#give ‘em a day and they’ll take a week. give ‘em a lifetime and they’ll take your fuckin soul too

[samwisefamgee]

were it not for the laws of this land I would rip apart anyone who ever tries to put me in a scenario

[sylvain-writes]

Guarded Hearts and Safe Houses (Leonardo x Reader) Chapter 6/9

Rated: T

Gender Neutral Reader, canon typical violence/injury, light angst, strangers to lovers, supportive family.

for @melodiousmelodrama

Maybe Mikey should have called ahead to say you were coming down. Maybe you should have asked permission from Leo, their appointed leader, to enter their new home. But Mikey invited you and you hadn’t heard from Leo in almost two weeks. Maybe Leo shouldn’t be shutting you out when all you’ve ever done is be there to help.

The platform looks great. Donnie’s setup spans the entire western wall. You think he must run himself tired going up and down the line, but the skateboard under his feet helps him make it a quick and easy ride from one end of his work station to the other.

“Raph’s down there, probably.” Mikey waves down the tracks. “Streets have been kinda quiet. It makes him uneasy. 'specially when we know the Krang are out there, but we can’t find ‘em.”

“Dare I ask about-”

“Leo? Heh. He’s probably training. Sensei has him working on finding balance." Mikey walks the rail with ease, one foot in front of the other. "You see, Leo’s been all kinds of bent outta shape since he walked out on you.”

“Leo didn’t walk out on anybody, Mikey,” you say with a frown.

With a leap, he turns to you. “Anyway! Leo’s been having some trouble focusing so… he’s in the ha'shi.”

You let Mikey lead the way up the opposite end of the platform until you hear a stern voice barking commands. “Find your center, Leonardo. Strength, speed, stealth… these are things that can waver, can fail, and still you keep focus on your path.”

“Yes, Master Splinter.”

You watch, with Mikey, from the edge of the small room. It must have been designated for another track, but it’s far more run down than the one Leo chose for his family.

Leonardo’s muscles strain and tremble as he holds himself on the ropes suspended overhead. His twin swords cut through the air like a dance.

“He’s really something else.”

“Huh?” Raphael comes up behind you smelling every bit as bad as Mikey promised he would. “Oh, yeah, he’s a real piece o’ work.”

Raphael raises his voice as he claps for his brother, “Good work, Leo! Nice form, brutha! Dropping that left still, but you’re comin’ around!”

All the cajoling doesn’t break Leonardo’s focus for an instant.

“I wonder if he even notices I’m here,” you say to no one.

“You ain’t said Hi to our guest yet? Come on, man, we raised you betta than that, Leo!”

Leo does a double take at his brothers, at you standing between them, and loses concentration. All it takes is one instant of distraction to have him falling from the ropes onto his shell.

“Ha ha!” Raph and Mikey bump fists.

Seeing they made Leo fall, you figure Splinter is going to have it out for the younger turtles, but the sensei's frustration is focused on Leo alone. “You mustn’t be so easily distracted, Leonardo. Clear your mind.”

Leo sits up and shakes off the shock of impact.

Splinter follows Leo’s line of sight to you. “This is the cause of your distraction? Of your failures? This human?”

You don’t think you should be insulted. You’re the outsider here. And if what Splinter is saying is true, then you’re dangerous. You’re dangerous if your presence means Leo’s unfocused, if it means that Leo has been making mistakes.

You swallow hard and bite your tongue and wait for Leonardo to say something. To stand up for you, to throw you under the bus. To say anything that would give you a clue as to how to respond.

“You. You.” Splinter points his gnarled staff from you to Leonardo and then raps it against the cement at his feet. “Speak. Communication. Trust. Honor.”

You think there will be more. More explanation. More reprimand. But Splinter taps his staff against the floor again, and then he’s gone. You think he walks out. You’re pretty sure he walks out. He can’t just disappear. Can he?

Your eyes are drawn back to Leo at the sound of him shuffling on the straw mat. “He’s right," you say, wishing you didn't have to. "If I’m a distraction, I should stay out of your way.”

Leo rubs his shell as he stands. “Then why did you come?”

“Mikey… he-”

“Mikey? Of course it was. Of course it was Mikey, or Donnie, or Raph.”

There's an accusation in his words. It fans your frustration with him into anger. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Leo huffs, throws up his hands, and gathers up his katanas from the ground.

“You’re never around, Leo. They look out for me and my family. They kept their promise to look after us.”

Leo's eyes are piercing. He sheaths his swords at his back without dropping his gaze. “I kept my promise.”

“Then where have you been?”

“I stayed away. The Krang is looking for me. I’m not going to lead them back to you. Not again." Squaring his shoulders, Leo faces you head on. His words are stiff. But he places a hand over his heart, and you remember the soft warmth of that hand under yours.  "I swore I would protect your family, on my honor. And I am doing that. By staying away, by keeping my brothers close. But you…”

“Me? What about me? I’ve offered you everything. And you pushed me away." That day on the mat, when everything was broken but Leo held you close, feels like it was a lifetime ago. "So, what? You’re mad that I made friends with your brothers? They were there, Leo.”

Leo wrings his hands in front of him as he begins walking forward and back. When his paces draw him near, you can see the tightness in his jaw, the flush of his cheeks, the shine of unshed tears in his eyes. “Mikey’s been upset since we came down here. I thought it was just the move, but it was more than that… He opened up to you.”

“And you’re mad?”

“He opened up to you! You’re a stranger!” No, it isn’t anger in his voice.

“I’m a friend,” you say softer. “To them and I thought to you too.”

“I’m their brother. Their leader.: He presses his lips together and you think, maybe, his chin is trembling. You think, maybe, there is sadness in his wavering tone. “They're supposed to come to me. I’m supposed to see when they need me.”

“Sometimes people need a friend though. To talk to someone outside of the family, someone who isn’t their older brother.” After that moment in the old dojo, Leo must understand what it is to hide. “Mikey didn’t go to you because... he can see you’re doing the best you can. That you’re trying so hard to hold it all together. Didn’t want to seem ungrateful.”

"You don't know us like that. You don't get to have us like that. He's my brother. My responsibility."

Raising a hand to hold his, to comfort him like the night when the Lair was destroyed, you come forward. "You take on so much, Leo."

But he considers your outstretched hand with a hard stare. "No. You think you know me. You're too familiar. You saw what you shouldn't have seen."

"It's not a weakness to need someone sometimes."

"I don't need you. We don't need you."

You stare at Leo and let what he says really sink in, for him and for you. Your parents taught you to notice when someone is hurting. They instilled it in you to help when you can. But you won’t stay where you’re unwanted.

With a nod you acknowledge Leo’s rejection. Though his words expressed his wish to be left alone, he pales as you take a step back. He inhales a sharp breath as you withdraw your support. But when you walk away, he doesn’t ask you to stay.

Splinter waits for you at the edge of the mat, staff in hand, scowl in place.

“He doesn’t want to talk,” you say. You’re tired. You’re tired of giving yourself and being cast aside.

Splinter’s voice is deep and broken. “Then make him listen.”

You turn. And without taking any steps toward Leo, you raise your voice to grab his attention. "I'm going to help Mikey with his room. He misses Raph. That's the big secret. He isn't used to having his own room and he isn't sleeping through the day.” Leo doesn’t even look up. Too focused on polishing his swords.

You sigh before continuing, hoping he’ll listen. “He's hurting, not because you did anything wrong or because he's mad at anything you did. He's just having a hard time with the transition. If Raph agrees, we're gonna make windows between them so when Mikey needs to, they can hear each other."

At that, Leo pauses his work. "They'll keep each other up. Pick on each other until I come down on them."

"Is that what they used to have?"

Leo wipes his blades with a cloth and shrugs.

"Then maybe that's what they need, for now."

Leo’s quiet for a long while. You consider leaving, but something in your gut tugs you to go over to him instead.

He still hasn’t lifted his gaze, when he grumbles, "How did you get so smart?"

Your self-deprecating laugh comes out in huff. "I'm not.” You remember that night on the roof, when you should have run, but moved closer to the action instead. “I saw a fight between mutants and an alien and got caught. I'm reckless."

Leo offers the barest shake of his head. "You saw Mikey was hurt. You stuck your neck out for us.” There’s a glance where your eyes meet and you forget to breathe. “You got a big heart."

Your response is a whisper. "Right back at ya.”

There's a pause, a quiet. When Leo's cloth runs down the blade again, it doesn't feel like he’s putting on a show. Doesn’t feel like he’s trying to ignore or dismiss your company. It's routine. He's caring for his blades and you're there with him.

You take a seat on the mat and pick at the laces on your shoe. "Heart's not a bad thing, y'know. Loving your family, it's what drives you. I've always admired that about you."

"My family needs me. I have to think with my head, not my heart.” And just like that, Leo’s starts building his walls of defense, brick by brick. “I've seen what thinking with one's heart can do to a person. Passion clouds the mind.”

Leo rolls his shoulders, focuses on his task as he strengthens his resolve. "I fight because to walk away would be cowardly and shameful. It would bring dishonor to my family.” You wonder if those are his true beliefs or if they’re ones drilled into him by his father. “I fight because I am able. I am strong where others are vulnerable."

It breaks your heart to hear him pit strength and vulnerability against each other, as if they are mutually exclusive. "A reed before the wind lives on, while mighty oaks do fall.”

Leo gives only a hum in reply.

“It's ok to be vulnerable every once in a while. Better to bend than break.” You move closer to him as he oils the pommel. “Leo, you used to let me see you. Really see you. What changed?"

You place your hand on his blade and push it away with easy pressure. "Leo."

He lays the sword and cloth on the floor and looks at you with open palms. "I don't know if I can be both."

"Both?"

There’s a different kind of tension in his shoulders. Not the kind that he wears when he’s closing himself off, but the kind he wears when he’s trying to open himself up. "I don't know if I can be the man who teases you into getting hearing aids and still be the leader my brother's need in a fight."

The corner of your mouth lifts in an easy smile. "Leo,” you say, relief and affection moving through you like a wave, “you'll never be the tease. You'll always be the one pretending not to listen.” His frown twitches, and you take his hand. “But you'll hear me."

"How do you know?"

"Because you heard me all the other times. When I asked you to let my family help yours. When I asked for your trust. When I asked you to trust your brothers with the new Lair. You listened now, when I told you about Mikey."

Leo takes your hand in his and draws you to your feet. He pulls you in until you're standing close enough to hear his breath. "I'm supposed to look after my family."

"And maybe sometimes you can let me look after you."

Leo's expression turns soft. His eyes lose the last remnants of their walls and his head tilts as he assesses the sincerity in your voice.

“You came into our world and turned it upside down,” he says. “I don’t know if I can.”

Despite his words, Leo inches closer. His hands slide up your arms to your elbows. His fingers curl around your arms as he takes a trembling breath.

Your hand rises to his chest. Pauses over his heart before it moves to his cheek, briefly brushing the edge of his frown. “It’s OK… if you don’t need me. But if you do-”

You’re hushed by the feeling of Leo’s thumb caressing your cheek. You’re stilled by the sensation of his hand smoothing down your hair. “If I do,” he says, waiting for you to fill in the rest.

“Then I’m right here.”

The quiet spell is broken when Donatello rushes into the gym, skidding to a stop at the edge of the mat.

Leo pulls away from you quickly and strides to his brother, ready to take a report. “Sitrep, Donnie.”

“The-the-the Krang. Leo, they’ve hit the city. Leo, they… they…” His gaze locks on you before his face twists to a mournful scowl. “They must have known we’ve been getting help from humans. The apartment was attacked.”

[himbowelsh]

Would you be willing at all to do a similar thing to the BoB boys falling in love for the Pacific boys? Or if that’s too much maybe just Leckies crew? Please and thank you if you do! ✨✌🏻🥳🦖🍰🎉🤸🏼‍♀️🍺🍆🦷🦞🌈🗿

of course!!  i love all of these boys, so getting to write any headcanons for them is a treat and privilege  (and how could i say no to all those emojis?)

