius and family."

"So, am I not in the same family as them?"

"Correct, but you will be considered a feline because your second nature is granted by your frametype and alt-mode."

"I see!" they exclaim, excited to learn something new. "But we still count you one of us as well."

"I guess you will be right since mirroring is a thing too." Bumblebee giggles from amusement. He doesn't mind at all.

"It's amazing how much you know about biology, Bee! I'm surprised how you're not in Science Department. By the way, are cityformers different species from us?" Nightstalker asks out of curiosity.

"They are, that's why we can eat them without getting sick. Though we usually just give their plating to Botanica's plants first. And then eat fruits they produce."

"That's good, otherwise my jaw will break just from attempting to chew the plating," Windblade says as she remembers how she found out that non-beastformer cybertronians have weak teeth. In a hard way. "Huh, I never released it before, but now it makes sense why are stockpiling out mechon resources from the dead cityformers."

"Especially since we are leaving." Steeljaw nods. "It's better that way than just letting the corpses rust. The entire recycling system has been broken for a long time.

"Ugh, yeah." Nightstalker huffs. "I can only imagine the core is now just filled with countless unrecycled bodies. No wonder we have no resources to make new people."

"And those little things are consuming them and multiplying like the plague." Bumblebee mutters, then suddenly a sharp migraine pierced his processor.

"Bee, what's wrong?" the three exclaimed, startled by his sudden gasp. After a few seconds, the pain faded and Bumblebee looks around confused.

"Okay, what we were talking about just now?" He asks, in confusion while still holding his head in his hands.

"No, that happened again! Are you okay right now?" Windblade asks, her amica nods.

"Does this happen a lot? That sounds rough." Steeljaw looks worried.

"We talked about gathering resources from dead cityformers, do you remember this?" Nightstalker reminds him.

"Yes, I think." Bumblebee let go of his head. "I'm okay right now. Did I said anything?"

"You mention some things eating something, but I couldn't hear it well. "Windblade says. "Speaking of things, I heard those dead cybertronians we saw at the Spire are lurking near cityformers."

"What?!" Bumblebee growls, feeling like he's about to fight something. "This can't be good. Shockwave is planning something!"

"Yes, but we don't have enough information for now, but the situation is being observed by us and Blaster," Nightstalker says. "For now, it's best for you to focus on recovery."

"Agree. If we see more, we'll let you know. Worrying is the last thing you need right now." Steeljaw nods.

"That's right! Let us hug you!" Cheetor throws their paws around the minibot, and others follow them quickly. Bumblebee smiles widely as he returned the hugs as much as he could.

Windblade is right, even if they go extinct, the fact they are still alive here and now is what truly matters. They deserve to have fulfilling lives, no matter what kind of end they'll meet. The vague hope in his spark is growing stronger, reigniting his determination to finish what he started.

------

Hey, I’m back to updating Sparkpulse! I was tough! I caught a lot of burnout after the Big Bang event, so writing took a while. But now It’s finished! I hope you’re enjoyed it~ Reblogs and comments are appreciated! <3

[sweetfirebird]

Worth Every Scratch

For Splashicicle who asked for some fluffy post-story moments from either How to (Not) Train a Firecat or Tit for Tat. I was kind of on a Gavin/River kick though. So. Some boys cuddling and conspiring.

Content tags: spoilers for FIrecats. Some making out. Discussion of the queen’s pursuit of Faddal.

Worth Every Scratch

River used his key to get into Gavin’s room then dragged himself forward to plop himself into the chair at Gavin’s desk. His ass was in the seat for only a second before Gavin looked up from his reading, saw him, and then River was gently pulled into Gavin’s lap.

They were on Gavin’s bed. River noted it as he straddled Gavin, but honestly was too happy to put all his weight on Gavin to think about fucking. Not yet, anyway. For the moment, he was all aches and pains and the wonderful feel of Gav’s hands sweeping up and down his back.

“The state of you,” Gavin murmured, pausing when his roving hands made River stiffen and whine a little before trying to shift his position. “I’m trying to heal you,” Gavin informed him, as though River hadn’t known that. As though Gavin didn’t just do that now whenever River came to see him in his tower, or anywhere really; run his hands over River to find every scrape and bump and soothe it away.

River stirred, trying not to press into Gavin’s gentle hands. “Faddal says I should leave the soreness for a day or two to remind me to be careful.”

She was a brutal instructor. But she let River hit the dummies as hard as he could. And she was the best of the royal guards River wanted to be the best too. He needed to be, for Gav.

Gavin stopped his hands and hummed thoughtfully. Then he resumed magicking away River’s pains. “I’m not taking advice from someone who runs from the person she’s in love with,” he said decidedly.

River sighed deeply as his aches disappeared, leaving only his general exhaustion behind. He inched forward to rest his chin on Gavin’s shoulder, leaving Gavin to hold him up. Gavin’s studies could wait a moment. River wasn’t moving. “Wait. Is your moth—is the queen in love with Faddal? I thought she was just chasing her. You know. To scratch an itch.”

“An itch?” Gavin demanded in a scratchy voice. He stopped his hands again although they’d just been petting River now and not healing anything. “She approached her with respect… at least at first. Before whatever happened that made Faddal… Are you saying that happened to you before? Someone chased you while you ran away?”

River debated pulling back to look at Gavin and judge his reaction to that, but in the end chose to wrap his arms tighter around Gav and stay put. “Yeah,” he admitted cautiously, “but they weren’t in love with me. They just wanted into my pants.”

Gavin’s wonderful hands, resting on River’s hips now, just above his hands, moved quickly up to River’s ribs.

River, sighing again, an embarrassing, fond sound this time, moved Gav’s hands back to his hips and his pants and left them there.

“So the queen really loves her too? Does Faddal love her?” River didn’t wait for an answer. “It’s a fucked business, all of it.”

