#do not listen to Sunset about plants. I have killed so many and I will kill again.

[sunsetofdoom]

Finally one of these days I get to this before @man--eater does; consider yourself TAGGED, my friend

“Fuck’s sake, Stolas, come on,” Blitzo stepped around him and walked along the path until he could see through the roses. They were somewhere along the perimeter of the garden- he could see the fence that divided the rose garden from the humid green mass that lay beyond. In front of the fence was a single, lonely-looking sunflower, bright yellow and tall; its ordinary cheerfulness was actually kind of refreshing after so long in the dignified, stately rose garden. “The seed must have blown in from the cook’s garden,” Stolas fretted. “I can’t believe Mr. Way missed it for so long, but he’ll have it out by the roots now that the flower’s open... Oh, the poor thing, it’s all alone- I can’t bear it.” He took one nervous step, and then stopped at the edge of the path. “Okay,” Blitzo said, fed up. He couldn’t do much for this neurotic, lonely idiot, but he could do this. “Okay. Hang on. Fuck’s sake,” he groused to himself as he stepped off the path and nudged his way through the bushes. “Fucking bird and his fucking flowers.” This he muttered in an undertone as he knelt down at the base of the sunflower, grabbing the knife that he always kept in his boot (and if the prince happened to see him grab it, how cool was that, huh. He was the kind of guy that always had a knife on him, not just some pansy dresser) and sawed at the base of the plant. The stem was thick, but he sliced through it pretty neatly, and he held up the flower. It was almost as tall as he was; thinking again, he trimmed the stem down until it was just longer than his arm.   He fought his way back through the rosebush, and bowed at the shoulders. “Your Highness,” he said with mocking gravity, holding out the sunflower. The silence stretched a little too long. Afraid his joke hadn’t gone over well, Blitzo checked, cheating out of his bow. Stolas stood in the center of the pathway, a rose-colored blush shining through his pale grey feathers. He was stock-still, his eyes darting from the flower, to Blitzo, and back again.  Blitzo held it out further. He didn’t want the thing. Eventually, Stolas reached out a hesitant hand and wrapped his delicate white glove around the sunflower stem, heedless of the dirt. He pulled it up close to his chest, and it looked almost comical, the cartoonishly cheerful flower held up against his tight-laced dignity.

Passing it on to @nyxofdemons, @goddessofcoloredpencils, obviously this means you Sleeps, @blitzwhore and @cringefailvox

[dira333]

Promise to marry me...

Kankuro x reader through the eyes of Gaara, Gaara as matchmaker extraordinaire

“I don’t think I’ll ever get married.” 

Kankuro’s voice was muffled but the door had not been fully closed.

Gaara wasn’t one to eavesdrop, especially not in his own home, but the words made him stop.

“What makes you think that?” Hearing your voice surprised him even more.

He knew that you and Kankuro got along, but that a conversation like this at this time? Guilt pooled in his stomach as he realized that he probably shouldn’t be listening. But the far more powerful curiosity kept him where he was.

“Ah, you know. I’m a mess. You can’t tie me down. I love the freedom.” 

“Oh, shush.” You tutted at him. “You’re just using empty phrases to cover how you really feel.” There was a moment of silence and Gaara told himself again that he had to move. This was a private conversation and yet, this felt like a conversation Kankuro should have been able to have with him, too.

“Would you want to marry me?” Kankuro’s voice was different now. It had an undertone to it that was raw and vulnerable. 

“I’d marry you in a heartbeat.” You told him, your voice filled with conviction, yet the words sounded soft. “But it’s not about that, is it? It doesn’t matter how many people want to marry you. If it won’t make you happy, it won’t make you happy. You don’t have to be married to be happy, you know.”

“Are you happy?”

“Right now? Very. I have a job I like, great friends and I get to travel places without having to fear getting killed the next day. It’s pretty fantastic if you ask me.”

“Don’t you want children? A husband?”

“Maybe someday. But I don’t have any important genes I need to give to the next generation and I quite enjoy being the cool aunt to Shikadai and everyone else. But who knows, maybe when I’m older…”

“What if…” There was a beat of silence and when he spoke again, Gaara could hear Kankuro as he knew him. Filled with mischief and too many ideas.

“What if we made a pact? When we’re thirty and we want to get married but have no one, we’ll marry each other?”

You laugh. “Sure. I’ll hold you to that, old man.”

At that moment, Gaara pulls himself away. He’s heard too much already.

-

Eight years later, just after Shinki’s third anniversary with them, Gaara decides that he has to take matters into his own hands.

Kankuro hardly speaks about the subject of marriage and if he does, he jokes about it.

But Gaara, knowing what he does, can’t stand by and do nothing, when he can see the way Kankuro looks at Shinki or how he pulls back into himself whenever he notices a couple.

As his younger brother, Gaara has no business snooping around in Kankuro’s business.

As his Kazekage he has no right to do so either.

When he does, he convinces himself he’s doing it as a friend.

-

He’s left Shinki with Shikadai and Temari and has convinced Lee that he’s hanging with Naruto and Naruto that he’s training with Lee.

Kankuro had to stay back in Suna and Gaara’s thankful for that as he knocks on your door.

“What brings you here?” You ask, one of the few people in Konoha who don’t burden themselves with unnecessary politeness. “Tea?”

“I’d like that.” He lets his eyes wander. Your apartment is small, just big enough for one and an army of plants. He knows you’re single but he can spot an array of pictures on the bookshelves. Stepping closer he finds them to be you with different friends, the biggest one having been taken in Suna, eight years ago. 

He remembers that day when Temari and Kankuro had dragged both you and him out for the sunset. 

“How is he?” You ask as you hand him his cup of tea. “Kankuro, I mean? I heard he couldn’t come.”

“Physically, he is well.” He starts and you perk up immediately, watchful eyes focused on him.

“And emotionally?” 

“He would not let me live if he knew that I’m telling you this.” He looks back at the picture and steels his resolve. “But he might be thinking about a certain pact you two made eight years ago.”

Your cup slips from your fingers. If not for his sand it would have shattered on the ground. 

“How do you know-?”

“I was just walking to my room that day.” He tells you quietly. “I overheard only a little.”

“I-” You stutter and he nods.

“I am not saying that I know what he’s thinking. But I can tell that he’s lonely. And if you wanted to come back to Suna with us in a week… just for a short holiday, maybe, I’d be happy to arrange everything for you.”

“I have to think about that.” Your voice is raspy when you speak, breathless even.

He nods. “Do that. Don’t rush anything. Just know that you’re always welcome.”

-

Gaara is the only one not surprised when you decide that you’ll take an impromptu vacation to Suna. He does not tell Kankuro about it and has Temari swear on Shikadais life that she will not tell him.

There are moments where he wonders if he oversteps.

Moments where he thinks he will regret this - especially Temari’s moods.

But then the train halts in Suna and they can see Kankuro waiting for them. 

Gaara steps out first, offering his hand to Shinki who refuses any help. 

With one eye on his son and his other on Kankuro he knows the exact moment when Kankuro notices you.

“I think we’ll get some ice cream.” He tells Shinki softly as he steps to the side. “And let those two have some time together.”

No one protests. 

-

Gaara is the only one not surprised when one week of vacation turns into two.

He is not surprised when you travel back to Konoha only to pack your belongings.

On your wedding day he thinks about telling Kankuro. What he heard all those years ago, what he did for his brother.

But he doesn’t. He just pulls sleeping Shinki a bit closer to him and watches the couple dance, thinking that if no one has to be lonely, the world will be a better place.

[lil-spider]

So Damn Pretty

Chapter 7

Part 6 : Part 8 :

Pairing: Johnny Slaughter X Female Reader

Summary: Johnny is sex starved and you’re very attractive, so attractive that he doesn’t want to kill you. Instead he finds ways to keep you around longer.

Note: Stockholm syndrome is in full play now and pls don’t hate me lol.

Warning: This is 18+ and please do not read if your sensitive to heavy descriptions of non/con and violence. Including bondage, blood, gore, assault, cheating, objectification and unsafe sex. For those who don’t mind, I hope you enjoy.

Many days have passed—about three and a half weeks since Johnny last touched me—and it has been driving me crazy.

We’ve been getting closer, taking nightly walks through the beautiful sunflower field. It became my favourite part of the day. After dinner, he and I would sneak off outside, talking to me about his interests or whatever he did for the day, and I would tell him mine. We chew on sunflower seeds and sit in a run-down car, watching the sunset fade into the night. We’re steadily learning more about each other; on rare occasions, he opens up to me, and during such times, I see him as a broken young man rather than a monster.

But now our walks have ceased, as has the sex. He’s been neglecting me, making me miss his cock and touch. I so desperately want to fuck him. We were having sex almost every day since I arrived, and now, nearly a month of no action has taken a toll on me. I've become increasingly frustrated and exhausted. 

It doesn't help that Nubbins has been pointing out that I look fatter around the stomach and chest, making crude remarks about how full my breasts appear, until Sissy smacks him on the back of the head for his rudeness. He just immaturely blows raspberries at her.

Nubbin's is right. I've noticed that I've gained some weight and that I've become considerably hungrier. Which has me concerned. At dinnertime, I've started eating more, going for seconds unintentionally, impressing everyone at dinner.

Johnny’s ban on leaving the house by himself has been lifted since I arrived; according to Sissy, he has been using his new freedom to drive up town to local bars. I know more meat has been stocked up after his nights out; I only see him bring back supplies or cigarettes; no bodies, thankfully. Most days, I know that he helps Drayton at the gas station. I overheard them one time talking about me working there with one of them. It honestly sounds refreshing to have some new scenery, even if I have to work.

My chores around the house are becoming more routine. Sissy and I spend all of our time together; she's come up with fun things to do, either playing some card games or listening to music on her record player. She’s been great, like a sister I’ve always wanted. We’ve been getting closer as Johnny’s been busy. I even spent time with Bubba outside in the gardens, planting some new flowers as he brought over the heavy soil, with Sissy teaching him. He is like a puppy, exploring his surroundings. I've actually started enjoying myself here, almost forgetting about my old life.

I'm currently lying on my bed, staring at the ceiling, lost in thought. It’s peaceful in the early morning. Drayton, whom I've picked up the habit of calling Mr. Sawyer, drove off to the gas station a few minutes ago, waking me up with his grumbling downstairs as he left the house.

I have come to be attuned to the footsteps of everyone. Johnny is very heavy-footed, while Sissy and Nubbins are very quiet. Drayton scatters around while Bubba thunders up the stairs with no care. It helps me figure out what is happening around me.

I’m no longer locked in my room. Being here so long, working, and not bothering to escape has rewarded me with trust, and honestly, I'm not sure if it's even worth trying to leave. I've just adapted to my new environment so well that I don't see a point in leaving. especially since I don't want to disappoint Johnny either.

I’ll do anything to have him inside me again. The more I think about his thick cock,large muscles, and handsome face, the throbbing below increases. I move my hand down, sliding it under my panties, gently placing a finger in my engorged clit, rubbing it in small circles.

I breathlessly moan and pinch my left nipple while imagining Johnny. His cock stood tall as he stroked his hardness, sitting on his bed, waiting for me. I want to lick his throbbing tip and hear his groans. I picture myself sucking him off, taking his whole cock to the back of my throat. I go to climb on top of him, letting his fat cock slide inside me as I start riding him. My hands are on his chest as I bounce. The more I imagine, the faster I rub my clit. I squeeze my thighs together as my orgasm comes quickly. I pull my hand back while sighing in disappointment; it’s not as good. But it does the job.

Feeling a little relieved, I roll over and prepare to get some more sleep until I hear another truck drive up. It’s Johnny's. I lay there, listening to him slam his truck door and loudly enter the house. Like always, he chucks his keys on the kitchen table, but instead of going to his shed, I hear his footsteps go downstairs to the basement.

The familiar sound of the basement door opening and closing spikes my curiosity. He rarely goes to the basement, only if he needs to help Bubba, but it's too early for Bubba to be awake, so I'm desperate to know what he's up to.

I contemplate going, fear of consequences rousing, but my yearning for Johnny runs deeper. I get up off the bed and pull a short black, long-sleeved maxi dress over myself.

Choosing to go barefoot, I carefully open the bedroom door, not to awaken anyone, and cautiously descend the stairs, making my way to the basement. I glide past the red wall displayed with an arrangement of animal skulls. Arriving in front of the basement door, I gently slide it across the opening, leaving just a big enough gap for me to slide in. Leaving it open, I glance around the hellish pit of the household. A red hue cascades over the lair. Its pungent odour, with which I had found it vile, is now somewhat familiar.

I pick up his voice coming from one of the rooms they keep the victims in. I should turn back; it’s not my business, and I could get in trouble for putting my nose where it doesn't belong. Creeping forward, I forget my worries as I develop an itching sensation that can only be relived by finding out what Johnny is doing. Tip-toeing over to the door like a little mouse, I squat near the door and peek through the gaps. The sight before me made me realise I should have never left the bed.

A woman with long, shiny black hair who has her wrists tied behind her back with a zip-tie is crying out while voluntarily riding Johnny’s cock. My fingers dove tightly into my hands as I witnessed Johnny fuck another woman. He grips her shapely hips against him. Thrusting up into her as he lays back on an old, dirty mattress

The unknown woman throws her head back while increasing her moans. Johnny continues his restless pounding. I watch his thick cock slathered in their juices go up and down inside her. Her large chest was bouncing along. She’s moaning Johnny’s name with a sultry voice as she leans over him, pushing her chest into his face.

Mixed emotions take over: arousal, jealousy, and insecurity. I feel so hurt and betrayed, and yet I can’t look away. I’m finally seeing Johnny after so long. I squeeze my thighs together, rubbing them for relief as he moves his right hand off her hip, going between her legs and rubbing her clitoris. Uncontrollable tears leak from my eyes as I cover my mouth, muffling my whimpers.

They change positions; he sits up and pushes her down, sucking on her hard nipples while fucking her into the mattress violently. I’m unable to do anything. I want to snap her fucking neck off. My pussy throbs while embarrassingly soaking my underwear. I just want to shove her away and get fucked by him instead. She’s now obnoxiously yelling about how she's about to cum, and now I want to leave. I can’t watch this anymore. I don’t want to see Johnny finish with her.

I sneak back up the stairs, closing the metal door gently behind me, and rush back upstairs to my room. I go under the sheet and lay on the bed. My clit throbs, but I’m so jealous that I just want to curl up. I start to cry from all these overwhelming emotions, trying to take deep breaths to calm myself. I hug my pillow, biting into it out of utter frustration.

I take deep breaths, trying to calm down. Salty tears and snot drip from my face as I cry into my pillow. We were never together, but it still feels like I was betrayed. I worked so hard to fit in here like he wanted, and he fucks another woman! Is she the first? How many girls has he gone through? Is he going to replace me now? The idea of being replaced makes my chest tighten, and more tears spill out as I become more upset.

Wiping my face with the sleeve of my dress, I decide to go to one person who can give me some answers. To understand what’s going to happen to me. Getting up, I leave my room and go over to Sissy’s. I knock lightly on her door and wait for her while continuing to wipe my tears. 

She opens up with a bright smile, but it falters as she sees my red nose and weeping face. Sissy wraps her thin arms around me, enveloping me. I return the much-needed hugs as she brings me into her room.

“Oh sug', what’s got ya’ all blue?” She pulls me along to sit on her bed as she grabs a tissue, wiping my face.

 

I try to control my words, but I just stutter out what I witnessed in the basement with Johnny. I mention to her, in vague terms, what I saw. "I knew it wasn’t my business, but I got curious as he’s been so busy, but I didn’t expect that!” I exclaimed. 

Sissy nods her head in understanding, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I sniffle. She holds my hands, squeezing them in reassurance. She tells me about how he’s always brought girls home. Goes out to bars and brings them back for the household.

“Ya’ have been the only one that he hasn’t killed; ya’ family, now he ain’t going to replace ya’ pumpkin.” As much as her words comfort you, your feelings don’t go away.

“It’s just.. he’s threatened it about to me before.” I say tearfully as she gets up off the bed and pulls you up with her.

“Don’t ya’ worry, Y/N; he likes ya’ trust me.” She smiles and hugs me again. After our little talk, Sissy and I started our morning chores early. It’s a good distraction, but awful scenarios keep replaying in the back of my mind, and it’s absolutely frustrating.

I hear Johnny coming up from the basement while I'm doing the dishes. I approach him to have a conversation, but he simply takes his keys and walks out the front door, shutting it behind him. His vehicle starts up, and he speeds away from the property. He did not even look at me. The distance between us stings. How cruel, having me live here and putting me through misery simply to neglect me for another woman. I storm into the backyard and start crying uncontrollably, telling Sissy what happened and she tries to console me. She just strokes my head as I cry my emotions into her shoulder.

After my little episode, I spent the majority of my day outside pruning the flowers. Sissy made me some lemonade and went off somewhere; she doesn’t need to babysit me all day anymore, so I spend most of my time outside gardening. It relaxes me. I finish trimming and gather an assortment of flowers for inside to liven up the place.

I returned inside after putting away the gardening equipment. It’s the afternoon, and supper is almost ready. I chose to use an old, empty glass vase I found outdoors in the tool shed to hold the flowers. I go to the kitchen to fill the vase, but just as I'm almost done, I'm startled to see Johnny, still as handsome as ever, grab my shoulder.

"Need ya’ to come with me." He says this, turning away and making his way towards the basement.

[manonblaqkbeak]

A Little Something

hello, me again with the very exciting titles as always lol.

hope you’re all doing well.

this fic is an attempt to be humourous, and i have no idea if it worked on paper. a little rowaelin human au this time bc i keep getting human rowaelin fic ideas lately.

enjoy!

cw: none??

word count: 1.3k

Aelin had done a lot of travelling throughout the world in her twenty-five years of life, from travelling around her own country and continent, to the further reaches of the plant, there was always the same spots she was drawn too.

The beach. No matter how far she travelled, Aelin would always find a way to get to the beach. There was simply something magical about the ocean, about the sounds and imagery it created. The utter peace she felt when she would sit on the sand, and tune out the rest of the world while listening to the sounds of the crashing waves and seagulls.

And ever since she started dating Rowan, her love of the beach intensified.

It had become a shared love between them; it was where they had their first date—a picnic at sunset—and where they declared their love and consummated their relationship.

She was about to suggest to Rowan, who was driving her convertible, for a quick stop at the beach before going to their hotel when he seemingly read her mind and did so. There weren't many cars around at the closest parking, but Rowan drove further until he found a park higher up so they had a better view of the cerulean waves.

“How do you think Aedion and Lysandra are handling everything?” Rowan asked as they held hands and made their way to the rail. The air was heavy with salt and wildflowers.

“Well, I haven't received any texts from either of them saying that they've killed each other,” Aelin said, leaning against Rowan's chest as his arms came to rest around her waist, his chin on the top of her wavy head. “But it's only been a couple of hours so we'll have to wait and see.”

Aelin and Rowan were headed to a pretty coastal town for two weeks for a holiday, mainly to spend some more quality time together and to have a break from work, but also for a festival one weekend and then a symphony orchestra the next. And instead of paying for a house-sitter, Aedion and Lysandra offered to look after their apartment for them. Aelin was well-aware that her cousin and best friend were in the “thinking about moving in together” phase of their relationship and was more than happy lend out her and Rowan's apartment so that they could truly see if they were ready for that big step.

Rowan was interested to see how it went (though his impassive face didn't exactly reveal it) and was fine with them making themselves feel as if it was their own place—except for the “no sex rule” he had given them (although he had reluctantly relented after the heavy scoffing he received—but only if they had sex in the bathtub and on top of their own towels and thoroughly cleaned the bathtub afterwards. Aelin, despite knowing Rowan as well as her the back of her hand, wasn't sure if the was kidding or not about it).

They listened and watched the waves in comfortable silence and Aelin found herself saying without any fear or doubt: “I was thinking, in the future, when we get married, we should have it on the beach.”

Rowan tensed, his arms tightened around her waist momentarily before loosening, and Aelin's heart both stopped in her chest and got stuck in her throat.

They were each others soulmates, they both knew that, but maybe talking about weddings was just too soon—they had only been dating for nine months (but that didn't seem too short of a time, since they moved in together after three and a half months).

“I knew you would find it, Aedion told me you would, I just didn't think it would be a week after I got it,” he chuckled. “I know you're the secret schemer in this relationship, but I thought I could at least give it a try.”

Now it was Aelin's turn to tense as she turned in Rowan's arms, his handsome tattooed face soft.

“Rowan,” Aelin said, her throat dry, “what are you talking about? What do you think I've found.”

The soft look that Aelin loved dropped like a stone and Rowan cleared his throat. “Nothing. I was talking about nothing.”

Aelin left the warmth of his embrace and faced him completely. Her heart was pounding and it had absolutely nothing to do with the iced caramel coffee she recently consumed.

“Rowan,” she tried again, “do you...do you have something you want to give me?”

“What? Nothing. I mean, I've got ideas of what to buy you over these next two weeks? Like books and gifts and manicures and pedicures and apparently there's sky-driving not far from us, and hiking and a buffet, but other than that, I've got nothing.”

Aelin's face broke into a wide smile at his yammering, he was flustered and it was a rare sight. “Buzzard.”

“Fireheart.”

Realising that maybe he had some grand plan, Aelin's smile dropped. “Have I ruined the surprise?”

“No, because I haven't told you if I've gotten you something.”

Aelin rolled her eyes. “Rowan, I think it's perfectly clear that you have something.” And Gods, was she dying to know what it looked like.

Rowan sighed and cupped her face in his hands and kissed her not once or twice but thrice. “Are you sure you didn't find it?”

“No. I might be a snoop in other people's lives but I refrain from doing any snooping in your life because of moments like this.”

“How kind of you.”

Aelin snorted and kissed him. “So?” Rowan raised a silver brow. “Can I see it?”