Robert Leckie

more confident than he has any right to be.

umm, excuse you sir, the wedding ring isn’t on their finger yet, hold your goddamn horse

bob is vocal about his affection.  actually, he’s kind of a loudmouth about it; when he’s in love, all his friends get to hear about it.  his diary gets to hear about it.  his dog gets to hear about it, and he’s pretty sure hoosier jr couldn’t care less.   if someone’s willing to listen, bob’s gonna wax poetic.

the louder he proclaims his love, the more real it feels to him...  concrete, like the next torrential rainstorm or wicked nightmare isn’t going to wash it away.   bob’s confidence isn’t a front  ---  he’s really just like that  ---  but there’s more underneath than meets the eye.

he likes to dedicate his writing to them.  while he eventually grows out of the love poems phase  (the smartest choice of his literary career)  his love interest remains his muse.   he’ll bounce his ideas off of them, seek out their opinions on the things he’s written...  yes, he’s hungry for their attention, but knowing that they’ll be reading gives him the motivation to write better.

he’ll rarely admit his feelings outright, always dancing around it in smirks and sly double-entendres.   is he talking about how great the filet mignon at this restaurant is, or that he wants to get married soon? knowing him, both, and that’s exactly what he wants to leave them wondering.

Runner Conley

runner in love is very earnest.  he doesn’t feel the need to brag  ---  sure, his friends can tell just by looking at him, but how he feels for the person he cares about is their business alone.   

still, he can’t help talking about them.   they’re on his mind so much that he’ll just bring them up out of the blue  ---   his crush said this, his crush thinks that, this reminds him of the time he and his crush did blah-blah-blah...  he completely gives himself away.    his friends will take the piss out of him, but runner legit doesn’t even notice he’s doing it; he can’t stop.

he is right there with the favors.  they need a ride somewhere?  they need something picked up at the store?  just tell him, and he’ll do it, no questions asked.  he gets things done in record time.  (meanwhile, leckie asked to borrow his can opener two weeks ago, and runner still hasn’t gotten around to it. the preference is clear.)

loves to just spend time with them.  he’ll ask to hang out all the time, inventing excuses just to spend time together.  being in their space, enjoying their presence, is the best part about being in love for him.

Hoosier Smith

hoosier’s love is measured in tolerance.   if he’s willing to spend time around somebody, he likes 'em. if he’ll spend the whole day with 'em, he’s head-over-heels.

lowkey, no one would be able to tell hoosier’s falling in love.  he plays his emotions close to his chest, and doesn’t analyze them too much.  yeah, he’s caught feelings, but no sense making a big deal out of it.  they’ll probably go away on their own.

except they don’t, and the more they grow, the easier hoosier finds it is to be around them.  he’s not taxed by their presence, and hardly ever annoyed with them; it’s easy to banter with them, and when they laugh at his quips he feels all warm inside.  it’s weird.  he’s not sure he likes it.  but damn him if he wants it to end.

the day he finds himself eager to hang out with them...  he knows he’s done for.

hoosier is much more relaxed around the person he loves. all his blunt edges have softened; he’s a little gentler with them, a little fonder.  he’s not loud about it at all, but as soon as his partner picks up on it, his love becomes obvious.

Chuckler Juergens

he has absolutely no filter, and there is no way he can hold these emotions in.  when chuckler is in love, it’s like a golden retriever with a crush.

everything they do is amazing in his eyes.  he has to actively work to recognize their flaws; for a while, he definitely wears rose-tinted glasses when it comes to his love interest.  he just loves so sincerely, with his whole body, that holding it in threatens to overwhelm him. 

that said, he doesn’t rush into love.  it builds up slowly in him.  he can’t really say he loves someone until he’s known them for a while.  by then, they’re pretty comfortable around each other, and on a level of intimacy that he doesn’t feel shy admitting it when he’s certain.  (he also wouldn’t have luck hiding it if he tried; to all his friends, chuckler’s pretty transparent.)

he laughs at all their jokes, and would go miles out of his way for them if they just asked for it.  his smile is always broader around them, painfully genuine.  chuckler’s a social guy, so he loves being out in crowds, but around the person he loves he loves it when it’s just the two of them.

he needs his partner to say “i love you” first, but he’ll say everything but.  “you look amazing today,”; “no one dance like as you,”; “i could spend every night like this with you”.    he’s confessed his feelings a dozen times over before the word “love” ever passes between them.

Sid Phillips

sid genuinely enjoys falling in love.  it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, right?  (for most people  ---  his aunt janine has fallen in love four times and counting, but if she were the gold standard for romance, she’d still be invited to the phillips family christmases.)

he kind of becomes...  not oblivious to everything else, but his mind is very clearly in another place.  he’s not as sensitive to his other friends’ feelings; he drops plans without much notice because he’d rather be with the person he loves.  sid falling in love becomes self-absorbed without realizing it, and would have to be snapped out of it by a well intentioned  (very annoyed)  friend.

with his partner, however, he’s tender.  sid is a very good listener, empathetic and kind; he’s open about his feelings from the start, valuing communication in a relationship, and nothing makes him grin harder than hearing his partner feels the same way.

sid is a gentleman  ---  he’s eager to help them out with anything they need.  he’s very conscientious of his partner’s feelings, careful not to overstep boundaries.  he wouldn’t do anything, even kiss, unless his partner gave him plenty of encouragement.

Eugene Sledge

eugene does not all in love easily.  it takes him a long time to ease into it.  he doesn’t tumble head-over-heels, so much as cautiously inch down the mountain, taking frequent breaks to have a snack and psyche himself up.

somehow, he’s quieter around the person he loves.  it’s noticeable because he wasn’t always like this.  eugene as a friend is quite different to eugene as a lover, more tentative and tender in all the ways that count.  he gets...  not shy, really, but more reserved around them.  he doesn’t want to let his feelings show, so the casual banter and easy dynamic they used to have grows stiff and uncomfortable.  he’ll jump through hoops to avoid hanging out alone with them.

why is he doing this?  god help him, even he’s not sure.

if anyone confronts him about it, he’ll get mad.  of course he’s not treating them any differently!  this is how he’s always been, he’s fine  ---   but just as quickly as he flares up for his own sake, he’ll get even more riled over any slight to his loved one.  being in love awakes a defensiveness eugene never realized he had.  suddenly, he’d do anything for his partner’s sake.

it takes a while for eugene to come to terms with his feelings, and trust himself enough to love.  hopefully his partner’s patient  ---  and straightforward about their feelings, because eugene’s probably going to need a push.

Snafu Shelton

his crush starts finding weird gifts hidden around their house, and no, they have no clue how they got there.  

merriell’s not a romantic, okay?  he doesn’t know how all that wooing-and-courting works, but he gets the general idea.  nothing romantic about coming up to someone and saying outright   ‘your hair looks like it’d be cozy to wear as a sweater, when you smile i want to touch your teeth, this feels like love’.  like.  it’s all true, but that doesn’t mean he can say it.

frankly, he’s still cursing himself for falling in love in the first place, because merriell did not sign up for all this mushy-gushy feeling stuff.  

some people just...  aren’t meant to fall in love, and he’s one of them.  not love that feels like this, that feels...  so real.  it scares him.   he doesn’t know what to do about it.

he’s a weak man, though.  it’s not like he can just stay away.  merriell can’t help but want to be around them constantly, looking over their shoulder and watching out for them; he’s fascinated by them, and it only grows more obvious as the feelings continue to swell in his chest.

so, he sneaks tiny gifts  ---  things he finds or things he likes, things that make him think of them  ---  in their stuff, and watches raptly when they find it.  no, he’s not gonna confess to leaving them there.  it’s just...  nice to watch.

he stares at them for a long time  ---  not unusual for him, to be fair  ---  but when they look up, he looks away immediately.  very out of character, and honestly more unnerving than if he just kept staring.

able to carry on like normal, unless the topic of romance is brought up at all.  then he gets ornery and annoyed, especially if his love interest talks about any past romantic relationships.  he’s possessive in love, especially because he’s not sure where he stands in the other person’s affections.  merriell hates the idea of them with anyone else, but can’t really believe they’d want to be with him.

RV Burgin

well, next to the hot messes that are sledge and snafu, burgie’s a disney prince.

literally, he goes so far out of his way to not make the person he loves uncomfortable.  he’s a gentleman to his core.  the idea of caring for someone who doesn’t feel the same way stings  ---   but even worse is the idea that he could be forcing affection on someone who doesn’t want it.

because of this, he might keep it all a bit too much to himself.  he won’t come out and say it, and will be notably more hesitant around them.  no casual touches  ---   if he accidentally does, he’ll draw back like he’s been burned.  if his friends  (re:  snafu and leyden)  say anything perverted around them, he’ll quickly steer the conversation away.

still, it would be impossible to think he isn’t interested.  sometimes he can’t help staring at his love interest, eyes warm in admiration...  and when they catch him, he holds their gaze for a moment, the ghost of a smile flickering across his face, before looking away.

oh yeah, he’s a goner.

when he does let his feelings slip out, it’s always quick and sincere.   “you’re the strongest person i know,” he says once, while trying to encourage them in his typical burgie way;   “i admire you very much.”   he gives compliments without meaning to, or even realizing how he’s selling himself out.  he’s just so besotted that he can’t help it.

Jay De L'Eau

he gets nervous, he gets clumsy, and he gets giggly.  this is a horrible combination.

he once knocked over an entire candle, set a curtain on fire, and was desperately trying to laugh it off while stomping the flames out...  all because he crush complimented him.

jay wants to look cool in front of his love interest, but he’s decidedly not.  poor boy hasn’t got a chance.   there isn’t a suave bone in his body, and no one knows this as well as jay.

so, he becomes earnest instead.  he’s always on hand to do favors for them, always willing to help out whenever he needs it  ---  jay could be corralled into doing couple’s yoga with little resistance, just because his love interest wants to.

this extreme generosity can get exhausting after a while  ---  he really has to figure out how to rein it in  ---   but if it shows how much he appreciates them?  and if it means he gets to spend extra time with them?  yeah, jay doesn’t regret a thing.

Bill Leyden

he’s being???  nice??  leyden’s being nice??

his friends check him for a fever.  they worry he’s been lobotomized.  clearly he’s been abducted by aliens and replaced with a pod person!

leyden is a prickly bastard in general...  but when he’s falling in love, the entire world is puppydogs and rainbows, and he’ll sing showtunes to the heavens.

he’s just so much happier when he’s falling in love.  it’s hard not to spread that happiness around.  he has way more patience for his friends’ bullshit, and is eager to listen to their problems and offer his  (still very leyden-esque)  advice.

god forbid when his love interest’s actually present.  leyden doesn’t have eyes for anyone else; it’s all about them, and he’s a goddamn prince to them.  peeling fruit for them, laughing at all their jokes, making cow-eyes...  he turns into the person he’d be disgusted by in any other circumstance.

Andrew Haldane

it’s all about the emotional intimacy, boys.

andy could never truly fall in love with someone until he already knows them very well; he has to be comfortable with them, to have an easy rapport.  understanding each other is the first step to winning his heart.

he definitely gets a sparkle around them, though.  he just looks brighter, younger, less burdened by his many responsibilities.  maybe it’s because he knows he can share them with his partner...  but andy feels so much lighter when he’s with them.

he’s very generous with his praise. when they do something well, he lets them know it; the last thing he’d want is for them not to understand how much he appreciates them, how valuable they are to him, how glad he is to have them close...

absolutely overthinks it.  he’ll turn his feelings over and over in his head for ages, trying to process them before admitting anything out loud?  is this real?  is this plausible?  are they both in the right place in life to be in love?  do they really love him back?  he’s not an indecisive man, but he puts so much thought into this that eventually, a friend like hillbilly would need to shake him a bit, and tell him to just go for it.