“All of it?” Gavin echoed, possibly hurt.

River inched back to look at him and caught the glint in Gavin’s eye. “You think you’re so clever, wizard,” he growled, although it was a weak growl. Cari could do better and she was not close to full grown.

Gavin just kissed him, cupping River’s face to keep him still and drive him wild with how gentle it was. Gavin could do whatever he wanted to River and he chose that. River nearly couldn’t stand it sometimes, but then somehow he always did.

Gavin kissed River senseless for a good, long while. Deep, slow kisses to make River tremble; River had done his work too well. Then, with River stunned and soft and quieted, Gavin let River slump against him again and resumed rubbing his back. He was probably still reading, using his magic to turn pages while he calmed River. River really ought to protest or leave him be. Anything but bury his face in Gav’s neck and let the tension fall out of him.

“The queen came by to talk to her today actually,” he informed Gavin after a while, burrowing in like a wild animal that had just discovered warmth and comfort in one of the beds in the mews. “But she just kept talking to me.” It wasn’t terrifying, exactly, but River could have done without royal attention—from Gavin’s mother, no less. No matter how much she said she wanted Gavin to be happy, she couldn’t like seeing Gavin with a runi beastminder, even if River was a royal guard now, or soon to be.

Gavin, of course, believed his mother was happy about it, and so didn’t have those concerns. He kissed River’s neck, and asked an idle question as if he wasn’t trying to melt River into a puddle. “What did she talk about?”

“Cats.” River moved to get another kiss on his neck and only barely held in his moan when this was granted. “She asked how the firecats go about it.”

The neck kissing stopped. Gavin raised his head. “My mother asked how the cats fuck?”

He was incredulous. River supposed that made sense. It wasn’t his fault Gavin had scrambled his brains with that mouth of his.

“No.” He kissed Gavin’s neck, awkwardly trying to soothe him in return. “The rest of it. The cats do try to court each other, you know.” With violent results a lot of the time. “There’s lots of fighting, which I told her. And she asked how I got a cat,” River paused, remembering now that the queen had asked this while looking Faddal right in the eye. “I admitted I wasn’t trying to at the time, but I’d slept near them, and cared for them, and when Cari played, I played with her.”

Gavin was still unmoving. “What did my mother say to that?”

River gave his neck another quick kiss. “She sighed heavily and said, ‘I see.’ Then she looked away from Faddal and left shortly afterward.” River frowned at the memory. “She’s in love with Faddal, and Faddal loves her back, but Faddal won’t do anything about it? Why not? They’re duad not runi.” The Dua were fine with such relationships as the Horun were not, at least, without questions of rank and royal blood popping up. “How long as this been going on?” he asked finally.  

“Years.” Gav was probably making the same face he did when he couldn’t translate some old dead wizard’s code to read their work. “Although my mother escalated it fairly recently, after Faddal left the palace and came here. She’s needed here, but privately, I think she was running. Now that you tell me this… my mother sent me a message today saying she was returning to the Durii palace soon, so she wanted to see me before she left. So… that must be that, then. She’s chosen to end her attempt at courting Faddal. She’ll be upset. I should talk to her tomorrow.”

River wondered if he ought to rub Gavin’s back. “If it’s what Faddal wants then there’s nothing to be done. But… if a runi beastminder…”

“Royal guard trainee with a firecat,” Gav corrected as he always did, which River ignored, as he always did.

“…Can openly love a Durii prince…” River was not blushing. He wasn’t. “Then I don’t understand why she won’t allow herself that.”

“Because you were so easy to convince?” Gavin asked in return, light, but also not really light at all. “You still aren’t convinced. That’s why you say ‘beastminder’ and not what you are now.” Gavin firmed his grip to hold River still when River tried to shift away. “You’re expecting to be told you can’t have this.” Gavin’s hands came up to River’s neck and shoulder, while the pressure stayed at River’s waist to keep River right where they both wanted him to be. Gavin urged River’s head up so he could look River in the eye. He leaned in and spoke softly. “But I will have you, River. If I have to leave here, and run away with you and Cari, I will have you. Do you think I’m lying?”

River had no way to dodge but tried anyway. “Nobles doing whatever they—"

“River.”

River gave in with a shudder, although he did close his eyes. “Yes. I believe you. I believe that you mean that. But not that they will let us stay together. I want to. But…” he lowered his voice even more, barely whispering, “you haven’t been to Horun, Gav.”

A gentle kiss was his answer and his undoing. “We can wait years for you to trust us. The Durii are a patient family.”

As Faddal should have known, River thought. But River hadn’t thought it either. Of course, River hadn’t known any Durii until Gav. “Faddal val Ian is noble,” he said aloud. “That’s a noble name to the Dua. And she doesn’t think she’s acceptable for the queen but I’m supposed to—"

Gavin kissed him again, and again, and again. Slow and controlled and intending to leave River helpless in his lap. He was too good at that, he really was. And in easing River down to the bed onto his back and settling over him to lightly crush River while he resumed kissing River’s neck.

River was holding handfuls of Gavin’s hair. He had no idea how that had happened. “Ah, I love you, Gav.” He was a wretched runi who never learned. Then Gav rose onto his elbows to smile at him and River could feel himself about to say it again.

“What?” he asked quickly so Gavin wouldn’t look too smug.

“You win a cat with care and attention… and pets,” Gavin revealed, smiling as if if he didn’t smile just then, he’d burst into flame or something equally magic and strange.  

“Hmph.” River should silence him by reaching for Gavin’s pants. “Fine,” he agreed without doing that, running his fingers over his mouth to make Gavin go wide-eyed. “I’ll just tell Faddal to let the queen pet her, shall I?”

Gavin wrinkled his nose. “I don’t need to imagine that.”

