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thero0ks · 4 years ago

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In This Life and In the Next

NSFW! Do not read unless you are 18+

Miche and Erwin smut ahead (you’ve been warned)

She wasn’t sure what came over her that day. Perhaps it was the near death experience breathing life into her once again. When the dust settled, and saw the look of fear on her comrades faces her feet started to move on their own accord. Miche gave her a curious look, and Hanji’s eyes shined with glee as she stepped forward to join her. Dancing wasn’t in either one of their job descriptions, but it quickly brought a smile to their faces.

Erwin folded his arms with an amused expression. “There isn’t any music.” He stated bluntly.

“Sometimes you don’t need music.” Hanji replied, as her and Y/N linked arms spinning in a tight circle as delighted shrieks erupted from them.

Nanaba shrugged, a smile spreading on her lips as she joined them. The stunned look on Moblit’s face as Hanji dipped him caused Y/N to burst into laughter.

A small grin tugged at the corners of Levi’s lips until he caught Erwin’s knowing gaze. With a weak cough he stilled his face to the impassive expression he typically wore.

“Oh Comanderrrrr!” Hanji’s sang, pulling him into a dance. Erwin was taken by surprise as his long legs scrambled to catch up to the brutal pace Hanji had set.

Levi took a sip of his tea as the three recounted that day. “I’m happy you forced the Commander to dance.” Levi said with a sigh, “For once he didn’t look like he carried the weight of humanity.”

Y/N chuckled, “he even danced with me after Hanji had thrown him across the square.”

Hanji gasped, “I did not throw him. I attempted to pull him back into me and he let go.” They stated with a laugh.

“I only wish Miche had danced with you,” Levi said with a sigh.

“He did,” Y/N said with a shrug. “Just not then.”

She recounted those late nights in his office. The candles had burned low, and all the piles of paperwork were finally finished. Another date night passed by as Y/N waited patiently for him to finish.

His back cracked when he finally stood up. With a glance out the window his face fell. “I did it again,” he said with a sigh. “Didn’t I?”

Y/N nodded, but offered him a soft smile. “It’s okay Miche.”

“Let me make it up to you,” he said softly, as he tugged her out of her seat by their clasped hands.

Placing his hand at the small of her back he drew her in. Softly swaying in the candlelight the creak of the wooden floorboards were the only sound in the room. Hair framed his face as he gazed down at her, eyes full of adoration, and Y/N found her craving this simple intimacy that a date night couldn’t create.

Miche knew it was the little things that warmed her heart. He never stopped thinking of small ways to show he cared. Even with his death he’d left small pieces of himself behind in the form of handwritten letters in the event he met an untimely end.

“Miche did that?” Hanji exclaimed. Surprise evident on her face. “Would you two have walked away from all this?”

Y/N shook her head. “Not until we could live in a world free of titans. We’ve lost so many friends.”

“Remember when Moblit thought you blew up the lab?” Levi asked, turning to Hanji, soliciting chuckles from the other two.

The boom could be heard at the training grounds. Levi and Y/N’s heads snapped at the sound.

A figure covered in soot ran across the grounds, “Levi! Y/N! Come quick!” Moblit cried. “I think Hanji blew herself up!”

The three took off quickly, motioning for the cadets to follow. Erwin emerged from the castle at the sound of all the ruckus. “What’s going on?” He inquired, falling into step with them.

“Shitty glasses blew up the lab.” Levi grumbled, shaking his head.

“Dammit Hanji.” Erwin muttered under his breath.

When they finally arrived at the lab they saw Hanji emerge from the smoke, coughing profusely. “Hanji!” Y/N cried, stepping up to help them out of the debris.

“I’m okay.” They wheezed, breathing in mouthfuls of fresh air.

The sound of ODM gear could be heard as Miche came into view. Cupping Y/N’s face his eyes ran over her inspecting her for injuries. “Are you okay?” He inquired, as Y/N nodded.

“I KNEW YOU WERE DATING!” Hanji cried. “Moblit my hypothesis was right!” They drawled on with a wild look in their eye. “I knew I heard you two getting it on last night!”

Levi and Erwin’s head snapped to Y/N and Miche, who had the good sense to look embarrassed. “So that’s why I’m not seeing the pathetic longing stares.” Levi mused, folding his arms across his chest. “You two disgust me.” He added, turning to Erwin who rolled his eyes at Levi and Hanji’s antics.

“You really were perfect for each other.” Hanji said softly. “I always imagined you two having the cutest babies.”

Y/N blushed, “we didn’t think this would be the life for kids.”

Levi sighed, “you were both right on that.” The only true veterans left were Y/N, Hanji, and himself. The fear of how much longer their little group would stay intact brought fear straight to his heart. “Still it would have been nice to have a piece of Miche running around.”

Y/N’s eyes weighed heavily at that statement. Levi knew she would have dwelled on the idea a lot, but he also knew she wouldn’t change that choice. It would have been selfish of her to bring a child into a life like this, and Miche and Y/N rarely acted on their own selfish desires.

“Remember when Hanji got the Commander to play seven minutes in heaven?” Levi asked, an attempt to lighten the mood.

“You mean when they forced us all to play?”

“We can’t let the cadets have all the fun!” Hanji exclaimed, pouring another glass of wine.

“Aren’t we a little old for drinking games?” Miche asked pointedly.

Hanji waved him off, “it’ll be a fun bonding experience!” Grabbing a felt hat she thrust it out, “now everyone put something personal in it.”

“Wait, that’s rigging it.” Y/N said, folding her arms across her chest. “You can just choose the item the person you want puts in. It’s not hard to guess an object by touch when you know what’s in there.”

“You really want this to be random Y/N?” Levi inquired, taking a drink of the whiskey in his glass.

Y/N shrugs, “isn’t that how the game is played?”

“Alright everyone close your eyes and I’ll get an item from each of you.”

Hanji passed the hat around, and once all the items were in place everyone opened their eyes. “Moblit you draw first.”

With a sigh he dug around in the hat bringing up an enamel pin that he couldn’t quite identify. “That’s my Titan pin!” Hanji beamed.

“Titan pin? That looks like hammered shit.” Levi stated bluntly.

“I made it myself!” Hanji snapped back. Before pulling Moblit in the awaited closet.

“Someone got a timer?” Miche asked, as Y/N flipped the hourglass over.

“How far do you think Moblit’s gonna go?” Nanaba inquired, as Levi snorted.

“How far do you think Hanji is going to go?”

Everyone laughed at Levi’s statement. “I bet Hanji doms hard.” Y/N added as a muffled ‘Yes section commander!’ Was squeaked out from the closet.

Erwin shook his head, “why on earth have you thought about that?”

Y/N shrugs, “I got a lot of time on my hands Commander.” Taking a sip of her wine she nodded at Levi, “that one has a brat kink.”

Levi’s stare turned predatory, “mind your manners brat.”

“Or what Levi?” Y/N inquired, smiling sweetly.

Nanaba snickered at the Captain's cool expression, and her fellow squad members challenging stare.

Erwin pinched the bridge of his nose, “please tell me you have not made assumptions about everyone in this room.”

Y/N shrugs, “the truth is often shocking Commander.”

Miche laughs, “Erwin’s definitely got an authority kink.”

Y/N’s eyes widen, “that’s exactly what I thought!”

Miche gave her a high five as Erwin shook his head pouring another glass of whiskey. The closet burst open as Nanaba yelled time. Moblit stumbled out hickeys all over his skin, and a proud Hanji following behind.

“Moblit...you okay?” Y/N inquired as he looked at her with a dazed expression before nodding. He looked like he was on cloud nine.

“Who’s next?”

Miche reached into the hat pulling out a flower pendant. “Nanaba.”

“How did that feel watching him go into the closet with Nanaba?” Levi inquired.

Y/N let out a sigh, gripping the ceramic teacup. “We weren’t together at that time,” she stated with a shrug. “It hurt like hell though.”

Hanji sighed, “that’s the reason I made everyone play the damn game to begin with.”

“What?” Y/N asked, sitting up straight at Hanji’s revelation.

Hanji nodded, eyes focusing on a knot on the wood table. “I always wanted you and Miche to get together.” Her eyes flickered up, “whenever you were around each other it felt so natural. Like breathing.”

“Regardless, whatever happened in that closet with Erwin?” Levi inquired, with a tilt of his head. A blush bloomed on Y/N’s cheeks.

“What we heard was….spicey to say the least.” Hanji added. “Did you fuck the commander in seven minutes?”

Y/N laughed, “well since Erwin’s gone...I suppose I can reveal all the juicy details.”

The item felt cool and smooth in her hand. Y/N tried to focus on it, and not Nanaba who was currently in Miche’s lap. The color drained from her face when she pulled the medal out.

“Commander!” Hanji cried, their jaw hanging wide open at the pairing.

Y/N stood up, and the rush of butterflies danced in her stomach. Erwin set down his drink, and she felt his large palm on her shoulder. Leaning down his voice was low enough that only she could hear him, “by the way you’re trembling I’d say you like it when someone else is in control.”

That statement went straight to her core, as he guided her into the closet. The door closed with a click. Before her eyes could adjust to the light Erwin’s hands were on her. “Do you want me to kiss you?”

Y/N found herself nodding enthusiastically as Erwin’s breath fanned her ear. “I need to hear you say it.”

“Yes Erwin.”

“That’s Commander.” He corrected.

“Yes Commander.” She breathed as his lips latched on to her neck. He peppered kisses along her neck, turning her head he captured her lips. His kiss was demanding, and passionate. His hands were the only thing anchoring her to her body.

“How much do you want?”

Intoxicated on his kisses her mind could think of little else than him filling her. “All of it.”

“I like hearing you needy.” Erwin mused biting the junction between her neck and shoulder. “I can fuck you like this, or I can fuck you against the wall.” Erwin nipped at her ear, as she let out a small whine.

“Against the wall.” Y/N pleaded, before remembering to add, “please commander” at the end.

“Strip.” Erwin demanded, and she made quick work getting undressed.

The racket coming from the closet came as a shock to the group. “Are they…” Moblit trailed off.

“Fucking?” Levi supplied, taking another drink.

“Maybe they’re just making out?” Nanaba offered. “Y/N seems like she could be an...enthusiastic lover.”

Hanji burst out laughing, “she probably told Erwin to blow her back out.”

Y/N had no idea how much time was left as Erwin thrust into her. The stone wall he had her pressed against felt cool against her back, and the angle he was driving into her had her seeing stars. “Fuck Erwin, I’m so close.”

“Look at me when you cum.” He ordered, gripping her jaw firmly. His demand was enough to send her over he edge, “fuck Commander” she cried. By the look in his eyes he was close behind. With a few more thrusts he stilled in her. Letting her feet touch the floor he didn't let go of her until he knew she could stand. Tucking himself alway he quickly helped her get dressed.

As soon as Erwin had straightened her clothes the door flew open, and they both went back to their seats not sparing the closet or Hanji a second glance. “Did you guys just?” Hanji inquired.

“What are you trying to imply, Hanji?” Erwin’s stern expression shut them up.

“Nothing Sir.”

Hanji leaned back with a satisfied grin. “I knew it.”

Y/N shrugged, “the only other person who knew was Miche.”

Levi shook his head, “of course that bloodhound knew.” Taking another sip of his tea, “let me guess. Miche decided to mark his territory?”

Hanji’s jaw dropped, “did he?” Gripping Y/N’s arm tightly they were excited at the prospect of new gossip.

“He did.”

Eventually the party died down, and Y/N found herself in the halls next to Miche. Leaning over her she heard him sniffing. “You smell like Erwin.” He hissed.

“Nothing happened.” Y/N said tucking her hair behind her ear.

Miche gave her an incredulous look, “I can’t even smell you.” Shaking his head his fists clenched, “you can’t lie to me about this.”

Y/N folded her arms across her chest with embarrassment, “so what? We’re two consenting adults.” She said simply, “you looked cozy enough with Nanaba.”

“We didn’t even!” As the words escaped Miche’s lips his eyes widened, and he went silent.

“You didn’t have sex?” Y/N finished for him. “Let me guess she sucked your dick?” She inquired, with a knowing look. Miche ran his fingers through his hair formulating his next words. A habit that was typical for the tall man. He was never quick to choose words. They were always slow, and calculated.

“It was just a game.” He said simply. “It didn’t mean anything.”

Y/N gave him a slight nod, “exactly. It didn’t mean anything.”

“Wait so you didn’t get together that night?” Levi sat his teacup down with raised eyebrows.

Y/N shook her head, “I wouldn’t have felt right jumping from Erwin to Miche that quickly.”

“Or Miche hopping for Nanaba to you?” Levi added.

Y/N shrugged, “we knew after parting that night we both felt the same way. We wanted it to mean something when we actually decided to pursue a relationship.”

“When did you actually hook up?” Hanji inquired, resting her cheek against her palm.

A small smile pulled at Y/N’s lips as she recounted the memory.

“You wanted to see me Commander?”

Erwin’s sharp gaze flickered up at her voice. Setting the pen down he leaned back in his chair. “Any potentials among the cadets?”

The chair squeaked as she took a seat in front of his oak desk. “A couple, but none that would get along well with Miche or Levi.”

Erwin nodded thoughtfully, “perhaps I’ll give you a squad.” Shaking his head at the thought, “I’m sure Miche would be in my office first thing to complain.” Resting his elbows on his desk he seemed to be lost in thought. Y/N watched the wheels turning in his mind as silence filled the room. “I think another squad would be beneficial,” Erwin concluded. “There is something I need you to do for me,” he said standing up to grab a small packet of papers. Picking up his pen he made quick work of the forms. “Give these to Miche,” he said, handing them to her. The ink hadn’t even dried. “You’re officially a squad leader.”

Y/N’s jaw dropped, “thank you Commander.”

Erwin’s smile was genuine, “you’ll make a good leader.” He paused, debating whether or not to speak plainly. “If you could convince Miche not to storm my office that would be appreciated,” Erwin said with a chuckle. “He’s rather fond of you.”

Blinking at Erwin’s statement Y/N wondered what exactly Erwin knew. Before she could ask Erwin chose to speak first. “Relationships between officers and their subordinates have always been frowned upon,” he began his tone delicate, treading lightly. “You are no longer a subordinate,” blue eyes held a hint of mirth in them. “You’re dismissed.”

Before Y/N could respond he’d already turned his attention back to the mountains of paperwork. If she hadn’t been mistaken, Erwin had practically given her his blessing to pursue Miche. Tension in her shoulders eased. Thankfully their romp in the closet had not meant anything more then carnal desires to him as well.

Leaving Erwin’s office she made her way down the hall to Miche’s. Lightly knocking on the door she heard Miche’s voice welcoming her in. Opening the door she found Miche squatting before the fireplace throwing another log on. Emerald eyes slid up her frame, and a pleased look came across his face at her presence. “Y/N, what can I do for you?”

Thrusting the stack of papers into his hands she stuttered out, “the Commander has given me new orders.”

Miche stood up stunned at her words, quickly flipping through them fury prickling under his skin. If this was Erwin’s way of getting closer to Y/N he was prepared to challenge his orders. “He’s given you a promotion?” Miche inquired, an attempt at keeping his voice even.

“Yes, Erwin thinks we need a new squad,” Y/N explained wringing her hands. “There’s potential among the new recruits, but I don’t think you or Levi would care for them,” she explained.

Sharp eyes observed her as she spoke. “He also mentioned that I could pursue a relationship with another officer this way,” bashful eyes flickered down as she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear.

Miche froze at her statement. “That will be very convenient for the two of you,” his jaw was clenched tight as he tried to contain the jealousy that boiled in his blood.

Y/N’s head snapped up at his statement. “Miche, I was talking about you.”

Miche’s eyebrows rose, “me?”

“Erwin didn’t want you busting down his door over this,” Y/N explained. “He was giving us his blessing as our Commanding officer.”

Miche took a step closer to her sparks at the tips of his fingers as he reached out to touch her. “You want this?” He inquired, his large hand cupping her cheek.

“Ever since I met you,” she confessed leaning into his touch. Leaning down he pressed a kiss to her lips. Hands sliding down her body to lift her off the ground.

Large hands gripped her thighs as he sat her on the edge of the desk. Groping the soft flesh his lips worked against hers. Fingers carded through his hair as he deepened the kiss. His tongue slid against hers, and she took the opportunity to suck on it. This only made him more eager, leaning into her as she pulled him closer. His hands slid up to her hips pulling her against his thigh encouraging her to grind against him. A soft moan escaped her throat as she rutted against his leg. “That’s my girl,” he murmured against her lips. Dragging his lips against her neck she felt him trail kisses to the crook of her neck. A sharp pain had her arching into him as he bit down. Nails dug into his biceps as he soothed the bite mark with his tongue.

“Fuck you’re intoxicating,” he said inhailing her scent. Reaching for her ODM straps she quickly started removing them, and he made quick work of his own. Tugging at her shirt for approval she grabbed it by the hem peeling it off. Miche groaned at the sight of her flesh. Soft and supple in all the right places. Calloused fingers traced the plains of her body. Shuttering under his touch she tugged at the hem of his shirt feeling vulnerable under his gaze. Pulling his shirt off he let it fall to the floor somewhere at his feet. Removing the fabric covering her breasts his eyes were eager to drink her in, greedy for anything she was willing to give him. Her soft hands traced his stomach muscles, lust filled eyes taking in his pecks eager to watch them move under his skin.

Her breasts filled the palm of his hands. The weight feeling like heaven in his hands. A sharp inhale ignited a fire in him as he brushed his thumb against her nipple. Sensitive to his touch he captured one in his mouth as he rolled the other with his thumb. Her hands found purchase in his hair as needy whimpers escaped her lips. “Miche,” she pleaded, as he released her breast to pay attention to her other. He’d pushed her back against his desk as he continued his slow ministrations. Pulling soft pleas from her lips he felt her hips wiggle desperate to grind against him. “I’m going to make you feel good baby,” he said, kissing her navel. “Can you be a good girl and sit on my face?”

(E/C) eyes opened wide, as she nodded eagerly. Helping her out of the rest of her clothes she straddled his face. Engulfed in her scent he was desperate to taste her. Gripping the junction of her hips and thighs he pulled down so she was seated on his face, as he desperately lapped at her clit. Her juices were sweet on his tongue with a refreshing aftertaste.

Gripping the edge of the desk she rocked her hips chasing that high. “Shit Miche,” she said with a blissful sigh. Slipping his fingers into her he started working her over to accommodate him. When he started sucking on her bundle of nerves the stimulation became too much. Clamping around his fingers, her juices coated his face and he made sure to lick up as much as he could.

“Let me make you feel good Miche,” she purred as she settled between his thighs. Sitting up with his back against the desk to get a better view she gave his velvety head a few strokes before sucking him between her lips. Throwing his head back at the sudden suction. Eager to watch her lips on his cock he brushed her hair into his hands softly guiding her further down his shaft. “Fuck Y/N, just like that.”

Humming against his shaft his grip tightened on her hair. Heady eyes focused on the hypnotic bob of her head. The occasional “pop” when he slipped out of her mouth driving him wild. Long fingers reached between her legs to toy with her folds as she sucked him off. “I want to feel that pretty pussy wrapped around me,” he breathed.

Releasing him she climbed onto his lap, so she was straddling his hips. “You ready,” he asked, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear. She nodded eagerly, “are you?” Giving her a deep kiss he murmured against her lips, “I’ve wanted this for a long time.” He confessed.

“Me too,” she said, kissing the tip of his nose.

Grabbing his dick she guided him into her. She was tight as he felt him pressing into her entrance. “It’ll fit,” she assured, dragging him through her slick. “I like the stretch,” she said with a groan as she finally sank onto his length. His fingers dug into the fat of her ass as she adjusted to him. His forehead buried in the crook of her neck as he tried to focus on anything but cumming.

Slowly she started to rock her hips finding the angle she craved. “Fuck you’re tight,” he grunted feeling her walls grip him. “Touch yourself,” he commanded. Watching her fingers slip down her body to her bundle of nerves. Pupils blown wide he took in the steady rock or her body, the bouncing of her breasts and the ecstasy that was painted on her face. “I like seeing you get yourself off on my cock.”

He felt her throbbing on him as her orgasm shook through her body. Gripping her hips he started thrusting into her to fuck her through her orgasm. Her soft cries carrying him further to his own release. Pulling out he came over her thighs. He had her hips in an iron grip as he came down from his own high. Sitting her down on the floor her grabbed a towel to clean her up.

Her shapely thighs were still shaking from her orgasm as he cleaned his seed from her. Carrying her to the bed that was attached to his office he laid them both down, pulling her on top of his chest. Running his fingers down her back they let a comfortable silence fall as they basked in each other’s presence.

Y/N made her way back up the stairs of the keep. Levi and Hanji had gone to bed a little while ago, and had left her to her own memories. Opening the door to the room she shared with Miche she’d expected to see him filling out paperwork at his desk, but found the room cold and empty with the ghost of his memory.

Dragging her hand across the desk she hoped to bring that night back, but was disappointed to find herself alone. She thought back to what he told her.

“We’ll always find each other. In this life and in the next.”

#Miche zacharius #miche zacharius x reader #Mike Zacharias #mike zacharias x reader #mike zacharias x y/n #miche zacharius x y/n #erwin smith x reader

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giorno-plays-piano · 4 years ago

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Can i get a yandere steve or bucky "rescuing reader" from a family brunch? She doesn't know him, hes been stalking her.

Who loves the characters stalking their darlings?? Meeee 🙈🙈🙈

Thank you for your request, honey!

Secret relationship

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Reader

Warnings: yandere, obsession, swearing, implied stalking, kidnapping.

Words: 1729.

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Although the encounters with your family grew a bit more hostile over the year, this family brunch was an utter nightmare to you: your mom decided you didn’t know how worried she were about you having no decent partner. Listening to her trying to force you meeting a son of her coworker - “a very sweet boy with a kind heart and a nice salary, Y/N!” - you did your best not to roll your eyes. She was being impossible. Why on Earth did your mother think she could invade your life this way? You weren’t a kid anymore, and you didn’t need her interfering in your affairs.

But even your dad was unable to stop her as she kept talking more and more about you finally settling down. Once again your mother reminded you that in your age she had already had children of her own while you still struggled to find a man. Of course, she didn’t listen to you saying you didn’t want to settle down just yet.

Internally screaming, you drank your tea, unable to touch those amazing cinnamon buns right in front of you because your mom would definitely ask you whether you kept a healthy diet. She sent you such a look when you wanted to order some pasta.

“Mom, please.” You exhaled, barely holding on. “Every time you tried fixing me up with someone it never worked out. I know you’re doing it for me, but, ugh, we just have very different taste in men. Dad, no offense!”

He had to suppress a laugh under your mother’s icy glare and quickly snatched a bun, pretending he’s busy eating. You couldn’t blame him - sometimes you wandered how he was holding on all those years with your mom.

She wasn’t a bad parent, really. You loved her, and she was ready to give you everything she had to make you happy, but sometimes your mother just couldn’t see the line where she had to stop. Of course, her concern was genuine, yet she had no right to intrude into your personal life like it wasn’t a big deal.

“Dear, if you were able to find a nice man on your own, I wouldn’t have to do it for you,” she said, narrowing her eyes at you, and you felt like hiding behind your dad’s back.

“Well, maybe I have someone, but I just don’t tell you about him!” You protested, setting your cup back on the saucer and crossing your arms on your chest. “Have you ever thought about that?”

“And why would you refuse letting me know you date someone decent?” She chuckled, lowering her fork into heavenly smelling spaghetti Bolognese. “The answer is simple, isn’t it? Because even if he exists he’s not decent!”

You were really fighting your growing desire to just stand up, pay for the meal at the counter and leave because your mother was really insufferable today. You could never understand her concern with you not seeing anyone. if you were still happy, why did it matter? Why didn’t she ask you about your reasons? The last relationship you were in was suffocating, and you thought you were still recovering from it, enjoying your freedom.

God, now you were really thinking of asking your friend to pretend you were dating just to calm down your mom.