Hillbilly Jones

he’s not going to say it outright.  he’d rather eat a live squid than do something that dumb.   when hillbilly feels himself falling for someone, he grips a railing all the way down.

anything they need, he’s there to do.  his affection reveals itself through how quick he is to help the person he likes.  loyalty drives his urge to make their life easier.  if they need some repairs done around the house, or some errands taken care of, he’ll offer to do them without a second thought.   “not a problem,”  he replies with a tiny smile when they worry he’s going to too much trouble.   after all, he wouldn’t do it for just anyone.

master of wordless communication.  his love interest doesn’t need to hear things outright from him, because they become well-acquainted with all of hillbilly’s various (extremely sarcastic)  faces.  he loves this easy communication.

he’ll talk them up to anyone who needs to hear it.  hillbilly does not take kindly to his partner being disparaged, under any circumstances.  it’s not overprotectiveness, he’ll insist to himself  ---  the protection is completely warranted, and he’s not ashamed to punch someone if his partner’s good name is on the line.

John Basilone

he gets all the points for persistence.  

john’s greatest virtue is his determination.  no matter what the world throws at him, or how many ways it tries to kill him, he’s going to keep going until he physically cannot anymore.

and...  not gonna lie, there are moments when he sees his love interest smile, and it feels like he’s been shot through the chest.  he’s got to stop, just to catch his breath, because they sweep the ground out from under his feet. 

the first time it happens, he knows he’s in love.  yeah, he knew he liked them already, but...  like and love are different things.  he likes his mama’s panna cotta, but he’s not going to marry it.

when john’s falling for someone, it’s important to him that they know it.  no beating around the bush for him; if they don’t feel the same way, they can respond however they like, but they’ve at least got to know.

he misses no opportunity to make his admiration clear.  if they do something impressive, he’s the loudest voice on the sidelines cheering them on;  if it’s their birthday or a holiday, he hands his gift to them personally, with that irrepressible charming grin.  

john is very confident in love, but he’s also very optimistic.  it’s not that he’s never been rejected before, or can’t take it...   he just genuinely doesn’t believe his heart can break.

[chicgeekgirl89]

Country Roads, Take Me Home: Chap. 2

Fandom: NCIS LA

Characters: Marty Deeks, Kensi Blye

A/N: I'm telling you right now, this story may have gone completely off the rails. It's been a weird summer and...I honestly don't quite know what happened. This is your warning!

Read Chapter 1 Here

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They were up bright and early the next morning to take Monty to doggy daycare where Roberta would pick him up at the end of the day. Then they hit the road for Yosemite. So far, things were going exactly according to plan. Until they inevitably got stuck in LA traffic.

“Remember last night when I asked you about snacks? You brought some right? Because I don’t know how long I can last without snacks,” Kensi said after about forty minutes.

Deeks looked at her sideways. “Did I buy snacks? Do you think I don’t know you after all this time? Check the fridge.”

She unbuckled her seatbelt and walked halfway back to the little kitchenette. Opening the fridge her eyes went wide in delight. “You got me Reese’s?”

“Of course I got you Reese’s. I wanted this to be fun, not the road trip from hell.”

She rejoined him, plopping happily back into her seat and giving him a peck on the cheek. “This is already off to a better start than all our other vacations.”

“I told you.”

“So why Yosemite? There lots of other parks in California.”

“Well first of all, Yosemite Sam. Second of all I was looking at the out of state parks and mapping our trip. The only one kind of on the way out is Yosemite. Well, and Death Valley, but I thought we should probably avoid any place that advertises killing off visitors.”

Kensi nodded, biting into a Reese’s. “Good point.”

He looked at her. “Are you going to share those?”

“I thought you bought them for me,” she said around a mouthful of chocolate.

“I did, but as your loving, devoted husband who is taking you on the vacation of a lifetime, who buys you snacks and cleans your house and saves your beautiful, beautiful ass multiple times a week, you could share one.”

She glared at him and withdrew one candy from the bag, putting it directly into his hand. “Thank you,” he said, keeping his eyes on the road as he unwrapped it.

“What is all this traffic?” she asked, trying to peer down the freeway. 

“Rush hour,” Deeks said, moving them forward another two feet.

“It’s not usually this bad at this time.” She craned her neck, pushing up out of her seat. “I think someone has a flat tire.”

Sure enough up ahead there was a much older and smaller RV half on/half off the shoulder. “We should see if they need help,” Kensi said.

“Babe we’re off duty. They look fine.”

She gave him a look and he sighed, flipping on the blinker to maneuver them onto the shoulder behind the stopped vehicle. They hopped out and walked toward an older couple evaluating a very flat tire. “Hey you need some help?” Kensi called over the noise of the traffic.

“Oh bless me, yes, thank you!” A woman who looked to be about Roberta’s age waved at them. “My Bill here could use some assistance.”

“What’s the problem?” Deeks asked.

The man, Bill apparently, stood and rubbed his hands together. “Carol and I were just driving along and we musta run over something. Tire’s flat as a pancake and those lug nuts are so tight it’s like they’re cemented on.”

“Young man if you could give him a hand we would appreciate it,” Carol said. 

Deeks shook his head and gestured to Kensi. “Sugarbear, this one’s all yours.”

“Oh,” Carol seemed startled. “I don’t think—“

Kensi reached for the tire iron and within seconds had loosened one of the nuts. Both Bill and Carol raised their eyebrows. “Well I’ll be darned,” Bill said in amazement.

“Somebody’s been eating their wheaties!” Carol said. 

Kensi smiled as she worked the second lug nut. “My dad had a lot of tricks.”

“I’m Marty,” Deeks said, holding out a hand. “This is my wife Kensi.”

“Bill and Carol Weekes,” Bill said. “That’s quite a lady you’ve got there.”

Deeks smiled. “She certainly is.”

“Babe, can you get the spare?” Kensi called.

“On it!” Deeks looked to Bill.

“I think it’s in the back,” he said. “Come on in.”

Deeks followed Bill inside the RV and was immediately assaulted. “Ah! What the—?”

“Oh, sorry!” Bill said. “Kujo! Chewbarka! Tank! Twinkie! Patrick Dempsey get off him!”

In a rush of fur and wagging tails, five dogs raced back to Bill, leaving Deeks covered in slobber and dog hair. “They’re tame, just likely to lick you to death,” Bill said with a chuckle.

“Uh yeah,” Deeks said, wiping his hands on his pants. “Ouch!” He jumped as teeth sank into his ankle.

“Patrick Dempsey!” Bill yelled again, swatting the little dachshund away. “I shoulda said they’ll all lick you to death except PD. He’s vicious.”

“Right.” Deeks rubbed the sore spot. “The tire?”

“Oh yeah!” Bill popped open a hatch and hauled out a donut. “There we go.”

“Great.” Deeks grabbed it from him. “Let’s take this to Kensi and she’ll have you out of here in no time.”

He received a final nip from Patrick Dempsey on the way out the door, then handed the tire over to Kensi. Together they had it on within minutes. “Oh my goodness, how can we ever thank you?” Carol said as Kensi tightened the final bolt.

“No need,” Kensi said. “We’re happy to help.”

“Well that’s not acceptable,” Carol said bustling off into the RV.

“Aw my Carol. She’s not going to let you leave empty handed,” Bill said, elbowing Deeks with a grin.

Sure enough Carol was back seconds later, a tinfoil wrapped plate in her hand. “Here,” she said. “These are some of my world famous chocolate chip cookies. Made with real butter and eggs, none of that vegan stuff all you west coasters are so fond of.”

Deeks had to bite back a laugh as he took the plate. “Thank you. You two be safe now all right?” He said.

“Will do!” They waved cheerily as they headed back inside and started the RV up.

“Well they were…” Kensi couldn’t seem to find the words.

“Yep,” Deeks said. “And you didn’t even get a bite from Patrick Dempsey.”

She raised her eyebrows. “What?”

Deeks shook his head. “Don’t worry about it. Come on. Adventure awaits in…approximately five hours depending on traffic.”

It was a lot more like seven hours by the time they finally trundled into the park. Deeks picked up a parking tag for the RV and a map to their campsite. “Oh thank god,” Kensi said as they pulled into their spot. “I need to get out of this thing.”

“You do realize we’re going to spend most of this trip inside the RV,” Deeks said. “That’s why I got the nice one.”

“And it is so nice baby, but breathing the same air as you for this many hours is…too much.”

“I think you’re hangry. Let’s get a little fire going and we can have some hot dogs, a couple s’mores and you’ll feel better,” Deeks said.

“You know the way directly to my heart,” she said, giving him a peck on the cheek.

It was quick and easy to get a campfire burning and soon they were cuddled up next to one another in a blanket, making s’mores. Kensi had just whispered something very dirty in Deeks’ ear and he was on the verge of grabbing her and taking the party indoors when a very loud, rundown RV pulled into the spot directly next to them. “Well that’s not really what we came here for,” Deeks grumbled as the RV backfired and let out a huge explosion of exhaust before giving a wheezing cough as it turned off.

“Um, Deeks?” Kensi said. “Is that—“

The RV’s door opened and a dachshund ran out, barking like mad, and lunging for Deeks’ leg. “Whoa!” he yelled, dropping his s’more and leaping out of his seat.

“Patrick Dempsey! You get back here right now!” A woman bellowed, charging out the door after him.

“Carol?” Kensi asked as she pulled the dog off Deeks’ leg.

“Well hey there fellow travelers!” Bill said, smiling broadly as he descended the steps. “What a coincidence!”

“Coincidence or nightmare?” Deeks muttered, rubbing his calf.

“It is a coincidence,” Kensi said, elbowing Deeks to shut him up. “I don’t remember you saying this was on your schedule.”

“Well we got to talking as we drove and Kensi, you made this sound like such a fun idea we decided to hop on over,” Carol said.

“Really sold it to ‘em huh Kens?” Deeks asked under his breath.

She elbowed him again. “Well don’t let us interrupt your fun,” Carol said. “You two lovebirds looked so cozy when we drove up. We’ll just keep to ourselves over here.”

“And don’t worry about making too much noise! You know, if things start to heat up later.” Bill winked at them. “Carol and I are very sound sleepers. Won’t hear a thing.”

“Perfect,” Deeks said weakly. “We’ll keep that in mind.”

“Well I guess we’ll turn in,” Bill told them. “Been a long day. You kids have fun!”

Patrick Dempsey gave a final yip as Carol scooped him up and they went back inside. 

“So…do we turn around and go home now?” Kensi asked.

“No,” Deeks said firmly as he put out the fire. “This is going to be a normal vacation. We’re going to see lots of pretty rocks, eat road food, and have lots of sex. NORMAL.”

She rolled her eyes but smiled. “I’m not sure we’re capable of normal.”

“Yes we are,” he insisted, grabbing her hand. “Come on.”

He pulled her inside and the door had barely closed before he was kissing her, hands fumbling with the buttons on her shirt. “Deeks!” Kensi laughed, then gasped as he nipped at that one, particular spot on her neck. “Deeks, what are you doing?”

“Well we gave this thing a test drive. We tried out the refrigerator, the wifi, the satellite. And now, I think we need to test out the bed,” he said with a grin, swinging her up into his arms and carrying her to the back of the RV where he tossed her onto the mattress.

He whipped off his belt with a dramatic flair and then dove on top of her, pressing kisses to her face, neck, wherever he could find as she laughed. “I think you’re still a little overdressed here,” she said, tugging at his t-shirt. 

“Well that’s easily fixed.” Deeks sat up fast to take the shirt off and whacked his head on the ceiling. 

“Ooh!” Kensi sat up, reaching to cradle his face while he closed his eyes in pain. “Oh my god, are you all right?”

“Ow. Yep. That smarts.” He rubbed the top of his head. “I feel like that’s a pretty major design flaw.”

“Well maybe they didn’t intend for people to have wild and crazy sex in here,” she said, trying to stifle her laughter.

“No problem,” Deeks said with a grimace, clearly trying to ignore his throbbing skull. “We’ll just switch tactics.”