“You brought it up.” River got to be a little smug. But only for a moment. “You know,” he began, finding himself captivated by Gavin’s shoulder instead of his handsome face. “The Durii, at least, the two I have met…”

“So far,” Gavin interjected, likely just to make River momentarily panic.

“…Have been,” River wasn’t clever enough to know the word, “dangerous,” he decided on, ignoring Gav’s surprise. “Everyone talks about the cats, and the guards with the cats, and how intimidating Faddal is.” Or how attractive she was, to certain people. “But the Durii are… you could destroy me, Gav. You could take everything. All I’d have left is Cari and… maybe the Durii could take her too.”

“We—”

River shushed him with a hand over his mouth. “Faddal has more to lose, doesn’t she? That’s all I mean. You got me to trust you because… because you held me down and made me.” Gavin frowned, probably at this description of events. River moved his hand so he could trace Gavin’s mouth instead. “And I still worry. And all right… maybe you didn’t make me trust you. Maybe you just kept being willing to be seen with me. Shit.”

“My mother has done that with Faddal,” Gavin argued thoughtfully.

“How did I gain your…?” River stopped short, unsure of the right word again.

“Interest?” Gavin supplied. “Or heart?”

“I sucked your cock.” River might have tried to sound annoyed, but Gavin responded by accepting River’s fingers into his mouth for a moment, so he was too breathless to be convincing. “And taught you how to kiss and other such things.”

“And tried to protect me, over and over again though I didn’t realize it at first.” Gavin sighed. “And then demonstrated to everyone in Aminah that you would die for me. Which I am still angry about, if you were wondering.”

River glared at him and said not a word for several moments. “That wasn’t to court you.” But then he looked away. “I see your point, I think. If you had one, other than to upset me. And… when you speak to your mother tomorrow, tell her that… if she hasn’t already… to make it clear that she will wait for Faddal to move first.”

“It’s been years.”

“Of your mother pursuing her. If she wants Faddal to….” River looked up to Gavin’s eyes. “I would never have said or shown it more than I had without prompting. Even though that was an accident. To save you I did it though it was the last thing left to protect myself. And I would say it again if I thought it would ease any pain you had. But you couldn’t have forced it out of me otherwise. And you think Faddal is like me. It’s not enough that the queen wants her. The queen, I mean, your mother, will have to bare her heart too, so she has… not as much to lose as Faddal, but more than she does now.”

Gavn studied River for several moments, then leaned in to kiss him, sweet and too short. “If we got Faddal to pursue my mother, my mother would grant us anything we wanted.”

River was surprised into a laugh, then scowled, then pulled Gavin down on top of him. “Royals, always scheming when you could be fucking me.”

“Demanding cats,” Gavin returned, but sucked a kiss on River’s neck that made River writhe and pant into the air above Gav’s head. “I’m the only royal, right? The only one fucking you?”

River hissed without even meaning to.

But Gavin kissed him for that too. “Worth every scratch,” he added in a whisper, then set about giving River what he’d demanded.   

[tobiasdrake]

Entering the Restricted Area. Not that Restricted Area, but the other Restricted Area. But also maybe that Restricted Area? I dunno. It's ambiguous.

But it has its own dedicated elevator with a glowing neon sign that reads SECRETS HERE so it's not like you're trying that hard to conceal it. Like I said in the penthouse, this doesn't meet the criteria of "secret" lab. This is a classified lab. Everyone knows it's there; They just don't have clearance to enter.

Is there a reason it needs to be so deep?

Oh, sweet. Shinigami's got a backup plan for delivering intel after Makoto has me killed. Good on you, Shinigami.

Going to make explaining my IOU letter to Halara super awkward though.

I feel like back at the penthouse was probably a better time to go full interrogation-mode but sure, we can do this now.

Okay but this isn't secret. It's classified. Try again.

I can feel him giving me the run-around. These are 100% "playing dumb" non-answers to the question, to go along with the not-the-secret-lab he's about to show me.

Of course they make guns here. An isolated city-state can't exactly buy all of its guns from the Unified Government, after all. If they want to defend their sovereignty, they'll need weapons to do that with. Which means turning at least a portion of their manufacturing to engines of war.

That's assuming they weren't already doing it. After all, before Kanai Ward was an independent city-state, they were already doing shady UG projects here.

OH. COOL. I'm sure that's nothing to worry about. The lead person in charge of making high-tech machines that kill is conspiring against Makoto. Seems fairly low on the priorities list.

That sounds suspiciously like appropriation, my guy. I'm gonna need to know more about your relationship to the Bora Bora, especially since you keep indicating that you have the blood of ancient royalty?

Makoto's rise to power coincided with the advent of the Forever Rain. That's suspicious as hell, no lie. Makoto, did you drown Dohya in the perpetual rains of an endless weather phenomenon?

That took me by surprise. Makoto isn't a Kanai Ward native. I figured from the way he talked about the city that he'd lived here all his life, but no. He came here from outside. And then probably fucked it up with Forever Rain.

What accomplishment, Makoto? Was it the Forever Rain?

That sounds real convenient, Makoto.

I mean, no, I wasn't expecting you to say shit. Obviously you won't talk about it, especially if you did create the Forever Rain. But I'm onto you, man. I'm onto you and your Forever Rain.

On a scale of 1 to Fuck, how arrested are we about to be?

So about a 3 or 4, is what you're saying. Alright. As long as we act like we belong and stay close to Makoto, we should get by with minimal fuss. Until Makoto turns on us, anyway.

This explains a lot about Makoto and Yomi's complex relationship. Yomi isn't just some upstart; He's the disgraced prince case aside in favor of the selected heir. The bitter rival meant to inherit the dojo but then the master favored this other kid instead. No wonder he has such a chip on his shoulder.

You and Yakou are both playing this cryptic card. You wouldn't happen to be brothers or some shit, would you? :P

He fell down some stairs.

Onto a pile of bullets.