Exhaling loudly and squeezing your eyes shut when your dad tried talking to her, you wished for this family brunch to end as quickly as it could. Well, could you maybe message some of your friends to give you a call and then act like it was your boss? Last time it worked.

“Sweetheart, why do you never pick up your phone?”

Someone’s voice rang right behind you, and you jumped a little in your seat, turning away from your parents and looking at the man standing too close to your liking.

Holy cow. He looked like Adonis. Or Apollo. You couldn’t really tell, gawking at his impressive biceps barely hidden by his t-shirt, his tight jeans hugging all the right places - he reminded you of a ancient Greek statue, so picture-perfect and absolutely hot.

But what did this breathtakingly handsome stranger want from you? You certainly didn’t remember befriending any Greek gods in this lifetime.

“I’m sorry if I scared you. I admit I was a little mad you didn’t answer my calls.” He smiled, disarming and charming, and you were almost chocking on air at his tender tone.

Then he lifted the sunglasses he was wearing, and you realized he was winking at you.

Oh. Ooooh.

“I’m sorry!” You exclaimed, hurriedly taking out your phone from your bag hanging on the chair. “I put it on silent and forgot to check. Hi dear! How did you find me?”

“I’ve been secretly stalking you, of course.” He laughed it off, and the glasses kept going down on his nose until you saw who he really was. The next second you froze, happy you turned away from your parents as they would definitely see something wasn’t right.

Steve Rogers, Captain America himself, was staring back at you.

For a moment you forgot how to breathe, mentally kicking yourself to say something, anything at all to keep the conversation going. Captain America saw your miserable encounter with your mom and decided to give you a hand to escape this family brunch, and you weren’t even able to utter a single word. But who could blame you for that, right? How often did you see a superhero coming to rescue you from your own mom?

You needed to say something. You absolutely needed to say something.

“I will be more careful next time.” You managed to smile playfully at him, turning to face your parents and seeing they, too, had already realized who was standing in front of them. “Mom, dad, I’m sorry, but there’s a very good reason why I can’t meet that nice guy you were telling me about.”

“Please, forgive me my rudeness.” Steve hurriedly said as if he just saw people sitting at the same table with you, coming closer and extending his arm to your dad, then kissing the back of your mother’s hand. You were ready to laugh at her bedazzled expression, her mouth open a little. “My name is Steve. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” Your father said in a quiet voice, unable to process who was standing close to him.

It looked pretty surreal to you too, but you could hardly wish for a more perfect way to stop your mom from fixing you up with someone. Of course, you couldn’t tell her about your date because you were seeing Captain fucking America, alright? And no other sweet and nice boy could ever be compared to him, perfection of perfection.

You were so damn lucky Steve Rogers was willing to help you out here.

“I’m very sorry to interrupt your brunch, but I really need Y/N’s help with something and it's rather delicate. May I snatch her from you?” You could tell even your mother was absolutely abashed with his wide smile when Steve looked at her questioningly.

“O-of course, sir.” Your dad said, seeing his wife currently losing her ability to speak. “We perfectly understand. Thank you for taking care of her. Have a good day!”

With that you were finally free, standing up abruptly and clenching your bag in your hands as you bid your goodbye to your parents, now walking side by side with a national hero who had put his large arm around your waist like it was a usual thing. You still had a hard time accepting the fact it was Steve Rogers who had volunteered to save you. He was risking his privacy doing it - how did he know your mom or you wouldn’t run to paparazzi squad and claim you’re dating Captain America? It would surely bring him troubles.

Yet here you were, walking further and further from that little restaurant with him, unable to say a single word.

“Thank you so much, sir.” You barely whispered, and the man turned his head to you, smiling. “I don’t know what I’d do if you wouldn’t come.”

“Why are you calling me sir?” He laughed, shaking his head and rubbing your back affectionately. “I’m just Steve. Always happy to help a lady.”

Your cheeks were burning instantly, and you bit your lips, lowering your head and wondering how far did you have to walk together so your parents wouldn’t see you two parting ways. Hell, would your mom try to spy on you? It wouldn’t be surprising, actually.

So, you walked and walked until the restaurant became just a little spot somewhere far away.

“Thank you for your help.” You repeated, stopping in the middle of a street and making Steve frown, unable to understand why you weren’t willing to keep walking. “I’m so sorry I took so much of your time. You don’t have to accompany me any longer!”

“What?” He asked, looking at you with a slight concern.

“I mean, I’m sure my parents had long lost us in the crowd. Besides, we’re so far from them, So, um, you don’t have to keep pretending.”

“What are you talking about, sweetheart?”

Taking his sunglasses away, he gently drew you closer to him, and you watched him tilting his head to the side as he rubbed circles on the back of your hand. Steve’s smile was so tender it was able to make you melt, but the way his eyes lingered on you... You suddenly felt uneasy. Why was he reluctant to let you go?

“I’m saying I’m alright and I can continue on my own, si-” You got silent for a second as his gaze turned dark. “Steve.”

“Let’s not a make a scene, dear.” He smiled, giving you a kiss on the forehead while you froze on the spot. “I don’t want your mom to think things haven't been great between us. It’s gonna break her heart, you know?”

Before you had time to say something, confused and a little scared of the things Steve was talking about, he had forcefully dragged you along to a car parked out on the street and opened the door, quickly pushing you inside. He closed the door right when you decided it was time to scream for help.

_______________________

Tags: @finleyjayne @alexakeyloveloki @helenaeisenhower @villanellevi @hurricanerin @void-hoechlin @abyssaint @heeeyitskay @chris-evans-indian-fanfic @navegandoaciegas @rosalynshields @brattycherubwrites @sllooney @angrythingstarlight @lovelydarkdaydream @soleil-dor @lookiamtrying @buckysbunny @ninefuckingoneone

#dark steve rogers x reader #steve rogers x reader #dark steve rogers #steve rogers #captain america #mcu #mcu fanfiction #yandere #requests

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deafeninggardenerpanda · 4 years ago

Text

"Eheheheh ... hehehehe ... ahahahaha!" Magolor couldn’t stop laughing. "My plan was a huge success! I'm a genius!" Even when he looked behind him, there was no pursuer to be found. He stopped and looked up at the sky.

The skies of the Town of Wind were always hazy with smoke emitted from factories and steam locomotives, but in that smoky sky, there was a beautiful dream-like ship floating so high up it was invisible from the ground.

"Please wait, Lor ... " Magolor murmured. The Lor Starcutter, a mysterious ship made from ancient technology.

Although the truth was hazy due to various legends surrounding it, it was said that if the pilot’s heart was true, they could cross over to a different world.

But the Lor was broken. It could not move because some of its parts were missing. Magolor had long sought parts to move the Lor, but the ship was made from the power of an ancient civilization and thus could not be repaired with ordinary parts. It needed gears from that ancient civilization. Such precious items, how would someone obtain them?

Magolor, at a loss, heard a rumor. A millionaire in Diamond Town was secretly looking for someone who could read ancient characters. Apparently, an ancient machine had been found in the mines and was currently being investigated.

... Maybe, there would be parts for the Lor there.

Thinking so, Magolor rushed to Diamond Town. The ancient machine was more powerful than he had imagined. If he could find the extracted gears, his dream would surely come true. He would be able to move the ship of dreams, Lor. Thus, Magolor began to come up with a plan to gather the gears.

First, he needed to find their locations. Recalling a story that Kirby, an airplane pilot, had received the Star Compass, Magolor decided to use him. Once the locations were known, next, he had to choose someone who was likely to get the three gears. If Magolor left it to Kirby alone, he might gather the gears in the blink of an eye and deliver them to Mr. Fugo immediately, so he decided to split up the information between several people.

Magolor chose President Dedede, next. Although President Dedede had lost many times in a row to Kirby in the races, he still seemed to have good skill as an airplane pilot. He would be perfect for finding the gear on the clock tower.

And finally, there was Meta Knight in the Town of Light. It was unusual for an aristocrat to be so adventurous, so he should have an interest in the ancient machine.

Magolor’s operation was a great success. All three of them got the gears beautifully. He worried when Meta Knight had deciphered the description of the ancient machine, but in the end it wasn't a problem. No, that, in fact, was why everyone got together, and why the three gears aligned in the box he now held. It was rather convenient for him.

Now, all that had to be done was for the gears to be delivered to the Lor. If it took in the ancient power of the gears, the Lor would finally be able to wake from its long slumber and move again.

Before that, though, he had to first escape the town before he was found by his pursuers.

Magolor had started running again on the road leading to the town gate when several men suddenly appeared and blocked his path. He stopped quickly. The men dressed in black and wore matching badges. Fugo's subordinates, Magolor immediately knew. He winced. He couldn’t afford to let the gears he had be taken away. Somehow, he had to deceive and dodge them. Magolor waved one hand and laughed amiably.

"Wow, Mr. Fugo’s men! Did you all come to meet me~? I’m glad, thank you!"

" …………… "

The men were expressionless and silent. They gradually approached Magolor. Then, from behind the men, someone began to emerge—it was Mr. Fugo.

"There you are, Professor Magolor. Where are you going in such a hurry?" he said with a smile. Magolor looked at Mr. Fugo's face. That gentle smile ... he could not tell what Fugo was thinking.

(—I fooled you, are you aware ... Have you not noticed yet ... I wonder?)

Magolor did not know. Now, it was all or nothing. He mustered all of his might and spoke in a cute voice.

"Ah, Mr. Fugo! I got the gears! I was just about to deliver them to you ... " However, at that moment, a big net dropped from above and enveloped him immediately.

"WAHHH!?" Suspended by the net, Magolor was trapped.

"W-w-what are you doing!?"

Mr. Fugo gazed at the suspended Magolor with a cold smile. "I never trusted you from the beginning. I knew you were strange and kept an eye on you. After all, my eyes were right."

" …………… "

"Trying to escape with the gears. You have good courage, plenty, I’ll have you know. Now, hand them over."

Magolor looked up at the sky. The lie had been exposed from the beginning ... Mr. Fugo had been examining him too closely. It was too late, but—when Mr. Fugo's men tried to remove the net, a bright red sports car came rushing in at incredible speeds. It screeched to a halt. Mr. Fugo’s subordinates jumped out of the way.

Of course, the one driving the sports car was Meta Knight, and in the passenger’s seat was Daroach. Daroach jumped from the car and lifted Magolor up, still wrapped in the net.

"Oh, Mr. Fugo, he’s caught the guy before us. Thanks, that saves us a lot of trouble." Daroach threw Magolor into the back seat of the car and jumped back into the passenger seat.

"See you!" The car tried to start suddenly, but Mr. Fugo came back to his senses.

"Oh, you guys! Don’t be ridiculous! Take the gears!" he shouted. Mr. Fugo’s subordinates quickly surrounded the car. One person threw knives at the car’s tires. They were flattened instantly. Meta Knight raised his voice in anger.

"What are you doing! What if you scratch my car! And my tires! Those were custom-made products that had intensive research put into them to produce the fastest speed in the world!"

"Hey, hey. This isn’t the place to get angry," Daroach said. "Fugo's minions are vicious. We need to take them seriously!" The men in black suddenly attacked. Daroach swiftly put on his top hat and cloak, then grabbed his cane.

"Silk, red top hat and cloak ... You! You're the thief who snuck into my mansion and stole the material on the ancient machine ...! " Mr. Fugo shouted.

"I’m not just any thief. I am the great thief, Daroach! Remember it!" Daroach brandished his cane. A fierce cold wind and a wave of ice were expelled from its tip. Mr. Fugo's subordinates faltered, but they weren’t going to stand around to get done in.

"Don't flinch! There are only two thieves!"

"Catch them!" They attacked, yelling. One of the men jumped from behind Daroach. Meta Knight quickly picked up the rose in his chest pocket and threw it.

"Augh!" The rose hit the enemy's hand. He winced and stepped back.

Daroach sighed in relief. "I was saved. That rose, isn’t it just a decoration!?" he shouted.

"It's not a decoration. It's a gentleman's grace." Then, Meta Knight pulled out the feathers attached to his top hat and threw them.

"Ugh!" Weapons fell from the enemy's hands. Daroach whistled.

"You're the best! You should scout for the Squeak Squad!" However, the number of enemies became overwhelming. Like the heads of a hydra—even when you defeated one, it was as if two more took their place. They came one after another. The tires of the car had been flattened; they could not leave. The pair were gradually cornered and began to be put at the disadvantage.

"This is bad ... at this rate ...! " It was when Daroach yelled out—there was a roaring sound and a strong wind blew. Daroach, Meta Knight, and Mr. Fugo's men were all staggered by the intense gale. Flying overhead was the Warp Star!

"Kirby!" Meta Knight shouted.

"Have you finally caught up? It's about time!" Daroach said, relieved. Then, the roaring sound was heard again. As if chasing Kirby, the Great King DDD XX appeared. The two planes diverted to the square nearby. Kirby and Waddle Dee jumped from the Warp Star, and President Dedede jumped from the Great King DDD XX.

"Daroach! Have you caught Magolor!?" President Dedede asked.

"Not quite," Daroach loudly replied. "As you see, we could use some help!"

"What!?" President Dedede glared at Mr. Fugo's subordinates. "They won’t take the gears! I’ll fight alongside you!" In the hands of the president was an oversized hammer; a weapon that was loaded onto his plane in case of an emergency.

"TAKE THIS—!" President Dedede swung the hammer. The men in black were blown away all at once. "Wahaha! Did you know my true capability!?"

"You bastard!" New subordinates rushed in without delay. They drew their weapons.

"I won't let you do that!" Kirby shouted. He spread both hands and took a deep breath. Kirby’s forte, Inhale!

"Aughhhh!" The men’s weapons were sucked into Kirby's mouth one after another. The odds turned in their favor!

"W-what are these guys!"

"Too strong ...! " The subordinates paled and stepped back. President Dedede turned and laughed out loud.

"Wahaha! Weak, weak! You are no match for this President Dedede!" He swung his hammer around and bashed away the enemies in front of him. It was then—

"WAHHHHH! HELP ME ..! " a scream resounded. Waddle Dee.

Waddle Dee, hidden behind an airplane, was found by the enemy. A man in black held him up with one hand.

"Look! I've caught your companion!" he shouted in an unfeeling voice. Kirby froze.

"Waddle Dee ...! What are you going to do, you ...! " President Dedede shouted.

"I’m sorry, President ... " Waddle Dee shook as he was gripped by the enemy.

"Stop! Let Waddle Dee go!" Kirby said, but the enemy was unresponsive. Waddle Dee shut his eyes tightly. Mr. Fugo stepped forward with satisfaction.

"—It seems the game has come to an end."

Kirby and the others glared at him, but there was nothing they could do. Waddle Dee had been taken hostage. "Drop your weapons," he said with a smile.

The group looked at each other.

"I told you to drop them, didn't you hear? Then, this will be painful." Mr. Fugo gave a signal to the subordinate holding Waddle Dee.

"STOP!" It was Kirby who shouted. He raised his hands. "We lost. Please, release Waddle Dee!" he said.

"Kirby, you ...! " Meta Knight tried to stop him, but President Dedede dropped his hammer and spoke.

"Your weapons ... drop them. Meta Knight, Daroach."

"What did you say!?"

"I'm sorry. This is all because of my stupid subordinate ... " President Dedede hung his head. Kirby was shocked. He had never seen the president like this before.

"You’re going to surrender? You're just going to give him the gears!?" Daroach said, frustrated.

" ... Yeah ... I am ... " President Dedede said in a weak voice. "Waddle Dee, we can’t abandon him ... "

"President Dedede!"

" ... I’m sorry! Please!" He couldn’t raise his face. Seeing that, Meta Knight put his red rose back into his chest pocket. Daroach sighed and dropped his cane on the ground as well. Mr. Fugo’s eyes shone.

"Good! Then, let's get the gears!" His subordinates walked over to Magolor and removed the net. Magolor could not resist. Mr. Fugo was then handed the box containing the three gears. He checked the contents and burst into laughter. "Alright! I’ve got them! Now, the ancient machine is at my disposal!"

A black luxury car pulled up. Fugo got in and began giving out orders.

"To the mine! Head to the discovery site of the ancient machine! Take the hostage, too." He looked to his subordinate who held Waddle Dee. He nodded, and got into the car with him in hand.

"Release Waddle Dee!" Kirby said.

"I’ll release him once the ancient machine is activated. Until then, he’s coming with me."

"That’s ... so underhanded!"

"Mmhmhmhm ... " Mr. Fugo then ordered the driver to start the car.

"I'll chase you!" President Dedede yelled. He jumped into his plane. Daroach quickly followed him.

"Give me a ride, President. Meta Knight’s car had its tires punctured."

"Alright, get in." The Great King DDD XX carried the two and soared high into the sky. "By the way, Daroach. What’s with that outfit?" President Dedede asked as he watched Mr. Fugo's car traveling below.

"Hm?"

"That red, silk top hat and cloak—I’ve never seen it before. What happened? Is it to match with Meta Knight?" President Dedede didn't know what Daroach was yet. Daroach put a hand on his hat and laughed.

"Well, I just wanted a bit of a change. When all this is over, I'll return to my café manager self."

" ... Hmm. I don’t really get it," President Dedede said and shook his head.

At the same time, Meta Knight and Magolor were on board Kirby's Warp Star.

"Thank you, Meta Knight. For putting down your weapon for Waddle Dee," Kirby said as he flew the plane.

"In that situation, I wouldn’t have done anything else. And, Kirby—"

"It’s okay, Kirby!"

"Kirby. Is there a strategy?"

"Huh? Strategy?"

"’I feel like if we get the gears, there will be some kind of big change.’ That’s what you were thinking, right?"

"Ehh!?" Kirby was surprised. "Amazing! How did you know what I was thinking, Meta Knight?"

"I wonder how, too. With you, I don't feel like this is the first time we’ve met."

"Really? I do too. It's mysterious."

"Me too!" Magolor, sitting alongside Meta Knight in the back seat, shouted. "Kirby and Meta Knight, it’s as if you’re old friends. Strange!"

" ... And you ... " Meta Knight looked disgusted. He tried to say something, but Magolor quickly continued.

"I pretended to trick you and run away with the gears to lure Fugo, and hey! It worked! "

" ... Lies."

"It’s not a lie. I put on that act because I wanted to help everyone." But Meta Knight didn't seem to trust him at all. He turned away from Magolor and looked up at the sky.

"Airplanes are much faster than cars. They’re quite good ... Maybe I'll buy some ... " he murmured.

< Previous | Table of Contents | Next >

#kirby #meta knight #king dedede #waddle dee #magolor #daroach #millionaire fugo #Kirby: Search for the Dreamy Gears!#kirby light novel #translations

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football-and-fanfics · 4 years ago

Note

9,12 and 18 with Trent and like all the teams get together and cuddle him/ talk him through the storm. Please, I love your imagines so much.

Thanks for your request. Hope you’ll like it :-)

9. “Your hands are trembling.” 12. “I just... don’t like thunder.” 18. Midnight talks

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

After their Champions League match in Spain, the Liverpool squad were catching a red-eye flight back to the UK. Their flight had been delayed, though, due to heavy rain and thunderstorms. Half the squad was asleep in their seats at the gate, waiting until they could finally board the plane. The heavy rain lashed against the airport’s windows. Thunder clapped every half a minute or so, and lightning occasionally lit up the world outside.

Trent was one of the few who wasn’t asleep. He had never been very fond of thunderstorms, but the intensity of the current one made him actually scared. Apparently, it showed...

“Are you okay?” Jordan had been dozing in the seat next to Trent, but was woken up by a particularly startled move from Trent after another heavy clap of thunder. “I just-- don’t like thunder,” Trent mumbled. “God, your hands are trembling,” Jordan noticed, realizing the seriousness of this situation. “I’m scared,” Trent whimpered. He drew his knees up to his chest, flinching at another heavy rumble of thunder. "It's okay, nothing's going to happen." Jordan moved from his seat and sat down on the floor in front of Trent.

“What’s going on?” Virgil came over, followed closely by Andy. The two defenders could clearly see something was not right. “Thunder,” Jordan answered softly. He did not need to elaborate any further for Andy and Virgil to understand. Andy sat down in the seat next to Trent, resting a hand on his teammate’s shoulder. “We’re safe inside here, Trentski,” Andy soothed. “I know, but it’s the sound.” At the moment Trent spoke, another loud rumble came from outside, making Trent yelp in fright at the end of his sentence.

“I know just the thing to do,” Virgil sat down on Trent’s other side, “this always works for my kids.” He took the headphones which hung around his neck and carefully put them over Trent’s ears. “Not sure you’ll like my music, but it’ll block the sound anyway,” Virgil chuckled.

Andy, Jordan and Virgil sat with Trent until most of the thunderstorm had cleared up. Virgil’s idea of blocking the thunder out with headphones and music had worked wonders, and Trent had calmed down again. “Thanks, guys,” Trent mumbled a little embarrassed, handing the headphones back to Virgil, “and I’m sorry, I feel so stupid.” “No, don’t be,” Jordan quickly countered. “We’re friends,” Andy gave Trent a pat on the back, “and we’re here for each other no matter what.”

Tags: @glam-khal, @donkeykai, @evie-pr

#Football Fanfiction #football fanfic #football imagine #football blurb #footballer imagine #footballer fanfic #footballer fanfiction #Footballer blurb #Trent Alexander-Arnold #trent alexander arnold #trent alexander Arnold fanfic #trent alexander Arnold blurb #trent alexander Arnold imagine #footballandfanficstrentaa

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physcoticfrog · 4 years ago

Text

God my lack of content is annoying me so I'm going to attempt to whip something up. If it isn't the best, I'm so sorry but I really need something new up on my page.

Soft Wishes

summary: the things you would give to just be able to hold his hand. its all harmless and fluffy, right?

pairing: Eren Jeager x Gn!Reader

A/n: I'm gonna try out writing for aot. lol wish me luck! I hope you all enjoy <3

You'd never thought that you'd talk to Eren, let alone fall for him. You were good at fighting, but you always stayed in the background anyways. The day you were put into Captain Levi's squad with them, you were stunned. Why you? You were never anything special.

Sasha and you had gotten along well from the start. So when you both found out you were in the squad, of course you celebrated. Then Eren walked over to you both.

"Hey, y/n, right?" That kind of hurt. Right? What's that supposed to mean.

You smiled anyways and replied, "Yup! That's me. You're Eren, correct?"

He smiled back at you and nodded his head. You then really got a closer look at him. Yeah, you'd see him all over the place, he's hard to to miss. But up close? You were able to take in his features.

His eyes were beautiful. His hair looked so soft, and he smelled good. He was taller than you. Visibly so. You were at eye level with his chest, and he looked so.. strong.

"Um, y/n, are you ok? You look a little red." You were blushing? How did you not realize?

You didn't respond because you were still too deep in thought. "Are you listening? Y/n?" That drew your attention. You wanted to hear him say your name again. It just rolled off of his tongue so perfectly, you wanted to listen to it all day.

"Y-yeah I'm fine!" You laughed scratching the back of your neck. "I just zoned out a bit is all."

You looked down, and then realized his hands. They looked bigger than your own, and you wanted to know how they would feel. Your hand in his, if his hands would be softer than they look or rough.

"Y/n are you listening?" You're head shot up to Sasha, and she had a knowing look in her eyes.

"Sorry, I think I feel a little sick, I'm going to go back up to my room. Good night everyone!" You waved at everyone, but lingered slightly on Eren.

Quickly running off to your room, you flopped down onto your bed. Images of Eren playing through your head, you shoved your face into your pillow.

Why do you feel this way? Eren is just Eren. Just another person, so why does he feel different?

While you were in your room, Eren, Connie, and Sasha were still talking together.

"What do you think that was about?" Connie asked, not directing it at anyone in particular.

Eren and Sasha both looked deep in thought, when Sasha finally answered, "She looked really blushy and out or it. Maybe she was really feeling sick?"

Her answer seemed to satisfy both of the boys, and so they left it at that. They talked for maybe another hour and went to their rooms, but Sasha headed to your room, as she always did.