He leaned down toward her again and was immediately interrupted by the loudest, most frantic barking either one of them had ever heard. “You have got to be kidding me,” he said dropping his head onto Kensi’s chest.

She ruffled his hair and pressed a kiss to the injured spot. “They’ll stop in a second.”

Sure enough they waited a moment and the barking ceased. “Okay then, back to business,” Deeks said with a grin, leaning over once more.

The barking started again. And then again. And then….again. Deeks groaned and rolled onto his back so they were side by side. 

“This is unbelievable,” Kensi said breathless and annoyed.

“So much for a normal vacation.”

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A/N: Sometimes people ask if I base my stories on real life so, fun fact, for eleven years my family had a mini dachshund named Willy. He was a demon beast from hell. Seriously. Patrick Dempsey is based on him. His name is Patrick Dempsey because I think it's hilarious when animals have extremely human names. Anyway, hope you enjoyed! More shenanigans to come!

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

Acting Your Age (Part 7)

Summary: The reader flies up to Canada to surprise Jensen for Valentine’s day...

Masterlist

Pairing: Jensen x reader

Word Count: 3,100ish

Warnings: language, age gap, implied smut

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Jensen had been filming for about a month and a half. He was tired most nights when you talked to him on the phone but he was always excited to see you. He told you it was the best part of his day. Before he’d left, you’d gotten some tips on how to best make the long distance work and part of that was not going more than a few weeks without seeing each other. It was Jensen’s turn to fly down this weekend but with Valentine’s day coming up, your first one, you wanted to surprise him.

“Hi,” you said when you saw Cliff at the airport. He gave you a big smile and hug, picking you up off the ground. “He still not know I’m coming?”

“Nope,” he said. “He’s gonna love it. He was going on about how you sent him flowers this morning.”

“I know he’s stressing lately,” you said, climbing in the passenger seat.

“So you ever been to Canada before?” he asked.

“Nope. Can’t believe Jensen lived here for practically fifteen years,” you said.

“It was longer than that. He’s been up here, albeit not as much as when he did the show, since he was probably twenty,” he said.

“So when did you start working for my brother and Jensen?” you asked.

“Second season? Third? Somewhere around there. I mean, those two boys could take anyone on but I think after a few too many people lunging at them, it spooked ‘em enough,” he said. “We’re good friends now. I think it’s slowed down a bit since the show ended but when Mama Ackles calls you up and tells you to go with her son, you listen.”

“Yeah, I can see her doing that,” you said, watching some rain come down as you drove. “So what’s it like on a set?”

“It ain’t all that special,” he said with a laugh. “We’ll have to sign you in with security and get you a visitor badge but then I can show you Jensen’s trailer.”

“You don’t think he’ll mind if I decorate it, do you?” you asked.

“As long as it’s not glitter, I don’t think he would at all.”

“Thanks,” you heard Jensen say as the door of his very nice trailer opened and you hid in the bedroom, a slight pause coming as he hopped up the steps and looked around. “Oh, kiddo. I don’t know how you did it but you did it.”

He giggled a little, probably staring at the little flower petal covered table he had, a big box of chocolates on top.

“I miss you, kiddo,” he sighed. You poked your head out from the back room, Jensen with his back to you as he picked up the box.

“Well, I think we can do something about that,” you said. He spun around wide eyed, a huge smile on his face.

“Y/N!” he said, taking two big steps over, giving you a crushing hug as he picked you up off the ground. “I thought it was my turn to fly down and...it’s only Thursday, honey.”

“I wanted to surprise you. I thought maybe I could cook you dinner tonight for Valentine’s,” you said. His cheeks lit up rosy pink but he just kissed you hard, spinning you around. “I’ll take that as a yes?”

“Yes,” he laughed. “You’re amazing. Oh, today has been such a long day and you made it a million times better.”

“Work going okay?” you asked, tilting your head.

“Oh yeah. It’s just a rough scene this morning,” he said. “Lot’s of crying and crap.”

“Crying?” you asked, rubbing your thumb over his cheek, tilting your head when it came back with makeup. “Uh…”

“They’ll fix it,” he laughed. “Yeah. It was emotional. I’m not much of a cryer in real life so I just let it out when I work, I suppose.”

“I know even with your brother you were upset but you didn’t cry,” you said.

“My main concern was making you feel better. You didn’t need to see me doing that,” he said.

“Yeah but, don’t ever be scared to cry in front of me, okay?” you asked.

“I know. If I ever need to, I’m sure you’ll be very aware and be there for me,” he said.

“Duh,” you said, giving him a kiss. “So what do you want for dinner? Cliff said he’d take me to the store and drop me off at your place.”

“Hm. I do really like that chicken Alfredo pasta you made me that first time you cooked for me,” he said.

“I was hoping you’d pick the one dinner that I can make,” you laughed.

“Hey, you don’t have to run off already, do you? I’m on a break while they set up a shot. I can show you around, introduce you to a few people,” he said.

“No, that’d be great,” you said.

“Awesome. Two seconds,” he said.

A few minutes later you were following him out of his trailer, Jensen showing you around, whistling at someone.

“Hey Alex!” he called. A young guy spun around in front of the two of you, pausing as Jensen walked the two of you over. “Hey, kiddo. This is my buddy Alex. We worked on Supernatural for a few years at the end there. We ended up getting the same gig.”

“You must be Y/N, Jared’s little sister,” he said with a smile. “I don’t know how you survived your childhood.”

“Eh, he’s a bit older. I hear you’re more fun to harass,” you said.

“To these two, apparently,” he said. “I hope you don’t have that evil gene in you.”

“She’s just up for a visit. No torturing today,” he said.

“Good. I see now that Jensen’s a bit tamer without a Padalecki around,” said Alex. 

“Well we can always continue with tradition,” said Jensen, giving him a smirk.

“Be nice to the cute boy, Jensen,” you teased. “I’m sure he has enough emotional scarring from you guys to last a lifetime.”

“For sure. Been fun working with him again. I wouldn’t mind getting Jared back up here to do some stuff sometime,” said Alex.

“I’m sure Jared would love it,” you said. “He’s enjoying being home more though.”

“Hey, you should come down some time with your girl once we wrap. We can take the boat out, show you guys around town,” said Jensen.

“Sounds fun. We’ll have to take you up on that,” he said, someone else calling his name. “Sorry. I got to run to makeup. It was nice meeting you, Y/N.”

“You too,” you said as he took off, Jensen smiling at you. “That’s the poor boy you and my brother tortured for three years.”

“He’s older than you,” he laughed. “We did not torture. We simply acted as any older brothers would.”

“So torture?” you laughed, Jensen taking hold of your hand and walking you around again. “So why’s he going to makeup? Don’t they do that at the beginning of the day?”

“Normally. Nowadays it’s a bit different with the digital film so you don’t get plastered with it. This is mainly coverup and bronzer,” he said.

“I suppose you don’t look tired,” you said.

“Yeah, this is to hide the bags under my eyes,” he said. “This stuff isn’t bad. Fake blood, that’s when it gets annoying.”

“Isn’t that made out of corn syrup?” you asked.

“Yup. It gets very itchy and is extremely not fun to wash or peel off at the end of the day. That’s what Alex is going to get done. We filmed part of a fight scene this morning so now we have to do the stuff after that,” he said.

“Seems like a lot of work,” you said.

“You wouldn’t ever think it takes twelve hours to film a sixty second fight but it does,” he said.

“Wow. I thought scrolling through page after page for the perfect couch was rough,” you said. He laughed, swinging your hands together. 

“Want to see the set?” he asked.

“Definitely.”

“Honey, I’m home,” laughed Jensen when he got back to his apartment that night. He had a blue bag in his hand, carrying it into the kitchen as he ditched his backpack by the door.

“Shit, you’re early,” you said, glancing down at yourself in one of his shirts and a pair of leggings. “I was going to dress up.”

“Oh, I very much enjoy this look on you,” he said, setting the bag down on the counter. He gave you a big kiss until you were giggling, moving away himself to wash up his hands. “That smells yummy.”

“It’ll be done soon. Stay put,” you said, jogging into his bedroom and pulling out the wrapped box from your suitcase. You carried it in behind your back, Jensen smirking as you saw the bag back in his hands.

“Happy first Valentine’s day, kiddo,” he said, handing it over.

“You too, babe,” you said, pulling out the box. He took it with a grin, giving it a light shake. 

“You first,” he said, taking a seat at the counter. “There’s two presents in there. Open the pink one first.”

“Pink first, eh?” you said, pulling the object out, already knowing it was book based on the feel. You tore off the paper, a big smile crossing your face. “This is awesome.”

“I grabbed it on the way home. It sort of explains a lot of stuff about the film industry, lingo, the process. You were so interested earlier on set, I thought you might like it,” he said.

“I love it. I can’t wait to dive into this thing,” you said.

“Now your other one,” he said. You smiled and picked up the envelope, not finding a card like you were expecting.

You titled your head as you pulled out a postcard of a beach.

“Thank you?” you said.

“Why don’t you flip it around?” he smiled. You turned it over, smiling as you caught his hand writing.

I hear Hawaii’s nice this time of year. How’s Monday sound?

“You didn’t,” you said.

“I did. I totally did. I made you waste the trip up here since-” he said, barely getting the words out before you were over and hugging him.

“Jensen. That’s too much. Don’t you have work?” you asked.

“I’ve got the week and a half off. I was going to surprise you when I got home,” he said with a shy smile. “We’ve been dating nearly six months. I want to go on vacation with you and I had Gen peak at your calendar and I know you’re free next week.”

“Jensen. That’s so much money,” you said.

“You’ve always wanted to go and I want to go where you’ll be in bikinis all the time so it’s a win-win to me,” he said.

“Now my present seems lame,” you said, kissing his cheek. “We’re really going?”

“Yup. Ten whole days,” he said.

“I love you,” you said, squeezing him hard. “I can’t wait. Oh, I’m so excited.”

“I think it’s my turn to open my super awesome present,” he said, wrapping an arm around your waist as he undid the paper. You glanced down, the room quiet after he peeled off the paper.

“If you don’t like it, that’s okay,” you said. He was still, not saying a word as he looked over the little placard. “I’m sorry. It was a stupid idea.”

“No. It’s not,” he said, wiping his hand at his eyes. “I really like it. I want to meet him.”

“If you liked him, I was going to pick him up when I got home, have him stay with me until you’re back home,” you said. He nodded, sniffling some. “I’m sorry, Jay. I shouldn’t have-”

“What’s his name?” he asked.

“Dean.”

“You’re shitting me,” he laughed.

“No. He hasn’t had an easy life they said. I thought it was fitting,” you said. “I’m sorry. I-”

“Stop apologizing, Y/N,” he said, lifting his head up at you. “My dog was old. It happens. It was months ago. I’ve been saying I want to get a rescue for a long time. Dean here looks pretty cute too.”

“He’s only one. His previous owners weren’t very kind. He’s a little skittish but I think he just needs a good daddy to take care of him,” you said.

“I’m very good at taking care of Dean’s,” he said with a chuckle. “He’s a little guy.”

“Yeah. Nice long life,” you said. “I didn’t want to overstep.”

“Thank you,” he said. “You sponsored a rescue dog for me and I get an awesome new buddy cause I’ve been too nervous to go myself. This is the best present I’ve ever gotten. Seriously. He’s going to have a good mommy and daddy.”

“He’s your dog,” you said.

“He’s our dog,” he said. 

“Okay. Our first furbaby,” you said with a smile.

“I was going to wait to ask on vacation and you can totally say no but would you like to move in? Permanently?” 

You bit your bottom lip as he stared at you, nodding your head. 

“Okay,” he said with a nervous laugh. “I was really hoping that’d be the answer.”

“You still get nervous around me,” you said, bumping your nose against his. “You’re so fucking adorable, I just want to squish you.”

“I love how happy you are. You so much different than that girl at the pool who didn’t want to talk to me,” he said.

“I started being me. With some help from my friend,” you said.