“No, because I am not pro—showing you what it is in a car park.”

Aelin's smiled showed up again, this one full of mischief. “Can I at least have a clue?”

“No.”

Sighing dramatically, Aelin wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest, his heartbeat steady and calming. Rowan kissed the top her head and wrapped his arms around her.

“I know that I'm not much of a traditionalist, but did you ask for my parents blessing? I really don't wanna hear for the rest of my life of how you didn't ask them because it's the 'proper thing to do'.”

“I may have asked them, I'll give you the proper answer soon.”

Another snort left her and Aelin found herself contemplating. “Actually, I'm glad you haven't asked me today.”

“And why is that?” Rowan asked, giving up any pretense that he didn't have an engagement ring for her.

“Because I have coffee breath and I'm wearing leggings and one of your old shirts.”

“And Birkenstock sandals with socks on.”

Aelin playfully jabbed him. “So do you.”

Rowan kissed her again. “I'm looking forward to asking you.”

“You already know that my answer is yes, in case I haven't made it clear.”

“I know.”

X X X

When the time to officially ask Aelin to be his wife, Rowan asked her during the symphony as her favourite piece played in the background, the swirling notes joining in the music drifting in from the ocean.

Aelin squealed in delight when she finally saw the ring—a princess cut emerald with a gold band that suited her perfectly and said yes a hundred times before Rowan got a chance to properly say his speech, but neither of them wouldn't have it any other way.

It was her favourite gifts from their holiday, and she was pleased for her parents when her mother and father talked about how they were waiting everyday for the news ever since Rowan asked them face to face.

And on the way home, they made another stop at the beach, this time with Rowan confirming that a beach wedding would suit them wonderfully and got down on one knee to propose a second time in his Birkenstock sandals and socks, with Aelin wearing the same outfit the day their holiday started, laughing as he did so with her fiance's smile as bright as the sun behind them.

She let him know afterwards that she would still have said yes if he asked her that first day, and would say yes even if she was nothing but her birthday suit.

So he made a point to ask her that very night in their shower, her body covered in suds and Rowan’s silver hair falling in his eyes.

She still said yes, even as she rolled her eyes at his rare display of theatrics. 

[husbandohunter]

Boys over flowers [Genshin Impact/Various x Reader] Part 2

Not everything had to be about fighting. Ahem Childe.

Genre: fluff, angst(?)

Characters: Zhongli, Childe, Albedo, Xiao

{Zhongli}

Out of all the bountiful possessions in the land he carved with his very own hands, the glaze lily had always been his favourite.

This flower was a nostalgia stained with time. As much as he loved them, the love he felt was more of a bittersweet sadness if anything. The loss of a friend, his mentor, someone he cherished so deeply, all of it was held into a single glaze lily.

Once as Morax, now as ordinary Zhongli, in those 6000 years he had seen it all. Even his grief for Guizhong faded into a memory.

Sometimes Zhongli felt like he was reading from a story book. Detatched while staring through an omniscient standpoint. It seems that his infinite years brought both experience and lonliness along the way.

"Zhongli? What are you staring at?"

But not when he was with you.

The glaze lily went on many journeys when he met you

He remembers the first encounter on a sunset night just as the petals  were about to bloom. You were there, crouched down, staring into his golden eyes.

“This is for you! Not many can be fully matured like this so make sure to take good care of it,” You held it out to him and he takes the stem out of your hold.

“A parting gift, I appreciate your thoughtfulness,” Zhongli sees it as a sign of a new contract, “It seems you possess a good eye when you were selecting them.”

He remembers the bouquet you presented during his birthday, the garland you placed on his head when he was reading, the vase by his desk always filled to the brim whenever you’d pay a visit to his parlour.

He remembers how the blue petals scattered across the floor the day you two married, everywhere he went so did this flower. Everytime he saw this flower, he thought of you.

Was it okay to feel like this? No one can ever replace Guizhong, was it okay to love again even when this being was much more perishable than she was? Zhongli was use to the experience of tragedy and loss as it was part of life.

Ah, so this must be what it feels like to live like a mortal.

To cherish every passing moment knowing that it won’t last forever. He will embrace it to the end. 

Old memories that were once dust rose from the soil, now reborn into a new beginning. Your curious gaze leans closer to his profile, sitting side-by-side under the blankets of your shared bed, the corners of his lips lift into a small smile.

“I’m only reminiscing, my dear. You don’t need to worry for me.” He kisses your forehead and tucked you to bed. The candle now blown out as his arms wrapped around your waist while spooning from behind.

Zhongli closed his eyes, knowing if he dreamt of a garden full of glaze lilies, there will be no sadness behind it.

{Childe}

Mother fucker would try to turn this into a sparring session.

This is why you NEVER invite Childe. If the valley were the air nomads, Childe was the fire nation. He’d stomp his muddy shoes in front of you just to get your attention simply because he knows it will piss you off.

An angry s/o means a potential fight. Win win situation.

Thus, no one blamed you for giving him a cold shoulder after that.

“Aha, looks like I went a little too far, didn’t I? Alright alright, I’ll stop trampling on your flowers from now on, you have my word. So talk to me, okay? Please?”

Alas you spare him a glance, “Make that a pinky promise.”

He didn’t know you were so serious about gardening. The Feiyun commerce guild took greate pride in cultivating the finest silk flowers in all of Teyvat and you being from that guild held up that legacy. Even if Childe tries to buy back the ones he stepped on, nothing could match the quality of your work.

Needless to say, your little hobby became a normal thing, Childe was very chaotic in nature so something more calm was nice to mediate that attitude. You taught him how to water plants, place the fertilizer and knowing which ones to pick.

But let’s be real, florist Childe isn’t that far-fetched because he is 10/10 waifu material.

Then Teucer comes in and tags along. He wanted to take some silk flowers back to Tonia until Childe informed him they’ll wilt on their way to Snezhnaya. 

“Aww, that’s too bad,” he would say while pouting, “Then I’ll give them to you big sister (Y/n)!”

“How sweet, you’ll be quite the charmer when you’re all grown up, Teucer. Maybe even better than your big brother.”

“Come on now, babe. You know that’s impossible.”

You twirled the silk flower right under your nose, the playful tone never leaving your voice, “Oh really? You and Teucer both share the same genes so yes, it is a possibility.”

An amusing glint dances in the ocean of his gaze as he gleefully remarks, “Well if you put it that way, I think Teucer would be at a very big disadvantage.”

“What do you-”

Before you could finish, Childe covers Teucer’s eyes and leans over to steal a sinful kiss, sliding his tongue inside. He purposely brushed his lips over yours after parting, completely satisfied by your flustered expression.

I love this bastard

{Xiao}

Hip hip hooray for having both Qiqi and Xiao in your party. Must be fun collecting their ascension materials.

“Adeptus Xiao!”

Your dumbass fell off the high cliff while obtaining the violet grass, Xiao yeets in from nowhere and caught you from death’s clutches.

Shall I mention that this had happened TWICE already?

Xiao carries you to safety and gently settles you down to your feet. He shot you the sharpest and most deadpan look he could muster because actions speak louder that words, he was trying to make a point.

You gave him a weary smile as the violetgrass batch limps in your hands along with the qingxins.

“I can hardly fathom how utterly stupid and moronic you can actually be. What did you think would happen when you tried to pull off that stunt? That you’d suddenly grow wings and be able to fly?”

His harsh words put you back into your place like a scolded child, “I’m sorry...I just wanted to help...”

Mah man does not watch what he says and always end up guilty. Your kicked puppy look is really going to be the death of him. He means well, just harsh when it comes to your well-being.

“Fine, give me those. I’ll take care of it.” He wouldn’t allow you to retort, he just took them from your hands and left without a word.

Let’s just say that Xiao isn’t the best when it comes to handling flowers as he would handle monesters, his touch isn’t the most delicate either and would prefer to get the job done fast. 

Sometimes he’d pull the roots our along with it, dirt and mud dripping from the bottom of the stem. Or the opposite. He pulls too hard and the stem just SNAPS and you’re left with just the blossom. 

“Does it matter? They’re only ingredients as you’ve said.”

That gave you a perfect excuse to teach him the ways of gardening and just be more delicate overall. 

At first he didn’t understand why humans were so meticulous about these things but when he saw a man present a bouquet to his wife, Xiao began to reconsider his methods. He doesn’t undersand mortal traditions as much and sticks to something simple and classy.

Don’t be surprised when you find a bunch on your desk for your birthday <3

{Albedo}

The sheer cold of dragon spine could naturally kill any botanical organisms aside from mints. The only flowers Albedo usually sees are the ones he artificially makes.

But being the genius he was, Albedo knew every variety of flowers to exist in the book. In this case, HE was the expert.

To him, the flower was the symbol of life. Albedo only knew the scientific facts of plant life and their natural functions, you on the otherhand were more familiar with the flower languages in a deeper meaning.

Today was a rare day where Albedo figured he’d step out of that freezing lab and conduct his research somewhere warmer, specifically Windrise where it’s quiet and away from the city.

“Dandelions may not be flowers but thei’re the main specialty of Mondstadt carrying the meaning of ‘freedom’! That’s probably how the Acting Grandmaster got her title.”

“Freedom...” He ponders, “I guess you cold say that.”

Albedo can’t understand why people would choose to associate meaning with plants. Where do their ideas come from? And why? Frankly, he can’t see the point in any of it. 

But at the same time, it made him happy to see you so enthusiastic about his research even if it wasn’t quite near the target. Albedo had always been so engrossed in his work and you’d just silently keep him company of the side, not many times where you both fot to nerd out on the same topic.

Emotions were still a mystery to him. It seems that even upon the most boring subjects, they don’t seem boring anymore when talking to his significant other. Soon enough, Albedo found himself putting his research aside and just listening to you talk. 

“And the Rose expresses romance and love. It’s common for lovers to give it to another during Valentines day.”

He hums cheekily, “Are you telling me that just to hint me to give one to you?”

“W-Well, I didn’t say that.”

He got nothing done. Perhaps his research can wait for another day, right now, he was more curious on what other meanings can a flower hold.

[shippy-pjo-shipper]

Racheleo ~ Colors

It was stupid. So stupid I wasn't even sure of how it all started. Stupidly, for sure.

CHB was at war and it was his fault. Or mine ? Okay, maybe it was our fault, but really, he's the one who took it to the next level first !

What was it he said again ? Oh, yeah. 'Fire is orange and fire is my thing, paint palette. Consequently I win and you loose !'

He looked so smug and proud of his little triumph that I'm sure he practiced it beforehand.

Seriously, I never heard Leo use the word 'consequently' before.

I think the applause got to his head. When really there was nothing that impressing. I knew Festus enough to not be impressed by his little show. No matter how many fireworks were at use. Orange fireworks.

When you know how beautiful the sunset before which it all started was the week before, that was a real shame.

She was at the top of the cliff, admiring the sky and its colors, paintbrush in hand, and a look of concentration on her face. Leo was there too, smiling but empty handed.

He was looking at her. She knew it. He loved to do that. That must have been what attracted her to him first : how he looked at her like a work of art, rather than the crazy artist seemingly on the verge of killing everyone in the room, if only with terrifying prophecies or a blue hairbrush.

And all it took to ruin this beautiful moment was one off comment.

"Orange is such a pretty color. I can't believe no god claimed it as their trademark."

That in itself was okay. But she never should have continued.

"Well, that way I can make it mine."

The rest of the conversation was blurry but I was sure it was stupid.

All I remembered was that it ended with a handshake and a stolen kiss. And after that started an entire week of handling his stunts.

Gods know I tried to let it slide. I tried keeping it low. But that's impossible. Not with Leo.

And slowly but surely, the silence of peace turned into a silence before the storm. And everyone at camp could feel it.

Some tried to reason with us : "But colors belong to everyone."

"Orange suits you both."

"Maybe try different shades of it."

"...You do realize that everyone in CHB wears orange ?"

They were missing the point !

It's not about the color. It's not about them. It's not even about us arguing because there was no argument !

Actually we love each other even more during stupid squabbles like this.

No. It's about rendering the person we loved to listen to the most in this world speechless.

And by the end of the week, he was. Not just him, but the whole camp.

Had I thought this through ? Yes. Had I realized the terrible consequences it could have ? Yes. Did I still value the joy of imagining Leo's happy and proud smile seeing my work above them ? Also yes.

And he did not disappoint. The spark in his eyes and the way his lips curved in a clear way to hold his laughter back was enough to let mine slide. He soon followed my lead.

So here I was, running across Camp, Leo on my toes, both using the chaos to hide ourselves as much as possible. But surely running in the opposite direction of everyone must have attracted the attention of one or two campers. Especially when it was 'Dare & Valdez' doing so.

I used to wonder why campers put it in that order. As if I was the worst troublemaker of the pair. But running away from the Big House and a Dionysus covered in orange paint, I think I started to understand.

Leo was holding onto my hand as if his life depended on it. Which honestly probably did trusting the God of wine's cries of outrage.

Coming from him who never used another voice than one full of tiredness and disinterest, yes, it was meant to be scary.

But as we were finally away enough to not hear or see any form of life, Leo suddenly took the lead to guide us toward the woods.

If I didn't trust him that much, I would have planted my heels in the ground to insist on leading them where I first intended, my cave. I was more than strong enough to do so. But I complied, quickly understanding his plan.

***

"We should be safe here." He said as he activated the last lock on the massive door. "You truly believe what you're saying ?" "Not in the slightest, babe."

The bunker 9 was an obvious place for us to hide in, but no one would ever be able to get into it before Leo said so. So it would do for now.

We were in complete darkness before he enlightened his hand, letting me exclusive view on his proud grin, pointy ears, soft eyes and shiny curls.

How long was it since the last time I drew him ? Too long. I had to get back to it quick.

I was so entranced with my idea that I barely noticed his smugness as he was finding the interruptor right before light burst into the whole bunker.

The cute bastard. I couldn't help but think when all the usually white and yellow light turned out to be of a soft and not as blinding orange.

"Nice attempt at overstepping me. I think it easily deserves a second place." I wasn't about to let him think he won even for a second.

"The winner had to prove orange was theirs. My bunker. My orange light bulbs. My color."

The artist in me overtook the other parts of my brain once more at his words. He does look even better bathed in this colored light.

I tried to focus on something, else, looking around as if I didn't already know everything about this place that I had drawn so many times. But when I brought my eyes back on him, I was surprised to see him look at me, though more my whole me, rather than my eyes or even face.

And as I studied his look for a second, I knew he must have seen it around me too, this aura.

And with one last shared look, everything was said. Yes. Orange was our color. Orange was love's true color.

Without another word I went to grab the snacks Leo always put in the top drawer while I heard him lay a blanket down and turn the cracked TV on.

"Splatoon ?" Bless Hephaestus and Esperanza Valdez for bringing to this world the first demigod ever capable of allowing us access to video games.

"I'm gonna kick you ass." "And I'm gonna paint yours."

And with that, we both sat down, cuddling, as if dozens of kids with superpowers weren't after us. Who cares ? She just had to pretend a prophecy told her to do so. That wouldn't be the first time.

Yes it was stupid. Everyone knew that and the two of them even more. But they didn't care. They loved being stupid. They missed being stupid. And thanks the gods who put them in this hardship of a life, they also gave them each other. Making sure the orange fire and the orange tempest would never be apart.

@them-awesome-rarepairs

[pcvensies]

*.• Si vis amari.

I. The Moon.

in which 18 year old gojo satoru is left in charge of 6 year old fushiguro megumi, with the help of 17 year old nanami suki (oc).

word count: 2180

0. Prologue | II. The Sun

Suki listened from the kitchen, as the white haired boy explained the story to her brother, sat at the dining table.

The kid, Fushiguro Megumi as he had explained, waited patiently for his dinner in the living room, watching TV with fake interest, ears fixed on the conversation that was taking place in the other room.

The blonde girl poured the boiling water in the pan, hard noodles floating on it, and she turned around to the boys, lower back resting against the kitchen.

Satoru looked at her, trying to decipher her expression, while Kento simply sighed, rubbing his temples with his index fingers.

“So you killed a man, and he put his kid’s life in your hands to, what? Mentor him?”, the blonde asked, as his sister remained quiet.

Suki disconnected from their conversation, trying to process everything she had heard. The Zenin’s were not good people, that she knew. And if that kid’s father had denied them, and dirtied their name, Fushiguro wasn’t safe with them. But why put the responsibility on Gojo? Wasn’t that man meant to kill him?

She sighed softly, humming as she turned around and stirred the noodles, adding a small packet of spices on top.

Fushiguro Toji. She was sure she had heard it before, somewhere. Perhaps in class, or training with the older students? She couldn’t remember. But if his death wish had been for Gojo to protect his kid, it was to respect, right? As crazy as it was. But would the kid be actually safe? Was an eighteen year old the best option to raise a kid? Eighteen year old Gojo Satoru, of all eighteen year olds?

However, the question that mattered the most to her was why now. From what he had said, Fushiguro senior had died a year or so ago. Why take the kid now? What had been the inflexion point?

“Dinner’s ready”, she finally said.

Gojo frowned, eyes back on her. He couldn’t hear any kind of emotion through her voice. He had no idea what she was thinking, and it angered him. Suki always had had that ability, to turn it off and simply don’t feel, to hide her thoughts.

Kento got up from his chair, getting two plates, one for the kid and one for the white haired boy, and Suki walked to the living room.

“Eavesdropping is bad education, you know?”.

The kid looked at her with a plain expression, and the blonde girl sighed, waiting for him to walk to the kitchen. The kid sat next to Kento, and in front of Satoru. Suki took the plates that had been left next to the stove, and served two rations, handing one to the kid, and another to Gojo, who looked up at her with an eyebrow raised.

Nanami simply rolled her eyes, her hand on the back of his head turning it to look at the plate, a silent sign for him to just eat. She could tell he hadn't had dinner either.

Kento looked at his sister with that look, and Sue sighed softly, looking back at him with that other look. To the boys, it didn’t mean anything, but the Nanami’s were having a conversation just with their eyes.

“So…”, the girl cleared her throat, moving her eyes from her brother to Satoru, “Are you taking him to the school tonight? To sleep, I mean”.

“Not sure how our dear sensei would react to that. I’ll figure something out”, he said unimportantly, looking at the kid, “Pretty sure I can find somewhere for him to stay until I know how to tell Yaga about him”.

Satoru didn’t really want to have that talk, if he was honest. He knew what Yaga would say already, and it wasn’t something he wanted to hear. In fact, Kento had also said what he thought he would: that it was crazy, and irresponsible. But Suki, she hadn’t said anything. Her behavior around the kid was careful, with respect, but informal.

If he didn’t know her, he’d say she was angry. But it was something else, he just couldn't put his finger on it.

“He can stay here tonight. And you should too”.

He looked at the girl, then at Kento, and chuckled softly.

“You worried we’ll end up sleeping in the streets, Nanami?”.

“No. I’m worried you’ll end up dead in a ditch, and him with the Zenin’s. Plus, it’s Christmas vacation, tell Yaga you’re celebrating with us and will go around just to train”.

“I can defend myself quite right, thank you, I don’t need—”.

The sound of Suki’s punch hitting the table silenced the boy, and the blonde girl sighed softly, calmly even, closing her eyes and opening them slowly.

“I wasn’t asking, Satoru”.

The white haired man clenched his fists under the table, looking at the short girl with a serious face. Kento looked at her too, eyes opened with surprise at the sudden first name usage from his sister, and her very clear (to him, at least) worry.

“Fuck off, Suki”, the blue eyed boy said, getting up, and looking at her. But his expression soon changed, and he chuckled softly. “I’m sleeping with Nanamin, ‘cause that attitude you have today? Huh-uh, no thanks”.

Suki’s face changed at his words too, a smile cracking up as she rolled her eyes, and picked up the now empty plates, as her brother turned to the white haired boy.

“Excuse me, no, the hell you’re not. You get the carpet, and because I feel bad enough for you already”.

“Nanamin… don’t argue with me, not in front of the kid…”, the boy replied, pouting at Kento, and the blonde rolled his eyes, a small smile plastered on his face.

Suki left both plates at the sink, and told the two boys to go look for a movie to watch. They both looked at her, then at each other, then at the kid, and nodded understandably.

Megumi was annoyed. He didn’t want to be there, he wanted to go away and get as far away from that white haired tall baby as he could. Gojo was loud, extra, and incredibly annoying. He didn’t need Gojo to take care of him, nor whoever Yaga was. But something about the twins, Suki and Kento, made Gojo a little less annoying.

They didn’t look at him with utter admiration like the people on the streets did, girls and boys turning their heads his way and Megumi’s. They spoke to him like he was just another person, ignoring any kind of honorifics or respect, even when they seemed to be younger.

“He can be really stubborn when he wants, right?”.

The girl spoke, and Megumi looked her way, his blank expression never changing.

“Yeah”.

“Not much of a talker, huh? It’s okay, silence is okay with me”.

She gave him a sweet smile, and started cleaning the dishes, her back to the kid. She hummed a little song as she did, and Megumi felt his eyes start to get heavy, some silence finally forming around him. He hadn’t realised how tired he actually was until now, arms warm and stomach full.

He looked around slowly, eyes landing on various pictures displayed on the cabinets and bookshelves. Lots of pictures of the twins, from when they were his age, to their tenth birthday, to them now. A picture in which he could recognise Gojo, with another two girls and another boy seemed to be hidden behind a flowerpot.

“Do you want to go to sleep now, or later, Fushiguro?”, the girl asked, and he shrugged, trying to hold a yawn, “You can have my bed, and I’ll take the couch. Kento will lend you some old pyjamas to sleep on, too, and you can go to sleep or come watch the movie with us, okay? Your choice”.

She seemed like a genuinely cool person to the kid. She didn’t let Gojo’s arrogance put her down, nor did she allow him to let it get over his head. She spoke surely, without any shame to take charge of the situation.