That looks to be all we're getting out of Makoto. Some interesting background information. Makoto being an outsider threw me for a loop given his fondness for platitudes.

Something's going to happen to this guy. Either killer or victim.

[love2write2626]

Undercover Hearts: A Mission Impossible Love Story

This is the prequel to "Our Love In a Rogue Nation" All 8 chapters are on my master list pinned to my page.

This story takes place during MI3, This is the beginning of Ethan and Ashley's relationship. Will their love handle, the secrets, and betrayal that happen within the walls of IMF?

Chapter 1

Ashley’s P.O.V

The night is filled with the vibrant beats of the newest pop music, and accompanied by the lively banter of colleagues. Ethan's home, decorated with shimmering lights, filled with the echoes of joyous laughter. A sense of happiness is in the air... yet, I am not happy. My heart yearned for nothing more than to be by Ethan's side, enveloped in his warm embrace.

I moved through the crowd, my heart pounding in my chest, acutely aware of the invisible barriers that kept us apart. Ethan, with his tousled hair and mischievous smile, stood at the center of the room, playing the role of the gracious host. His eyes, searching, met mine for a fleeting moment, and a rush of longing coursed through me.

Tonight, like so many others, we were forced to keep our love hidden. Our jobs, our responsibilities, and the watchful eyes of my older brother, Benji, all conspired against us. Don’t get me wrong Benji is the best older brother anyone could ask for, he stepped up to the plate and made sure I was well taken care of when our parents passed, but it was no secret that he did not like Ethan Hunt. So That being said in this moment, in this house filled with laughter and nothing but happiness to most, I yearned to be free from the constraints that held us captive.

As the night pressed on, Ethan's eyes sought mine once more, and a wordless plea flowed between us. It was a desperate call for stolen fragments of time, for secret caresses and stolen kisses whenever we could steal a moment. Our love, forbidden by the rules that governed us as IMF Agents, held the potential to cost us our careers. The very idea of a relationship between colleagues was met with disdain. Yet, we wanted nothing more than to break free from the chains that bound us, to openly embrace our affection without the haunting fear of consequences.

Ethan’s gaze caught mine once more, he gave me a light smile. We knew that doing this could bring unwanted attention to us, but sometimes we just couldn’t help it. He gave me a wink before going back to his conversation, but I couldn’t help but to continue staring at him with wonder, how could this man be so wonderful.

"There you are, Ashley," my older brother's voice called out to me.

I let out a sigh, slightly annoyed, and tore my gaze away from Ethan to look at Benji. "Yes, here I am, brother," I replied.

"I've been searching everywhere for you. This house is ridiculously huge. How much does a field agent make anyway?" Benji asked, sounding frustrated.

"Oh, stop being grumpy. You know as well as I do that field agents make the most money because they constantly put their lives on the line," I said, rolling my eyes.

“What I do is important too, without me and my team they wouldn’t have all their cool gadgets, and wouldn’t be able to get information from basically destroyed computers” this time it was my turn to roll my eyes

“My job is important too brother, but do you see me shouting that to the roof tops?”

Benji let out a sarcastic laugh, but when he noticed the hurt in my eyes, he sighed. "I know what you do is important, and I'm sorry for being grumpy. It's just that I don't trust Ethan Hunt. He's way too cocky."

Guilt washed over me. I hated keeping secrets from my brother, but revealing my relationship with Ethan would only cause chaos. "Well, he has earned the right to be confident. He's amazing at what he does. Plus, he's always been respectful towards me."

Benji crossed his arms, clearly not convinced. "I still don't trust him. He takes unnecessary risks and shows off. It's like he's trying to prove something."

Taking a deep breath, I tried to defend Ethan without giving too much away. "Look, Benji, I understand your concerns, but you have to give him a chance. He's proven himself to be a valuable asset to our team. Maybe if you got to know him better, you'd see a different side of him."

He scoffed. "He's never taken the time to get to know me."

"Now you're just being childish, Benji," I sighed. "Regardless of whether you like him or not, he is my... friend. I won't allow you to speak about Ethan that way."

Before Benji could respond, we heard a voice behind us. "Hey, you made it!" I turned around to see Ethan, a smile spreading across my face. He held his arms out, and I gladly accepted the hug he offered. A shiver ran down my spine when he whispered “I can’t wait to take that delicious dress off you tonight” As we broke apart, he glanced over at Benji and extended his hand for a respectful greeting, but Benji ignored it and quickly asked,

"Where's the bathroom? I can't find it in this place."

"It's around the corner, second door on your left," Ethan replied, nodding. Benji walked away, and once he was out of sight, Ethan turned to me and said, "Come with me." Though the words were unspoken, we both knew we had to be discreet in our movements. If anyone noticed us leaving together, it could cause problems. I watched as Ethan go up the stairs, and after a moment, I followed suit, moving quickly and ducking down to avoid being seen. I made my way down the hall until I reached his room, but before I could reach for the handle, it swung open,

Ethan tugged me inside, and a burst of laughter escaped my lips, unable to contain my excitement. In one swift motion, he closed and locked the door, pressing me against it.

We gazed at each other, communicating silently. It may not make sense to others, but in our secret relationship, we had learned to speak without words.

"You look stunning tonight," he whispered. "All I wanted was for you to come over and sit on my lap, while I pretended to be a gracious host to these unfamiliar faces," he chuckled.

"You know we can't," I murmured softly.

"I know," he whispered back. "I couldn't help but notice the change in your hair," he said, smiling.

"Yeah, I got bangs... I thought you might like them. I can let them grow out if you don't," I started, but he silenced me with a passionate kiss. I wrapped my arms around his neck, running my fingers through his hair. We kissed until we had to break apart for air.

"Baby, don't do that," he whispered.

"What?" I asked, still slightly dazed from the mind-blowing kiss.

