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johaerys-writes · 4 years ago

Text

Words Are Futile Devices

Fandom: Dragon Age

Pairing: Dorian Pavus/David Trevelyan

Summary:

The last thing Dorian expected when he came to the South was to find love. In fact, he had entirely given up on the notion. Yet, when the gentle, shy and enigmatic Inquisitor Trevelyan came into his life, things started to change.

A (very belated) birthday gift fic for my dear friend @tessa1972 featuring Dorian and her OC David Trevelyan!

Read here or on AO3!

A full, silver moon hung over the Frostback’s snowy peaks. Skyhold, for once, was quiet.

Dorian leaned back in his desk chair, rubbing the inner corners of his eyes between forefinger and thumb. It had been a long day; and an even longer evening, though he had hardly realised where the time had gone. He had spent most of it studying in the library, indexing books and codexes, helping the new apprentices find their way around. They kept streaming into Skyhold from all corners of Ferelden, and sooner or later they all came to him, asking him this and that, about the library and the hold and where everything could be found.

It was troublesome, certainly —Dorian had never sought to become the Skyhold library’s archivist— yet he found himself oddly drawn to the role. It wasn’t too different from what he used to do in the Minrathous library, where throngs of students from the university would follow him around to ask for his help on their research, or his opinion on various manuscripts. He had never admitted it outright, but he’d missed that sort of life; besides, being asked for help was much preferable to being overlooked and sneered at, which had, sadly, been the case for most of his stay in the South.

He tsked softly, letting the book he’d been reading fall closed. That Southerners could hardly appreciate genius even when it hit them straight in the face was no secret to anyone, yet it gave him a tiny bit of satisfaction to see that the tide was shifting, even a little.

The library was thoroughly empty at that hour, and the wick of the oil lamp above his desk was sputtering softly, close to dying out. It was the only sound in the Tower that could be heard, other than the soft cooing of Leliana’s crows overhead. Dorian stood up slowly and lifted his arms over his head, stretched his sore spine. Skyhold’s desk chairs were far less than comfortable, and his back was certainly not thanking him for it.

He was just about to leave when he noticed the bundle of books that he had gathered earlier that day, and left on the plush purple armchair close to the window. His stomach dropped somewhat.

It was Helisma that had informed him that the Inquisitor had been to the library the day before, searching for books on wyverns and dracolisks. He had left before Dorian had even arrived to his desk empty handed and hadn’t said another word to anyone.

When Dorian had teasingly suggested to Helisma that perhaps the poor man had been so confused by her archiving system that he decided never to step foot in a library ever again in his life, the Tranquil had given him one of her blank looks that somehow managed to speak volumes about what she thought of him and his observations.

Dorian sighed. The books were definitely on the heavy side when he picked them up, but he didn’t train every morning for an hour for nothing. He secured them under his arm, and, after putting the oil lamp out, silently walked out of the library.

Every step that took him through the largely quiet throne room, and closer to the Inquisitor’s quarters, made his heart sink deeper, ad deeper into his stomach. By the time he was standing outside his door —a rather plain, wooden one, considering that behind it lay the largest of all rooms in the hold— Dorian thought his heart would slink out of his ribcage and slither into his boots.

He took a deep breath, and knocked.

“Come in,” the Inquisitor’s smooth voice sounded from behind the polished wood.

“Good evening, my dear Inquisitor,” Dorian said with a wide smile that little belied his nervousness. If anyone was good at hiding his feelings, then that someone was none other than Dorian Pavus of Minrathous. “Or shall I say good night? It is rather late.”

“That it is.” Inquisitor Trevelyan was sitting behind his large mahogany desk, half hidden behind a high stack of papers and scrolls. A merry fire was going in the hearth, filling the space with warmth and shifting amber light. It caught in the highlights of Trevelyan’s chestnut hair, his soft violet eyes. He seemed more than a little tired, the corners of his eyes tinged with red, but there was a gentle smile on his lips. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Dorian stood at the threshold for a moment, admiring the space. Though he had never found himself in the Inquisitor’s quarters before, he had heard lots about it. The rumours did it no justice. It was wide and spacious, if on the colder side, with plush rugs lining the floor and expensive furniture lining its corners. It was rather obvious that Ambassador Josephine had spared no coin when it came to their leader’s accommodations.

Said leader was certainly a more than impressive man. He was tall and broad of shoulder, with impeccable manners and a gentle disposition. He had stood up from his chair at Dorian’s arrival and was gazing at him calmly. He seemed perfectly at ease, if a little uptight, yet Dorian couldn’t help the feeling that the grandeur of his quarters made him seem a little… out of place.

He wasn’t quite sure why the thought made a wave of sympathy rush through him. Perhaps because he deeply understood the sentiment.

“A little birdie told me that you visited the library yesterday in search of books, yet you walked out mysteriously empty handed.” He confidently strolled into the room, setting the heavy bundle of leather bound tomes on the low coffee table before the hearth. “Naturally, I had to make sure that our humble library did not disappoint you. I would take that as a personal affront, you know.”

Trevelyan blinked at him, a lovely blush creeping up his cheeks. It was bright and rosy and warmed up his features, and when a soft, nervous smile graced his lips, Dorian felt the ghost touch of them against his own.

Maker, it felt like a lifetime ago, when Dorian had last touched those lips. In reality, it couldn’t have been longer than a fortnight.

“I am setting out for the Exalted Plains in a week, and one of Leliana’s scouts reported sightings of dracolisks in the Ferns. I wanted to be prepared, should our party come into contact with them. I searched for an hour but I couldn’t find—” He shifted uncomfortably on his feet, his blush getting a deeper, more vibrant red. “I didn’t mean to inconvenience you. If I did, I apologise.”

“Oh, it’s nothing, never you mind all that,” Dorian said with laugh and waved his concerns away, though he wouldn’t have minded letting the man go on for a little while longer, just to watch that flush make its way down to his graceful neck, his pretty ears that were hiding underneath lustrous locks of warm brown. “It only took me a few minutes. I couldn’t well leave our precious Inquisitor walk into the wilderness without detailed knowledge of wyvern mating cycles. You know what they say: a thorough education is the best weapon for any situation.”

The Inquisitor laughed, shaking his head softly. “I believe you are quite right. My father used to tell me something of the sort; though I believe he was referring to an education of a different kind.” He threaded his fingers through his hair, pushing it behind his ear. “I… thank you, Dorian.”

Dorian was momentarily distracted by the sight of those long, slender fingers, the grace of their movements. He suddenly wanted to walk up to him, thread his own fingers through those locks. He could almost remember their smell— lavender and soap, the sweet musk of his skin. He swallowed thickly.

“Whatever for, Inquisitor?” he said with an easy, practiced smile. “It was no bother, I assure you; the whole search was done and over with in a minute.”

“I believe you. Still… you have my thanks. Just for thinking of me.” Trevelyan’s lips widened in that soft, infuriatingly warm smile again, and it was Dorian’s turn to feel a blush creeping up his cheeks. “It is much appreciated.”

The fire crackling in the hearth and the wind sweeping over the Frostbacks' peaks beyond the wide windows were the only sound for a long moment as they both gazed at each other. It seemed as if they were looking at each other across a great gulf; so near, and yet so far.

It was Dorian that tore his eyes away, as always. He wasn’t quite sure what he would be compelled to do, if he continued to stare into the face he had spent days thinking about, dreaming of, longing for.

“I see you are quite busy,” Dorian said, gesturing towards the high stack of documents on the mahogany desk. “I should probably leave you to it.”

He smiled and bowed his head respectfully, turning to leave. The tail of his silk coat fluttered with the motion, the light of the fire catching amidst the folds of the fabric. If there was something that Dorian was good at, then that was a dramatic entrance, and an even more dramatic departure.

His hand was almost on the door handle, when Trevelyan’s smooth voice stopped him.

“Wait.”

Dorian glanced at him over his shoulder. Trevelyan had left his chair and his desk and was standing before the coffee table. He made a small motion when their eyes met, as if wanting to take another step, get closer to him, yet he didn’t.

“Stay, please.” He smiled at him, just a little awkward, never taking his eyes away from Dorian’s. “My work is far from done, and yet… I would appreciate the company.” He shifted just a bit on his feet, then nodded towards the liquor cabinet at the corner of the room. “I was recently sent some Fereldan whiskey. It is said to be very good. I thought, perhaps… you might like to try it.”

The edges of Trevelyan’s lips quirked ever so slightly upwards, and there was something so earnest and childlike about his smile, about the look in his violet eyes, that Dorian’s heart did a painful little thump.

“Whiskey, you say?” He let his hand drop from the handle and took a step closer. He crossed his arms before his chest, cocking his hips slightly to the side in a confident stance— far more confident than he felt. But what was it that people said? ‘Fake it ‘til you make it’? “However can I refuse, when you ask so nicely and bribe me with fancy drinks? You certainly know the way to a man’s heart, Inquisitor.”

Trevelyan let out a quiet laugh, a deep and mellow sound that warmed Dorian inside out. “I’ll pour you a glass then, shall I? Oh, and please. Just call me David.” He tilted his head to the side, his gaze growing even softer, if that was possible. “All of my friends do.”

Friends. Dorian couldn’t help but wonder whether they were simply friends, or if there would ever be hope for something… more.

“Very well,” he said with a smile and graceful incline of his head. “David.” He watched the man’s straight and broad back as he turned around and moved towards the cabinet. The smell of the whiskey was strong and aromatic when he pulled the cork out of the bottle and prepared to pour it into glasses. Dorian’s voice stopped him. “Actually, I think I may have a better idea.”

David’s eyes were curious when he looked at him over his shoulder, and Dorian had to bite back a grin.

“I never pegged you for someone who appreciates the great outdoors,” David said with a curious smile, gazing at the vast expanse of glittering snow, jagged peaks and lakes covered in ice. “Quite the opposite in fact, judging from the last time we were outdoors.”

Dorian chuckled softly, leaning against the stone wall of the battlements. A cold wind was blowing, ruffling the fabric of his robes and combing through David’s hair, but the magical bubble that always surrounded Skyhold did not let much of the chill from the mountains pass through. It was tolerable, even for Dorian, and Maker knew his tolerance for the blasted Southern cold was exceptionally low.

He wasn’t sure what had possessed him to bring the Inquisitor -David, he reminded himself- to that quiet corner of the keep. It wasn’t too long ago that he had taken to visiting this place when the walls of his room became stifling, bringing with him a cup of wine or brandy, and simply gazing at the stars. He didn’t know why, but it brought him a strange sense of peace.

The fact that it reminded him of the night that David and he had spent together not too long before was an added, if somewhat confusing, benefit. It was an evening not too different from this one, with a crisp wind blowing and the night sky clear above them, the stars reflecting on the glassy surface of Lake Calenhad. David had accompanied him to the dreaded meeting with his father, and on the way back they had camped there, talking and drinking the night away.

Dorian wasn’t going to fool himself by saying that he hadn’t been attracted to the man the very first moment he laid eyes on him. Still, being attracted to a pretty face, and suddenly finding out that the pretty man not only had a heart and a brain, but enough empathy and understanding to sink a small barge, were two entirely different things. David had surprised him in more ways than one— with his kindness and his honesty, with his wry sense of humour and his sweet, childlike smile, with his steadfastness and his quiet, profound care.

Never before had Dorian bared himself like this to anyone. He had expected judgement and scorn, yet had received none. At first, he couldn’t quite believe it. He had kept searching for the catch, the knife hidden amidst the roses, but more time passed and he could find none. Until…

Dorian swallowed thickly as the memory of the kiss they had shared flashed in his memory. David was watching him patiently now, waiting for his answer that had taken a tad too long.

“I’m full of surprises, as you well know,” Dorian said with a teasing smile. He poured some whiskey into the glasses they had taken with them, and offered one to David. “It’s simply a quiet spot I like to visit sometimes. There are few lovely things the South has to offer, and I believe this view is one of them. It’s quite spectacular, is it not?”

“It is,” David replied, accepting the glass. He was standing in a square of crenelated moonlight, half obscured by the shadows, and his eyes seemed bright like lit up stars when they focused on him. “What are the others?”

“What others?” Dorian sipped distractedly on his whiskey.

“The other lovely things that the South has to offer.”

You, Dorian thought instinctively, and he hated how the thought made his heart flip and jump, his insides tie themselves into impossible loops. “Well, this whiskey, for one,” he replied quickly. “And I’m partial to Fereldan cheese. Much preferable to those smelly Orlesian ones. Tevinter doesn’t have much of a tradition in cheese-making. A pity, if you ask me, but my people tend to avoid consuming anything fermented, unless it can get them blind-drunk.”

David laughed, shaking his head, and the sound warmed Dorian inside out. “You don’t know cheese until you’ve tried the Marcher varieties,” he said. His smile was bright and earnest, and lit up his entire face. “Fereldan cheese is great, don’t get me wrong, but it has nothing on Ostwick’s soft blue goat's cheese, trust me.”

“Blue cheese? My goodness, you Southern barbarians have none of the Maker’s fear in you, do you?” Dorian hid his grin behind the rim of his glass as he watched David laugh even more. “I suppose you made it with your own bare hands back in Ostwick? How terribly bucolic of you.”

“As a matter of fact, I did. It’s a yearly tradition in Ostwick, for the children and women of the household to help in the cheese making on Summer’s day, when the cows’ milk is at its richest. My siblings and I used to have the fun of our lives on that day; we could play with the animals in the farm and get our hands and clothes dirty while milking the cows and hauling the buckets of milk to the dairy workshop, and neither our mother or our father were allowed to tell us off. We would eagerly await that day all year.” He took a sip of his whiskey, looking out over the vast expanse of snow below. “There are moments when I miss those simpler times.”

“I can imagine. Your childhood sounds idyllic indeed,” Dorian said softly, his voice mellowed out even more by the nostalgic smile on the other man’s lips. “You’ve never told me about any of your siblings.”

The smile of David’s lips lost some of its nostalgia, but only a little bit. There was fondness and a shadow of sadness in his eyes when he said, “There used to be more of us than there are now.” He took another sip of whiskey, leaning against the battlements. The wind combed through his hair, bringing a lock of chestnut hair before his brow. “Virgil was the eldest. He died quite young from illness. There was nothing we could do. And Sieden...” He stopped and took a slow breath. “I was born a twin. But my brother, Sieden, did not make it through the labor. He was stillborn. My family still celebrates his birthday every year, along with my own, but it’s different from other celebrations in the family. It is a day for silence and contemplation, and for remembering the brief time he was in the world.”

“I’m… very sorry to hear that,” Dorian said quietly, a lump lodging in his throat. “It must have been very hard for you, not to celebrate your birthday like other children did.”

“It wasn’t so bad,” David replied. His gaze still managed to be warm and friendly when he regarded Dorian, despite the mellow sadness in his voice. “We lit candles, and I got lots of gifts, from my parents, my other siblings and my beloved friends. I also got a kiss from my mother, and a hug from my father. But that stopped after—” He tensed just a little, looking away. His brows gathered in an almost imperceptible frown. “It doesn’t really matter now, I suppose.”

Dorian stayed silent for a moment, wondering whether he should urge David to talk or let the silence linger between them. Yet it wasn’t long after that David turned to him again, and a warm light was flickering in his gaze once more. “My family and I have lost much, but not everything. I still have two sisters who I love dearly, Fae and Leah. The first married when she was quite young and moved out of the house, and the other became a lay-sister. I still write to them both, especially Fae. You could say she is the closest to me, despite our age difference. She is quite lovely. I’m sure the two of you will get along perfectly when you meet. She’s rather eager to see you, actually.”

Dorian’s curiosity was piqued. He tilted his head to the side in question. “Your sister knows about me?”

David gave him a wide- eyed stare. “No! Well, yes. I mean—” He paused abruptly, then let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. It could have been a play of the light, but Dorian thought he could see a blush creeping up his cheeks once more. “We write to each other quite often. She always asks me all sorts of questions, about my daily life and the people I’ve met here and… I suppose… I may have told her a few things about you. Just a few, mind you,” he added quickly, seeing the surprised expression on Dorian’s face.

“You… told your sister about me?” Dorian was sure his heart skipped a beat right at that moment. Something bright and warm, something like hope rose to his throat, and then something like dread twisted his stomach. Had he told his sister about him… about them? About their late night talks, their slightly awkward and nervous banter, their… kiss?

That moment flashed in Dorian’s memory once more, and this time it was much harder to brush away than others. He still remembered it, crystal clear: the moment when David had come to find him in the library, the evening after they had returned from Redcliffe. Dorian remembered how the flickering light the candles had caught in the depths of his violet eyes, how his deep and soothing voice had carried in the empty library. He remembered the concern and the warmth in them, the care. And, most of all, he remembered his clean and warm scent in his nostrils as David had drawn closer, the softness of his lips against his own, the strength of his arms around him.

Maker, it had felt like heaven. Tender and gentle and… so brief, that it sent Dorian’s guts twisting again. They had peeled apart soon after, and each had gone their own way. The tension between them had been sizzling ever since, thick enough to cut with a knife every time they so much as looked at each other. Hundreds of times Dorian had thought to pull him close again, to feel his body against his own, but something always held him back.

What if it was just a one-time thing, never to be repeated? What if David didn’t want anything more, what if he’d simply changed his mind?

Dorian leisurely crossed his arms before his chest, hiding his unease behind a wide smile. “So? What have you told your sister about me, pray tell? I hope you’ve mentioned how dashingly gorgeous, impeccably dressed and impressively smart I am, for starters.”

Dorian had only been half-joking when he said that. He hadn’t exactly expected a serious answer, but David’s reply startled him.

“That goes without saying, Dorian,” he said earnestly, his voice firm and unwavering despite his blush that brightened, distinctly visible even in the moonlight now. “Of course I told her all of those things, it’s only the truth. I also told her… that you’re brave and generous and kind. Actually, you’re one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.” He smiled awkwardly. “I hope it wasn’t terribly forward of me.”

Dorian stared at him for a long moment, his breath catching in his throat. He wracked his brain for something to say, anything at all, but for the first time, perhaps ever, he was totally speechless.

He took in a shaky breath. “Do you truly believe them?” he asked quietly, holding David’s gaze. He couldn’t take his eyes away, even if he’d wanted to. “All those things you told your sister… do you believe them?”

“I do.” The other man’s reply was quick and sure, and his eyes met Dorian’s levelly. “There isn’t a moment that I thought otherwise, Dorian. I’ve been meaning to tell you for a while. You are… special. Special to me.”

If Dorian could stop time right there, he probably would have. If the stars and the planets had ceased their constant motion right at that moment, if the wind had stopped blowing and the moon had continued shining above them, silver and iridescent, Dorian would gladly stay in that moment forever and a day. Just so he could hear the fondness in David’s voice, watch that smile tugging at the edges of his lips when he spoke to him, the affection in his eyes when he looked at him.

Those eyes had always told Dorian so much more than David’s words had. And this time, Dorian understood.

He took a step forward, leaning towards him. The moments before their lips met felt like the leap from an impossible height. David’s breath skimmed Dorian’s skin, warm and spicy with the scent of the whiskey. Soft lips parted beneath his own, and Dorian was falling.

His fingers threaded through silky, chestnut hair, and David’s scent filled his lungs: lavender and herbs, that delicate soap he liked to use. Strong arms came around him, pulling him closer, and Dorian sighed softly, deepening the kiss as he let himself be drawn. He was helpless, utterly helpless when it came to David, melting against him, every one of his thoughts and defences melting away. Their kiss was tender and passionate, soft and just a little bit desperate, and everything he’d ever wanted, everything he'd dreamed.

David pulled slightly back, cupping Dorian’s cheek as he did so. He gazed at Dorian’s face through heavy-lidded eyes, his lips glistening. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted to do that?” he asked quietly, his thumb brushing over Dorian’s skin in a tender caress.

His words washed over Dorian like a wave. He leaned against the other man’s chest, linking his wrists behind his neck. His heart was beating giddy and excited, making his head swim, and he could almost feel David’s heart through his clothes, beating in the same rhythm.

“Thank goodness one of us has a little initiative,” Dorian said teasingly, brushing his nose over David’s. "Let's not wait so long next time, yes?"

David laughed gently, the sound reverberating through Dorian where they touched. He leaned in for another kiss, slow and gentle, and this time Dorian really had no more words left.

"I'll make sure not to," David whispered against his lips, hugging him tightly.

#dorian pavus #dorian x trevelyan #dorian x inquisitor #pavelyan #dorian x david trevelyan #dragon age #dragon age inquisition #dragon age fanfiction #johaerys writes

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kaitoujokerscans · 3 years ago

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The Night the Silver Cape is Set Ablaze CH4

CW eating disorders: this chapter describes a crash diet.

<4> Silver Heart's Secret

One of Silver Heart's hideouts in Europe. The small house was visited by Hachi on a night several days after Noir had intruded. Since that day, Joker had holed up in his bedroom on the Sky Joker and wasn't coming out. Losing so easily to Noir must have been a shock to him.

Hachi had been leaving meals out in front of his room every day. Joker hadn't burrowed away in his room like this since the last time a game he had been excited for finally released.

"Help yourself, Hachi-kun."

Cookies and tea were placed in front of Hachi, who was sitting at the table. Beside him, Hosshi was munching his favorite konpeito.

"Thank you, Roko-san."

The small white dog who had brought over the tray with his prehensile ears gave him a smile.

Roko was a super dog who had gained extraordinary powers thanks to genetic manipulation. He could speak human language, and he was so intelligent that it was easy to forget he was a dog. He was a full-fledged phantom thief dog, and he often worked alongside Queen on her capers. Queen herself was sitting at the table with Hachi, resting her chin in her hands with a dissatisfied look.

"Roko, get me some too~ Just the tea."

Like Joker and Spade, Queen too was a phantom thief and a disciple of Silver Heart. She called Silver Heart "Grandpa" and lived together with him. She was a pretty girl, dressed in a white and pink costume with her blonde hair bound in twintails. Huge diamond-shaped eyes were set in her fair skin, yet today their shine seemed duller than usual.

"Are you sure, Queen? Shouldn't you eat something soon? We have cookies."

"It's fine, I'll just fill my stomach with tea. I'm so close to my goal." From the sound of it, Queen was on a diet. "Anyway, where'd Grandpa go? Hachi-kun came all the way here..." pouted Queen.

Then Roko pushed a few buttons for the television and changed the channel. "It looks like he's still in the basement."

The basement came up on the television screen. There must have been a security camera set up there. It showed Silver Heart downstairs at his desk fervently studying something. Maybe he was making a new phantom thief tool...

"Did Grandpa stay up all night again? I wish he'd take better care of himself," said Queen, but she wasn't looking too healthy either. It was probably because of her diet, but in Hachi's opinion, he couldn't understand why Queen was so concerned about her figure. He didn't bring it up, however.

If Joker were here, he'd probably ask a bunch of questions like "Eh? Queen, you're on a diet? Why? How many kilos are you trying to lose? Actually, how many kilos are you now anyway?" and would subsequently become rust on Queen's diamond sword. But at the moment, Queen didn't seem to have the energy to swing the great sword she usually wielded, and was instead languishing at the table.

"Augh, I'm so hungry..." she moaned, and was met with a tactless query of "Oh, Queen, are you on a diet?" from the side. It was from Silver Heart, who had been in the basement up until now.

He was clothed in a clean white double-breasted suit and had a cup of tea in his hand. His most distinctive features were his long, straight white beard and his long locks of white hair. He gave the atmosphere of an elegant gentleman.

"Grandpa!"

"Silver Heart-san!"

Queen and the rest looked at Silver Heart in surprise. "Huh? You were just on screen, though..." When they glanced over at the television, the screen cut out with a static buzz and showed an empty basement instead.

"Fu fu fu, this is the improved version of the 'Image Card' I invented. Place it in front of a camera and it'll play fake footage that'll deceive the camera feed. It was only able to show still images before, but now it can play moving images for a short period too!" exclaimed Silver Heart, proudly holding out a few Image Cards.

"Hmm, another new invention?" Queen took a card and examined it with curiosity.

"In any case, Queen, you may be the right age for it, but you shouldn't go on a crash diet. How many kilos are you trying to lose? Actually, how many kilos are you now?"

"......"

Aah, you shouldn't ask that...! But before Hachi could even blanch, Queen threw a knife-sharp glare at Silver Heart. Her colder-than-ice eyes froze Silver Heart on the spot.

"Er, uh.... O-Oh, okay. N-Never mind! Actually, Q-Queen, you don't look any heavier! You practically look as thin as that wilted sunflower we saw recently!" Silver Heart tried to cover himself, but dug his grave deeper with every following remark. Finally, in an attempt to avoid Queen's glare, Silver Heart turned to Hachi. "S-So! How's Joker doing?"

"Well, he's not coming out of his room still. I think it was a huge shock for him."

"Hm, it sounds like it had a major effect on him."

"Joker's not even eating proper meals? Really now..." Queen marveled, staring into space. All she could think about at the moment was food.

"Silver Heart-san, please tell me. Who is Phantom Thief Noir?" Hachi asked, bending forward. Noir had known about Silver Heart. There must have been some sort of connection between the two of them. Hachi had come to Silver Heart's hideout to ask about this.

But when asked, Silver Heart took a sip of tea and answered with a blank look. "Noir's an old friend of mine, why?"

"Huh?" Hachi, Queen, and Roko's eyes widened. "He's your friend?"

"Yes. You know that I used to work as a spy, correct? Noir was a colleague of mine in those days."

"Eeeh!?" The trio exclaimed in surprise.

"Which means this Noir person was also a spy?" Queen forgot about her empty stomach and leaned forward.

"That's right. I was paired with a woman named Purple back then, and we carried out many assignments. Exposing the classified intel of enemy countries, blowing up the factories where weapons were being made in secret, all sorts of missions to protect world peace. But when Purple was on other assignments or when we had more rugged jobs, I paired up with Noir. Working with Noir as a team was tension-free since we were both men, and I enjoyed it in a different way than how I did with Purple. They used to say that when we paired up, there was no mission we couldn't accomplish. I had a friendly, enriching rivalry with him, and he was a lifelong friend!"

"Really?"

"Yes, really. That's why for the life of me I can't figure out why Noir would become a phantom thief and attack Joker." Silver Heart turned his gaze upwards in thought. He didn't look like he was hiding anything. Silver Heart must truly have considered Noir a friend.

"You don't have any idea why Noir-san might have shown up?" Hearing that he was a friend, Hachi appended a "-san" to Noir's name.