She knocked, and without even waiting for your answer she walked in and jumped onto your bed. "Sasha what in the hell are you doing here right now." You groaned. She woke you up from a peaceful sleep that you wanted to last forever.

She laughed at your antics. It wasn't uncommon for her to wake you up, but tonight all you wanted was to sleep. "What was that about? Why were you all weird?" You knew she was going to bring it up, but yet you still hoped she wouldn't.

You didnt answer, hoping she would leave it alone, which you should've known better than to do. "Oh come on y/n, answer me." She started poking at your sides, causing you to start laughing, and loud.

"Sa- Sasha-" You were trying to speak without yelling and laughing. "Stop Sasha!" You manages to get out.

She stopped her relentless assault on you and said "Well then tell me! You have to-"

"Hey, can you guys quiet down? It's late." Armin said. You had almost forgotten that there were other people.

You and Sasha had looked down, with you getting out a small and quiet, "Yeah, sorry about that."

You glared at Sasha after Armin walked out. "That was your fault. Now will you please go to bed?" She nodded, a disappointed look in her eyes.

While she was at your door with her hand on the knob, she said "I'm going to know. You better tell me soon."

Right as she was halfway out the door you said "I don't even know what's going on."

---

Weeks went on, and everything got even more jumbled and blurry. All you could think about was Eren. The way he looked when he was using his ODM gear. How no matter what anyone told him, he'd always go for his goal.

He looked like he always had something on his mind, and you wanted to ease that. Maybe with a simple hug, or words of encouragement that might sound special coming from you. Or how entwining your fingers together would make him smile.

You didn't even care about the fact that there was currently meat on the table, even with its rarity. You had realized how bad it had gotten. Eren was all you ever thought about at this point. And you were so lost in thought you had barely noticed when Jean and Eren started fighting. Barely.

You looked over and they were punching each other. What was it about this time? You walked over, and they were already out of energy, just slightly even tapping each other. And then there was Levi. He broke up their fight, and that's when you finally took your chance to talk to Eren. He paused and tried to argue with Levi, but you stopped him.

"Eren, it isn't worth it. Let it go." He looked shocked that you were speaking to him. And so did Mikasa and Armin.

But he pushed your arm off and walked away. You were shocked. And you looked away just quick enough to not see the slight blush on Eren's face.

At this point Sasha knew that you liked him. But you made her promise not to meddle with it or else you wouldn't let her have any of your food, even if you weren't going to eat it. She had reluctantly agreed.

You stayed in the hall, not wanting to go back to your room. Why? You didn't know. Well, you did, but didn't want to admit it. It was because you didn't see Eren go back upstairs.

You just needed to tell him. It would take a weight off you, especially since you all were risking your lives tomorrow. When he walked inside, he immediately took notice of you there. "Hey, um Eren!" You called out to him.

He started walking over to you a little faster, and within seconds he was standing in front of you. "What's up y/n?" He asked you.

"I need to talk to you." He looked confused. All he could think about was why him?

Hesitantly, he answered you "okay.. what is it?"

You were blushing. Hard. You knew that if you didn't say it now you never will. "I.. fuck I like you. And I know that sounds really cheesy but it's true."

You'd never seen Eren smile more. He was smiling.. because of you? "I never thought you'd feel the same.." he trailed off.

You smiled brightly at that, too. "Can I.. Can I hold your hand?" You were embarrassed, but Eren found it cute.

He held out his hand, and it was warm. So warm. Your hand fit perfectly in his, and it was better that you could have ever imagined it to be. Eren swore he would always aim to make you smile like this.

Maybe your soft wishes weren't so far fetched.

-------

ahh i didnt proof read this so im sorry if there are any mistakessss. if you made it this far, thank you for reading! ❤️

#eren aot #attack on titan #anime #aot #aot spoilers #eren jaeger #eren x reader #eren jaeger x reader #eren x you #eren jaeger x you

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bard-llama · 3 years ago

Text

WiP Wednesday: Spin the Bottle + General Fine Ass

Whoops, I almost forgot about WiP Wednesday! So here’s a bit of a fic where Gascon, Reynard, and Meve get drunk, learn about each other’s tragic backstories, relationship experience, and first kisses. Then they decide to play Spin the Bottle.

CW for a mention chronic pain and mobility issues

Passing the bottle from hand to hand, Gascon hummed in consideration. “There’s a game kids on the street play,” he said slowly, putting great effort into shaping each word properly. “It’s called Spin the Bottle and the idea is that the person who spins it has to kiss the person it lands on. And then it’s that person’s turn and they spin it and so on.”

“Are you… suggesting we play a game whose main objective is kissing?” Reynard frowned.

Meve was maybe a little impressed that he could still say ‘objective’, but she waved him off. “It sounds like fun!”

Reynard looked bewildered, but he didn’t object, just pursed his lips and asked Gascon how they were supposed to do this.

“Hmm,” Gascon chewed on his lip. “You can’t sit on the floor, so we can probably just use the table? But uh, might be a fair amount of getting up? Maybe?”

Reynard grimaced and Meve frowned. She didn’t want Reynard to be in pain during what was supposed to be a fun game. “Why don’t we just come to you when it’s your turn? That way you don’t have to get up?”

Gascon nodded eagerly, “yeah! In fact, you should go first!”

The honor of going first was clearly lost on Reynard, but he sighed, moving over to the table and sitting down in that odd way of his – straight-backed and stiff and oh, she’d never realized there was a reason for that quirk, but now it made so much sense.

She and Gascon quickly joined Reynard at the table and Gascon set the bottle in front of the general.

He looked down at it in consternation, reluctantly reaching out and setting it spinning in a wobbly circle on the uneven wooden surface.

Meve found herself biting her lip in anticipation and when the bottle came to a stop with the neck pointing at her, she cheered, rising to her feet and walking over to Reynard.

“Okay?” She checked, and Reynard still looked bewildered, as if he couldn’t understand why she would even want to kiss him, but he nodded slightly.

She smiled, bringing her palm up to caress his face as she leaned in and pressed their lips together. Her other hand stroked through Reynard’s hair and settled curved around the back of his neck, which meant she could feel the way his muscles slowly relaxed.

When she drew back, it took a moment for his eyes to open and Meve stroked her thumb under his eye with another smile before moving back to her seat.

“So it’s my turn now?” she clarified.

“Aww, that was downright sweet,” Gascon grinned at her. “Yup, your turn.”

She spun the bottle around, leaning forward as it slowed down.

Finally, it came to a stop, pointing towards Reynard. Meve huffed a laugh, rising to her feet again – and promptly almost stumbling. Giggling, she put a hand on the table to steady herself, then cupped Reynard’s face and kissed him again.

This time, Reynard moved with her, leaning into her hand and responding so that she wasn’t just kissing a brick wall. It was nice, making something bright build up in her chest, and she lingered longer than she had previously.

After she pulled away, Reynard licked his lips and bit the bottom one, staring at her with soft eyes. She couldn’t seem to get her face to make any expression other than a probably besotted smile and, making a quick decision, she darted back in to press her lips against his forehead before moving back to her seat.

Across from her, Gascon was pouting, chin cradled in his hands.

“I’m sure it’ll land on you next,” Meve comforted, something about his pout making her heart twinge. “Go ahead, spin it,” she nodded to Reynard.

Reynard shook his head, but there was almost a hint of a smile around his mouth when he grabbed the bottle and Meve pressed her lips together, trying to dampen her own grin.

Gascon leaned forward as the bottle slowed, watching it closely. When it ultimately landed on Meve, he threw his hands in the air.

“Hey, what the fuck, bottle? What’d I do to you?” he whined and Meve could tell Reynard was just as amused as she was.

She caught Reynard’s eye as she drew closer, trying to communicate her plan. His lips twitched upwards and he gave a slight nod just before their mouths met. The kiss this time was brief and perfunctory – mostly because Meve pulled away and grabbed Gascon’s chin. She couldn’t resist squishing his baby fat cheeks, which meant that Gascon let out a shocked and irate noise against her.

The sound he made caused her to giggle, so all in all, it wasn’t exactly a great kiss. Nonetheless, she was grinning in delight as she drew back to see Gascon’s blush.

Then she stepped to the side, giving Reynard the space to reach out and fist a hand in Gascon’s collar, dragging him over the table and kissing him.

Gascon’s yelp was muffled against Reynard’s lips and Meve could see his eyes go wide before slowly closing, leaning into the kiss.

And, ‘cause I got a vote for part of my General Fine Ass fic, here’s a lil treat under the cut.

It started rather simply. Her Most Esteemed Majesty required both of them to attend morning and evening strategy meetings, to ensure that they were all aligned. Which like, fine, whatever. Gascon could see the sense in it, even if he was currently too tired to focus his full attention on the debate. It was just a repeat of their argument this morning, anyway.

Gascon wanted to elevate their diet to include some spice and variety. General Kiss Ass complained to Queenie that they didn’t have to funds for that. Gascon responded that if they’d let him go off with a squad of Strays for a few hours, they could.

Then General Stick Up the Ass got all huffy over theft, as if he was morally superior for wanting to eat fucking cardboard MREs for every meal.

That was about the time Gascon tuned him out. There were more interesting things to focus on, after all.

See, the General had a habit of pacing when he got worked up. And Gascon excelled at working him up.

Which meant that Gascon could say something to get him irritated and then just sit back and watch his ass moved as he stomped around the tent. Which usually didn’t mean much, because the General was as proper as the stick up his ass, so he was always wearing armor.

Except today, his armor had been damaged in battle. Fortunately, the Strays had a great smith who could do decent repairs, but it meant that for once, the uptight General Odo was dressed down. And wearing only a tunic and tight trousers, his rather pronounced ass was on display for Gascon’s greedy eyes.

Not just Gascon’s, either. Which he realized when Reynard snapped at him to respond and Meve startled out of her daze a half-second after Gascon had.

So it was on auto-pilot that he answered, “yeah, yeah, I heard you, General Tight Ass. And once again, I’ll remind you that we can get the food!”

Reynard inhaled sharply, no doubt about to be all superior about not stealing shit.

Queenie seemed to think so too, because she coughed, drawing their attention to her. Then, looking Gascon in the eye, Meve cocked an eyebrow. “General Tight Ass? More like General Fine Ass.”

#throne3 #meve x reynard x gascon #WiP Wednesday #thronebreaker #the witcher

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dorothys2 · 3 years ago

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드디어 완성했다!!! IR crew 올스타 팬아트!!! 진짜 4년동안 IR crew 좋아하면서 꼭 한 번 그려보고 싶었는데 기분이 너무 좋다... 지금은 비록 트레틀의 도움을 받았지만 나중에 가서는 내 마음대로 구도 잡아서 한번 더 IR crew 단체사진 그려보고 싶다ㅠ 부족한 팬아트지만 나름 할 얘기가 많으니까 밑에 이어서 써야겠다

I FINALLY DREW A FANART WITH ALL THE @internetremix CREW MEMBERS!!! I’M SO EXCITED!!! I got help from the base again this time except for Warlus. Well, I have many things to say about this fanart, so I’ll write them down below.

1. 사람들이 내 팬아트를 사용한다던가 하는 일은 거의 없을 것 같지만 혹시라도 그런 일이 있게 된다면 출처를 밝히고 사용해��으면 좋겠다! 그림에 있는 태그 하나도 지우지 말고..! 근데 이걸 사용할 사람이 있을까?

I don’t think people would want to use my art but if there is someone, use freely but please mention me and do not erase any of tags in my art. To tell you one thing, this fanart is suitable for header!

2.. Steel이랑 Warlus는 현재 IR crew 멤버가 아니긴 하지만 그냥 넣었다. 정확히 말하면 현재 IR crew에다가 IR vault 1에서 언급된 멤버들을 그린거지. 특별한 이유는 없다. 그냥 예전부터 IR crew를 애정했던 사람으로서 최대한 많은 멤버들을 그리고 싶어서...? 그리고 난 정말 Steel을 그리고 싶었단 말야... 내 최애 Steel... 그래 사실 Steel 그리고 싶어서 그런거였어ㅠ

Some people might say “Steel and Gentleman Warlus are not current memeber of IR.” Yes, you are right. I drew not only the current members but also the previous members mentioned in <IR vault 1>. Why? I just wanted to do that. To add one thing, I really like Steel and I wanted to draw him... Yeah that would be a true reason.

3. 그림에 나와있는 IR 멤버들의 외관은 IR 텀블러에 올라온 Steel의 그림이랑 MOTI/IR 유튜브 영상, 트위터에 올라온 사진들을 참고했다. 새로운 멤버들 persona 찾느라 깨나 고생했는데 잘못 그렸으면 어쩔 수 없고...ㅠ

The appearance of the IR crew members was drawn by referring to Steel's art posted on the official IR tumblr, some videos on the IR/MOTI YouTube channel and some pictures found in twitter. If there are any mistakes, please let me know through DM or whatever.

4. Warlus가 두더지처럼 보이는 이유는... 그냥 내 그림실력의 부족함때문에... 트레틀 도움 없이 그린 유일한 IR 멤버인데 나름 잘 그려진 것 같아서 그래도 뿌듯하다.

???: Why does Gentleman Warlus look like a mole??????? ... That.. is... the limit of my drawing skill. Sorry :( Not only for Warlus, there might be some other awkward points in the picture. It hasn't been long since I started drawing and I don't draw well. I would be really thankful if you understand it.

5. 트레틀을 사용하긴 했지만 멤버 배치에도 나름 신경을 썼다. 예를들어 Goggles랑 Split은 꼭 가까이에 두고 싶었고 Juno랑 Steel은 Robro니까 나란히 있으면 좋다는 생각을 했다. 가운데에 세로로 나란히 턱 받치고 있는 세 명도 Smol Squad (Goggles 빼고) 로 그리면 좋겠다는 생각을 했다. 그 외에도 다들 나름 어울리는 포즈�� 최대한 선정을 했으니까 그런 점도 신경써서 봐주면 좋을듯??

Although I used base, but I paid attention to the placement of the members. For example, I really wanted to keep Goggles and Split close, and Juno and Steel are Robro, so I thought it would be good to place them side by side. Also I thought it would be nice to draw Smol Squad together so I drew them middle of the picture, Besides that, I really like Atwas’ pose and Cami’s cute kitty hands.

#fanart #internet remix #It's really hard to write down all the members name #So I'll just leave it like this #All the IR crew member

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missdawnandherdusk · 5 years ago

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A Guy Worth Getting Expelled For

Draco X Gryffindor!Reader

Part One Part Two Part Three

Part Four Part Five

Summary: So maybe you and Draco figured out that you don’t have to hate each other... but that about the rest of the school?

A/N: Who is ReADy foR ThiS!? Because I promise you all, you’re not. It’s been one of my favorite parts so far but let me know what you think! I love you guys and your feedback so don’t be afraid to comment or reblog! (Also this is over 3k words because I have no self control anymore)

Tags: @un-limiteddd @geekysimmerthings @coffee-addicti @ilikestuffproductions @msmcsmutt @ravn-87 @artemismohr18 @whygz @crazywritingbug @dolphincommander @bisexualbumblebeesstuff @fuzzy-panda @bitemebro522 @zombiesnips-blog @jillanaholland @shookyungsoo @savingdraco @welcometomyworldwithoutrules @akari180 @slytherin-emerald @chaotic-good-gemini @memalfoy-spidey

The weekend passed, and due to final exams, I was holed up in my room most of the time. That’s what was nice about rooming with Hermione, I could cook my own food—the Muggle way—and she wouldn’t tell on me. Ramen was a lifesaver as we studied.

I hadn’t heard form Draco at all. Part of me wondered if he figured it out. The letter he wrote to me was getting worn form the amount of times that I unfolded and refolded it each time I reread his words.

The boys did coax us both down to dinner Sunday night, however. They weren’t quite convinced that I was fine and were still at my defense despite my change in mood and constant protests. In fact, it seemed like every Gryffindor in our year and then some were ready at my defense.

“Do you want us to sneak a doxy into his room?” Fred offered. “We’ll do it. Free of charge.”

“No, I’m okay, really,”

“We could do it anyway,” George suggested.

“No,” I said firmly as we sat in the Great Hall.

Dinner came and passed, and I didn’t have to look over my shoulder for Draco because Ron and Harry were doing a great job of that already. There was no way I was going to be able to walk to Draco with this... protection squad hovering—and not listening to me when I said I was fine.

My heart did flutter as both Harry and Ron tensed, glaring at the door to the Hall. A smile found its way to my face as I turned, finding clam blue eyes.

“I’ll get him,” Harry said, getting up from the table and Ron following suit.

“Guys, wait, no!” I scrambled to get up, tripping over my robes before righting myself, a few paces behind them, Hermione at my heels.

The students who were in the Hall also noticed what was going on and all looked our way. Some stood to get a better look. This was going to get very bad very fast if someone didn’t do something. And, apparently, I had to be that someone.

“You have some nerve Malfoy!” Harry sneered, drawing his wand.

My adrenaline spiked as Draco kept his cool, keeping his eyes on me. I tried to tell him that this wasn’t my idea and that they didn’t know and that I would fix this, but maybe that was too much to tell him in one look.

I caught up to Harry and pushed past him. Turning and facing Harry—the same way that Draco had done for me against Pansy—I glared him down.

“What are you doing!?” I demanded. “I told you! It was fine!”

“But he hurt you! He deserves this!” Harry exclaimed.

“Pansy was the one who made me cry not Draco!” I laid out. “He... He protected me from her,”

Harry gaped at me and so did Ron, Hermione was beaming. There was a rumbling through the students who had gathered around us. Why did I keep finding myself in these situations?

“No way, I don’t believe it,” Harry hissed. “Malfoy would never, and not for you.”

“And how would you know!?” I demanded. “You’re so absorbed in yourself that you never stop to look, or think, or ask questions!”

“So now you’re taking his side!?” Harry fumbled.

I scoffed and threw my hands up in exasperation.

“Why does there have to be sides!? Why do we have to fight!?”

“He’s a Slytherin!”

“Great! And I’m a Pisces! What does it matter!” I annunciated each word, taking a few calming breaths. “He deserves to be helped and loved as much as you do Harry,” My voice was barely audible.

Now Harry was glaring me down, his anger shifting from Draco to me, which was fine, I could handle Harry easy—Golden Boy or not.

There was a hand on my shoulder.

I turned, meeting Draco’s eyes.

“I’m not worth this.” He murmured softly. “Don’t... not because of me.”

He was so close now. I could feel the fear and desperation almost tangibly as he pleaded with me to back down, and maybe that broke me more. For him to think that he wasn’t worth saving. That he wasn’t worth fighting for.

“Did you figure it out?” I asked softly, completely ignoring Harry and the others behind me. Draco held my focus now. “Who sent me the letter and who I told my mother about?”

He nodded and looked down. How could he know that he was the one that I had chosen, and he still didn’t think it was right for me to fight for him?

“What? Is Malfoy jealous over who you’re crushing on?” Ron jeered and the crowd snickered.

Draco turned red, gritting his teeth, I saw his hand reach for his wand, but I beat him to it and drew mine. Spinning around, almost hissing at Ron, everyone backed away from me, sensing the danger I assumed.

“I don’t think he can be jealous,” I snapped, tilting my chin back. “But the rest of you can,”

Without much thought or time in the moments between, I grabbed Draco’s hand and pulled him closer. I met his eyes for an instant, and I could see and feel the coolness of a lake, the refreshing wave of the ocean. There was an electric current between us.

I brought my hand to cup his face ever so gently—grimacing when he flinched as if I was going to hit him—and quickly pressed my lips to his. He froze under my touch but relaxed almost instantly, which was a bit shocking, but comforting. His hands rested on my waist and he pulled me a step closer.

His lips were soft and hesitant on mine. The electric current didn’t wane, instead it seemed to be stronger than before. It was better than what any potion could offer, or spell could conjure.

I had to pull away in fear that I might spend all night kissing him.

The situation around us settled back in, and though neither of us could keep the smiles off our faces it was Draco who spoke before I could.

“If anyone has anything they’d like to say, you’ll answer to both of us,” There was smugness and pride in his voice as he said ‘us.’

I couldn’t lie, I liked it too.

The crowd broke out into mutters and whispers, some of which were encouraging, some baffled, and some downright cruel—most of which came from either Gryffindor or Slytherin. My hand found Draco’s as an anchor in the midst of it all, not sure what was coming next.

Harry stormed off and Ron gave an apologetic look before going after him and Hermione followed suit. As much as I was alright on standing on my own, their absence hurt.

“Mr. Malfoy! Miss Lupine! My office! Now!” It was McGonagall.

My heart sank as the students scattered in fear of also getting in trouble for something that they may or may not have done. It left Draco and me alone walking to McGonagall’s office under her gaze. Somewhere along the way Snape caught up to us, and to my surprise, Dumbledore.

I gave Draco an apologetic look, but his face was a mask of calm and indifference—courage in the face of danger. I followed his lead as we sat in McGonagall’s office as the three discussed what to do with us outside the door.

“Why didn’t you tell me it was me? When we were on the stairs?” He asked softly.

I shrugged.

“I don’t think I was ready,” I admitted. “It was... a hard day.”

“Sorry again,” He mumbled sheepishly.

We sat side by side together, waiting for whatever was about to happen. I feared for the worst and I could tell do did Draco. The memory of his lips on mine however, kept me somewhat same and comforted.

“I’m sorry I dragged you into all of this,” I whispered. “This is all my fault,”

“No, it’s not Y/n. You know that,” He argued. “I had a good part in it too.”

“I should have just left it alone,” Tears were in my eyes as I started to realize the gravity of the situation.

“No,” He said firmly, catching my eyes. “You’re right, this has gone on too long.”

Again, his hand slipped into mine and I felt grounded. It was odd, finding comfort in someone that I had hated only a few months ago.

The three Professors came down and we dropped our hands quickly, as we both looked down.

“It has come to our attention that you two have caused quite a bit of trouble,” Dumbledore began.

“Please, sir. It was me. Not her.” Draco stood, taking a small step in front of me.

Shock flitted across the faces of the professors, and mine. I didn’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t that.

“No, it was me. I’m the one who kissed him and provoked Harry.” I stood next to him, almost pushing him out of the way. “Whatever punishment... I’ll take it in full... even if that means expulsion.” My voice wavered as the words slipped out.

“Y/n,” Draco protested and turned to me.

“Your dad will kill you in you get in trouble because of me,” I argued. “And... I can’t let that happen. So... please, Draco,”

I didn’t know what I was asking for exactly, but I knew that if his father found out... he’d be in worse trouble than whatever the school could come up with.

“No, forget about my father. I don’t care what he thinks. You’re not talking all the fault. I won’t let you,”

I bit my lip, thousands of words wanting to escape them just as the tears that threatened to fall. Why hadn’t I seen this in him before? Why hadn’t anyone?

Draco Malfoy could be good. He could be selfless. He could be loved.

“If I may,” Dumbledore began again. “Neither of you are in trouble nor are you getting expelled.”

“What?” We both snapped, turning to the three professors.

Hope fluttered in my chest, that maybe once we would both be okay. That we could both make it out of here.

_______________________

Out in the hall...

“Has it happened?” Dumbledore asked. “The legacy?”

“Yes,” McGonagall confirmed. “I got a letter from her mother early Saturday to keep an eye out, and I saw it tonight at dinner.”

“You believe that these two are the ones to end the feud?” Snape asked cautiously.

“Something much darker than us all is coming Severus,” Dumbledore sighed. “And they might be the ones we need to stop it.”

“But I don’t understand why stopping an old family feud solves anything.” Snape hissed.

“Because it’s not a family feud, it’s a house feud and always has been. For too long Slytherin and Gryffindor have been pitched against one another unhealthily and perhaps this can right what has been wrong for so long,” McGonagall noted hopefully.

............................

“Miss Lupine, you should be expecting a letter from your mother soon. I suggest you both read it together and decide for yourselves whether you want to accept what is in it or not.” Dumbledore explained.

“What kind of letter?” I prompted and McGonagall gave me a scolding look as Dumbledore simply smile.