But she wasn’t scary, or rude. Not even cold. At the same time, she seemed sweet. Allowing him to choose for himself, lending her room, and not forcing him to talk. There wasn’t a trace of condescension on her voice as she spoke to him neither, having a conversation like she would with anyone her age.

When she finished the dishes, she picked a glass from a cabinet, and filled it with water.

Megumi followed her around the apartment, his school backpack hanging from his shoulder, the sweater she had given him now folded in his arms.

Suki’s room wasn’t very big, but it was cool. She had Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling all over the room, and a long desk, between the window and the bed, with lots of books and a computer. There were also many little plants around, and a big mirror next to the window, framed with many polaroids of her and her brother and friends, but also of plants, street animals, and sunsets.

One of the walls was the color of wine, as were the bed sheets and the windowsill, and the other three were covered in lots of posters and more pictures. There were even some plants and vinyls hanging from the walls.

“Okay, wait here”, she interrupted the silence, as Megumi continued to explore with his eyes.

The closet was inside the wall, white wooden doors contrasting against the dark paint, as were the bedframe and the desk.

“Here”, she said as she came back, handing him the small pyjamas, and leaving the glass of water in the nightstand, “When you’re ready, you can sleep or come with us, in the living-room, okay?”.

The dark haired kid nodded, taking the things from her hands and sitting in the corner of the bed, still looking around the walls, reading the posters.

“If you need anything, just call me, alright?”.

He nodded again, and Suki gave him a little smile, and turned around to leave the room, already regretting allowing the boys to choose the movie, when the kid finally answered:

“Thank you, Nanami-chan”.

( . . . )

“God, that was scary”, Kento complained, picking up the empty soda cans from the table as Suki turned off the TV, stretching out on the couch, as Satoru´s head rested on her shoulder, “I can’t believe he fell asleep with your yelling”.

Suki chuckled softly, shaking the man next to her as her brother walked to the kitchen to throw everything away, then went to the bathroom to get ready for bed.

Gojo groaned, sitting up and yawning, and rubbed his eyes.

“You cool?”, the girl asked, and the blue eyed boy nodded, giving her a smile as he rested his head back on the couch, facing the ceiling.

“Long ass day, it’s tiring always being the coolest person in the room”.

Suki chuckled, getting up, and Satoru pouted at the sudden cold by his side. The girl walked to the bookshelf, picking up a copy of Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth”, and opening it to reveal a small box of cigarettes.

The white haired boy chuckled at her, sunglasses slipping down the bridge of his nose, and Suki sent him a serious look, not wanting her brother to hear.

She walked to a glass door, moonlight coming through it and lighting up the room, and she opened it with one hand, as she lit the cigarette with the other. Gojo watched her silently, her small frame walking out to the small balcony.

Suki was a confusing person to most of the people, but she was pretty easy to read once she opened up. Satoru knew she was worried, he had finally realised what the emotion was when she sat next to him for the movie, allowing him to rest his head on her shoulder. She could tell he was tired.

“Are you okay, ‘toru?”.

Her voice hung on the room for a minute, Gojo’s heart jumping at the first name basis again. She knew he wasn’t, and she was giving him the chance to talk about it by asking directly.

But he wasn’t ready, not yet.

The boy got up from his comfortable place on the couch, and walked slowly to the balcony. Suki was sitting on the floor, legs hanging outside of the surface between the handstand’s bars. Gojo settled next to her, legs crossed and blue eyes locked on the moon, as he held his weight with his arms behind his body.

His fingertips brushed against the girl’s, and he looked down at her. The blonde girl was looking up too, but not at the moon. Her honey eyes squinted lightly, trying to distinguish the stars.

She wasn’t the biggest fan of physical touch, he knew, so he left his hand there, allowing her to make whatever next move she pleased.

Gojo smiled at the weight of her head against his shoulder, just like he had done before, acknowledging the trust Suki had on him, and her intention of supporting him.

She was like that sometimes, she never made anyone speak, or tell her what they didn’t want to word out. She simply offered her presence, and a pure, genuine understanding.

“You cool?”, asked the boy this time, eyes fixed back on the sky.

“Very. Stars look better from this angle, just that”.

n/a: does anyone want to be on the taglist for when i post ?? idek if anyone actually likes this but yeah if u wanna be tagged on updates, lemme know! <3

also anything related to this fic will be posted on #sivisamare.lulu so i can keep things organised!! check it out for suki’s fc and me making memes of my own fic hehe :)

[mariamermaid]

Patronus-Protector

Sirius x Reader

Summary: Much to your dislike, your friends have been hiding something from you. Now it is your turn to find out what has been slumbering beneath the surface of the marauder group…

Words: 3.1k

A/N: requested by @divergirl9-blog Sorry it took so long!

Warnings: swearing, blood, little bit angsty

Patronus{m}, Latin- Protector

“Have they been avoiding you?”

Lilly frowned as you sat down across from her in the great hall. It was a custom habit of the two of you to do the potions homework on Tuesdays together. But your mind was everywhere but on the potions.

“What do you mean?”

“Don´t act stupid, Evans. Did James tell you anything?” You scrunched your nose and leaned a little over the table, so the red-head couldn´t avoid your glance. She held in for a second; James hadn´t particularly mentioned anything. On the other hand, the past times she had seen her somewhat secret boyfriend, there wasn´t much talking involved.

“Not really”, Lilly sighed and tried to get back on the homework. But you were too stubborn and took away her pen. You wouldn´t let this slip another time. “Not really? Is that all you got Lilly?”

“For Merlin´s sake Y/n, I don’t really know! He mentioned something about going to the Shrieking Shack.”

It was your turn to furrow your brows in confusion. “What do they want there?” You asked muttering more to yourself. Lilly rolled her green eyes, until they landed on a certain dark-haired boy. You quickly followed her glance, finding Sirius standing across the hall. It seemed like he had either watched, maybe even eavesdropped, but before you could further question the whole situation, he left the hall with hasty steps.

“You´re done, Black”, you cursed as you hurried after him and to hell with the homework, which you left behind.

Lilly watched as you left, her head back in her hand. “Young love.”

It was no secret to her that you felt a little more than just friendship for the heartbreaker boy. It was also no secret, that Sirius Black was only heartless until it came to you.

There was no thing he wouldn´t do for you, much against his own denial. However, Sirius was best at one thing; protecting you. Mostly, from himself.

Oh yes, he wouldn´t trade your long friendship for anything or anyone, but his craving to feel your soft lips on his, was getting stronger by the day. The fear of breaking in took away his sleep. But as the time the night came, he realized the empty spot in the bed next to him. However, he decided on the empty spot, instead of losing you forever. He had determined years ago, his purpose to protect you was greater than his pain.

You made it hard though. Especially as you ran after him through the halls, after he was explicitly advised not to talk to you with the upcoming full moon. It would be hard to contain Remus and James couldn´t babysit a werewolf and an Animagus at the same time. Especially, if said Animagus was only focused on protecting the girl he loved.

“Sirius!”

He ignored you.

“Sirius Black if you do not stop running, I´ll hex you!” Finally, he stopped in his tracks. So abruptly, you almost ran right into him.

“For Merlin´s sake, you better tell me what is going on!” You scolded him angrily. He avoided your eyes, staring out of the window instead.

“I don’t know-“

“Don´t!” You became angrier by the second, but beneath all that anger was hurt. Why didn´t he tell you? What had you done, that made him loose trust?

“Don´t do this, Sirius. We don´t have secrets from each other, I´ve known you my entire life. If I did something wrong-“

It was his time to cut you off.

“You didn´t do anything wrong!” He assured you quickly and you sighed, as he finally starred into your mellow face.

“But clearly something is wrong and as long as you prefer to keep it from me, instead of letting me help, you can shove our friendship up your ignorant ass!”

He wanted to prevent exactly what just happened; you getting hurt. But you were hurt and his actions felt like betrayal to you.

Angrily and gloomy, you left him standing in the empty hall.

For the next two days, neither of the marauder´s saw much of you. Lily, who shared her room with you was the only one. Sirius, who had given up on trying, after your recent fight, only watched you from afar. Both James and Remus attempted to catch you after class, but you slipped away and hurried back into safeties of your room. All of them worried about the silence that hung like dark thunder clouds, but the full moon was approaching fast. They had bigger worries.

It was on the second day of your oppressive silence; night was approaching and your stomach growled in hunger. You had skipped dinner in order to evade James and Peter, who sat with Lilly. It was weird seeing them without Remus or Sirius, but you hadn´t given it much thought. They were probably up to no good as always.

But as you snuck out your room hoping to get at least a late-night snack, you heard toned down voices. Waiting at the end of the stairs of the common room, you listened to James and Peter.

“Come on, Potter! You can always talk to your girl, but we have to get going now! Sirius will need our help.”

James sighed defeated. “If this continues, Lilly won´t talk to me just like Y/N.”

“If Sirius would´ve acted a little more elaborated, she wouldn´t be as pissed as she is. That boy knows how to charm every girl, but her.”

James snickered at Peter´s comment. “You´re right, let´s go!”

You had no idea what was happening, but your feet acted on pure instinct as you hurried after the two boys. After all, curiosity killed the cat.

They left the school building and you had trouble keeping up, cursing at Merlin for their endurance from the quidditch training. You watched as they arrived at the whomping willow, hiding behind rocks and high grass, and then, they disappeared.

How did the old willow not even attempt to crush them? You eyed the plant structure from a safe distance, analyzing where James had previously stood. Something was there, you couldn´t fully make it out, but James had leaned down a little to touch the willow.

“For Merlin´s sake, those boys will be the death of me!”, you cursed whispering as you hurried to the willow. Hastily and purely relying on hope, you searched the plant for anything. It was your luck, that you found the knot at the base and a secret passage opened up.

Your mouth slightly opened and quietly you admitted, that the marauder weren´t completely stupid. At least not all the time (often enough though). It was a rather awkward slide into the passage, but luckily, James and Peter were already more far off and they didn´t hear your stumbling.

It didn´t take long until you found yourself at the shrieking shack, slowly the pieces were put together. However, you already heard loud voices coming from inside.

At this point, your gut feeling took over your prudence and you hurried inside, following the yelling. Screams from all of the marauders echoed through the old shack and you panted, when all kind of horrible scenarios came to your head. Argument or not, they were your friends and you´d do everything to protect them. With your wand safely in your hand, you entered the large room, but what came to your view wasn´t at all what you had expected…

At the back of the stone wall was Remus… But he wasn´t himself.

In the rise of the silver full moon his eyes turned savage and fur crawled across his skin until he was fully covered. You heard the breaking from the metal chains as he rose from the ground, taller than ever before. A gasp left your lips, which brought all the attention to you.

“Remus!”

James, Sirius and Peter exchanged quick looks, it wasn´t their first battle against the full moon, but this time you were a new meeple in the game. James and Peter lunged forward, trying to keep Remus, who was in full werewolf mode, back and Sirius ran to your side. “What are you doing here?” He asked furious and your head snapped at him.

“Me? You were the one lying to me! I wouldn´t have come, but you were hiding something from me!”

“I wasn´t!”

“Uhm, how about Remus being a werewolf?”

“I wanted to tell you!”

Your argument was interrupted as both James and Peter were thrown against the wall, Remus was on the loose. Sirius who had positioned himself safely in front of you, let out a growl as well.

In the next second, he jumped forward, his clothes ripping and when landing, the four paws scratched across the wooden floor. Yes, you had spent many hours cuddled together with Sirius in his hound form, watching sunsets and sometimes sunrises as well. But it was the first time, you witnessed him other than an adorable dog. This time, he truly seemed dangerous.

Not only he, but Remus as well and you felt fear growing. You didn´t know what they were capable of. Barely realizing how Peter grabbed your arm to pull you back from the fight, you watched as the two shadow figures began battling.

“Y/n stay back”, Peter tried to remind you, but you too captivated. Both he and James couldn’t do much, until Sirius was thrown against a nearby dresser, which fell to pieces. Sirius bellowed in pain and while James tried to help the hound pack on his feet (or paws), you placed yourself right in between him and Remus.

“Remus, remember who you are! We´re your friends!” You exclaimed, but aimed with your wand right at him. No one hurt your friends and seeing Sirius down, felt like a wakeup call.

Remus however didn´t listen and as he made another step closer to you, you were left no choice.

“Stupify!”

The red light bathed the dim room, but then the darkness crawled back into the corners and your senses. Your eyes had to adjust again, but then he was suddenly right in front of you. A sharp pain emerged, as you held up your arms to protect your body and head, then you felt yourself hitting the ground. Everything was spinning, you had lost your wand and burning red liquid ran down your outer, lower arms. Screams echoed further in the shallow room and you did your best to concentrate. Sirius´s dark shadow lunged off the ground and threw Remus back down, howling and growls cut through the air. But the two of them disappeared in blurriness. Two pair of arms grabbed your side.

“Y/n, can you hear us?” James´s distant voice rang through your mind; you formed a faint nod.

Peter starred at the continues blood stream.

“James, she´s losing a lot of blood, we need to get her to the infirmary.” Peter quietly explained and shock as well as fear was clearly written in both of their faces. “What about them?”

James felt like vomiting at the sight of your injury and feared the fact, that you were zooning out more and more. But Sirius had Remus pinned down, and Peter carefully, but rapidly put your arms around James.

“Get her to the infirmary, I´ll help Sirius in tying him down, go!”

It was at the edge of your consciousness as you felt yourself leaning against James, while he tried his best to get you through the dark, dirty passage. Then, before you reached the light of the moon again, you blacked out.

 He had decided years ago, his purpose to protect you was greater than his pain.

 Now Sirius sat on the marble bench outside the infirmary. All he ever wanted was to protect to you, and he failed miserably. Deep, dark circles from lost sleep were seen under his matt eyes. It had been almost two days since the incident and he had not the slightest idea, how James had explained the entire situation. Madame Pomfrey sure had enough to do as he carried you in, in the middle of the night with blood dripping on the way. They were able to stop the bleeding fairly quickly, but your body needed a lot of energy to fully close the wounds. As steps approached, Sirius looked up to find Remus; he looked just as tired.

He had lost all memory of the night, but seeing you pale and injured, hit him hard. He probably hadn´t slept as well. “She´s not awake?”

Sirius didn´t answer, his sole presence was enough. On the other hand, he wasn´t sure if he could even face you.

“Lilly´s with her.”

McGonagall’s lecture was hard, but bearable. Lilly´s on the other hand, only created more remorse. She was right, if he had just told the truth, things would´ve been different, under control at least. A deep empty pit inside his stomach growled as blame remained. But the heaping pain in his heart was even worse. The image of you in the hospital bed had been like a trigger, that created an avalanche. It could´ve ended worse, he could´ve lost you.

Sirius felt like throwing up again as the thought crossed his mind. It was his biggest fear; losing you.

 “Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in the world. It is distinctive for its mother-of-pearl sheen, and steam rises from the potion in spirals. Amortentia smells different to each person, according to what attracts them."

“What in Merlin´s beard are you reading to me?”

Lilly´s head snapped up from the potions book, she couldn´t help herself but feel the need to entertain you. And maybe herself as well, while she held watch at your side.

“You´re up!” The red-head exclaimed excited and sat down on the bed next to you.

“How are you feeling?”

You let a small groan as you sat up a little higher, your limbs felt weak and heavy.

“Tired”, you offered her a small smile.

Your eyes traveled down to the bandages on your arms.

“Glad to see you didn´t amputate them.”

“At least you didn´t lose your humor.”

Then you found Lilly´s gaze again. “What about Sirius and Remus?”

She quickly shook her head. “You left us all worried and with terrible remorse, but we all survived, more or less.” You raised your eyebrow at her, questioning, but she ignored your gesture.

“I´ll just get them.”

Only seconds after, you heard steps approaching again. From behind the curtain came two terribly exhausting looking boys; your boys.

“You both look like shit”, you couldn´t hold back the comment and the three of you erupted in easier laughter. The tensions slightly shrunk. Remus was first to sit down next to you, guilt still hidden behind his eyes. But before he could even speak up, you shook your head.

“Don´t. It´s not your fault, you weren´t you.”

He offered you an apologetic smile.

“If I had told you the truth, or at least allowed Sirius to do so, this wouldn´t have happened.”

“Yeah”, you agreed nodding. “Better to remember for next time.”

Remus grimaced, still eyeing the bandages on your arms. “I hope there won´t be a next time like this.”

“If it helps, I barely remember getting here.”

Remus stayed still, but you carefully grabbed his hand. “Remus, I´m fine. Don´t beat yourself up about it, I forgive you.”

Finally, he looked up as well, nodding with tears in his eyes. It was a huge relief that he felt dropping off his shoulders. He gave you a careful hug. “I think I should give you some more rest, and don´t worry, I´ve been doing all your homework!”

Playfully, you hit his shoulder. “You should´ve started with that apology!”

Remus nodded at his friend as he left your side again, but Sirius remained standing next to your bed. You rose your eyebrow at him. “What´s wrong, Black?”

“Nothing´s wrong, you´re back and healing. It´s all that matters.”

“Something´s clearly wrong.”

Sirius pinched the bridge of his nose; it took all his strength not to break down. “We could´ve lost you.” He paused.

“I could´ve lost you.”

“But you didn´t”, you wanted to argue, but Sirius turned his back to you. Nervously wandering up and down in the room.

“I should´ve protected you better”, he mumbled quietly, his hand roughly running through his messy hair.

“That´s not your job-“

“Yes, it is. I can´t take seeing you hurt. So, I need to protect you!” His voice became louder, almost sounding angry. But beneath the façade was angst and deep distress.

“No, it´s not! Your job is to be my friend, not my patronus! You shouldn´t have to hide something like this!”

Suddenly he stopped, his back still facing you and his hands forming fists. You saw how his shoulders rose and dropped from his heavy breathing.

“Maybe, if I can´t protect you as a friend, we can´t be friends.”

His voice was low and so quiet, you weren´t sure at first about the words escaping his mouth. You felt your heart drop at his sentence, a gasp coming from your lips. Your mouth opened, but no words came out and you watched as Sirius pulled the curtain back, leaving the infirmary.

No, you wouldn´t let this go. Not like this.

You threw back the blanket and your bare feet touched the cold ground. You didn´t care though, or about the thin layer of white linen covering your body.

Just outside the infirmary, you caught up to him.

“Maybe we can´t be friends!”

He stopped once again, not bearing the thought of turning to look at you directly. He felt tears forming and he didn´t want you to see him like this. Weak and vulnerable, unable to protect you.

“And you can´t protect me from everything, especially not heartbreak! Because, you, you Sirius Black are breaking my heart!”

Carefully and slowly, he turned towards you, his eyes still glued on the floor. Your voice was quaking and your entire body shaking.

“You were never just a friend to me!”

Swift, in a blink, Sirius was right in front of you, his hands cupping your face. Only inches were left and you felt his warmth breath on your skin.

“I never wanted to break your heart, all I wanted was not to lose you”, he whispered with his voice shaking as well.

“You didn´t lose me and you never will.”

Then you felt his lips on yours and you eased into the kiss. His touch felt welcoming and you inhaled his musky scent. You had been right, no one was able to stop you from falling for your best friend. But after all, you didn´t need protection; all you needed were your friends and your love.

[comfortwriting]

Whatever It Takes - F.W

Part 3 of the ‘Call Out My Name’ series, inspired by the song ‘Whatever It Takes’ by Life House. 

Part 1, Part 2

A/N: Ahhh here it is, sorry for the long wait! The finale of my first mini series, I hope you lovelies enjoy and thank you for the support!<33

Warnings: Mentions of sex, smut, fluff, angst, jealously and swearing.

Pulling away from the kiss you couldn’t process what you had done, trying to catch your breath your glassy eyes got lost in Fred's. The last time you kissed him felt like forever ago and just like that, you were back to square one; hungry for him.

You looked at your feet and sighed “meet me at my apartment, go now and don’t let my parents see you” you ordered him “we’ll... talk things through.”

Before you managed to pick up your box and go back downstairs to you parents, Fred grabbed your wrist and kissed your hand “you won’t regret this.”

Once you met him in your apartment, the two of you were up all night talking things through; Fred mostly apologising and explaining that you were the one all along. Although you were seeing someone else, it felt right to be with Fred, the kiss felt right, everything felt somewhat perfectly in place.

You finished writing the letter to your now ex-boyfriend, explaining that you couldn’t and didn’t want to be with him anymore and that you were sorry, you hoped it would be enough for him to accept.

After keeping your re-lighting of an old flame with Fred secret for the first few months, when you finally decided to break the news your parents and your sister weren’t over the moon - and your now ex-boyfriend was heartbroken and hated Fred with a burning passion; cursing the two of you.

The Weasleys on the other hand, were all delighted and so excited to welcome you back into their life and warm home. Molly and Arthur promised your parents that they would do anything and everything to ensure that you would be happy and safe with their son.

George ran towards you and held you tight into his warm embrace, crying with happiness that he could have his best friend back that he wouldn’t need to hide from anyone anymore; you could finally meet up and go out for lunch together every week which you had missed so much.

Fred knew that making things right, fixing things wouldn’t be easy, he had to prove himself to your family, he needed to show you how much he loved you after everything he had done - he also had to deal with the other people you had slept with whilst he was busy playing house.

“Well I still don’t like him.” Your father muttered under his breath sitting with you on the sofa, flicking through the Daily Prophet.

Fred was standing behind the door, listening in to everything that was being said.

“You don’t have to like him dad, but I’m happy with him and you need to accept that.” You defended your boyfriend.

Your dad glared at the paper and flicked the page “as long as you don’t bloody marry the fella.”

Fred’s heart dropped.

You giggled and sighed, standing up to get yourself a drink “maybe I will.”