"Not in the slightest... But if there's anything Noir's holding against me, it might be from that time when we infiltrated a country called Lachla to eliminate a hidden treasure and I fell asleep. He nearly died that time..."

"I can see why he'd get angry," sighed Roko.

"The hidden treasure of Lachla is an honest-to-goodness crown. I found out about it just recently, so I'm going to steal it soon."

"That's what you wrote your last notice for," commented Queen.

"Besides that... ah!" Silver Heart exclaimed as if he had just remembered something. "Perhaps..."

"What?"

"What is it?"

"When I quit being a spy, in return for the farewell gift he got me, I gave Noir a wallet. He hates lizards, so I put a toy lizard in it as a prank. Maybe he only just opened it up recently."

When he heard this, Hachi fell to the ground. "That can't be it!"

"It has to be something else!"

"He wouldn't steal treasure from Joker-san just over that!"

"Y-You think so...?" Silver Heart was stunned by their negative reactions. "In that case, there's nothing I can think of... I should ask him directly."

"Do you know how to contact him?"

Then Silver Heart laughed and responded proudly. "I used to be a renowned spy, you know? I have plenty of ways to contact my old colleagues. Without anyone else knowing, either."

"Please ask him right away! Joker-san is depressed!"

Hachi pressed him hard, but Silver Heart knit his brows. "What? Right now?"

"...You can't?"

"It's just that today's not quite a good day for it..." Silver Heart stood up discreetly.

"Do you have plans, Grandpa?"

"Eh? No, well..."

Roko caught him casting a sideways glace at the newspaper. "Does it have something to do with the news?" Roko grabbed the newspaper and spread it out. One sheet had a headline reading "Queen of Pandora Makes Courtesy Call".

"Ah..."

"What's this?" Queen took the newspaper and started reading it. "The Queen of the country of Pandora is visiting France.'"

"Isn't this queen Grandpa's girlfriend? What's going on?" When Queen pulled her face out of the paper, there wasn't a trace of Silver Heart to be seen. "Huh? Huh? Where'd you go, Grandpa!?"

Evidently, Silver Heart had bolted off somewhere while everyone else was looking at the newspaper. Naturally, the legendary phantom thief was a master at running away.

"Argh! I wanted to hear more about Noir!"

"Queen-san, are you concerned about Noir-san too?" Hachi asked, curious.

"I mean, the fact that he outdid Joker is a testament to his abilities. He might be able to tell me something about how to beat Joker!"

"Makes sense..." Hachi saw the logic in what Queen had said. She looked like she had more color in her cheeks now despite the empty stomach. Hachi finished drinking his tea and stood up. "I'll be going now. Joker-san might come out of his room soon."

"Okay, bye now."

"Please tell Joker to not think too hard about it."

"Thank you. I enjoyed the food!" Hachi bobbed his head and left Silver Heart's hideout with Hosshi.

Blending in with the dark of night, the Sky Joker floated in the clear sky.

I wonder if he ate his meal... He had prepared Joker's favorite food, curry, today. Hachi fretted a little, before taking a breath. Just then, a voice came from his phone.

"Hachi, I heard everything."

"Eh!? Joker-san!?"

"Sorry, but I listened to what Master had to say using your phone." Joker had evidently tampered with Hachi's phone to listen to the conversation. Joker likewise seemed surprised to hear that Noir was Silver Heart's friend. "So, I thought up a way to get the better of Noir. Using the 'Lachla Crown' that Master mentioned."

"What do you mean?"

"Something happened between Master and Noir, and the crown's been targeted by Master now. It's only natural to assume that Noir showing up at this juncture must have something to do with the crown, yeah?"

"Oh, I see!"

"Now that that's established, let's go. Come back quick!"

"Roger! Ah, there's curry outside your door."

"Eeh, really? You could've told me that earlier!"

While the sound of scrambling came from the other end of the line, Hachi inflated Balloon Gum, picked up Hosshi, and flew up towards the Sky Joker. Internally, he thought about how glad he was that Joker was back to normal.

As he watched Hachi float up from the window, Roko contemplated. "I'm worried about Joker."

"Yeah~ munch munch... I'm worried too~" Queen responded, her mouth full of something. Roko turned around in surprise to see Queen munching on cookies.

"Huh!? Queen, what about your diet!?" Roko asked confusedly, only for Queen to smile.

"I mean, I can't very well fight on an empty stomach. I'll go on a diet some other time. Right now, I want to know more about Noir."

"You want to know more... but do you have anything to go off of?"

"It's simple. The easiest way is to ask someone who knows about Grandpa's past."

"Someone who knows his past...?"

As Roko gave her a blank look, Queen grabbed all of the cookies left on the plate and stuffed them into her mouth. "Munch munch... Aah! Cookies taste so good after restraining for so long!"

#kaitou joker #light novel

18 notes · View notes

lupinlongbottom · 5 years ago

Text

Try for Nine

Fred Weasley x Reader

Summary: Fred Weasley has everything he could’ve ever wanted in life. Well, almost. To his point, he’s asked her eight times before, with no luck. Maybe ninth time’s the charm, right?

Word Count: 4.3k

Warnings: Slightly suggestive if you squint

A/N: I love Fred. That’s it, that’s the Authors Note.

Diagon Alley was always busy in the mornings. Many witches and wizards all flocked to the shopping district hardly after the sun even rose, just to get their morning walk in, or grab a cup of tea or coffee at the little shop down the alley. Even those who had chosen to live in the busy street hadn’t grown used to this fact, hardly even the one who willingly moved in with her boyfriend, grown used to the noises.

(Y/N) stirred out of her sleep, annoyed at the clamor of the two witches bickering at the street below. Something about the tea costing an extra two Knuts more than normal. (Y/N) groaned softly, flipping the pillow atop her head.

“She’s right,” Fred yawned, rumbling beside (Y/N). “Those swine down at Kacman’s cart have been raising their prices,” another yawn. “Right under our noses.”

“It’s too early,” (Y/N) groaned from under her pillow, face flush against the mattress. “Wanna… sleep.”

“Sleeping is for the dead, love,” Fred said, hesitantly resting a hand onto her arm, rubbing it gently. “Come on, we open the shop soon.”

“We? It’s your shop,” (Y/N) said bitterly, wanting nothing more than to melt into the very mattress.

“The shop you work at. Come on,” Fred laughed, pulling the corner of the pillow gently. (Y/N)’s grip became tighter, pushing the plush against her head with every ounce she could muster. Fred pulled harder, finally ripping the purple pillow from her iron grip, noting the furrowed brows upon her face. “There we are. Why, someone sure looks like a Grumpy-Grindylow, don’t they?”

“Shove off,” (Y/N) said, pushing Fred’s face away, surely going in for their usual morning kiss. “You know I hate it when you call me that.”

“All the more reason to call you it, then,” Fred beamed, unbroken by his girlfriend’s sour mood. “Grumpy-Grindylow,” he managed to get past (Y/N)’s second hand, pressing a wet kiss to her forehead. “My Grumpy-Grindylow,” another peck, placed directly on the tip of her nose.

“Freddie…” (Y/N) said, finally giving into his peppering kisses. She puckered her lips slightly, inviting the redhead to place one atop of them. He didn’t hesitate.

“Finally,” Fred said, pressing his lips onto hers for just a brief moment. “Better?”

“A bit,” (Y/N) said, her voice not as growly as before.

“See? Weasley kisses are always the answer,” Fred said, placing one more between (Y/N)’s brow.

“Is that so?” (Y/N) hummed, finally opening her eyes fully for the first time that morning, allowing them to adjust to the morning light. “So if I went and asked George for one…?”

“Let me rephrase that,” Fred added quickly. “Weasley kisses from your handsome and rugged boyfriend, Fred Weasley, none from another Weasley will do, I’m afraid.”

“How about Molly’s cheek-smacks?” (Y/N) asked, rubbing the sleep out of her eye.

“Ah, the elusive cheek-smack,” Fred mused, tapping his finger to his chin. “Though seen quite rarely in the wild, when encountered I reckon they can do just enough good as the aforementioned Weasley kiss.”

“You’ve been reading a lot of Newt Scamander, haven’t you?” (Y/N) joked, poking fun at his sudden change in vocabulary. She rolled over to her side, full staring at the freckled face before her.

“No…” Fred said, blowing a wisp of his unruly bedhead out of his face. (Y/N) arched a brow. “Maybe…”

“You know,” (Y/N) moved a hand to the mop of red atop Fred’s head, fingers lacing through the strands freely. “Maybe you should go to work with this look, all unkempt,” her nails scratched against his scalp, Fred leaning into the touch.

“Like that look, do you?” Fred said, smirking. “I reckon we made it extra wild, considering what we’ve gotten up to last night,” he moaned lightly, feeling (Y/N) scratch just above his ear, a sensitive spot. “Think we could top our performances?”

“Oh now you want to stay in bed longer,” (Y/N) laughed, removing her hand from his hair, rolling to the side of the bed, stretching her arms. “No, I think that George would be pleased to know that his brother showed up on time to work instead of shagging his girlfriend.”

“Never stopped us before,” Fred said, eyeing the way his old Quidditch shirt clung to her skin, hanging off her shoulder ever so slightly. “Looks good on you,” he mumbled, crawling up behind her, wrapping his arms around her torso.

“This shirt? I know, it’s one of my favorites to sleep in,” (Y/N) said, patting Fred’s head, which now nestled into the crook of her neck.

“No,” Fred hummed, pressing a kiss to her neck. “My name,” another kiss. “Weasley.”

Sure enough, the blazing red shirt indeed had his name plastered to the back, in big gold letters. His finger traced along the lettering, putting pressure on each turn of the letter.

“Yeah?” (Y/N) said, turning her face towards Fred’s, now deeply concentrated on outlining the letters of his last name. “Is that right?”

“Indeed it is, my darling,” Fred said, almost singing. “You know, you could wear it forever—”

“I know,” (Y/N) said, interrupting his thought, “but we’ve talked about it, Freddie—”

“Hardly enough, I think,” Fred retorted, almost scoffing. “I’ve already asked eight times!”

“And I’ve said ‘no’ eight times,” (Y/N) said, giving his head a final pat before removing herself from the bed. She made her way over to the dresser, pulling out fresh undergarments. “Now’s not the time, we’re far too young!”

“Hasn’t stopped anyone before,” Fred said, his tone low, “I mean, we’re twenty, yeah, but that doesn’t mean that we’d have to get married directly after, right?” Fred flung his feet over the side of the bed, now feeling the need to follow suit and get ready for the day. “You know how badly I want to marry you, (Y/N).”

“I know,” (Y/N) sighed, thumbing through their wardrobe, trying to find a blouse for the day ahead. “Say, green or pink?” she asked, holding two up for Fred to inspect, changing the subject briefly.

“Pink,” Fred nodded, looking up from the sock drawer. “I’m going to pull out that magenta suit today, we’ll match, like always,” he winked, going back to the various socks in his drawer.

“Thanks,” (Y/N) said, putting the green blouse back in the oak wardrobe. “But you know what I mean, Fred. Of course I want to marry you too, someday…”

“Exactly! Someday! It doesn’t have to be tomorrow, or the next day, or the next year,” Fred said, waving a hand wildly to prove his point. “You know, I’ve already got the ring—”

“You know, I’ve seen the ring just about eight times,” (Y/N) laughed, peeling the shirt off and into the hamper. “Shouldn’t it be comforting, though? Knowing that I’ll say yes?”

Fred looked up, only to see (Y/N) standing topless in the middle of their room. He knew she was headed to take a shower, but his mind wandered for just a second too long, eyes focused a bit lower than her own eye line.

“Fred?”

“R-right,” Fred stammered, eyes fluttering back to his sock drawer, determined to find that dark purple pair he had been looking for. “I know that you’ll say yes, but I’ve thought that the last eight times—”

“Try for nine, then,” (Y/N) said, waltzing into the bathroom, throwing Fred a cheeky wink.

“Nine…” he mumbled, thumb caressing over the black velvet box, thinking absentmindedly. He grinned widely. “Better try for nine, then.”

“…please come again!” (Y/N) said cheerily, waving the two children out of the shop. They were terribly excited at their purchases of the newest version of Weather in a Bottle, now complete with thunderstorms.

“Ms. (L/N)?” A worker in bright magenta asked, tapping on (Y/N)’s shoulder.

“Yes?” (Y/N) said, turning around.

“I have an angry customer on the second floor,” the girl gulped, fear etched into her features. “Said they’d like to speak to an owner, b-but Mr. and Mr. Weasley are on a Floo call, so…”

“It’s alright, Jerris,” (Y/N) smiled. “I can handle it. Watch over the register, will you? Winnie isn’t back from her break yet.”

“Of course!” Jerris said, nodding quickly. “Be careful, though, she’s angry about the WonderWitch line…”

“Of course she is,” (Y/N) said, seething through her teeth. “They always are. Love Potion?”

“Love Potion,” the young witch nodded. “Yeah…”

“How fun,” (Y/N) mumbled, bringing herself to crawl up the staircase. Carefully, she glanced at the crowd below. Never in a million years did the brothers think their shop would get as crowded as it did, as popular as it had become. The space was already terribly too small, not nearly enough space to hold the crowd levels or the level of products they were selling. Hesitantly, (Y/N) peeked over the last stair, hoping to find the angry customer. She assumed the woman in the bright red robe nearest the WonderWitch display was the one.

“Are you the owner?” The woman asked, voice shrill. She was gripping an empty bottle of First Love Beguiling Bubbles, the most popular of the love potions in the line. Her face looked to be sagging, clearly a sign of her age, looked over 40 at first glance.

“No,” (Y/N) shook her head, holding her hand out. “(Y/N), I’m one of the managers here. I was told that you had an issue with one of our products?”

“So, you’re not an owner?” The witch said, taking her hand, shaking it poorly.

“Unfortunately not,” (Y/N) laughed, forcing a smile. “I don’t reckon that it’s my face all over the products or storefront, is it?” The woman didn’t laugh. “Sorry, bad joke.”

“Clearly,” The witch huffed. “Seeing as you work in a joke shop, you’d think you’d be better at it.”

“I agree,” (Y/N) laughed again, out of politeness. “I was never good at jokes, I leave those to the Weasley brothers,” (Y/N) smiled, clasping her hands together. “Sorry, I never got your name, Miss…?”

“Baggard,” The witch said, eyeing (Y/N) up and down. “You don’t look to be a Weasley…”

“I’m not,” (Y/N) said, smiling again. Merlin, did her cheeks hurt. Maybe she should get on Fred or George to come up with a cheek cream? No. On second thought, they’d ridicule the name by associating it with the other cheek. “Just a really big fan.”

“So I see…” Ms. Baggard said, finally giving up on pleasantries. “Your Love Potions are a scam,” she said, pressing the empty bottle on the shelf next to her. “They don’t work.”

“I’m sorry you feel that way, Ms. Baggard,” (Y/N) said, calming her nerves. She never quite had the stomach to handle rude guests, but always seemed to have to be the bearer of bad news and words. The brothers managed to wriggle their way out of it, claiming ‘they had a manager’ for moments like these. “Could you explain your problem further?”

“Blimey, you’re too posh,” Ms. Baggard groaned, fumbling through her bag. She pulled out four more vials of the potions, all empty. “I’ve been taking these nearly every day for the last week and the man I’ve fancied hasn’t fallen for me at all!”

“I’m sorry, you’ve been taking the potion?”

“Yes! It says so right on the back of the bottle,” Ms. Baggard explained, her long fingernail trailing under the words. “‘A few sips is all it takes, let them become infatuated with this dose’. Well, I reckon it hasn’t. Wasted too many Galleons to mention on a crummy product.”

“I understand the problem,” (Y/N) nodded, pointing to the bottle, directly underneath the nasty purpling nail. “You’re supposed to give the potion to the person you’d like to be infatuated with you, not yourself,” (Y/N) stifled a laugh. “This particular potion allows the drinker to become infatuated with the giver of the potion, not the other way around.”

“Oh…” Ms. Baggard said, dumbfounded. “Well that font is hard to read!”

“I’ll take your note up to the owners, see to it to be changed,” (Y/N) lied. “I can offer you a free bottle on the house, to help alleviate any stress this miscommunication might have caused.”

“Yes, that’ll be fine…” Ms. Baggard agreed, grabbing the full bottle from the shelf, storing it in her lime green bag. “Thank you…”

Ms. Baggard quickly descended the stairs, her face as red as a tomato. It wasn’t the first time that someone mis-read the instructions, nor would it be the last. (Y/N) could hardly believe that it took the woman nearly five bottles to realize the potion wasn’t working, however.

“Five potions… unbelievable…” she snickered to herself, piling the empty bottles in her arms, the baggage Ms. Baggard left, fitting enough.

“I reckon ten would’ve been more likely to work,” George smiled from the third floor, head peaking out from the railing. “With a face like that.”

“George,” (Y/N) hissed, throwing the bottles into the elaborate trash chute, hearing the glass shatter all the way down below. “That’s not very nice.”

“Not known for being nice,” George said, sliding down the railing, meeting at (Y/N)’s feet. “Known for being funny, and that face was surely funny enough.”

“Still, it’s rude to talk about your customers that way,” (Y/N) clicked, realigning the shelves back to their former glory. “How was the Floo call?”

“Floo-riffic,” George mused, clasping his hands together. “Well, as good as it could’ve gone. We’ve had an issue with our supplier of glass vials and boxes,” he glanced at the trash chute. “Ones you were so willing to just throw away…”

“Shove off, George,” (Y/N) smiled, pushing the twin back slightly. “We have plenty of vials left, enough to last us for a few weeks.”

“Still, incredibly wasteful of you, (L/N),” George said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Say… do you mind doing me a favor?”

“George, I work for you, asking me to do work isn’t a favor,” (Y/N) giggled, hand resting on her hip. “It’s literally my job.”

“Still feels odd, considering you’re my brother’s girlfriend—”

“I’m also your friend, George,” (Y/N) smiled, “or have you forgotten?”

“It’s hard to remember,” George said, plainly, “especially when I hear the two of you going at it nearly every night—seriously, get better at your silencing charms, for Godric’s sake.”

“Noted,” (Y/N) said, throwing George a smirk. “What do you need from me?”

George pulled a note from his breast pocket, neatly folded and green in hue. “We need someone to run down to the Muggle market, get everything on the list,” he handed the note to (Y/N). “You’re dressed in mostly Muggle clothes,” he scanned up and down to (Y/N)’s pink blouse and dark violet skirt. “Again, matching with Fred, stealing my thunder yet again—”

“It was his idea,” (Y/N) laughed, opening the note. “Why do you need all of these things?” She scanned over the list. Some produce, donuts, mostly groceries. “I’ve already did the shopping for this week, we don’t need any of these things—”

“No, no,” George said, waving his finger. “Re-read the list. Look at it closely. Everything is important and we need you to get everything on it, alright?”

“Fine,” (Y/N) said, shoving the note into her pocket. “I’ll go to the market, then. I don’t think I’ll be back before the store closes, though, the sun’ll be down.”

“That’s the plan…” George mumbled, picking at his fingernails.

“What was that?” (Y/N) asked, not hearing what George had to say, busy grabbing her jacket from the hook.

“Don’t forget the yams!” George corrected himself, waving at (Y/N) as she descended the stairs. He watched her violet coat float through the door, out of sight. “Alright, Freddie, she’s gone,” George said, leaning into an Extendable Ear, one that (Y/N) neglected to notice.

“Brilliant!” Fred said, nearly hopping down to the second floor. “I owe you, Georgie,” he slapped his twin’s back.

“Yeah, yeah,” George sighed, pushing his twin away in jest. “Let’s get to work.”

Pushing her way through the market nearest Diagon Alley, (Y/N) took a closer look at the list.

“Marmalade, apples, rice, radishes,” (Y/N) scanned through the list, confounded by the assortment of foods. “Yams? I’ve never seen either of the twins eat yams!” She scowled at the messy font, hardly able to read the writing. “Fred,” she noted, recognizing his chicken scratch anywhere. “Really should work on your penmanship.”

She worked her way through the market adding a few different fish—the list didn’t specify on what kind, only ‘fish’— rolls, eggs and donuts. (Y/N) was careful to pick out the twin’s favorites of the donuts—custard filled for George, chocolate for Fred—still in disbelief of the entire list. Near the foot of the paper was a little ‘please?’ with a few hearts doodled around.

“The cashier’s going to think I’m a madman with this list…” (Y/N) said, pulling out her Muggle wallet. She was used to the currency, having seen it a few times in the Alley. The notes hardly made any sense to her, as coins seemed like the way to go. Nonetheless, (Y/N) checked out, the odd pairing of the list settled neatly in her coat pocket.

Much to her observation, by the time she made it back to the store, it was closed. She waved her wand, the bags at her sides floating neatly behind her as she unlocked the door. The lights were out, not unlike their closing procedures. The store was eerily quiet, normally there’d be a few buzzing noises coming from the shelves, or the pygmy puffs would be purring to some degree.

“Odd…” (Y/N) mumbled, walking up the creaking steps to their shared apartment. It was always a chore, (Y/N) noted, to live on the fourth floor of the large store, but she appreciated the exercise nonetheless. Even the lights that shone near the shelves were turned out, the ones that were normally kept on even at night. “I should let the boys know, incase a bulb is out…”

She knocked six times above the name plate—three bronze W’s—and once below, in a rhythmic cadence. It was her idea, to have an enchanted door rather than a normal lock. With students learning the unlocking charm in their first year, anyone could waltz right into the apartment. Fred and George were more keen to adding an enchanted knob, to deter would-be snoopers, but (Y/N) fought them to their last breath. They settled on a screeching charm, instead.

“I’m back…” (Y/N) said, kicking off her shoes, letting them settle at the front door. The bags floated against her sides, still following her movements. “I’ve gotten everything on the list,” she turned to George’s room, “George?”

“George isn’t home,” Fred said, coming from out of the darkness of the kitchen. “Asked him to run me an errand.”

“I’ve been out running your errands,” (Y/N) said, peeling off her coat. “You could’ve asked me.”

“Nope, needed him gone.”

“Why’re all the lights out anyway, even in here? The shop is completely dark!” (Y/N) laughed, pushing the floating bags towards Fred. “Here you are, all of your random, ‘important’ groceries.”

“Oh,” Fred glanced down at the bags, holding them lightly, “of course, thank you, love.” He walked them over to the bin, throwing them neatly away.

“Wha—”

“Come with me,” Fred said, grabbing ahold of (Y/N)’s wrist, pulling her back into the shop below. “I need to show you something.”

“Fred! I just bought all of those!” (Y/N) complained, following closely behind. “Honestly, I used up most of the Muggle money I had left—”

“I’ll pay you back,” Fred said quickly, “here, put this on.” He pressed a velvety red tie up to (Y/N)’s eyes, urging her to tie it around.

“Fred, I really don’t think now is the time or place for any of our games…” (Y/N) said, fumbling with the ends, successfully blinding her sight.

“Later, love,” Fred laughed, his cheeks growing pink at (Y/N)’s suggestive comment. “I don’t want you to see anything yet.”

“Fred…” (Y/N) groaned, knowing all too well what was to come next. “I swear on my life, Fred Weasley, if you’re going to—”

“Shush,” Fred pressed a finger to her lips, “let me have this one, alright?”

(Y/N) nodded, following Fred’s gentle instructions. ‘Step down’, ‘careful, love’, ‘the floor is lava, you numpty’.

“When can I take this off?”

“Well, you do know how I love you like this…” Fred said, laughing gently. He pulled her forward just a bit, grabbing her shoulders as if to angle her properly. “But go on, take it off.”

(Y/N) peeled the tie off her face, her eyes taking a moment to readjust. Candles floated around the couple, dangerously near the products on the shelves. Fred waved his wand, allowing a gentle music to start playing.

“I’ve already said this speech eight times before, so I’ll be as brief as possible,” Fred said, adjusting his suit coat. “(Y/N), you mean more to me than anything in this world. Without you, I’m sure our shop would’ve burned down nearly a week in—”

“It almost did,” (Y/N) laughed. The twins were working on a more explosive version of exploding snap, as if that needed to exist in the first place. “With or without my supervision.”

“Exactly right! But you were still here to put it out in time,” Fred said, waving his finger. “You’re always there, waiting to correct my screw ups, but you’re also there to aid my ideas in the best way possible.”

“Fred, you don’t need to give a big speech—”

“Let me have this, (Y/N), alright?” Fred said, pointing an eyebrow, repeating his past words. “I know you’ve said that we’re too young—we are, but that’s not the point—and you’ve said that now’s not the time. Honestly, I agree. But if we go into this, go into this war without even that bit of promise made to one another…” he paused, a moment to collect his thoughts. (Y/N) could almost see his eyes watering. “I dunno. If something were to happen to either of us and w-we didn’t—”

“Fred…” (Y/N) placed her hand on his cheek, rubbing it gently. “It’s okay…”

“No,” Fred sniffled, “it’s not. This is important to me, it’s why I’ve asked you eight times before. We don’t have to have a ceremony anytime soon,” he nodded quickly, “I don’t see us having one for a few years anyway. I just,” Fred dug into his coat pocket, pulling out the black velvet box, fumbling with it lightly. “I just need you to be wearing this, for now,” he opened the box, “please, will you—what? But—the ring!”

Fred’s eyes doubled in size, frantically searching for the missing ring. He had checked the box this morning, right as (Y/N) went to shower. The box had been in his pocket all day, where could it have gone?

“Something wrong?” (Y/N) asked, peeking over Fred’s hands, trying to look into the box.

“The ring’s gone! I must’ve dropped it,” Fred said honestly, “I’m so sorry, (Y/N)…”

“That’s odd,” (Y/N) hummed, hand covering her mouth. “Where could it possibly be?”

“I don’t know,” Fred said, glancing up at his girlfriend, her stance was unnatural. “I swear, I’ve had the box in here all…”

It was then he saw it. The glittering coming from her hand, her left hand. The diamond sparkled in the candlelight, shimmering ever so slightly as the candles floated around.

“Odd,” (Y/N) smiled, noting Fred’s expression. “Because, I’ve had this,” she wriggled her fingers, “in my pocket all day.”

“But how—”

“You’ve done this eight times, Fred,” (Y/N) laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck. “After this morning’s chat, I figured you’d try and pull this again. So I grabbed the ring out of the box when you showered, put it in my pocket,” she laughed again, “thought I’d speed the process up, but you insisted.”