“You’re still more mature than me,” he laughed.

“Oh, I know it,” you said.

“Hey, kiddo?” he asked.

“Yeah?”

“I think your chicken is burning,” he said. You sniffed the air and groaned, jogging over to the oven. “You making barbeque over there?”

“Uh, you okay with just the pasta tonight, babe?” you asked.

“I have a home cooked meal,” he said, standing up and giving you a kiss. “It’s sounds perfect already. I’m going to change into something comfortable, hm?”

“No problem, Jay.”

“What time do you have work?” you asked as you headed into the bedroom that night, Jensen letting out a yawn.

“I have to be there at seven. I have a flight home at four. I figure maybe we can both head back and then pack up and get some stuff before our trip?”

“That sounds great,” you said, standing there as he peeled off his sweats and his shirt, throwing back his covers in just his boxers. He straightened up, turning back at you. 

“Shit,” he said with a laugh. “It’s Valentine’s day.”

“I can take off my own clothes,” you said. You pulled off your shirt, Jensen blinking slowly. You pushed down your leggings, glad they were a little looser pair and everything else stayed in place. “See?”

“Is that a new bra? And thong? I thought you hated thongs,” he said.

“You have one last present if you’d like to unwrap it,” you said, stepping in front of him. “Or if you’re tired, I can do it for you.”

You pushed gently on his shoulders, Jensen sitting down on the bed before you stood in front of him, turning around. You bent over slowly, pushing the lace underwear down, dipping your back as you stood and undid your bra, letting it slid off your arms as you turned back to face him.

It’d taken some time to admit to him that the first time you had sex, you were cocky because the thought of getting naked in front of him was terrifying. But now, now when he told you how hot he thought you were, you actually believed him and boy did that give you a whole lot more confidence.

“You had such a long day,” you said, sliding into his lap, straddling his legs, angling your hips to rub against his already half-hard cock. “I want to help you relax.”

“Fuck me,” he breathed out.

“I plan on it,” you winked, sliding off and taking his boxers along the way. You went over to your suitcase and pulled out a condom from your bag, smirking as you tore it open and rolled it on him. “I love this cock almost as much as I love you. Big and long and it hits all the right places.”

His chest was flush, his breathing picking up as you nodded and he scooted back towards the middle of the bed. You grabbed his hips and spun him so his head was on his pillow, settling over his hips with a smile.

“You lay back and let me do all the work.”

“Good morning,” you said, resting a cup of coffee on Jensen’s nightstand when it was six am. He stirred and yawned, blinking up with a sleepy smile.

“That’s an amazing way to get to sleep fast,” he chuckled. “And to be woken up.”

“I even turned on the heat in the bathroom,” you said.

“Fuck, you’re amazing,” he said.

“I know,” you teased, giving him a kiss. “I think I’m going to book my flight back and maybe go do a little pre trip shopping while you’re at work.”

“Sounds good to me, kiddo.”

______

A/N: Read the final part here!

[max-is-really-okay]

Ink On Skin Chapter One

Ethan walked into his little flower shop with a soft smile on his face. His leather jacket had done its job of keeping him warm in the harsh winter outside. He sat behind the desk, ready for another slow day.

Set up beside him were flower arragements he lovingly called the ‘Fuck You’ bouquets. While no one did much research into flowers much anymore, he had put together a bouquet full of flowers which gave the message of hatred. He was proud of how much research he had put into them, even if they weren’t his best sellers.

There were quite a few pre-arranged bouquets for his customers, but there were also lists of flowers and their meanings for those who wanted to make their own. Ethan had spent weeks making the list and fighting with auto-correct.

He sat behind the front desk and took his jacket off, the sleeve of tattoos on his arm now showing to the world. He looked at his forearm, where his favorites were. One of the biggest ones was of a spider standing over a dead cthulhu type. Under it in cursive was just the name ‘Webby’.

He traced the picture with his black nail and pictured who had the tattoo. He had only gone into a tattoo parlor once, to get his ear pierced. His uncle Hidgens had surprised him for his eighteenth birthday by paying for it.

He never wanted a tattoo for himself. He had dealt with enough pain back when he was living at home. Ethan just didn’t see the use of having someone stab ink into his skin. The worries of infection always crept in when he even considered the idea. He was glad that his soulmate liked them though, they were badass.

As the day went on, at around noon he heard loud rock music coming from the tattoo parlor next door. He didn’t mind it, as it was his type of music anyways. He just nodded his head along to the beat as he cleaned up.

Ethan looked up when a nervous looking man walked in. He was tall and had casual business attire on. He was slightly bug eyed, but not unattractive. Ethan moved to stand behind the counter to get the man’s order.

“Hey. What can I do for you?” He asked the nervous man, leaning slightly over the counter and resting on his forearms.

“I want to get some flowers for my girlfriend. Well- not girlfriend. I’m asking her to be my girlfriend. That’s why I’m getting her the flowers.” The man rambled.

“Alright, and what kind of flowers do you want to get her?” Ethan asked, looking for a notepad in the mess that was behind his desk.

“Well I was hoping that you could help me with that.” The man admitted. “I don’t know anything about flowers, and I don’t want to make her one of...well something like that.” He nodded twords the ‘Fuck You’ bouquets. “But, I also don’t want to say I love you to her yet. Since- well it’s not like I don’t love her, she’s my soulmate, of course I love her, bu-” The man looked so nervous he might explode.

“I’m going to cut you off, pal. Don’t want you having a panic attack. I’m thinking of a bouquet with purple delphinium flowers, pink carnations, and gardenias. Very romantic and pretty.” Ethan suggested lightly.

The nervous man seemed to calm down and nodded. When he looked up, Ethan swore that if he hadn’t have cut him off the other would have started crying. “Yeah. That sounds good.” His shoulders relaxed.

“When do you want to pick ‘em up?” Ethan asked.

“Is Thursday too early?” He asked.

“Not at all. They’ll be waiting for you on Thursday, and you can pay me the eighty bucks then. Is that cool?” Ethan raised his eyebrows.

“It is more than cool.”

“I’ll need a name for the order.”

“Paul.”

“Alright Paul. See you on Thursday.”

Ethan watched as Paul left his store and smiled fondly. It was always nice to see when someone really cared about their soulmate.

He took inventory and put aside the flowers he would need for the bouquet. After he had the flowers set aside, he went through his little shop and took care of the flowers that needed it. He took the wilting bouquets off of the shelves and put them with the other sad bouquets in the ‘sale’ portion.

He looked outside and watched as people left the tattoo parlor next door to him. People walked out, and he imagined some of them as his soulmate. Maybe it was the nerdy looking guy with the bowtie. Maybe the girl with short blonde hair and glasses. It was hard to tell when everyone was wearing long sleeves.

There wasn’t much else to do that day. A couple on a date came by. A large muscular man with dark eyes and a small red headed woman holding onto his arm. The man smiled and bought her a reasonably priced bouquet of roses. She had kissed him.

Ethan smiled as they left, the sun setting. He pulled his leather jacket on and took a few tens from the register to pay for his dinner. He didn’t feel like cooking that night (he didn’t have anything to cook), and knew of a shitty coffee place that was always open late. He always made sure to eat at least once a day.

He walked outside and the freezing air hit his face. He looked over to notice the woman who owned the tattoo parlor next door locking up as well. He gave her the obligatory smile as he turned the key to lock the door.

Occasionally they would lock up at the same time. Sometimes she would have her little sister next to her, tonight wasn’t one of those nights. He didn’t know much about the other woman, other than that in winter she wore a big black jacket.

He turned to start walking, then noticed the woman walking the same direction as him. Towards the edge of Hatchet Field. Everything was cheaper there. “Where are you headed?” He asked as he noticed her match his pace.

“Beanies.” Was her short reply.

“Me too!” Ethan gave her a slightly goofy smile, which in turn made her lips turn slightly up.

“Well that’s cool.” She said.

Both of them walked quietly, and Ethan was nervous that he had creeped her out, but she kept walking beside him.

Soon enough, they got to the small coffee shop. Ethan held the door open for her and soon they were both in line at the small counter.

Ethan eyed the numerous pastries behind the glass, thinking about what he would want. There were quite a few options, all of which could make his mouth water since he had skipped breakfast and lunch.

He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard the woman in front of him swear.

“Shit. I’m a few bucks short.” She mumbled. She looked up at the barista who looked done with life apologetically.

“I guess I’ll just get the black coffee. Thanks.” She looked down and made a b-line to a table in the back corner.

Ethan stepped up and looked at the short barista “Um, whatever else she was trying to order, I’ll pay for it.” He said awkwardly, handing the other one of his ten dollar bills. This just meant that he would have a smaller dinner. “And I’ll get a large hot cocoa and a brownie.”

“That’ll be twenty five dollars.” She told him, giving him a quick and forced fake smile. Ethan nodded, giving her the rest of the money he had grabbed. He put the last five dollars into the tip jar.

He sat in an empty seat a few tables away from the woman who owned the tattoo shop. Her name was called first and she walked over to the counter. Ethan couldn’t hear the conversation, but he could hear a surprised tone coming from the woman who owned the parlor.

He looked back down at his phone until a hot cocoa was rather forcefully slammed onto the table. He looked up to see the woman holding her drink. It was labeled ‘Lex’.

“What the fuck man?” She asked, setting two plates down. One had his brownie and the other had the worst looking cinnamon roll he had ever seen. He took his brownie.

“I’m sorry?” He tilted his head.

“Why did you pay for the cinnamon role?” She asked.

Ethan wasn’t sure if she was angry, as she sat down at the seat in front of him and started eating. She still had her jacket on, as well as he did, but she had pulled her hair down. It was wavy and went just above her shoulders.

“I just wanted to be nice. And you look like you’ve had a long day.” He shrugged, taking a drink of his hot chocolate. It wasn’t good, as expected. He was pretty sure that they made it with water. Heathens.

“Oh. Well thanks.” Lex looked down, her shoulders relaxing.

“Where’s your sister?” He asked, just wanting to avoid silence for a bit longer.

“With her babysitter. I was booked solid today, and there wouldn’t be time to bring her out for lunch.” Lex told him, digging into her food.

“Want half of my brownie?” Ethan asked her, already cutting it in half. He was used to skipping meals.

“Thanks…” Lex eyed him suspiciously, taking the brownie.

“What?” Ethan asked.

“I’m not going to sleep with you, you know?” Her eyebrows went up.

“I didn’t think you were.” Ethan hated how squeaky his voice sounded.

“Alright then.”

“Alright.”

The two of them were quiet as they ate. Lex had a slight pink to her cheeks and Ethan didn’t know what to say.

They finished as the barista started closing up. Ethan made sure to thank her before leaving. He still held the door for Lex, who mumbled a ‘thanks’ as she walked past him.

He walked back to his tiny and shitty apartment and unlocked his door. He walked in and saw his cat, Greg, sitting next to his food bowl. As soon as Greg noticed Ethan, he walked up to him and started screaming.

Ethan chuckled and walked over to the beat up fridge, pulling a can of Greg’s food out. He pulled the lid off of the can and emptied it into Greg’s food bowl. Greg stopped wailing and began to eat, his fur going flat against his back. Ethan gave him a pat on his head.

When he was sure Greg was content, Ethan walked back to the fridge and pulled the only thing left out. He sniffed the expired milk before taking a long drink from the gallon. Greg looked over with a face of pure disgust before going back to his food.

“Don't judge me.” Ethan spat back. Greg did not respond.

He shrugged and walked back to the couch after he put the milk back into the fridge. It had a week left before he really had to throw it out based on the taste. He flipped on the lifetime channel and pulled his jacket off.

He smiled when Greg hopped onto the couch and into his lap. Greg was the ugliest cat Ethan had ever seen. He had been walking home from the auto shop when he heard meowing. He had searched for the noise, even though it was coming from an alley and pelting rain.