A strangled smile fell from your face

What kills me that I hurt you this way

The worst part is that I didn't even know

Now there's a million reasons for you to go

But if you can find a reason to stay

Fred took a hold of your hand, the two of you resting beside the fire in your apartment listening to some muggle music.

“What time is it?” You asked, looking through the window, noticing the sunset.

“It’s seven o’clock” Fred replied staring at the clock, planting a kiss on your hand.

You stood up slowly and smiled at Fred “I’ve got to get ready” you replied, walking into your bedroom.

Fred realised that since his absence you had gained quite the following of male friends and a flock of admirers, tonight you were going out for a business dinner with your boss from the ministry to discuss a promotion.

Fred felt quite secure until he realised that Percy and other members of the ministry wouldn’t be there, Fred trusted you, but after the way he had treated you - he felt like you could fall through his fingers.

Zipping your dress up and applying the last of your powder, Fred walked into the bedroom leaning against the door frame.

His eyes searching your body and admiring how stunning you looked and how lucky he was to have you.

You’d by lying if you said you truly trusted Fred, you didn’t, he had a lot to prove and you were giving him a chance.

You learned from your mistakes the many times you put him first before your friends and your future, all because you were dating now doesn’t mean that you had to put everything on hold.

You remained independent and your wariness around Fred often made him feel like you could never trust him again, but you could and you would, all in good time.

“Are you sure you don’t need to me to come?” Fred asked, wanting to protect you.

“I’m sure.” You smiled, then thanking him for the offer.

“You look beautiful.” Fred compliment you.

Pecking Fred on the lips you grabbed some Floo Powder, Fred debated silently in his head whether or not to follow you, but he stayed at home and pondered.

After the successful business dinner you arrived home with a big smile on your face, Fred was laid in bed ‘reading’.

You walked into the bathroom, removing your makeup and made your way to the bedroom, undressing yourself, all the while responding to many of Fred's questions about your evening and the man who was your boss.

Fred searched your beautiful body and couldn’t help but bite his lip whilst watching you strip down to your underwear, you chuckled at him and shook your head. 

Sitting on the bed next to Fred, he started to kiss your neck, telling you how beautiful you looked and for the first time in years the two of you made love. You were a lot more confident than you used to be and Fred noticed, you took control and went wild riding him.

Recovering from your orgasm, Fred held you from behind acting as the big spoon. You could sense that something was bothering your boyfriend and you didn’t want to tip toe around the tension so you asked him directly.

“Is everything okay, Freddie?” you traced circles into his arm that was wrapped around your waist.

Fred hesitated for a moment, but answered “how many people have you slept with?” 

You could feel your face burning up “what does it matter love?” 

“I just always remember being... you know.” 

Letting out a light hearted chuckle you turned over to face Fred. “Yes, I did sleep with other people, Fred. We weren’t together for a long while.”

“How many?” Fred asked, sounding slightly worried.

“Why does it matter? It doesn’t define or change me as a person.” 

Fred sighed “it’s just, I heard a lot of talk from other men.. women.. they were right with their accounts of you, they too had a good time.” 

You stroked Fred’s cheek “I don’t care what they’ve said, you shouldn’t either; I only want and love you - you only get me like this.” you paused for a moment “not that it matters but more than you.” you joked, making Fred laugh.

I'll do whatever it takes

To turn this around

I know what's at stake

I know that I've let you down

And if you give me a chance

Believe that I can change

I'll keep us together

Whatever it takes

Over the years with your promotion, work at the ministry got harder, the hours got longer and the stacks of paper work got higher. You were drowning in the pressure.

Fred and George’s business was doing incredibly well and they were busy too - but you made things work and you were looking to buy a house and move out of your apartment. 

Almost landing on your arse from being spat out the fire place, covered from head to toe in soot Fred chuckled at the sight of you and outstretched his hand, helping you up.

You weren’t expecting him to be home so early, he was always working overtime as you chose to work on weekends instead of the extra few hours on weekdays. You were lucky to get a whole evening alone with Fred, let alone a whole day.

“Follow me, love” he smiled.

Holding Fred’s hand, he walked you into the bathroom. The whole room lit up from tea light candles, the bath filled with warm water and colourful bubbles sitting on the surface and floated in the air.

Fred dragged his hand across the water, moving the bubbles, in the water floated delicate red Roses.

“Oh Fred” you smiled up at him, your eyes sparkling “this is the most special thing anyone has ever done for me.”

Fred felt his heart skip a beat, finally feeling like he had done something right. He helped you get undressed and get into the bath, allowing the warm water to pull you under.

Fred turned around to leave the room but you stopped him.

“why don’t you join me?” You smiled, splashing the water, teasing him.

Fred bit his lip and smiled “the food isn’t going to cook itself”

You let out a chuckle “you’re a wizard–“

Fred blushed, remembering what his mother once told him. “Just because you're allowed to use magic now does not mean you have to whip your wands out for everything.”

Whilst you finished off in your stunning, romantic bath you got dressed into the comfy clothes laid out for you on the sink counter, little did you know, Fred was slaving away in the kitchen finishing up on the meal he had been cooking.

Walking into the dim lit dining room the smell of spaghetti filled the room, the table had your plate of food resting on the mat, with a glass of fire whiskey and a rose resting in a vase in the middle of the table.

You felt incredibly flattered, yet under dressed in the comfy oversized clothes Fred had picked out for you.

Fred admired your look and pulled out your chair.

“Fred, this is incredible—“ you noticed the cooking book on the kitchen worktop. “You did all this without magic!?”

Fred nodded and smiled shyly “I wanted to make an effort, you deserve that and so much more.”

The two of you talked about your day at work, Fred and his brother increasing sales, you talking about Percy and his jealousy towards your promotion.

You both laughed and held hands over the table, you felt like finally everything had fallen into place, you had finally got what you wanted - the love of your life to have and to hold.

“By the way, you’d make a brilliant chef” you complimented, pointing to your empty plate.

Muggle love songs suddenly came on through the radio and rose petals slowly rained down from the ceiling out of nowhere, you couldn’t believe your eyes or the amount of effort Fred had put into this evening.

Fred took a hold of your hand and pulled you into the heart of the living room, holding you close to him, both of you dancing along to the music. You could feel Fred’s heart thump against your ear, pulling away from him you gave him a concerned look.

“Fred, are you okay?” You asked, trying your best not to sour such an incredible evening.

Fred took a deep breath and got down on one knee, pulling out a box from his back pocket. He lifted the top off the box and the most gorgeous ring sparkled against the lights, Fred smiled and looked into your eyes.

“Y/N, from the moment I first saw you, you made me feel things I didn’t know I was capable of. I want to make you feel those things too, I promise. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Your eyes welled up with tears of happiness, you couldn’t believe the boy you fell for all those years ago at Hogwarts would be on his knees, proposing to you.

“It took your dad a lot of thought and consideration just to let me do this tonight, Y/N Y/L/N, will you marry me?” Fred breathed out, his heart still thumping.

“Yes, yes Freddie” you cried, holding out your hand “I would love to.”

She said if we're gonna make this work

You gotta let me inside even though it hurts

Don't hide the broken parts that I need to see

She said like it or not it's the way it's gotta be

You've gotta love yourself if you can ever love me

After the wedding there was talk about the two of you, some said you made a big mistake - calling you a mug, saying that Fred was punching above and you were only with him because you felt sorry for him.

The two of you were aware of the chat and often heard it when you were out in Diagon Alley, you didn’t let it bother you because it was only talk - but all of this ‘talk’ was beating Fred down; making him feel insecure and like he was useless.

“Oh Fred please relax, it’s not a big deal” you tried to reassure him, stroking his head.

“It’s a big deal to me, you know how I feel about men speaking to you that way.”

One of the men you had a one night stand with many moons ago spotted you in the leaky cauldron with Fred and approached you, asking why you never called him back. Fred was mortified and felt threatened by this man.

“We’re married Fred, if we’re going to make this work, you need to tell me what’s bothering you so we can work through it.”

Fred put his head in his hands and sighed “I just feel like you deserve better, all these men you were with, they’re so much better than I am.”

You sighed and got Fred to look you in the eyes “Don’t be silly Fred, they aren’t better than you at all. I decided to be with you for a reason - after everything that happened, you need to forgive yourself Fred.”

Fred stayed silent and wiped away his tears with his sleeve. “How can I forgive myself for hurting you?” He croaked.

You sat beside him in bed and rubbed his back “because I’ve forgiven you for everything that happened, I want us to be happy, to not care about what others think.”

Fred cried even more, feeling like a weight had been lifted off him. “You’ve forgiven me?”

“Of course I did, Freddie” You smiled, kissing his cheek “I married you for a reason, not because everyone else was doing it. I want to carry your child one day.”

I'll do whatever it takes

To turn this around

I know what's at stake

I know that I've let you down

And if you give me a chance

And give me a break

I'll keep us together

You took it upon yourself to get you and George to see a muggle couples counsellor, you had read about them in plenty muggle magazines and decided it would be the best - not just for your marriage but for Fred.

Seeing him constantly panic and overthink broke your heart, you wanted this to be a healthy and stable relationship and you both loved one another so much to make it work.

At first the sessions started at one session a week, and then as the months went by it became once every two weeks, and then once per month when you were both making progress.

The first bout of sessions usually started with the counsellor asking questions, getting the two of you to have sessions alone and to talk to one another towards the end.

“I’m just scared that she’ll realise there’s there’s other who are much better than me and they’ll treat her better.” Fred opened up nervously.

“I just wish he would forgive himself, I’ve forgiven him - I did a long time ago - I want him to be able to move forward with me.” You teared up.

After six months you were able to spend sessions together talking to one another, and being able to bask in the progress the two of you had made.

Fred felt more secure and didn’t panic about you suddenly disappearing.

You and George would often talk about it over your lunch dates, you would learn more about your husband and how much he struggled when you were gone, and being able to talk about it made you closer to your best friend who was now your brother in law. You felt incredibly secure and loved by his family.

Through the months of November, December and January, you and Fred had been spending plenty of the winter evenings keeping one another warm; trying for a baby.

Pondering around the bathroom nervously while Fred was messing around in the living room trying to bake some muggle muffins, you picked up and test and smiled widely.

Walking into the kitchen you leaned against the door frame and smiled at Fred, watching him getting frustrated with the cooking book and measurements of ingredients.

“Getting annoyed are you, Mr or should I say Daddy Weasley?” You smirked.

Fred startled by your voice pulled a questioning face at you “Daddy Weasley?”

You pulled the test from your back pocket and waved it in your hand, beaming at your husband.

“Wait...you’re?” Fred’s had a surprised expression on his face, you could see the tears forming in his eyes.

You nodded your head and could feel your tears forming too “positive.”

I know you deserve much better

Remember the time I told you the way that I felt

And that I'd be lost without you and never find myself

Let's hold onto each other above everything else

Start over, start over

“I cannot believe he’s got you up the bloody duff!” Your dad scolded, helping you around your new house.

“It was a mutual decision, we decided we wanted to, together.” You defended your husband, finally sitting down on the sofa to catch your breath.

“Well now you’ve got his kid no other man will want you and you’re tied to him forever now, whether you like it or not.”

You sighed, starting to feel frustrated and angry. Fred could head your fathers cruel words and felt like he would never fit your fathers expectations.

“When will you realise that me and Fred are happy together? I know he hurt me and I know that you’re upset about it, but it’s been years! Please can you just forgive him, dad? I did.” You pleaded, the added on stress causing the baby to kick out inside of you.

Sitting in front of Fred in the bath, he washed your hair for you with a cup as you couldn’t bend all the way back from your big bump.

“He’ll never accept me” Fred muttered in a low sad voice.

You have Fred a sorrowful smile “I don’t care Fred. He wants me to be happy and I am.” You covered your eyes from the flowing water.

Fred felt relieved knowing that your father wouldn’t influence the way you felt about him, knowing that your love for him was pure.

“I love you” he whispered, massaging your scalp.

“I love you too” you smiled, feeling another kick “and this little one loves you too”

I'll do whatever it takes

To turn this around

I know what's at stake

I know that I've let you down

And if you give me a chance

Believe that I can change

I'll keep us together

Whatever it takes

You and your four year old daughter were in the garden potting some beautiful plants in your parents garden, your father was sitting with Fred in the kitchen, the two of them watching you and the little one.

Your father smiled, his granddaughter patting the soil and cheering as she planted some more seeds, her long and beautiful ginger hair flowing in the wind.

“You’ve created a beautiful little family, you and my daughter.” Your father said to Fred, taking a sip of his drink.

Fred shuffled in his seat, the tension in the air was nothing short of awkward but it meant a lot to him knowing that his father in law finally had something good to say.

“You’ve proven yourself to me, Fred. I’m sorry it took so long for me to warm up to you and the idea of you being with my daughter, when your little girl gets older you’ll understand why. Seeing how happy she is, having that little one in my life - you can’t put a price on that.”

Your father extended his hand out to Fred, slowly smiling at him. Fred paused for a moment and shook his hand, smiling back at him.

“Shall we go out there and help?” Fred smiled “they look like they could use some help.”

Your father nodded his head “I would like, Fred.”

The two of them walked outside together, joining you and your daughter. Looking up at your father and Fred smiling at one another you felt your heart flutter, the two men in your life that you loved more than anything were finally on the same page.

You could finally move forward as a family, the only thing you’ve ever wanted.

You were Fred’s girl.

[in-my-feels-probably]

INEFFABLE - Kaz Brekker

Chapter Seven

If you would like to read this on Wattpad, it’s on there as well, my @ is in_my_feels_probably and there’s a few visuals and better descriptions and stuff on there. otherwise, enjoy, let me know what you think, and you can check out my masterlist for updates and more. don’t forget to read the prologue, it’s important to the story!

INEFFABLE – Kaz Brekker

ineffable (adj.) too great to be expressed in words, utterly indescribable; too sacred to speak of. 

Chapter Seven

Now in Kribirsk, East Ravka, the Crows and Arken sat around a table in a pub, mindlessly eating and drinking, thinking about the past days events. Kaz had left them there, leaving Elham in charge of making sure everyone stayed put while he scoped the city out, finding out what he could.

Arken was grumbling, slamming a flyer onto the table. “The Little Palace winter fete. There’s just no way he can find a way to the Sun Summoner without Nina. Especially during this ridiculous party, the place will be crawling with Second Army.”

Kaz suddenly approached the table, in an immensely better mood than the rest of them, despite his disheveled look. “We’re in luck. There’s a good chance we can crack on. Now that we’re three days’ travel from the capital, the next play is finding a way inside the Little Palace. It turns out the Kribirsk archives house the Little Palace blueprints. But, they’re kept under lock and key. Far from the prying eyes of the masses.”

Elham scoffed. “As if that’s ever stopped you.”

Jesper had perked up, high fiving Elham. “Yes.”

Arken looked confused, suddenly uneasy around the group. “What does that mean?”

“Time for a heist!”

“Jesper, I don’t think you could sound any more excited. Excited to get that kruge, finally pay me back all you owe me?”

“Oh, but Elham, isn’t my company a good enough payment?”

She threw her head back laughing. “Oh, honey, you’d have to be around me the rest of your life to pay off your debt. Honestly, I don’t get it, Kaz pays you as much as he pays me, how is it that you’re always asking me for more kruge? I must say, though, the satisfaction of watching you lose almost makes it worthwhile.”

Jesper gasped. “Elham! Rude!”

“It’s my money you’re losing anyways. Now come on, let’s go say goodbye to the goat, and get this show on the road.”

---

Elham stood next to Arken, watching Jesper hand off the goat that he had dubbed Milo, to a barmaid, giving his tearful goodbye. She rolled her eyes, and called out a goodbye to Milo, turning her attention back to Kaz, who was giving Arken instructions. He handed him a wad of money.

“I have a job for you. We need to hitch a ride east to the Little Palace. Make friends.”

Arken nervously chuckled. “But that’s the hardest job.”

Kaz tapped his cane to the back of Elham’s leg, signaling her to follow him. Over his shoulder, he called back to Arken. “You managed to win us over, didn’t you?”

Once out of earshot, making their way out the door, Elham muttered. “Hardly. He was our only option. I still don’t like him.”

“I’m not asking you to like him, I’m not overly fond of him myself. But he’s our only shot. We aren’t getting in the Little Palace without him.”

“Oh, come on Brekker, not with that attitude we aren’t. Now, what’s your big plan here, where are we going?”

He almost smirked. “You’re not going to like this.”

Kaz led them over to the alley Inej and Jesper were standing in. “Alright, Royal Archives heist, here’s the game plan. Watchmen are on guard around the clock. We want to get in and get out as quietly as possible. That means the hardware stays in the holster, Jesper.”

“Ugh, fine.”

“Inej, the dome on the roof is directly above the repository where the blueprints to the Little Palace are kept.”

“Got it, that’s my way in.”

“I’ll set a trail of phosphorus that will lead you straight to the target. The repository is secured at all times behind a two-part lock mechanism. So Inej, you have to leave the way you came in. Two hours after sunset is when you’ll go in, Jesper. You’ll need to blend in.”

“Easy.”

“The lighting valves are on the second floor.”

Inej nodded. “I’ll take my cue once I see the lights go out, and then follow your trail straight to the blueprints.”

“The archivist has to pull them a number of times a day, so we can’t steal them or they’ll know something is up.”

“So? Make a copy.”

“But careful, if you're heavy handed, you'll bleed the ink.”

“I know what I’m doing.”

Elham listened to the Crows talk back and forth, and then interrupted. “Well, I don’t. What am I supposed to be doing this whole time?”

The smirk crept back onto Kaz’s face.

“Well first, you’re coming with me to plant the phosphorus. I’m going to need you to keep the sarcastic comments to a minimum while we’re there, you are going to hate this part of the plan, though. I’m sure Jesper would love to hear them after we’re done. After we leave the archives office, I need you to distract the guards if Inej or Jesper get stuck...maybe take out one or two if necessary.”

“How am I supposed to do that? I can’t distract anyone. Kill, yes, but that seems like a bad decision.”

“It’s a last resort. Now, do you speak Suli? Zemeni?”

“No, I grew up in Kerch, I only learned Ravkan before coming to Ketterdam.”

“Well, let’s hope you don’t come across any guards then, otherwise you’re going to have to fake it. Now let's go, everyone get into place. El, you’re with me.”

---

Kaz and Elham stepped out of the carriage in front of the archives building in town. Kaz was dressed in clothes he wouldn’t be caught dead wearing in the Barrel. His usual hat was replaced by a beret, his black coat for colorful drapes. Elham, however, definitely got the shit end of the stick. She was wearing a knee length poofy dress, bright fabrics and Suli silk adorning it. She wore a matching drape around her neck, the same one Kaz was wearing.

Elham was grumbling, rolling her eyes. “What, I don’t get a hat too? Honestly, Kaz, I look ridiculous! Not as ridiculous as you, but still, you had to pick this?”

“You have to blend in, El.”

“Blend in? I look like a wedding cake! At least you get to wear something semi-normal.”

“You’re supposed to look like a foreign artist, El, one good enough to be working for the King. You couldn’t show up in your normal attire, could you?”

She huffed, smoothing down the folds and fabrics of her dress, and Kaz stifled a chuckle.

“Oh, this is funny to you? Is that why you brought me, just needed a good laugh? Bastard.”

“I brought you to play the part. You’re here for the guard. Men fall for plots like this much easier when there’s a woman in a dress around.”

“Well, if you’re wanting me to seduce someone, you seriously missed the mark. Should've let me pick the dress.”

Kaz rolled his eyes, sighing. “You’re here to be the distraction. He’s not going to pay much attention to me if he’s looking at you. I don’t need you to seduce him, hence this dress. Stop grumbling, let’s go.”

---

They stepped inside the office, and Kaz greeted the man at the desk. Elham looked around, uncomfortable after having to pass so many people on the way in looking like that.

“Good day to you, sir! My name is Ivanovski, the sculptor.”

Kaz turned and motioned to Elham, who stood awkwardly behind him. “This is my wife, she’s the artist, a very good one at that. She doesn’t speak any Ravkan, she’s Suli, but she wanted to come along and see the archive building, right, love?”

Elham stifled her shock, and gulped, turning to the man at the desk, who, as Kaz predicted, only had his eyes on her. Elham hesitated, before slightly bowing, and nodding her head towards the man.

The man seemed to lose his annoyed attitude, smiling at Elham. “She’s a pretty little thing, isn’t she? Exotic, there seems to be a lot of pretty women at the capital this year, it must be the winter fete. You’re a lucky man, Ivanovski, aye?”

Elham fought the heat that rose to her cheeks, stepping from foot to foot, flustered. Kaz’s face had gone cold for a second, his jaw clenched. He quickly recovered when the man turned back to him.

“Yes! Yes, she’s very beautiful, I’m the luckiest. Actually, the winter fete is what we’re here for. I am in desperate need of your assistance.”

Elham tilted her head towards the floor, no longer able to look in Kaz’s direction. She pretended to fiddle with the ribbons of her dress, lost in thought, while listening to Kaz talk.

“I am working on a real showstopper for the winter fete. I need the dimensions to the Little Palace entrances. The grand piece may be too grand to fit through the door frame. The King will have my head if his statuary must be parked in the courtyard. Can’t leave my wife here alone, can I?”

The man sighed, looking at Elham, before heading into the archives room to retrieve the prints. “Damned fete. I have to pull the blueprints every day. Wait here.”

Elham watched Kaz reach into his pocket to pull out the phosphorus, and so she shuffled in front of the man, stepping closer to Kaz, a bright smile on her face. She nodded again in the man’s direction, and he smirked, turning to head through the door. Kaz dropped the phosphorus to the floor, using the end of his cane to sweep it under the man’s foot, and it stuck to his shoe as he walked through the door, leaving a trail for Inej to use later.

Once through the door and far enough away from earshot, Elham let the smile fall from her face, whipping around to face Kaz, who looked very pleased with himself.