“Oh, you are so much like your mother,” His eyes twinkled. “Give her my best and please remember, each of you are more than a name,”

_________________________

Draco walked down the hall with you beside him. He couldn’t think of a thing to say. There were too many to say. There was too much to talk about and it was driving him mad that you were lost in thought.

“Any ideas on where to go? To read the letter?” You finally spoke.

Your voice sounded unsure and afraid, with a nervousness that came with expectation. He had never heard you speak like that. You were always so sure of yourself—courageous, like any proper Gryffindor.

But now, your eyes filled with tears and worry. Your arms were crossed across your chest, as if they had the ability to keep you together if you held on tight enough. He knew that you never showed anyone this side of you—not even that Mudb- your friend Hermione. Because he never showed anyone either.

“Come with me,” He said, not giving anything away and led you through the castle wordlessly.

You followed him without a protest, a quip, snide remark, or question. And he couldn’t lie, it was nice; it worried him too, being afraid wasn’t in your nature.

Taking a sharp right, he paused, opening the door for you. You quirked an eyebrow and a teasing smile. You knew where he led you and it amused you, he could see it in your features. That was the you he knew.

You ascended the staircase and through the trapdoor with him at your heels. You faltered one and he caught you easily—knowing it would happen: it was the reason he had made you go before him—your cheeks turning a deep red as you quickened your pace.

Alone in the Astronomy Tower, Draco saw a small screech owl awaiting the two of you, letter attached. It was the same owl who had given him your letter all those nights ago, it must be yours.

You didn’t go to the owl—even though it chirped at you annoyed. Instead, you went to the window and stared at what he did almost every night that he couldn’t sleep: the stars blanketed over the mountain range and the lake as night consumed the world around them.

Knowing that you would want to gaze for some time, he took the letter for the owl and shooed it off, but it remained.

“I’ll give you something later Penelope, thank you,” You cooed softly stroking the birds head gently before it flew off.

Unsure of his actions, Draco stood close beside you, watching the night unfold with you. Your hand found his and his thoughts about what needed to be answered or what the letter held paused. Your warmth invited him in, lured him to be still and just... feel.

“I’m scared,” The confession left your lips. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for my mother to tell me what this fight was all about and now...” You turned to him, true despair on your face.

“Whatever it is, we do it together,” He murmured, “Remember, we get to choose if we want to accept it or not,”

“But don’t we have to?” Your thoughts mirrored his: he had expectations to live up to and he wanted to prove himself to his father and his family.

“We’ll see,” He reached up and stroked your face softly.

You pursed your lips as he offered you the letter. You took it and with one last hopeless look to him you opened it and read it aloud:

My dearest Y/n, and charming Draco,

I hope this letter finds you both well. I have written to each of your House Heads letting them know to give you time to read this together if fate allows.

Y/n, my darling, please stop your fretting, I can feel it from here. You are alright no matter what you choose, but I do hope you choose the path of love.

Draco, hello, we haven’t met formally, but I must thank you for standing up for my daughter against one of your own house. It was a brave and kind thing to do and you have my deepest respect.

Now, about the feud. I know you have asked many times what it has always been about and perhaps it is time to finally tell you:

Our families have always been intertwined in the fate of the wizarding world as pure-blood families. Long ago, it was said that one of Lupine and one of Malfoy decent would be the ones to mend the rift between pure-bloods and muggle-born.

You can see why this caused such a feud. I’m sure even now Mr. Draco you are thinking that this is preposterous, and perhaps you as well my child. For how can two pure-bloods whom hate another possible med anything?

Well, no one knows. And no one wanted to know either. The Malfoy’s were always against muggle-born and swore vengeance on them all. The Lupine’s have always been proud and swore to never fraternize with a Malfoy. Centuries and generations passed, and our stories have been twisted and distorted to what you know today.

I did try my love to keep you away as best I could from it, but some things are very deep rooted, and I am sorry that I failed you. But now it comes to you two.

From what I have heard from you my darling, it sounds as if Mr. Draco may be the one you were meant for. It was once called Consentire Animi Pace—an old thought that souls reached for another to bring harmony in the world around them through magic.

I am not forcing this upon either you, nor am I making assumptions. I would just like you both to know that it does exist and not to deny that it does and that it may be what our Antiqui were speaking of when the legacy was given.

My darling Y/n, I am proud of you no matter your choice and I love you without a doubt. I am proud of your achievements and your courage to reach out to someone you had no reason to reach out to.

My dear Draco, I am proud of you no matter your choice and I extend my love to you as well. I know that your parents are not as forgiving when it comes to family names as I am. You will have a home in our family—whether that be Y/n and I or the entire family if they decide to stop being so... Anyway. I am proud of you as well and for what you have done. You had no reason to protect my daughter and you did and I am proud of you on that fact alone. You have truly exceeded your expectations, whether your father sees that or not.

Don’t not be afraid of what is before you nor the choices that you must make. It is not about the right choice; it is about the righteous one—the one made with the right heart. It is easier to correct ignorance rather than disobedience.

My love goes to you both, both of you write me back please.

Love, Magdalene Lupine

Part 7

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theparanormalperiodical · 5 years ago

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The 13 Scariest Paranormal Investigation TV Show Episodes You Need To Watch - And The Links To Watch Them For Free!

As a paranormal blogger, I’m used to fangirling with other occult-obsessives about anything that’s spooky.

It could be a scary movie. It could be a ghost they’ve seen first hand. It could even be an urban legend that frightened them to their very core! Either way, they always have a turning point in their life that pushed them towards the paranormal.

My epiphany was different.

Sure, I’ve always had this constant connection with otherworldly spirits - but it was developed by one thing: paranormal documentary TV shows.

Most Haunted, Ghost Adventures, Celebrity Ghost Stories…

Each and every one made me want to be there with them!

I wanted to wander ‘round castles for a living. I wanted to read ghost stories everyday and explore the history behind them. I wanted to connect the dots and explore a new, hidden world.

It’s for that reason that I’ve decided to share my love for these shows with you, dear reader.

I’ve brought together the best episodes from Most Haunted, Ghost Adventures, Paranormal Lockdown, Celebrity Ghost Stories, Ghost Hunters and Paranormal Witness, explained the ghost stories that are the centre of the episodes, and have even provided links (and the terrifying timestamps) to the episodes.

All you’ve got to do is press play!

Oh, and leave a comment on which one traumatised you the most…

Now, let’s get spooky.

#1 - The Dorothy Puente Murder House - Ghost Adventures (S12, E3)

Ghosts give me the heebeejeebies. Demons make me want to hide under my quilt and cry to a Sigrid song. But it’s stories of entrapment that really fuck me up.

This is one of those stories.

Dorothy Puente was a landlady who ran a boarding house in California for elderly and mentally disabled residents. Don’t be fooled by her charitable exterior, though - what was happening inside the boarding house was a very different story.

Puente was a serial killer who committed 9 murders - a number which is still disputed to this day - throughout the 1980s, and then cashed their social security checks.

Whilst there are a number of details to this case, I thought I’d leave that to be discovered during the episode.

Nevertheless, I thought I’d wet your appetite with some seriously traumatising tales:

In 1985, she hired someone to do wood panelling in her apartment. Not only did she give him an old pickup truck that I assume contained traces of evidence of her crimes, she asked him to build a 6-by-3-by-2 foot box. In non-maths terms, that’s the dimensions of a coffin.

Claiming it was full of books and other small items for disposal, she journeyed with him to a local dump to dispose of these, uh, books, and stopped him before they reached the local area to dump the waste.

She directed him to instead drop it into a river cause that’s not suspicious at all.

But suspicions were roused when she began repeatedly hiring a local homeless man to do certain tasks like digging the basement and removing soil from it, or putting concrete in the garage. It was when he disappeared that the pieces began to connect together.

Given the dark details behind the case, when Zak Bagans and his squad rocked up, they were on the receiving end some of the most striking paranormal activity they had ever witnessed:

Featuring EVPs crammed full of aggressive growls and demands for them to “Get out!”, or Ovilus Voices spewing words eerily similar to the murders and how the bodies were disposed of, this investigation stays true to what happened there.

But outside of the equipment used, the physical effects on the investigators was incredible!

One medium felt a choking sensation believed to channel the feelings of victims being force fed sleeping pills and then left to die in the Death Room. And the other? She drew a picture uncomfortably similar to a spirit seen by a tenant of the house - the spirit of Dorothy Puente.

The other physical contact experienced includes pain felt in Zak’s lower back, as well as Zak entering this trance like state from which he fell off the bed!

Here’s the episode:

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x55gpad

Want to seem some spooks, like, right now?

09.10 - an EVP with Peggy, the resident who sees Puente’s spirit frequently.

13.10 - a medium begins to sense spirits and experiences some shocking effects.

17.30 - a medium produces pictures of the spirit she senses.

25.20 - EVPs in the backyard - where the bodies were buried - answer some of the questions that still go unanswered.

30.20 - Zak Bagans begins to exhibit extremely peculiar behaviour.

#2 - Idaho State Tuberculosis Hospital - Ghost Adventures (S18, E10)

Whispers, children and angry old men.

No, it’s not the title of Fall Out Boy’s latest album - it’s just a few of the current inhabitants of The Gooding Inn.

Once a TB hospital that was shut down in 1976, this building has witnessed its patients literally choke and drown in their own blood as their lungs fill up.

But what’s seriously scary about this episode is the effects on the most recent residents of the inn:

Not only was the housekeeper clearly upset about her encounter with an angry male ghost, she clearly feels the negative energy such spirits embody.

But it's when the current resident is interviewed that the reality of this location is realised. Two of her children had died whilst living in the former hospital, forging a strange link that is explored in the episode.

Yet before I spoil the whole show, here’s a taste of what’s to come:

A playful child spirit and a woman with a child make their own appearances, as well as the strange tale - and even stranger spirit - of Anton Beaver.

Ready to watch?

Here’s the episode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdCxNtshvhg

Looking for a quick fear fix?

These are the timestamps of note:

05.25 - Zak Bagans starts the show with the housekeeper’s own tale of the hauntings she’s witnessed.

10.00 - One woman recounts the potential impact of the hauntings on her family.

12.15 - a paranormal investigator brings his own footage and experience of activity in a passage from which gurneys and wheelchairs would bring in the patients

16.00 - Zak Bagans researches those who died there - and creates a sudden shockwave of paranormal activity across the building.

21.50 - a weird non-human noise is heard when a dark shadow appears.

32.00 - pranks set by a spirit of a former child patient begin to haunt the team.

#3 - 30 East Drive - Most Haunted (S18, E1 Halloween Special)

Take a look around my blog - no, seriously, look at what I write about: old manors, haunted abbeys, demonic forests… They all seem to stand out. And I think that’s what makes this tale - and this episode - quite so scary.

Welcome to 30 East Drive, a council house nestled in Yorkshire, England.

It started in 1966. The Prichtard family had just moved into a new home when they started to notice rather peculiar occurrences:

A fine layer of dust fell on everything in the house, puddles would appear from nowhere, even if one was cleaned up, the tea dispenser would go off randomly, and items would levitate!

Given the evident paranormal resident, clergymen were called to exorcise the house.

They were not successful. Holy water would leak out of the walls, ghostly hands would appear and ‘conduct’ the hymns being said to remove him, faces were slapped and people were pushed. Despite the rather playful poltergeist at first, this spirit slowly became more aggressive:

The daughter, Diane, began to find scrapes and bruises appear on her body, and was even dragged up the stairs by her hair! It was eventually deduced that this could be the spirit of a Monk whose body was discarded down the well that the house now sits on. Why was he thrown down a well?

Because he - or perhaps his twin brother - raped and murdered a young girl.

And as he is often seen wearing black robes, the house was given labelled the Black Monk House. Fancy a watch? You’ll be spoiled for choice then - Paranormal Lockdown also had a stay in the house.

Here’s the Most Haunted Episode:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO3EeYBGNuo

“But, spookyllama, where are the timestamps?”

I couldn’t find any timestamps of note because the activity in this episode is constant!

Within the first 1 and a half minutes, a marble is thrown, echoing one of the most common hauntings in this house. Knives were also found sticking out of sofas, as was a crucifix jumping off the bed.

#4 - The Wentworth Woodhouse - Most Haunted (S17, E6)

Our next episode also features a ghostly monk, but this time we see activity beyond marbles being chucked at cameramen. Indeed, this episode is just as iconic as the former - this is due to the controversy surrounding the evidence captured in this video.

One of the most famous hauntings of the Wentworth Woodhouse is the first earl of the house walking down the main stairs of the house. Only he’s headless. And they claimed to capture this footage:

https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/most-haunted-team-finally-catch-12417869

This footage only taps into one component of the paranormal activity seen in this house, however.

This house has seen centuries worth of aristocratic family feuds, deaths and drama which still roam its halls. Whether its footsteps, ghostly laughter or opera singing, it seems all past residents never actually left.

Yet aside from the earl taking a nightly stroll, the scariest spirit has to be a ghost that stands still during his hauntings, leading many people to think he’s a statue.

Specifically, the most haunted locations - aside from the library - are the George VI quarters. With shadows tracing the walls and dark figures standing in the doorways, the Most Haunted team were certainly not alone.

You can see the episode here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdTnJC4cO54

Want a speedy scare?

28.00 - a door rattles and sounds as if its being opened, only its not - it’s locked and there’s no handle.

30.00 - The team hears a whistle, so they whistle back. What happens next is mind-blowing…

50.00 - The crew hears a couple of footsteps follow them around a part of the house.

#5 - The Washoe Club - Ghost Adventures (S16, E7)

The Ghost Adventures team might have investigated this wild-west location 3 times, but it gets no less spooky as time goes on. The oldest saloon there, The Millionaires’ Club, is the centre of the activity as a former exclusive saloon for rich businessmen.

Upon Zak Bagans and his team’s final return, they are reduced to tears by the activity witnessed.

This activity includes the spirit of a prostitute who committed suicide in room 77, a full-bodied apparition in the ballroom, a brick thrown in the basement and a women, Lena, haunting the staircase.

The episodes in particular have also captured EVPs saying their names: “Zak, look out”, and "Nick, Zak, coming..., they're scaring me".

Ready for a trip to the Wild West?

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xqhyh6

#6 - Hinsdale House - Paranormal Lockdown (S1, E5)

If you thought these buildings were scary, wait ‘til you hear about the Hinsdale House. Question is, what separates it from the other contenders?

This is a demonic haunting.

Considered this generation’s Amityville, the whole property exhibits signs of activity an exorcism couldn't rid it of: mysterious phone calls, chanting from nearby woods, animal hybrids and full bodied apparitions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this house.

Lucky for us, the Paranormal Lockdown team spent 72 hours here, investigating the hauntings both during the day and night.

Within the first 7 minutes of filming, an abundance of flies fills the house, not unlike horror films that trace the stories behind houses just like this. The following emotional impact on Nick further forges a link to the supernatural.

Featuring choking, consistent EVP’s saying Nick’s name and even Lorraine Warren on the blower telling them to get out of the house, negative energy is an understatement for this house.

You can watch it here:

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6tujvf

Head to 25.00 if you want to see their investigation of the forest - including the Gregorian chanting that is claimed to still echo on this former Native American burial ground.

28.00 - when Katrina asks spirits to go to Nick and show their presence when he’s in a different room, the spirits follow orders.

Unfortunately, the spooks don’t end when the credits roll:

Nick claims spirits from this house followed him home and told him to go to a little house tucked away in England.

And that house was 30 East Drive.

#7 - 30 East Drive - Paranormal Lockdown (S2, Halloween Special)

So, we know Most Haunted’s verdict of the Black Monk House - what about Nick and Katrina’s?

Having spent 100 hours there - one of the longest amounts of time they’ve been in lockdown for - they witness apparitions, marbles flying across the house, a scar appears on Katrina’s stomach, and even a murder attempt by the spirit.

That’s right - a Grandfather clock is pushed over, nearly killing Nick!

You can watch that happen here:

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6azzx0

#8 - The St. Augustine Lighthouse - Ghost Adventures (S2, E19)

Haunted locations aren’t just famed for paranormal fanatics like me rocking up.

It’s the history which matters.

And this haunted lighthouse is celebrated for its history with its own museum denoting the things it was witnessed as a part of America’s Oldest Port. And with multiple people living and dying on the property, the subsequent variety of activity is what sets this lighthouse apart from, well, non-haunted lighthouses!

But it's that history repeating itself that makes this one of the scariest episodes included on this list: a woman in white roams both the nearby forest and the top levels of the lighthouse, a man walking in uniform wanders round the basement, and spirits make use of the famous staircase that fills this building.

Have I piqued your interest? You can satisfy your supernatural needs here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHsNtvT8uHU

Check out the walk through of the lighthouse and description of the main activity at 05.30.

19.45 - you can hear the chattering of multiple spirits on the staircase - and you might even see someone - or something - walking down it, too.

24.00 - this is the most incredible evidence they’ve ever captured - trust me.

#9 - The Stanley Hotel - Ghost Hunters (S2, E22)

Famous for inspiring the Stephen King classic, The Shining, this hotel is infamous for its real life haunted history. First opened in 1909, the 420 rooms - including an underground cave system - hold many ghosts who still make regular appearances.

Room 217 for example, once belonged to a housekeeper. Often visitors to this room notice their luggage is unpacked, items moving, or the lights flickering. Oh, and she’s not a fan of couples sleeping together in the same room, either!

After that, why not visit the Concert Hall? Haunted by a spirit who was once believed to be an usher, you may hear a voice telling you to leave, a nudge, or even see flashes of light of his torch.

You might even hear the giggle of a child echoing down from the attic, a former nursery.

Question is, why is it quite so haunted? There’s 2 claims behind this: the crystals in the cave system below the hotel channel the energy, and the staircase is a vortex for ghosts, allowing them to come and go as they please.

Ready to see what happened?

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6ekji3

#10 - The Rain Man - Paranormal Witness (S1, E6)

Ghosts and spirits, demons and death; all the episodes mentioned in this post stick to relatively confined notions of the spiritualistic and pagan religions. However, this episode takes us further than I ever expected.

Paranormal Witness is a show - a bit like Celebrity Ghost Stories - where paranormal stories get retold and acted out.

And this episode follows a young man, Don, who becomes possessed by his abusive grandfather. Having displayed the typical signs of possession, he then began to have strange encounters with water.

Water began to seep from the walls, and then from the ceiling. But this wasn’t water - when someone touched it, it felt sticky.

It was only when Don was stuck in a trance, that water began to go upwards, towards the ceiling, and pots and pan began to rattle.

When religious rituals were used to cleanse Don, the water was directed towards the bible and person performing the cleansing.

This was only the start of Don’s new powers. And they were to intensify during his final stint in prison.

Hungry for more? Check out the full episode here:

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2hvjvg

#11 - The Haunted Highway - Paranormal Witness (S1, E2)

Like I said: Paranormal Witness doesn’t stick to the typical hauntings we see. And this episode involves a UFO.

This story - without spoiling the episode - revolves around a mother and son who go missing in the desert. With a relative’s strange dreams pointing her to where they might be and a medical mystery twisting the tale, all that is left is one question:

What really happened in the desert?

You can watch this episode on Amazon for £1.89.

#12 - Celebrity Ghost Stories (S1, E9)

This episode featuring Morgan Fairchild, Lili Taylor, John Salley and Vincent Curatol is considered one of the scariest episodes of this popular episodes from which paranormal experience are acted out.

Here’s the synopsis to tickle your tastebuds of terror:

“A young Morgan Fairchild is abused by a spirit when she moves into her new husband's family home; an unidentifiable stranger comes to John Salley's aid during a nightclub shooting; Lili Taylor hears unexplained noises when she goes on retreat.”

You can watch this episode on Amazon for £1.89.

#13 - Pendle Hill - Most Haunted (S6, Halloween Special)

Pendle Hill might feature as a hiking opportunity in the Pennines, but it actually has a history - and a haunting - to boot.

Back in the early 17th century, a family of peasants were believed to possess a variety of paranormal powers. And the effigies they made of human hair and teeth didn’t make them appear any less suspicious, either!

The Pendle Witches, as they were known, were arrested, tried and then hung on Pendle Hill.

The witches never left the hill, however.

Not only did the neighbours of the Pendle Witches experience and die from mysterious illnesses, to this day supernatural activity has stuck close to this location.

Teeth have dropped onto tables during seances, and unnaturally frequent rainfall on the hill is a common occurrence.

So, what did the Most Haunted team see when they visited the site?

Acorah was apparently possessed by a witch, and a table and a glass smashed during the seance. Oh, and the whole cast and crew felt as if they were being strangled at certain points during filming.

Were they experiencing the final moments of the Pendle Witches as they were executed for their crimes?

You can check that episode out here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wu7yRqoLxLc

Or, you can have a speedy spook, instead!

30.00 - the equipment batteries drain, a classic indicator of paranormal presences.

32.00 - Acorah begins his readings of the area, and clearly becomes quite emotional and intense when describing the spirits he sees and hears.

45.00 - Acorah exhibits strange behaviour, and is on the receiving end of harmful spirits.

59.40 - Acorah sees a spirit - or perhaps an otherworldly being.

01.48.00 - the team perform the seance.

Now it’s time to hear what you think.

Which episode are you watching tonight?

And did I miss any seriously-spooktastic episodes out?

415 notes · View notes

beyondconfessor · 4 years ago

Text

Principle Decisions [5/24]

Rating: Explicit

Pairing: Lilith/Zelda Spellman

Summary: “Zelda,” she purred, stepping forward as she bit her lip, drawing her eyes over her body. “Believe me, the idea of fucking you against the nearest surface is never far from my mind. Let me formally apologise for misleading you.”

N.B.: Also posted on AO3. This is pure fantasy, please suspend your disbelief.

Zelda flicked through her local morning newspaper, reading through articles as Hilda fussed around Sabrina for breakfast. Her niece was…avoiding her, and Zelda for the life of her, couldn’t work out why. At first, she thought that it was only paranoia that caused her to consider it, but no. Sabrina was definitely avoiding her.

She flicked through another page, drawing her eyes over the personal articles again as Hilda finally settled down with her own breakfast.

As Zelda went to fold the newspaper close, she noticed her sister and Sabrina having a silent communication with each other over something.

“Would somebody like to inform me as to what’s going on?” she asked.

Sabrina dropped her fork loudly on the plate before she was suddenly pushing off from the table and leaving, unusually surly for this hour of the morning and only providing further evidence to the fact that she’d somehow managed to upset her niece.

Zelda quirked an eyebrow and looked to her sister. “What on earth was that about?”

“Well, Zelds, you um, happened to have missed another one of Sabrina’s shows for cheerleading. She’s been feeling a wee bit…neglected by all the work you’ve been putting into your students over her.”

Zelda frowned, “It’s only early in the school year, I couldn’t have missed––“

“No, you haven’t missed the so-called big events, but you didn’t attend the volunteering they’re doing to raise money for the pep rally that you promised you’d attend two weeks ago.”

“Has that occurred already?”

“Ah, yes, it did. Yesterday in fact when you were…off at a…meeting was it?”

Zelda drew in a breath. Yesterday had in fact been a legitimate meeting between herself and Prudence to run over the marking of recent essays of one of her classes. She’d noticed Sabrina had been rather sharp with her at the time when she mentioned it but had thought nothing of it. There was little time to book in the time to go over such things with Prudence on top of the girl’s own schedule, and Zelda had limited time as it was before she’d taken over the extra class of Shirley’s.

Looking back, however, she could see how it would come across as neglectful to Sabrina’s part, especially since she had promised.

“I’ll speak to her,” she agreed.

“She’ll appreciate it more if you attend. There’s a sporting event next Friday; perhaps you could take some time to see it?”

Zelda felt a defiance rise in her before she settled it back. “That is fair,” she agreed, though the idea of sitting on the bleachers, watching a game as Sabrina danced around was not in her top 10 things she wanted to do, especially since she couldn’t very well bring her laptop with her. “I’ll clear my evening for next Friday.”