He found a cat with a flat face, mismatched fur, and mismatched cross eyes. He hid him under his jacket and brought him home. He promised himself that he would bring the cat to the shelter the next day, but he couldn’t bring himself to do so. Instead, after a few vet visits, Ethan had a cat.

He fell asleep with the tv on and said cat in his lap. He woke up at around three in the morning with a start and sweat down his back. His stomach growled and flopped and Ethan took a second to calm himself down.

He didn’t have nightmares often, but they sucked when he did. He stood up, careful not to wake Greg, and walked into the bathroom. He looked into the mirror and admitted to himself that he looked like shit.

He turned the shower on as hot as it would go and stripped down. He stepped under the stream of hot water and closed his eyes as steam filled the shower.

He washed his hair first, using his favorite lemon scented shampoo. He kept his eyes closed the entire time, just enjoying the hot water that was no doubt turning his skin red.

Too soon for his liking, he turned the water off and stepped out of the shower. He wrapped a towel around his waist and walked to his sink. He ignored the fogged up mirror and brushed his teeth.

He walked out and back to his bedroom where he swapped the towel out for a pair of red boxers and a shirt he was given by his uncle. It was bright blue and had the title ‘Workin’ Boys’ in large print. He wasn’t even sure what that was, but the shirt was comfortable.

He looked at his uncomfortable bed and sighed before climbing under the scratchy blanket. He rested his head on the flattened pillow and attempted to sleep.

When Ethan woke up the next morning, he looked to see a new piece of artwork on his shoulder. He walked into the bathroom to get a better look at it, and his breath was taken away by how beautiful it was.

There was a picture of a beach with palm trees. The colors were bright and the sunset in the photo looked real. Underneath was the word ‘California’ in cursive. Ethan wondered if his soulmate lived in California.

He hoped not. While he planned to leave the state one day, he had barely made it out of Hatchet Field. He was living in the shitty part of Clivesdale, and he was already tight on money. He couldn’t imagine moving to California on his own to find one of the millions of people there.

He threw on a white shirt and a green flannel with jeans before walking out. Greg was still sleeping on the couch and only woke up when he heard the can of cat food being opened. Ethan smiled as his cat sat by while waiting by for his food, his tail swishing slightly over the floor.

Ethan left, making sure to lock the door on his way out. He made sure to remind Greg to hold the fort while he was gone. Greg seemed to understand.

The weather was a bit colder than Ethan liked, but it wasn’t too cold to walk. He walked into his flower shop and turned the ‘open’ sign on.

He sat, watching as people passed his window. At noon he saw Lex and her little sister walk by. Not even a minute later, the little sister walked in.

Ethan smiled at the girl. She had to be no older than nine. “What can I do for you?” Ethan asked.

“Lex said to give this to you.” She told him, holding up a ten dollar bill. She avoided eye contact.

“Well, can you do something for me?” He asked, and when she nodded he continued, “Would you please bring her this?”

He gave her a small pot with hydrangeas planted. Lex’s sister nodded and left to go back to the tattoo parlor. Ethan watched out of the window to make sure she got there safely. He was proud of his choice in flower. Hydrangeas could show thankfulness. They were also prominent in his ‘fuck you’ bouquets because they could also symbolize heartlessness. From what he had seen, Lex’s personality was somewhere in the middle.

He sat back and pulled off the flannel to look back at his arm. Whoever his soulmate was had an amazing artist doing their tattoos. He pulled out a marker and wrote on the arm with less tattoos on it.

‘Hello.’ he added a poorly drawn stick figure waving.

‘Hi.’ A response came fairly quickly.

‘I like your tattoos.’ He told them.

‘Thanks. I haven’t talked to you in a while.’

‘Stuff happened.’ He wrote.

‘What kind of stuff? Got a new pet stuff or lost a family member stuff’

‘Actually both.’ Ethan replied, biting his lip. He wasn’t really lying.

‘Oh, I’m sorry. Who did you lose?’

‘Parents.’

‘Oh. I’m so sorry.’ They told him.

‘Thanks.’

The two of them chatted idly until there was almost no room on his arm left to write anything. He pulled his flannel back on and looked at the time. It was about two and his stomach felt almost painfully empty.

Ethan stood up and turned the sign to ‘be back soon’ as he locked up. He stuffed his hands into his jean pockets and walked to a pizza joint nearby. He was surprised to see Lex and her sister sitting at a table.

He walked over with his large slice of cheese and sprite, sitting next to Lex. “Well hello ladies.”

“Who told you you could sit here?” Lex asked, giving a pointed and defensive look.

“Well when I paid for your meal you sat at my table, just returning the favor.” He replied, giving a cocky smirk.

When her sister didn’t seem to object, Lex let him stay at the table as they ate. Lex was eating hawiian pizza, making him wish he had a few extra dollars to do the same. Her sister had mushrooms and peppers littering her pizza slice.

Ethan talked to Lex’s sister a bit. He learned her name was Hannah and that she was ten. She was really into spiders and collecting buttons. He filed the information away for later, sure that he would find a way to use it.

They walked back to their shops together, all in a better mood than before because of the break for food. Before Ethan could walk back into his shop, Lex stopped him.

“Hey, um, thanks for last night. And the flowers. I guess.” She mumbled.

“No problem toots. Just what I do.” He smiled, walking back into his shop. Maybe if he didn’t meet his soulmate, he had options.

[ugly-crying-over-bucky-barnes]

Burned Part 7

Summary:  Alfie Solomons is in need of a secretary. Tommy Shelby mentions a young woman in need of employment. From there, the two step into a dangerous dance together.

Part 7: Alfie and Louise escape to Margate

          The bakery was a war zone, had been for the whole week and it was finally Friday. Some men were genuinely afraid they wouldn’t make it to the weekend.

           Despite his new relationship, Alfie was in a terrible mood. He couldn’t spend enough quality time with Louise anyway. He’d work through the middle of the night, much too late to drop by her apartment.

           Sabini had been giving him trouble and the two had fallen out yet again. He was harassing Alfie’s bookies and the two got into a heated argument over the matter. Racial slurs were tossed about and it ended with Ollie stopping his boss from whipping out a gun.

           Now everyone was a target. Even Louise was given grunts or clipped one-word answers. It didn’t bother her so much as she knew the anger wasn’t directed at her. But it did bother her that he was distressed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

           Finally, one hot summer afternoon, she had to intervene.

           “Fucking hell…Lou? Louise!”

           She looked up from her desk situated right outside Alfie’s office door. She stood and went in.

           Alfie was sat in his leather chair, one hand braced against the desk, and the other grasped his cane tightly. A disgruntled look of pain etched into his face, his forehead wrinkling and brow furrowed.

           “Help me up.” He said curtly.

           Louise didn’t think it was wise to remind him of his manners. “Is it your hip?” She walked over to him. Cyril followed her, concerned about his master.

           Alfie’s hip wasn’t reacting well to the stress. His lip was more prominent which made him more upset because he despised appearing weak. He only confided in Louise or Ollie about the pain. Louise wanted to tell him it was because he was either sat at his desk working endless hours or beating up anyone who got on his bad side. But saying that would only make him more upset. Stubbornness couldn’t be cured by reason.

           “’Course it’s me fucking hip.” He replied gruffly.

           “What do you need? I can get it for you.” She offered.

           “I can get it, just help me up.”

           “Alfie, you’re in pain. You should take it easy, I’ll-”

           “I can fucking handle it!” He set off, slapping his palm on the desktop. Louise startled and Cyril whimpered, tucking his tail between his legs and cowering away.

           Alfie groaned and slumped back in the chair. “M’sorry.” He ran a hand over his weary face. “Just don’t wanna be some useless git who can’t get around his own fucking office.”

           “You’re been under too much stress.” She knelt down and rested her hands on his knees. “Maybe you should take a break.”

           “No rest for the wicked, love.” He set his cane aside and tucked a finger under her chin.

           “The bakery will be fine without you for a few days. You know Ollie can handle it.” She urged softly. “You need to trust that.”

           “Can’t, Lou, there’s too much going on right now.” He grimaced. What he wouldn’t do to just snap Sabini’s spine.

           “You need to get out of London.” She continued to persist. “You need clean air for a change. That’ll help your hip.” Her thumbs rubbed circles over his knees. “We won’t go far and they’ll be a phone so you can always check in with Ollie. You and I can spend time together.” It was an unfair tactic to convince him, baiting him with alone time, but it worked.

           “Margate.”

           “Hm?”

           “Margate, s’on the water. ‘Bout a few hours drive.”

           Louise smiled. “Should I go call for a rental cottage? Something by the beach?”