“I hate you. I can’t believe you made me do this. That man stared at me the entire time, eyeing me. You’re lucky I took my knife off of my thigh for this dress, otherwise I would have been tempted to use it. You weren’t much help either.”

“That was the plan. Can’t say I didn’t want to stab him for having to listen to him speak like that, though, but it worked, didn’t it?”

The sound of footsteps slowly approached them, and Elham quickly moved back behind Kaz as the man walked back in, handing Kaz a piece of parchment.

“Ah, may the Sun Summoner bless you!”

“Oh, I’m not a believer.”

Kaz leaned closer to the man, like what he was saying was supposed to be a secret his wife couldn’t here couldn’t hear. He eyed Elham, before turning back to the man. “No, truth be told, neither am I.”

The man chuckled, leaning in as well. “Why would you, you’ve got enough to believe in standing right behind you.”

Elham saw Kaz go rigid, and she stepped closer to him, getting his and the man’s attention. Remembering she was supposed to not know the language, she spoke brokenly, sounding unsure. “Ready? We go?”

Kaz was relieved to be leaving, placing a fake smile on his face. “Yes, love, we go.”

Elham waved goodbye to the man, smiling. He waved back, eyeing her as she and Kaz walked back out of the building to the carriage.

---

An hour later, and Elham had changed back into her regular clothes, knife strapped back onto her thigh. Kaz had decided the dress was too risky if she were to get caught on the grounds, and opted for the pair to both wear guards uniforms. Still, Elham was to remain scoping for other guards or for Jesper and Inej in trouble. If she had to, she’d attempt talking her way out. The knife was still a last resort.

Kad had also decided to keep her within eye shot near him, not wanting to draw any unwanted attention. Elham was stealthy, but she was no Wraith. And truthfully, although Kaz would never admit it to himself, after today’s events, he wanted her close. He didn’t very much like her being the distraction.

They were heading to their positions, Inej already inside, Jesper soon to follow. Kaz and Elham were slowly patrolling, on opposite sides of the courtyard, making their way to the meeting point outside the exit Inej would come out of.

Thankfully, Elham didn’t run into any guards. She had seen one on the way around, and quickly ducked behind a wall, clutching her knife. Kaz had held his breath watching her, but he remained at the door Inej would come out of, releasing the breath when the guard walked away. Elham made her way up the courtyard to where Kaz was standing. She took her place by his side, and hoped that if any other guards came by and saw them from a distance, they would just assume the two had been placed on watch together as an extra security measure.

It was a waiting game at this point. Elham every once in a while glanced at the door, scanning the windows and balconies for any sign of trouble. She let her thoughts shift away from the heist, knowing Kaz would be alert.

She had felt something on this heist.

She always felt something around Kaz, but she so often pushed it away.

She thought about how long she had known Kaz, when he brought her in at 14. He had told her about the girl he met when he was a kid, who turned out to be just another part of Pekka Rollin’s scam on him and his brother. He at the time had thought she was the prettiest girl in the world. He refused to say much else about it, it taking years for Elham to piece together the story.

But when they were 14, and Elham had been part of the Dregs for a few months, he met another girl. Elham couldn’t even remember her name, but she remembered how she felt around her when she would see her on a rare occasion. Jealous. The girl could hold her own in a fight, she was confident around the other members of the gang, and she had gotten Kaz’s attention. She was beautiful, no doubt about it, she was a year older than them, and she showed interest in him too.

The one thing about her that was distinct in Elham’s memory was the girl's walk. She walked like she owned the very place she stood, exuding confidence. Like she knew something you didn’t. Elham by now had grown into herself, she could be confident as well if she wanted to, but it took some time. Imogen was long gone, a fleeting moment in their past, but she left enough impact for her to stick in Elham’s mind.

While lost in thought, she hadn’t noticed Kaz’s gaze set on her, trying to figure out what she was thinking. He grew frustrated, finally just asking in a hushed tone.

“What are you thinking about? You’ve got that little crease in your brow, like when you’re really concentrating on one of those books you leave in my office. You’re distracted, so spit it out.”

Elham hesitated, before speaking. She knew he wouldn’t let it go. “Do you remember that girl from when we were younger, who had a kind of sidle when she walked? She had smashed that bottle over that one guy’s head for getting too handsy?”

Kaz stiffened, unsure of where she was going with this. He cleared his throat. “Imogen.”

That was her name. It fit her, Elham decided.

“Why?”

“I don’t know, I was just thinking about her. You...you--”

Elham stuttered, and Kaz grew uneasy.

“What, Elham? I what?”

He had turned to face her completely now, and she felt uncomfortable under his gaze, like she wanted to shrink away.

“Today, when the man was looking at me, saying all of that stuff...you looked at me like I would see you look at her.”

Kaz said nothing, but he was fighting to keep the heat from rising to his cheeks, his posture becoming rigid.

“And I was just thinking about where I had seen that look on your face before, and it was when you’d look at her.”

Kaz stayed quiet for another minute, just staring at Elham, who was beginning to regret speaking up in the first place.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t--”

Kaz interrupted. “You know, you don’t walk like her.”

Elham’s face scrunched up, confused. “What?”

Kaz continued, eyes glancing over her. “She walked with confidence and her hips forward, but it was too cocky. She’s going to get herself killed, if she hasn’t already. You don’t walk like that. You walk with your knees slightly bent, like at any moment you could get into a fighting stance. And your weight pivots to whatever side you have your sword on. You walk like a Valkyrie.”

Elham knew she was blushing now, unable to hide it. She couldn’t think of a response, just staring back at him. She was growing and more insecure under his gaze, and he had picked up on it, of course he had, he always did.

He couldn’t pretend like he hadn’t thought about the earlier events of that day, the rage he felt watching the man eye Elham and talk about her like that. He felt a pit in his stomach watching her smile at the man, and fiddle with her dress. He had noticed Elham’s glances at him in the archives office, studying his face.

He couldn’t pretend like, even though he had picked one of the most outrageous outfits he could find for her to wear, that she hadn’t looked beautiful. She always looked beautiful, even with the cuts and bruises on her face from just the events of last week alone. But he had never seen her in a dress, even if it was that dress, and she was a sight to behold.

She was supposed to be the distraction for the guards, but she ended up distracting him. He hadn’t decided whether or not that was a terrible thing yet.

He looked at Elham a moment longer, sucked in a breath, and broke the silence.

“I remember Imogen. She was pretty. Would’ve been good in any gang. But she’s not here. She didn’t stick with me all those years, did she? She’s not my Valkyrie. That’s you, El.”

She felt tears prick at her eyes, and she gave him a nod, her voice shaky. “Yeah. That’s me.”

She stared a bit longer, and then broke their gaze when she heard the door open behind them, immediately getting into a stance ready to attack if need be. Inej walked through the door, Jesper following after her.

Elham cleared her throat. “Are you both alright?”

Inej nodded, sending her a smile, Jesper coming up next to her, slinging his arm around her shoulder.

“One step closer to paying you back, love.”

She laughed again. “I don’t know, Jesper, might not be enough. I may just have to settle for your company.”

“Come on, we have a heist to plan.” Kaz nodded at the Crows, motioning them to follow him off the property and back into town.

Elham took a deep breath, and Kaz turned to her, watching her collect herself, getting more comfortable again. He nodded his head towards the path once more, and she stepped in stride next to him, Jesper and Inej on the other side of her.

---

A/N - hi everyone, this is a longer chapter. i'm starting to put in some elements from the books, mostly involving kaz's backstory, i hope that's ok and not too confusing for those of you who haven't read it and have only seen the show. i'm a little unsure about how to feel about this chapter, so let me know your thoughts. feel free to comment or message me with anything, and thanks for the support!

[imtryingmybeskar]

Chapter Nine of Red Letter Day. 18+, lots of gore and grossness, mention of child murder. 4.2k words

Rooted to the disgusting, blood soaked carpet, your limbs and mind were sluggish and heavy. Was this what it felt like to be under vampire hypnosis? To have a part of yourself still aware and screaming at you to move but to be unable to? Nicole let go of Max's hair and he dropped to the floor like a stone. She turned toward you, and now her body wasn't blocking your view of him anymore you could really see what a mess he was. Bloodied and bruised, his expensive suit shredded, and there was soil from the plant over his skin, as if she had literally ground his face into the dirt. Battered as he was, he raised his eyes to you. They were full of fear and pain that plucked at your heart as he whispered for you to run.

Nicole tutted, the sound of a mildly displeased school teacher faced with a minor misdemeanour, and she spoke to him in a tone that matched. "No, Max. She has to stay and hear what a terrible person you are." With lightning fast speed she was at your side and grabbing your arm in a manacle-tight grip. You couldn't have got away even if your legs had currently been obeying you. Max groaned deeply and his head sank between his shoulders as he got on to all fours, trying to stand. "Look at me." Nicole's voice was suddenly light, airy, made of scudding pink clouds across a sunset sky and you realised.

She doesn't know I'm immune.

You dropped your face to a dull slackness, like you had seen appear on Evan's when Max had made suggestions to him and forced yourself to look at Nicole's disgusting visage without flinching.

"Good girl," she purred hideously. "Now I'm going to tell you a story about Maxie here and you're going to listen very carefully. And when I'm done you're going to hurt him. Not because I tell you to. But because you're going to want to." She released you and turned back to walk toward the figure on the floor, taunting him all the while. "You hear that, Max? Your precious human pet is going to hate you for what you've done. But the truth must be told. Your crimes must come to light." Nicole walked around Max's prone figure in a slow circle, aiming a kick at him when he got too close to standing up. "Where to begin?" she sighed, as if recounting a beloved family tale. "I think with your own sire, hmm? I'm gonna need some input from you here, Maxie." She kicked at him again, and he gave up trying to stand and knelt back on his heels instead, his bloodshot eyes staring balefully up at her.

"Wh-what do you want to know?" Max asked around lips still puffing up from the abuse he had received.

Nicole's voice was suddenly deathly serious, devoid of even her mocking, toying tone. "What did she tell you when she made you, Max? What were the rules she passed to you?" Max suddenly looked inescapably weary and far, far older than you had ever seen him. His shoulders drooped and his head bowed but not before you saw the way his eyes closed in pain against her words. Nicole's voice was light and dainty, and now sounding far more dangerous than before. "Say it," she trilled in a sing-song way.

Without looking up, Max spoke in a low voice. "She told me to never feed from a child. Not to make too many of us. That I should never kill another vampire. And she told me to pass these rules on to any vampires I made."

"And as far as I know, you have broken all but one of those rules. Unless you would like to confess to feeding from children too? I honestly don't think it would surprise me at this point, given what else you're capable of."

Max's eyes snapped up in a blaze of fury and affront. "How fucking dare -"

"Oh don't play the injured party with me, Max. We all know what an unscrupulous reprobate you are. The only reason you haven't killed me yet is because I'm much stronger and cleverer than you."

"What about you?" A shade of Max's old defiance and sass came into his voice. "You've killed so many vampires-"

"The ones that deserve it. Your disgusting, tainted, progeny. Those who commit crimes against who we are-"

"You didn't tell her." Your voice came out flatly, softly, barely registering that you had spoken before the words had left you. You were faintly aware of Nicole swinging round to observe you, but your attention was all on Max. "Maya. You made her and you didn't tell her the rules. What did she do, Max?"

"Ooooh. She's smart, this one. Smarter than you, anyway." Nicole aimed another kick at Max and he accepted the blow, like a beaten animal. "Yes, Max here has a real problem with restraint. Can't keep his dick in his pants. Can't keep his teeth out of people's necks. Usually while his dick is out of his pants, funnily enough."

"I-I meant to," Max spluttered weakly. "She-I-she left before I could. She got what she wanted from me and she left and-"

"And then she killed a child." Nicole's statement hung baldly between you all, a shining pearl of gut-wrenching fact.

"I know," Max began. "I know who he was-"

Nicole hissed and grabbed Max by the throat, her claws peeling weeping red marks into his skin as she lifted him bodily into the air. Her voice was demonic, low, hollow and full of rage when she spoke. "Do NOT speak of him. Do not THINK of him. Keep him out of your filthy, degenerate mind!" She threw him against the wall, and the first thudding noise you had heard from the stairwell sounded through the room again. He got to his hands and knees when he fell to the floor but stayed down, his head once again dipped between his shoulders, but you got the impression from his body language that he wasn't moving not from pain, but because he was ashamed. He didn't want to look at you, or Nicole, or anything or anyone except the filthy square of carpet in front of his eyes.

Nicole turned to you, her voice as normal as it could be when her vampiric visage was to the fore, and her tone was coddling, the tone of a parent explaining something complex to a small child. "The only way we can all coexist is if our more murderous impulses are kept in check. That is as true for humans as for us. It is the sire's job to impress upon those they create the rules by which they must abide. And if their progeny refuse, then it is their job to re-educate them. Kill them if necessary. It is one of the very few times vampires killing vampires is acceptable. Max here is a hedonist. He fucks and he drinks and he creates with not a thought as to how it might impact the wider world." She turned back to Max, who was still staring steadfastly at the floor. "We managed to catch up with your sire. You'd think after a thousand years she would have been a little smarter in whom she chose to turn. She said you charmed her, that you were an amusing plaything for her for a time." She drew a small vial filled with viscous black liquid from her inner jacket pocket. "She also gladly donated her blood when we told her exactly what kind of feckless bastard you turned out to be."

As Nicole started to advance on Max again, you realised that there was a very real possibility that he would allow her to kill him. Your mouth moved before your brain thought. "Who was he?"

Nicole spun back to you, an alarming growl in her voice when she spoke. "Be very careful-"

"No, I just...if Max has been negligent and a child has died because of it then...then of course he should pay the price." At your words, Max groaned softly and sank his head on to his arms on the carpet, then remained completely motionless and silent, his face still hidden from you both. "I just wanted to know his story. The victim. I think its important."

Nicole eyed you thoughtfully for a minute before replying. "His name was James. He was eight when he was murdered. I don't know why that piece of shit killed him. If it was opportunistic, or she thought a child's blood was somehow better, or if she thought it would be an easier meal. I didn't give her the chance to explain herself. All she had time to do was whine that she hadn't known children were off limits." She shook her head in amazement at that before pausing briefly - as if she were deciding how much to tell you before she carried on. "I met with her family beforehand. They said she had been acting strangely since she had come to work here, that she had started to become obsessed with vampires and the idea of immortality. When I told them what she had done they were appalled and instantly disowned her. And when I explained what a vampire hunter was and the good work that they do, they wanted to help any way they could. It was their idea to stage the crime scene that way, to emphasise that the supernatural was to blame for this whole tragedy."

"To stir up public opinion against vampires," you said, slowly. Nicole gave the most honest and true smile you had ever seen on her face. "But you said...about vampire hunters, you said the good work that "they" do. Aren't you one?"

Nicole's smile degenerated into the nasty grin you had come to associate with her again. "Yes and no. Vampires don't tend to kill their own, as I said. But I was a hunter. Before I was turned. The vampire who made me thought it would be funny. To keep me in torment for eternity. Either I would hate what I had done to what was now my own kind for so many years, or I would hate what I had become. Instead I became much more than hunter or vampire. It made me stronger, in so many ways. And I was able to give insider information to others who took up the mantle. I came out of retirement for this one. Took the job on myself, as it was so close to my heart." She drew herself up short as if she had realised she had said too much, then relaxed somewhat as the desire to explain just how deeply Max had fucked up won over her reticence. "James was my grandson," she said quietly. You exhaled forcefully and you thought you heard Max make a tiny whimpering sound against his arms. "Vampires are sterile, but I had a four year old when I was turned. My only grandchild. Killed because he couldn't be bothered with the due diligence." Your stomach clenched and you thought you might vomit there and then. No wonder Nicole had acted how she did. And Max...it was so like him. To get caught up in himself and let everything else turn to shit around him. Or it had been. Whether it was the germ of your new feelings changing your perception of him, or whether he himself really had changed you weren't sure, but you found yourself believing that Max would be sorry for what his negligence had caused and want to make amends If he could. But how could something this terrible ever be fixed?

Nicole had collected herself and began speaking again. "And then I came here. To work for this asshole. And the more I learned about him the more I hated him. The more I understood what a cancer he is to our society. And I started to unravel his life from within. Killing the ones he made here was a good start. It made him paranoid and anxious. Following him. And you. You were very helpful in all this, though I don't think you realised it. Distracting him so that I could do what I needed to do. He thinks he loves you, you know?" Nicole threw back her head and a peal of braying laughter without an ounce of humour rang through the office when she saw your face. "I know. Pathetic isn't it? As if a creature like that could ever love anything but himself."

When you spoke, your voice sounded very far away to your ears. "How do you...I mean how can you tell-"

"The smell, dear." The use of Max's work nickname for you in her mocking tone shocked you back to the incredibly dangerous situation in hand. You had no doubt at all that if Nicole thought Max would be more hurt by her killing you, then you would be dead within moments. You exhaled deeply again, the sickly feeling still playing in your stomach, your mouth completely dry and sticky, yet your lower back soaked with sweat. "I wore that godawful perfume so no one could tell I wasn't human. The downside of it was that my own senses were also overwhelmed. But that day I walked in on you two here I could smell the attraction between you even over it. And obviously that night you stayed with him. From my investigations, that is something that never happens. His apartment is his castle and he lets very few people in there. I knew that he was messaging you and every time he did he got this ridiculous look on his face like-" She paused to make an exaggerated face of mawkish, cloying adoration. "He made you stay away to try to protect you. It was probably the smartest thing he's ever done. And now here you are anyway, walking into the spider's web without a care in the world." Her voice grew sweet and airy and hypnotic again. She was speaking to you in the tone of someone to an adorable puppy, and you tried very hard to maintain the pretence of being influenced while also trying very hard not to retch. "And I'll kill you. Yes, I will sweetheart, I'll make you hurt him in so many ways. And when he's screaming for you to stop, I'll kill you and make him watch. I'll kill you just like that little trinket he used to play with all the time and then got bored of. The blonde thing."

Your blood seemed to freeze in your veins. Max suddenly rocked back on his heels again and you saw the flash of fiery anger in his eyes again. "You killed my girl? At the club?"

"Of course," Nicole purred, as if it were the most obvious and natural thing in the world. "I got all the information I could from her and then I killed her. It was quick and painless." She snapped her fingers and you tried not to let the crawling feeling up your spine translate into a visible shiver. "I couldn't have her running off telling you what I was doing now, could I?"

"She did nothing to you," Max said in a furious whisper. "She was innocent in all this-"

"Innocent?!" Nicole screeched, an edge of frenzy to her voice. "An eight year old is innocent! She was a goddamn whore! No loss to the world and certainly not innocent!" At that your own anger flared and overtook your heartsickness and nausea, but Max was moving faster, getting to his feet and advancing on Nicole.

"You fucking bitch" he spat at Nicole. "I'm the only one you should be hurting, not anyone else." Nicole merely widened her stance, and as he approached her whirled to the side and kicked at Max's knees, forcing him to the floor once more. She grabbed at his hair again and forced him to look up at her.

"I will hurt you," she assured him tenderly. "Don't you worry. And if some humans have to die to make it happen, well. So be it. If they like you, they're hardly the best of the best are they?" She paused, as if weighing something in her mind and then continued. "There's just one thing I don't understand. How did you know who James was before all this?" Max stared defiantly up at her, his lips pressed sullenly together. "If you don't tell me, she will die screaming," she vowed in her sing-song tone.

"Police records," he muttered after a moment. "I looked up the case and I looked you up at the same time. I read in an article that the blood of two people was found at the scene and thought that might be the key to the whole thing. Your ex husband's name was Knight. It wasn't difficult to connect the dots."

Nicole nodded slowly, her mouth downturned in an expression of grudging admiration. "Very good," she said softly. "I thought we had purged all news reports that had that information. Guess we missed one. We'll be more careful in future."

"You had quite a record back in the day," Max sneered. "You pretend you're better than me. But you've been arrested for affray, bootlegging, assault. You were a con artist, a common thief-" Nicole's fist connected with his jaw with a sickening crack, and when she spoke her voice was low with barely suppressed rage.

"I did what I had to do to keep myself alive. Before I realised that I could do more good in this world by purging it of evil. Like you."

"Yeah, and then you died. Guess you were pretty terrible at hunting."

Nicole smiled. "I'm better now. And we've had enough stalling from you, Maxie. I'd like to take this opportunity to ask lover-girl here what she thinks of her man now." She looked at you questioningly. "Go on, dear," Nicole encouraged. "No input from me, I want you to tell him what you think about his carelessness causing the death of my grandchild."

"I-it's horrible," you managed around your dry mouth. "A terrible, avoidable tragedy. Once you kill him will...will that be the end of it? You'll...you'll let me go?" You didn't dare look at Max, hoping against hope that if you made out that you were prepared to help Nicole kill him to save yourself it might buy some more time. From her cavalier attitude toward human death as well as vampire death, you were now convinced that she simply enjoyed torture and killing, and used her identity as vampire hunter to justify all the atrocities she committed. She couldn't be let loose back on the world again.

"Of course!" Nicole said, wide-eyed with false honesty. "I can see that you're a good person. You just didn't know what kind of monster he really was." She looked over at Max as he lay on his side on the floor, his eyes black pools of sorrow and pain and acceptance. "I don't think she'll be fucking you again any time soon," she said in a low voice as she knelt down beside him and wiped the blood from his face in an almost tender gesture. "And I've been thinking," she murmured, almost too low for you to hear, "Its such a shame she can only die once. Maybe I'll turn her and make you watch her die twice." She stood again and moved toward you but her steps faltered when the unmistakable sounds of laughter bubbled from the floor. Her face grew taut, sharp and even meaner. Apparently she did not enjoy not being in control. "What's so funny?" she asked him in saccharine tones. Max continued to laugh, the sounds from him becoming both stronger and wilder the more they spilled out.