“Clever girl,” Fred smirked, wrapping his arms around her waist. “So… is that a yes?”

“No, you numpty,” (Y/N) pressed a kiss to the tip of his nose, “I just like the ring.”

“Figures.”

“Of course it’s a yes,” (Y/N) said, pressing a soft peck to his lips. “I told you, try for nine.”

“Nine,” Fred nodded, “try for nine.”

BONUS:

A few moments passed, the two were still holding one another close, the world around them fading into nothing, a thought ran through (Y/N)’s mind.

“I can’t believe you’ve just thrown away all of those groceries…”

“Oh! The groceries!” Fred said, his eyes lighting up. “Did you get the secret message in the list?”

“Secret message?” (Y/N) said, pulling the scrap of paper out of her pocket. “I don’t see any—”

Marmalade Apples Rice Radishes Yams Fish Rolls Eggs Donuts

“Oh,” (Y/N) said, now noting every first letter on the list. “‘Marry Fred’, how clever,” she smiled, turning to her fiancé. “Did you come up with that yourself?”

“Nah,” Fred said, waving his hand. “George did. Thought it was a clever touch. Way better than the list I originally came up with.”

“Should we frame it?” (Y/N) said, pulling tautly on the scrap. “Though I hardly think many people would be able to read it…”

“Hey!”

“Yeah,” (Y/N) smiled, eyes tracing over the words again, her heart growing warm. “We should frame it.”

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the-fiction-witch · 3 years ago

Text

The Siren P2

REAL LIFE HORROR COUPLE: TBS X READER RATING: FLIRTY AF

I drove following the directions my phone told me driving down this long curving road beside the sea so many little houses and buildings lined the way between the road and the ocean. The sounds of seagulls and fairground rides breaking through the sounds of the radio playing something I didn't know. The sweet smell of sea air and chips, I drove on following the directions seeming to leave the world behind me going further and further from the busy town down these kong winding roads. Even the little houses stopped now I could see the crisp blue sea down a long drop to the ocean many broken railings were no doubt people had lost control and ended up going to the bottom. I took a turn and I saw it.

Tall, striking sat beside a beautiful cove of crystal blue water and golden sand, the sky a muted grey, the old bricks without a flaw, large victorian windows with purple drapes behind them, a fountain at the front that the road went around with little water coming from it and an old carefully preserved mermaid statue in the centre seat on a rock brushing her hair. The sign on the twisted gate confirming I was in the right place 'The Siren's Bay' hotel, restaurant, and bar. With a smaller sign on the gate

'All non-hotel guests must be off site by 10'

That seems fair. I pulled my car up and saw a car park to the right so i parked up grabbing my stuff and walking over by az soon as I took a step on the marble I jumped seeing a man stood there he was old, a little withered in a pair of black suit pants a red button-down and some black suspenders, he had a bushy beard not too unlike Santa but with tones of grey

"Good afternoon," he said welcomingly

"Good afternoon. I uhh in ti-"

"We know. We've been expected you" he smiled “Come I’ll have someone tend to your things,” He said

“Okay” I nodded a little unsure this felt weird, I swear some kinda Stephen king shit kicks up I am fucking out of here. I followed him up the steps and through the wooden door to a rather nice little reception room with checkerboard stone floors and tall fictional features, the desk central in the room in front of a large staircase to the left was a doorway to a large bar and restaurant with views of the cove and to the right a glass door out to a terrace that overlooked the gardens even if they seemed a little worse for wear then in the pictures online

“We’re a little down at the moment out of the high season you see” He said

“Oh yeah, of course “I nodded going over to the desk with him and he did a little paperwork and handed over a key

“Feel free to use al our facilities during your stay, you’ll be up in room Thirteen” He said “If you can just sign?”

I nodded and signed on the paperwork taking my key “Thanks”

“Go on up, and I’ll have things taken to your room”

“Thanks very much” I nodded heading up the stairs.

I got to my door and unlocked it revealing a very nice room it was large and open with a small area for the fridge And some counter space, a beautiful for post bed with blue curtains some sheer and some less so, beautiful blue and white covers on the bed with so many pillows you could build a fort. A very vintage and stylish bathroom to the side with a bath and seperate shower

There was a lovely old sofa that looked out the large glass doors out to the balcony, I opened the doors pushing back the blue and white curtains and walking out onto the lovely balcony looking out across the sand and sea of the cove nowone down there and honestly it was a little chilly but this Tome of year I don't know what I expected. Soon enough the man from the front brought my things up I thanked him and began to unpack hanging my shirts on the little wardrobe and such as I was to be here a while once I had put everything where it needed to be I smiled and jumped on my bed getting cosy with all the soft covers.

I had myself a nice warm bath and got dressed I'm on holiday perfect Tome to dress up a little for dinner I got my dark blue suit pants on and my light blue button down on doing my hair a little before heading down to the restaurant it was actually fairly busy clearly a lot of local people come up for the evening there was a older woman at the bar washing a glass of I had to guess I'd have sad she was the wife of the guy I met this morning, I took a seat at the bar as that was all there was and she smiled at me "room thirteen?" She asks

"Yeah that's me" I nodded showing my key a moment as I still had it in my hand from locking my door

"Not many in the hotel itself. Most just come up for dinner" she says "I can do you a drink while you wait for a table?"

"Sure" I nodded going for my wallet but she laughed

"No charge sir, part of you staying you see" she says

"Okay. I'll uhh have a cider then" I smiled she did me the drink and I sat sipping It looking out at the beautiful ocean I noticed someone at the bar he seemed off. Sat looking at his drink and nothing else his glass in his hand inna vice like grip, he seemed old, tried, nervous. I made a note of him and continued to look around the very nice room when suddenly there was noise people where applauding I looked around a little confused why before I noticed at the edge of the restaurant by the windows was a raised area and there now stood a woman.

I was for a moment taken aback by her. She was… beautiful.

She stood there in a long blue dress with white petticoats peeking out from the skirt, a white belt on her waist, she had silver bracelets and a necklace with a blue crystal hung from her neck, a white headband in her purple curled hair, she had perfect make up with a bright red lipstick, and eye shadow that made looked like waves apon the sea, natural looking lashes and a glow on her cheeks that sparkled purple and blue she had quiet wide hips and rather voluminous breasts she smiled doing a little curtsy as she stood there setting a microphone up I smiled widely just watching her I don't know why but she made me feel so happy, so peaceful and relaxed music began and she began to sing, it was gentle, slow, sultry and perfect like an old lounge singer designed to make you smile and maybe dance to her songs, but I couldn't help watching her it was like the world went dark and only her and I existed as she sang, like she was singing only for me and it was heavenly.

Once it was over I felt strange, I felt empty like I'd been thrown back to reality and I didn't really want to leave everyone applauded her I did too and she went off somewhere else many getting up to leave now the song was over so I got my table for dinner sitting by the window with my cider looking over the menu as the place cleared out only one old couple in the corner and that weird guy at the bar still here

"Would you mind if I joined you?" A voice asked I looked up and saw that woman again now with a glass of rosé in her hand

"Ohh no not at all, I'd be delighted" I said offering her the other chair at my table she smiled and took it "your song was beautiful"

"Thank you" she smiled "I've not seen you before"

"No I uhh staying here for a holiday only came down this morning"

"I see. How do you like it so far?"

"It's amazing. In really waiting for someone to pull the rug out from under me it all feels too good"

"Well it's a nice place, I'm sure they'll be something somewhere" she smiled

We both ordered another drink and some food getting a sharing thing between us

"So, do you live around here?"

"I do. In the hotel"

"I see. You work here then?"

"As a cleaner. sometimes singing"

"I see well your song was beautiful I've never heard anyone like you"

"Thank you" she blushed her hand gently stroking the top of mine. I blushed a little so not use to having anyone… flirt with me well other than kelly at work but not like this. I couldn't deny I was interested in her she was beautiful and I couldn't stop looking at her breasts our food and drinks came and we spoke for a good while about the area, the hotel, the food.

"Sorry I uhh I don't even know your name"

"Y/n." She smiled

"Y/n? That's a very beautiful name" I smiled "Tom. Or Thomas. Either"

"Tommy" she giggled

"Okay"

"Okay?"

"usual Don't allow that one" I told her

"Ohh sorry I'll-"

"But. I'll let you" I smiled giving her a little wink

"That's sweet of you" she smiled stroking her foot up my leg a little I smirked and did it back too stroking my foot on her ankle and a little up her leg as we finished our food and our drinks

"So you have another song to sing?"

"No just one tonight, nothing left to do likely just go back to my room"

"Yeah me too."

"I could always. Come and keep you company?"

"Company? In my roo- oh."

She shrugged and smiled at me

"Yeah sure I uhh I'd love some company"

"Which room?"

"I'm room thirteen"

"I'll see you later then" she smiled getting up giving my head a kiss and heading out into the hotel as soon as I knew she was gone I pretty much bolted up to my room...

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henryobsessed · 4 years ago

Text

The Widow and The Witcher Chapter 8

Summery: Will Julia have to say good bye to Geralt

Word Count: 2680

Warning: Angst Fluff

A/N He he another chapter Happy weekend

Chapter 8

Julia and Renee were cleaning up after a particularly difficult client when Yennefer stormed into the room. Her eyes glowing violet she started yelling as soon as the door closed. "You have no right to hold Geralt prisoner as a slave, Witcher's are their own masters and no one has the right to own them. You must set him free" Julia could not only see the anger, but she sensed the energy radiating off Yennefer. Taking a breath to calm her own anger at the accusation she spoke in an even-toned voice. " I might own Geralt on paper, but I have never treated him as a servant. If he requests his freedom it will be granted. I don't wish to hold him here any longer than he wishes to stay" this defused some of Yennefer's anger, but both women still stared at each other not knowing what else to say.

Tobias had been instructing Harlan in the garden near the healing rooms when he heard the yelling. He knew that Renee was working with Julia today, and afraid for both Renee and Julia's safety started running to the room. As he headed into the corridor, he saw Geralt running from the direction of the stables both men met as Geralt pulled at the door and they entered both worried about what they would find. Taking in the scene Tobias noted Yennefer standing purple eyes glowing and her stance was one ready to act. Renee was standing behind Julia a hand on her back showing her support. She looked at Tobias as they communicated silently with each other. Geralt moved to Yennefer and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Yen please" Yennefer shrugged him off standing even more rigid seeing Julia look at Geralt. Not knowing what to do Tobias cleared his throat and spoke: "Ok everyone please take a breath."

Angry Violet eyes flared at him. "Can I suggest that you all go about your tasks for this evening and tonight we can meet in the library and talk it through" Tobias could see a look of gratitude from Julia. Yennefer left going to find Ciri, Geralt turned a stony glare at Tobias wanting to stay and talk to Julia but seeing her not acknowledge him but rather turn back to what she was doing he relented and silently moved away terrified that he had just lost all chances with Julia.

Julia was filled with anxiety as she paced the Library, Renee and Tobias sat near her, she was grateful for them as she would have been in a worse state if they weren't there. It had been an awkward dinner, even Ciri was subdued picking up on the tension. Now they waited for Yennefer and Geralt to put Ciri to bed and return to the library. Continuing her pacing Julia could not hold it in anymore "I'm so confused, just yesterday he was asking to court me, holding me and even last night pleaded to sleep close to me. And then this morning I see him coming out from the gardens with Yennefer leaves and twigs in his hair. What would you conclude from that? And today Yennefer comes raging into the clinic demanding his freedom. Is that all he see's, that I own him, is that why he's been so caring and affectionate to make the most of his situation?"

Renee felt awful, she had been a part of encouraging Julia to open her heart to Geralt. Putting her head on Tobias's shoulder she felt his stiffness and anger, she knew how protective of Julia he was. He put an arm around Renee while he spoke " Julia I don't know what's going on in that man's head, but we need to hear them out. Whatever happens, you know we're here for you." Julia sat her head in her hands she didn't know what to think, her heart ached and so did her head. There were no premonitions, no foresight to help her see what to do next. It was like the blinders had been put on again, the only thing she could think to do was remove the problem. She needed to give Geralt his freedom then if he stayed, they would need to work out their relationship and if he left, she would know that he was never hers to start off with.

Geralt and Yennefer walked towards the library, both not quite sure what they would encounter. Yennefer was such an unknown in Geralt's life he could not understand why she wanted to get him his freedom. He could only think that if Yen couldn't have him then no one should. They entered the Library. Julia was sitting on the single sofa head in her hands, Renee and Tobias sitting on the 3-seater, so he deferred the other seat to Yennefer. He sat on the rug in front of the fire. Looking at Julia he felt so much guilt seeing her pain-filled eyes that he lowered his head not wanting to see the hurt in her eyes again.

Clearing his voice Tobias spoke up "Firstly, Yennefer we need to know why you came here in the first place before we can talk about the elephant in the room." Yennefer who had been smoothing her skirt as she waited turned to look at Tobias, sighing she said "Ciri is why I came here; I remembered the love in this house and the security. Wilfred and I spoke so much of you Julia on our trip back to Temeria that I knew this would be the best place to hide her. She is special, not only is she the sole survivor of the royal household of Cintra, but she also has elven blood. The kings of the continents are looking for her to use her as a pawn to control what is left of Cintra. I needed someplace that no one would look and where she would be cherished. I also remembered your healing abilities Julia and the help you gave me. I had hoped you could work with Ciri she's been through a lot, But it looks to me like things have changed here. I haven't seen Wilfred so he must still be travelling a lot, and I don't see any children about."

At this Julia looked up at Yennefer, eyes brimming with tears as she softly spoke "you didn't know? I never saw him again after he left with you. He was killed by the Scoia'tael on the way back. So yes, this house has changed and no there are no children." Renee moved towards her placing a hand on her back to comfort her. Geralt hearing her pain and how Yennefer was a part of that pain wanted so much to go to Julia and comfort her as well, but his feelings of guilt held him frozen in place.

Yennefer's face contorted at the softly spoken words of Julia; she had not known of the death of Wilfred. He had been a gentleman and the whole trip had talked about Julia and their plans. It saddened her to know that he had not made it home. Tobias spoke acting as the mediator "thank you Yennefer for sharing that with us, please know that her identity will be kept safe here. Julia, if we can settle the other issue tonight are you ok with Ciri staying here? Renee and I would be willing to help you care for her" Renee also adding in an excited voice "Yes I would be happy as well Julia"

Julia looked up and with red eyes focused on Geralt, he almost looked as dejected as the day they met sitting on his knees head down. Needing to hear what Ciri was to Geralt she asked him "Geralt, what relationship do you have with Ciri, why does she cling to you as a child does to a father?" Geralt looked up at Julia their eyes meeting until Yennefer answered for him. "Ciri is Geralt's child surprise, they are bound together by destiny." Looking at Yennefer Julia frowned and then back to Geralt "so she's your child" Geralt nodded not trusting his voice. "Then yes she can stay here. No matter what the outcome is of the rest of this discussion" looking at Tobias and Renee she smiled at them "I will hold you to your offer of help especially as the healing rooms are getting busy."

Tobias wanting to move the conversation along looked at Julia "Julia I believe after Yennefer's outburst this afternoon you wanted to address the servant issue." Taking a deep breath Julia stood and moved to kneel in front of Geralt, she took his hands in hers and forced a smile. "Geralt, Yennefer was right today, you are a Witcher, you are not meant to be a servant. You are healed and your strength is back. You are free to go." Kissing him on the forehead she stood all her resolve draining away as she saw the look of hurt in his eyes. Unable to keep herself together she hastily retreated out of the room tears streaming down her face, but she knew she needed to let him go if he was ever to have a free will choice.

The room was silent, Renee and Tobias sat looking at each other stunned with what Julia had done. They both knew how much she had grown to love Geralt even if she was only just beginning to show it. Tobias had seen the look on her face right from the day she had bought him back to the estate. His heart ached for his beloved mistress knowing how hard what she said would have been.

Geralt was lost he could not understand why she had told him to go. He had to go after her, had to make her see sense, standing Geralt moved to leave but Yennefer grabbed his arm. "where are you going Geralt, your free didn't you hear her you don't have to go chasing after her." Looking at Yennefer he saw confusion and pain cross her features, frustrated by her lack of understanding he pulling his arm free from Yennefer's grasp, turned and ran after Julia.

Julia couldn't face her empty bed, instead, she went to the healing room to look out at the stars. She sat facing the window tears running unchecked down her face. She had so many memories from this spot, many with Wilfred but they had been fading of late with new memories taking their place. She shivered putting her arms around herself. A blanket wrapped around her shoulders and Geralt came around into her field of vision. Kneeling at her feet Geralt look up at her, his amber yellow eyes filled with concern and care.

Geralt looked into Julia's eyes he could see that she had been crying. He reached up and brushed a tear from her cheek as he spoke in a hushed voice. "Julia, thank you for giving me my freedom. I love how much you care about people and I love that you fight for what you think is right." He smiled a tender smile at her "I want you to know I care about you, I even think I'm falling in love with you but if you don't want me around I'll leave." Julia's eyes widened at Geralt's confession.

Julia didn't want Geralt to leave but she also didn't want him to stay if he really loved another. The events of the last two days were conflicting in her mind. If she were to answer him truthfully, she needed answers "Geralt why did you leave my bed this morning? And why did I see you coming out from the garden with Yennefer looking like you had taken a tumble in the leaves?"

Geralt tried to think through the questions the first was easy, the second would mean owning up to the kiss. He got up off his knees and sat down next to Julia on the day bed, turning Julia to face him. Picking up her hand Geralt ran his thumb over the top of her knuckles caressing her skin. Honesty he needed, to be honest, that was the only way to show Julia that he was sincere in his declaration. "Ok......... this morning I woke early just as the sun was coming up. I was restless and I didn't want to wake you up, so I went for a walk in the garden. I honestly was planning on being back by your side when you awoke but fate had other plans. As I was wrestling in my mind over Yen and Ciri showing up I literally bumped into Yen. She didn't know it was me and using magic threw me across the garden. I landed in a hedge hence the leaves and twigs in my hair."

Julia waited as she sensed there was more. Shifting uncomfortably but knowing he had to speak the rest Geralt said "We sat on the bench in the middle of the garden and talked. A lot has happened in the kingdoms since I have been in captivity and here. This village seems to be isolated from the turmoil going on. While we were talking Yen did kiss me and I was tempted but I kept seeing your eyes in my mind, so I pulled back. I know Yen was confused I have never denied her before. She could tell something had changed, that I have changed. I'm sorry I wasn't there when you awoke."

Still feeling fragile and unsure of what she thought Julia knew there was one thing she could do. One thing that would answer her question. The one thing they had yet to do. Staring into Geralt's amber yellow eyes Julia put her hand on the side of his face. His eyes questioning as she smoothed his white hair back and leaned in to kiss him gently on the lips. She pulled back for just a moment as their eyes reconnected and she saw a light blazing in Geralt's eyes that told her what she needed to know.

Geralt with all his self-control leaned back in and gently kissed her back only to be met with a stronger passionate response from Julia. All the teasing from the last two days and the chemistry that had been building over the last few months were felt in that kiss. After a few more minutes the pulled apart hearts racing both gasping for air. Geralt knowing he was losing control so pulled back further looking into Julia's eyes.

Julia was overwhelmed almost ashamed at how much passion she had just shown Geralt but decided to not worry any more, eyes sparkling she said "Well that just answered that question, Yes I want you to stay Geralt. Not as my servant but to see where this new journey might lead." Smiling Geralt laid back on the day bed and pulled Julia into his arms both breathing deeply to slow the moment. The two gazed at the stars both content and at peace.

Julia awoke still feeling the strong arms around her. They had fallen asleep looking at the stars enjoying each other's warmth. Looking up she saw the last of the stars beginning to fade as the sun peaked over the garden. Geralt was on his back and she was snuggled into his chest. Julia didn't want to move, she was enjoying the feel of his arms around her, but her clients would start arriving in the next few hours and she needed to shower and dress for the day. "Geralt" she whispered "mmmmm" came back his groggy reply. "We have to get up. It's morning and I have clients arriving in a few hours." Geralt's response was to pull her closer and kiss her gently on the lips. Giggling Julia pushed away and poked him in the chest "That's not helping Geralt" a light rumbling laughter floated up from his chest "Can't fault a Witcher for trying"

They both sat up grinning at each other. It was the start of a new day.

Previous Chapter Seven Next Chapter Nine

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blackevermore · 3 years ago

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x Secrets of The Lake: The Company of Misery and Pain

{ Chapter 10 }

Summary: Vladimir Masters’ family tree has always been tainted by secrets swept under the rug. From generation to generation there have been countless reasons the Masters’ family had seemed to keep private from the public. Even to this day, Vladimir was no exception. But what was one to do when a restless spirit from the settlement years finally breaks free from restraints and demands you answer for your ancestor’s crimes? Vladimir doesn’t know. However, Clockworks does.

Notes: We just having fun, rewriting some of the canon, new adventure new characters. I will apologize now for any grammar, spelling, weird sentence structuring in advance. My brain writes faster than my fingers and even when I go back through to reread it I still miss things. Sorry about that!

Word Count: 5086

P.s: I feel like this chapter is shit :/ but we honestly have to keep going!!

Danny could feel it, Sam could feel it because Danny could feel it, and Tucker could only feel it because Sam told him via passing a note. Something was wrong or something was going to be wrong. Danny had kept it to himself all morning up until lunch. The annoying feeling like he should probably skip class and fly around to make sure everything was okay itched away at the back of his head.

“Okay so lemme get this straight, Vlad is currently keeping a ghost at his house that Clockwork told him was coming to haunt him from the past. He has to deal with it or something bad will happen in the future?” Sam recapped and Danny only nodded as he bit into his sandwich.

“Not gonna lie Vlad did give off that energy his family owned slaves,” Tucker muttered and Sam kicked him under the table. “What?! Come on I mean....come on.”

“I said the same thing Tuck,” Danny chuckled and rested his face in his palm. “But he insisted they didn’t and this ghost was purely a paid-ish servant. But whatever, she’s here and lemme tell ya she’s got this crazy power that changes your emotions. Yesterday after finally getting her down I almost punched Vlad for breathing.”

“You should have done it anyway and played it off.” Sam smirked and poked at her salad. “I still don’t like the guy.” She sighed and pushed her food away, not really feeling hungry.

“I don’t blame you, but I assure you he’s not the same person anymore. Same antics but now in an Addams family uncle way. Plus Dani and him playhouse and I think that actually made him become better. We haven’t fought in almost two years so I say that adds up to something.” Danny smiled and Sam only nodded along and shrugged. Danny knew it would take Sam a few more years to wrap her head around Vlad actually laying off and doing something else with his life. Hell, it took Danny by surprise when everything suddenly took a turn and both of them were outed out as halfas.

Danny actually felt like he had a friend to help take the blow with when it came to explaining to his parents about everything. Vlad had stood as his rock and that was enough for Danny to consider Vlad really was changing. Guess he finally grew up. Danny chuckled at his own joke then turned to Tucker. Tucker was a lot more laid back about the whole thing, of course, he was also ready to throw down if Vlad tried his shit, but if Danny felt safe, so did he. But it’s always been like that and that's why they got in trouble the most and Sam was the brains of the group.

“I just have a bad feeling.” Danny turned away from his friends and looked around them. Danny tried to single out if the feeling was coming from any of his peers. High school was filled to the brim with overly emotional teenage hormones that rubbed off on each other. Maybe Danny picked up some cheerleaders' manic panic feelings when he walked past them this morning. Or maybe it was the game club’s mourning from their loss last week, Danny understood that especially when he and his friends lost their games. “But it's not a ‘Vlad’s planning something dangerous’ bad, just an ‘oh no’ bad.” Danny sighed and ruffled his own hair to distract himself. He was tired and stressed out about school and life in general, he didn’t need anything else, mudding up the last of his managing teenage mind. Sam was quick to change the topic to something more fun and Tucker quickly took the chance to show off a new feature he tweaked on his phone.

Danny only half listened as he continued to watch people and drown out from the rest of the world. That was quickly cut short when a fire truck raced quickly past the school and busted left down an avenue and headed off into the distance.

“Who sets stuff on fire at 11:30 in the morning?” Sam snickered.

“It’s almost 12, they waited long enough,” Tucker added which made the girl laugh and Danny nodded with a smile. Danny was about to make the following joke but his phone dinged with a message. He pulled it out and his face nearly turned white as he saw it was Dani.

Phantom 2: Fire Truck just shot past me and their heading towards dad’s

Phantom 1: Shouldn’t you be in class...

Phantom 2: Wrong response…...FIRETRUCK HEADING TO MASTERS HOUSE!

Danny slammed his phone down and grabbed the sides of his head. His friend's small conversation was brought to a halt and they looked at him. Danny groaned and stood up and one command so did Sam and Tucker to do what they did best and cover Danny so he could transform and take off. They were seniors and yet the ol’ ‘cover me guys’ was still strong in their blood.

“Be back before last period or Lancer will be on your ass.” Tucker winked and Danny rolled his eyes before turning invisible and taking off. His friends couldn’t see him but they could take a guess which way he was going. Tucker turned to Sam and hummed before putting his hands on his hips.

“Should we follow him?” The geek asked the goth.

“You just don’t wanna present in Econ next period.” Sam rolled her eyes and sat back down at the table, now feeling the urge to finish her salad.

“You do most of the talking anyway, I’m just there to flip the slides.” Tucker shot Sam finger guns and the girl only smirked and shook her head.

It took Danny no time to make it to Vlad’s home and see two windows had been blown out on the top floor and pink and purple smoke mixed together piling high into the air. Neighbours on either side of Vlad were out of their house and watching in worry. Danny could hear the firetruck getting close. Danny began to cough as the smoke got into his lung, he lowered himself and quickly shot inside the house to see what was going on. When he landed in the bedroom hallway and quickly started to check the rooms. When he got to the end of the hallway he saw the anti ghost bars were turned off and Tayonna was gone. There was a fire in her room and busted windows.

“Oh shit,” Danny whispered then felt the floor rumble from below. He sank through the floor and was almost hit with a pink blast. Danny barely missed it as it flew past his head and quickly dove down to the floor. He turned visible and made cover as another blast flew over his head. Danny looked up from the floor and saw Plasmius dodging another attack and Tayonna still in her human form standing firm on the ground. Tayonna held purple flames in the palm of her hands and a giant ring of flames surrounding her.