           He coaxed her up off her knees. “Fucking perfect you are.” He murmured before kissing her. Already some of the stress began to trickle off his shoulders.

~~~~~~~~~~

           “Oi! Put that down, you mutt!” Alfie shouted to Cyril who had gathered a large amount of kelp in his mouth. The bullmastiff romped around, the salty mess sticking to his face.

           Louise and Alfie made the getaway to Margate. Ollie was stunned that she’d convinced the boss to stop working for a few days. But he didn’t question it. They planned to stay for the weekend in a little cottage. It was just the two of them and Cyril. They arrived early Friday evening and headed down to the beach after putting their things away in the cottage.

           “Right, you’ll fucking get sick, not a problem of mine.”

           Louise laughed softly. “Let him have his fun.” They watched the large dog lope about the empty beach. His big paws leaving prints in the wet sand. He seemed pleased to be in the wide-open space with brand new smells.

           They were all happy to be there.

           Louise wrapped an arm around Alfie’s and pressed close to his side. They stood in the dunes overlooking the gray ocean. The sun was setting and it was a little chilly by the water. London’s brutal heat seemed like a lifetime away.

           “I want to die here,” Alfie said, punching his cane into the sand with emphasis. “Told myself, I wouldn’t die in France and I didn’t. Won’t fucking die in London either, it’ll be here.”

           Louise believed a man like Alfie could pick the location of his death. But the conversation still made her uneasy at the idea. She didn’t want to think about him dying.

           “No, no, ah you fucking git!” Alfie groaned as Cyril chased a seagull right into the waves. The dog splashed around joyfully, never having the chance to swim before. “He’ll smell fucking awful now.” He grimaced. “He innit sleeping in our room.”

           Louise smiled and squeezed his arm. “I think he’s happy.” She could see the glint of amusement in Alfie’s eyes even if he didn’t want to let it out.

           “Right, c’mon you mutt.” His arm slipped from hers and he limped further down the beach. “Cyril! Get over here, don’t know if you even can fucking swim.”

           She couldn’t help but laugh as Cyril charged out of the water towards him. The soaking wet dog shook off the saltwater right next to Alfie. The man groaned and rolled his eyes. Cyril galloped up the dunes to Louise, panting and wagging his tail.

           “Easy, easy!” Louise giggled and tried not to let him get her wet too. She knelt down and picked a few bits of seaweed off of his coat.

           Alfie returned with a damp shirt from the dog’s frenzied shake.

           “Why here?” She looked up from Cyril.

           “Eh?”

           “You said you wanted to die here.” She reminded him of their conversation moments before.

           He nodded and grunted as he lowered himself to sit on the sand. “S’fucking beautiful, innit? Want to die somewhere beautiful, wouldn't you?”

           Louise sat beside him, tucking her feet to the side and taking one of his hands between both of hers. “It’s got to be more than that.”

           “Mhm, maybe.”

           Getting Alfie to talk about his past was a careful task. It was like coaxing a beaten animal into an embrace. It took time and unbelievable patience.

           “Did you come here when you were younger?” She surmised this was the case. She would always have a special niche in her heart for her childhood places.

           He swallowed and looked out to the ocean. “Few times.” He finally admitted. “My mum took me here probably four, five times.” There was a clear softness in his voice when the woman came to mind.

           “You haven’t told me about her.” Louise ran her thumb over his knuckles, gently pressing into the ridges of his calloused hand.

           “She was from Russia.” He cleared his throat. The subject of his mother rarely came up simply because he didn’t have anyone to talk to about her. Someone he could trust with sensitive information. He only had three pictures of her and he prayed she would keep visiting his dreams. It wasn’t a pleasant experience, it brought him immense heartache when he woke and realized she was gone. But he wanted to keep the memory of her alive, the mental image he had which was far better than the grainy black and white photographs.

           “She was Jewish?” Louise wanted Alfie to know she was responsive and sympathetic. She wanted him to feel safe as he let her sneak a peek into his fiercely guarded heart.

           He nodded, his blue eyes still fixed on the horizon. “Were the reason she had to leave. They chased my whole family down. Slaughtering ‘em like they were animals. They got everyone ‘cept my mum, aunt, and father. Didn’t know my aunt, she didn’t make it to London. Was young when my dad died,

‘round six. My mum had my brother when I was four.”

           “You have a brother?”

           “Had a brother.” He nodded solemnly. “Lost him to the war. Wife was devastated, couldn’t handle my nephew so I took him in and put him to work.”

           Her eyes lit up in surprise. “You raised a child? You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?”

           He chuckled and shook his head. “Not particularly. He was a teenager by that time, just lived with me for a bit 'til he went out on his own. Fucking terror that thing is, a boxer too.”

           “Runs in the family, then?”

           “Well, when you’ve faced opposition your whole life, you’re raised to fight everything and anything.” He rested back on his elbows, not bothered by the sand.

           Louise’s chest tightened. She felt guilty that both her parents had raised her. Her family had never experienced tragedy like Alfie’s had. They’d been blessed and yet she rebelled and could never reconcile with her parents.

           He shrugged his broad shoulders. “Hell of a woman, me mum, did whatever it took to survive. Real small, outgrew her when I were fifteen at least. But she could pack a fucking wallop when she found out I got in trouble.” He chuckled. He could recall his tiny mother shouting at him in Russian when the police knocked on her door. Petty theft and harassing cops frequently got Alfie in trouble. His mother tried to set him on the right path but they were stuck in an immigrant, low-income community. The lure of crime was too great for a short-tempered teen like Alfie. His brother on the other hand usually kept in line.

           “Is that where you get your strength from, then?” Louise giggled softly.

           “Maybe.” He smiled sheepishly and rubbed the back of his neck. “Never stopped loving me though, no matter what I did. Called me her myshka.”

           “What does that mean?” She rested her chin on his shoulder and smiled warmly.

           “Erm…little mouse.” He admitted and his face went a little red. “Guess I was fucking small when I was born.”

           “Cute.” She cooed and squeezed his arm.

           He held up a hand. “No one else can know that, yeah?” He warned sheepishly. “Can’t have those fucking Shelbys using it to their advantage.

           “I promise.” The smile faded though. “What happened to your mother?”  

           Hard lines formed on his face. “She died when I was in Somme.” He explained quietly. “Heart attack.”

           “Oh, Alfie, I’m sorry.” She touched his cheek.

           “Would’ve loved you though.” He finally looked over at Louise, not lingering on her sympathy. “Granted, you’re not Jewish but she was fucking desperate. Wanted me married with children ‘fore I was twenty-one.” He sighed and shook his head. “But, ‘course, she would like you for you. You even me out, yeah, keep me balanced.” His eyes gazed fondly at her. “Took me quite enough time to find you, ain’t wasting it.”

           Louise smiled warmly and kissed his cheek. “We don’t have to waste any time.”

           His heart skipped a beat and he nuzzled her cheek. She giggled softly as his beard tickled her. Her face scrunched up and she arched away from him.

           “C’mon, you two.” Alfie heaved himself up and offered a hand to her. “Getting fucking cold, innit?”

           Louise had barely even noticed the sun had almost fully dipped below the horizon. She was too fixated on Alfie. The sky had darkened into a royal violet color. Bright stars began to appear and blink dimly. The wind had begun to pick up and goosebumps pricked her arms.

           She took his hand to stand up, brushing sand off her skirt. She linked arms with Alfie and they walked up the path to the rental cottage. Cyril trotted after them, panting happily.

           “Gonna rinse the sand off him ‘fore he goes in,” Alfie said as they returned to the stone walkway. The cottage was overgrown with roses and ivy. It was fairly isolated along the coast of Margate; the nearest neighbor was about a five-minute walk down the dirt road. It was heavenly. The air was still and the peaceful sounds of crickets and the nearby ocean surf were like a lullaby.

           Louise stood near the front door as Alfie led Cyril over to the water pump by the side of the cottage. She smiled slightly to herself as she felt the breeze kissed her face and the scent of sea salt tickled her nose. London’s smoke was just a wisp of a memory. She knew it would be extremely difficult to leave.

           “As clean as he’s ever gonna get.” Alfie returned with Cyril. The bullmastiff happily greeted Louise again with a press of his cold nose to her hand. She stroked his head lovingly as Alfie unlocked the door and let them in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

           After a small dinner, Alfie helped Louise clean up the kitchen. It was something she had never experienced before. Daniel always disappeared once he was finished eating. It was surprising but she just smiled and thanked him afterward. She didn’t want to make a big deal out of it like he was a child.

           It was domestic though, and Louise realized she liked it. Often times, as a married woman, she would dread to return home after work. She resented Daniel’s lack of appreciation for all she did. But she could easily imagine how wonderful it would be to return home with Alfie. Have dinner with him each night, read in the parlor together, and then head to bed. It was simple but meant so much.

           “You tired?”

           Deep in her thoughts, Louise almost didn’t realize what he asked. “Oh, a bit.” She shrugged.

           “Should call Ollie to check in. You can head to bed though, don’t need to stay up for me.” His ocean-colored eyes were tender on her.

           She nodded but decided to alter the plan a little. When Alfie retreated to the small sunroom to call Ollie, she shut the bedroom door. It wasn’t like Louise was planning to be devious that trip. But she was looking to relieve Alfie’s stress. And she could recall the wise words of an old friend who knew her way around a man’s body.

           “If a man’s stressed and angry it simply means he hasn’t had a good fuck.”

           It’d been some time since Louise indulged in the sexual desires she had as a rebellious young woman. She’d lost that sense of freedom when she was married. But Alfie awoke that side of her. And the holiday to a secluded cottage seemed like the best time to act. It was soon, very soon, into their relationship. But he was no usual suitor and Louise was a little too drunk on the idea of him.

           Louise stepped out of the bedroom, her bare feet padding against the cool wood floor. With a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling in her stomach, she went to find Alfie.

           His back was to her, sitting at a small desk by the glass of the sunroom’s walls. He spoke steadily with the phone in hand.

           Louise came up behind him and looped her arms around him. He startled a bit but a hint of a smile formed when he sensed her against him. He continued speaking to Ollie, discussing any movements from Sabini.

           A bit impatient, she started to trail kisses down his jawline and to his neck. Her fingers fiddled with the buttons on his shirt.

           His voice hitched and he lost his train of thought. His chest tightened and he groaned quietly.

           “Sir?” Ollie’s confused voice came from the other line.

           “Call you tomorrow.” Alfie quickly hung up and stood. “Trying to seduce me while I’m on the phone?” He chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief as he took in her appearance. “Look at you, fucking tease, ain’t ya?”

           Louise batted her eyelashes innocently. “Well, my boss gave me a raise, so I could go out and buy some nice things.” She spun around teasingly to show off the blush pink nightgown.

           “Aw, that’s sweet, innit? You bought a present for me?” He smirked and grabbed her hips to pull her close. “Like red on you better though.” His voice was husky as his fingers trailed down her thigh. His hand fisted around the silky fabric of the nightgown.

           “Well, I liked the pink.” She tilted her chin up to just barely graze her lips over his. “Doesn’t matter what color it is, you’re going to take it off anyway.”

           Alfie’s pupils blew and he stifled a moan. “Where’d you learn to talk like that, posh girl?” He growled playfully.

           “I don’t kiss and tell.” Her fingers knotted in his hair.

           He chuckled breathlessly. “Fucking hell. Gotta say though, my religion don’t really take kindly to sex ‘fore marriage.” His voice was coy while she pressed against him.

           “I think you’ve broken more than a few rules, Alfie.”

           “Well, fuck, you’ve got me there.” He grinned and picked her up, wrapping her legs around his waist.

           Louise squealed softly at the sudden movement and kissed him deeply. Her feet locked together behind him as he walked to the bedroom.

Tag list: @vehement-care​ @kimmietea​

Masterpost

PB Masterlist

[thijihiguri]

The Emperor’s Ascension - Part 2: The Diamond Prophecy

Disclaimer: it is highly recommended that you read up on the previous chapters prior to reaching this point, or you will find yourself lost in the narrative.  They are posted below for your convenience.

Introduction: https://www.facebook.com/notes/2304709552987721/

Part 1a: https://www.facebook.com/notes/280199693228168/

Part 1b: https://www.facebook.com/notes/811622582740697

The capital of Hyoga was tranquil this time of year.  Everyone waited out these remaining few weeks before the first snow.  Winter was the most active time of the year for the Land of Glaciers, and the first snowfall heralded the changing of the seasons.

On the western portion of the capital, in the residential districts, there stood a lovely mansion which could easily be spotted from anywhere in the district.  Other than the architecture heavily contrasting that of Hyogan make, it was teal.  From chimney to foundation, every brick and shingle was the same color.  Within this monocolor abode was a theater, which was empty save for one woman, who was enjoying a pleasant dessert beverage over a movie, seemingly about a special girl who could harness the powers of the rainbow.  Her hair was wrapped in a towel and wore a bathrobe – all of which was teal.  She sighed with content as she watched, almost as if she was reminiscing over days long past.

Just as the movie was seeming to get interesting, the picture was beginning to distort.  The woman ceased the enjoyment of her beverage and stood up, watching as the screen was beginning to shift into an image of a white-haired maid in blue-and-white, who greeted her with a smile.  Knowing her as Sakuya, the woman robed in teal sat back down and put her drink aside…