"You're so fucking STUPID!" he spat and Nicole hissed menacingly at him. "You actually thought we were fucking? You actually think she would stoop so fucking low? You dumb cun-" Nicole's foot connected with Max's ribs and he flew across the room, hitting the wall two thirds of the way up and crashing to the ground again. As he did you could see his shoulders continue to shake and a new more desperate sound emerged from him. You weren't sure if it was laughing or not any more but he turned his face to her and his teeth were bared in the approximation of a grin. "Fucking idiot-" Nicole slapped him open handed across the cheek, causing blood to spatter on the carpet from his mouth. He raised his face to her again. "Dumb fucking-" She punched him on the jaw again. All of her attention was now taken with him and you knew what he was doing. He was trying to allow you the opportunity to make your escape. And if Nicole beat him to within an inch of his immortal life before she killed him, perhaps he thought he deserved it. Instead, you moved silently behind Nicole, grabbing the longest piece of splintered wood that you could. "Brainless-" Nicole growled and grabbed him by the collar, lifting him bodily from the floor. As she straightened, you RAMMED the wood into her chest, approximately where the heart would be. Nicole shrieked loudly and dropped Max to the floor again, swinging around wildly in an attempt to hit you. But you had anticipated this, and your martial arts classes came to the fore as you crouched and swung your leg out, tripping Nicole as she flailed toward you. She hit the floor hard and as she did you were already up and grabbing for a sharp piece of plastic from Max's shattered computer. She was still so fast though and she had turned and sat up before you could get to her, the piece of wood sticking out from her back in an almost comical way, that made a bubble of nervous laugher try to force its way up your throat.

"Fucking bitch!" she spat. "You...no...stop" The last word was uttered in her hypnotic voice and you halted, trying to maintain the pretence as long as you could to gain some leverage, some time for Max to recover, any kind of upper hand. Nicole stood, trying to reach around for the wood, but it was buried too deeply for her to remove. Not fucking deeply enough to explode her, you thought helplessly. She gave up and raised her hand for you to follow. You did so, as cautiously as you dared without it looking like disobedience and she had you stand over Max, who was by now sitting propped up against the wall looking thoroughly dazed. "Kill him." Nicole commanded. Before the last word left her lips you swiped the sharp edge of the plastic as violently as you could across her throat, and the noise turned to a gargle as foul smelling black blood burst from her throat, covering you in slimy gore. Nicole reached for her neck, as if she could close the wound that way, and you slashed wildly at her again, desperately hoping that you could do enough damage to incapacitate and then decapitate. It was no good. She was too strong and as one of her claws raked at you, you felt on a knife edge of despair. And then suddenly, Max. He pushed Nicole against the wall, slowly, inch by inch burying the wood in her back further, further into her chest until it appeared at the front in a slow spread of blood and butchery. She began to shake violently and scream even worse.

"Quickly," he whined and you stepped forward, pushing the plastic into her neck with all your might. One of Max's hands came in between yours and he lent his strength to you, until with a disgusting POP you felt Nicole's spinal column give way under the combined pressure of you both upon her. Her head rolled forward grotesquely and you were ashamed of the screech of disgust that came unbidden from your lips as you stumbled backward away from the horror in front of you. Nicole's body exploded as her head hit the ground and cold gibbets of stinking viscera and blood splattered across you. For several moments you froze again, eyes closed, desperately trying not to vomit and your mind whirring to try to make sense of everything that had just happened. Then, a big, cool hand was at your jaw, raising your head.

"Look at me," Max's voice said. "Hey, hey, stay with me. Look at me." You forced your eyes to open and focus on the man in front of you. His big brown eyes raked your face. They were so deep and so kind and they took up your whole world. "Are you okay?" he asked. You shook your head, suddenly weary beyond everything, even the ability to speak. "It's okay," Max soothed as he gathered you to his chest and held you there. "It's all okay now."

But it wasn't. It really wasn't. And you shook your head again as you pushed yourself gently away from him. You opened your mouth to speak, but no words were forthcoming and instead you swallowed forcefully, trying to control the tremble of your lips and the tell-tale snuffling heat rising in your nose. Stupidly, your only thought was that you didn't want him to see you cry and you turned away from him as the threatened tears began to spill hotly down your cheeks. Max made no attempt to stop you, or even to speak to you as you walked away from him, trailing a sickening path of dripping gore in your wake.

Tagging @pinkninja200, @readsalot73

Next Chapter

[aquarii-writes]

History on repeat(Dream x f!reader)

Ngl this was inspired by a dnf piece on tik tok. While I don't ship it the art was beautiful and the song attached inspired me to write this. This also includes my headcanons for Dream/his parents and I'll elaborate on it in a different post if enough people ask lmao

Notes: I should mention to look at my 'DSMP headcanons' especially Dream's part because that's where I kinda explain that I don't believe that Dream himself is a dreamon but that his mask contains one. I also used Dream's real name as his fathers name. I don't really like using the dsmp members real names if it's not in their user but I had to think of a name

WARNINGS: none I can think of aside from death and stuff of similar manners

WC:1,005

Genre: Angstyy

Two people sat together along the shoreline of a river. The colors of the sunset danced on the water. Turning the already beautiful area ethereal. Warm summer air tickled the woman; her blonde hair jumped with the wind.

"You're so beautiful [REDACTED]" the man spoke. His amber eyes held a love for the woman beside him; his lovely wife. Her green cloak acted as a pillow for her.

"You're too kind my darling" a smile played on the woman's lips. Her mask discarded beside her. The painted smile similar to the one she held.

"I love you with all my heart" a smile danced on the mans face. His lovely wife sat up and hugged him. Falling back into the grass the happy couple basked in one another. Masks long forgotten beside them. "Stay with me forever [REDACTED]?"

"Of course my darling dream" the twos faces were close as the wife spoke. It felt as though time sat there frozen to preserve the lasting moment.

Smiling towards you Dream held out his arms to get you to come towards him. As you got near Dream pulled you on top of him. His arms circling around your waist.

~~~

"Dream~" your voice was loving. Dreams mask was off as he watched you jump in the stream water. The sun was setting over the horizon and the light gave an other worldly glow to you and the water.

Playing with the locks of hair that fell into your grasp, Dream watched you. A deep seeded longing in his eyes. Out here away from everything was when Dream was the most caring. His affections unrestricted when he wasn't in the eyes of his friends. When he could easily sneak away.

Though the future had many plans for the two of you, but here in this moment the future could wait.

"I would do anything for you (y/n)" Dream's amber eyes looked like the sun. Specks of gold shined like they were directly in the sun. Nodding to his statement you kissed the man before you. An adoring hum escaped him.

Pulling away you mumbled out a response. "I love you with all my heart~"

"Will you stay with me forever?" with a teasing smile Dream rubbed your sides: tickling you along the way.

"Of course my darling Dream" an unknown feeling of deja vu came over the two. Seems as though something similar happened in the past.

~~~

"My dream!!' [REDACTED] screamed for her husband. "Don't take him away! Please!," the woman covered her small sons ears. The child didn't know what was happening. huddling into his mother arms the woman kept screaming for her husband.

Huddled under her cloak the small boy held a hand over his mother stomach and whispered to it. The boys father struggled against the men who held him away from his family. "CLAY! LET HIM GO! He didn't mean it.." [REDACTED] dropped to the ground crying. Her son hugging his mother. "Oh my baby Dream"

Dream's mother held onto him for dear life. Tears fell from his eyes as he watched his father get taken to the gallows. As a final goodbye his father threw towards them.

Crawling away from his mother, Dream grabbed the mask; his fathers mask. The plastic was cracked in a few placed, and some of the paint was chipped, but it was probably the last thing he would ever have of his fathers.

"Please just let my husband go" [REDACTED]'s mask was similarly painted though the tears the spilt from under it spoke another story. "It was the Dreamons who did it.. not my Clay.. not my lovely dreamer.." her whimpers drew her son back over to her.

"Mommy what's happening to daddy?" Dream wouldn't get an answer from her. Just wails and whimpers about how cruel the world was.

~~~

"Dream what did you do..," Tommy and Tubbo huddled behind you. A fearful look settled in your eyes. Dream's mask was just that, a mask. Behind it he held no remorse for what he had done and what he said.

He did plan on killing Tubbo, but the look in your eyes made his thoughts stutter. Should he not kill Tubbo? When Dream said he doesn't care about anyone it planted a seed in your heart. Did he really not love you anymore?

Dream didn't answer you. All he did was stare at you through the mask. "Take off your damn mask and answer me Dream" when your voice jumped at him all Dream could do was stare. He didn't talk and he didn't react. "Why aren't you answering me?! Dream WHY did you do it?!"

"I didn't mean to-"

"Like hell you didn't mean to!" your tone was sharp. It made the boys behind you move back as you came forward to hold Dream's face. This felt too familiar. Why does it feel so familiar?

Knitted brows went unnoticed behind the mask. His annoyed expression hidden to the world; to you. His everything. Before he lost it he wanted to marry you. He even joked about you being his wife. His darling wife.

"Do you not care about me anymore? After everything that's happened between us?" a certain sadness pushed your pain to him. It was the same sorrow his mother screamed from the top of her lungs. That's why it felt so familiar.

A desolate look decorated your (e/c) eyes. The same eyes he would've fought wars so see happy. The very eyes he believed he would love forever.

"It's not my fault- sweetheart it's not my fault" his words became more rushed as Sam pulled Dream away. Dragging him to Pandora's Vault. All the way to his box.

The misery and heartache Dream saw on your face reminded him of his mother. The heartbreak he never wanted to see again.

~~~

{REDACTED] held a baby in her arms as she watched her son play on the hill with her friends son. The baby girl in her arms slept peacefully as she spoke to her friend beside her.

Puffy had been a good friend of [REDACTED] for a long time now. "Puffy you have to promise me something"

"Anything [REDACTED]" Puffy watched the baby in her friends arms. The poor thing had been born months after her fathers hanging. The family had to go into hiding.

"Please after tonight take my babies with you.... I don't think I can carry on much longer with out my Clay.." despair was the only way Puffy could describe her once vibrant friend.

The woman's once vibrant green eyes now only held melancholy. The satchel that sat beside her only contained a few things; one thing being Clay's mask.

"Dream my beloved!" [REDACTED] called out for her boy. The mask that once adorned her face constantly had been vacant since her husband died.

Running up to his momma Dream reached out to hold his baby sister. Passing baby Drista [REDACTED] kissed her sons head before pulling something from her satchel.

"Dream listen to me. The world is a cruel and it will hurt you-" holding out Clay's mask to her son said everything to the small boy. Giving baby Drista to Puffy, Dream took his fathers mask away from his mother. "Wear this.. it was your fathers..," a sadistic smile rested on his mothers face.

It scared him, but it was the first smile he saw from her since his father died.