As agreed, she moved a meeting with Prudence to an earlier day, ensuring her TA understood the guidelines of the marking she’d set out, and cleared the Friday evening to focus entirely on the event. If it was important to Sabrina, she could make time. Though her niece made a few snide comments to the effect that she doubted Zelda could afford to leave her work undone.

It was rather hurtful if she was honest, but not entirely untruthful. She had been placing more focus on her work as of late over her family.

When the time finally came, and the entire household was climbing into her car, her niece finally warmed back up to her. She began excitedly discussing the match against Riverdale, the importance it had, as well as talking about her own classes.

For once, the tension in the household had eased, and Zelda felt that maybe the worst of the last few weeks were over. There were only three more weeks left until Shirley was to return, giving her plenty of time to return to her previous schedule and actually spend more time with her family.

They parked near the stadium and made their way to the bleachers with a picnic basket (filled with snacks and hot drinks), and a blanket. Zelda ensured she sat with Hilda and Ambrose, watching as Sabrina ran off to the cheer squad with Roz and the others. It’d been some time since Zelda had seen Sabrina been social with anyone outside of her circle of friends. As she watched her niece excitedly chat with girls, Zelda didn’t recognise, a pleasing feeling of satisfaction fuelled her.

“It’s good that you found time,” Hilda commented as she opened up the picnic basket, taking out cups and the thermos filled with hot chocolate. “I think we’ve all noticed that you’ve been running yourself a bit ragged.”

“I’ve taken on an entirely new class,” she reminded, not unkindly, “Thankfully, Shirley is meant to return soon.”

“Is Prudence still your TA?” Ambrose enquired.

“She is and is doing surprisingly well,” Zelda admitted. In truth, she owed the fact that she was sleeping at all, to Prudence. The girl had surpassed her expectations and taken on the work diligently. Faustus had managed to wrangle together some funding, providing a nice stipend that meant that Prudence could reduce the shifts she had at her outside work to focus on her studies.

But if Zelda was honest, she was using her work as an escape as well. The Spellman household was loud and raucous at times, and Sabrina’s foul moods mixed with Hilda’s incessant needs of discussing her future departure only further caused Zelda to hide away in her office, which apparently seemed only to cause everything to become a vicious cycle.

Beside her, Ambrose sighed, shifting in his seat. “I don’t see why I needed to be here. I’ve attended the last two.”

“Because it’s a family event,” Zelda reminded. “And if I have to be here, we all do.”

Ambrose sighed loudly, and Zelda could feel him holding back something, but whatever it was, he thought better of it, leaning forward to rub his hand over his face.

“Have you spoken to Prudence?” Zelda asked.

“No,” he said. “I’ve been busy.”

“She asked about you.”

“She could make an effort to ask me,” he pointed out before his shoulders sagged. “I’m not avoiding her, I just…”

“Don’t want to get hurt again?” Zelda prompted.

“I don’t know,” he said. “What’s Aunt Hilda doing?”

Zelda turned, looking to where her sister was chatting on the very side of the bleaches with a group of parents, handing out the cookies she’d made before finding her way back, pushing around Zelda to get to her seat.

“Oh, there’s the new principal,” Hilda said, giving a wave to a sea of people Zelda didn’t care for.

“Sabrina’s quite taken by her, girl power and all that. She’s a bit scary in the PTA though, won’t let any of the parents walk over her. Reminds me a bit of you, actually, Zelds.”

“Fascinating,” Zelda sighed, washing her eyes over to where her niece was currently with the cheer squad, apparently stretching before the event began. “When does Sabrina’s part finish?”

“When it’s over. There’s a timer over there.”

Zelda looked to the scoreboard and noticed with a heavy heart that it was blank, apparently having not begun yet. They’d been here for an hour already, and all Zelda had done was stare blankly and politely smile at anyone who waved.

“When does it star––“ and then she was cut off as the crowd began to cheer as the sports players came onto the field. At last, she thought. But oh no, the other players had to come on the field, too. And then, finally, Sabrina and the cheerleaders were performing some sort of routine that Zelda clapped politely too before the game began.

They’d been here for over an hour by the time the game finally started.

The ball was…kicked, carried, tossed from one side then to the other and Zelda wasn't entirely sure which team was the correct team to cheer for, so she just clapped when Hilda yelled and hoped that it was the right thing to do.

Sports had never been something that she followed or cared to, for that matter. Any man she’d been with who even tried to get her involved in an understanding of that was politely reminded that she spoke over a dozen languages. If he expected her to understand what a play-off was, she expected him to have read Homer in Ancient Greek.

“Why don’t you stretch your legs,” Hilda said, prodding her. “We’re still some way off half-time, and you’ll probably want to use the bathroom before there’s a line-up.”

There was no way in hell that she was going to use the school’s public bathroom, but she made a vague response, agreeing to have a cigarette. At the same time, Sabrina and the cheerleaders just chanted the letters of the alphabet––or whatever it was that they were doing.

She climbed down from the bleaches, taking a cigarette and a lighter with her as she walked over to the parking lot (since that was the closest area she’d be allowed to smoke) and was promptly stopped when she saw Lilith walking from the parking lot, in the direction of the bleaches as she fixed the jacket she wore.

Zelda stared at her, feeling her heartbeat pound as once again, her two worlds seemed to be colliding.

“Zelda,” Lilith greeted, blinking twice in obvious surprise. “I didn’t take you for someone to be apart of school sports.”

“I wouldn’t usually, but my niece apparently feels I’m ignoring her,” she advised, still holding her unlit cigarette, lighter in her grip. “I…” she paused from commenting how she didn’t expect the same from Lilith when she realised the woman was likely there for the same reason she was.

“Well, we do what we can for those in our care,” Lilith said, “even if we don’t have any interest for the event.” There was a flippant way she said it, but Zelda noticed a tightness to her shoulders as if she was uncomfortable by the very sight of her.

Guilt rose in her chest. It’d been two weeks since she last saw Lilith, and yet every time she considered dialling the woman’s number, the way her face had pulled away from hers echoed in her mind over and over.

“I…” Zelda swallowed, “I’m sorry,” she found herself saying. “For making you uncomfortable.”

Lilith blinked, looking at her. “What do you mean?”

“The last session,” she said, feeling awkward even saying the words.

Lilith’s head tilted, eyes narrowing. “What do you think happened?”

“We…” and Zelda paused, taking a moment to see if anyone was within earshot as she stepped closer. “Engaged in the services I asked for, but at the end of the session, you seemed to withdraw back as if I pushed over the line. What I’m trying to say is that we don’t need to engage in sex. I don’t want that from you if you’re….not…interested,” she finished.

Lilith blinked at her, and then a bright smile filled her face. “Oh, no, I quite enjoyed that,” she said. “If I implied otherwise, I am very sorry and would like to make it up to you.”

“Are you certain? I was quite fine to continue the previous services, or…”

“Zelda,” she purred, stepping forward as she bit her lip, drawing her eyes over her body. “Believe me, the idea of fucking you against the nearest surface is never far from my mind. Let me formally apologise for misleading you.”

A warmth spread through her chest at the words. “And how would you do that?”

Lilith grinned and then turned around as she began leading her into the parking lot. It was quiet and empty, and Zelda followed, intrigued at the very least as to what was happening.

They walked past a dozen or so cars, before finally coming to stand by a black sedan. There, Lilith removed keys from her pocket and clicked the door unlocked. “In you get,” she said, opening the back door.

Zelda paused. Had she not herself spoken the cautionary tales about getting into cars with strangers? And yet here she was, considering getting into the car of a woman she’d met only twice before.

“No one’s around, I assure you. And it’s too dark for them to see inside once you’re there.”

Her heartbeat pounded, and she watched as Lilith’s brows rose as if to say that she could leave…if that’s what she wanted (it wasn’t).

Swallowing, Zelda climbed into the backseat and slid across, allowing Lilith to climb in beside her, shutting the door. Immediately the interior light flicked off, and all Zelda could see in the dim light was Lilith looking at her with a hungry expression.

And then the woman was reaching up, her hand curling around the back of her neck, a hand on her thigh and all at once, Zelda felt very warm for what otherwise was a cool fall evening.

When Lilith’s lips pressed to hers, Zelda shivered and reached out, settling her hands onto the woman’s hips. And then Lilith was kissing her and Zelda was lying back as she felt the woman climb on top of her, her mouth drawing against her own, teasing and tugging and biting and sucking.

A hand slid up her thigh, set high on the skin, underneath her skirt as she felt Lilith grind purposely against her.

“So your way of apology is to seduce me?” she teased, feeling the friction rub against her underwear.

Lilith laughed against her mouth, and Zelda felt herself slip against the leather seat, one shoe pressing against the door as the other tried to press against the carpet of the interior.

And all she could focus on was the way that Lilith’s tongue stroked against her mouth as her hand raked against her thigh, flicking over the garter belt as Zelda began undoing her jacket.

“I saw the doctor,” Zelda said.

“Good girl,” Lilith said. “I assume it was good news?”

Zelda nodded earnestly and felt the woman’s mouth descend on her throat, “Have a copy for me,” she asked, and then the hand on her thigh slid over her underwear, and Zelda was trying to focus on if she was really doing the right thing. Suppose it was immoral to engage with a sex worker at your niece’s cheerleading practice.

“Mmhm,” she managed, before reaching into her jacket pocket and pulling out her phone. It wasn’t difficult to find the emailed report, type in the password and show it to Lilith. The woman took one glance before her face lit up.

“I’m going to enjoy ravaging you,” she said, and then Zelda found herself pinned to the backseat as Lilith kissed down her neck, tugging the jacket out of the way before she began stroking over Zelda underwear.

“Lilith,” she keened, pressing into the fingers. “If you don’t stop teas––“ she sighed, feeling the fingers slide over the edges.

“If I don’t…what?” she asked. “What will you do?” Lilith asked, dragging her fingers slowly, firmly over her slit until she was pressing against the clit through the material of her clothes. “You’re mine, now.”

Zelda hummed and nodded, a heat pulling in her lungs.

Lilith pushed the underwear aside, and suddenly she was pressing against her, sliding over her sex. “Do you want me to fuck you?” Lilith asked, “or should I just leave you like this?”

“For fuck’s say, just fuck me.”

Lilith laughed against her mouth, kissing her sweetly until Zelda was whining. “Say, please.”

Zelda pulled away, staring at her as she felt the fingers stroke firmer, pressing over her entrance. She tried to hold back the words, her nails pressing into Lilith’s back, but as the woman stared at her, slowing as she slowly began to pull away, Zelda canted her hips up, pressing firmer against her.

“Please,” she said.

“Please what?”

“Please fuck me.’

“Well, if you insist,” Lilith said, and then her lips were on hers again, fingers drawing over her clit and sliding down and down.

Zelda gasped as she felt the fingers enter her, thrusting inside of her. She squeezed around them, humming into Lilith’s mouth.

It’d been so long, Zelda realised. That to actually be fucked, truly fucked was having a larger effect on her than she expected.

Lilith’s fingers worked inside of her, thumb drawing purposely over her clit as she continued to kiss her and Zelda didn’t know how she was able to concentrate so well whilst Zelda could barely remember how to kiss, spending the entire time bucking against her as she moaned and keened into her mouth.

And yet, Lilith took great amusement in the effect she had, her kisses deepening, grounding Zelda as she continued to thrust inside of her, curling. Hence, she pressed against a spot that had Zelda squeezing her thighs over Lilith’s body, trying to press herself closer.

“Lilith,” Zelda keened, not sure what she was asking for––but knew it needed to be more. Faster or harder or something, but she needed more. “Stop teasing."

“Oh no, this is my apology. I can do it however I want.”

“Do it fast, or I swear I’ll take over.”

“Such a spoil-sport,” Lilith said, an entirely melodramatic sigh pulling from her before she returned to kissing her, and then finally her speed increased. Zelda could feel her self riding the fingers as Lilith’s mouth drew to her neck, kissing her with featherlight affection as Zelda moaned and bucked, trying to hold back in case anyone walked past…

But she didn’t care, so as long as Lilith got her off. It was all she could think as she squeezed her eyes shut, riding closer and closer to the moment. Please, please, please let me––

And then she was arching, and Lilith was kissing her again as she moaned and keened, feeling the wetness drip against her thighs, sliding against the leather seats. Every muscle seemed to clench.

And then spasm.

And then Zelda was clinging to Lilith as she felt it all come crashing down.

Finally, it stopped, and Lilith’s fingers slid from her, sliding the underwear back in place with a flick, her thumb dragging over the seam intentionally. Zelda jerked at the touch and glared in the dim light, watching as the woman sat back in the seat.

“There,” Lilith said, “I hope you see that I am very pleased to service you, should you ever wish to engage in that side of my services.”

Zelda panted, drawing her eyes up to the car’s ceiling as she tried to catch her breath back, watching as Lilith reached into the centre console and pulled out a set of tissues to clean at her hand before she grinned down at Zelda.

“At a loss of words?” she inquired.

Zelda swallowed, trying to find the moisture on her tongue again. “I…” she said, managing to push herself up into a sitting position, awkwardly moving her legs. “Can see why…” and she trailed off, honestly at a loss of words. Anything she said would be a filler. “Yes,” she answered, looking away.

Lilith adjusted, moving to sit properly, and then Zelda adjusted herself as she sat up properly, feeling a wave of dizziness wash over her.

“My demeanour the other day was not with regards to you,” Lilith said, handing her a tissue. Awkwardly, Zelda took it from her and wiped over thighs, cleaning up the wetness the best she could.

“It just seemed to happen after we engaged in…whatever you call that form of rope use,” Zelda said, uncertain if it could be described as sex or foreplay. What they had then was definitely sex, but the rope had been more like a challenge, a dare to see if Lilith could deliver on what she promised.

“It was situational, but had nothing to do with you.” Lilith turned and looked at her, and in the dim light, coming from the football field, she could see the woman was staring at her seriously. “If I have a problem with you, or with any services you want to engage in, I’ll be upfront. I don’t have a problem saying no, even to clients who look very lovely gasping my name.”

Zelda flushed, feeling how the name tasted on her tongue again as Lilith looked at her. A part of her wanted to press close and draw against her again, but she didn’t.

Instead, she asked, “Is it even your name?”

Lilith smiled at her. “Oh, you haven’t worked it out yet.”

“Haven’t worked out what?”

Lilith shook her head. “Gone are the days I could blend into the city, never seeing a client outside of sessions.”

“Why have a service here at all, then?”

“Why engage my services since you live here?” Lilith enquired, posing the question back at her with a sharp look. “Because you wanted to.”

Zelda looked away, not liking the intensity of the stare. It felt as if Lilith was peering into her soul, and she didn’t like how easily the woman read her whilst remaining an enigma herself. Besides, she’d been here for too long.

However long had passed, she knew it was too long, and Hilda was likely to send off Ambrose to search for her, and this was not something she wanted to explain to anyone, let alone a family member.

“Thank you for your honesty,” Zelda said, and then growing awkward as she wondered if payment would be required for services rendered, she paused, biting her lip as she tried to think about how to bring it up as a polite enquiry.

“You can return to your family now,” Lilith said. “If I come to you, like today, then I don’t expect payment. But if you come to me, I think it’s fair to say you’re requesting a paid service, don’t you?”

“Am I to expect this to be a repeat offence?”

“If I ever need to apologise, I’m sure we can work out a suitable arrangement.” She leant forward then, and taking a tissue, she wiped over Zelda’s mouth, cleaning off the ruined make-up. “Here,” she said, once again reaching into the centre console to pull out a lipstick. “It’s not the exact shade you were wearing, but I doubt anyone will notice.”

Before Zelda could take it, Lilith was uncapping the lid, and then with one hand holding her jaw steady as she used the other to draw the lipstick on her mouth. It was deeply intimate in a way that ached inside of Zelda as she longed for something from it. But then Lilith was using her thumbnail to fix up the line, and then her hands were dropping away.

Zelda watched her expression remain neutral as she capped the lipstick and then combed her fingers through Zelda’s hair. “There, now you look less like you were fucked in the backseat of a car, and more like you were wind tussled.”

“Thank you,” she said nodding. “I’ll…see you.”

“I look forward to our next session.”

Zelda paused, unable to help herself as she turned back and grinned at her. “Who said there was going to be the next time?”

Lilith only laughed at her, as if the idea Zelda wasn’t going to return was ridiculous. It caused a flare of annoyance to rise in her, but Lilith’s face softened before she made a shooing motion.

Zelda gave a last look to ensure there was no one else and then stepped out of the car, fixing her skirt as she closed the door and walked back.

If Ambrose of Hilda noticed anything, they didn’t say it as Zelda took her seat, fixing her coat around herself against. She hoped she didn’t smell of sex, but the truth was, all she could smell faintly was Lilith’s perfume. Light and intoxicating, as if she could feel the woman’s mouth drawing against her skin.

Shifting in her seat, she snatched the thermos from the picnic basket and poured herself a cup of cocoa.

It didn’t take long for the endorphins to fade in her bloodstream and boredom return as she watched the ball get moved from one side of the field to the other. To Sabrina’s credit, the cheerleaders made a decent effort of being entertaining, enough so that Zelda watched with her interest as they cheered and performed when the ball managed to make it over a certain marker on the ground.

By the time it was finished, Sabrina was bouncing excitedly, talking about how happy she was for Theo––who had either managed to kick a goal or block it from going somewhere, Zelda wasn’t entirely sure what a penalty kick was, but was nonetheless pleased to see Sabrina’s excitement.

“We’re going to go get pizza,” Sabrina said as she dragged Harvey and Roz beside her. “Theo’s going to get changed, and then Harvey’s going to drive us to Pop’s.”

Zelda nodded, “as you wish,” she said. “Do you need us to pick you up later?”

“No, Harvey will drop us home before midnight.” Sabrina bounced again, looking as if she was thinking about hugging her before she squealed and ran off. Zelda flinched at the noise, her brow furrowing as she tried to understand what her niece's enthusiasm was with regards to. It wasn’t surly, however, and whatever disagreement they had seemed to have blown away.

“Well,” she said, looking to Hilda and Ambrose. “Shall we?”

They nodded, and Zelda led them back to the car, finding herself glancing the black sedan that was parked. She didn’t know if Lilith sat inside of it, or if she sat on the bleaches, but Zelda hadn’t noticed her since she’d returned.

“You okay, Auntie?” Ambrose enquired.

Zelda blinked, snapping her thoughts away and nodded, opening the door of their car.

The drive home involved Hilda eagerly speaking about the match and the upcoming PTA meeting, explaining that they were helping to get some money for the football team. Ambrose politely spoke about his lack of interest in sport, whilst commenting that Theo had managed to be quite good on the field and seemed to have become better since the last match they’d watched.

“Zelds?” Hilda enquired as they got onto the main road, leading out of town to the Spellman Manor. “You haven’t said much.”

Zelda sighed. “I’m not sure what to say,” she admitted. “Sabrina looked very happy, and it’s good to see her widening her friend group.”

To that, Hilda murmured an agreement.

And then a silence pulled, and Zelda asked, “The PTA meeting, sister. Are all guardians welcome?”

“Are you looking to involve yourself?” Hilda asked.

Zelda paused, thinking on it realistically and realised that no she could not take on another thing such as a PTA meeting onto her otherwise full schedule. “I suppose not,” she said out loud. “I just happened to run into one of the parents and thought it…”

“Ooh, a single father? There are a few of those as Baxter. You should ask him out the next time you see him.”

“Or was it a single mother, Auntie?” Ambrose teased. “Can’t imagine any of the men would manage to get you curious enough.”

Zelda sighed. “I––no, nothing like that,” she said, feeling her cheeks heat. The idea of actually dating someone, anyone was too much to consider, let alone Lilith.

But whether Hilda and Ambrose believed her was another story, as she could see them sharing a look, eyebrows raised though their humour was stifled. She regretted asking. In truth, she was curious as to Lilith’s personal life, and despite her intrigue to the woman, she should respect her privacy.

Staying away from the PTA, as she always had, remained in her best interest. She didn’t have time in her busy schedule to set aside time to organise bake sales and whatnot for a few hundred dollars. She’d rather just open up her wallet and provide it to the charity herself.

The conversation shifted to the bookshop, and again Zelda found herself listening, anxiety filling her as Hilda hinted at once again that she was saving up to leave.

In fairness, with the inheritance from their parents and their business that had been sold off, Hilda probably could afford to move out, but if she did, she would likely be slowly living in a negative income, eating away at; what should tightly remain her retirement fund since she was unlikely to gain a decent one from the shop.

“Zelds?”

Zelda glanced to her sister. “Did you say something?” she asked, truly having been lost in thought.

“Well, no, it’s just the turn off was back there.”

Zelda looked around the main road. They had indeed past their turn off and were accidentally driving towards Riverdale.

“I was distracted,” she admitted, given there was no excuse.

Turning the car around, she drew the correct way, back home and felt the embarrassment swell inside of her.

Once they arrived, Hilda began making her way to the kitchen to fix a light dinner as Ambrose set the fireplace for the evening.

Zelda, instead, made her way upstairs and took a quick shower to clean herself off. Her body still hummed as she washed the slickness from between her legs, a rolling hunger growing inside of her again.

She hungered for her, deeply incessantly now. She’d thought that by finally engaging in the sexual side of Lilith’s services that that hunger would drop away and she’d better be able to manage herself. Still, it seemed that instead, the woman had fanned the flames and all Zelda desired was dropping to her knees and kissing between the woman’s thighs until it was her name on the woman’s lips.

She rolled her shoulders, feeling a tightness form.

Lilith hadn’t explained what had caused her withdrawal any further, but whatever it had been, was private. It could be remembering a client, it could be remembering an ex-paramour, or it could be that she was lying.

Zelda doubted the last part––although Lilith could be motivated by money, she seemed eager to draw Zelda to new depths of passion.

A pang of guilt laced in Zelda as she dressed again (in case she needed to pick up Sabrina). She shouldn’t have agreed in such a public space. Not only would it had reflected poorly on herself (especially when she was in such a prominent position with her work), but it would have affected Sabrina even worse at school.

Walking downstairs, she fixed herself a glass of whiskey and set in the living room as Ambrose seemed to flick through a new book of poetry.

A quiet settled over them as Zelda sunk in her armchair and returned to mulling over the mistake before Ambrose said. “You’re allowed to date.”

Zelda paused, turning to look at him. “What makes you think it’s not my choice?”

“You seem on edge. You don’t need to protect Sabrina or me from a myriad of people you have lined up at your door. You’re allowed to date.”

Zelda shook her head, taking a sip of whiskey. “My single status is not a reflection of my status as a guardian to either of you. I don’t have time to date.”

“And soon you won’t have any time,” Ambrose pointed out, though he wasn’t trying to be cruel. “I’m not saying that you should find someone and settle down. Life is more than just work.”

“My work is significant to me.”

Ambrose shrugged as if he disagreed but didn't want the argument. Zelda had spent decades on her work. Writing papers and journal articles and even a few books that sold enough to keep her comfortable. There was no way that she was going to give that all up, just for some person, no matter how good the sex was.

Zelda brought the whiskey to her lips and was thankful when the silence was interrupted by Hilda bustling in with bubble and squeak.

“I’ll need to go shopping tomorrow,” Hilda advised, handing out the plates of food. “Bit low on anything substantial.”

Zelda thought of Lilith, and of meeting her in the grocery store. The last thing she needed was to be pinned against the cereal aisle and have the woman have her way with her––not that Lilith was likely to do it in such a public place.

But it wouldn’t be awful if she did.

Zelda drew away from her thoughts, eating her food as she listened to Hilda fill the silence once again with talks of Baxter High, talking about the upcoming charity they were organising.

Zelda made the odd agreement to the conversation, but couldn’t deny that her focus wasn’t entirely there. It was around eleven when Sabrina arrived home. Her cheeks flushed as she set her bag down and excitedly spoke about her evening, that Zelda decided to draw away and exhaustion hit her.

It’d been a long day.

Still, her thoughts returned to Lilith, and in the privacy of her bedroom, she dug around for her vibrator to at least quell the growing desire before getting some rest.