"Don't think you need to change yourself based on what you think I like or dislike. It's your hair, and if you want bangs or a bob or anything else, go for it." I gave him a faint smile.

"Yeah, I know. I just want you to approve of it. I hate the thought of you not liking my hair," I confessed.

"Baby, I'm not like the last dickhead you were with. You are absolutely beautiful, no matter what," he reassured me. I glanced at the ground. "What's wrong?" he asked, concerned.

"I just... I feel like I have to go all out. I still don't see what you see in me. I always feel the need to look perfect for you, so you never look at me and think I didn't even try to look good," I admitted.

"If I ever find that bastard who hurt you, who made you so insecure that you believe I can't love you or think negatively of you... I will make him pay," he vowed, his voice filled with determination.  "I truly mean it, you are the most exquisite woman I have ever laid eyes on, and I love you, I will always love you."

"I love you too," I whispered back to him. Our passion ignited, and we indulged in a fervent embrace, our kisses fueled by desire and the longing to be together. A deep groan escaped me when his home phone rang.

"No, let's ignore it," he whispered, his lips trailing down my neck. Finally, the ringing ceased, and we resumed our intimate moment. Ethan was undeniably aroused, his arousal evident through his pants. "I know you can feel it," he whispered. "That's the effect you have on me." Our connection was once again interrupted by the persistent ringing of the phone. "Damn it," he muttered, walking over to the nightstand where the phone sat. "Yes?" he answered, rolling his eyes. I observed as his expression changed, and he let out a sigh before hanging up the phone.

"What's wrong?" I inquired.

"I believe I've been assigned a mission," he groaned. "I have to go meet them. I'm sorry, my love."

"It's alright. We'll continue where we left off when you return. I'll be here waiting for you. I drove separately from Benji because I told him I was staying at my friend Jenny's tonight." He smiled.

“I’ll be back soon, I love you”

"I love you too," I murmured softly, my voice barely audible as he made his way towards the door. Despite the overwhelming fear that gripped me, I fought to conceal any trace of nervousness. I couldn't deny his incredible skills, yet it didn't ease the constant worry that consumed me. Praying silently, I yearned for him to be spared from any dangerous mission tonight. I craved just one more night in his embrace before he embarked on his uncertain journey, never knowing when he would return to me.

[taiblogcomics]

Bad Guys Making Bad Decisions

Hey there, cybernetics. Well, we're on issue 7 of 10. That's really all there is to say at this point!

Here's the cover:

Oh, jeepers, no. Nico, don't kiss that mans. He doesn't even have lips, for one thing. He's got all that misty red leakage. And, like, he couldn't even be bothered to put on a clean shirt, for cripe's sake. Now, the real question is, trace the angle of Nico's arm. Now trace the angle of the Staff of One. Where is she holding onto that thing? Like, even if it's in her other hand--which seems even less comfortable--where is she holding it? Or if Alex is holding it… We can see his one hand, so same question applies. I think they just wanted to get the Staff on the cover and didn't really think about it because they weren't drawing the characters lower than the bottom of the frame. That all aside, great cover, though. Very spooky. Oooo~

So… What the fuck was last issue about? I've honestly forgotten. Something with Deathlocket? Yeah, that sounds right, sure. Anyway, we open today with narration from Nico, where she's like "Most girls fantasise about killing their first boyfriend, don't they?" Geez, I hope not. I think you may be projecting, Nico, because you literally did that. Anyway, these feelings are surfacing for her because Alex has trapped her in a pocket dimension to fight a magma elemental. You know, standard stuff you do with your ex, I'm sure~

It's not even the lava golem she's fighting that's pissing her off, it's that Alex keeps flirting with her. And that's certainly fair. Fortunately, before it gets too awkward, Hazmat and Anachronism enter and tell her there's a problem regarding Chase. If you recall, Chase blew his cover last issue by preventing Captain America from being shot. Because despite his somewhat dudebro personality and his even douchier looks in this storyline, Chase is actually a good guy. He's the hope we still have riding on this storyline. That oughta worry you.

The away mission returns, and they did retrieve their guy from AIM or whatever they were doing. But as Nico teleports in, they find Chase was shot. Surprisingly, Excavator covers up for him. Sometimes folks just get shot while on missions, you know how it goes. He says it wasn't anybody's fault. Nico retorts that it's always somebody's fault. And hey, remember how I said Chase appears in future Runaways stories, so I wasn't worried? Nico casts a spell to "fix him", channelling purple lightning into him. Well, for once, she certainly can't make him worse~

Now here's a cutaway I didn't expect. We move over to the SHIELD Helicarrier to see our other victim of the AIM debacle: Captain America. He's having a debriefing with Maria Hill and Hank Pym. Hank obviously wants to just storm in there and get the kids, while Maria points out that Bagalia is a sovereign nation and they can't just do that. But in case you think she's the reasonable one, Hank just wants to help the kids, while Maria calls them "fugitives" who conspired and succeeded in murdering a man, resisted arrest, and escaped custody. In case you wondered if she still had that stick up her ass~

Now, Cap is of course on the same side as Hank in rescuing the kids, but they can't really do anything about it right now. He's more worried about the agent they lost in the debacle: a certain Reginald Crenshaw, head of SHIELD's entire information network. This is who the Masters of Evil were targeting, who was being held by AIM. He's warded against psychics of all stripes, so the Masters haven't a snowball's chance in hell to get him to spill. Funny wording, that. Because remember Satannish's cameo a few issues back? He possesses Crenshaw, completely hacking his mind open. …Figuratively, to be clear.

We return over to Nico and friends, observing Chase in emergency care. She's getting antsy because it's taking more than a few minutes to heal him. The doctor (who's a creepy half-cyborg fucker the wiki is telling me is actually the Tinkerer, a man who does not have a medical degree) tells her that Chase is suffering from the trauma of the gunshot wound and is comatose. Nico doesn't get it, she healed that wound with magic. She's seen Chase get up after being hit by a car (which I think is a reference to the ending of the "Rock Zombies" storyline in Runaways). So why isn't he okay now?