“Tayonna stand down!” Plasmius yelled and fired a fireball towards Tayonna who reflected it with one of her own.

“You no longer tell me what to do Vladan!” Tayonna rose her hands towards the air and conquered three ectoblast that was set ablaze

“For the last time, my name isn’t Vladan!” Plasmius yelled and blasted one of the fireballs Tayonna held steady. Danny could tell Vlad was slowly reaching his limit of tolerance. It was likely Tayonna tried her mind junk on the man and it backfired terribly. Tayonna threw down her hands to send off the last two she had. Plamsius shot down the second one then took hold of the last one and threw it back. Tayonna wasn’t prepared for the returning attack and it hit her in the chest, sending her falling to the floor. The girl groaned and tried to push herself to the side to get back up but Plasmius shot at her again.

Tayonna must have sensed it and threw her arm back to create a line of fire around her to stop the blow. She slowly stood up and stepped back before doing a digging motion that created lines of electricity to shoot across the floor and upward to where Plasmius stood. Being as fast as the older ghost was, he simply teleported away before any of the bolts could hit him. He teleported right in front of the girl ready to shoot her back but Tayonna was faster and like a glitch she was inches away from him, placing both of her hands on his chest and with full strength shot him back with purple static.

The cry of plain Plasmius let out told Danny that the attack was more than he was ready for. Plasmius was slammed against the door and Dany was happy he didn’t go through it. Tayonna began to float into the air doing the blurry ghostly movements Danny saw at the pond. Danny thought quickly and reached for the thermos, he was so happy he always kept that bad boy strapped, and unclasped it and sucked Tayonna in. The girl turned at the feeling of being pulled and let out a horrendous scream as she was dragged into the dark void. Within seconds she was sucked in and Danny was making sure the lid was on as tight as it could go. Danny quickly hurried over to Plasmius as the older halfa pulled himself from the door and rolled to his knees. The same creepy red mist fell out of Vlad’s mouth and the man let out an ugly fit of coughs.

“What the hell happened?!” Danny didn’t mean to raise his voice but in a fit of panic it did and Plasmius only groaned and pushed himself up by a knee. Once standing Plasmius turned back into Vlad and the older man couldn’t help but clench his chest. “How did she get out? Who let her out? Vlad, you didn’t let her out, did you? Why would you-”

“Shut up!” Vlad yelled and pushed the boy away in annoyance. “Get out of here before they break down my door and see you.” Vlad turned away from Danny and tried to look less in pain than he already was. Danny frowned and grumbled about Vlad being a dick and shoved the thermos towards Vlad. At first, the man was confused but took it anyway before turning another cold shoulder to Danny.

“You have to answer me later!” Danny yelled before shooting through the roof and up into the sky. The firefighters had just broken down the door and neighbours were gasping as they saw Vlad being pulled out of the house. Danny stayed a while to make sure nothing else crazy happened before he heard the sound of his phone ding. It was Sam telling him to hurry up, last period was in 20 minutes. Danny shoved his phone in his pocket and rocketed back towards his school. He knew he would have to come up with some other ghost fighting excuse for why he missed two periods when he got home. Danny told himself he needed a break. He needed a break so he could make it to graduation and to sweet sweet summer break.

Danny was already checking his phone for a news update for the incident at Vlad’s house. But there was nothing. Surely the people of Amity would know if their former mayor’s house went up in flames. It surely knew when Vlad’s ass was all over the news. Danny told Sam and Tucker he wouldn’t be walking home with them but to make sure Dani got home safe. When he got out of school he still had to serve a hour long detention from Lancer for something he already forgot about. Danny made his way through the air to Vlad’s to check up and see what happened after he left.

Danny stood right outside the house invisible, everything was quiet, the smoke from the upstairs windows was gone. When Danny made it up to the front door he noticed it was no longer busted off the lock. It was fixed as if the events of today didn’t even happen. Danny ghosted inside and gasped, the whole foyer was cleaned and just as fancy as it was when Vlad first moved to town. Danny could see his reflection in the marble floor which he couldn’t the day before. Danny flew upstairs and even the stairs had been clean.

“Vlad?” Danny called out hoping that maybe the older halfa would be lurking around. Danny poked his head through a few doors and saw no sign that Vlad could even be home. He got to the bedrooms and checked those and still no Vlad to be found. Danny did notice however the guest room Tayonna was in was cleaned and the windows were brand new. Danny poked his head into the room but didn’t sense anything, not even Tayonna’s ungodly emotional pulls.

Danny looked around once more just to double check himself but no one seemed to be home. He was about to give up and fly home until he heard the sound of stuff slamming coming from below. Danny moved with caution as he went to Vlad's basement. Down below Vlad sat at a worn down chair tapping away at a computer with the thermos next to him. Ghost scattered around the place rebuilding screens and some of the portal that was broken by Tayonna. Danny landed on his feet and quickly ducked as a ghost flew over him with a monitor in hand.

“Good to see you back, little badger,” Vlad called over his shoulder as he continued to type away.

“How did you-”

“Simple,” Vlad spun around and leaned back in his chair. Danny’s face turned to confusion before he narrowed his eyes and shook his head. As long as it wasn’t actually hurting anyone Danny could turn a blind eye to it. “After I got everyone to leave and nearly all the news anchors to pretend they never had a story. I had to get the place fixed up and I really didn’t feel like calling anyone. Besides, we have wonderful handymen in the Ghost Zone.” Vlad didn’t seem to be in the ugly mood he was in earlier, Danny could see in his eyes there were still traces of annoyance and maybe the typical Vladness, but not anger. It almost seemed like Vlad was in a better mood and Danny wasn’t sure if that was a good thing or if he could quickly punch the man to double check.

“Has she been in there the whole time?” Danny pointed over to his thermos and Vlad sighed and nodded.

“I wasn’t letting her out again.” The man grumbled and spun back around towards the computer.

“Again? So you did let her out.” Danny walked closer and picked up the thermos making sure Vlad hadn’t started poking at it. Vlad ran a hand over his hair and nodded looking almost ashamed he had to admit he caused the problem.

“I was curious of how far her mimicking powers could go and as soon as I asked-”

“Seems more like you to command than ask.” Danny corrected.

“As I asked her to do it again she refused, then the red mist showed up and jumped down my throat and before I knew it I was reaching out towards her and grabbed her arm. Then of course you showed up and saw where that led us.” Vlad rubbed his throat a bit then cleared it. A bit more of the mist flew from his mouth and Vlad waved it away angrily. “Blasted thing.”

“Is this mist also a ghost?” Danny tried to sense if the mist was around or not. It seemed like it was gone at the moment and Danny sighed. Danny knew whatever it was that now clung to Vlad like Tayonna had an important role in this mess as well.

“I don’t believe it’s a ghost. It’s more so like dead ghost memories that follow her. It could be what makes her restless and has manifested into a physical form.” Vlad rubbed his chin and held out his hand for the thermos. Danny was slow on handing it over but finally caved. Vlad was about to untwist the top but Danny quickly shot out his hands and stopped him.

“Whoa, what are you doing?! She almost set your place on fire and now you're gonna let her out, again?” Vlad quickly snatched the gadget away from the boy and pointed behind him. Danny turned his head and saw a ghost trap on the floor already set up and ready to go. Danny hadn’t realized that he almost stepped in it. Would have been great if Vlad had just said to move out the way or something.

“She’s not going to cause any more trouble once I get this on her.” Vlad reached over and pulled the drawer open and pulled out a collar.

“So you’re gonna do the collar thing again, that’s totally gonna get her on your side.” Danny crossed his arms and rolled his eyes. He couldn’t help the faint sting and itch around his neck as memories of being in the collar himself flashed through his head. Danny should have known Vlad would keep the damn thing even after Danny broke it.

“I defused the shocking system, all it will do is make her as powerless as possible. That means even her emotional mind games. She will be as human as she’s pretending to be.” Vlad handed Danny the collar to hold as he fiddled with the thermos to get it open. Danny eyed the thing and repeated Vlad’s words in his head. And with three easy seconds, he had a monkey brain moment and snapped the thing around his neck. Danny felt his powers get pulled back inside his body and his core shut down as he collapsed to the ground and turned human. Vlad snapped towards the boy and palmed his face in disbelief. Vlad quickly gave the command for the collar to release and Danny shot back up holding his breath. The teen tried to play it off like he wasn’t caught red handed playing around.

“I’m good...we gucci.” Danny shrugged and blushed from embarrassment. Vlad rolled his eyes and picked up the collar once more and handed it to Danny with a silent ‘stop playing’ and turned back to the anti ghost circle. Vlad popped off the lip and flipped the switch to release and pressed down on the button. A bright blue glow sprung to life from within the container and Tayonna was shot out to the ground. She was discombobulated as she held her head, slowly blinking and looking around. When she turned and saw Vlad and Danny she got to her feet and flicked her wrist to activate her powers.

When she didn’t see the glow of purple she looked down at her hands and back up to Vlad with anger. Vlad tried not to meet her in the eyes but there was something alluring about them and he couldn’t pull away. He strongly regretted it when he saw how angry she was and how angry he became suddenly. His anger rose as he thought about the years he spent in the hospital alone. The anger he still held against Jack and the fact he himself didn’t have the honour of marrying Maddie.

Vlad almost lost himself in the anger until he felt Danny nudge him. He snapped his neck towards Danny and the poor boy jumped back as Vlad’s eyes faded from blue to a red void and back again. Vlad blinked a few times then covered his face to get away from Tayonna’s sight. When he felt himself calm down with the help of counting down from ten he turned back towards the boy and pointed towards the collar.

“Yeah well, how are we supposed to get it on?” Danny whispered and Vlad groaned as he hadn’t thought about that.

“Fudge muffins.” Vlad closed his eyes and sat back down in his chair. He knew he couldn’t simply ask her to wear it without having to wrestle her down to the floor. Which threatens the chance of them rolling out of the circle and her being able to use her ghost powers. Vlad didn’t have time for his lab to be ruined all over again as it was nearly finished. Vlad had to think of something that could possibly trick the ghost into wearing it.

“Tayonna,” Vlad called out to her calmly and that seemed to confuse not only her but Danny. “Let’s make a deal.” Vlad didn’t wait for a yes or a no as he stood up and crossed his arms behind his back and walked to stand right in front of the girl. He left himself open as he locked eyes with her again. Either he would end up yanking the collar from Danny and getting it around her neck while dealing with false emotions. Or in the low chance he managed to get her to back off and be compliant he would simply snap the thing around her. It seemed that the former would be the winner until she started to breathe heavily, her brows turned upward in sadness and she finally backed away from him. She lowered her head and turned away. Vlad fought the smirk that laced itself across his lips and kept them pressed tight.

“What do you want?” Tayonna asked, not above a broken whisper. Vlad held out his hand to Danny and the boy handed him the collar.

“You will wear this collar and we can actually speak like civilized people. Or you will stay down here in the basement in this small circle until you can be civilized.” Vlad held up the collar with an open hand and waited for the ghost to turn towards him. It wasn’t much of a deal and he knew it but whatever had to be done would be done. He could see the way her hand slowly inched up her dress and he tsked a few times. “If you try that again I will not hesitate to rip you apart molecule by molecule. I don’t take playing with my core lightly.” Vlad’s voice dropped to a growl and that worked to get the ghost to move her hand away from her chest. She turned towards him qualmy, eyeing the collar then up to his eyes, she scrunched her nose at the idea of having to wear it.

“You’ve never put me in a collar.” She said.

“And I wish I didn’t have to,” Vlad didn’t know why he said that nor where it came from. When he saw the way her face dropped again he felt it in his heart and it made him take a deep breath before letting it out. “If you wear it, it won't hurt you, I promise you this.” It will never hurt again. Vlad was sure these were just her false emotions projecting but deep down he could actually feel that he meant it. Somewhere inside him he truly didn’t want to collar her or hurt her, and that bothered him. Tayonna looked lost in thought as she looked between the two males in front of her. Danny looked confused by Vlad’s sudden calm demeanor and ready to stop the whole thing. The boy held his wrist and just stood there. Tayonna looked back towards Vlad and her eyes went wide. Vlad could see it in her eyes she looked at him as if he was someone she was looking for and it pained her. Then her brows fell in knots and she shook her head before walking closer to the edge of the circle.

“I promise,” Vlad whispered to her once more than brought the collar up to snap around her neck. Tayonna flinched a bit at how tight it was then brought her hands up to touch it. Vlad held out his hand and she hesitantly took it as he led her out of the circle. Vlad almost felt happy to have the girl calm and willing. He watched her face closely as she looked around her. She was beautiful. What? Vlad winced at the small voice in his head but continued to stare at her. She’s always been so beautiful. Vlad’s eyes went soft like the way they did when he looked at Maddie, but in his mind, there was no Maddie, just Tayonna. Tayonna quickly took her hand back and held onto herself when she noticed Vlad’s hard stare. She wavered on if this was a good idea or if she had just handed herself over to the wrong person. Vlad snapped out of whatever fix he was in and cleared his voice before turning towards a very baffled Danny.

Vlad held up a hand, he didn’t have the answers himself, “It seems we might be getting somewhere, Daniel.” Vlad walked past the boy and lifted up his jaw. Vlad walked towards his portal just as the last monitor was fixed in place. He forgot all about the work being done during that whole thing. Vlad thought it was best now that he got the girl out of the circle to put space between them. He didn’t need any more little voices in his ear telling him things he didn’t believe.

“All done, boss!” The ghost workers all called off and Vlad thanked them before turning on the portal to allow them to leave. Vlad sighed in pure happiness as the soft green glow of the Ghost Zone illuminated his face. It was comforting since Vlad spent a lot of time there when he wasn’t taking care of his companies. It felt like he needed to take a quick flight through the zone to refresh himself before stepping foot in his house ever again. But that will have to wait as Vlad now has to get Tayonna to talk. Vlad turned back to the others and the default smile he normally wore. Danny only gave him a slightly worried expression while Tayonna turned completely away from the portal.

“Well, Daniel I think it’s best if you made it home.” Vlad stepped to the side and held out a hand ushering Danny. The boy bit his lip and looked back towards Tayonna who hadn’t moved an inch since getting out of the circle.

“Is this a good idea?” Danny walked over and going ghost.

“I can assure you it will,” Vlad gave him his best smile and nodded.

“You’re not gonna do anything...dangerous to her are you?” Danny leaned in towards Vlad with narrowed eyes and a finger pointed towards his face.

“Daniel, have I done anything to warrant your concern, as of recently?” Vlad’s smile dropped and he cocked a brow towards the teen. Seriously if Vlad wanted to cause trouble he honestly wouldn’t wait for the opportunity, he would go out and do it. Danny seemed to back down from that and rubbed his neck.

“No but old habits die hard. Keep me updated, fruitloop.” Danny shot through the portal and off into the Ghost Zone. Vlad sighed and rolled his eyes and closed the portal before turning on his heels and walking back towards Tayonna. When he got close she flinched away from him and shot him a glare.

‘The constant mood swings are rather annoying’ Vlad thought but kept his face neutral. “Miss Tayonna, it would be better if we went upstairs. Unless you wish to stay down here.” Vlad held out his hand but she refused to take it, with a shrug he dropped it.

“I don’t.” She responded and Vlad nodded then started towards the basement stairs to head back towards the first floor. Tayonna silently followed behind him.

Vlad kept an eye on Tayonna as he ventured around his house. She continued to follow him without complaint. At first Vlad found it endearing, she seemed so lost and followed him everywhere, but when he forgot she was there from how quiet she was and tried to go to the bathroom he quickly had to set rules of sorts.

“You don’t have to follow me, you could go sit somewhere until I come for you.” Vlad turned around and faced her and she seemed embarrassed for a moment. She turned her head from him and huffed.

“I have no idea where I am.” She mumbled.

“You’ve been in my house for almost a week and you don’t know your way around?” He tried to not sound condescending but it was a bit hard when the ghost that’s been haunting you acted like a puppy.

“I stayed by your side the whole time.” Tayonna looked back up to him and Vlad felt his heart skip a beat and his mouth run dry. He thought it was oddly flattering until he remembered she did it in ill will. Then there was something that caught his eye that really made him choke up. On the right side of her neck in the small dip before her shoulder were bite marks. That’s when he noticed the way she tended to only stand towards him on her left. Tayonna noticed his eyes staring towards her right and she turned away. Vlad didn’t have to say anything to confirm that that one particular dream she had actually infiltrated. ‘Dream manipulation, emotional manipulation, and mimicking...interesting’ Vlad blushed a bit and cleared his throat. Even with the stab in the back, he couldn’t help but still enjoy it for what it was. But he wouldn’t rub that in her face, yet.

Vlad turned away and motioned for her to follow him towards his downstairs office. He opened the door and allowed her to walk in first, he offered her a seat and Tayonna took it. Vlad walked over to his desk just as the phone began to ring. Ahh yes, what a wonderful time to receive a personal call. Vlad frowned and let out a heavy sigh before answering.

“Masters speaking.” Vlad gave his professional voice and the voice on the other side sighed and for once Vlad felt at ease by the rude welcoming.

“Hello Sir, you have got to be shitting me.”

#📖Ghost Stories👻#vlad masters #danny phantom #dp fanfic #my writing #Secrets of The Lake

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originalexcerpts · 5 years ago

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I made a short ACOTAR fanfiction of Rhys and Y/N. It takes place several centuries after Feyre dies in a war. You purchase her human home in a town near an ocean and find Rhys sitting on a bench overlooking the ocean from your backyard.

I couldn't sleep so here you go:

I slid the pale pink robe tighter across my chest as the wind rustled by. The night was colder than any I had experienced since moving here a few weeks ago.

I knew I would need a new coat for winter with how close to the ocean the property was.

It was almost a dream the day the house went on the market. I had been scouring local ads for months, just praying something would be available. My new writing job required plenty of time at home and in a city like Vickzens, it was difficult to find something that wasnt a 2-story walk up in the city center. I didnt need any distractions. Which is why the moment this place went on the market I called immediately.

It didnt take much convincing for the seller to turn over the keys. She said the place had been in her family for years, but no one lived there. It wasnt until her grandmother passed a three months ago that she was even allowed to list it. She said her family had some weird attachment to it, and that I was more than welcome to take it off her hands. It was only her and her children left anyways, and they had spent too much time in this city, at her grandmother's nursing home, to be good for their mental health.

I felt bad for her, and gave my condolences, but a part of me was really thankful to her as well.

I moved in a few days later, and barely cared to notice the chipped wood floors or broken chandelier in the main entryway. The walls were dusty, but still held a magnificent glow from the gold flecked paint. There were murals along the stairwell of stars and the moon. Little crevices threatened to peel away at the paint, where the stairs had expanded over the years. That only meant the wood was real.

Small drawings done in what I believe was crayon and pencils swirled throughout three of the bedrooms. Maybe there were children here once.

Each room had it's own fireplace, and each fireplace had it's own story to tell. From flames and glittering silvers that almost formed blades, to flowers and autumn leaves.

The kitchen exploded with gold in the sink, the cabinetry, and the thin lines throughout the marbled countertops. How was I able to afford this place?

You could barely see the aging of the bathroom tiles beneath what I believe were hand stitched rugs. The thread pulled in places, but shared images of sunset intertwined with nightfall.

An artist. The original owner, or those who followed, had to have been an artist.

I made my way through the cobblestone trail leading from the back door towards the cliff's edge. My hair whipped against my cheek, but the ocean's waves lulled me closer.

The garden behind me now must have once been amazing. Hedges, withered from the seasons, line the stone path way and lead out on both sides to stone statues and tall old trees. I remember gasping when I saw it for the first time in daylight. But then the fireflies and lanterns glowed that first night and I fell in love. I decided then and there that I would try to find any bit of green my thumb could offer. I wanted to remake it. I wanted to see it for what it originally was.

It's been a few weeks now, and it definitely has a long way to go, but I almost dont want to go back inside at the end of each day. Anytime I take a break from writing, i am right back in the garden plowing away the weeds and planting fresh life.

I close my eyes and listen for a moment as the wind rocks the sea and little insects hum. This is my life, now. I get to be free from the bustling outside world and forget the heartbreak that led me to running away in the first place.

When I opened my eyes the moon was half hidden behind the clouds. I turned to go back inside, but then I saw him. A dark shadow of a man resting against a stone bench less than twenty feet away.

I was supposed to be alone here. I owned the land for miles.

Fear raked through me as I debated confronting him. What if he was dangerous? Should I call the police? What would the police even do?

Just as I stepped back to hurry inside, he swiftly moved from bench. His frame faced me, but I couldnt make out any features other than his impressive height.

"Who-who are you?" My words were choked, and I wasnt sure he could even hear me.

He didnt say a word, but I saw his shoulders straighten.

Then he was moving forward. He was walking towards me in the most graceful and demanding way I had ever seen.

I wanted to run. I wanted to cry. But I couldnt. I just stayed completely still while trying to convince myself I wasnt insane and that this man wasnt a murderer.

"Hello, dear," he stopped just far enough in front of me to half-bow and take my hand. His lips brush my knuckles before he released it. "Why is it that you're here?"

Why am I here?? This is my house. Why is he here??

The words werent forming, but he nodded his head anyways.

"I use to know someone that lived here once. A long time ago." The clouds released the moonlight just enough for me to glimpse sadness in those deep violet eyes. "Forgive me for intruding. I was unaware that Janna relinquished the deed."

So, he knows the woman who sold me the house? I wonder what relation they had. She looks much older than him, from what I can tell. But it's almost hard to determine his age. Part of him screams ancient and deadly, but his features are so beautiful and delicate that he couldnt be more than mid-twenties.

"I'm flattered you think so." He chuckled and looked away. "I have known Janna all her life. This home belonged to a distant ancestor of hers. But was abandoned some time after her death." He walked towards the cliff. "War is a cruel cruel thing." His inflections were playful. Dangerous. But his words were heartbreaking.

I wanted to reach out to him. To touch him. Comfort him. But I couldnt move. My feet were almost glued to the spot.

"Why do you come back here if it reminds you of something sad," I blurted out before I could stop myself.

He turned back to me, and was now fully drench I'm the light of the moon. It seemed to almost glow from within him. His dark hair was riddled with loose curls, and his purple suit was nearly the shade of dusk.

"A dear family member's funeral brought me to town not too long ago, and I havent wanted to leave, since."

The wind picked up with his last word and my robe parted slightly. I watched his eyes trail below my chin and immediately wrapped myself up again. Pervert.

"There is blood across the base of your neck." It was almost a reply, but couldnt have been, because the word never left my lips.

Before I could lift a finger, he already had my chin in his hands and was wiping away the cut with a silk white cloth. How had he moved so quickly?

"You should be more careful, dear." With that, he slipped the cloth into a pocket and disappeared. There were specks of glittering dust and shadows where he once was.

Was it just a dream? Had he been an illusion?

Who was that man?

#acotar #fanfiction #fanfic #acotar fanfic #a court of thorns and roses #a court of mist and fury #acomaf #rhysand #rhys #y/n #rhys x y/n

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talesofsonicasura · 4 years ago

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Diamonds and Voodoo

Brothers and Bandicoots

This was rewritten when I discovered that the document had been nothing but a word salad. This one should be much better!

Taki-Taki returns to Morioh in order to fulfill a particular agreement. Sadly, all she got was her dad walking off, two brothers with daddy issues, egotistical assholes and bandicoot urine on a landmark. Oh joy.

"Yes. I would like to confirm this very information to the Speedwagon Foundation. Apparently defeating Angelo merely revealed a new part of the going ons in Morioh. Something that could only be trouble for everyone living here and maybe even further." Spoke Jotaro Kujo, the man currently on the phone in his hotel room.

Pictures of a now deceased Angelo's mugshot with a report paper taped to the back, another picture of a disembodied hand on a table set with breakfast for one, and a small booklet that read Morioh City's Report. The man could only stare at them with pure concern.

/I wasn't born with this power! No, it was given to me by a man in a student's uniform. He appeared in my cell one night. I was so scared that my balls were in my stomach. In his hand was an ancient bow and arrow, it had to be around 100 years old. Next thing I knew, he shot the arrow into my neck. Saying the reason I survived and got this power because my soul was so strong. If you kill me, then he'll come get you too!/

Information the man had given just before Josuke and Taki-Taki trapped the psycho in his current stone prison. It did answer quite a bit of questions stemming from an incident that happened 10 years ago. One which was entangled in the tragedy of the Joestar bloodline that started over a mere century ago. The blood feud between the Joestars and Dio Brando.

It begun when the Joestar Matriarch, George Joestar, had brought in an orphan boy after this boy's father passed. That boy was Dio Brando, a child whose immense hate turned him into the most vile and dangerous person in the history of mankind. Poisoning George Joestar, ruining the life of George's son Jonathan, becoming a vampire and then stealing Jonathan's body.

Those were some of the key facts amongst a lot of the vampiric bastard's sins. Jotaro then side eyed something at the far corner of the room, a picture frame whose photo was obscured by the distance. Sadness, and rage going through the ocean blue for a few seconds before fading. He turned his thoughts to something else.

"With the Arrow somewhere on the loose in Morioh, it won't be long until the town becomes a horror show. There's also that woman, Taki-Taki Bandicoot, I'll be keeping an eye on her. I don't trust her." His thoughts going back to his previous encounter with the greenette as he looked down on the table.

There were highly detailed sketches of her, Lani-Loli, Toxic and Quill, each marked with key details depending on the individual. The drawings were so accurate, it could be mistaken for a printout if it wasn't for the fact they were made using color pencils. Strangely there was one more sheet next to them but it was blank except for two simple words.

Crash Bandicoot.

"Come on Dad! We're supposed to see Josuke and his dickish nephew today!" The Wumpa Islands, a pair of three tropical islands found somewhere in the ocean near Australia. It was a home to all sorts of peculiar creatures, mystical areas hidden in every place wrought with all sorts of danger and full of mysterious magic. It was also where the infamous Bandicoot Clan made their residence.

N.Sanity Beach, which could be found on N.Sanity Island was a spot for the clan members to enjoy fun in the sun activities. A bunch of floaties with a tube one shaped like a purple dragon next to a volleyball net, a small bar set with seats for 5 and various drinks from non-alcoholic to a few different alcohol, a couch with a makeshift roof made from cloth, and strangely a fridge and TV on the sand.