________________________

#zelda spellman #lilith #madam spellman #zelith #caos fanfic #morgan writes #morgans fics

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capricornus-rex · 5 years ago

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What You Fear To Lose (2)

Cal Kestis x Reader

Requested by: Anon | Prompt:

Okay so maybe a fic where Cal keeps having nightmares and visions when he meditates of the reader dying and the events leading up to her death. He starts being really protective and the reader tries to reassure him shes fine. But on a mission things start happening that he saw in the visions before the reader dies and gets really on edge. You can decide how it ends, aka reader dying in cals arms to make me cry or him saving her to also make me cry! Sorry if this is too much!!💕

Tags: Near-death! Reader

Previous: Part 1 | Next: Part 3 | Masterlist

2 of 3

The next morning, Cal woke up realizing that he was late for the morning briefing; he rushed to the room where Cham Syndulla and his fighters are gathered. He finds you standing at the far back, away from the crowd, yet listening intently to the leader.

“Hi,” Cal huffed, gasping for air as quietly as he could. “Did I miss anything?”

“Oh hey, not much. Cham was just getting started,”

You filled him on the minor details before the Twi’lek got to the chunk of the plan; pointing which teams go where, when to strike, and who to avoid. Later, Cham turned to the two Jedi which prompted you to step forward and the people gave way for you.

“This section is the most crucial—and obviously the most well and heavily-guarded—with your weapons and knowledge in better combat, you two are our only chance of ever achieving our objective. You must destroy the main shield generator so we can have a better chance in taking it down with aerial assault. Can I count on you, Jedi Knights?”

There was a pause. You stepped closer to the hologram, your head panned across the very edge up until the blinking red square on the map that indicates the objective. You turned back to Cham and your signature confident smug plastered all over your face.

“Trouble seems to be our only selling point. Why don’t we give the Empire a free trial?”

Cheers filled the conference chamber, brandishing their weapons of all types, and fighters poured out of the mound—a handful rode in their mounts, whilst several continued on foot.

You and Cal were on the vanguard, with a designated assault squadron flanking you for cover.

This was only the beginning phase of the plan. The assault squadron that charged with you traded shots with the baffled Stormtroopers that were standing by and keeping watch at the main entrance. The pair of Jedi assisted the fighters as they faced head on with the melee-wielding Stormtroopers.

“Requesting reinforcements! The main entrance is being overwhelmed by rebels!” a Stormtrooper cried out helplessly before taking a shot from a blaster rifle.

“Go, Jedi! Half of the squad will cover for you once you’re inside!” Cham bellowed.

“Come on!” you beckoned Cal and he ran by your side.

The two of you come across a human barricade of Stormtroopers between the entrance of the stronghold and you. The barricade was spearheaded by a rocket launcher-wielding trooper, he already had a single shot loaded into his weapon, and all he needed was to pull the trigger.

A torpedo comes popping out of the barrel of the weapon. With your combined lightning-fast reflexes, you and Cal worked together—with his Force-Slow, he hindered the slug in mid-air, ripples in the air encased the large bullet, and your ability to manipulate the flow of objects using the Force comes into play: your hands weaved the air in a continuous spinning motion to which the slug motioned in a similar manner until it now faces the opposite direction. Cal then released his focus on the bullet and sends it flying back to the row of Stormtroopers—including the one who shot it.

The entire stronghold is now on high alert, but the two of you eluded the eyes of the Stormtroopers marching across the hallways until you could reach the objective. Neither confidence nor arrogance have a place in this mission, so going in quietly was the best option. The hallway you prowled through was similar to the fortress in Nur, though neither of you sense anything… yet.

“Cham, we’re inside the stronghold. Stormtroopers are coming your way,”

“Copy that. We’ll be ready for them, they haven’t thinned out my numbers yet!”

You and Cal sprinted through the hallway, eager to get to the objective. Along the way, the Stormtroopers have started pouring into your direction and you have no choice but to fight through it.

“Calculating attack success probability.” The Imperial security droid monotonously annunciated as you dodge-rolled its uppercut punch.

This was already the third wave of enemies. The Jedi were beginning to anticipate that the next wave is bound to be more difficult than the last.

“They killed our droid!” a Stormtrooper whimpered.

“Oh no, now they look mad!” another followed.

To the Stormtroopers’ eyes, the blinding beams that are your sabers dazed them, messing up their aim and footing in effect; the Jedi were fluid and lithe with their attacks and general movements that none of the Stormtroopers’ blasters can find its mark.

The arrival of a Purge Trooper in the skirmish somehow became their beacon of relief. Humbled by the presence of the black-clad trooper wielding a massive electrohammer, they’ve technically placed all their hope of survival in their more tenacious, high-tier comrade.

“Two Jedi? Looks like my lucky day!” the Purge Trooper hissed through his helmet.

You made yourselves busy with the inferior Stormtroopers first before setting your sights on the Purge Trooper.

“Puh! They never even stood a chance anyway!” the enemy taunted, striking the floor with the pommel of his weapon.

Cal exchanged glances with you and for a moment, there was an unspoken understanding between the two of you. With each of you running on the walls on either side and leapt off at the end with an overhead strike, you took the Purge Trooper by surprise but he was quick-witted enough to deflect both attacks.

“Oh-ho-ho!! A worthy challenge!” he chortled.

The joint stunt you did with Cal somewhat enabled the Purge Trooper rather than intimidate him, now he’s gotten more brutish with his attacks albeit sluggish—which you took advantage of. Cal immediately engaged him as a diversion while you sneak in and exploited an opening, regardless how narrow that window of opportunity might be.

To your surprise, the Purge Trooper deflected your sneak attack with his own gauntlet! A cocky snicker muffled through his helmet and he literally has his hands full with both of you. A hard kick to the shin from Cal caused the brute to lose his footing and it granted you a short time to finally kill the Purge Trooper.

You pulled your saber away from his gauntlet and while he fumbles, you released a triad of slashes across his body, severing his armor in half until an ember-encrusted gash across his body steals away the last breath in his lungs. The two of you stood there with your mouths agape while sucking in air.

“Well then… that wasn’t so hard, was it?” Cal blurted.

You threw yourself into Cal’s arms, not even as a response to his remark, but simply out of your heart’s content. You took Cal by surprise, he felt your fingers crumpling the back of his jumpsuit as you cling onto him. You drew the strength to pull away and shyly avert your eyes from him.

“Sorry… I just couldn’t help it… I don’t know what came over—”

He ignored your nervous rambling of reasons, he cupped your cheeks and his lips met yours for the very first time. His thumb caressed the fullness of your cheek as his tongue sneakily dips into your mouth. Of course by instinct, you kiss him back—tenderly sucking the bottom of his lip as you held him by the neck.

Even when he has pulled away, Cal followed up another kiss—but tender and short.

“Now isn’t really the best time but… I just wanted you to know it before shit goes down.”

You breathed out a chuckle, “Oh Cal, I know… I know.”

There was an exchange of awkward but endearing smiles, accompanied by snickers in between.

With your heads back in the game, you find your way to the place where the red blip on the map showed.

“There’s the door!” you squealed.

The blast door starts to open, slowly revealing a tall, hulking figure standing on the other end.

Your path was cut off by the Fifth Brother, a gray, hulking brute whose helmet made him resemble a Zeffonian or the guardian in its tombs.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he hummed, brandishing his dual-ended lightsaber.

“Wouldn’t you like to know!?” you snarled back.

Your lightsabers hissed back as you assumed stances. The Fifth Brother remained indifferent.

There appeared to be no room for small talk. The two Jedi faced the Inquisitor head on. Even though the dark warrior was outnumbered, his strength was twice the combination of your strength and Cal’s.

Meanwhile, Cham Syndulla was beginning to get worried why you and Cal were taking so long. He had feared the worst—and it has come true.

The Inquisitor has lured his enemies into the other side of the blast door, leading you into the exact place where you needed to be: the main shield generator chamber. Sitting at the center of the vast room is the pillar coated with electric currents—in other words: your target.

He’s made this duel much trickier. The walkways that lead to the main pillar had no railings, they lead straight into the abyss of the shaft, and it limited your space, thus forcing you to be more tactful with your movements.

“Careful!” Cal cried out.

“I know!”

The Fifth Brother’s fighting tactics was similar to the Ninth Sister’s, however, he moves in a feather-like grace despite his physical appearance—rendering his elusive and dexterous with his attacks. It was too impractical for both of you to keep on charging, it was a given fact that if he saw that strategy, he will just tire both of you out until he emerges victorious.

The Fifth Brother dealt a hit on your shoulder, afterwards he used the Force to push you away from him just so he can target Cal next.

When Cal got a little too close, the Fifth Brother landed his elbow against the boy’s jaw, disorienting him until he staggers backwards. He interrupted his fall by holding onto the edge of the bridge, the Inquisitor stood by the edge and hovered his foot just an inch above Cal’s fingers.

“No, get away from him!” you violently pulled the Inquisitor away from the ledge, making him return his attention to you.

He watched you bring yourself back up to your feet. You winced as you got both feet flat on the floor. The Inquisitor almost gutted you open by the abdomen—luckily, the thick fabric of your jacket only made the strike into a graze but it still burned on your skin. You looked at your arm, deep red blood dribbled and stained your tattered sleeve, and the seared flesh peeked through the slit that the Inquisitor has cut on your clothes.

“Pitiful! Stand up straight, girl!” he roared.

Cal immediately pulled himself up and saw that you weren’t in your best shape, but the Inquisitor had no regard to that and marched right towards you. The Inquisitor’s large hand braced your neck and hoisted you up from the floor, your legs kicked as you struggled for air, your small hands couldn’t loosen his crushing grip around your throat.

“This is the fight I was promised? Pssh, shame.”

Cal’s heart sank the moment the Fifth Brother drove his lightsaber into your abdomen. He didn’t even grant you to dignity to stand up straight as you prepared to face him.

The sensation was excruciating. Your body didn’t know whether to cough to recover from the choke or gasp for oxygen as you felt like you were a balloon that’s been ruptured open and is quickly running out of air.

You found Cal’s eyes, wide and wrought with anguish, and it slowly curdled into a seething rage—a dangerous seething rage that can be weaponized when the tables have turned.

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talpup · 4 years ago

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Lost Song:12

Summary: The war between the Dragons and Griffons ended 233 years ago, and both races right along with it.

Or so it was believed. There are three individuals that will soon change that.

Kai is the last of the Dragons and he seeks to take what he sees as his rightful place and rule over all of Oblvi. Meanwhile, Shouta, the last Sphinx, wants nothing more than to do his job; keep the peace and and teach the young Fourth’s to hopefully avoid the mistakes of their ancestors. And Teris, a Foundling who is just trying to understand and survive in this strange new world that is supposedly her own.

All three have their own wants and desires, but Kai’s plans, Teris’ existence, and Shouta's past mean that none of them may get what they want.

This fic is rated explicit and has warnings of sex, violence, and other possible triggers. For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

12.1

Kai exited a side door and met up with Hari. Whiffs of smoke blew from the Dragon’s nostrils at the memory of Teris and Shouta's arms brushing while the two stood side by side, the Sphinx regularly moving to shield Teris from his view. Teris might be part of Shouta's Ilca. But she was his. And yet Shouta had managed to keep her by him the entire gathering.

He had no doubt Shouta had given Teris that dull, disgusting bracelet. The thing wasn’t even worthy of being on some detestable mutt Hybrid like Nedzu. It certainly didn’t belong on a proud, pure blood Beast like Teris.

Kai swore that if he hadn’t killed the Sphinx by the time he reclaimed his throne. The first order of his reign would be to end Aizawa, finally do away with all Sphinx kind.

The only thing that had gotten Kai through the trying afternoon was imagining what he would do to Teris this evening after Ryuu left. He imagined her pretty lips wrapped around his cock. Making her look at him as he fucked her sweet face. She had done well in combating Shouta's attempt at keeping her from agreeing to dinner. But she had stayed by Shouta's side. Had accepted Aizawa's gift and worn it. For that she would be punished. And Kai could think of no better punishment than having her choke on his cock. It wasn’t as if he could punish her more directly. At least not yet. Though the thought of spanking her ass raw and fucking her from behind while she screamed his name and cried out in apology was something he looked forward to doing when things progressed.

“Did you find out who was doing the inspection?” Kai questioned.

Uneasy as he was, Hari bravely met Kai’s eyes. “We did our best.”

“And was your best good enough?” Kai asked, knowing if it had been Hari would've answered with a name.

Hari swallowed and shook his head. “No, Sir. I’m sorry and take full responsibility for the failure--”

Kai’s hand wrapped around the Arepyiai’s throat cutting off his words and air supply. “You’re damned right you’ll take full responsibility. I left it to you to see the Ilca learned who was doing Teris’ inspection. Yet you’re telling me you’ve failed. That out of my nine Ilca members no one was able to discover a simple name?”

Hari gurgled, but to his credit didn’t attempt to fight off Kai’s choking grip.

The Dragon’s eyes slitted. Gold scales appeared along the back of his hand. Nails lengthened into deadly talons that pierced Hari’s skin. “How am I suppose to threaten or buy a person off if I don’t know who they are? Do you like the idea of my future mate being subjected to some filthy Fourth's roving gaze? Maybe you’d prefer Teris undress and walk the grounds of Traverseen Hall for all to see?”

Hari shook his head as best he could.

“What part of mine do you not understand? Teris is mine. No one should be allowed to look upon her but me. And yet because of your failure--” Sensing someones eyes on him, Kai turned.

Hizashi sucked in a breath, emerald eyes widening further. He had been waiting out in the garden for Oboro to return. The Venti said he had a gift for him. Hizashi hadn’t meant to listen in. In fact he hadn’t heard anything.

Teris had said Kai was kind and gentle. But what Hizashi saw was far gentle and kind. He stupidly ducked behind a shrub as if he and the Dragon hadn’t already locked eyes. He had wondered why Shouta didn’t like Kai. The Sphinx always admonishing Teris on what time she was to return from lessons with Kai; as if she were some child with a curfew. Was this why? Because Shouta knew Kai was violent and harsh?

Kai’s eyes returned to human. The scales on his hand disappeared. Talons shrinking back to nails.

Releasing Hari, Kai took out a handkerchief and he wiped his hand clean. “Return to the dorm. I’ll deal with you later.”

“Yes, Sir.” Hari nodded.

“And Hari.” Kai called.

Hari turned back.

“Set another place for dinner.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Cursing his lack of care, Kai made his way to the distant shrub. “Hizashi. Isn’t it?”

Hizashi’s eyes squeezed shut. Where was Oboro? He sheepishly stepped out from behind the bush. “Yeah. And you’re Kai, right? The one tasked with instructing Teris.”

“Teris makes it more of a pleasure than a task.” Kai said, wondering what if anything the Hybrid overheard.

Hizashi's eyes darted about looking for someone to come to his aid. He was usually great with meeting new people. But after what he saw...

“About what you heard--”

“I didn’t hear anything.” Hizashi said.

Relieved, Kai went on. “Well, I’m sorry you had to see that. I tend to take sterner measures when the protection of a ladies virtue is at stake.”

Hizashi's lowered ears lifted and twitched. “A ladies virtue?”

“You don’t think I go around treating my Ilca so cruelly all the time do you? What has Teris been telling you about me?”

“No, no!” Hizashi shook his head. He laughed, relieved. Though still unsettled, it gave reason to what he saw. “Teris speaks rather highly of you.”

A low hummed sounded in Kai’s throat, such things always nice to hear. “You wouldn’t happen to know who ‘s doing her inspection. Would you?”

Hizashi frowned and shook his head. He didn’t know what Teris’ interview and inspection would entail. But the words coupled with Shouta's darkening mood as today drew near told him it wouldn’t be pleasant. “I wish she didn’t have to go through it. It’s all because they can tell she’s some pure blooded beast from an ancient species. If she were a Hybrid like me and had some telling marker in her human form. Like my ears. Maybe they would have some idea what she was and wouldn’t have to go through it.”

Kai’s lips tightened a fraction. The thought of the dirty Hybrid feeling sorry for Teris and wishing such a disgusting disgrace of mixed blood on her was an insult. “I’m hosting a dinner for her this evening. Hopefully it will help take her mind off today's ordeal.”

“That—that sounds really nice.” Hizashi said, wishing he’d thought of it. Maybe Kai wasn’t so bad.

“I’d like for you to come. I know Teris thinks you a close friend and having you there would undoubtedly make her happy.”

Hizashi brightened. “Is Shouta going?”

Kai paused but was able to keep his irritation with Hizashi and hate for Shouta from showing. “The aim is to lighten Teris’ spirits and make her happy. Do you think his presence would aid in that?”

Hizashi's smile fell. It would if the two quit being so stubborn and admitted their feelings for each other, he thought. But as things currently stood, Kai had a point. “Do you like her?”

“That’s a rather personal question.” Kai replied.

“She’s my friend.”

“Which is why I would like us to get to know each other.” Kai said.

“So you do like her.” Hizashi said.

Kai wasn’t about to belittle his feelings to something as juvenile as like. Nor was he willing to tell Hizashi his plans to Bond with Teris; fully aware the Hybrid would tell her and Teris wasn’t ready to hear it. Instead, Kai said. “I want to see Teris happy and think she deserves the best, same as you. More than that I can and will give her those things and more.”

Hizashi wasn’t sure how he felt about Kai liking Teris. Sure he had suspected it. And with the way Teris talked, he could tell she had a bit of a crush on Kai in return. But he had seen Teris and Shouta together. They could be so perfect if only they stopped being so stupid. Still, it was Teris’ life. If she chose to be with Kai either for friendly release or as a companion, Hizashi would support her. So long as Kai was a good guy. And accepting Kai’s invitation to dinner was just the chance Hizashi needed to decide if Kai was a good guy.

Thinking a short apology to Shouta, Hizashi smiled. “Thanks for the invite. I’d love to go.”

“Good. I’ll see you and Teris at six.” Kai turned away, pleased with the exchange. Distasteful as it would be having a filthy Hybrid in his Ilca dorm, he was well aware what Hizashi meant to Teris. Winning Hizashi over would only help speed Teris’ sense of ease and comfort which would quicken her acceptance of their eventually mating.

12.2

Shouta glanced at the window gauging the passage of time. It had been nearly an hour but Teris’ interview felt like it had gone on much longer. Seated beside her, Shouta hoped the questioning was near its end. That was until he remembered what awaited her after. Sharp eyes looked over the five visiting Council Elders seated at the table before them. He wondered which Elder would be doing Teris’ inspection. Much as he hoped it would be His Purple Highness, Shouta wasn’t holding his breath. He was never that lucky.

Along with the five visiting Council members was Elder Yagi. Also a member of the Council, the Talos was acting more as host for these proceedings than anything else. At the end of the long table was Director Nedzu and Arbitrator Todoroki Enji, who were there more as witnesses to the interview and hadn’t said a word unless direct questions were asked of them.

Facing the line of Council members felt more like facing a firing squad. Though few questions were asked of him, Shouta couldn’t shake the invading memories of his own interview. The fear his younger self had felt got the best of him twice already. Making his heart hammer till the rush of blood drummed in his ears drowning everything else out.

“Tell us, Aizawa. Has Teris shown any hinting of her true form? Scales? Feathers? Fur?” Destro asked.

“No.” Shouta lied without pause or regret.

“Why don’t you speak plainly and just ask if she’s shown sign of being a Griffon, Dragon, or Sphinx?” Ryuko asked the Basilisk.

Eyes on Shouta, Destro prodded. “Well? Has she?”

“No.” Shouta said.

“Having once served the Dragons and raised one myself. I can say with certainty that our young Foundling here is not a Dragon.” Ryuu said.

“Nor is she a Sphinx.” His Purple Highness put in.

“And what about a Griffon?” Destro questioned.

Shouta’s fingers twitched, eyes on some distant detail in apparent disinterest.

His Purple Highness looked at Destro. The Basilisk’s might’ve served the Dragons during the Dragon-Griffon war. But Destro had become leader of the species after the Fall of Crowns. Whether it was because Destro had been leader for only 233yrs and felt the need to prove himself. Or because the Basilisk truly held such beliefs. Destro had been the most vocal Council member when Shouta and Kai faced the Elders. He vehemently argued the then young Sphinx and Dragon should be put to death for the sake of continued peace.

“The Griffon’s are dead. A lost species.” Mera said, wishing for the interview to end so he could go to his rooms and sleep.

“So were the Sphinx's and Dragons until Ryuu and His Purple Highness found and saw different.” Ryuko said. The Amphiteres might’ve served the Dragons during the war. But Ryuko liked to think she and her species had lost their servant mental to the Dragons; while holding no animosity against Kai for his species past deeds. “What’s to say Elder Yagi hasn’t done the same?”

Yagi coughed. The Talos’ long ago injury that was slowly killing him making him cough blood into a handkerchief.

“May I remind you, Yagi didn’t find Teris. She was found in earth and brought to Oblvi by a Derrick. You can hardly fault Yagi for that. Or did you young ones forget Traverseen Hall was build near one of the only two physical gateways connecting Oblvi to earth?” His Purple Highness asked.

Ryuko didn’t mind being called a young one. When one had lived as long as His Purple Highness, everyone was young. Still, she didn’t like her intelligence being called into question. “I’m aware.”

“So why question if Yagi’s done the same? Surely you’re aware any Foundlings or issues coming through either gateway are handled by the area Elder. Yagi just happened be unfortunate Teris was brought through the gateway here. It’s not as if he didn’t inform the rest of us immediately.” His Purple Highness said.

“Unlike some.” Destro remarked.

“I informed the Council of my finding Shouta as soon as I was able.” The Dryad King said.

“After you unspelled him.” Destro said.

“I’m flattered you think my physique strong enough to carry a stoned Sphinx through an untamed forest and back home.” His Purple Highness sarcastically flirted. “It’s not as if I secretly hatched a Dragon egg and raised the youngling for several years before informing the other Elders.”

Ryuu frowned at the Dryad. “Your species served the Griffons during the war.”

“And yours served the Dragons. Save for the Sphinx's, there isn’t a species of Fourth that wasn’t guilty of choosing a side. And every single one of us here helped hunt the Sphinx's down for it during the war.” His Purple Highness said.

“Is that why you unspelled the Sphinx? Out of some sense of guilt?” Destro asked.

“This is an interview about the Foundling. Can we please stay on target and get this over with?” Mera murmured, tired eyes slipping closed.

Looking at His Purple Highness, Ryuu went on. “You were quite high up the ranks, if I remember. A close and trusted friend of the Griffon King.”

“That was a long time ago.” His Purple Highness said.

“But surely you remember well enough what the Griffon species smells like. All we’re looking for is some assurance Teris isn’t one.” Ryuu said.

Shouta's eyes lifted to his mentor. Air catching in his lungs he force himself to breathe.

Everyone at the long table, seated across from Shouta and Teris, turned to the Dryad King. Destro and Ryuu leaned forward to get a better look at the Fourth.

His Purple Highness stared at Ryuu. There was a toying glint in the Tengu’s challenging gaze. With a blink His Purple Highness realized Ryuu somehow knew Teris was a Griffon. How? And why wasn’t he outing her? Was Ryuu setting him up to deny Teris was Griffon in attempt to claim he was a sympathizer to the fallen crowns and traitor to the Council?

“Well?” Mera pressed, eager to be done.

“Teris’ hereditary scent smells like no Griffon I’ve ever smelled.” His Purple Highness truthfully said.

Ryuu’s shimmering eyes smiled at the Dryad King. His Purple Highness expected a follow up question to try and ensnare him.

Instead Ryuu blocked further questions before anyone could ask them. “Well, I’m satisfied. If no one has anything further? Good.”

Mera was already standing and gathering his papers. “In that case. We’re done. Director Nedzu, thank you for the use of the room. Thank you everyone for your time.”

“And her inspection?” Destro looked after the already departing Mera.

“Happening in the next room over.” Mera said with wave and a yawn.

Mera gone, Ryuko looked at the fellow Elders. “So who’s doing it?”

Shouta's shoulders sunk. There went his hope Teris would be inspected by the sole woman in the group.