Dr. Walker (or the Tinkerer or whoever he is) tells her that neuroscience is more complicated than that. You can't just "magic" someone's brain better. And she's welcome to try, maybe she'll regress him into infancy somehow. She retorts that magic doesn't work like that. Looking smug, he retorts with a request for how magic does work, then. And of course, her retort is "it just does!" and blowing all the windows apart while storming out of the room. Ah, teenagers, am I right~?

This very funny tantrum is followed by the extremely stupid decision of her to go snog Alex Wilder. And, like, Alex is an evil jerk, but the first thing he asks is "How's Chase?" when she returns, with a look of genuine concern on his face. And I will give him points for that. Meanwhile, the comic ends with a glimpse of Cammi in prison. She's spent the whole time carving a peephole so she can spy on Baron Zemo and crew. However, her very chatty cellmate keeps bugging her. And why shouldn't he bug her? Because it's Arcade. He's alive, imprisoned by the Masters of Evil, and he still won't shut up.

Bad choices, bad guys, and of course, bad comic books. This one is mostly just continuing everything from last time. The Alex/Nico stuff is gross and uncomfortable, and it's not coz they're teens shacking up or anything. Alex's flirting comes across as way too manipulative, which is probably the point? It doesn't make me enjoy reading the character, though. This isn't the worst issue of the thing, but it does feel like it breezes by a bit too quickly. Maybe because basically nothiing happened in it, besides the ending reveal?

[lonewolfel]

Second Chances: Chapter 1

Read on AO3

Instead of returning to the Isles, everyone is sent back into time. Now Luz, Hunter, Willow, Gus, Amity, and Camila must find a way to fix the past all the while keeping what happened a secret sometimes from each other.

Please note that this won’t be updated regularly. It will be updated whenever I feel like it. 

When Hunter opened his eyes he had expected to see a forest or even the destroyed remains of a town in the Boiling Isles. Instead of that, he saw the ceiling of his room within the castle. 

Horror and disgust shot through Hunter. He sat up when had he laid down. His room looked just as it always did. It couldn't have been all a dream. He could feel the pain and aches in his limbs from when he was possessed. He quickly stood up from his bed and began to rush over to a mirror and what he saw shocked him. 

Scars covered his face more so than any time previously. Hunter's hair looked just as it did when Belos had possessed him and grown it out. Then finally his eyes. His eyes once a bright magenta were now brown like Caleb's like Flapjack's.

This meant that everything that had happened was true. It wasn't a dream. Hunter didn't know what to do with that information. 

A knock sounded on the door. Hunter jumped and his heart began to rapidly beat. 

"Yes," Hunter called out trying to keep his fear and horror out of his voice. 

"Golden Guard, sir, Emperor Belos has requested your presence." The scout said through the door. Hunter's breath caught in his throat. This was it Belos knows that something is up. 

"Understood," Hunter responded barely keeping his voice in check. He heard the guard's footsteps retreat. 

Hunter let out a breath of relief. He quickly changed into the Golden Guard uniform. He hated wearing it again. The very fabric felt as if it was trying to eat him away. He looked at himself in the mirror.

Hunter looked just like he did so many months ago except for his face and hair. He quickly pulled up his hood and put his mask on. He knew that Belos didn't like to be kept waiting. 

Hunter walked through the hallways. They remained the same as they always were. It set Hunter on edge. He was just waiting for the scouts to realize that they should be arresting him, waiting for the Collector to laugh at their own sick prank, waiting for Belos to appear and kill him. Hunter looked down another hall and froze in shock.

At the end of the other hallway stood Lilith Clawthorne looking just as she did when she was a part of the Emperor's Coven. Her hair was slick dark blue with no sign of graying or white. Her eyes were both the same teal color. She stood with the same pousé and grace that she always had.

That couldn't be possible, Lilith was a traitor she shouldn't be standing in the very heart of the Empire. Yet here she was.

Hunter quickly walked away. He didn't want to talk to her. They had never seen eye to eye and while according to Luz she became cool once she left the coven Hunter had never interacted with her. It's just best to go see Belos.

Hunter walked straight up to the door to the throne room and paused. He had told the truth when he said he never wanted to be in that room again but it seems like always the Titan is conspiring against him.  

Hunter turned off that part of his brain like he always had. The part that quietly whispered that what Belos ordered him to do was wrong, that wild magic wasn't wrong. It served no purpose here, it only would get him into even more trouble.

Hunter opened the door and walked forward. He was relieved to see that Belos was wearing his mask this meant that he would be less likely to ask Hunter to remove his. He knelt down effortlessly just as he has done a thousand times before. 

"You summoned me, my Lord," Hunter said. The words felt sickening as they left his throat despite spending so much of his life saying them.

"I have a mission for you. A wild witch has been causing some problems in the palms. I want you to capture them." Belos said.

Hunter recognized the mission. It was given to him 5 months before Hunter met Luz. He completed the mission in a day and returned to Belos the next. He was then given false affection and was sent back to studying the next day.

"Of course, it will be done..." Hunter said. The uncle part died in his throat. He couldn't bring himself to say it anymore. Hunter hoped that Belos won't notice this little fact. 

Belos waved his hand dismissing the teen. Hunter walked out and once the door closed behind him, he breathed a breath of relief. 