"Okay mommy" Dream slipped on the mask his father once wore and winced. It felt like strings were licking his face. It felt wrong. This wasn't his mask to be keeping was it?

~~~

The prison vault was deafening. Nothing was a really annoying sound when all that surrounded you was lava and crying obsidian. Though he had one thing to look forward to.

You promised to see him today. His lovely wife. Well you weren't married. He fucked up that chance when he lost himself to the mask. The dreamons that whispered to him constantly.

Ever since he came in here the whispers stopped. Except for when they speak about you.

The pistoning sound of the bridge coming brought Dream from his head. A sadistic smile grew on him. Throwing off the mask the threads retreated back into the plastic.

"(y/n) my beloved!" a crazed look adorned Dream's face as he looked at you. His beloved wife. "I love you so much~"

"Dream.." with a heavy heart you held Dream's face. His eyes held a look of longing love.

"Dream love.. listen to me. The world is cruel.. and it's going to hurt," your voice cracked as you held Dream's hands. Worry filled him as Dream dragged you towards him.

Pushing back Dream dug around in the chest of his room. A ring sat gently between his fingers.

"Wear this... it'll protect you.." a hopeful look held on to Dream's face. All his love and adoration for you.

"I'm sorry Dream.. I love you so much but maybe it's better if we split ways.... I.. why do I trust you so much? Your hands are scarred with murder, but I trust them completely.." crumpling to the ground you sobbed. Conflictions and pain battering against you for weeks.

Dream held you. He had seen this all before. History was repeating. He witnessed this happen between his parents. The very thing he never wanted to happen to him did. He's losing the love of his life.

Why does history have to repeat?

[merakiclosed]

Taehyung - Bunny love

》Pairing: Hybrid!Reader x Single Parent!Taehyung

》Summary: Moving around and trying to find your home that your animal side craved for, you find your love of teaching kids art. Being a rare, albino bunny hybrid, you have to hid your appearance with baggy clothes and hats. What happens when a certain little girl takes a liking to you and what happens when that little girls very single, very hot dad also takes a liking to you?

》Genre: Fluff, a little bit of angst (tiny)

》Word count: 5k

》Notes/Warnings: Fem reader, choking (not sexual), slight harassment for a very short period.

Ah this took me a long time, I couldn't think of a proper ending but I quite like the ending and how it ties it together. Enjoy ! <3

Masterlist | All messages and requests are open <3

All rights reserved © Merakiiverse. Do not repost, translate or claim as your own

Moving around to new cities wasn’t new to you but moving to an entirely different country is. You never felt like you was home, even when you was living with your parents, it never felt right. It never felt like you belonged in your little town, you never felt that warmth of finally finding comfort. Your parents said that it was because of your genetics, that when you find that warmth feeling, don’t let go because that will be your home. It will be the place where you belong.

You are now living in Seoul and you were slowly but surely getting more comfortable. The language wasn’t hard to learn, you are a fast learner after all. You found the perfect job as an art teacher for a primary school and found that your classroom was where your heart and soul was. The walls were covered in splatters of paint, the children’s artwork splayed across the three walls that didn’t occupy the interactive whiteboard. Cut outs and spiral hung across the ceiling like Christmas decorations. Luckily for you, you were only small, so you didn’t get tangled with the hanging artwork. However, trying to get them on the ceiling was hard as you were scared of heights and being at the very top of a ladder was scary.

Being an art teacher meant that you could be quite laid back as you didn’t have to worry about students not understanding nor worry about teaching them about certain words. It also didn’t require the kids to fully think as you often promoted that they should create whatever their hearts desire. Because of this, you found that the kids were a lot more happier and open to you than the other teachers causing you to get side eyed sometimes by other teachers. You just shrugged at them, kids didn’t like to learn and listen all the time, they wanted to be free for a while. You were also good with smelling emotions that the kids felt, causing you to be good with kids in general. If they were sad? Juice box and fruit. If they were angry? Give them some paint and a blank canvas, let them express what they are feeling.

The headmaster liked your teaching style and the way that you were ‘talented with children’ - their words not yours. You also really liked the headmaster for allowing you to wear whatever clothes you wanted, which was good because of your situation. The situation was the big, white, fluffy flops on top of your head and the white fuzzball that was at your lower back.

Yes, you were an albino rabbit hybrid.

Hybrids are extremely rare. Hybrids came about when some crazy scientists thought that they could create a superior race where they were stronger and smarter than humans but were more obedient. The government and animal control was involved with taking it down and not much was said on the news about the whole situation. The government made up an organisation called The Hybrid Move. They basically take care of anything to do with hybrids and make sure to keep track of them so that none of them get taken and get experimented on by other crazy scientists. They were a lovely bunch of people; you knew quite a lot of the employees as you have to keep in contact with them.

Your parents were a part of the experiment, they never talked about it much and you can’t imagine how awful the conditions were. Once they were free, they ended up having you and moved to a small town, outside of the city. Seeing as they were both hybrids, it was inevitable that you were too.

From a young age, they told you that you always had to hide your tail and ears so that nothing bad happens to you. This meant that you had to wear baggy clothes and hats in every public setting and because of this, you had very little friends as they didn’t understand why you wore hats in summer, or why you couldn’t go swimming or go to sleepovers. Many people talked about you behind your back, name-calling was common. It seemed that even if you did hide your animal features, you were still a freak. A group of boys once took it so far, that they cornered you and tried to take your hat off. This then resulted in parents coming in and you being supervised by at least one teacher at every single hour of the day.

At first, you was confused at why there wasn’t anyone else that had ears or tails. You were also confused because, “Why do I have to hide something that I can’t help, it’s my nature?”

This, in turn, led to a conversation about the hybrid experiments that your parents went through and how they are in contact with The Hybrid Move organisation.

It hurt to bend your ears into a beanie at first, but after a while you got used to it, but now, from the years of fitting your ears into your beanie, they both bent outwards permanently at the top. Your tail hurt when you snatched it on somethings, and it killed when it snagged on your clothes. You always wear flowy, long skirts and baggy pants, making sure to cut a hole in your pants and that your top was always long enough to hide the cut. You have a very, artsy aesthetic, neutral and earth colours are your thing.

You live in a little bungalow, the large backyard was filled with flowers, plants, and vegetables. At the very back of your garden, you had a small selection of overgrown trees so that if you do shift, you have your own little hideout where you can properly connect with nature without being chased by a predator. You have a little cut in the middle of your right ear because of a fox. You had to shift at least once every month, otherwise, you get extremely uncomfortable and can cause you to shift in places where you really shouldn’t.

The only downside to your job, other than the snarky teachers was that you couldn’t go to any events that they held. You couldn’t exactly go to a posh event because you would end up wearing a beanie, very classy. And, you couldn’t wear fitted clothing.

You did have two teacher friends, first being Namjoon. He teaches English and has an incredibly beautiful husband, Jin who teaches history. How lovely the both of them are, they are so in love. Jin is so nice, he likes to look after both you and Joon. He often brings in food, of course they were vegan friendly for you. As much as you love Namjoon, he is clumsy and because of this clumsiness, they found out about you being a hybrid shifter.

What happened was, after school one day, you were on the ladders, hanging up some artwork when a loud crash came behind you as Namjoon dropped his mug of coffee. You are scared of loud noises because of your sensitive ears and the mug dropping caused you to shift. They had no words when one minute you were climbing the ladder and the next there’s a white bunny on the floor. Jin went to scream but Namjoon shoved his hand over his lovers’ mouth, causing the scream to be muffled. Joon is as clumsy as he is smart, so he connected the dots fairly fast and quickly went to shut the classroom door and pick the shaking bunny up in his arms. It only took 5 minutes of Joon and Jin stroking and whispering sweet words for you to shift back- Luckily with clothes. After that fiasco and explaining everything, they were very understanding and you three became very close friends, with you often feeling like you were third wheeling.

It was coming up to the end of summer, which meant that you could no longer just sit in the sunny spots of your living room and stay up to watch the sunset. You were excited nonetheless as you got to meet a new set of students that were coming up to their last years of primary. The whole process went smoothly and after a few months, they were well on their way with their current projects.

A little girl named Sujin became particularly close to you, sometimes choosing to stay in your classroom for lunch if she noticed that you wasn’t busy. Sujin had chubby cheeks and short, black hair with a wide, boxy smile. She was incredibly talented and was always excited about coming to art class, always skipping, singing, and dancing. Sujin was also a very curious child, always asking questions. You don’t mind answering them and you don’t even mind answering the ones about your personal life because, who on earth is she going to tell that your favourite snack is strawberries? One day after school she even asked if you had found your ‘prince or princess’. It took you a while to register what she was talking about, but you answered with a big, fat nope, ‘I haven’t found my prince’. After you answered, she just ran off and giggled, a cheeky smile painting her face. You shrugged, not minding her curiosity.

December comes and it’s time for parents evening. You have talked to multiple parents, a few have you scowling as they say how you ‘don’t dress like a teacher’ or that you ‘look too unprofessional’. Whilst you’re waiting for your last appointment with Sujin, you go around the classroom and pick up the swirl cut-outs that parents hadn’t notice where hanging from ceiling, causing them to waft their arms around and destroy some of them.

You stand in the frame of the door once you are done when you hear a very distinct laugh. Sujin comes bounding in, dragging a very, very tall and very, very handsome man down the hall. You can tell straight away that this is her father, his boxy smile unmistakably the same as Sujin’s.

Your mind buffers looking at him and your animal inside goes feral, ‘He could easily protect you; he looks strong and he’s so tall, he could defend you without much energy’. You blink rapidly, trying to stop yourself from jumping on top of him asking him to be your buck. Stupid animal instincts.

You look down when you notice that the man has stopped smiling and is now starring at your feet, to find that your right foot is slightly thumbing the ground. You try to stop yourself but you’re leg ends up twitching and shaking. Ignoring it the best you can, you smile awkwardly but in Taehyungs mind, you look annoyed; you’re leg stomping with a very forced smile. He looks sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck with the hand that isn’t holding Sujin’s

“I’m sorry I’m late, the traffic was worse than I thought”

Once again, your mind malfunctions at the deepness of his voice, ‘please, earth swallow me now’ you thought. You shake your head and mumble to him that it’s fine and you wasn’t waiting that long.

You lead them into the classroom and turn around when you hear Sujin giggle as the man almost runs straight into one of the swirls from the ceiling. You really should have asked Joon if he could have taken them down beforehand. You cover your mouth when you chuckle, his sharp, dark eyes finding yours when he hears you and coughs, his cheeks blushing slightly. You stop laughing and sit down at your desk, gesturing them to do the same.

Throughout the meeting, you say various praises for Sujin as she is a literal angel and is extremely talented. You question the man, that you now know as Taehyung, if there has been artistic people in the family.

“Um, no not really, I mean, I do. I only do art as a hobby though. One day she came home and asked if she could get some art supplies because she really enjoyed your lessons and loved how she could express herself” Your heart hammers in your chest at the thought of inspiring someone, even if it is a child, it’s a massive compliment for a teacher.

The meeting doesn’t last long but you do notice that the entire time, you had a very warm feeling in your heart. You felt comfort. You ignored your thoughts, deeming it to be from the warm classroom.

Just as you’re about to turn back into your classroom, his voice echoes in the, now empty, hallway, “Are you going to Parent-child Christmas dance?”

You pause in your tracks and stare wide-eyed at hm, “Uh-I-Uh”

‘Omg WORDS Y/N’ you thought

Quickly gathering your thoughts, you reply “I don’t usually go”

You see his shoulders sag as his smile falters and quickly add “I might go this time though”

You inwardly freak at your words, what were you thinking??

His boxy smile once again makes an appearance “I’ll see you there than, Ms L/N” His voice showing his excitement

Without a second thought you run to Joon’s room to get help. Oh gosh, what have you gotten yourself into?

On the night of the dance, you’re wearing an A-line dress so that it doesn’t catch your tail and your ears are free as you stand next to Namjoon and Jin who have fake bunny ear headbands on their heads. When you freaked out about going to the dance wearing a hat, they proposed that you just went without a hat. Immediately, you shot the idea down, but they suggested that if you went without a hat, they went with a headband so that you wasn’t alone.

You’re a bunch of nerves as you’re dart across the many parents and children that fill the decorated gym hall. You have to restrain your ears from moving towards every sound that they hear, not used to being uncovered. Lucky for you, many teachers were dressed up in a Christmas themes as you see many antler headbands and Santa costumes.

“Hey, you good?” Namjoon’s voice breaks you out of your trance as you look up at him with your wide eyes.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. Totally fine” You nod your head so many times, Jin thinks that your head might pop off.

“Your ears are twitching, darling” Jin says, going to rub your ears to soothe them, your body visibly relaxing at the administration.

Your eyes briefly flutter at the calming motion but soon shoot open when you hear the gym door opening. He walks in, once again, being tugged by Sujin who ditches him as soon as she sees her friends on the dance floor.

He makes eye contact with you and you can feel your face heat up. You see him take big steps towards you, not seeming to notice Jin or Namjoon who look at the both of you curiously. They step away when Taehyung gets close enough, wanting to watch the interaction from the side-lines.

You both stand side by side in silence until it’s broken by Taehyung, “I’m going to get a drink, do you want anything?”

You shake your head, too nervous to speak, your ears almost twitching.

He walks off as you stare at his broad back. He looked amazing tonight as he wore a flowery coat with a black tuxedo underneath it, his hair fluffy and curly, you want to run your hands through it. His jawline is sharp, and his eyes are a deep shade of brown, you could get lost in them.

Your lost in your head by the time he comes back to you, jumping when he appears in front of you, bending his back to look into your eyes because of the height difference. Even in heels, you only just reach his shoulders.

“I bought you some strawberries, Sujin says that they are your favourite”

Your big eyes stare into his, he remembered? You told Sujin that like 2 months ago. You don’t dwell on it too long as you look at the plastic plate in his hand that is full of strawberries and snatch one so quick that Taehyung didn’t think he’s seen anyone move so fast.

His chuckle causes you to strain your head upwards to look at him with your cheeks full of strawberries. With your cheeks still full you smile shyly, some strawberry juice escaping but Taehyung just grabs a napkin and softly grabs your chin with his other hand and gently wipes it away. All you can do is look at his face, noticing that he has one monolid and one double lid, as well as having a little mole on the tip of his nose.

He doesn’t move when he is finished and just looks you in the eye, his eyes filled with curiosity of wanting to know you more and adoration because he thinks, that he might have just fallen, even if you don’t know each other fully.

Throughout the rest of the night, it’s filled with random questions and you learn a lot about this man. When your both looking at the kids dancing, you see him look at the kids with adoration and care, a smile always present on his face, you wonder why he isn’t a teacher.

However, when you think that everything is going well, it goes downhill, fast.

The music seems to be getting louder and your ears twitch slightly, you feel a whimper wanting to leave your throat at the discomfort. You turn to face Taehyung when you find that he is already looking at you, specifically, your ears.

“I’m going to get some space” you whisper to him, your voice small. You see Taehyung nod at you, still fascinated by your ears.

You walk into the hallway outside of the gym and lean against the wall, breathing heavily. You closed your eyes to try and focus on relaxing your ears from all of the sounds that surrounded you, the music booming, the sound of the AC, footsteps. Footsteps.

You looked up frantically, looking at the man that was staring at you intently, the disgusting smell he gave off showed his intentions. Frozen in place, he came up to you and slammed his hands next to your head. His lips contorted into a smirk as he dragged his hands down to your face and stroked your cheek, “I’ve been looking for you, I knew I would find you eventually”

Your throat hurt felt tight as you gulped. His hand that wasn’t on your cheek slowly caressed your figure, going down to your waist, his grip tight. You let out a whimper when he pulled your right bunny ear, your eyes filling with tears. Your animal instincts of submitting made you shake, both of your ears dropping to the back of your head.

“Aren’t you a sight, little bunny” he stated, his breath smelled like smoke, making you want to gag. Your breathing became heavier as he started to pull you closer to his taller and more muscular frame.

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing” a voice growled, surrounding the empty hallway.

The man that held you turned you around to face Taehyung, one of his arms going towards your neck and the other wrapping around your waist. Your arms go up to his arm around your neck as your nails dig into his skin.

“Aw, the boyfriend has come to rescue the doe” the man snarled at Taehyung, anger radiating off him.

Taehyung’s eyes are sharp, his jaw clenched as he looked at the arms around your neck and waist but softening as he saw the tears running down your face. Taehyung saw red when the man tightens his grip on your throat, he lunges towards the both of you when the man holding you speaks.

“Did you know these pretty things are real?”

Taehyung stops, his face void of showing emotion. The man that held you pulled your ear once again as you whimpered in pain, tears finally making their way down your face. You start to cough when the lack of oxygen gets too much.

The noises and the stress of situation was getting too much for you and it was like Taehyung knew as he made eye contact with you as your ears started to twitch on their own, your tail feeling fuzzy.

The arms around you slip as you shift into your bunny form, the man stumbling slightly which gives Taehyung the perfect advantage as he runs to the man, punching him square in the face. The man hits the floor with all of his weight, his eyes shutting. You don’t have much time to think about how strong Taehyung must be to knock him out with one punch as you sprint down the hall, your small legs jumping as fast as they can to find somewhere to hide.

“Y/N wait” You hear Taehyung cry out as he runs after you.

You’re fast, but Taehyung is faster with his longer legs as he scoops you up in his arms. You kick him with your back feet, trying to get out of his grip but not with all of your force so that you don’t injure him.

“Shh, shh, it’s fine, it’s just me. You’re fine” He shushes and coes at you, calming you down, one of his hands rubs against your fur.

Taehyung slowly slumps down against the wall of the hallway, not too far away from the gym but not close enough that someone will walk down. He is still holding you as you calm down, whispering soothing words into your ears and rubbing your back. You look up at him and all you see is love in his eyes. You sit up a bit more on your back feet, your front paws going onto his chest for stability as you nudge his nose with yours. His laugh rings out down the hallway as you start to lick his cheek.

Taehyung feels a significantly heavier weight on his lap as you shift back into your human form, your legs over his sideways, your right side leaning into his chest and your hands resting near his collarbone. There are still tear tracks on your face as you look up to him with your big eyes.

“I knew these bunny ears looked scarily realistic” he chuckles, no disgust in his voice.

 You stay seated in Tae’s lap when you call the hybrid organisation, as he occasionally kisses you head when you choke on your words, encouraging and supporting you. You both sat there for a while afterwards, with his left hand wrapped around your waist and his right brushing your bunny ears. Your teeth clicking together in contentment as no words where said, none were needed.

Taehyung is nearly tackled to the floor when you both walk into the gym hall as Sujin jumps on him and wraps her arms around his neck. She babbles at how she had such a good time dancing and that one of the other girls, Yuna, showed her some dance moves. You and Taehyung laugh as she talk animatedly about it. You move your hands to brush your hands through her hair, gathering it all so that you can redo her ponytail, whilst Taehyung looks at both of you with fond eyes.

“you know, there’s a job opening for another art teacher, the other one left” your voice was soft as you glanced at Tae. His eyes looking straight at you, excitement evident. Sujin joins in, encouraging her dad to start working here. You knew that he would love the job, he is great with kids, and for your own selfish reasons, you really want him to teach by your side. When Taehyung says that he will apply, you feel warmth start to spread in your chest, a wide smile making its way onto your face.

“Daddy, look it’s a slow song, go dance with Ms. L/N” Sujin whispers into Taehyungs ear. She noticed that her daddy was looking at you when you was talking to Namjoon and Jin about something across the hall. Your ears pick up the words she spoke as you weren't fully paying attention to what Joon or Jin was talking about. You didn’t mean to, but with Tae stood there, you couldn’t help but savour every moment that you were near each other.

Taehyung puts Sujin down and walks over to you in wide strides, confidence oozing out of him. A sly smirk makes its way onto your face when you make eye contact with each other, making Tae falter in his steps.

“May I have this dance?” His voice cuts through the convocation Jin and Joon was having, both of them looking at Tae with their mouths open.

“You may” You say shyly, taking his hand.

The both of you make it to the dance floor as other parents fill up the space. You put your arms around his shoulders as he puts his on your waist, the warmth once again coming back and filling up your chest.

“I’m sorry about what happened earlier” you said in a low voice, not making eye contact with him.

Taehyungs heart cracks a little at how small you sounded, “It’s completely fine, I should have gone out with you” his voice equally as low.

You look up at him and your heart beats a little bit faster. You shake your head side to side to disagree with him, neither of you could have predicted what happened.

“Ever since I met you at parents evening, I thought about you ever day. Every time I see you my heart beats erratically and there’s a warmth in my chest that I can’t explain” Tae mumbled, only for you to hear.

You place your head on his chest as you both sway to the music and whisper “I’m the same. But I have, um, something to tell you”

“My parents said that whenever I find warmth, this warmth, it’s where my home will be” you pause, “Tae, I think you’re my home”

Taehyung stops dancing, causing you both to be stood in the middle of the gym, the parents around you still swaying past both of you. You don’t separate from him nor look at him, scared of what he may say. The palpitations in your heart, the closeness and the heat in your chest have your feelings soaring, so much so, that a tear escapes your eye at the thought of him being disgusted by the words you spoke.

He raises his hand to life your chin up to meet his eyes, he briefly looks down at your lips, then back to your eyes, looking for permission. You nod slowly, standing on your tip toes as he leans down, his hand now cupping your cheek. The dim lights casted shadows onto his face, though you could see him perfectly. You can feel the hand that lays on your cheek softly, contrasting with the strong grip around your waist. Leaning closer, your lips met in a sweet kiss, all of your emotions coming to the surface. You clutches his shirt into your hands, tears now fully coating your cheeks. He pulled away slightly, his breath danced across my lips as he whispered, “I don’t think you’re my home, I know you are my home”.

You smile to brightly that it hurts your cheeks, he brings a hand up to wipe away your tears. Even with mascara smudging at the bottom of your eyes, tear stains on your cheeks and bloodshot eyes, Taehyung hasn’t something more beautiful.

3 years later

Explaining what you were to Taehyung was easy, but explaining it to a young girl, was interesting to say the least. It sent her imagination wild when she asked you to shift, she loved to give you kisses and hug you close to her.

You now lived in Taehyung’s house with Sujin, who has recently started to call you mummy. She first said it when you tucked her in bed when one day, your ears stood up to attention, eyes stinging to avoid from crying with happiness. As soon as you got to your shared bedroom with Tae, you flopped onto your side in front of him, instantly shifting to your bunny form. Tae laughed at you as he rubbed your fur and asked, once you shifted back, what caused that reaction. When you told him, he seemed to be as happy as you were.

Both of you are art teachers at the primary school. When you first properly introduced him to Namjoon and Jin, they interrogated him for a least an hour. But nonetheless, the four of you created an amazing friendship group, you could finally be yourself, your tail and all.

You smile at the thought of the four of you having a sleepover this Saturday as you pack your Taehyungs bag. You’re so happy that you get up and run to Taehyung, only to run away from him, giggling like a mad woman, “be careful love” he calls. You turn around and come back towards him at full speed and once you’re a few centimetres away from him, you start to circle his standing figure, your socks slipping on the hardwood floor. His laugh is deep as he catches you around the waist and flops you both backwards on to the sofa, cradling you in his lap. His eyes soften as you start to rub your chin on his shoulder. You relax against his body as you now start to nibble his shoulder. After being together for 3 years, Taehyung is used to this display of affection as he knows what it means – you’re happy and in love.

Taehyung kisses the top of your head once you’ve finished scenting him and pulls you closer together when Sujin bounces on top of the sofa next to you, joining in on the hug.

Your little family was perfect, and you loved it.

[annaraebananawriter]

1: Just a Bad Dream; Dying in LA

PLEASE READ NOTE BEFORE STORY:

Yellow everyone! I just wanted to warn you that I’m still kind of recovering from burning myself out, so don’t expect anything too awesome this week. I think Day 1 is actually the best that I’ve written for it, so far, so...It’s really just for me to stretch my muscles out again and get back into the flow.

With that said, this is Dy 1 of Dark Cream Week by @zu-is-here

Fandom: Undertale, but specifically UTMV

Characters: Shattered Dream (Who belongs to Galacii), Cross (Who belongs to Jakei) and mentioned Nightmare (who belongs to Joku)

Pairings: For now, implied Cream/Dark Cream

Warnings: I can’t remember, so let me know!

Word Count: 2096

~oOo~

The moment you arrived

They built you up

The sun was in your eyes

You couldn't believe it

~oOo~

They say that fate determines how you end up in life.

They say that destiny determines what you do in life.

These two things work in harmony with each other, one influencing the other around and around in a never-ending circle. Everyone was touched by them before they were born, the seed for skills necessary to succeed planted in them, waiting to be grown. No matter what happens, nothing pushes you away from what fate and destiny have determined for you.

It does not matter if your actions are good. If you give everything away and help everyone you come across. If you love your friends and family and strangers unconditionally. If you ignore yourself in favor of others.

It does not matter if your actions are bad. If you spit and sneer at everyone around you. If you yell and hit in anger and hate. If you hold your needs in front of everyone else and ignore those who should have just a little bit of attention too.

It simply does not matter.

Your fate and destiny have been determined already.

Why bother changing it?

~oOo~

Riches all around

You're walking

Stars are on the ground

You start to believe it

~oOo~

Cross was familiar with loss and guilt. When you kill your family and friends, try to delete other worlds, you tend to do so out of pain, driven only by a desperate hope that you can fix what you’ve done. But you can’t. Actions have consequences and the world will not let you go without them. He knows this well, almost too well.

Nothing stops the hurt, though. He’s tried. It was still there, stinging through every bandage and healing balm. If it shrunk, it only grew stronger. Other people tried to help as well, but their efforts were also in vain. Guilt comes from the loss that his actions have caused and that guilt causes this pain that will always be there, no matter how small and weak it eventually becomes.

This was his consequence. He’s learned to accept that now.

He’s learned to walk through the hurt and try and be better.

It was hard, yes. Stumbling and tripping over his feet, hesitant to make any decision lest it be the wrong one and reset his progress. There were many times where he thought that he’d stepped over the line and that they were going to quit on him, leaving him alone again. But they didn’t. They stayed, and the stumbling smoothed out to captiousness, the hesitance smoothed into nervousness. He would not be as confident as he once was, not for a while yet, but it was a start.