Taki-Taki, currently by the couch, was trying to put a large hoodie on some... thing? Someone? It or he from the pronoun used stood around 4'7 in height, what wasn't obscured by the large jacket was a pair of blue jorts, red tennis shoes, orange fur covered legs and part of a orange furred lean stomach with yellow at the center. Distressed gibberish coming from the neck sleeve almost if the head was stuck.

Lani-Loli was merely watching the little show alongside another floating mask. This mask looked exactly like the small charm Taki-Taki had given Ryohei but larger with more details such as a goatee made of leaves, larger feathers that were funnily taped on the back, and was alive from the eyes and mouth both curved in a 'seriously?' look. There was no doubt that this particular mask was Aku-Aku.

With a strong tug, the hood finally came down over the large head of a...bandicoot. The almost cartoonish looking bandicoot had large ears, bright teal eyes with hints of innocent insanity, a brown mohawk of hair, a yellow muzzle and large brown bushy eyebrows. His hands were four fingered and covered by fingerless brown gloves.

"I don't know what's funnier: The fact two sane people are meeting Crash or about to learn that he's an actual bandicoot." Lani-Loli mischievously chuckled. Taki-Taki only said that Crash was her father but not about him being BIOLOGICAL. The greenette is actually adopted and the only human of a family consisting of bandicoots, living masks and other oddities.

"To be fair, she has been listening to my advice about being limited to her origins. Although from what I heard about your last encounter in Morioh, caution should still be advised. This is a whole new world we stumbled upon and there are rules to follow." Aku-Aku's deep, powerful and wise voice sent a clear message to everyone.

None of them had much knowledge about Stands but do know the consequences of their own powers, the mystical energy they wield known as Mojo. It was an ancient source of magic that not only fueled voodoo but all branches of sorcery. Something that could cause unimaginable damage if abused.

Mojo was what made Crash who he is, the powers that Lani-Loli and Aku-Aku have, and what Taki-Taki is learning to master but also the consequences if abused that made creatures like Quill and Toxic. Creatures with great power but have the potential to cause devastation if they run amok: Titans.

If that Stand granting Arrow is being constantly misused and what powers a Stand could potentially manifest, Morioh wasn't as safe as it should be. And there might be its own Titans lurking in the shadows. For now, their true nature needed to be limited whenever visiting the town lest the situation could become worse.

Who knows what kind of horror can manifest if Mojo mixed with a Stand?

The Higashitaka household was a bit offbeat nowadays. Due to the recent 'stroke' that the older matriarch had suffered, the aura of the home for the family of three was a bit rugged. Ryohei had been laid off of his work for a bit as both his employers and fellow officers were worried about the man's health. He was what kept the force happy and ready to go.

Thus he was stuck at home being looked over by his daughter Tomoko and grandson Josuke from time to time. Taki-Taki was currently standing by the door with her father Crash next to her. Her face was obscured by the large hood of his jacket. Lani-Loli and Aku-Aku were currently hidden in Taki's jacket so they wouldn't be seen.

She knocked on the door politely despite how loud it sounded. "Hold on!" A woman's voice fires back in an instant. In a few seconds, the door was opened by a young woman who both father and daughter could guess was Josuke's mother. Josuke definitely got his soft face and beauty from her but Ryohei's kindness was there too.

Her hair was violet and short, eyes a similar baby blue to Josuke but more fiery, she was slim though there definitely was some muscle hidden by her yellow shirt and dark jeans. "Hello! Are you Josuke's mom? He does have your looks and you do look a bit like Mr Ryohei." Her odd deduction had the purplette surprised for a moment.

Then hearing her father's name was enough to put two to two together. "You're right, I'm his mother Tomoko and Ryohei is my father. Are you by chance Taki-Taki Bandicoot? I heard about you from my dad and son. Dad was right about you being adorable. Whose this with you?" Her voice, although soft and kind, held a ferocity behind it. Josuke's fiery temper had to come from someone.

"This is my dad, Crash. Due to some unfortunate circumstances, I couldn't get home for a few days. Josuke let me stay here until I got back but under the condition that he had to talk about my stay with pops." Tomoko easily remembered her son mentioning that when she had gotten back home later that day.

Although she couldn't help but look at the figure that was Taki's father. There was not a single facial feature to make out due to the darkness of the large hoodie he wore but it was his hands that drew flags. Was the orange section part of the gloves and did he lose a finger in an accident? The hands were very odd and that orange part had a texture that looked more fur than leather or latex. Still...

"I'm sorry to say but Josuke had left for school today. Luckily he should be out by now. He attends Budo-ga Oka which isn't that far from Angelo's Rock, the new landmark which recently popped up." Taki-Taki immediately knew what she was talking about. It was near the place where that adorable turtle in the makeshift pond lived at. Shouldn't be too hard to find.

The Haunt House, an eerie landmark of sorts located near the recent Angelo's Rock. This large home could be recognized from the various broken windows that were either without glass or boarded up haphazardly, old paint that chipped away from even the gentlest of breezes and the vine covered gate with the tilted door marked by a 'No Trespassing' sign.

It was called the Haunt House from the feeling of being watched or the eyes of something watching in the shadows of the window whenever someone walks by. Police often patrolled the place for squatters due to these particular sightings and reports. Coming to the backyard strangely enough was the hoodie form of Crash Bandicoot.

From the glimpse of marsupial's green eyes and lack of companions, it was clear that he was lost. He let out a rumble of pure gibberish obviously annoyed. 'Maybe I should've stayed at that rock weirdo… Then again, Taki probably might not be happy to know I no longer have to go.' Crash let out an impish chuckle. Just because he was evolved doesn't mean he stopped 'marking his territory'.

'Dad, I need you to stay here with Angelo for me. If Josuke still isn't at school, then he'll most likely come through here to get home. It shouldn't take long for us to come back.' His daughter's words echoing in his head.

He felt a bit ashamed for not listening. It just he wasn't used to standing in one place for so long if it didn't involve napping. The bandicoot had a silly smile thinking about a nice snooze in his hammock after a nice slice of Wumpa Fruit pie. The little daydream was popped by the sound of soft skittering that hit his large furry ears.

Crash looked up before tilting his left ear towards the creepy house. The sound had to be somewhere in the upper levels from how it reverberated through the walls. Whatever made it was too big for an insect or small cat to do. Spying an open window with the least amount of boards, the bandicoot giggled to himself as an idea came. Little claws popped from the marsupial's fingers with a simple flex before he leapt onto the wall. Once the talons had a good grip, Crash climbed up the house wall and slipped in through the empty window pane.

"Motherfucker!" "Language!" Heterochromia eyes could only glare at the currently shivering stone convict. Taki had gone over to the school Tomoko mentioned after requesting her dad to stay put. Sadly, they couldn't find any sign of Josuke and looking for Jotaro was impossible without the pompadour prince's help. After visiting the little turtle in the pond, the greenette and her mask companions backtracked to the landmark.

Yet, her mutant bandicoot father was nowhere to be found and a foul smelling puddle was now present on the rock's lips. Normally something as gross as this got her laughing but at the moment the witch doctor was just annoyed. "Guess we were gone for a bit too long. Patience isn't something Crash normally has these days." Lani-Loli said while looking at the wet spot in distaste.

None of them should be surprised that the bandicoot would wander off somewhere. Luckily or disgustingly, there was a scent that could be used to find their lost marsupial. The witch doctor went into her jacket pocket to pull out a small vial that contained a soft luminous blue liquid. Taking off the small cork, Taki downed the tube's contents in a single gulp.

After placing the empty glass tube back in the pocket, the witch doctor then reached into the dinosaur skull she wore. Her hand pulled out a small peculiar object that was hidden in her bone headwear. It appeared to be a fang of some sort but was too thick, too large, and oddly too sharp to belong to any normal animal. Lani-Loli and Aku-Aku exchanged looks then quickly getting a few feet from Taki before she devoured the tooth with gusto.

In an instant, her eyes narrowed into slits and tattoos blazed to life in burning blue. She suddenly hunched down as if in pain followed by the sound of beastial snarling. The statue could only stare in perpetual terror upon the morphing shadow that started to cascade over him. Tears pouring from the frozen orbs from the sight of what could only be best described as a monster.

A distorted scraping noise ripped through the ominously quiet neighborhood before it was quickly followed by the sound of shattering pavement. This ruckus came from the front of Morioh's Haunt House for a battle was being waged at its steps. One of the fighters was Josuke whose uniform was dirtied up a bit along with a few scratches on his face. It was the least of his worries though.

Standing in an defensive position was another teenager around his age and size, a male Stand User from the bright fiery blue aura that flared his form. He had the look of a punk, shaved black hair that looked gray with a mini pompadour which sat at the mods, his eyes that seemed to only have impish pupils alongside a thin but large X-shaped scar or line pattern on his head.

The punk wore a modified blue gakuran with multiple gold pins shaped like money symbols on the fabric. "I won't say this again. Okuyasu Nijimura, you better let me through you bastard! Koichi isn't part of whatever bullshit your up to!" Josuke snarled at his opponent with hot daggers in his baby blue eyes.

The now named Okuyasu merely let out an impish chuckle before speaking with a rough and ruggish voice. "Sorry pal but you'll have to go through me first! Come closer and greet The Hand!" Almost on cue, a white hand with two bulbous baseball patterned protrusions on the palm came from behind the teen's head. The pomp prince quickly jumped to the side as the appendage swatted at his previous position instead, the 'No Trespassing' sign.

Alarms bells went through his head upon noticing the sign wasn't destroyed but it wasn't the same either. The text looked...too short almost if something was missing or had disappeared. It then clicked upon another glance of the item. "That sign! It used to say 'No Trespassing' but now it only says 'No passing'! Your Stand scraped the 'tres' away!"

Josuke's deductions caused his opponent's smile to grow malicious. The spectral arm next to the young man transitioning into something larger. In seconds that limb had fully materialized its true form, a white humanoid puppet outlined by blue armor bearing gold money symbols. The puppet shared a similar build to his master, its colorless hide sharing the same hardened texture of the armor, and his head was held in a white pail bucket that obscured part of its yellow lined eyes and the almost expressionless lips.

"That's right Josuke! My Stand can scrape away anything that it's right hand touches before closing the missing space together. I don't know where it goes or even if it still exists anymore but I do know you'll be sure to follow!" The Hand then scraped the air as a green tear rips right through the dimension. It immediately shuts closed in seconds as the purplette soon found his opponent in front of him at the same time.

He had used the created tear to close the distance between them. Okuyasu held his fist back almost about to speak when… the sound of whistling flew over their heads as a blast of glowing pink had sent Josuke's attacker airborne upon striking his Stand in the chest. The pompadour prince only had the time to blink before a pair of animalistic heterochromia eyes looked back at his.

What stood before had to be one of Taki-Taki's creatures, nothing could have been as odd or mystical like they strangely were. However this one felt off in a familiar sort of way. The creature looked like a bipedal almost anthropomorphic fox. It was monstrous with spindly long arms paired with black paws that held sharp claws, limber and lean build that was perfect for predatory stealth, the face was foxish but could be mistaken for a coyote or cougar from the longer ears and snout, and there were large purple parrot feathers on its back in a leafy plumage manner.

The off signs came from the tattoos around its arm that looked too much like Taki-Taki's, the greenish short hair on its head and the dinosaur skull… It immediately clicked on what or who had just defended his bacon. "Holy shit. Taki-Taki, is that you?" His query being answered upon a large prickly tongue licking his face courteous of the 9 ft beast that once was a human girl.

Josuke's face turned beet red and he honestly couldn't say if it was in disgust, embarrassment or touched by the sticky dog kiss. "Josuke?!" He whipped his head to see Lani-Loli flying over to the two but immediately stopped from the sound of hyena/wolf growling. Eyes were on the now standing Okuyasu who then looked flabbergasted by the new faces.

"What the hell?! Is one of those things that scrawny munchkin's Stand?! Or some sort of monster? No matter, The Hand will scrape you all out of existence!" His Stand manifesting once more with the right hand ready to erase even more space. Sadly, he didn't anticipate what particular creature the greenette was.

Letting out a loud hyena-like cackle Taki threw a large but fast pink orb of energy straight from her hand. It was a glowing magenta torpedo that clipped through the side of the Stand's right wrist in seconds. Okuyasu howled in pain from a chunk of his right wrist exploding outward almost if his body was mirroring the Hand's injury.

"The Snipe, a predatory beast that hunts its targets with high speed projectiles and is a close range fighter's worse nightmare!" Lani-Loli spoke while watching the green haired beast pounce at the off guard teen. Her feet instantly knocked the air out of Okuyasu's chest which forced his Stand to vanish from the lack of breath. He could only look up at the large drooling teeth of the angry beast that currently had him pinned down in fear.

His eyes quickly shut almost if waiting for the end only to scrunch his face in confusion by a soft touch. With a small peek, the young man was greeted to the sight of the large monster's forehead gently pressed against his own. A strange sensation going through his mind in a second before it- no she looked back at him with sympathy.

Taki then looked over to Josuke and Lani-Loli before the feathers on her back started glowing in strange patterns. The purplette was confused by the odd signals but the Quantum Mask knew what it meant. It was a sign of Morse Code Taki had developed for this form. "Josuke! Heal him, this guy isn't your enemy! Apparently he has a reasonable story behind this attack! Something involving his father!"

Lani-Loli's words made Okuyasu's eyes widen in realization. "You...went through my head? You saw the 'thing'." That last word practically quivered in silent despair and sorrow. Taki merely nodded her head before getting off the teenager. She quickly stalked towards the Haunt House. The harsh stench of blood hit her nose full force which turned a small crawl into an urgent run.

Her predatory eyes immediately ignored the man in the darkness for the childlike teenager that was slowly dying on the ground. He had short well groomed silver hair, light almost pasty skin and wore a plain green gakuran but his blue eyes were slowly becoming lifeless from the nasty arrow wound in his neck. Taki knew he would die if he wasn't treated.

"How curious. You the child's Stand or perhaps belong to-" The female Snipe growled before nonchalantly tossing a blast of pink at the unwanted pest. The man must've scurried out of the way from the sound of wood exploding to chips. Knowing there wasn't going to be an interruption, Taki reached for one of her feathers and plucked it off her back.

Holding the item in hand, she let out growls that sounded close to a chant as the piece of parrot plumage began to glow a soothing green. Taki crushed the feather in her hand as it broke into verdant stardust before pouring the powder over the large gouge on the boy's neck. The large wound immediately glowed a vibrant emerald as it steadily shrank. In seconds, the large gash was gone and the young man's eyes regained its vivid color once his breathing had steadied.

He blinked once more before blue eyes settled on the large beast hovering above him. A normal reaction to the sight was to scream but instead he felt his neck and noticed that his injuries were completely gone. Taki definitely knew he was a calculative and reasonable type since he put two to two together. "You...saved me." Despite the youth in his voice, the slight baritone was enough to solidify that this was a teenager and not a child.

"Koichi!" Josuke bursted into the house alongside Lani-Loli and oddly a determined Okuyasu who was following from behind. The punk looking teen no longer had any rips on his clothing or flesh, almost if everything was returned to their previous state. "Big brother, you need to stop right now! These guys can help us! Help d-" He was cut off when Taki quickly got in front of him.

Multiple tiny holes manifesting on her hide and feather plumage as if she was hit with bullet rounds from a tiny minigun. The puncture wounds weren't deep enough to draw blood since she wasn't human at the moment but… they had enough strength to disfigure a normal person like blood swiss cheese.

Taki snarled at the attackers, no, attacker to be precise. The ones to fire the barrage of nasty tiny bullets was an entire shooting squadron that consisted of toy army sized men. Same military clothing but the faces covered in white taping, eyes just beady red headlights and a thick flame of blue around them.

When the witch doctor like this, the number of magic she could use was limited but made difficult spells like mind reading or healing very easy. Okuyasu's memories told her what exactly she was dealing with. The platinum blonde teenager slightly older than Okuyasu, his older brother Keicho and his Stand, a mini army known as Bad Company.

"Big brother…" Was all the younger brother could say upon realization that the attack was aimed for him. Taki gave the three human males behind her a look. 'He's mine.' None of them said a word of disagreement. Knowing what was about to happen, Lani-Loli took it upon himself to get Josuke and his two accomplices away from the approaching battle.

The three humans and mask vanished in a sudden puff of wispy blue smoke. Taki-Taki's sharp nose told her that her friend had taken them to the higher floors of the house. A safe place which made the monstrous witch doctor happy for they wouldn't get caught in the crossfire. She then turned her head to snarl viciously at Okuyasu's older brother.

"I can only guess that little mask has the power to teleport others. No matter, it won't take long for my Bad Company to find them once I finish you off. Then your friends will be next." Keicho's threat was backed further when a swarm of mini helicopters manifested in the air. "Fire!"

The Snipe quickly sprinted into a run as the mini army fired their payloads in the form of raining bullets and mini missiles. Wood chips, glass shards, and furniture stuffing erupted in a trail that hounded the quick Taki-Taki, avoiding the deadly miniature ammunition with impressive. She leapt onto the ceiling fan and flung herself into the air whilst throwing another blast of pink energy from her claws.

A large chunk of soldiers and a few helicopters exploded into magenta tinted flames from a successful hit. However, their owner didn't seem to suffer any sign of damage despite the destruction of his soldiers. "Sorry but my Bad Company is a remote Stand. Destroy all the soldiers you want, you can't harm me!" Keicho's words caused even more miniature men to manifest but these ones were operating tanks now!

Taki knew she couldn't fight here with so many weapons aimed at her hide. She would run out of steam before her opponent did. An idea then clicked into Taki's skull which propelled her to make a quick turn. She tossed a few more explosive shots at the tiny army as she ran. Every bullet was a bullseye as even more of Bad Company's soldiers went up in magenta smoke.

Her opponent quickly caught onto what the larger puffs of smoke that slowly filled the room were. "A smokescreen?!" Eyes looking to find the obscured beastie that ran up the stairs and he quickly glared. "After it!" Multiple tiny helicopters manifested to hound their fleeing target as the blonde followed in pursuit.

On the top floor of the Haunt House, Josuke was currently glaring daggers at a certain blue mask. The sounds of an explosive scuffle happening under his feet and a set of blue spectral chains that kept the door of their current location shut. "Lani-Loli, let us out!"

Despite the pompadour prince's demand, the Quantum Mask only shook his head in nervous defiance. "N-no way! You'll be either swiss cheese from gunfire or human flambe by blasts of Mojo! It's suicide!" Lani-Loli fired back with force despite his slight stutter. Of course, the mask flinched when Crazy Diamond manifested with a snarl on his face.

The only ones not getting involved in the potential scuffle was Okuyasu and Koichi who sat on the bed at the opposite side of the room. In the silver haired teen's hands was a yellowish pale egg with green stripes but also radiated a faint verdant aura. A Stand or Stand Egg that had manifested from Koichi's throat once getting into the room.

"I don't care if Taki can become one of those beasts like Quill or Toxic. She needs backup if her opponent's an army!" The large armored Stand clenched his fists as if ready to let loose a punch any second. "That's enough!" An aged voice immediately had the three teens raise their guard to the point even Okuyasu's The Hand manifested next to his master.

Coming through one of the half sealed windows was Aku-Aku whose appearance made whatever fight in either Josuke or Crazy Diamond vanish. "Aku! Where were you?! First Crash went puff then you go awol on us!" Lani-Loli was quickly hushed by a single look from his companion. Glowing yellow eyes then looked at the other members of the room.

"I had a feeling you were in quite a pickle so I went to find Crash first. He's somewhere in the house on the top floor waiting for you. As for Taki-Taki, her opponent is about to walk right into her 'tripwire'." Aku spoke as his gaze fixated on Josuke and his stand. The pompadour youth speaking up in confusion. "Tripwire?"

The tiki-esqe mask nodded in response at the inquiry. "Correct. Snipes are powerful long range fighters especially in confined spaces like this. Their biggest advantage isn't their ability to blast opponents with magic." A smirk then crossed Aku-Aku's face as if knowing the outcome of the ongoing battle.

Taki-Taki continued her trek up the house as Keicho and his forces relentlessly pursued the female. Every time a soldier or copter was in sight, the greenette blasted it with a pink energy shot before she took the chance to flee further. Her running however came to a halt once she reached a mostly clean room. Not a single shred of furniture or anything to hide the witch doctor's large form in sight.

"Got you now." Keicho's voice echoed through the room for hundreds of small soldiers filled it in seconds. Tanks slipping in from the vents, helicopters pouring from the open windows, armored humvees riding up from the stair railing and their owner walking in from the staircase. Taki-Taki wasn't to blind to the fact she was boxed in.

"I'll admit you're quite the fast runner and a nasty sniper. Sadly, this is the worst place for something as large as you. However, my Bad Company can thrive throughout our home base. I suggest you be a good beast and stay down." The older teen deviously chuckled as he stared down at the beast. His laughter quickly died in seconds when he noticed Taki-Taki was now smiling. A smile that revealed razor sharp fangs in a cunningly vicious way.

"It's the ability to set traps is what makes the Snipe a very dangerous Titan to fight."

Bits of pink began to lit up in sections of the room. Her opponent's eyes flickering to the source before they expanded in pure horror. Each light was coming from one of his soldiers in every group. Not even the quadcopters, tanks or humvees were unaffected. The horrifying part was the lights were blinking and were becoming faster per a second. 'Checkmate.'

The house shook hard as a loud explosion ripped throughout one of the floors, smoke tainted with hints of sparkling pink came pouring from the broken windows. In the large mist, the sound of coughing growls turned into pained ones as the large beast obscured shrunk in the purple haze. The remainder of the colorful screen filtered out as the now human Taki-Taki looked down at her fallen opponent.

Keicho was unconscious, bruises and burns covering his face and arms, platinum locks singed slightly black while billowing bits of smoke poured from the strands of hair and his uniform was charred with multiple holes through it. "The Phantom Bomber, a nice Snipe technique which lets undetectable bombs get planted on the enemy. The more collected in one spot, the bigger the boom." She walked over and hoisted the teen on her shoulders without a hint of strain.

Climbing up the stairs, the greenette could hear the voices of her friends from above. With some pep in her step, Taki ran up the stretch of stairs as the unconscious Nijimura brother shook and bounced. It didn't take long for heterochromatic eyes to stare back at a pair of baby blue. Everyone but her father was gathered outside of one specific door.

That door having the sound of familiar babble from behind its wooden threshold. "Taki-Taki! You're okay?!" Josuke looked ready to hug her if he didn't catch sight of Okuyasu's injured brother slung over the greenette's shoulder. "Big brother!" The teen quickly rushed over to his sibling. "Don't worry. He's alright albeit beaten up. Plus, his ego needed a nice kick so common sense can walk back in." The witch doctor chuckled, smiling with her tongue out.

Before anyone could go through the door, a particular situation needed to be handled first. A soft gold aura from Crazy Diamond enveloped the wounded platinum blonde in its soothing embrace. Wounds and damages done to both flesh and clothing vanished in seconds as the teen slowly woke up.

Keicho looked at all the faces surrounding him before he settled to glare at the woman who was the large beast from earlier. "You're lucky I'm a merciful person and you care about your family more than you let on. So, how long has your dad been cursed?" Taki-Taki's words surprised everyone but Lani-Loli, Aku-Aku and Okuyasu for obvious reasons.

There was a reason why the Nijimura brothers, well mainly Keicho, were using the Stand Arrow to create Stand Users. It was for the sake of their father. From Okuyasu's memories, their father had gotten into 'bad' connections with Dio. A deal of sorts that had more consequences than the man had thought. Upon Dio's death, bits of the vampire's flesh that were implanted in their dad had triggered a transformation of sorts.

A being unable to speak and unable to die that skittered through the halls of their home like a mouse for years. "Are you capable of giving him his eternal rest? We've been searching for someone that could extinguish that mindless 'thing' who used to be our father." His plea shook with pure desperate hope and sincere sorrow.

Reasonable for spending years in a house with a monster that was once your father, especially one mistaken for being mindless. "Have you noticed something odd about your home right now?" The question from the witch doctor was enough to widen the eyes of both brothers. It was the lack of skittering from something large that constantly moved through the house.

"Your father isn't mindless or gone. He's still there." Taki-Taki then opened the door to the room. Everyone was greeted to the appearance of a particular marsupial talking to an odd kappa-like creature. The being had thick green skin, slightly deformed from the lumps on his body such as the head or fingers, what appeared to be a beak for a mouth and wore worn clothes such as a white shirt and black shorts.

This had to be the Nijimura brothers' cursed father but what was strange is that he was showing a hoodless Crash something. An old photograph from the slight yellow coloration that showed a man and two very familiar young children smiling at the camera. The two were conversing in unintelligible babble but both clearly understood the other.

"That's our old family photo… He was searching for the photo of what he used to be…" The fact from Okuyasu's lips was enough to paint the picture for them. Despite the vast deformity, their father still remembered them, of their family before it all went to hell. The other oddity in the room finally hit everyone unaware of it.

"What's with the giant animal? It looks like an eastern barred bandicoot...if it was a living mascot costume." Koichi's question was paired with him pointing at the large marsupial. "Seriously dad? If you want to make friends then tell us instead of going into some rando's house after peeing on a town landmark."

The comical looks of eyeballs about to pop out from their sockets and jaws dropping to the floor made the greenette wish that she brought a camera seeing everyone's face. It was even funnier that the pompadour prince's hair looked ready to pop from the intensity of his utter shock. Surprisingly, Josuke was the first to get his speech back.

"T-that's your dad?! H-h-how?!" Now that done it for the greenette began laughing upon the purplette's insinuation. "Hahahaha! I'm adopted silly. Crash raised me ever since I was a baby that got washed ashore on his island. He may be a 'mentally challenged' wacky bandicoot but he's still my dad!"

The marsupial walked over and hugged Taki-Taki before placing a hand on her back. His pose and chest puffed up proudly practically screamed 'Yep, that's my daughter.' Strangely enough, it did make some sense about the young woman's oddness. Both Taki-Taki and Crash carried that same energetic weirdness to them.

"Aw. Such a sweet moment. Sweet enough to make me puke!" An unrecognizable male voice immediately had eyes facing the front. Part of the wall was charged with frantic electricity as if something was inside the wiring. It was easy to tell it was bad news from Keicho's sudden grimace.

One of the power outlets immediately exploded outward in large yellow bolts of electricity. The malevolent energy crackling as it began to form into a near physical entity. This new form resembled a bright yellow kappa from the beak and near egg shaped dish on its head with a long spindly lizard tail, thin almost featureless body and sparks of electricity crackling from its skin.