Teris was so relieved the interview was over she didn’t hear the name of the Fourth inspecting her. She felt Shouta tense beside her.

Lips hidden by his capture weapon, Shouta attempted to assure the both of them. “It’ll be alright.”

Teris barely heard Shouta’s murmur. His deep timber a comforting balm while his words set her back on edge. What had she missed? Who was doing the inspection?

Getting to his feet, Shouta turned and held a hand out to her. “Just keep the bracelet on. Understand?”

Teris nodded. Her eyes lowered to Shouta's upturned hand.

For a second Shouta thought she wouldn’t take it. He silently cursed himself for the unthought action. But then Teris’ warm hand nestled in his. Shouta's nerves ignited in delight. His fingers curled around hers. He pulled her to her feet and didn’t let go. Turning around he led her out the room and down the hall to the next door.

Teris rushed to keep up with Shouta's longer stride. Grateful when he stopped, she faced him, breathing hard.

“Out of breath from a short trek. We should train more.” Shouta murmured.

Teris weakling tried to pulled her hand out of his. “I know you’re an ass. But you’re just saying that to irk and take my mind off things.”

“Is it working?”

“No.”

Shouta stepped to her, hand letting go of hers to wrap around her waist. “How about now?”

Teris’ face heated. The Sphinx wasn’t playing fair. “Maybe.”

“Maybe?” Shouta hummed.

Teris shivered, feeling the deep vibration of his chest.

Shouta's other hand slinked up her arm. “Should I up my game?”

“Are you capable of it?”

Shouta chuckled, lowly. “Oh, Kitten. I’m getting up right now.”

He held her tighter. His hardening length prodding her pelvis. Teris sucked in a breath. Her legs squeezed together, hips dancing.

Shouta bit back a groan. There had been something he wanted to tell her. Something important. But he couldn’t think with her rubbing against him. The smell and warmth of her overwhelmed in the best of ways, drowning everything else out. “Keep the bracelet on.”

“You already said that.” Teris breathed.

Shouta swallowed, trying to remember what he wanted to say. His head began to dip, eyes focused on her tantalizing lips. Teris’ head lifted, tilting ever so slightly.

The door behind her opened. Shouta's head jerked up. Teris turned. Eyes widening, she pressed back into Shouta.

Remembering what he wanted to say Shouta whispered into the back of her head. “Whatever the reason, if it becomes too much. Leave. I’ll be waiting out here and will deal with whatever may come.”

Teris looked back at him. She knew Shouta, like Kai, was watched by the Council. But until today she hadn’t realized the Council's goodwill still determined their continued existence. If Shouta went against the Council…

“Are you ready?” A male voice asked.

Shouta looked at the man, fighting a low growl. How the hell was the Anzu preforming the inspection? He wasn’t an Elder. He merely worked for the Council.

Straightening her back, Teris turned and met Hawks’ gold eyes. Shouta felt a wave a pride at the way she fearlessly faced the Anzu.

Hawks watched Teris step to him. Holding her breath, she passed him and entered the room. Hawks’ eyes flicked to Shouta. He smiled at the Sphinx. Shouta's lip twitched, battling a snarl. The Anzu cocked his head at Shouta's unaffected stare.

“Feel free to go about your day. This may take a while. I plan on being exceedingly thorough.” Hawks goaded.

Shouta's hands balled into fists in his pockets. Claws formed and embedded in his palms.

Hawks’ eyes narrowed a fraction at the non-reaction. He smiled crookedly and shrugged. “Or stay and use your imagination.”

It took every ounce of restraint Shouta had not to bust down the door as soon as it snapped shut. The Elders exited the interview room drawing his attention.

While the others filed off in the opposite direction, His Purple Highness made his was to Shouta.

The tension in Shouta's shoulders eased. Annoying as His Purple Highness could be, the Dryad had been something of a parental figure. Well, more like the embarrassing Uncle that made open innuendos in polite conversation and forgot children were around. Still, His Purple Highness had done more than unspell him and argue for his life. He had given Shouta a home. The beginnings of a new pack to help ease the pain of the one he’d lost.

The Dryad King smiled warmly. “That interview couldn’t have been easy for you. You did well.”

“It was Teris’ interview.” Shouta said.

“She did well too.”

“She did.” Shouta agreed.

“You should tell her.”

“Tell her what?”

“That she did well.” His Purple Highness said.

Thinking the too proud Griffon likely thought she did well in everything she did, Shouta huffed. “She already knows.”

As he spoke, the Dryad added, voice mixing with the Sphinx. “And that you love her.”

Shouta looked at the Fourth and blinked. “What?”

“What?” His Purple Highness echoed.

Shouta's eyes narrowed at the Dryad’s overly innocent expression.

Certain Shouta had heard him, His Purple Highness went on. “Still, her interview had to have brought back memories of your own.”

“Maybe a bit.” Shouta begrudgingly admitted.

“I remember the day I found you hidden in a crevice deep inside that mountain cave.” His Purple Highness didn’t speak of the cave-ins, rubble, or multiple bones that had once been Shouta's home and pack. “Curled up and put to stone, you looked so tiny and helpless. It was clear you had been spelled not just for protection, but out of a great love and sense of hope. Even being put in hibernation during what had surely been a terrifying time, you looked peaceful holding that--”

Shouta's eyebrows furrowed. He had been holding something? What? He didn’t remember holding anything.

His Purple Highness chuckled, trying to cover and divert from the slip. He would tell Shouta about and give him the Griffon feather he’d found him with. But not now. It was far too dangerous for both Shouta and Teris. “You were a dirty mess but still one of the most beautiful and precious things I’ve seen in my life.”

Shouta’s scowled with an embarrassed blush. He ducked into his capture weapon trying to hide his flushed cheeks. Grateful his hair covered his warming ears.

“You’re getting sentimental in your old age.” Shouta muttered dryly.

“Deciding what to do with you was one of the hardest and easiest things I’ve done in my existence.” Thinking again of Teris’ feather clutched in Shouta's small hand, His Purple Highness said. “As soon as I unspelled you I thought I’d regret it. But I never did. Not even when faced with the fear and anger of my fellow Council Elders. Even now, after everything. I don’t regret it.”

“You mean after I’ve grown into a gruff grouch?” Shouta said with a toothy smile most found creepy.

“Well… Now that you mention it…”

The two chuckled. Shouta's low and short. His Purple Highness’ light and long.

“I’m almost sorry you’re leaving tomorrow.” Shouta said.

“Well, now that you mention it.” The Dryad grinned.

Shouta's expression darkened. “I said almost.”

“A King has duties to his people, Shouta. There’s a Harvest Moon tomorrow.”

Shouta cursed. With everything going on, he’d forgotten.

Oblvi had four Harvest Moons a year. One for each season. While most species only celebrated one Harvest Moon. Many elementals and species carrying a tie to the land celebrated all four. The fall Harvest Moon would be celebrated with bonfires and dancing. And of course release.

Many revelers would attend in their true form. It’s why humans took to wearing masks on the day. To appear like the ‘evil spirits’ they saw and not be set upon. But that was a long time ago. Thankfully travel to earth was now limited and illegal without proper pass. Though their were occasionally those that snuck through.

“You should come. You could use some fun.” His Purple Highness said.

“Walking around a forest full of loud, excited Fourth's is hardly what I call fun.” Shouta remarked.

“Hizashi is half High Elf.”

Shouta cursed again. High Elf’s were connected to the land. Of course Hizashi would want to and should participate. The celebration was more than just a festival. It had a physical effect on the Fourth's linked to nature.

“Teris should attend too.” His Purple Highness said.

“No.” Shouta's heckles rose at the thought of Teris accepting some revelers invitation to participate in the orgy known as the Sowing.

“I understand that Kai is instructing her. But as her Ilca leader you should be taking part in her learning.”

Shouta's lip twitched, biting back a snarl. Mind still on the Sowing, he imagined all the ways Kai was instructing her. It certainly didn’t help that Teris had returned yesterday smelling of sex and Kai.

“Bring your Ilca and just attend for the tamer beginning festivities.” His Purple Highness said. “Think of it as a lesson for Teris, and way to support Hizashi.”

Though he had denied His Purple Highness in the past, Shouta didn’t like to. He owed the Dryad. Even now His Purple Highness looked out for him. The least he could do was suffer an hour or two at the Harvest Moon Festival.

“Fine.” Shouta growled.

12.3

“Alone again.” Hawks smiled, seductively.

Trying to hide her unease Teris blustered. “If you kiss me again I’ll kill you.”

“I’m hurt. Like that lip you bit when I kissed you. I’m nothing if not professional, Teris. Now undress.”

“What!” Teris shrunk back clutching the neck of her tank top. She wished she’d worn more covering clothes.

“It’s an inspection. What’d you think I’d be looking over? Your resume?”

Teris swallowed. Her show of fear was giving him too much power. The Anzu’s toying smile and dancing eyes told of his enjoyment at her discomfort. Lowering her hand she met his shimmering gold eyes.

Hawks’ eyes narrowed. Anger and distress often caused a small show of a Fourth's true form. It’s probably why the Council Leader decided he would perform Teris’ inspection. Because he was good at playing with emotions and getting under peoples skin. But if Teris was going to bury her unease thus denying the opportunity of some display of her true form, then he had no other choice but to go through with the inspection. Not that he minded.

Teris looked Hawks over in judging distaste. “So are the Anzu some newly recognized species? I thought Hybrid’s were the only ones incapable of perfect human form.”

“Wow! Do you speak to Hizashi with that mouth?”

Teris grimaced. She really didn’t care. But given how much Kai made of it, thought it would be a sore spot to needle Hawks with.

“My species is a new old.” Hawks said, conversationally.

“A what?”

“Not new. Not old. And definitely not ancient. The wings and eye markings a show.” Hawks said of himself.

“Show of what?” Teris asked.

“You can put on that robe.” Hawks nodded to a covering hanging off the back of a chair.

“Show of what?” Teris pressed.

“Do you really wanna draw this out? Aizawa’s probably stayed standing outside. Waiting. Wondering.”

Teris lifted her chin. “I just want my question answered. Show of what?”

Hawks smirked. Proud. Stubborn. Entitled. He ticked the traits off in his head for later scrutiny. “Undress.”

“Turn around.”

Hawks’ smile grew. “I’m nothing if not a gentleman.”

Teris huffed. Hawks slowly turned away. She took a tentative step to the chair. Hawks looked over his shoulder making Teris pause.

“Just don’t go stabbing me in the back.”

“I’ll do more than that if you look back again.” Teris snarled.

“Ooo. Promise!” Hawks enthused. His wings opened and lifted creating a sort of screen between them that put Teris at ease.

Teris pulled off the tank top and hastily put on the robe. Her skin prickled at the touch of the cool silken fabric. It was shorter than she would've liked. Coming to just above her mid-thigh. But at least she wasn’t left in just her underwear. Not trusting Hawks, Teris turned away undoing her belt and pants.

Red feathers parted ever so slightly, a single gold eye peeking through. Hawks observed Teris’ movements more than her undressing. There were moments where she was fluid and graceful; like a cat. And others that reminded him of himself when agitated; quick and staccato. Bird like.

Back turned to the Anzu, Teris bent and pulled off her pants. Straightening, she felt a presence behind her and spun around. When had Hawks moved?

“Shall we begin?” Before Teris could respond, Hawks dropped into a squat in front of her.

Suddenly Hawks wrapped a hand around the back of her ankle and lifted her leg. Teris squeaked. Her body jerked, toes curling. Arms stretched out trying to help balance. She wobbled for a second but quickly steadied herself.

Hawks noted her reactive timing. And how she didn’t need the nearby chair. Though there was still no physical display of her true form.

“What the hell!” Teris squawked.

Interesting. While most voices took on a higher pitch when startled. There was a melodic chirp to Teris’ voice.

“Just checking your reflexes.” Hawks sung, Teris’ chirp bringing out the beastly bird in him. He set down her leg, hand and eyes running up the smooth flesh.

Teris shivered at the touch. When he got to her mid-thigh she stepped away.

Hawks met her glare with a smile. “I guess it would be rude to go any further without first buying you dinner. Other than Kai have you sought release with anyone else?”

“I’ve already done my interview.”

“So that’s a no.” Hawks declared. He got to his feet. “Since I’m staying on at Traverseen Hall for a while. Feel free to seek me out if you tire of Kai. Or just want some variety.”

“That’s never gonna happen.”

“I make it a point to never say never. Extend your arm.”

Teris did so. Allowing Hawks to push the sleeve of her robe up. He rotated her arm, hand and eyes examining the same way he had her leg. His fingers skimmed over the bracelet Shouta had given her. Teris tensed.

Hawks’ eyes narrowed and lifted taking in every minute expression. His fingers trailed down her palm, opening up her hand. Head lowering to the pulse point of her wrist, he breathed deeply. Her hereditary scent was definitely less distinct than it had been yesterday. And there was a muddled something to it that hadn’t been there before.

While it didn’t matter to him since he’d been unable to recognize her species scent. He wondered if any of the Council Elders would've been able to tell what she was if not for the obscuring difference.

His eyes focused on the bracelet she wore. The bracelet that hadn’t been on her wrist yesterday when her species scent was clear and distinctive. He wondered who gave it to her. Aizawa was the obvious choice since she hadn’t had it when she’d come from Kai, smelling of sex and the Dragon. Why would Kai want to muddle her species scent anyway? Then again, why would Shouta?

A talon sprung from his nail-bed, pricking the pad of Teris’ finger. Teris’ hand jerked back. She licked the small puncture. Hawks marked her treatment of the wound. The list of possible species she could be narrowed by small degrees.

“Take off the robe.”

Teris bared her teethed. “No.”

Hawks met her challenging glare with a mask of stern command.

“Why’d you give me the thing if you were gonna make me take it off?” Teris asked. “Trying to lure me into false comfort? Or do you just like toying with people?”

Like toying with people? Hawks thought. No. But I’m good at it. Trained at it. Along with a host of other things. Hawks’ mask of determination melted into one of mock sympathy. “What the Council giveth the Council can easily taketh away.”

Teris’ eyes widened thinking of Shouta and Kai’s lives. At Hawks’ smirk, her expression hardened. “You’re not the Council.”

“You’re right. But I am working for them. We all must obey and dance to the Council's tune if we wish to keep our lives and freedom. Now take off the robe.”

Teris paused. Caught between fearful compliance and proud defiance.

Seeing her hesitance, Hawks took pity and cajoled. “I told you. I’m nothing if not professional.”

“You’ve been far from professional.”

“It’s just a job, Little Bird.”

“Names like that make it seem more than a job.” Teris glared.

“Have you never enjoyed a job?” Hawks questioned. He both hated and loved this one. Teris was fun. The puzzle of figuring out what she was a unique challenge. Only trouble he had with the task was Teris was new to this world. She wasn’t like the others he’d spied on and lured into traps in the past. She was truly innocent and unprepared for the ways Oblvi worked and was run. And he had to pray on that innocence to get his answers.

It’s just a job, Hawks comforted himself. If he didn’t do it the Council Leader would send someone else, and he’d be ruined. Never mind what his Secret Boss who ordered him to watch Teris would do.

Suddenly Hawks was in her face. Teris pulled her head back only to have Hawks grab under her jaw, fingers pinching in her cheeks. He pulled her forward. Their noses almost touching. Hawks’ eyes darted over her face. His hair tickled her forehead.

Teris’ breath caught in her throat. Her eyes widened, unfocusing. The action was reminiscent of the way the scarred man use to grab and examine her, spitting terrifying words in her face.

Hawks’ wings sagged. No sign of her true form. Releasing her, he stepped back. “Robe off. Now.”

Heart hammering in her chest Teris untied the fabric belt with trembling hands. She tried to steady her breathing, telling herself the scarred man wasn’t here. He and his blue flames couldn’t hurt her.

The robe slipped from her shoulders. Hawks watched it puddled on the floor at her feet. Taking a fortifying breath, he schooled his features and lifted his eyes. Teris’ hips turned to the side. She crossed her arms shielding her bra covered breasts. The action squeezed her tits together enhancing her enticing cleavage.

Stay on target, Hawks told himself. This is a job. Not a pleasure. Yeah, but with a sight like that it kinda makes it a bit of both, he argued with himself. She doesn’t want you and there’s a Sphinx waiting outside that’ll tear you apart if you step out of line, he reminded.

Hawks slowly circled her. Booted feet deafening in the silence. Teris shivered. Though she couldn’t say if it was from the chill or Hawks’ roving gaze. She felt him stop behind her and bit her lip, fighting the urge to look back at him.

Fingers plucked the waistband of her panties. Teris spun around.

“Just checking for a tail.” Hawks smiled, crookedly. His eyes sharpened. Still no sign of her true form.

“Are we done?”

“Almost. Just wanna try one more thing.”

“Try for what?” Teris scowled. She yelped and turned, something tickling the back of her leg. It was one of Hawks’ feathers.

Hawks stepped to her. With a practiced snap of the bra strap he had her bra unhooked.

One arm clutched to her chest, Teris spun back around, other hand lifted. Hawks had but a moment to see the mild display. But a moment was all he needed. In place of peach fuzz there were tiny quills gracing Teris’ cheeks.

Her hand connected. The slap sharp and loud. Hawks’ head wrenched to the side. He held his throbbing cheek. The stinging skin hot under the palm of his hand.

Teris bent, free hand grabbing the robe. She grasped the fabric to her. “Out! This so called inspection is finished. We’re done.”

Feather re-attaching to his wing, Hawks turned to the door. The inspection might be done. But he was far from finished.

***This fic will have a LOT more world building than my others. Please feel free to comment or send me an ask if you have any questions.

Thank you to those who have left hearts. And a special thank you to those who have left comments and/or reblogged. They really mean a lot.

Special thank you to @inorganicone2230 who knows of my love for the mythic and encouraged me to start this fic without stressing about the other two I’ve got going. Your friendship means the world to me.

#aizawa shouta #kai chisaki #yamada hizashi #His Purple Highness #bnha #lost song

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jewish-gay-elves · 4 years ago

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A Night in Hightown

Tristan and Anders are called upon by Carver to help out with a strange letter he received at the estate. It may be Tristan's last journey to Hightown for a while.

Words: 1470, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 3 of the Tristan Amell: Bound to Fall Again

Fandoms: Dragon Age II, Dragon Age: Origins Rating: Teen and Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Categories: M/M Characters: Male Amell, Tristan Amell, Male Warden, Anders (Dragon Age), Carver Hawke, Varric Tethras Relationships: Tristan Amell/Anders, Male Amell/Anders, Anders/Male Warden Additional Tags: Canon-Typical Violence

“He really lives up here in all this pomp?” Tristan asked, trying to imagine his emotionally stunted cousin living amongst the high standard nobles of Kirkwall. Carver and Bethany were fairly average at least, however Lewis Hawke, a mage and known maleficar at this point, also lived with them in their estate. Looking upon the grand townhouse, the thought just confused him while he, Anders, and Carver waited on the last member of their little party to join them.

“Of course, where else would he live?” Carver answered, one part honest, and at least two parts annoyed about it. Tristan had to concede that he had a point. Lewis wasn’t exactly one who was able to hold onto a steady income. Or be able to get one in the first place. Or even look for one. Regardless, the point was that being a very angry maleficar was not a very profitable life to live, or a very acceptable one for that matter. Tristan could only imagine the hardships Carver and Bethany went through in order to keep their brother’s habits a secret from their mother, much less the rest of Kirkwall.

“Y’know, he reminds me of someone but I just can’t put my finger on it,” Anders said, looking to Tristan with his hand stroking his newly grown goatee. Tristan knew that Anders just hadn’t had the proper time to shave with all of the hubbub going on in the clinic, and training Bethany in healing magics, but Tristan still wished he would just shave it already.

“Say what darling?” Tristan said, remembering that Anders had addressed him with that statement, but Tristan had already forgotten what he had said.

“Maybe he just reminds me of Sigrun? They’re both so preoccupied with death,” Anders mused, at which Tristan just snorted.

“Sigrun? Be that grumpy and gloomy? Never, besides, she may break rules on occasion, but Lewis’ little habit? She’d never go that far,” Tristan said.

“You have me there, hmm, I’ll have to think about this again,” Anders said, shrugging his shoulders.

“Can you two stop talking about people who I’ve never even met? Gets annoying,” Carver barked, crossing his arms.

“Sorry lil’ Hawke. I know it can be hard to imagine that we have had lives in which we met other people before we met you,” Tristan said, lightly punching his cousin on the arm.

“Oh shut up, Hero. And smarten up, our dwarf is here,” Carver said as he shrugged him off.

“Apologies for my tardiness gentlemen, you know how those stairs go with these legs of mine,” Varric joked, Bianca slung on his back.

“Can we go now? The letter said to meet in Hightown at midnight but not where, so I figure we just wander a bit and see where our new ‘friends’ may be. Besides, I’d rather not have a brawl out in front of the estate where it might wake Mother” Carver said, already alert for any sort of trap.

“Normally your momma’s boy tendencies worry me but this time, I think I’m actually glad for it,” Anders said as they turned the corner.

“Not eager to incur my aunt’s wrath again are you? Imagine if she found out you didn’t eat yesterday because there were so many patients in the clinic,” Tristan teased, wiggling his fingers at Anders. Anders just slapped his hands away and laughed at Tristan’s antics.

“You came,” A surprised voice called out to their group, causing them all to turn.

“Who are you?” Carver asked as the woman approached. She was dressed head to toe in Templar regalia, doing nothing to set Anders or Tristan’s nerves at ease.

“You probably thought you got away with it, Ser Karras and the others deaths. Do you even remember them? They were searching for the missing Starkhaven apostates and were murdered. An inquiry determined that the apostates must have killed the templars, but I’ve suspected for years that Ser Thrask and you were responsible,” She said pointing accusingly in their direction. Carver had a look of recognition on his face at the name, and paused before answering.

“So you’re here to beat a confession out of me?” he asked, squaring his shoulders.

“I don’t need a confession,” she said sadly before calling out to the squad of templars behind her “My brothers, tonight, justice will be done,” she said, as they all began to draw their swords.

In retaliation, Varric and Carver drew their weapons from their backs as Tristan and Anders began to cast. Carver dove into the fray, trying to push back as many of the templars as he could, away from the two wardens. Varric, sticking as many bolts in them as he could, aiming for the spots where their armor didn’t cover. Tristan remained close to Anders, knowing that even if the templars managed to cast a Silence on the both of them, that he could still protect Anders with his shortswords. In the meantime though, they both were casting frost spell after frost spell trying to keep the templars distracted and immobile.

The spells were working for the most part, the ice freezing them to the ground and making it easier for Carver’s broadsword and Bianca’s bolts to hit their marks. However, in the commotion of all the templars beginning to surround Carver, and his pained grunts as some of them landed hits on him, the woman who originally spoke to them had snuck up on the two mages. With a shouted casting of Silence, Tristan and Anders’ spells flickered and went out from around them, the magic keeping Tristan’s rock armor around him fell and puddled around his feet. Fear gripping his heart, Tristan drew one of his swords and used his staff arm to push Anders behind him.

“The Maker shalt not suffer apostates to roam free!” she screamed as she thrust her sword at Tristan, managing to drive it in the space between his chestplate and shoulder armor. Tristan roared in pain accidentally dropping his staff to grab at the wound, none of his minimal healing skills coming to life like he wanted them to. It took all of his concentration to bring his weapon back up to defend from her next blow. Still favoring his wounded arm he used two hands to wield the sword, defending and attempting to fight her off.

Without either noticing, Anders had managed to scramble back far enough to snatch a sword from a fallen templar. Using his slender statue, he wove between pillars in the square to get behind the woman who was currently fighting Tristan. She wore the lighter version of the templar garb, meaning that rather than plate armor on her back, it was thickened leather. While it was tough, not unpierceable, as Anders found out for himself as he drove the stolen sword right in the middle of her back. She slumped with a death scream and Anders felt his magic return to him as he rushed to Tristan and his wounded shoulder. Casting a quick spell to numb the area, Anders shot a quick look back to where their companions still fought.