It also worked in his favor. He could go steal a concealment stone (he wasn't exactly paid and getting one would be suspicious) to hide all the changes that he has undergone. It also gives him a chance to see Willow, Gus, and Amity to see if they remember the same thing he does. 

~~~

Hunter took a deep breath as he walked through one of the various night markets. He had changed from his Golden Guard uniform to regular clothes and had pulled over a worn brown cloak. Despite how different he looked from before and the fact that he was rarely seen without his mask he couldn't help but be paranoid that he will be recognized. Not to mention he couldn't bring his artificial staff so he was magicless. 

He walked through the masses with his hood pulled far over his head. He looked at all the stands. None of them seemed to have what he was looking for.

Finally, he spotted a red concealment stone at one of the stands. The owner was a short pig-like demon. Their stature shouldn't be an issue after all Hunter has been trained to fight since he was created. Though based on the wide berth they received from other witches they have to be powerful with magic wielder. 

Hunter paused trying to figure out what to do when a thought came to him. If he distracted the demon then perhaps he could grab it without any disruption. 

Hunter rushed over to one of the stands. This one was run by a demon that seemed to sell illegal books.

"What, kid?" The demon grunted.

"That witch." Hunter pointed out to a random witch in the crowd. "Stole a scroll from you."

The demon not even pausing a second to think about whether or not they should trust a random kid or if the said witch even came near the stand jumped up and drew a red spell circle.

"Hey, thief!" The demon exclaimed. With that, a large blast was fired. The witch was thrown back into another stand. Quickly an all-out brawl was induced between both customers and sellers. 

Hunter almost smirked at how easy it was to start the fight. He quickly hid in the shadows. He inched his way toward the stand. The pig demon was distracted trying to prevent their merchandise from being used as projectiles. 

Hunter quickly grabbed the stone and slipped back into the shadow. He walked away from the night market. He heard a demon exclaim their outrage at being robbed but didn't bother reacting. Once he was far enough away from the night market he pulled out his staff and teleported away. 

Once he was in the forest he quickly used his staff to analyze the stone. He made sure that it worked and that it was cursed or bewitched. Once he was sure that it was safe he placed the image of what he used to look like in his head and using his staff inserted it into the stone. He put on the stone and looked into the water. The face that was once the Golden Guard's looked back at him. 

Hunter removed the stone and did what he has wanted to do since he saw his image in the mirror that morning. He took out a pair of scissors and began to cut his hair as short as it was before. It was janky and looked nothing like the haircut that Willow had given him in the human realm but it made him feel better. The one thing that he could control about his appearance was hidden away under the illusion of the Golden Guard. He wasn't sure what he was going to do, he'll have to talk to everyone before he made his choice, but it was likely that they will want an inside man and in which case he was likely to pretend to be the Golden Guard. 

Hunter quickly put on the stone and hid it under his clothes. He donned his Golden Guard uniform. He had a witch to collect. 

[the-firebird69]

They are attacking this man's rebel basis overseas and their terrorists okay that run the bases and they're his and this is the person who was a conspirator in the 9/11 attack and he admits it in the video where he's the lead singer of limp Bizkit. It seems simple code it's gang code almost anybody can read it and yeah I work for the dod as a person working for subcontractors on extremely secretive weapons this person is in China recently and the sky is saying and he is selling secrets sometimes for nothing because he's a coward no he's trying to start conflict there's plenty more that people have on him but here he is a sheriff of the county and he's harassing living s*** out of me and he goes in jail when he gets out and people can't figure it out well that's the answer he's sheriff so he can't get him out of the sheriff's office cuz he's holding dirt on people and he still has sheriffs but his bases will be destroyed overseas and his bases are being rated here in essence he's forcing everyone to depower his entire organization and he has some sort of cream dream of being a clans person of mine being entombed and coming back and winning that was their plan and he did not get to their program and he did not get to the computer and he built one based on what information he had and it's on Titan.

And I told him I suggest you don't ride the money so he's running around jumping an expensive cars and you can see the clones are right on him it has an opposite effect because I saw my granddaddy get ripped apart by it he tried to ride it when he backed way off and then this idiot was telling on him and now this idiot is telling himself because he's stupid. This person has has violated my civil rights and has committed many criminal acts on me here and in Port Charlotte Florida and he is a huge criminal himself his aliases are criminal and he's also an international criminal and his wanted internationally by many agencies mostly the max but there's so much dirt on him around here and it has a sheriff it's not even funny he can be put away in the federal pen for 100 years if he thinks I can't cite cases he's wrong.

Zues

Hera

There's a radio in his car and it's always on cuz he can't find all the devices this is not a real computer expert he cheats I want this guy down and I want him out he's reminded people why he's still here and he keeps telling them a few other things and then they go after it eventually be gone but really you guys know what the problem is and really that's a pretty big headache him as a sheriff when you're trying to use the sheriff we know the method and we know the technique but he's using it against you all the time every single foothold or finger hold he has he uses against you and you won't get to the money and we will and we're doing it and all we do is stop him when we have to.

Hera

We're bringing him to court as chief premal and he's violated our son's civil rights and privacy rights and he's violated federal law and he's violated high law meaning he's committed treason by messing with our son many many times hundreds of times a week and we have it all documented and he wants me to go to court today and is requesting it from Thor and Freya and they're going to review it at the meeting this guy has to go down and it's too much stress it's getting to everybody on Earth practically this piece of s*** Joel Watts AKA Trump and many other aliases like Charles Manson and he is of course Al Bundy no he's the guy who eat people in New York City and got on the news and told on people and he's a disgrace to his kind but moreover he is a horrible person here and committed violent offenses against people who running the place who are now destroying his bases overseas and offenses against the president of the United States who is now destroying his bases overseas.