However it was the items it had that drew up red flags for everyone. In this being's clawed fingers was an ancient bow and arrow. The same ones no doubt capable of granting someone a Stand. "Oh no! Is that the Bow and Arrow, the one you guys have been talking about!?" Lani-Loli's cry made the electrifying entity smile maliciously.

"Guess who's Stand has fully awakened Nijimura? I honestly thought nothing would get you to drop your guard of the Arrow but I guess that chick and her friends was just enough! It was almost easy to snatch it with my Red Hot Chili Pepper's power!" The platinum blonde could only growl at his careless mistake. He was too caught up in his pursuit of powerful Stand Users to realize this kind of outcome.

"Do you really think your capable of wielding the Arrow's power? Your Stand has only just awakened after all! There's no way you can wield it properly!" Keicho hissed while the blue aura of his Stand began to flare up. The enemy Stand or Red Hot Chili Pepper merely laughed before aiming his glare on the blond.

"So naive. My Stand's powers had grown while you were busy. After all, you did say those with a powerful fighting spirit can manifest equally powerful Stands. Here let me show you!" It was quick as a bolt of lightning. One second Chili Pepper was at the socket and the next he was about to punch Keicho's chest. Only if a spin of orange didn't jump in front of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' range.

The Stand merely continued its charge only to cry out in shock when a twirling fist hit his face alongside a glare that were both from Crash Bandicoot. Chili Pepper was smacked back inside the electrical socket from the marsupial's Tornado Spin technique as Crash stood protectively in front of the older Nijimura Brother.

"Lani-Loli!" Aku-Aku's cry wasn't missed as the two masks quickly went into action. Both of them focused a bit of their magic that was quickly released in the form of a violent bluish stream. The shot struck the power outlet as the yellow electricity that threatened to return was shoved back inside the wiring so hard that the sockets literally exploded.

A scream of 'You'll pay for this!' followed until the leftover sparks crackled into nothing. "You saved my life… Why? Why help your enemy?!" Keicho questioned whilst staring at the orange bandicoot. Crash mere made a bunch of hand signals before smiling with a thumbs up. It was sign language.

"He said 'No family should mourn for a death that could be avoided.' Sure you tried to kill me, shot Koichi, created an army of Stand Users and tried to shoot your brother's face but you were only being a big jackass so your family didn't have to suffer. Your lives are already messed up as it is, you don't need it to become even worse."

The older teen who didn't expect the response widened his eyes before he subtly began to chuckle. "You all are insane." The sentence only made a stupid grin pop on the father and daughter duo's face. Everyone's attention was soon back on the blown power outlet.

"I fear that this situation has escalated into unimaginable levels. Creating a cure to the Nijimura matriarch shouldn't be difficult for me to find. However, that Bow and Arrow needs to be recovered as soon as possible. I could only fear what kind of horrors it could create in the hands of that fiend." Aku-Aku's warning wasn't lost on anyone.

Things were only to get more dangerous from now on.

I hope this was much better than my original script! There will be changes to some of Part 4's plot mainly that some deaths will be averted like Ryohei's and Keicho's. I honestly felt it was a dick to kill Keicho instead of using the chance to give him some character.

Taki-Taki's Beast Out ability has made an appearance. This lets her transform into any non-human creature whether it is a familiar or by consuming particular materials with a special potion. Kinda like N Brio's potions but more refined. Her magic is mostly restricted along with speech for particular Titans but she gets access to two powerful spells that can be set on a specific form. Her Snipe form having Mind Read and Advanced Healing Magic.

Crash deflecting an electric Stand like Red Hot Chili Pepper isn't so farfetched if you take the Cortex battle in the first Crash game. He's also more of a forgiving person when you take into consideration his interactions with Cortex in both Twinsanity but also some flashback tapes I heard about in Crash 4.

And Jotaro having trust issues is normal considering how many bad encounters he had with Stand Users especially in Part 3.

Until next time folks! Enjoy this Crash Bandicoot 4 Rap by JT Machinima.

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moroccorug · 4 years ago

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Moroccan Impressed Rugs Featuring Traditional Moroccan Rug Designs

That’s ok if that’s what you want however simply let you understand that the quality shall be poor. The designs were formed by local weather conditions and tribal life.

Punishing winters within the Atlas Mountains gave rise to high-pile rugs used for bedding whereas the arid Sahara produced ethereal, flat-weave shawls. Other rugs have been meant to be used as floor coverings or tent panels.

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ddaengyoonmin · 6 years ago

Text

Chapter 13

Pairing: Ot7xReader;

Genre: fluff, angst, smut(In previous and later chapters,

Theme: Based kinda on sword art online a lot of similar ideas and themes kinda combining the idea of them trapped in the game, but the world is closer to ALFheim online

Warnings; None that I can think of in this chapter

Word count: 2.1k

Taglist: (I definitely think I missed some of you and some usernames were changed from my last list😭 I need an organized tag list for the series, so comment to be added and I’ll also make a post soon) : @taekookandyoongi @life-anime-food @i-like-puppy-mg @seesawsmin-flower @karissassirak @btsvisuals @vynia

For the next few weeks your team had split into smaller parties so as to maximize on your experience gained from quests and items dropped. Since it was all equally split, the eight of you being in one party together would make the points gained spread pretty thin. You still all met up for most mealtimes and tried to always get together for a group meeting before bedtime, but besides that it was usually 2-3 of you partnered together for a quest.

You had stuck with Jungkook the whole time, not wanting to spend much time away from him after almost losing him and the incredible night you had shared, you couldn’t tear yourself from his side. Taehyung would join with the two of you sometimes when he wasn’t joined up with Jin, who he had been getting pretty close with. The two of them would sometimes go on missions just the two of them, your group would joke with them about their forming bro-mance.

One of the quests that you and Jungkook were currently on with just the two of you alone, had required quite a lot of tedious attacks on lower level creatures that were taking over a small farm owned by an NPC right outside of Midgard city. The sky was darkening and you realized how much time you had spent taking out the ‘Rat Infestation Problem’ quest’s small green toxic creatures.

“Jungkook, shouldn’t we head back?”

Jungkook was aiming a very precise purple shadow-ball shot at one of the glowing green rats in the barn the two of you stood in.

His back was to you and you giggled at the ‘pew’ sound effect he made with his mouth right before he shot his attack, hitting the rat dead on. He then turned to look at you with a big grin on his face, flicking away his black bangs that were messily falling into his eyes. He looked tired and worn out from spending the whole day on this task with you, but he was trying hard to not show it.

“I suppose we can, we still have like 50 more of these things to do. I can’t believe we actually were able to get 950 done in one day. Good teamwork partner” He lifted his hand for a high-five and you excitedly met your open palm to his with a cute little jump.

Jungkook slung an arm around your shoulders and walked with you out of the barn. The sky was darkening to a deep blue and you could see a small colorful purple and pink shade peeking from the sky on the horizon where the sun had just set.

Jungkook pressed his lips gently to the top of your head, “Let’s get going”

The two of you flew to the usual meeting spot that your team had designated. It was a small clearing in the woods where the eight of you had set up a sort of base camp, you’d all thought it would be fun if instead of staying in the inn you’d purchase tents from one of the merchants and set up a little home in the woods where you could all come and go as you pleased without having to give coins to the innkeeper for a place to stay every night.

You had been ecstatic over the idea, camping sounded like fun and camping with friends even better.

You and Jungkook had gone in on a tent together to share, it wasn’t huge but it was big enough that you could stand in it. It was a small room with a full sized bed and a small nightstand and rug on the floor by the bed.

Namjoon, Jin and Jimin all invested in a giant tent for the three of them, it was at least three times bigger than your own but they each had wanted their own bed so it was fitting.

Yoongi and Hoseok also shared a tent, they hadn’t wanted to invest much into it so theirs was about the size of your own with two small and simple beds almost side by side fitting into their space with nothing else inside.

Taehyung had purchased a small tent that was definitely suitable for just himself. It fit his bed and a small night stand that he kept a few books and a kerosene lamp on top so he could read before bed.

It didn’t take long to set it all up thanks to the way the games features worked, you merely had to click a button on your items inventory screen and motion with your hand to plop things down where you wanted them.

The tents all were positioned around a pretty looking firepit that the eight of you had all chipped in on together. White stones were stacked around it in a circle for design and to keep the fire from spreading further than the pit. You’d cook your food over it with some pots and pans you’d also purchased, and eat sitting on some wooden logs around the fire that Jin and Taehyung had dragged from in the woods and made into a seating area.

It was actually a wonderful home, and for the past few days there was a part of you that almost didn’t miss your home in the real world.

It started to scare you that you felt that way. You didn’t want to lose your drive to keep pushing forward in the game. No one had even made it past floor one yet and you’d all been in the stuck in the game for about a month now. You didn’t want to forget that you had a mom who probably sat at your side crying wondering if and when you’d wake up. You hoped that she wouldn’t blame herself for being the one to buy you the game. So badly you wanted to tell her, that you didn’t blame her, and that honestly you couldn’t thank her enough. Without it you wouldn’t have met all these wonderful people.

And there again lies your problem...did you really want to escape this game? There was a far too large part of you that hoped that you could stay here with Jungkook and all of your friends forever…

Jungkook tapped you on the shoulder motioning for you to land. Everyone else was already there and it looked like Jin and Yoongi had already started on cooking dinner together. They were arguing lightly over some of the ingredients that Yoongi was trying to put into the stew that was bubbling in the pot over the fire when you approached.

“Hey! Jungkook, Y/n!” Jin smiled your way as you walked over to sit on one of the logs around the fire. Everyone else greeted you as well and you smiled and returned their hellos.

Jin managed to convince Yoongi that there was enough garlic in the stew already and Yoongi reluctantly dropped it.

The eight of you talked about your days, sharing your stories and cool drop items that you’d acquired. Unfortunately today you and Jungkook had quite the boring time. Well...besides the hour that you and him had taken a break to go down on each other in the barn. Just thinking back on today’s memories of his head between your legs made your cheeks hot and a smile start to grow on your lips.

When it came time for sleep everyone left to their tents, saying goodnights and sweet dreams to the rest of the team you started to follow Jungkook into your shared tent. But, you stopped for a moment with your hand on the tent’s flap and turned around slightly. You had noticed that Taehyung hadn’t left to his tent and was still sitting on one of the logs in front of the fire, a blank expression on his face and his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward silently staring into the fire.

“I’ll be inside in just a second,” you said to Jungkook, giving your sleepy bed partner a kiss on the cheek before you turned and went to go join Taehyung.

You sat next to him on the same log. He silently acknowledged your presence with a nod and a small smile, not looking away from the fire when you joined him.

“Hey you” you spoke softly “Everything okay?”

He finally turned to face you, “Of course y/n” he grinned fakely. You saw right through it instantly, but didn’t want to pry too hard.

“Okay...well, I am here if you wanna talk you know” you let him know, placing a hand gently on his shoulder.

He frowned a bit and then chuckled, moving his shoulder to brush your hand off of him.

Was he mad at you? What could you have done to upset him?

“Tae?”

“Anyways. I don’t think I ever asked how things went with Jungkook that night at the inn” Taehyung smiled fakely again at you.

You suddenly felt embarrassed. Taehyung knew what he was setting you two up for at the inn, he obviously knows what happened, why would he bring it up like that?

You cleared your throat awkwardly, “Um, it went well. It was nice” you avoided Taehyung’s gaze that was trying to meet yours now.

“Nice?” he raised his eyebrows “Just well and nice?”

You fought back more of your embarrassment at this conversation’s subject. “It was amazing, He’s amazing” you spoke honestly.

Taehyung gazed back into the fire, you’d expected more teasing but instead he just muttered,

“Good, he deserves it. He’s a good guy.”

You noticed him biting at his cheek. Something was going through his mind that you couldn’t quite understand.

You wanted to say’ You’re a good guy too Taehyung, you’ve been through a lot as well. ‘

But, you were now quiet, watching his carmel skin that was enchantingly lit up by the warm orange flames, his mint green hair tinted with the color as well. He started poking the fire with a long stick, you noticed how strong his arms were, and his hands...his beautiful hands...

No. What the hell were you doing. You scold yourself in your mind for letting your thoughts wander. You feel guilty and ashamed for almost letting your thoughts go even further.

Taehyung quickly glanced at you seeing you staring he gave you a sweet smile.

“You should get some rest y/n. Jungkook is waiting for you. I’m fine, I’m just gonna sit for a while”

You nodded and stood up from the log and gave Taehyung a small wave as you left, which he returned lazily.

He stared after you as you walked to your tent and murmured something that you didn’t quite catch, but it almost sounded like,

“Lucky bastard”

Taehyung continued poking the fire with the stick his fingers curled around, watching the tiny sparks that would fly up and break away from the fire as he did.

You had gone to bed with Jungkook and he was alone now, that was what he wanted right?

His best friend was happy and in love, and he really did deserve it. Jungkook was the kindest and most caring man that Taehyung had ever met, and he loved him like a brother. Taehyung on the other hand didn’t quite think of himself as a kind man, he’d done his fair share of things he wasn’t proud of, especially when it came to women.

That’s why he didn’t deserve you. That’s why those perfect lips could never be his to kiss, and that stunning body could never be his to hold. You are too perfect for him, your beautiful face, your adorable laugh, the way you care for everyone. You’d also made your mistakes but you instantly owned up to it and tried to make it up to Jungkook.

But, You were Taehyung’s dream girl, he’d never felt such an intense flutter in his chest around anyone else in his life. He wanted to give you the world, he wanted you to have only the best in life, and that wasn’t him…

So, he pushed you towards perfect Jungkook, because that way you wouldn’t get hurt, though you and Jungkook had your own struggles, you seem happy now, and so does Jungkook.

So everything is going as planned right?

So Taehyung should be happy right?

This is what he wanted right?

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

The next morning you were awakened by loud chatter and commotion outside of your tent.

Startling you, the flap to your tent was thrown open and bright morning sunlight pour in. Jungkook shot up instantly, you covered your face with your arm groggily.

“What the hell is going on” you grumbled sleepily. Seeing Namjoon standing in the entrance with wide eyes.

“The boss has been found! He’s still there right now. Lets go!”

#bts fanfic #bts x reader #bts fluff #bts angst #bts smut #jin x reader #taehyung x reader #jungkook x reader #namjoon x reader #yoongi x reader #jimin x reader #hoseok x reader #faerie realm #bts x you #bts scenario #bts imagine

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exodusmc · 5 years ago

Text

Ocean eyes

Genre: merman au, soulmate au

Words: 2461

Paring: Merman Jimin x reader

Warning!: Drowning( but not really)

a/n: This is a different stroy. More open-ended, for everyone to make their own story.

My edit but feel free to use it

“I don't want to go” staring at the wall with a blank face had you fuming on the inside. Your friend had been whining at you for over a week to go to that stupid land of sand and big death hole.

“Why not?!” Ulji stated over the phone, dragging Soohyun into her mission.

“Because I don't like the water nor sand”

“But there will be hot boys!” her hormones was unbalanced and consuming her intellect. Soohyun chuckled over the line, you could picture her playing with her delicate painted nails. Let’s just say that she is the graceful one of your friends.

“I don't care! Go fix your hormones and leave me alone” you huffed before hearing a soft voice, belonging to Soohyun, saying bye.

You were left alone in your room, grateful to your more sensible friend, but couldn't help to feel the cool scary sensation of water pulling you in, deeper into its grasp. It’s true you don't like the ocean but you felt like you had a reason for it. You loved the water as a child, playing in it, feeling free because of it, but seeing a kid drown before you, almost following them, had you scared beyond death to even step inside the ocean. You shuddered remembering the small body slack and lungs burning.

Next day was hotter than an oven, the sun fryinging you even in the shadow. Cursing the ball of gas, you opted to stay inside, reading. Peace had finally wrapped you in its arms when your door littelry flew up, a high voice screaming. You knew who it was and every fiber in you tensed, a big blue land tugging at your mind.

“Come Y/n! It’s time for the beach!” fear rolled in your eyes but you hid it behind rage and thirst for blood.

“It’s to warm in here..” Soohyun stalked after Ulji, her lips painted even if she was supposed to go swim.

“What in the world are you doing here?” nose flared at your friends, who were lovely in any other circumstances besides now.

“Taking you somewhere fun!” Ulji laughed and you couldn't help but grit your teeth.

“Who of you two thought I would come with you when I refused yesterday?” Soohyun smiled, arm draping around your shoulders.

“Come with us, I promise it will be fun”

And that is how you ended up on the beach, old memories crawling over your skin. You tried to not let it show but it was hard. Clutching your bag, you took a deep breath. Everyone who you ever told about the accident would say that it weren't your fault, and they were right, but you still felt guilty. Someone lost their life, someone lost their loved one, and if you just had done something, maybe they would still be alive.

“Y/n, something wrong?” Soohyun looked at you for a second, her eyes holding regret for forcing you here.

“No I’m fine” you didn't mean to sound so mad but all the feeling you felt made you stressed.

“I’m going to read” Soohyun gazed after you, wondering about your fear of the ocean. She didn't understand how you could be so afraid, not even stepping a foot in the water.

Soohyun suddenly felt bad. There was something you weren't telling her and maybe it was something which hurt you, connected to the fear of the sea. Ulji had a small tendency to not see deeper than the surface. She just thought you didn't want to go and with no good reason, but Soohyun just had to see your eyes to realise that you were hurting and hiding.

“Where’s Y/n?” Ulji smiled up to the taller one, naivety shining in her eyes.

“She’s reading..Let’s take a swim..” Soohyun dragged the youngest away, soon having distracted her with boys and given you some peace and quiet.

You tried to read but the sound of water and people made you nervous. It was like you were a child again, waiting to stumble down into the deepest end of your world. You stared the whole ocean out, finding a spot where it connected to the sky. There weren't any good spots with shadows so you started to feel the burn from the sun. You wanted to feel cold and the only way for that to happen where you stood, would be to step into the ocean, which you couldn't. Maybe I should just go home. It was tempting, running away like you had for years but something made you want to fight, to take back your power. Heart racing in your ears was drowning out the soft swishing sounds of the coast. Your throat became drier the closer you got to the water but you stalked on, stubbornness forcing you. The shore almost touched your feet and it made your breathing hard. No-one was around you, no-one could save you, and maybe that was what pushed you to wander out into the ocean. Memories of its embrace wash over you, your hair standing. It didn't feel so scary anymore, like the death never happened. Pushing forward, you felt a little easier, your heartbeats a little slower. A smile spread over you face, almost crazy, when the water enveloped everything under your chest. Adrenalin raced through your veins, it being the cause to your fastening air intake. You didn't even realise it when your feet no-longer reached the ground. Your whole body was afloat for a second and it felt so amazing. You were free again but sudden panic exploded in you, the panic to breathe. You screamed, slipping down and away from the surface. Your body tried desperately to move, to see the sun but couldn't. You thrashed in the water, every wound from the accident ripping open. Water drowned you, replacing the air in your lungs.

“..No” you whispered, rage filling you, rage at yourself. Why in the world would you did you think this was a good idea. It finally claimed you, like it should have done all those years ago.

“What are you doing?!” Namjoon screeched at the younger one, who swam with a girl in his arms. He didn't listen, just fought with time and the mortality of humanity.

Jimin moved as fast he could, having heard the screams of agony and plead for life and not death. Namjoon was hot on his tail, purple hair and eyes alike. The water was deep but no match for his tail, shining blue like a saphier and the sky. Jimin saw the cave they stayed in, fin burning from the work. He broke the surface, laying the girl on some rocks. He managed to do mouth to mouth. The girl coughed up so much water, he didn't believe it was all in her body. Jin had come as well, pink hair damp over his eyes.

“What happened?” he sounded out his question, directing it to Namjoon who looked stressed.

“He just took her!” Jimin's face contracted in annoyance, not understanding why they were so cold. The girl would have died if he didn't do anything and the thought of her dying made his blood stop flowing. He stared down at her, eyes closed but breathing.

“Don't be so insensitive!” Jimin never snapped but this time couldn't he control his temper.

Namjoon and Jin stared at the younger, quiet. He who was the oldest started to feel and see something deeper than just rescuing a poor soul. Like they shared a fate with each other. Jin furrowed his eyebrows, carefully moving to sit beside your sleeping body and Jimin. Namjoon went to them as well, looking over you and remembering someone who only could be saved by ocean tear.

“Do you remember?” Jin asked, glancing at the scar over Jimin’s chest, right over his heart.

“I do…”it was painful, the memories of dying and being born of the water. Jimin absent minded laid a hand over his heart, feeling the ragged edges. He touched your hair, plucking a strand to swirl around his fingers. It felt like he knew you, had met you before but couldn't remember you. Jimin knew that you didn't go to the beach, he would have seen you if you did, and still had this nagging feeling of recognition.

“What do we do now?” Namjoon sighed, rising from the water, fin laying on the rocks.

“I’m not sure. She’s alive but..things may still not work out. She needs a doctor” Jimin watched you pained. He knew you had to go, preferably without knowing him and his secret but he didn't want you to. Fingers dragged over your cold skin, having almost died. Jimin wondered if he could still see you, after all this, because he couldn't let you go.

“Get the ocean breath. Let’s take her somewhere else” Jimin held you close to his body, watching Jin make you eat a fruit from the ocean which granted you air for a shirt while, enough to get you to the surface.

“She will be fine” but will I?

Your whole body felt sore, lungs burning. Chills went over your skin and you sat up so fast, you saw stars. A hoarse scream left you, the frightening feeling of death chasing you. Arms wrapped around you but it didn't relax you, it pushed you to fight even if everything hurt.

“Relax! Breathe!” a voice you had never heard before made you finally open your swollen eyes, locking them with a pair of ocean blue ones.

“Who are you?!” you wanted to be loud but couldn't. Your throat feeling raw and like it was bleeding.

“I’m Jimin..I-I found you..a-and I” the boy stutter his words but you didn't listen, instead taking in his features.

He had blue hair, falling in a middle part, slightly damp. His lips plump and jaw sharp, like a v. However, those weren't the things that caught most of your, it was his shining tail. Under his belly button, blue scales followed what should have been his legs, ending with a light teal fin. He had abs and a scar which looked misplaced on his chest. You stared wide eyed, not believing your eyes or maybe you were dead and there was no angels but mermen. Jimin took in your confused gaze, smiling sadly because now, now were you dragged into his life.

“I am a-”

“A merman?” you asked, looking in his eyes. It was something about him, something familiar. You had seen him before but when?

“Yes” his eyes disappeared into half moons when he smiled, it seemed sad. You glanced down his chest again, the lines of his scar rugged and forming what looked like a drop.

“W-who are you?” am I even alive? The question suddenly hitting you hard. You could be dead now.

“Am I alive?” Jimin looked over your face, realising that you thought you had drowned and seeing something which weren't supposed to exist messed with your brain.

“You’re alive. I promise..What’s your name?” your skin crawled, eyes moving around you. Stone enclosed you and Jimin, probably a cave. It was beautiful, the water reflecting slightly in roof, like a sky under the sea. You saw krystals which sat around you, colors changing.

“I’m Y/n…” Jimin moved to sit beside you, fin in the water. He didn't really know what to do, even if he once had been a human too.

“Soo..Ehm do you have any questions?” you looked at him, having may but couldn't choose one to start with.

“I didn't know you existed.. “ a feeling of awkwardness spread through your body, which slowly gained some warmth.

“I didn't either..” Jimin chuckled lightly, making you frown in confusion.

“You didn't?”

“No..I’m not born a merman..I..I almost died when I was younger, but Jin saved me..from drowning” he looked at you, taking in you, your legs. He sometimes wonder what could have been, if he still was human but he would never have met the guys if he lived.

“Really..?” he nodded, hair bouncing around him. Jimin weren't what you had expected, his dialect taking you back to your home town.

Jimin watched your eyes widen in terror, a slight tremble to you lips. He panicked, sure you were going to die right then and there. Hands fell on your shoulders, ready to save you but you had just realised why he was familiar, why you had seen him before.

“W-where did you drown?” you leaned closer, searching for his eyes, the eyes of the child which had disappeared before yours. You remember them like brown and with Jimin’s shape.

“Outside a town..”

“Busan” your hometown left both of your lips, eyes wided.

You had found him, the one you made yourself believe you killed, but he was alive. Maybe not breathing in a sense but alive nonetheless. You didn't know what to do, selfish relief washing over you as tears trailed down your cheeks. Jimin stared at you in beliverment, confused as to why you were crying, still pulling you into his embrace.

“I thought you died!” you cried out, not hurting anymore. The burden you had been caring for so long just disappeared.

“Oh okay?” you actually laughed, realising Jimin had no clue about your sudden emotional break.

“I-I was there. I saw you drown when I was young and ever since have it felt it was my fault” you dried your tears, smiling blissfully at him.

Jimin too realised why he thought you were familiar. You had played with him when the two of you swam too far away from the shore, resulting in his death. A blush crept over his cheeks because there was something else, something Jin told him when he awoke after the transformation. The connection he had to you.

“Y/n..I was told that the one who was the last one to see me as human, would be linked to my soul..”Jimin stared at you and you stared back.

“What?” soul mates doesn’t exist but neither do mermen. Everything was becoming too much. Your bliss ceasing, new responsibilities slowly holding your hands.

“And that’s not the only thing..You could help me back” his mind wandered away, you saw it in his eyes, to a place where he could see his parents, where you could be with..you.

“How?”

“I’m not sure..but something about my past and the connection to you could do it..” he trailed of, watching you, actually feeling you in his heart, his human heart.

It was like star gazing, looking in his eyes and only the future laid before you, but would it be with him by your side or you by his?

#jimin #park jimim #jimin x reader #bts jimim #merman au #soulmate au #jimin merman #bts fanfic #kpop #kpop fanfiction #BTS jin #bts rm #bts suga #bts jhope #BTS v #BTS jungkook #its a bit different #but i hope you like it #:)

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sethrine-writes · 6 years ago

Text

Daughter of a Devil - Ch. 10

Main Characters: Father!Dante & Daughter!Reader

Words: 1713

Warnings: Very Minor Angst, Fluff, Pregnancy Stuff

Summary: Being a parent wasn’t easy, nor was there such thing as being perfect at it. Good news for Dante, seeing as how he doesn’t have the slightest idea in hell what to do with a child. Sometimes, he was certain that fighting off a horde of demons was a far better match than keeping up with his own daughter. Well, at least he wasn’t going down without a fight.