Carver, lagging with exertion, and Varric who was hurriedly loading Bianca again as the final templars moved in on the youngest Hawke again. Anders fired off a Haste spell for Carver, at which he visibly perked and attacked the last three templars with new vigor. Varric nor Carver looked extremely hurt and so Anders returned his attention to Tristan. After the battle was done, Carver and Varric hurried over to find Anders trying to knit the muscles in Tristan’s shoulder back together again. Tristan had passed out sometime during all of this, only to groan as Carver hurriedly threw him over his shoulder. Anders snagged Tristan’s forgotten sword and staff and then the four of them went to the back entrance of the Amell Estate and down into the basement to the Darktown exit next to the clinic.

Anders hurried his three companions inside and began to heal the small cuts and bruises that Varric and Carver had received while they waited for Tristan to reawaken.

“Junior, can we agree to some more thoughtful screening of strange offers requiring us to meet people in dark corners late at night?” Varric joked, to which Carver only bristled as Anders waved his hands over the deepest of his cuts.

“Still better to take care of plotting nobles rather than let them figure out how to collaborate,” Tristan said, groaning as he sat up. Anders hurried to his side, having finished with Carver’s wounds, and began checking him over again.

“Though it still may be awhile before I dare venturing back up to Hightown and all that pomp,” Tristan joked, winking at Carver as the younger Hawke/Amell only rolled his eyes in response.

#writing #tristan #dragon age #tristan amell #dragon age II #anders #dragon age: origins #m!amell #da #carver hawke #da2 #varric tethras #dao #m!amell x anders

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missjosie27 · 4 years ago

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Year 3 Part 10- Defending

Hello, everyone.

Welcome back to another chapter. As we last left off, Barnaby officially joined David's side and we get to see some of the ramifications of that today. Wonder what poor Merula thinks of that XD

Elora Dunn I made a Hufflepuff in this version as opposed to Gryffindor. Seemed redundant with a character like Ben already in that house.

Also in this chapter I will feature a small cameo from Chester Davies. My character is a Gryffindor so of course we don't see him that much but I head cannoned him to show up at some point so I hope I did him justice. It is a small bit of filler in here today but as with everything in my story, it's all about the small details and development. Two more to go for Year 3! Enjoy!

If it were any other Slytherin, the new addition to the cursebreaking squad might have been quite awkward. With Barnaby the fit was so seamless, it was though he’d already known everyone for years. Despite his reputation as being one of the toughest kids in school with a penchant for dueling, winning him over revealed a key aspect of his character: that in reality he was just a big softie.

Barnaby loved to duel and learn new spells, his physical strength was immense (as evidenced by being able to lift Rowan off the ground using one hand with ease) and he was already quite tall for his age. But he also carried many other previously unknown attributes, the first of which was that he had a way with animals. He took particular interests in bowtruckles and nifflers, being the only person who knew how to tame them. Professor Kettleburn was so impressed, he made him a full time protege in handling more dangerous creatures such as hippogriffs and even the invisible thestrals.

He also loved to eat and would consume so much food in one sitting that one of the prefects at the Hufflepuff table actually had to ask him to save some for the first years. But above all else, Barnaby Lee at his core was a kind person and despite not being academically inclined, had a simple way of expressing things that put a problem into perspective. Perhaps most telling was that he never truly desired to hurt anyone and would defend those he cared about with vigor.

He explained all of this to Penny in Herbology, who giggled at some of the stories.

“Honestly, I’m actually really glad you introduced him to us the other night, even if he consumed half the food on the table,” she laughed. “I know most people think he’s slow, but he’s so sweet. Chiara went redder than a strawberry when he complimented her necklace.”

The aforementioned girl proceeded to flush the same color.

“I did not!” she protested.

David rolled his eyes as he tended to his dried nettles.

“That’s just because you girls think he’s handsome.”

Penny gave him a playful swat on the head.

“It is not...okay maybe a little.”

David clutched his hands together in a girly, romantic gesture and began speaking in a mock feminine tone.

“Oh Barnaby Lee, he’s ever so dreamy with his green eyes and enormous jaw!”

That earned him a triple swat, this time from Penny, Tonks, and Chiara.

“Focus on your dried nettles, dears!” Professor Sprout called out spotting the mischief from her place at the center of the table.

“Sorry, Professor!” David called out and he added some water to his pot.

“He’s handsome don’t get me wrong, but he’s not my type,” Tonks commented.

“What is your type?”

The pink haired witch shrugged.

“Don’t know really. Haven’t thought about it much.”

“I know Penny and Chiara have been thinking about Madam Puddifoot’s tea shop,” David joked as he falsely gagged, while ducking another swipe from a giggling Penny. “Anyway, the point is, Barnaby is a good bloke. And he’s dead useful to have around.”

“I’m surprised you of all people have accepted someone from Slytherin so readily,” Rowan teased him, coming up behind him to borrow some soil.

“Hey I’m a pretty easy going bloke, I can admit when I’m wrong.”

“Except when it comes to Slytherin apparently,” Tonks teased, which earned her a splat of dung on her robes.

Despite the jokes, the more David was able to get to know Barnaby the more he could feel his animosity slip away. In fact, he almost didn’t mind when the Slytherins became the favorites to win the Quidditch Cup after trouncing Hufflepuff 400-70, the key word being ‘almost’. But there was a practical side to it as well. Upon learning her former minion switched sides, Merula was beside herself with rage and began embarking on a campaign to make both of their lives as difficult as possible. Her taunting became subdued but she constantly attempted to blow up his cauldron in potions, put a flobberworm down the back of his pants, and tried hexing him on more than one occasion in the corridors. It was a mark of frustration; she was no closer to finding the vault but the constant attempts at sabotage began to wear thin.

“You need to learn how to properly defend yourself,” Barnaby told him one day after potions class, a session in which Merula caused the fire underneath his cauldron to flare, which singed off his eyebrows.

“I already know how to defend myself, I’ve beaten Merula in every proper duel we’ve had,” he argued keeping his head down, trying not to let passerbys witness his eyebrow less state.

“Most duels aren’t ‘proper’, Dave. Especially not if Merula is the one starting them. It’s better to be prepared for all kinds of ways people will try to attack you.”

“How come she leaves you alone?” he bemoaned.

“Oh, she doesn’t,” Barnaby admitted. “First she yelled at me and told me I was a traitor so I don’t sit with her anymore. Then she somehow snuck into my dorm and put bulbadox powder into my sheets. I was itching for days after that...”

“-that’s good to know-”

“But you still have a lot to learn. Especially defense.”

“Bill Weasley taught me a few things,” David offered.

“Did he?” Barnaby asked with wonder. “I’ve always heard the Weasley family loved the color orange. Don’t know much about their dueling, though.”

“Er right...well Bill’s definitely talented there’s no doubt about that. Perhaps we could work together on improving.”

Barnaby puffed up his chest with pride.

“If there’s one thing I know how to do, it’s how to fight and teach others how to do it. Also I’ve always wanted to duel a fifth year!”

“We’ll get a spar going soon, mate,” David promised. “In the meantime, I need Madam Pomfrey to regrow my bloody eyebrows.”

It turned out to be solid advice. Though his offensive prowess was high, especially for his age, it turned out the third year Gryffindor did not know much about spells that would protect him from harm as well as cause it. This became apparent when both Bill and Barnaby bested him by simply using shield charms to block whatever he cast. In an effort to improve and become more versatile, he began learning defensive strategies and the application of the shield charm itself. The burly Slytherin also warned him that Merula and Ismelda were constantly studying in the library and by the fireside in an effort to gain an edge when the inevitable rematch occurred.

With Merula Snyde, it’s more like a never ending rematch

However, what he didn’t know was all of this was about to come in handy in a most unexpected way.

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

It all happened quite suddenly and quite by accident.

On an average Saturday morning in early April, David was walking back from his brother’s room after another planning session with Tulip when he noticed Argus Filch prowling along the usual route past the Transfiguration classroom. Though he technically wasn’t doing anything wrong, he still didn't want the caretaker to cast a suspicious eye towards him anywhere near the secret location. So he took a detour through the gardens instead.

Inside the viaduct architecture, he was idly wondering to himself how close Rowan was to breaking the final bit of code inside his brother’s notebook (as well as how pretty Penny looked in her new jumper dress and spring boots) when he noticed something peculiar and also a bit disturbing. Over by the large tree where some the older students liked to hang out, he noticed five of them were standing over a smaller, terrified looking girl who was practically trembling with fear.

Part of himself told him that it wasn’t his business and it was best not to get involved. But the sense of justice, always strong in his persona, prevailed and he made an abrupt perpendicular cut across the grass and towards the commotion. As he drew closer he could hear the dialogue, which only served to feed his temper.

“...didn’t mean to. Please, I don’t want to fight.”

“Shoulda thought of that before you nosed into an area that you don’t belong in,” one of the lead bullies said harshly.

“B-but it’s not your area,” the little girl argued. “It’s for everyone who goes to Hogwarts!”

By now, David had a better look. The girl in question was a first year Hufflepuff who definitely fit the part of someone traditionally ‘uncool’. Thick glasses, short, copper colored brown hair, an oversized sweater to couple with several books clutched in her small hands. There were five who were currently bullying the poor first year, three boys and two girls, at least half of which were from Slytherin and the other two appeared to be Ravenclaw. The leader was a sixth year he recognized as Hadrian Flint, a member of a prominent family of the same name, a brown haired, freckle faced boy with poor teeth and an upward nose that reeked of arrogance. Also present was Ismelda Murk for some reason, who looked as though she happened upon the scene and was along for whatever kicks she could find.

“Just beat it, kid,” one of the Ravenclaws said. “This is our spot. Don’t make us do this the hard way.”

“And besides, Hogwarts doesn’t belong to people like you,” Flint told her nastily while his Slytherin companion nodded in agreement.

“And who would that be exactly?”

His unannounced presence caused Hadrian to spin around and face his challenger. His face immediately became a pronounced sneer.

“Get lost, Gryffindor. This doesn’t concern you.”

“Don’t be shy, Flint. Let the whole world know what you were about to say. I’m sure it will be most enlightening.”

Flint took a step forward but was soon informed by his companion who exactly this Gryffindor was with a whisper to the ear.

“Ahh...the cursebreaker. Well how bout I cut you a deal since I’m feeling right generous today. You go back to your curses and I’ll go back to this curse. Sound fair?”

“She didn’t have any idea this spot is where the older students hang out. Let her go.”

Though Hadrian was taller, David was not about to back down. He knew the reason he was picking on this poor girl and despite being outnumbered was not about to let her become the victim of a borderline torture session like Diana Blishwick the previous year.

“Mudbloods like her don’t deserve anything except learning their place,” Ismelda spoke now, a vicious gleam forming in her cold, gray eyes.

“Shut your hole, Izzy. I’m not even sure what you’re doing here but I do know that Merula’s boots need polishing. Give them some extra shine, will ya?”

Ismelda pulled out her wand in retaliation for the remark but Flint told her off in equally harsh fashion.

“Stow it you greasy giraffe neck. Honestly you could be Snape’s daughter with that hair.”

David might have laughed had the older Slytherin not been as equally reprehensible. The Ravenclaw girl and boy (which were evidently a couple) didn’t seem as perturbed anymore, but the rest of the group was hellbent on doing something awful to the muggle born Hufflepuff.

“Last chance. Leave or you suffer just as she does,” Flint told him menacingly. Again, David did not back down, instead he crossed over and put the much smaller girl behind him.

“Don’t make any sudden movements,” he told her. “And stay behind me. What’s your name?”

“Elora...Elora Dunn,” came the frightened reply.

“Well, Elora...brace yourself.”

He turned his attention back to Flint, Ismelda, and the other three students that were there. The Ravenclaws did nothing but the other two Slytherins withdrew their wands and Ismelda’s evil smirk grew wider.

“Have it your way then,” the tall Slytherin shrugged. “Immobilus! ”

“Protego! ”

It was his first attempt at using the spell in an actual battle and the results were quite effective. An invisible, reflective shield formed in front of himself and Elora Dunn, causing the spell to ricochet and deflect right back at its owner, freezing his body in place. Within seconds, Hadrian Flint toppled over in a heap on the grass.

It was a victory but a short lived one as the other two Slytherins readied their wands while David still guarded the first year girl. Given his narrow position and the fact that he was protecting someone else he doubted he could fend off two more opponents at the same time. Thankfully, it was not required as suddenly a prefect arrived at the scene, recognizing him to be Chester Davies, who was also head boy.

“Enough! You will stop this now!”

The Ravenclaw couple hadn’t drawn their wands in the first place, but Ismelda did not comply, sending a common cold hex towards David which missed, though the other Slytherin did heed the order.

“I said that’s enough! Five points from Slytherin!” Chester shouted, pointing directly at the third year Slytherin, who reluctantly relented, her pale expression now extremely sour.

“What in Merlin’s name is happening here?” he continued to inquire. “Dueling is forbidden.”

His gaze settled on David and he knew the time to explain was now. He had never interacted with Chester before though there was a chance he knew of his cursebreaking exploits. Either way it was best to act quickly.

“I didn’t start whatever you witnessed,” he told him. “Flint and his goons were attempting to harm Elora here.”

The first year Hufflepuff peeked out from behind his back at long last.

“It’s true. He defended me when I thought I was about to be hexed. They called me a uh…”

The poor thing, David thought sadly. She clearly had not heard that word used against her yet. Anger flared within him knowing it wouldn’t be the last.

He mouthed the word ‘mudblood’ to the Head Boy, who’s face reeled in horror. Chester Davies, known for his mellow, taciturn demeanor then unleashed quiet fury, first on the Ravenclaw couple.

“But we didn’t do anything!” the fifth year boy protested.

“You still threatened her,” Chester said coldly. “And by standing by and allowing the other three to do harm you have disgraced yourself.”

“The little brat wouldn’t leave!” the girl shouted back.

But that only served to further their scolding

“You claim to be part of our house and yet have the wit and foresight of a damp rag. I will be reporting this to Professor Flitwick and I will recommend detention for a week. Five points from Ravenclaw.”

Chester then took the time to reluctantly unfreeze Hadrian Flint, who immediately leapt to his feet and tried to spin a tale.

“You all saw it! He attacked me!”

“Stuff it, Flint,” the Ravenclaw immediately shut down. “I saw you cast the first spell and I know the word this one used to describe Miss Dunn,” she said, indicating Ismelda, who looked as though she wanted nothing more than to kill everyone present. “Rest assured, McGonagall will be informed as will Professor Snape.”

Furious and belligerent, Flint spat on the ground, uttering, “Blood traitor.”

David thought Chester might blow a gasket (he knew he would have) but instead he coolly regarded him as though he were simply another stone inside the Hogwarts walls.

“Better a blood traitor than what you are, Flint. Now get out of here.”

The tall, lanky Slytherin heeded her this time and shuffled away with his companion. Ismelda had seemingly skulked off as well.

“I’ll handle these two,” Chester told him, as he too ordered his housemates away. “You see to it that the first year gets back to the Hufflepuff common room. You did a good thing today.”

Admiration increased for the Head Boy as David nodded and looked over to Elora, giving a kind look.

“Come on, let’s go.”

As they walked back towards kitchens, he noticed Elora fidgeting as though she wanted to say something. Eventually, she mustered up the courage.

“Um...what’s your name?”

“David,” he replied simply.

“Thank you, David for saving me back there. I wish I was brave like you.”

He stopped just before they reached the barrels leading to the Hufflepuff common room and knelt down to make proper eye level contact with her.

“Elora, you’re already brave. At no point in time did you move when those gits asked you too. There wasn’t a braver person today in all of Hogwarts.”

She beamed so much David thought she might shed tears over the books she was carrying. Then, her face became puzzled.

“What was that name that girl called me?” came the innocent but horrifying question.

David sighed, he’d hoped it wouldn’t come to him having to explain something like that. But he wasn’t going to pull punches either. Someone like Elora needed to know the intentions of people such as Flint, Ismelda, and others.

“You come from a family with no magical background. Therefore some that do think you aren’t as good as they are,” he said sadly.

“But why?”

Therein lay the crux of the issue: why . Truth was, he could give many reasons why but none of them could adequately explain prejudice. It was something you lived through, but nothing about it was logical.

“It’s complicated,” came his reply. “Just know this: you are just as worthy to study magic as anyone else here. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise….also learning a few jinxes wouldn’t hurt either.”

“Can you teach me?”

Though he was a bit surprised, the innocent eyed look of this first year softened the dubiousness of his answer.

“Sure thing. We can find the time.”

Elora nodded and suddenly gave him a big hug, unexpectedly throwing off his balance.

“Ack! He...thanks kid.”

The first year tapped second barrel from the bottom in a distinct rhythm and skipped her way inside, but David didn’t immediately leave leave the area. He paused, willing himself not to drive himself into a fury over what just occurred.

Not all Slytherins are bad

David thought of Barnaby and how he was able to persuade him to change sides and the difference it made in his character. Or the eccentric Liz Tuttle helping him with potions ingredients. Then he thought of people like Ammon Lucian, Hadrian Flint, Ayla Yaxley, and Ismelda Murk and the pit of black vengeance returned, bubbling like tar ready to consume all who became entrapped in it.

As if to punctuate the conflict, Merula Snyde popped into his mind as did Liz Tuttle’s words regarding her

“Merula’s not all bad…well she’s mostly bad. But I know for a fact she’s had a hard life and she’s not always what she seems.”

He shook his head. What did she mean by that? He knew Merula’s parents were locked up in Azkaban but by all accounts she lived like a queen in Hertfordshire in the Snyde Manor. At no point in time had she ever apologized or bothered to show there was anything lurking beneath except vicious arrogance and deceit.

So why was there pain in her lavender eyes every time he beat her in a duel? Why was she so obsessed? What was it about him and his brother that Merula couldn’t let go?

David pushed those thoughts aside for now, having little time or patience to figure out the psychological ramifications of the house of snakes. There was homework to finish and another vault to find and break its curse.

If it took a few Slytherins, whether enemies or friends, to get there he would do so.

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

David never expected much to come of his deeds the previous Saturday. As far as he was concerned, the act of aiding Elora suited him just fine. They’d even scheduled a time to meet where he could show her a few spells. Come Monday, however, that changed.

While at breakfast with Ben, Charlie, and Jae (the latter of whom was chugging multiple goblets of milk on a bet) he was called to the head table by Professor McGonagall.

“David Grant!” she called out. “Please step forward.”

By this time, he temporarily forgot about what had happened and assumed whatever his head of house wanted was nothing good. Usually when they talked outside of class it was due to some trouble he’d been up to or the cursed vaults...oftentimes both.

“Yes, Professor?” he asked as he reached her place at the faculty chair.

“It has come to my attention that you were involved in an altercation last weekend involving a first year student and five others.”

David felt his heart quicken. Was she really about to punish him for doing the right thing?

“Yes...I was.”

But he need not have worried, for in the next moment she gave him a rare smile.

“Do not worry yourself, Mr. Grant. I know you were attempting to protect Miss Dunn from those who sought to make her feel unwelcome and unwanted.”

Her nostrils flared showing a subtle moment of anger before it vanished and she continued.

“Your actions are to be commended. Twenty points to Gryffindor for your courage and defense of those younger than yourself.”

Fear instantly turned to immense happiness as he reciprocated the smile.

“Thank you, Professor.”

“You are welcome. And do tell Mr. Kim that he will likely vomit if he continues in his high consumption of milk. I do not want a mess in the Great Hall nor in my classroom when it occurs today.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“I expect nothing less from one of my best Transfiguration students.”

He was sent on his way feeling considerably proud of himself for getting the normally strict and reserved Professor McGonagall to show not only a positive emotion but pride in him. And there was more yet to come. Before he could retake his seat, another familiar face confronted him, this time in the person of Angelica Cole.

“I heard what happened as well, David.”

“In case you were wondering, I earned twenty house points out of it so by your standards I should be showered with roses, am I right?”

Angelica rolled her eyes but her mouth twisted upwards in a smile all the same.

“Incorrigible as ever. But I want to echo McGonagall’s sentiments. Chester told me everything and what you did is precisely what our house is supposed to entail: courage, protecting those who cannot protect themselves.”

She paused before continuing.

“When we first met I thought you were going to be another troublemaker. But I was wrong. And I want to apologize.”

David was surprised, not necessarily by the apology (he and Angelica had gotten on fine this year) but the sentiment she was showing. There was a heavy amount of emotion in her eyes and an acute sense of something bigger at stake.

“Angelica, are you alright?”

“Do you know why I’m saying these things?” she asked him point blank.

“Because I’m just so naturally charming?”

“Because I’m leaving,” Angelica corrected, ignoring his joke. “I have less than two months left at Hogwarts before I graduate. And whether you realize it or not, you’re rising in seniority. David, I want you to take my place after I’m gone.”

He blinked a couple of times, hardly daring to believe his ears.

“I’m sorry, what?”

“I know it isn’t coming for at least two more years. But before I leave Hogwarts I’m going to recommend to Professor McGonagall that you be made prefect when your time comes. Through everything there is a quality you have that stands out: leadership.”

David couldn’t help but remain shocked at the ringing endorsement but there it was. He had gone from pain in the arse to leadership material in the span of two years. Nevertheless, he thanked his prefect sincerely.

“Angelica...this means a great deal. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Thank yourself,” she said smiling. “I told you at the beginning of the year that you were worth more than wisecracks and being Jacob Grant’s younger brother. You’ve earned that distinction and much more.”

The conversation ended as the seventh year was forced to quell a potential food fight at the end of the Gryffindor table and David rejoined his group but with positive thoughts to enjoy for once.

“What happened with McGonagall and Angelica?” Charlie asked. “You certainly seem pleased.”

“I dunno mate, they’ve appeared to take a liking to me all of a sudden.”

“Everyone likes you, Dave,” Ben reminded him.

“Thank you for the vote of confidence, Ben. But even my popularity has limitations. In particular with a brown haired, deriding, boot wearing, Slytherin girl.”

“Wouldn’t worry about her so much,” Jae replied, by now having stopped chugging milk though he still sported a white mustache as a result. “She ain’t exactly popular among her own house anymore. Most people find her insulting and cruel.”

“She can sit on a pin for all I care,” David shrugged. “Maybe I’m just becoming a little more mature.”

“That’s hilarious,” Charlie laughed.

“So is your bloody snoring even though it keeps me up at night.”

They continued to banter like this for the rest of breakfast when Rowan happened on the scene and right away everyone could tell he had stumbled upon something quite important just by the look in his eye.

“Rowan, you’re just in time to see whether or not Jae can light a fire from his wand with a fart."

But the joke either didn’t register or it paled in comparison to the news

“I need to speak to you,” he said directly to David. “Alone.”

Shrugging but also silently recognizing that something big was going on he played it off as though it were nothing to avoid arousing suspicion.

“Alright then. Lead the way.”

As careful and inconspicuously as they could, Rowan and David exited the Great Hall and into a private column within the corridor. Upon making sure no one was watching, the former of the two boys pulled out a familiar, leatherback, brown notebook.

“I did it,” he whispered. “I finally managed to match the half page to another message in the book and decipher it.”

This was indeed wonderful news and David could hardly wait to hear it. Excitement pulsed through his veins, barely being able to contain it.

“Rowan that’s amazing! Go on! What does it day?”

Proudly and pompously flipping to the correct page, Rowan read the information aloud but also in a hushed tone so no one would hear them.

“‘The entrance is the Restricted Section of the library. That is the source of the fear and the vault itself.’ ”

David ran a hand through his hair, ecstatic but also mentally kicking himself. Of all the places they looked, the one place they forgot was the restricted section?

“I know that look,” Rowan told him seriously. “Don’t beat yourself up. None of us here had any idea where the entrance was, even with your brother’s notes. But it doesn’t matter now.”

Drive and passion drove David to new levels of happiness and determination. They had managed to navigate through all manner of blockages, dead ends, and run arounds only to finally come through in the end. They knew where the vault was and now it was time.

“Time to break into this latest cursed vault,” he spoke aloud.

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