He was trying. That’s all that mattered.

And now he can stand on a hill, look into the blue sky and see the colours surrounding him and he can smile. A small, serene smile made of pure content, pride for himself. He can relax his shoulders and just breathe for a moment or two.

Everything was getting better.

Until he looks to his left and see yet another consequence to his newer actions, what his pained words snarled in a patient yet hurt smiling face.

Until Dream takes that step off the edge.

~oOo~

Every face along the boulevard

Is a dreamer just like you

~oOo~

“Don’t touch me! Just…just stop trying to help!”

“I lost my entire family, my home, and he gave me the hope that I could get it back. Why should I believe that you’re not just giving me the exact same false hope?”

“Some guardian you are…”

“You don’t know anything about what I’ve been through!”

But Dream did, Cross realized it now.

Dream had lost his family, his home, too, in the blink of an eye. Not only that, but he was put in a position to fight his brother, whom had changed so much he might as well’ve been a stranger, over and over again. The pressure to do that and still be happy, or at least act like it, must’ve been immense. Cross couldn’t begin to imagine it.

They had both lost their family and been hurt in very similar ways.

Cross just wished he realized this sooner.

~oOo~

You looked at death in a tarot card

And you saw what you had to do

~oOo~

Cross didn’t try to stop Nightmare as he ran away.

He was focused on the skeleton in pain in front of them. The one who was crying, black sludge spilling down and covering his bones, tinted gold as if in reminder of what it used to be. The one who reached a hand up, to try and stop his brother from leaving, but didn’t get far before dropping it to the ground, another pained noise escaping him.

Cross was frozen. He willed his legs to move, instinct in his mind saying to turn and run away too, away from danger, away from him. But he didn’t. He stayed put, legs not listening and just watched.

Underneath the instinct was a different kind of pain. It burned instead of stinging and left his soul aching in a way he had never felt before. He was suddenly all too aware of the ring he kept in his pocket, one the skeleton in front of him had turned down. It made a lump grow in his throat and he swallowed, clenching his hands.

Dream hunched over, arms wrapped around himself.

And all at once, Cross realized something.

If his words had had any part in leading up to this…

His legs finally moved and he rushed forward, reaching for Dream, for the one he held so close to his heart, wrapping his arms around him, even though he could not shield him from something within.

If his actions had this consequence, if his consequence had given up on himself, then he would have to be the one that stayed, that brought him back.

He’ll do it, or die in the process.

~oOo~

But nobody knows you now

When you're dying in LA

And nobody owes you now

When you're dying in LA

~oOo~

If fate and destiny have predetermined your story, then what does it matter how you act? If your good or bad, what does it matter? What does it matter if all your actions just bring you back to the path, no matter how far you try and stray from it?

What does anything matter?

~oOo~

When you're dying in LA

~oOo~

Good can be bad and bad can be good.

This is a fact.

But does it change anything?

What does it matter?

~oOo~

When you're dying in LA

~oOo~

“I’m tired.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Why can’t you see that I’m just like you?”

“Why do we have to be enemies?”

“I don’t understand.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry”

“Please…don’t leave me alone again…”

“I love you.”

~oOo~

The power, the power, the power

Oh the power, the power, the power

Of LA

~oOo~

Good is bad and bad is good.

What will change because of this?

~oOo~

Nights at the chateau

Trapped in your sunset bungalow

You couldn't escape it

~oOo~

Dream is familiar with emptiness and betrayal. He’s watched his home burn, his mother cut in half and his brother metaphorically die. All of these were caused by the villagers, people Dream once believed to be his friend, no matter how harsh they might’ve been at times. When you see everyone you care about die by the hands of someone you also care about, that is what causes the emptiness.

This emptiness did not mean he didn’t feel, no. He felt quite a lot actually. Happiness, grief, calmness, anger…love…he felt them all, some more so than others. They weren’t smothered or dulled in anyway by the emptiness. No, the emptiness was rather just a numbness he’s gained to certain situations. He can’t change it.

It was his consequence. He accepts this.

He hasn’t accepted fighting his brother nonstop until one of them is dead.

It was disorienting when he started, almost like he was trying to wake on quicksand and every step he took only dragged him further down. Everything was new. He had to learn fast how to shoot a bow, how to dodge, how to block, how to run. How to survive. All while his brother watched and laughed in amusement.

That was what hurt most of all. The amusement. Brothers were supposed to care for each other, help each other stay safe and heal from injuries. They weren’t supposed to laugh at you while you barely dodged the tentacle aiming for your soul. They aren’t supposed to be trying to kill you at all.

He hated it.

~oOo~

Yeah

~oOo~

Apples are dangerous. They’re enticing. You want to take a bite of it, regardless of the effects it’ll do to your body and soul, in what ways it’ll warp your mind. They beckon you and lure you in, until all you can think about is what it’ll taste like, that savoury bite.

Nightmare wasn’t able to resist this temptation.

And if the saying goes that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…

Then it should only make sense Dream would follow in his footsteps.

~oOo~

Drink of paradise

They told you put your blood on ice

You're not gonna make it

~oOo~

Nightmare ran away from him.

The coward.

Dream doesn’t understand why. Brothers should support brothers when they decide to become better, to change how the world sees them, to try and prove they can’t be all good. They shouldn’t run, horror etched on their face as if this wasn’t supposed to happen, that he’d made such a terrible mistake.

“You can’t make mistakes, you’re positivity! You have to be perfect all the time.”

He runs his hands over each other, taking in the new coating of sludge while he waits for Cross, his lov—subordinate to wake up. It was just like Nightmare’s, the same consistency and everything, though his had a golden tint to it, rather than turquoise.

Of course.

Even corrupted, he was still positivity.

~oOo~

Every face along the boulevard

Is a dreamer just like you

~oOo~

He felt stronger. But weaker at the same time.

Was that a thing?

He felt like he could bend people to his will, make them listen just like he wants the entire multiverse to. He can’t stop thinking about people crying as he plays out illusion upon illusion in front of them, slowly dwindling their hope and love and any other positivity until it was completely shattered.

And yet, he can’t help but get the feeling that there’s a shakiness within him. Something is unbalanced, wobbling in his soul. It feels poisoned. He has no clue what it could be. He did everything the right way, he’s proven his worth, so everything should be fine now, right?

Everything was fine.

It had to be.

~oOo~

You looked at death in a tarot card

And you saw what you had to do

~oOo~

Cross groaned behind him, making Dream perk up. “…Night…mare?”

Were they really that similar now? Interesting. The thought that his brother and him can never stop being twins makes Dream giggle under his breath as he turns, smiling as Cross’s eyes widen.

“Not quite.”

~oOo~

But nobody knows you now

When you're dying in LA

And nobody owes you now

When you're dying in LA

~oOo~

Fate and destiny are predetermined things…but they are not a gift, no.

They are a curse.

Bad gets jealous of good and tries to prove he can be just the same as his counterpart, but only succeeds in cursing himself farther. Good is hurt by this and centuries go by.

Good gets desperate, nothing enough anymore, so he tries to prove tat he can be just the same as his counterpart, both succeeding and failing. He’s cursed himself, too.

Bad runs away, leaving good.

And now they’ve both strayed from their path.

~oOo~

When you're dying in LA

~oOo~

Good is bad and bad is good.

Or are they?

How can we tell? Who are we to say?

They will determine that for themselves, who is who.

~oOo~

When you're dying in LA

~oOo~

“…are you crying?”

“Don’t stop.”

“It feels amazing!”

~oOo~

The power, the power, the power

Oh, the power, the power, the power

~oOo~

Fate has bended and destiny is broken.

How will this change things?

~oOo~

Of LA

[longing-and-heartache-and-lust]

the drug, the dark, the light, the flame, Ch.V

[previous] [next] [Ao3]

A new chapter for my work for this year’s @geraskierbigbang in collaboration with the amazing @gen-syz-art as my artist ✨

See the second art piece by @gen-syz-art right here

____________________________

After they finally leave the dining table, Jaskier takes the witcher on a tour of the gardens, telling him about all the trees and bushes and flowers he can think of, and by the time they reach the far end of the fence, the mansion is lost in the greenery. 

The last time Geralt was here he knew that the gardens are big but had no idea just how enormous they actually are. 

He wants to ask about how many people it takes to keep an estate like this in perfect condition but that feels impolite, so he doesn’t. 

On their way back, they take a different route, and at about a halfway point come across a small pond, just as perfect as everything else. Lucio’s ears perk up but Jaskier gives him a little glance and the dog stays by his side. 

“Washing them after they get wet is a nightmare,” Jaskier laughs. “That fur requires a lot of work.”

His eyes light up every time he talks about his dogs and most people would probably find that childish, Geralt assumes, but not him. He knows perfectly well that an animal can be so much more than a pet, so he listens with interest, following Jaskier half a step behind. 

He should probably go, he knows it. It’s been hours since he’d arrived and he wasn’t supposed to stay in the first place, but Jaskier doesn’t mention it, doesn't seem uncomfortable, and so Geralt allows himself just a little more self-indulgence, deciding that he’ll leave at sunset, so that he can be back in the little town before midnight. 

He doesn’t really have a plan, after this. 

He could head to Gelibol, look for a contract or two there, it’s only a few days away now, but when he thinks of it, he realises that on his way to the mansion, he didn’t think about his next destination at all. Like all that mattered during those days on the road was getting here, and what came after was mostly irrelevant. 

And that’s… not right. 

Not the way it’s supposed to be, not the way he’s used to it being. He’s a witcher, not a simple wayfarer that can afford not knowing his next destination. A life on the Path is a life that has to have all the next steps planned out, drawn on a mental map. In late autumn, he’ll have to head to Kaer Morhen and if he’s not careful enough, if he allows himself to get so involved in something that isn’t work, he might not get to the keep at all this winter. It’s only a matter of days that Kaer Morhen gets completely cut off from the rest of Kaedwen by snow. 

No, he shouldn’t do this anymore. Shouldn’t concentrate on anything other than the monsters that need to be killed. 

He will stay until sunset and then leave. Leave for good this time, if he wants it or not. Making connections is just too much for him to afford. In the end, he will always only bring pain, he knows it a little too well, because what else can a witcher give someone? 

Jaskier seems to notice that he’s gone quiet, because Geralt is pulled back into reality by the feeling of the younger man’s warm fingers on his wrist.  

“What are you daydreaming about?” he smiles, suddenly standing very close. 

Geralt blinks, shaking his thoughts off, and for a second just stares at Jaskier’s hand on his wrist. He’d taken his gloves off when they were in the library, and now the feeling of skin on skin almost startles him. 

“Nothing,” he finally makes himself say. “I was just thinking about how useful some of these plants could be when making elixirs.”

That seems to light another little fire in Jaskier’s eyes, because he asks almost immediately:

“Do all Schools use the same elixirs? Or do they wary, like armour and swords?”

It looks like it’s Geralt’s time to talk now, and, well, he’s not opposed to satisfying Jaskier’s appetite for knowledge. 

“It’s all the same,” he says, almost tripping over his words when Jaskier’s fingers slip down from his wrist and brush over the back of his hand. It’s just a heartbeat, how long it lasts, and then they’re walking again. “Different Schools could have a different reaction, though, because the Trials and mutations differ.”

He tells Jaskier about the most predictable elixirs - such as Swallow or White Honey - and the most unpredictable ones, like Thunder. Tells him about the way Cat works, allowing him to see in complete darkness, and about the way Black Blood helps fight vampires, though it tastes worse than most of the elixirs combined. 

Jaskier listens without interrupting, just wrinkles his nose when Geralt tells him that some elixirs call for components like nekker hearts. 

He walks closer to the witcher than before, and though they’re still separated by Lucio, who partially has Jaskier’s attention, Geralt can almost feel his warmth and that makes him think about what would happen if he was the one to reach out and touch. Would Jaskier flinch away, like all people always do? Or would he allow for it, even though Geralt has no right?

By the time they get back to the mansion the witcher manages to drive himself half-insane with those thoughts.

“It will take us the entire rest of the day to make our way through the mansion, but if you want to, I’ll show you around,” Jaskier says when the front door closes behind them. 

Geralt hesitates for a moment. 

If he agrees, he’s going to have to leave right after go through all the floors, but if he doesn’t, they’ll settle down somewhere and he’ll have to do something with this itch under his skin that makes him long for just one more touch. It doesn’t go away when they walk, but it’s easier to ignore. 

And, after all, he does want to see the mansion. 

“Well,” he says, smiling just a little. “I was wondering how do you not get lost in these labyrinths.”

Jaskier laughs, ruffling his chestnut hair, and the sleeves of his chemise shimmer in the light that pours in through the windows. 

“I do, actually,” he says, adjusting the cuffs that wrap tightly around his wrists. “Sometimes.”

***

Geralt counts twenty-six empty bedrooms as they make their way through the five floors of the mansion. There are also music rooms, study rooms, balconies, three more libraries, though much smaller than the one on the ground floor, a studio with canvases and paints, a ballroom, a little in-door garden filled with light from a glass ceiling, and a separate room with everything one might need to take care of Asra and Lucio. Aside from all that, there are dozens of other rooms that Geralt can’t find the right name for or simply can’t keep track of. 

All the rooms are impeccable, not a single cobweb or even the thinnest layer of dust, and Geralt can’t even imagine how many people must work here to keep it that way. 

Geralt tries to keep count of all the paintings and other pieces of art that he sees but loses track somewhere on the fourth floor. They’re all beautiful, though, he can’t deny Jaskier that. 

The mansion doesn’t feel overwhelming anymore, at least not in the way it used to, and by the way they get back to the library which seems to be Jaskier’s favourite room of the entire estate, Geralt feels like some sort of weight has been taken off his shoulders. 

It is, however, just a little before sunset, and the room is painted in bright golden light that makes it seem, though for only a few short minutes, like the time has stopped. Jaskier’s eyes, when they catch the light, are even brighter than usual, and Geralt catches himself looking at that cornflower-blue for a little too long. 

He wonders what Jaskier would say if he were to tell him that he looks beautiful like this, but instead if being thrilling, the uncertainty feels terrifying, so Geralt bites his tongue and keeps his thoughts to himself. 

He does, after all, have to leave. 

“It’s getting late,” he says carefully. “I think it’s best if I get to the inn in town before minding, so I should--” 

Jaskier doesn’t quite let him finish, turning around from where he’d been basking in the sunlight by one of the windows. 

“Oh, don’t you start with that again,” he says, rolling his eyes dramatically. “You can stay here. Arthur had arranged for the room that you chose last time to be prepared hours ago.”

Geralt falters. 

He shouldn’t stay. He shouldn’t allow himself to stay again, to go back to that room, to that bed with its silks and velvets and cushions. He shouldn’t allow himself to stay here with Jaskier because this is not what he’s meant to do. 

He’s a witcher, his life is destined for the Path and the monsters that he comes across while travelling it, not mansions and this aching, suffocating feeling somewhere deep in his chest, like he belongs. Like there could be more to life than just hunting and contempt. 

His emotions must show, because Jaskier takes a step closer. 

“Oh, come on,” he persuades. “There is a wyvern in the nearby forests, I’ve told you. It’s already getting dark, if you leave now, I’m gonna be worried about you.”

Geralt wants to tell him that wyverns aren’t nighttime predators. That he’s going to be perfectly safe on his way back to the town and that even if the creature was to strike, he knows very well how to deal with one of those. 

He wants to tell Jaskier that he shouldn’t stay because he’s not meant for any of this, but before he can, Jaskier takes another two steps towards him. 

“Stay,” he asks, reaching out to take the witcher’s hands into his own.

And against that, Geralt is powerless. 

He looks down at their hands, Jaskier’s perfect skin standing out against his own, rough and covered with thin, barely visible scars. The warmth of the younger man’s touch radiates through his entire body, now that there is no leather of gloves to separate them. 

He shouldn’t stay, shouldn’t allow himself this but he can’t bring himself to take his hands away and turn towards the door, not with that gleam of hope in Jaskier’s eyes. 

“Alright,” he nods, finally. “Wouldn’t want you to worry for me, would I?”

***

It’s only after midnight that Geralt finally bids Jaskier goodnight and makes his way to the same bedroom that he’d stayed in the last time. 

He undresses and quickly slips under the fur blankets, escaping the night cold. Now that he doesn’t feel like an intruder in the mansion, the bed seems even more comfortable.

Geralt settles among the pillows and cushions, listening to the trees behind the large windows rustle and whisper in the breeze. 

It feels both right and wrong, being here. 

Jaskier is so… kind to him, but whatever he does, Geralt can’t figure out why. 

After he’d agreed to stay for the night, they stayed in the library until nightfall, just talking and keeping themselves warm with the sweet herbal tea that Arthur had brought them, and then, when the moon was already high in the sky, went out to check on Roach and other horses. Geralt supposed that they’ll go back indoors as soon as they leave the stables, but instead, Jaskier chose the porch of one of the garden-facing doors to settle down on, and pulled Geralt onto the wooden steps alongside him. 

The gardens held some special kind of beauty to them at night, and for a few long minutes, they just sat in comfortable silence, not close enough to touch but enough for Geralt to feel the warmth radiating off Jaskier. 

He wondered then, in the very back of his mind, what would happen if he was the one to reach his hand out, feel that warmth closer, but of course, he couldn’t. Whatever the younger man’s motives were for all of this, Geralt was still a witcher, and Jaskier didn’t need touches from him. 

But it was nice, just sitting there together, looking up into the dark sky, filled with shimmering stars, and not thinking about anything else, if only for a few moments.

Geralt sighs, turning to lay on his side and pulling the covers up to his shoulders, the furs pleasantly warm against his bare skin. 

It’s quiet, like the mansion is entirely separated from the outside world, and it’s such a contrast to the noisy inns and taverns, or the forests where everything comes alive at night, that Geralt, for once, almost feels peaceful. 

Peaceful, if just a little lonely. 

After spending the entire day with Jaskier and his seemingly constant attention, being alone again, in such a big room, almost feels… cold, somehow. 

Geralt knows he shouldn’t think about it, shouldn’t even entertain the thought, but he still wonders if he’ll ever return to this room again, if he’ll ever spend another night in this bed. 

He should leave in the morning and not come back anymore, because being here makes him feel in a way he’s not supposed to. In a way that probably wasn’t even close to reality. 

Jaskier had told him that he’s interested in witchers, that it’s been that way ever since the Academy - which, Geralt assumed, was about eight or ten years ago - so this is probably all he was to him - an academic interest. 

What other reason would he have to invite Geralt into his home not once but twice? Why else would he insist that he stays until morning? 

But even as Geralt thinks that, he still knows - somewhere in the back of his mind - that that’s not true. Not entirely, at least.  

Jaskier barely asked him any questions about his training or anything else that could provide him some insight into the life of a witcher. He didn’t even ask about his hair, just looked, and Geralt answered the unspoken questions on his own volition. Because Jaskier looked at him with genuine curiosity rather than contempt. And it wasn’t because Geralt is a witcher, but rather because he simply… looked different. 

Silver, Jaskier said, my dogs are white and your hair is silver. 

No one has ever said anything like that to him before. 

Silver, he supposed, was a beautiful colour. Certainly more beautiful than grey, which he’d heard his hair referred to much more than once. 

It wasn’t that he cared that much about the colour of his hair, for he’d grown to accept it as it was decades ago, it was that Jaskier saw it differently than everyone else. Saw him differently.

Silver. 

Like one of his swords. Like the medallion on his neck. 

Geralt turns to lie on his other side, his thoughts making him restless in a way that he can’t call unpleasant. 

He thinks back on all of those little touches and smiles that Jaskier had given him, thinks back on the blush on his cheeks when Jaskier asked him whether or not his shoulder is healed yet and Geralt, for reasons still not entirely known to him, had decided to tease him about his choice of words. And even then, Jaskier had won that little battle.

“You had me half-naked in this very chair half an hour after meeting me last time, and now it’s inappropriate to talk about my physique?”

“It’s not like I was looking! I’ll let you know that I’m a very responsible man and I was only focused on the task at hand.”

“Of course. Very focused on me and my built shoulders.”

“Well, if that’s what you want to believe.”

Oh, Geralt thinks, sitting up on the bed with the force of the sudden realisation, Was he flirting with me?

[perriwinklesblog]

There are so many possible endings for the egg arc but the one I’d love the most would be a confrontation with Bad.

Once again I got carried away and wrote something way too long.

I know we have many battles and the game would limit the actual things I’m describing but just imagine if they were able to have like the natural disaster mod on the server. Like the wind whipping around as the egg starts the crack the ground. During all of that you have the eggheads versus the others who are trying to destroy the egg before it destroys them. 

Puffy is trying her hardest but every time she gets close the egg physically pushes her back. Purpled is trying to snipe from a distance when Punz confronts him. Sam and Ponk are pushed into a corner by Antfrost and Bad before Puffy backs them up. 

Eventually they regroup, heal slightly but the situation outside is getting worse. 

Puffy: If we can get past Bad and Ant then we can drop TNT on the thing and run. One shot, one shot is all we need. We cannot physically touch it but that doesn’t mean we can’t throw explosives at it. 

Ponk: I don’t think we can even get close to them! Have you seen the weather out there? That is crazy man, I swear I was going to be shot into the sky. 

Purpled: If I deal with Punz then you wouldn’t have a sniper on you. That takes out one threat. I can’t deal with him by myself, I need the back up. Ponk?

Ponk: Huh? What? Me?

Puffy: We’re running out of options. 

Ponk: Goddamn. Alright. 

Puffy: I can try and lure out Ant from Bad and the egg’s side. Hopefully he’s weaker away from the egg. 

Sam: I guess that leaves me with Bad and the TNT. 

Puffy: Yeah. Well you are the creeper King right?

Sam: Hm. I guess so. Alright. Do not kill unless absolutely necessary. I mean it. 

Ponk: Yeah yeah. 

And so they get back to it. The buildings around them are starting to look a lot like the L’Manhole. The wind has picked up and every now and then things are flying through the air. One by one everyone enacts their plans. Ponk and Purpled deal with Punz. Puffy lures Ant out and Sam confronts Bad. 

Bad: Sam. There is no point in fighting. You’ve already lost. Look at this place! Look what the egg has done! Isn’t it beautiful? Come on Sam. I know you hear it too. Just embrace it. There is no need for this foolish fight. We can all live in peace with the egg. 

Sam: Bad. Look around you, this isn’t peace! There would be nothing to live with if we let this thing win. 

Bad: It just needs some sustenance. And as soon as you and Puffy hand over Tommy, all of this will stop. 

Sam: He’s a child, Bad. He’s gone through enough.

Bad: He has done enough to this server. 

Sam: This is no way to deal with it. What is really the route of this Bad? What did  it offer you? What does it say to you?

Bad: What does it offer you Sam? What does it offer anyone! Their hearts desires! Happiness! 

Sam: It told me to kill Fran. That is not happiness. That is not my desire. 

Bad: No, no no. You don’t understand. You clearly haven’t spoken to the egg properly. 

Sam: What did it offer you Bad? What did it ask you to do? What did you sacrifice for this Bad? What did it ask you to kill? Was it Skeppy? How long have you been corrupted? Did it get you to sacrifice Skeppy so he would stay with you? Stay by you? Or did you sacrifice yourself so you’d be with Skeppy? If you’re both under the influence of the egg, both corrupted, both on the same side then there would be no arguing, there would be not tension between the two of you? Was that it? Bad, it didn’t work. It drove him further away from you.

Bad: No. You all did. Your meddling set things off course. If you all had just succumbed-

Sam: Bad. Listen to yourself. Really listen. Don’t listen to the egg and I know it’s hard, its whispering can be so loud sometimes, it can be overwhelming. You just want to relax into the words, let it wash over you and forget the pain but thats not how you deal with life Bad. You’re fed up with the way people treated you? With the way we’ve all treated you. I know how often we’ve pushed you aside. Fundy told us what this place was meant to be, what he asked you to do but it turned out he lied to you. We all haven’t taken you seriously and Bad I am truly, truly sorry about that. I really am. None of us listened to you. All you had was Skeppy but then he... Skeppy was your friend and you two had a fight. You drifted apart a bit and it was scary because this was your best friend, this was your family and you felt like they were leaving you right? And he had seemed like the only person that listened but now he was gone and it hurt. That hurts. The pain, that agonising pain, the grief, it hurt you and this thing, it’s taking advantage of that, Bad. This isn’t how you deal with it. This isn’t how you heal. Forcing the pain onto others isn’t how you heal. We all need to do better and it’s not always going to be easy but we will try, we will try together. Skeppy isn’t gone forever, your friendship with him isn’t gone forever. We aren’t going. I’m not going. Please Bad. Help me put an end to this. Let me free you. Please. 

Bad: You all think I’m a joke.

Sam: I’m so sorry. 

Bad: He was my best friend Sam. Skeppy was my best friend but the egg, it forced us apart and then it promised me it could bring us together again. I just had to do as it said. 

Sam: I know, Bad. It’s really persuasive. Step away from it. 

Bad: No. I can’t. This is the only way Sam-I.

Sam: There is always another way, we just need to find it okay? We will find it. 

Bad: I-

So like whilst they’re speaking its just been getting crazier and eventually Ant manages to back Puffy into a corner and either takes one of her canon lives, placing her away from the main fight or forces her to retreat once more. Upon “defeating” Puffy, Ant returns to the room where Bad and Sam have been monologuing. 

Ant: Don’t listen to him Bad. He’s lying to you. 

Sam: Antfrost. Where is Puffy?  

Ant: I’m not entirely sure but it doesn’t matter now does it. Come on Bad. If we can’t give the egg Tommy, we can give it Sam. 

Bad: No, that wasn’t the plan-

Ant: Plans change. They’re adaptable. 

Bad: But-

Sam: BAD GET DOWN!

And Sam just lets off the TNT. Bad and Sam run for cover, taking some of the damage but not dying. Antfrost screams no as he rushes towards the egg. Puffy manages to run into the area, as it explodes, she shelters behind something panicking about everyones safety. Purpled, Ponk and Punz stop fighting to watch what's happening. Punz grabs his head as a loud piercing noise is heard. Back in the room. Sam and Bad are both covering their ears as they too can hear the noise form the egg. Anyone the egg has spoken too can hear the noise from the egg. 

Once the dust settles, Ant is no where to be seen and there is a hole where the egg used to be. But it isn’t a bedrock hole, no its a void. Just emptiness (I realise this also probably couldn’t be done but just for this scenario, imagine). Everything is eerily quiet. 

Bad: Ant!? ANT?

Sam: Where the fuck did he go? 

Puffy: Sam!? Sam!? Are you still here? Sam where are you? 

Sam: Puffy? We’re over here!

Puffy: Are you two okay? Where’s Antfrost? 

Sam: I-I don’t know. What is that? 

Bad: Nothing. Everything. It’s just emptiness. 

Puffy: Let me just cover it up. Do you think thats where how far the roots went down? Out the earth?

Sam: Possibly. Bad? 

Bad: It’s quiet. 

No one says anything else but Puffy and Sam go to bad and hold him as he cries. Soon Ponk, Purpled and the others arrive to see the destruction of the egg. The remnants of vines still all over the place but the root of the plant gone. They slowly leave the place and head towards Puffy’s (new) house where Bad rests. One by one people rest for the night, waiting until tomorrow to start anew and rebuild what was lost. 

Sam and Puffy watch the sunset together.

Puffy: I can’t find Antfrost. I don’t know what happened to him. 

Sam: We’ll find him. Don’t worry. 

Puffy: What if he...

Sam: I’m sure he still had his lives. Plus he’s a cat. Surely he had extra. And we still have Dream. 

Puffy: I’d rather not call in a favour from him. 

Sam: Agreed. 

Puffy: The voice really gone?

Sam: As far as I can tell, yes. 

Puffy: It doesn’t feel like it’s quite over you know? I feel like until I’ve see Antfrost, until I know he’s no longer corrupted, I’m never going to be quite at ease. 

Sam: I can get that but we can’t control everything. We’ll sort each problem as we get to it. One day at a time, one second at a time. 

Puffy: Yeah. Man, my therapy office is going to be busy. 

Sam: Pfft. Got room for one more?

Puffy: Always. 

In the distance, Antfrost appears. Eyes are normal. Skin is normal. Everything appears normal. But something isn’t quite right. Something is off. A faint whisper in the wind he blinks and for a second his eyes appear red before going back to normal. A smile appears on his face. He fades into the shadows.