A/N: We get a little peek at the brave woman who gave Dante a daughter. :’D

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Chapter 10 - Just Like You (Newborn)

If someone were to ask Dante if he had ever been scared shitless before, the half-devil would have turned on that person with a bit of a scoff, a cocky smile on his face and arms crossed before him.

“Nah, I’d like to think I’ve seen enough hell on earth. Can’t be too scared if you already know the worst things out there.”

His answer would be just vague enough to get anyone off his back without them delving too much into what exactly he meant. It was hard to really express how he was actually the son of a demon who, in a twist no one would have seen coming, actually fought off hell spawn from time to time.

He was cocky, perhaps a little too sure of himself more often than not, and he was constantly way in over his head just to have some sort of a good time. Being scared sort of wasn’t on his agenda, nor did it have any place in his young, reckless life.

He couldn’t lie, however, about the pang of uncertainty he had when Serenity, his recent girlfriend of only a month and lover for nearly four before that, suddenly became pregnant with his child. He’d been so caught off-guard with the information that he had immediately questioned if the child was actually his, a question Serenity had taken in stride.

Of course, it was his. She had been invested in him since their first two weeks of messing around, and she wasn’t the type to sleep around, not when they had both basically been in an unofficial relationship nearly the entire time they had been meeting up.

After the initial shock wore off, Dante couldn’t help but entertain the thought of family life. A part of him was actually okay with the notion, even if he was barely considered an adult, at the time. Granted, he didn’t have the slightest clue as to how much of a good parent he could reasonably be, but he knew that Serenity had her own doubts about becoming a mother, and it eased him somewhat.

It would be a new experience they could share together, and though he was sure he would dread the first few years of a messy, crying, whining baby, Dante knew when it was time to man up and be responsible for his actions.

So, he stayed with Serenity through the whole thing, battling her mood swings, her odd cravings, and her on-again, off-again insatiable need for intimacy. At the end of the day, he was always rewarded with the sweetest smile and the brightest of glowing faces that would have any man dropping to his knees in wonder.

There were days he watched Serenity eat her weird foods as he munched down on pizza, and there were also days he watched her do nothing but talk to her stomach in such a lovely, low voice that he more often than not found himself drawn into the one-sided conversation between mother and child. He also had days where he would find her in the bathroom, flushed and horribly sick before the day began, and days where it was hard for her to get out of bed, she was becoming so sore from the extra weight.

No, he wasn’t afraid, not when he had the support of his partner. Even the bad days always had a silver lining, one that Serenity would always point out to him – they would soon get to meet their child.

It was then that Dante realized just how brave Serenity truly was.

When she had first told him about the pregnancy, she was unbelievably anxious and close to tears, afraid at first that Dante would not accept her or the baby. After that initial anxiety, however, she had embraced the concept of motherhood wholeheartedly and with a force that a true parent would be proud of.

She handled each step of the pregnancy so well, too. From her morning sickness to her odd eating habits; from the ultrasound that showed she was having a girl to the baby’s first kick, to finally finishing the nursery in their dinky little apartment, she took everything in perfect stride and welcomed it with open arms.

Even when she went into labor, she had paced herself and took to upcoming motherhood with pride. Dante, however, could mark that moment as one of the most terrifying evenings in his life.

It had happened so fast; they had both been walking back to her place, their home, when Serenity had stopped suddenly with her hands pressed against her bulging stomach. He remembered her soft gasp, the twist of pain that marred her face as she looked up at him with wide eyes. She had barely uttered his name before he had her in his arms, rushing them to the nearest hospital.

(Later, when she had been fully admitted into the hospital, Serenity had confessed that she was aware of her contractions since earlier that afternoon. She had read somewhere that she would have quite a bit of time before the baby’s arrival once they started, so an evening out wouldn’t have hurt anything, so long as she continued to keep track of the time between contractions. That moment walking home was the first time they had truly hurt, and while they still would have had time to get to a hospital had they gone home to grab her prepped baby bag, she was grateful for Dante’s swift action.)

When it came time for the baby to arrive, Dante couldn’t bring himself to be in the room with Serenity. There were already too many people in the room, counting the doctor and three other nurses, and he felt he would possibly turn on any one of them if she had so much as made the notion that they were causing her pain.

Her following screams an hour later were a testament to his hypothetical actions, and he was very nearly escorted out of the hospital to ensure the safety of the staff. If he remembered correctly, she had decided to refuse any medicinal help; he really wished she had, if not for the safety of those around him than for his own sanity.

As soon as her screams had started, they had also stopped, and for a fleeting moment, Dante felt something stir within him that wanted out, a feeling of absolute blinding fear and rage he had been able to feel coursing through his veins.

Tiny little cries and the elated tone of the doctor’s voice on the success of the birth had eased that feeling, and a new one began to take its place.

Serenity looked absolutely stunning despite her exhausted state when he was finally able to enter the room. The glow she carried when she was pregnant was nothing compared to the radiance she emitted at that moment with the little bundle of life cuddled in her arms.

She had looked up right away at Dante and gave him a tired, beaming smile, holding out one of her hands to him. He moved closer and took hold of her hand gingerly while sitting on the edge of the bed beside her, his eyes instantly falling to the swaddled form she held.

You were still a bit red and swollen, just as any newborn would be, with a shock of silver-white hair topping your little head. One hand peaked over the blanket and had a constant motion of slowly clenching and unclenching around the powdery purple fabric. He was completely taken by surprise at how much you resembled Serenity.

“She looks just like you,” he murmured, leaning forward and giving a light kiss to Serenity’s forehead. She smiled and shifted a little, sitting up more as she carefully began to hold out your fragile form to Dante.

“She has your nose when you get a closer look at her. Go on, take her.”

Dante was surprisingly hesitant on holding you, afraid that he would hurt you somehow. He hadn’t expected to be a father; he didn’t even know how to be one, after all.

Serenity urged him gently, however, and within a matter of moments, he was holding you, his baby girl…his daughter.

At the shift in position, your eyes popped open, a wide look crossing your chubby features as you stared up at Dante with a not-so-easy-to-define expression. Your eyes were blue, as most any baby’s eyes were when first born, but they would change, over time. Dante hoped they would be just as stunning as your mother’s own.

“Well, the squirt’s got my hair, at least. Not banking as much on my rugged good looks, though.”

Serenity laughed lightly as she leaned back and relaxed, her exhaustion kicking in full-force now that she knew Dante was here to help with you. She could already tell that Dante was already quite attached to you, and it eased her mind knowing that he was committed to being a father, just as she to a mother. With a small smile of adoration, Serenity allowed her eyes to drift closed, falling asleep to both father and daughter interacting.

Dante glanced over at his girlfriend, giving the slightest of smiles at the peaceful look on her face. He then looked back down at your bundled little body, a single arm reaching out from the purple blanket and now thrashing to-and-fro from lack of motor skills. He was fully content with just watching you go at it, your feet kicking lightly in their confined space as your other arm soon found its way out of the soft fabric keeping you warm and comfortable. His face suddenly became serious, though he still held that soft charm he had shown since holding you.

“You listen here, Squirt – I’m your father, and I swear on my own Pops’ grave that I will protect you until you hate me for it. Probably even after that.”

You responded by giving a small kick and a rather extended yawn, bawled up hands rubbing clumsily at suddenly sleepy eyes with jerky, uncoordinated movements. Dante couldn’t help the smile that reached his eyes.

For a moment, any fear he felt had left him to enjoy the peace of his tiny family.

“Glad we can agree.”

#dmc #devil may cry #dmc dante #devil may cry dante #reader #reader-insert #dante sparda #Daughter of a Devil

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yuki-yozora · 5 years ago

Text

Variables - fanfic ( Underswap Papyrus x Reader ) (Chapter One)

: !!: Author's notes ◌ °: !!:

﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎

Hello darlings! ‧ ₊ ° “

If you don't want read the note, please, roll this part.

As I mentioned in the prologue, it's my first time doing an underswap fic, so I'd like your opinion. ˚ ˚ *

I'm doing it the way I think it would be Au if it was complete as well as the fangame, but that doesn't mean I'm 100% following its original forms. ‧ ₊ ° “

That said, I will do my best to stay faithful and make writing interesting and fun. *

The cover image was edited by me, I know it's not the best, but I tried. ° ⸼ ⊹

If I get the link or names of those who created the images I will make available. °

Remembering that I have profiles in tree communities of Undertale in pt br, if you see an Vivinare, something ( skeleton, boned or skelly) with the same post, it's me, don't be scared. ˚ ˚ *

· · ✦ · · · · · · · 1 Notices · · · · · ✦ · · · · · · ·

Fic will follow many of its original creator's ideas with some interpretations and theories of mine. Here's the link about the creator: Popcorn (His profile no longer exists, he made another and left Au, she belongs to fandom, basically)

CENSOR:

Not for fragile hearts.

CONTAINS

(in general): violence, bullying, subliminal jokes, slight depression.

GENRE:

Adventure, Drama, Comedy, Thriller & Romance

˚ ˚ * In this fanfic ⁺ ˚. *

1 Chara is a boy;

2 Has original characters.

˚ ˚ * This chapter presents ⁺ ˚. *

1 slight violence;

2 Citation to depression;

3 drama.

Attention:

Big chapter ahead.

﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍﹎﹍ A year has passed… No news ... No trail ... not even false leads. (That fill us with hope just to take care of us.)

We.

I haven't used those words in so many days when referring to my life. Just one in the back, my brother was kidnapped. Chara was taken from me and taken where no one can find him. Your friends' parents shout accusations, as if I could hurt a single hair on your head:

"- It was certainly the oldest. After all, it's not the first death of the family. -"

Heh. People can be cruel.

We were four. He, the only boy and middle brother, only ten years old. The other oldest, Bianca, and the youngest, Daisy, were murdered by someone we trusted. Bianca's boyfriend, Elric, was on the Wizards Order. And to be accepted, the fire had to be fed with a precious commodity. He spent years fooling us into doing this… so that I could do that to him… That was two years ago. I tried to overcome my sadness, Elric was already under arrest, there was a Chara to be comforted. Gradually, our somewhat lonely new routine took shape. He made good friends who didn't judge him as many citizens: relatives of the children killed by the weirdo. Affectionate surname. We finally started to straighten up ... Until one day a couple broke into the house, terrified Doug, Chara's best friend, while frantically attacking me and the other taking my brother out of me in the blink of an eye. Despite my success in containing who attacked us, the other simply disappeared without a trace ...

It was like magic.

The search began in a human pursuit. All in vain. Police dropped the case in the fourth month, new ones were emerging. And there's no way to blame them for that (in a small, old town near the mountains, Ebottown had its high dose of violence.) The neighborhood avoided me as if infected with the plague and made a point of emphasizing how much I was despised. Escape, death. I thought of all this. But the spark of hope that he could come back kept me from leaving. And for that, I tolerate. All the antagonistic attitude of the neighborhood took me from my daily work. It just wasn't working, and my colleagues got angry every time my presence disturbed their eyes. To ensure basic survival, I accepted the night job offered by Luka, (The intimidating woman, the neighbor of the front house. Tall and powerful, with flawless black skin. Wearing her full hair or brightly colored turban, but there was always a vibrant purple, almost neon. His style of clothing was almost Gothic, spiders reminded me, for a strange reason.). The job was in a very elegant night bar serving colorful drinks and a space for parties or 'dances'. All the darkness and the bright alcohol made it difficult for people to recognize me, and anyone who dared to bother me was quickly arrested by the other bartenders or Luka, who was responsible for security. Strange to say that I felt more comfortable there than in my own home… loneliness ails me. Like now, a rainy day, with strong winds. Typical of the city. Interestingly on my day off. No strolling around, (Y/N).

* The rain outside is cold as your feelings and you know you don't deserve it.

A sigh and a roll of his eyes. I was annoyed myself. This whole situation, as if childhood turbulence was no longer enough, made the most frequent episodes of self-deprecation. Now it wasn't just my huge thighs or scars until I said enough. Or having tires in place of a perfect waist, or my abdomen getting easily swollen. No ... That's what I said, how I said it, how I breathed ... I probably needed help:

* But no one will come ...

I got. Luka was a good person, but I couldn't pour that much on her… I'm not worth it. With a flick of my tongue, I got up from the flowered carpet, centered in a bedroom entrance. I just went in there to clean, other than that, I watched the empty beds by the entrance, in silence. I closed the door carefully, looking back out of habit before going to the bathroom. A few gray floors peeled off the wall (cheap workmanship), the sink still full, but there were leaks in the pipe, the toilet was so bad it clogged up with the urine flush, the boxing was tiny, as if someone was trapping you in the closet while bathing you in cold water. Yes, the shower burned. At least I still have cute cabinets and a mirror….

Ah…

I looked into the mirror.

* After all, it's still you.

Long, curly hair, very messy and (h/c), with all the broken hair floating around (better known as fritz and he was too thin to be soft), reddish brown eyes (which weren't as red as Chara's) were probably the only things I liked about myself. Then we have my skin (s/c) very pale due to lack of sun exposure, random acne spreading, not in excess but bothering, deep dark circles, decorated with today's tear marks. A humorless laugh escaped my lips, his hand moving almost on its own, turning on the tap, rubbing the water over his face carefully. This is kind of dangerous, being alone with my sad thoughts.

" Finally. " I sighed, wiping my face on the nearest towel, hands then, as a painful smile crossed my face. " I have that." I tapped my side pocket of shorts where a deck of cards accompanied me everywhere.

It was like an extra part of me since Luka gave it to me, along with three other never-missing items: the black lipstick that Bianca wore when she came out with us, always in a pocket, the yellow ribbon of Daisy's hair on my head. her hair may look like a rattlesnake's nest, but she was always there.) and the weird book of basic flirtations that featured Chara as a pun and that he liked more than necessary (though small, no longer fit into pockets, so the his usual place next to my hip, between underwear and skin.)

I took advantage and wet my hair a little, as if he wasn't coming back to it later. Finishing up and getting some of the apparent melancholy from my face, I managed a hesitant smile at my reflection, but it returned to the cold look when something seemed to burst in the distance and the light went out. A blackout… when all I have to eat is frozen spaghetti and I'm out of gas.

So ... so ... perfect.

Worthy of a rainy day, which seemed to get stronger by the moment. Making a loud, unfamiliar sound, I emerged from the bathroom downstairs, using instincts to move without breaking anything. A kind of mind map danced in my mind, the matches in the cutlery and candles in the open closet seemed to light up like object-hunting games. I lit three candles that had already been used, then looked at the plate of food waiting to be warmed. Shaking my head gently, I put it in the fridge, even though it had no light to keep it intact, and pulled a jar of yogurt in place. This will be my dinner. Sitting at the round table with a prepared spoon, I began setting up the cards to play solitaire when I heard another noise. Much closer than the last. Slowly I took the cards from the table and stuffed them in my pocket, frowning.

A bang ... Coming from the room. Walking carefully, I approached, looking slowly out the door. My coffee table was split in half, the iron baseball bat stuck in the wood seemed to be the murder weapon. That stick was from Luka ...

More noise came from upstairs, my door still seemed to be closed. A kind of cold rose in my veins. This was strangely familiar. I looked around the room before going to the club and pulling it carefully.

* The Metal gave you a shiver of premonition.

I climbed the stairs, knowing exactly where to step so as not to make noise, but when I reached the top floor, I relaxed. The noise ceased. All doors remained closed, my room being the only exception. I peered through the door and, as I thought, he fled, as he had a year ago. The room was ruined, as if it had been a break-in party. The bed broke, the mattress was torn, as were my papers and the wardrobe on the floor, some scattered clothes, a strange substance staining the rug and writing on the wall: - You know where to find me. - My camping backpack, which I used during the research, and a book on the history of the city were in the center of the room. The open book, an image of Mount Ebott circulated there.

"... All right, all right. "

I grabbed the backpack and the book, going down and putting on my neon blue wellies before leaving. I looked at Luka's house and the staff in hand, then ran, just pushing open the door. I didn't have to walk much, she was in the middle of the room, which had several broken things. Concerned, I knelt beside her, almost panicked, but relieved when I saw her breathing. I used your phone to call the police, but decided not to wait. Finally, I have a clue. A chance to catch him. I needed to do this. I laid her on the couch and left a small note, leaving before I changed my mind.

* You are full of justice.

It was night when I started to cross the forest. The rain persisted above, making the cold run down my back. Sharp branches and thorns scraped my skin and ripped my clothes, but now I barely cared. I needed to continue. It wasn't long before I reached the clearing in front of the mountain, the place that started it all. Immaculate gray dust lay where the eternal fire lay. Not washed by rain, not carried by wind. Right there, waiting. I wiped something hot from my face and turned, the cock getting colder against my skin.

* You need to move on.

Gradually, I felt scratches burning, but I made sure they wouldn't be long enough to stop bleeding. As expected, climbing was not an easy task. The soaked, sloping ground was almost a waterfall of mud that made me slip and lose my balance as I stepped on the loose rocks. My hair, my legs, my clothes had mud on everything. I dropped to my knees as I reached one of the peaks, breathing hard as I looked into the dark cavern not far away. Lightning roused me from the trance I entered, so I started to get up, feeling someone watching me.

- It is not bad. -

With one hard blow, I tried to hit him behind me, a whistling noise was all I could get. My muscles tensed automatically with the evil laugh. " Not bad. " He sneered behind me again, his dark red cloak flapping violently in the wind, mocking his hands saluting me.

" What you want? " I growled. He started to laugh, part of his mouth visible, a large scar on the left side of his face, lips and chin. " Foolish child. You have no idea what you did when you attacked that wizard, do you? Knights are so ignorant. " He shook his head, like I was a lost cause. A gold stick with a ruby top appeared in his left hand. " So we agreed that you should be eradicated, like monsters. But you multiply like rabbits." His voice was thoughtful. " Anyway, it's trivial in our day ... But, how you attacked us ... A massacre is inevitable! " Another laugh followed.

* You have no idea what he is talking about, but decide to face him anyway.

" Does not matter. " I took a deep breath, making a decision. "I don't want to know your motives now." I watched the ruby light up with its magic. " Still ... You must be punished. "

With a speed I didn't know, I advanced and hit the club in his ribs, pushing it aside and giving him a breathlessness. A sigh of pain was all I heard before something moved away from him and fell to the muddy ground. I felt discomfort in my chest and arm, but got up without difficulty. Once again, I set off to attack, but dodging a red sphere he threw. It surprised me and the rodeo was not so successful, it scraped my arm and burned my skin. Others came and it was hard to get rid of them, the mud at my feet making me slip all the time. Adrenaline took over my body and I felt even faster, confident, almost enjoying fighting, the steady pace: side, side, spin, jump, run, roll, attack, lose. It wasn't long before I hit his face, an uncomfortable, muffled sound sounded around us, something that looked like a tooth flew away from him. He withdrew closer to the cave, making me follow him cautiously. That smile sent mixed emotions in my core. Suddenly, many spheres formed and advanced against me at high speed, barely leaving room for evasion. One of them hit me in the belly and the pain I felt was masked by the lack of mobility. No matter how much I moved, I couldn't leave the place.

" Finally. " He hardly seemed to have such a hoarse voice that he seemed. " You slippery trash. " He approached, holding his stomach, sweat mixed with rain, some blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. " Now. " He gripped my face tightly, the team being torn from me and thrown into some dark corner. " Come . " My body began to float, following it to the cave. " Com'on, not look at me like that. I'll tell you a secret. " He laughed. It wasn't too deep, there were flowers scattered all over the floor, all golden flowers, I think, a smaller hole in the ceiling where the rain fell and a larger, very dark hole in the floor. On the walls, several inlaid crystals gave the lighting a mystical feel. Suddenly I was hurled, slipping on the floor and ruining some flowers, stopping right at the edge of the hole. Barely able to move, I lifted my face to face him. I was completely defenseless. There was a macabre smile on his face, his now visible eyes glowing with blood red. "Your brother is just waiting." He whispered. " Go get him. -" And a kick threw me in my death. Soon, only darkness painted my world.

*It's the end.

· · · · · · · · · · · · · End notes

My english is very beginner, so i'm using the help of google translator. If anyone with available time can help me review, I appreciate it. (Y/N) - your name (h/c) - hair color (s/c) - skin color More legends will be added in the future! Word Count: About 2,880 If i use any images similar to the game can be found on the Gamejolt website. They do not belong to me.

#undertale #underswap #undertale au #reader #fanfic #neutral route #chara dreemurr #mages #magic #underswap x reader #swap papyrus x reader #swap papyrus

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svechnikoffee · 6 years ago

Text

take me back to where i belong

take me back to where i belong – nokantrol for @babrielandeskog

words: 6k, last time i checked?

warnings: language & one brief, brief mention of the blackhawks. beyond that, nothing I can think of beyond a gratuitous love letter to whataburger with a side of tyler seguin/jamie benn

notes: a belated happiest of holidays to you, b! thanks for your patience on this wild behemoth of a fic. the holidays are just as good a reason as any to bring together dumb colorado boys and dumb dallas boys, esp over airplanes and biscuits & gravy.

as one of my favorite writers ever, it was an absolute honor to be able to write for you—hope you enjoy!!

title taken loosely from “home” by morgxn, which I only came across after it played in the background of a dylan larkin video haha

It’s dawning on you that you definitely should’ve taken up your mom on her offer of earplugs and a sleep mask as you were hurrying out of the house this morning. It’s been a headache of a day—you’d woken up early to help her cook Thanksgiving lunch, then spent the rest of the afternoon catching up with your cousins and tickling the little ones while their dads sat around the TV watching football.

You’d even managed to slip away into your old bedroom to FaceTime with Tyler and Jamie, and Jamie’s friend Tyson. He seemed nice enough, though clearly unprepared to meet new people given that he was in the middle of shoveling down a DQ Blizzard when Tyler turned the camera to him. You might’ve been preoccupied with stuffing your belongings back into your suitcase, but you were genuinely relieved that Tyler had found someone to hang out with during the brief holiday.

Tyler had straight up begged you to stay in town for Thanksgiving, claiming he needed your company to get through the loneliest holiday for a Canadian in America. You just snorted and patted his head, which had been in your lap like always, shushing him with a finger to his lips.

“You’re so full of shit, you know that Ty?” He waggled his eyebrows in response. Part of you did feel sorry for him, though. He’d spent last Thanksgiving with Rads “going stag”, as they called it, but the older man had worked out a visit from Makar and his parents over the long weekend and looked like he was going to keel over from excitement. Which wasn’t really a stretch from his normal self, but still.

Last you’d heard, Jamie was having a BC friend visit, and even Jackie had booked an Alaskan cruise with her girlfriends after Tyler insisted he’d be fine on his own. Now, you just feel bad for the poor guy. He’d been taking a break from going out—I’m just trying to look out for my liver, (Y/N)—and you knew he’d be a sad sack and spend the night in with the pups.

So you compromised and took the beginning of the week off to spend with your family in Chicago, and promised Tyler you’d be back by Thursday night at the latest. It all worked out perfectly since he and Jamie didn’t have a game again until Saturday…which brings you to this moment right here, sitting in a darkened plane with the hottest guy you’ve ever laid eyes on. And you regularly find yourself around some pretty fucking beautiful people. Klinger still won’t tell you what he uses for his skin.

The worst part about flying from Chicago to Dallas is there are never any direct flights with a legitimate shot of you getting on. You can’t complain, considering the fact that working for an airline means you fly for free, but after a jam-packed day like today, you’d like to put your feet up and skip the layovers.

Luckily, the flight you’d managed to get on flew through Denver without a plane change, which meant you were peacefully out for the count while the second batch of passengers got on. You’d been on so many flights for work within the past few months that falling asleep was just second nature to you now. Plus the luxury of a window seat? Score.

Of course, things don’t always work out like they should, so you were jolted from your nap with a loud snort and slurp before spotting the straight up god sitting at the end of your row. Seriously, you’d taken enough flights to know that meet-cutes just didn’t happen, but here you were now.

The blond man has his reading light on, which is a definite faux pas in your mind, but you pause at the fact that he’s actually reading a physical book. Not just any book at that, but you recognize the dark purple cover and intricate detailing of one of your favorite reads of the year. He must notice you staring, because he just turns the page and smiles before asking, “See something you like?”

You blush and scrub at your cheek before realizing the man hasn’t even lifted his eyes from the page.

“Actually, I do.”

That’s enough for him to raise his head and give you a full look at his face. He has gentle eyes that you can just bet are a blue you could get lost in, given what you can see in this lighting. The man’s beard is cropped clean and short, and you wish you could send a photo of his face to Tyler with a message reading, Real men don’t leave spaces in their mustaches.

“And what might I interest you in?”

“The book you’re reading, it’s one of my favorites,” you admit. You know you’re not the type to play coy and charm the pants off this guy, so you decide to do the best with what you’ve got. If he doesn’t like that, it’s not your problem.

It must be a good open though, because his eyes light up in response.

So it begins, from talking about how good All You Can Ever Know is, and how the author makes the nuance surrounding adoption and racism so poignant and real to their audience. You find out the man’s name is Gabe, and there’s a barely noticeable lilt to his words that he attributes to being from Sweden. Gabe glares at you when you jokingly ask for help setting up the new IKEA bookshelf in your living room, and in turn you offer him the extra cookie you’d saved from your earlier flight.

He tells you his plans got derailed last minute and that he was planning on crashing a friend’s Thanksgiving, because there just isn’t enough time around this holiday to head all the way back to Sweden. After a few hours with him, you’re not sure you want to let him go just yet, so you offer to drive him to his friend’s place since you’d left your car at the airport anyways.

You cringe inside when you realize how creepy that must sound and are a second away from laughing it off when he looks you in the eye gratefully and accepts.

After telling him about your travels, which is something you have in common, Gabe probes deeper and asks about the things that make you you, and something stops you from giving him the canned answer you give everyone else who asks.

“I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Walk into a bookstore and see my name on the shelves, you know?” You sigh wistfully at the dream you’ve had since you were a kid toting around a notebook and pen everywhere you went.

“Imagine that: (Y/N)… what’s your last name?” He quirks an eyebrow at you.

“You’re not getting that out of me—you could be a stalker, for all I know!” You laugh when he rolls his eyes in response. “It’s (Y/L/N),” you finally offer. “(Y/N) (Y/L/N).” Worst comes to worst, he’ll probably just find your LinkedIn and ask to connect or something.