I'm preparing the lawsuit against the chief of the Charlotte county sheriff's office right now and we're going to call Max and see if they have a lawyer firm that we can team up with and we're going to go for a group action against him and also a class action of people in the sheriff's office who have been abused and set up and lost people to his murderous ways and riding and riding it's all extremely illegal

Bitol and Goddess Wife

[craigsumter-justice]

My Legal Battle with my Family and their Co-horts / Co-conspirators (89):

The picture attached to this post at the top is an email I sent to my mother, Gloria Sumter, my father, Leonard Sumter Jr., and my sister, Shalene Ryall (Sumter) on October 25th, 2007.  It is from a message from my MySpace account in which a man named “Adam”  sent me a message and told me he was standing ten (10) feet away from Rebecca Jakubcin when I hit her on October 14th, 2007.  Adam said he was a friend of Rebecca’s and he wished me no ill-will.  I really didn’t know how to use MySpace very well so I just cut and paste the message into a message to my mother, father, and sister.  They had all treated me horrible since my car accident and not one of them ever even asked me what had happened.  

After I was arrested for an alleged bond revocation, my sister, Shalene Ryall (Sumter) signed into my MySpace account without me giving her permission and she deleted my MySpace account.  The bottom of the two pictures attached is a snip of the 4th set of Interrogatories I sent to my parents, Leonard Sumter Jr. and Gloria Sumter, to answer under oath as part of a federal lawsuit I filed against them in 2016.  

If you notice in Interrogatory #32 I ask, “In 2008 while Plaintiff was in DeKalb County Jail, Defendant Gloria Sumter informed Plaintiff that his sister Shalene Ryall had signed into his MySpace account and deleted it.  Please state for what reason she did this?”  My mother, Gloria Sumter, answers under oath by stating, “She did this at Plaintiff’s request for her to delete his MySpace page, for which he gave me the password.”  (I included a screenshot of the notarized signature page from this interrogatory which was signed and notarized on November 21st, 2016)

First, I never gave anyone permission to delete my MySpace account.  This would make no sense as this was exculpatory evidence and my sister deleted this BEFORE my pretrial hearing.  This is one of the reasons she deleted it, to keep me from having the exculpatory evidence.  The other reason she deleted it was because I had received hateful harassing messages from fake MySpace accounts bashing me and beating me up claiming to be the girlfriend of a male client of the decedent in my vehicular homicide accident.  This girl who claimed to be 24 years old sent me all kinds of nasty messages trying to make me feel more horrible than I already did by drawing inferences to Rebecca’s age being the same as my sister’s.  This was not possible for anyone to learn by viewing my MySpace page as I had barely even put my own age and a profile picture on my page.  This is what leads me to believe it had to be my sister that had created these nasty fake MySpace accounts to berate me.  Additionally, I never gave my mother, Gloria Sumter, the password to my MySpace account.  It was however written down in my belongings that they collected from Cornerstone Village condiminiums after they had me arrested for allegedly violating my bond.  I NEVER at anytime gave anyone permission to delete my MySpace account though.

[monterraverde]

<< League.>>

He signs it flatly, with space for contemplation and a deep frown. It’s appropriately League protocols. Time and time again, it would blow up in their faces. He signs it one more time.

<< Master Ball was a Team Rocket Project. Worked with Silph, willing conspirator to develop something that could kill free will. Supposed to catch Rampaging Gods. Won’t find anything that really works like a Master Ball outside of Silph’s research. Rocket took research when they disappeared. Won’t give it up.>>

He balances his head on his palm, staring into the flames for a long while. There’s a familiar claw of absolutely old anger sinking into his heart.

Damn you.

Red lets his hand fall to use it, mouthing each word.

<< You’re going to become a monster if you keep doing this. And someone like me is going to stand against you. And condemn you in ways you can’t imagine. >>

But portent warnings were for the future and those that would heed them. He digs his teeth into his lip and whistles, sharp and shrill. It catches the attention of his team, Espeon included, playing in the sand. 

Snorlax rumbles awake. Blastoise turns to listen, comfortable in the dark.

Go to the Port.

Venusaur lets out a sharp warble, and sinks to her haunches, springing with enough force to kick up a storm of hand and dim the flame. He hears her land an insane distance away, cracking a cliffside. Espeon gives him a look, and he watches her dash off. Blastoise and Snorlax are in no rush to vacate the area, and slowly trudge after them. 

Pikachu wakes, and he twitches, worried, before running up Red’s shoulder to sit.

He’s staying.

<< They’ll go get medicine. >>

Red stands, and tosses the ball in the vacated spot, watching the light form into the huge creature.

She’s huge, and she’s crunched into a ball, clicking, buzzing. Her fuzz has pink spots. She doesn’t react to him either, stepping close to her.

Bad sign.

Worse sign, he sinks a hand over her fluff and pulls back red mucus. 

His warning is chilling in a way she can't describe... He succeeded at putting the fear of god in her, that much was certain, but she just looked... sad. She didn't want this, if she had her way they would have ended this farce long ago. If Geeta knew anything about Silph or Sada's dealings... but that information was so far above her paygrade...

And Geeta was always being so secretive about it... Only telling her trickles of information- Stuff she needed to know to grasp the current crisis, but...

"I-... I won't stand in your way if you want to talk Geetas ear off, but... I'm telling you everything I know, I don't have any power to do anything about it, but... if I talk too much or push beyond what I'm allowed I'll lose my entire livelihood... I know there's shady things happening, but I'm between a rock and a hard place of how to stop it... mainly stems from Sada being sketchy... this all goes back to Sada... Why did her A.I. throw itself into the time machine, fuck..." She hissed, returning her pokemon to their balls.

Sada was dead and her A.I. was gone... She'd need an expert level hacker to get any kind of information out of the A.I.'s core memory if it was still functional...

Dammit, Damn it all-!!

And then his pokemon are off toward Porta Marinada in the distance, and finally Slither Wing is brought forth... And the sight terrifies her, running forward to gently caress the poor creatures horns with gloved hands, a vain attempt to calm it. "Gods above... The poor thing, Wait- Is that blood...? What in the world happened to her?"

Oh things just went from fun to awful in a heartbeat, didn't they?

"You know of this? How do you know there's medicine at the port? I've never seen this illness in my life..."