“Wait…(Y/N) (Y/L/N).” His eyebrows scrunch up and you can see some kind of gears turning in his head. You’ve never seen this guy before in your life (you definitely would know if you had), so you wonder how he could suddenly be so familiar with your name. There’s nothing to do but laugh again when his face literally bursts into a sunbeam in recognition, the smile overtaking his eyes. You want to take a photo of it; it’s too much to take in with the naked eye all at once.

“You wrote that article in the inflight magazine, the one about the travel tips to Chicago!” You freeze, your grip running tighter on your phone.

“How do you even know that?” You exclaim, eyeing him suspiciously. “I was asleep for like 10 minutes before you started talking to me!”

“I get bored,” the man explains easily. “And I always check the Hidden Gems features because I travel a lot for work. It didn’t hurt that you wrote about one of my favorite cities.” He winks at you and you know you’re blushing now. Guys don’t really bother to flirt with you, let alone big, beefy ones with big, rugged hands and soft blue eyes.

“Oh, well. That’s quite a compliment, considering I write all of them. Thank you,” you manage to get out. Goodness, why did you have to be so awkward all the time.

“You’re welcome,” he replies earnestly.

“Listen, if you’re not in a hurry to get to your friend’s place…have dinner with me.” Something about Gabe makes you feel bold, like you’re the Sun and it’s up to you to rise and seize the day. You know you shouldn’t trust this stranger you’ve literally just met (your mind supplies that you were the one to offer him a ride in the first place) but the alarm bells aren’t going off in your head just yet, so you figure it’s worth a shot.

“Yeah?”

“Yeah. I know a place.” Actually, you can’t think of any places that might be worthy of housing Gabe, but you’ll act first, and deal with the repercussions later.

“Sure, let’s do it,” he replies easily, smiling up at you from his perch atop his carry-on.

Of course, you have to keep up the bravado from just moments before, all the while racking through every restaurant you can think of nearby. You’re not sure where Gabe’s headed, and while you’ll most likely stop by Tyler’s before heading back home, you want to stay relatively close by.

“How do you feel about fast food?” You blurt out, your mind immediately jumping to the Whataburger you frequent on your way to work in the mornings.

Gabe smiles wryly at you before nodding. Patting his stomach lightly, to which you vehemently fight against imagining the abs that must live beneath his sweater, he musters out a nonchalant, “I’m sure I can break my diet tonight, just for you.”

You roll your eyes and shove at his arm; you feel like you’ve known Gabe for years as opposed to the few hours you spent with him 35,000 feet above ground. Maybe time doesn’t exist that high up in the air.

“Your parents live in Chicago. You live in Dallas,” Gabe checks off as he shoves a spicy ketchup smothered fry into his mouth. “What’s the deal with that?”

“It’s not that complicated, really. I grew up in Chicago, loved it, got an internship in Dallas during college and loved the work, and I’ve been here since I graduated. I get homesick a lot though, so the flight perks come in handy.” You bite your cheek to keep from getting emotional; any mention of missing your parents still gets you teary.

“Wow,” Gabe breathes. You’re too preoccupied with trying to discreetly blink the tears away before he notices, that you don’t have time to gauge his reaction.

It’s the truth, though. You never thought you’d leave the Midwest, with its ability to shift through all four seasons in a day. But you did, and you can’t feel bothered to apologize for the fact that you’re still not sure where you would call home. What you loved about Dallas the first time around was that it was your space. Everyone you knew in Chicago had practically known you since you’d been in diapers, and you never realized how heavy that burden had been until you left.

You’re just about to say something when Gabe clears his throat to speak.

“(Y/N), I can’t believe you moved over a thousand miles away from home right out of college and have been sticking it out this entire time. You’re really brave.”

“Oh, um. Thank you?” You wipe your nose and sniff before taking a bite of your burger. No one had ever reacted like that before. You’re used to people ribbing you for your flight benefits or joking about how there’s no way you can go back to Chiberia after a few years in the South.

“I get it, though,” Gabe continues. “I moved to Canada when I was in, what do you call it, high school? Then after a few years, I settled down in Denver for work, and that’s where I’ve been ever since.” You quirk an eyebrow, wondering if his parents had been in the service given how he’d had to move all over the world. Now, your move seems small in comparison.

“And you mentioned you were born in Sweden, right? I’ve always wanted to go,” you say wistfully. One day, you’d get your backpacking trip around Europe. One day.

Gabe nods eagerly, and thankfully doesn’t comment on your blatant change of subject. He reminds you of a big golden retriever with how often he smiles and seems to enjoy every moment he’s in. He runs a hand through his hair before diving into what it was like growing up in Stockholm, and how he feels like he’s back home anytime he can smell salty sea air. It’s not all too different from Jamie’s childhood, you realize belatedly. You think they’d get on well.

The two of you continue to trade stories back and forth in the tiny Whataburger down the street from Love Field, and you can’t ignore the want bubbling up from deep within.

When Gabe inputs the address into Google Maps and holds it up for you to see, you have to blink and bring his phone closer to your face to get a better look.

“Wait. Gabe. Whose house are you going to?” Gabe pauses, looking uneasy for the first time since you met just a few hours ago.

“I told you, he’s like my best friend’s best friend. Jamie.”

“Oh. My. God. Oh my God. Gabe. Gabe.” You burst into peals of laughter and have to hit your steering wheel multiple times over because no fucking way. This cannot be real life, right now.

“(Y/N)?” He still looks hesitant, and you’re sure you know why.

“Gabe,” you wheeze. “Gabe. Oh my god. You’re going to Jamie Benn’s house right now? How do you even know him?”

His eyes narrow for a long moment, assessing your frankly embarrassing stature, and he shifts to take his phone back. You’re aware of how you probably look, like a huge Jamie Benn stalker or something, but this turn of events is just too ridiculous to wrap your mind around, let alone, stop laughing at.

“Do you…know him, too?” He asks warily.

“Gabe,” you repeat. “He’s one of my best friends here in Dallas.”

If real life played out the way it did in cartoons, you know you’d see a series of anvils falling from the sky or something equally ridiculous to depict his surprise. Gabe looks flabbergasted, and at a complete loss for words if his sputtering is any indication.

“No fucking way, (Y/N). You sure you’re not just messing with me right now?” He’s finally able to squeeze out right when you start wheezing again. You nod and wipe at the tears streaming down your cheeks; it’s unbelievable how this guy’s got you crying twice for two astronomically different reasons, all within a span of 30 minutes. Gabe must be just as delirious or amused as you are, because he joins you quickly after.

When your giggles finally subside and you trust yourself to drive, you slot your key into the ignition and get started on the drive over to Preston Hollow. You make this exact drive nearly every day, what with the airport being so close to work, but the drive from the airport to Jamie’s house is one you know all too well, having literally gone straight from various work trips to movie nights at his place numerous times over. Just a few weeks ago, Tyler had been walking Gerry over and you’d nearly run the puppy over when he bounded into the street at the sight of your car.

“So, (Y/N),” Gabe starts when you pull out of the Whataburger parking lot. “How exactly do you know all these Stars players?” You bite back a groan; Tyler always gets a kick out of how much you hate telling this story.

“I told you I interned here during college, right?” Gabe nods, and you just barely keep yourself from slamming on the brakes when he flits his tongue to swipe across his upper lip.

“I fell in love with Dallas, and with my line of work being what it is, it’s all about who you know. So after I moved back to Chicago to finish school, I knew I had to make some connections if I wanted to find a job in another state. There weren’t many networking events here, so I kind of had to improvise. My friends took me to a lot of Stars games when I was interning, and I remembered that Casino Night was coming up…” you trail off as you slowly come to a stop at the next red light.

“So I’m guessing you went and seduced some big, sexy hockey players, huh?” Gabe moves closer to dig his elbow into your arm.

“That’s exactly what happened, how did you know,” you deadpan.

“No, for goodness sake’s, Gabe, I didn’t seduce them. I’ve never followed hockey that closely, so I didn’t recognize their faces. Jamie talked to me for almost 20 minutes about working in the Metroplex before a random PR girl came to take him away.” You laugh at the memory of a bumbling Jamie Benn trying to talk to you about taxes and insurance benefits before Tyler had swooped in and hip checked him before winking at you.

With the help of alcohol and some distance from the cameras, Jamie was all soft excitement and fun innuendos while Tyler had just melted into a literal puppy after the event ended. Jamie had asked for your number after you shared some drinks with him and Tyler that night, and you’d always wondered what would’ve happened if you hadn’t had to fly back home the next morning.

Regardless, you kept in touch with the boys until you got a full-time offer with the company you’d interned for the previous summer. When finally making the move to the Big D, you suddenly had 15 fully-grown hockey players at your service when you pulled in with your giant U-Haul. No way could you have imagined any of that from your failed attempt at networking.

“So…your best friends are hockey players, then,” Gabe trails off. You’re not sure where he’s going, but you just nod.

“Yeah, I go to their games and I can finally tell them apart on the ice, but I’m more of a baseball girl myself.” It’s true, you’d grown up in Cubs territory and their World Series win ranked in your list of favorite moments from your entire life.

“Do you know any other hockey players?”

“Mmm, I don’t think so. I guess I know who Sidney Crosby is? But that’s only because Tyler’s obsessed with him.” Gabe laughs brightly and you hear an of course he is under his breath.

“Wait…do you know Tyler, too?”

“Um, yeah (Y/N). I kind of have to, considering I play hockey, too.” This time you really slam on the brakes, which is just fine because no one’s on the road, anyways. You’ve only got another mile or so until you make it to Jamie’s place, and you’d like some time to wrap your head around the fact that this dream of man regularly plays against your best friends.

“You’re a hockey player from Sweden…who plays in Colorado,” you utter our slowly. “You’re somehow friends with Tyson, who’s friends with Jamie, which probably means that Tyson’s a hockey player too, right?” Everything is wild and nothing makes sense.

Gabe at least has the courtesy of looking sheepish. He scratches at his neck and shrugs.

“Yeah, Tyson’s one of my best friends in Denver. You can’t tell him that, though, or else he’ll get a big head.”

“Okay, just give me a second to wrap my head around this. Also, get out your phone because we need to record their reactions when we walk in together. Good thing I have a key,” you whisper conspiratorially.

“I think I kind of like bossy (Y/N).”

You know Jamie’s already expecting you, especially since Tyler had texted he was still hanging out with the guys. Gabe’s already got the video rolling on his phone when you slide the key into the lock. You call out a hello as you slip off your shoes and gesture for Gabe to follow when you hear an “in the kitchen!”

Marshall and Cash come bounding up to you while Gerry takes a moment to survey the new guest. Gabe gives him a generous amount of pats, which has Gabe on his knees scratching the puppy’s belly in no time.

“And that’s why we gave a key to (Y/N) in the first place—she somehow always brings us free Whataburger.” You roll your eyes at Jamie’s bravado, he’s clearly raised his voice so you could hear him.

“Holy shit! Landesnerd!”

You turn and mouth Landesnerd? to Gabe in question, to which he shrugs and probably just zooms in on your face with the camera.

Tyson runs over to see Gabe, bypassing you completely. Jamie’s slower to stroll out and he raises an eyebrow at you before pulling you in for a squeeze. He smells like cedar and soap like always, and it’s so familiar to you now that it almost hurts. Tyler comes steamrolling out of the kitchen yelling your name and throws himself into your arms when Jamie finally lets go. This one’s all Aveda shampoo and Armani cologne, and you playfully bite at his shoulder, which has him yelping and jumping away as always. It’s only been a few days, but you’ve missed your boys something fierce.

Plus, it’s only a matter of time before they realize who you walked in with.

“Hold up, hold up, hold up.” Tyson finally pauses, literally scratching his head at the sight of you. “Do you guys know each other? Gabriel, how did you even get into this house?”

Gabe’s still getting everything on video, and you’re so glad it’s all getting caught on tape. Tyler tilts his head side-to-side, glancing between you and Gabe before finally turning and elbowing Jamie in the ribs. He makes a few contemplative noises before finally whispering to Jamie, who’s eyes shine with mirth when he lands his gaze on you, of all people.

“Hey, Landy, what’s up man? How do you know our girl (Y/N), here?” Tyler continues smoothly, pulling Gabe in for one of those complicated handshake turned bro taps. Jamie does the same, but you can tell from the way Gabe shoves at his chest that Jamie’s chosen to chirp him. Of course.

Tyler just waggles his eyebrows at you suggestively when Gabe finally responds, ruffling Tyson’s hair at the same time.

“It’s just gotta be fate, right? We were on the same flight over, we had Whataburger together, and here we are now.”

“You watch yourself, Landeskog, throwing around words like fate and together. Our (Y/N)’s too good for Colorado scum like you!” You lunge to tackle Tyler to the ground, which just begins an all-out brawl once Marshall and Cash get word of the fun.

Jamie just sighs all too knowingly, and stops in the kitchen to grab the bags of chips he only saves for special occasions. Something tells you it might be a Goon night after all.

When Jamie officially deems it too late for you to go home, he sends you to the guest room on the second floor to spend the night, just as you have numerous times before. You’re thankful he’s pulling the trigger and has a shit ton of extra rooms for everyone to stay in, one of which already has a new toothbrush and one of Jamie’s spare hoodies.

When you wake up the next morning, it’s to the smell of hazelnut which has you out of bed and downstairs almost immediately. Tyson doesn’t even look half awake yet, but Jamie slides over a mug of black coffee to you wordlessly. The shower’s going down the hall, which tells you exactly where Gabe is.

“Can we do breakfast,” you whine at Jamie. He’s become the big brother you’d never had, and you know he dotes on you as a result of being a lifelong youngest child. Jamie just grunts in response as Tyson flops his hands over his ears with a long, pronounced groan.

“Let’s do Norma’s, I want biscuits,” you continue. Jamie nods and pulls out his phone, presumably to check in with Tyler.

“It’s good, I promise,” you reassure Tyson. You pat his head of curls gently and get another sad moan in return. Poor guy, sleeping in must definitely be a BC thing.

You and Gabe are the first ones to arrive at Norma’s an hour later, Tyson texting that he and Jamie would pick Tyler up on their way over. You knew if you were to confront either of your friends about what they were trying to do, the big dumb cow eyes would come out to play, and you really didn’t have time for that right now. You just want to enjoy the time you have with Gabe before he leaves, and be able to keep moving forward without even more unrequited feelings weighing you down. Fuck, you don’t even know if it’s been long enough to characterize these feelings as feelings.

As Gabe steps into the bustling diner, you can see the exact moment everything begins to process in that big, blond brain of his. He opens his mouth, then shuts, just smiling down to himself. He stands off to the side while you give your name to the hostess, and make your way over to join him against the wall.

It smells like heaven, if the celestial beings cried tears of grease, and the diner itself is packed with people of all ages. There’s a booth just next to the bar that’s opened up, and you can’t suppress the giggle that erupts when you imagine yourself and four massive hockey players squeezed into it. Gabe calls your name quietly, and you look up to see mirth dancing in his blue, blue eyes.

Completely unaware of the image burned in your brain, he asks, “What’s with all the Texas flags everywhere?”

You have to chuckle at that. Norma’s is known for straight-up Southern comfort food, and their infamous booths decked out in full Texan attire. It was the first thing you’d noticed your first visit, after the giant pies up front that were easily the size of your entire torso. You still remember trying to take sneaky photos to send to your parents all those years ago. Now, they all knew you by name.

“G, it’s Texas,” you reply simply. There really is no other way to put it. “Sweet tea, Whataburger, and good ol’ American football—that’s the Texas way,” you drawl exaggeratedly.

It’s only a couple minutes before the rest of the boys make it to brunch, and if y’all didn’t stick out before, you definitely do now. Tyson’s the closest to you in height, but there’s no denying he’s just as capable as the others in easily benching your weight.

While the people in Texas can be a little softer in the middle, they’re that much kinder in spirit. The city boy in Tyler has slowly been weathered away over the years, and you can’t even pinpoint the Canadian in Jamie anymore. Which is why Gabe with his perfect face and eyes and hair and everything sticks out like a sore thumb in this establishment. It’s like trying to stuff the Sun into a one story home, and telling yourself you still need a lamp.

Tyler kicks at your foot lightly, and it snaps you out of your reverie. The hostess is already leading Jamie, Tyson, and Gabe to a larger booth in the back, so you and Tyler pull up the rear. He offers you his arm, just like always, and he leads you to your seat with a flourish. Jamie’s already saved a spot for Tyler right next to him, patting the cushion with his paw-like hand, which leaves you with the seat next to…Gabe. Of course.

Jamie’s smirking at you when you look up, so you pointedly gesture to the arm he has stretched out behind Tyler to get him to stop. His smirk turns into a shy grin then, and he just shrugs good-naturedly before turning back to his menu. You already know what you’re getting—a Number 7 with extra gravy, as always—so you turn your attention back to Gabe, who’s bouncing between studying the laminated menu and looking around the diner to see what everyone else is eating.

“The biscuits here are the best things I’ve ever tasted,” you offer. Gabe’s brow is still furrowed, eyes flicking back and forth between the menu choices.

“Okay, but can it beat Denver Biscuit Company?” Tyson all but yells from Gabe’s other side. Some other customers nearby turn their heads in interest, and the curly-haired guy is straight up lucky there’s no one with a fishing vest on in your vicinity right now. Don’t mess with Texas is right.

“Oh my god, Four, we can’t take you anywhere,” Gabe hisses, reaching under the table to pinch at Tyson’s thigh.

“Gabe! What the fuck! It’s a free country, Landesnerd!” Tyler’s straight up giggling now as he leans even further into Jamie’s side, and you’re always a sucker for his giggles.

“This has to be a Colorado thing, why are you guys like this?”

“Oh yeah, Benny? Wanna tell Tyler and (Y/N) about the shit we got up to in Kelowna? Don’t kid yourself, bud, you’re not that great.” Tyler’s eyebrows shoot to his hairline and he mouths over a what to you before turning back to Jamie, who’s huge eyes are looking extra cow-like with a side of feigned innocence.

This time, it’s Gabe’s turn to laugh and turn the conversation to shenanigans he and Klinger got into when playing at Worlds together. You don’t know for what, but you feel like you’ve been rewarded with something when he turns to give you a private smile after ordering an extra side of biscuits.

“For us to share away from the hooligans,” he whispers.

Jamie and Tyler had a quick practice over in Frisco after breakfast, so you’d brought Gabe and Tyson back to your place to hang out before meeting the guys again later. Tyson had holed up in your den to call his girlfriend Emma, and last you had checked he had fallen asleep on your futon. You hadn’t expected anything less. Now, you and Gabe are left watching Love Actually in your living room while sipping on some leftover apple cider you’d reheated on the stove.

“Hey Gabe?” It comes out as barely a whisper, but his eyes flick to yours as he murmurs in response. He taps your ankle with his toes, stupid fuzzy socks nudging against your bare skin. You wish you had the liberty of reaching over and tucking your hand into his, pulling him to wrap his strong, wiry arms around your frame. He looks like a scene on your couch, with your favorite throw strewn across his frame.

“Yeah, (Y/N)?”

“What happens now?” You’re scared to even utter the words, afraid he’ll just brush it all off. Luckily, he seems to have given this a lot more thought than you have.

“Well, I know I really like you, and I think you like me,” he replies easily. “We can be really good together, and I want to give it a shot—give us a shot.”

This is crazy. You’d met him only 24 hours ago, and here he was talking about a long distance relationship. Friends of yours had done this in the past, but you never imagined a whirlwind meet-cute like this for yourself. It was ridiculous to even wrap your head around—this legitimately only happened in rom-coms.

“You sound crazy right now, Gabe.”

“Here’s the thing, though. I’m all in. I don’t mean to sound cocky or presumptuous here, but I have the means to fly us both back and forth even if you didn’t get free flights. I don’t know how we got here over the past day, but I do know that I trust you and I’m willing to try. Are you?”

“Pinch me.”

“What?” Gabe barks out a surprised laugh.

“Pinch me, Gabriel. Prove to me that I’m not dreaming.” And because it’s Gabe, he does.

“Ow! Okay, I get it, I’m not dreaming. You didn’t have to pinch me so hard with your dumb big hockey player fingers!”

“(Y/N), come on. Seriously?”

“I have thin skin! Also…if you’re that committed to this, I can be too. I really like you, too. Also, mess with my heart, young Gabriel, and I’ll send the dogs after you.” You point a finger at his amused face and realize that yeah, maybe it’d be nice to allow good things to happen to you.

“Don’t worry, I can take Tyler in a fight. Jamie…maybe not. But you can’t tell him that.” You don’t get the chance to respond as he pulls you in for the first kiss of the rest of your life.

One Year Later – Chicago, IL

“I love Chicago—ever since a buddy of mine forced me to explore with him a few years ago, I fell in love with the architecture.” You expect the tips of his ears to go pink sheepishly or something equally indicative of embarrassment, but he sounds bold, confident. It’s always a turn-on when guys are unapologetic about their passions, but you never would’ve expected his to be architecture—even then, that of your hometown.

It makes you love him that much more.

“It’s the clean lines of all the modern buildings,” he continues, “and the way it contrasts with everything around it. Look at the Wrigley building or the Tribune building and compare it to the Sears Tower.” He sighs contentedly as he peers out the window of the train car, skyline still just about the size of your thumb from this distance.

“You really know your stuff, eh, Blondie?” Gabe’s head whips around at that, and you bite your lip to keep from snorting right then and there.

“Blondie, huh?”

“It figures, though,” you continue. “Big head must mean a big brain for all that random shit you know.” If anything, spending time with Gabe and the boys in Denver has only provided you with more material to help keep the big Swede in check. It must show, since all you hear is a muffled, “Fuckin’ Four” in response.

It feels good to hop off the Orange Line and feel the cold air on your face. Having spent the last few winters in Dallas, it’s disorienting to feel the pins and needles pricking your face again. Gabe slots his fingers through yours and smiles toothlessly as he presses a chaste kiss to the back of your gloved hand. This city might not be home for you anymore, but this smart, kind, hilarious, ridiculous human being next to you has proven himself more than worthy of that title.

“Oh come on, you sap. You said we had dinner reservations!” Gabe had, indeed, told you in explicit detail what he looked forward to doing to you that night, and it encompassed a lot more than just dinner plans. You’re glad it’s so chilly outside, because you can blame your cheeks flaming pink on the weather.

The two of you walk for a bit in comfortable silence, and the familiar streets make way for a slew of old memories. You remember running from campus to the old train station with your college roommate so you could catch the last train to Schaumburg, sitting in front of the Bean with a box of macarons crying over your ex-boyfriend, and even the time you’d somehow ventured into the shady part of town late at night and had called your dad in a panic.

They’re all fond memories, of course, crucial parts of the saga you call your life. But when Gabe tightens his grip and smiles down at you with so much warmth in his eyes, you can’t imagine ever looking back at this city without thinking of him and all that he adds to every moment of your life. You have all the tools and willpower to make your life yours—just like he pointed out that first night, you moved to Dallas on your own and made an entirely new life for yourself. But he adds so much color and meaning you’d never even considered before, that he makes everything more. If you were functioning on a solid 7, he’s the one that dials everything up to a 12.

And you’re struck with this huge revelation as you’re walking down Wacker in the freezing cold that you want this, want him, forever. It doesn’t make any sense, but your heart starts pounding in your ears, and you never really were very good at keeping a poker face, because all you want to do is tell him all of it now now now.

“I love you.”

“I love you, too, babe.” Gabe chuckles and runs a thumb across your cheek. “But I have a feeling that’s not all you want to say.”

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

His eyes widen almost comically, and if you weren’t so nervous about what you’d just said, you might be making fun of him for it.

“Seriously, (Y/N)? You couldn’t wait just three more hours?” His voice is suspiciously watery, and he sounds like you’d just sucker punched him in the solar plexus.

“Wait. What?”

Gabe shakes his head fondly. “Look up,” he whispers.

Too caught in your thoughts earlier, you hadn’t realized where he’d brought you. The sun’s just setting and the sky’s an inky violet lit up by the various buildings comprising your favorite skyline. You look up and gasp at what beholds you because, goddamn.

The first time Gabe had come to Chicago with you, he’d brought you to this exact building on his impromptu architecture tour of the city. Gabe had told you how it was urban legend that the architect of this building had scrapped all his original designs after the death of his fiancée, and designed the building to take after her engagement ring when looked at from the sky.

“No. No fucking way. Gabe.”

There’s no response, so you turn to grab his arm but he’s no longer where you left him. Panic comes over you for a brief second, but it all melts away when you turn to find him kneeling on the ground next to you. He has a huge smile painted on his face, and it almost distracts you from the little jewelry box engulfed by his huge hands.

“(Y/N), I should’ve known that you’d ruin the surprise somehow, but I guess it’s okay because it just brings you one step closer to being my wife. When we came here the first time and I told you that story of the architect, that was me promising you that one day you’d be back with an engagement ring of your own.

“You complete me in a way I never could’ve imagined—you’re it for me, you complement me in every way. You inspire me every day because I see how hard you work for every single thing, and I’m so damn lucky to have found someone that brings that kind of resilience into our relationship. I love you to the end of this earth, and there’s no one else I would rather choose to build my life with.

“Man, it’s really fucking cold down here, (Y/N). Marry me?” The tears have been spilling down your cheeks for quite some time now, so it should come as no surprise to Gabe when you nod and throw yourself into his arms.

“Of course, Gabe, of course. I love you so much.” Gabe presses a loud, wet kiss to your temple in response and laughs heartily when you groan.

“Thank you for choosing me,” he whispers before untangling your limbs and taking your left hand in his. Pulling off your glove and holding it between his teeth, as he does, he slips the ring onto your finger, and you know you’re crying again at just how perfect everything feels. So you pull your new fiancé close and press your lips against his, while Gabe sweeps his tongue in little kitten licks against your lower lip in an effort to deepen the kiss. It only serves to make you laugh though, pure joy coursing through your veins.

“I can’t wait to be your wife,” you say when you finally pull back.

“Don’t you mean, you can’t wait to be Mrs. Babriel Landeskog?” You shove at his shoulder as he smiles unapologetically, taking the opportunity to nuzzle his face into your neck.

Your ring finger suddenly weighs more than it ever has, your favorite human has his arms wrapped tightly around you, and you can hear faint remnants of the carolers singing just a few blocks away at the Christkindlmarket. But what really gets you is the promise of the future as you feel Gabe smile against your skin. A crucial part of what makes a home is having him by your side, and luckily, that’s where he’ll be for the rest of your lives.

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