Sakuya: Madam Shuji.  Sorry to have interrupted that grand movie; it was getting to the best part.

Nora: It’s no problem, Queen Mikazuki!  If you’re here, then somethin’ big must be goin�� down!

Sakuya: Have you been made aware of your pupil’s recent excursions?

Nora: Who, Thiji?  I heard somethin’ about him fightin’ a bunch of ice people lately.  Why, may I ask?

Sakuya: Is your estate empty?

Nora: Yup!  All my appointments and meetings have been taken care of for the day!

Ripples began forming on the screen as the Eternal Human then walked through it as if it were a portal, appearing before Nora in person as the movie resumed behind her.

Sakuya: Then I can speak to you about this personally.  But first, let’s finish this film, yes?

Nora nodded in agreement, and the two ladies watched the rest of the movie to its end, conversing and laughing all the while.  They regaled each other over the days when Thiji, Koyuki, and the others were yet young and full of creative energy.  Once the movie ended, they relocated to Nora’s office (take a guess at what color it was).  Nora shut the blinders and Sakuya closed the door to maintain privacy, during which time she would give her pitch to the Teal Quaintrelle…

Nora: Wait a minute… He’s doin’ what?!  How was I, Elementa’s #1 socialite, not made aware of this?!

Sakuya: That’s partially my fault, Madam Shuji.

Nora: Please, Your Majesty!  Just “Nora” will do for you!

Sakuya: I’ve only been sharing this information with the Handmaidens of Peace so far, but Thiji has accelerated through the Trials much faster tha new anticipated, which can only mean that he is as anxious to become a God as are my sisters.  But if you can get the word out on this, it would mean a lot to me.  Not to mention it could bring untold amounts of publicity to Shuji Studios.

Nora: As temptin’ as that already sounds, I’d have done this without such delicious bait!  To think that the boy I tutored so long ago became an Emperor of an entire continent, and now he’s gonna become a bona-fide God of Winter!  You don’t need to ask twice, My Queen – I’ll happily tell the world!  And it’s gonna go down here, before the First Snow!  They’ll be callin’ it the “Winds o’ Destiny” once this whole thing blows over!

Sakuya, chuckling: I’m glad you saw things my way, Nora.  Just a reminder that you cannot disclose the full details of this event until the moment it starts.  If too much information gets out, it’d spark a lot of undue tension throughout Elementa.

Nora: As if I need to be reminded o’ that!  Gimme a week and the Borealis Stadium will be so filled to capacity that there won’t even be room for SRO!  Let this be known as Shuji’s Finest Hour!

Sakuya: Thank you again, Nora.  I’ll be looking forward to your report.

Nora: Oh, one more thing!  I’m gonna need footage o’ Thiji kickin’ ass across the multiverse!  I know you have some holo-footage lyin’ around somewhere!

Sakuya: Anything you need to get the word out, Nora.  I got you covered.  I must attend to our Eternal-to-be.

Nora: Then you’ve got yourself a signal-boostin’ deal!

After they shook hands, Sakuya’s form began to fade out of the material plane, leaving behind a small orb in the palm of Nora’s hand.  This was no doubt the recorded footage of Thiji’s recent accomplishments.

Nora searched for her hyperdimensional purse and whistled a special tune.  Out from within jumped a fully-equipped stage crew, complete with cameramen, stylists, clothiers, and every other possible accoutrement.  They all seemed eager and raring to go, for they have not been called by their mistress in what felt like ages.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s been one hell of a ride with y’all so far,” Nora told them, “but we’ve got the biggest scoop to have ever graced Elementa, and we’ve only got a week to get the word out, so let’s get to work, because once this is all over, even unborn children will know of the Shuji name!”

https://youtu.be/EuKGNGZjUJI?t=11437 (3:10:36 - 3:16:14)

Everyone cheered and scrambled throughout the estate, setting themselves up for the biggest report ever.  Meanwhile, within the Spiral of Time, Thiji had just returned from his final leg of the Trials of Winter.  He had contended with other god-like beings that commanded a great deal of winter’s might, and has learned (and re-learned) just about everything there is to know about ice and its many facets.  The sheer amount of knowledge he had unearthed intrigued him, and that alone motivated him to learn all he could about winter so that he would be that much better off for his ascent.

With his final battle in the Trial thus settled, the Proofs all gathered, circling around Thiji as the latent energies reacted with his body, instilling their knowledge and memories into him.  All he could do from that point was heave a great sigh of relief and fell backwards, landing on his back.

After a few long moments of rest, he rose to a sitting position and noticed a familiar figure walking out of a portal, greeting him with applause.

“Congratulations, Thiji,” spoke Sakuya, “the Trials of Winter have been conquered, and you are now one step closer to achieving your destiny.  How do you feel?”

“As if a two-ton weight was placed upon my shoulders…” Thiji groaned as he struggled to stand, the adrenaline in his body finally giving way to massive fatigue.

“You worked tirelessly to make it this far, and it shows,” Sakuya stated.  “Now it is time for you to rest; your final Trial is near.  Within one week’s time, when the first snows fall upon Hyoga, your penultimate task will begin.  Until then, you may find solace in my domain, and recuperate unperturbed.  Remember your training; trust your instincts, and ready yourself in mind, body, and soul.  This last trial will undoubtedly be your most daunting.”

The Eternal Human waved her hand and placed her nephew in a stasis field, rendering his body motionless.  The Emperor wasted no time in surrendering to the sweet embrace of slumber, his body drifting through the limitless expanse that was the Spiral of Time.  Meanwhile, Nora was already hard at work getting everything set up for the big broadcast.  She spent the entire week signal boosting and utilizing her various media techniques to inform not only Elementa, but to their allies from other realms as well.  When it came to the power of media, Nora Chelsea-Izumi Shuji could command the attention of even Gods!  Her face was seen on every poster and every television; her voice was heard on every radio and podcast.  There was nothing stopping Shuji Studios from seizing the radio waves.

“Goood mornin’, Elementa and beyond!  This is Nora Shuji here live in the Borealis Tundra to give you what is perhaps the most special report ever!  If you’ve been livin’ under a rock, in a cave, or under the sea all your life, then fear not!  I’m here to enlighten ya!  Our lovable Emperor of Hyoga, Lord Thiji Higuri, has been undergoin’ some grueling trainin’ recently to be bestowed the rarest of honors: ascension to godhood!  He’s been goin’ across the mysterious multiverse and kickin’ the cans of all the guys, gals, and creatures that consider themselves to be masters of winter!  But he’s beaten every single one of ‘em, and now the time has come for him to face his final test against an unknown adversary!  Is it a person from Thiji’s past?  Or a long-lost rival lookin’ to settle a score?  The only way you’ll find out for sure is if you head on over to Hyoga yourself to witness this monumental event!  Tickets are on sale now, and you’ve got only one week before showtime!  But even if you can’t make it, Shuji Studios has you covered: we’ll be takin’ control of the radio waves so that everyone in Elementa can watch the spectacle from the comfort of their own homes!  Are you lookin’ to see what a real battle of ice and snow looks like?  Then you’d better tune in, because this is a once-in-a-hundred-lifetimes chance!  The Borealis Stadium is expected to be filled to capacity, so you’d better act fast and start makin’ your travel arrangements!  This has been Nora Shuji reportin’ to you from the icy bosom of the Land of Glaciers, and remember: If It Ain’t Shuji, It Ain’t Worth Jack!”

From the subaquatic city of Arazsha, to the capitals of all thirteen continents and even the Soramori, news of Thiji’s ascension spread like wildfire.  People from all around the globe began to flock towards the Land of Glaciers, where the greatest moment in Elementa’s history would unfold.

A week’s time had passed, and it was a peaceful, sunny morning in Hyoga.  Atop the glistening walls of Yukiga-To’s outer gates, the leader of the Brides of Winter, Confessor Sylla, sat upon the parapet.  Two more individuals approached her, meeting her gaze toward the horizon.  They were Celuwen, the Virtuemother and Shijima Yukino, the Voice of Winter, and together with the First Bride, they were the highest-ranking individuals of the Handmaidens of Peace.  They watched as the Hyogan skies were dotted by airships and various flying creatures eager to witness the spectacle – one of which was a large airship bearing the image of a multicolored, exploding star upon its sails.  This was the War Star, the airship belonging to the Battle Vixens guild, with the entire crew on deck with their warrior elite: Lupi Flametress, the hot-blooded Knight; Aege Stonemantle, the steadfast Whitesmith; Elua Windgaze, the free-spirited Sniper, and Heal-Do, the calm yet fierce Assassin Cross.

Approaching the Frozen Shore were seafaring vessels and seaborne fauna who have befriended the people of Hyoga – the most important of whom being the Glacierfin Naga, led by Queen Mizu and her council.  Accompanying her was the Mist Queen, Shiro Reina, Mizu’s old friend and former master.

“I knew that man was something else,” Shiro stated, “but never in my life did I imagine him joining Elementa’s pantheon… I’d like a few words with him when this is over before he parts.”

“To ssee a sshorewalker grace the very heavenss would be a sssight for any Naga to behold,” commented Z’hira.  “Let uss make hasste to the sstadium!”

It was truly a sight to behold from the city proper: people from all corners of Elementa and beyond, flocking to one singular location, the stadium slowly filling in its seats.  The Borealis Stadium itself was impressive, to say the least, easily accommodating at least half a million people, including exclusive club seating, skyboxes, and luxury suites – one of which housed the Eternals themselves, and even Nora.  The Teal Quaintrelle wasted no expense in having as many people filling the stadium as possible, and to attract such a crowd could only be possible for a media mogul like her.

And on the far side of the fields stood a solitary ice block, the man of the hour himself within.  Thiji awaited the coming battle, taking this time in solitude to gather himself and focus his power.  It appeared to have been under control - no paling skin or abnormal protrusions from his body.

“Looks like it’ll be a full house, sisters!” Raiko excitedly pointed out.  “This stadium is freakin’ huge!  It should be a landmark!”

“It is,” Homura and Sakuya said simultaneously.

“Where the heck’s Mizore?  She should be watching her son’s finest hour!” the Eternal Succubus asked as she took a big gulp of her drink.

“She’s got her reasons for being tardy,” Sakuya calmly replied.  “For now, let’s get comfy.  Thiji’s battle will be approaching soon.”

In the premium club seats were Princess Seraphina and her entourage: her cousins Kasui & Kasho, along with the Generals of the Tundra Force.  She was excited to see her father’s final performance, along with Queen Shiro and the others – everyone of Hyoga’s Finest had arrived to bear witness to this occasion.  Turning to her immediate left, she would find herself being greeted by a beautiful silver-white fox with nine tails, swinging them eagerly.

“I know he’ll succeed – I will see him in the heavens!” she thought aloud.  This was Da Ji, Purity’s Envoy, and Guardian deity of Amatsu.  A close friend of Thiji’s, she was more eager than anyone to watch Thiji’s performance.

With everyone in place, the time had come to commence the event.  A large teal dirigible flew over the stadium, and titantrons began activating along the outer edges of the stadium, allowing comfortable viewing access from any and all angles.  The Glacierfin Council “seated” beside Shiro and Mizu gazed in awe at the enlarged visage of Nora, and the technology she boasted.

“Thiss woman iss… eccentric,” Zhira commented, “but her pressentation iss not wanting!  Thiss is the marvel of sshorewalker technology!”

“And she’s a fierce fighter besides,” Shiro commented.  “In fact, she taught Thiji martial arts, among other things.”

“PEOPLE OF ELEMENTA AND BEYOND!  ARE YOU READY?!” cried Nora from the airship.  The crowd let out a jubilant uproar of cheers and applause in response.  “To all tunin’ in today, you’re in for the more delectable treat in Elementa’s history: the hour of Thiji’s ascension!  The Emperor of Hyoga himself, Thiji Higuri, has been rampagin’ all over the multiverse to beat all contenders who would get in his way of bein’ Lord of Winter, and now he’s back in the world of Elementa to face his final trial – and you’re all invited to witness it!  Any moment now, his final opponent will make their appearance, and the most epic battle of your lives will commence!  Now let’s hear it for our lovable ice man, the Emperor himself: Thiji Sorin Higuri!”

The ice block shattered and the man of the hour rose to his feet, gazing upon the countless masses applauding him.  He could make out familiar voices cheering him on: his daughter; his niece; Da Ji, and even Shiro.  He couldn’t help but smile at all the people whose lives he touched and changed motivating him one last time as a mortal.  Because after today, he would become a God.

As the hour of judgment drew closer, the Handmaidens’ leadership began to make their way towards the stadium.  However, they would only be able to take a few steps before Confessor Sylla felt a wave of dread wash over her.  She frowned as she laid a hand upon her heart, giving her sisters cause for concern.

https://youtu.be/EuKGNGZjUJI?t=6329 (1:45:29 - 1:47:37)

“Confessor?” spoke Celuwen.

“This pang upon my breast…” she whispered.  “Is this truly Winter’s will…?”

“What did you see?” Shijima inquired.  Sylla remained silent, only pointing towards the heavens above the Borealis Stadium.  The clouds were beginning to part as a single pillar of amethyst-colored light shone through – it was finally time.  Thiji readied himself as a lotus flower fell from above.  Its descent was blindingly swift, and as it touched down, a storm of petals danced throughout the stadium, wowing the audience.  The flower itself grew in size until it was tall enough to fit an adult male, and once the petals parted to reveal its passenger… the world stopped.

Everyone – from the spectators in the stadium, to the people watching from all corners of the realm, to even Thiji himself – was utterly frozen.  Not a single breeze blew through the arctic.  All was still; all was silent.

“Psst.  Hey, Sakuya,” Raiko whispered.  “I know this is for dramatic effect and all, but we kinda need time to move again.”

“This isn’t me, sister,” the Eternal Human defended.  “Even the families of Heaven of Hell are aware of this moment; all of Elementa is still.”

Out from the flower strode a maiden in a violet qipao, her hair and skin flawless.  Angel wings were seen protruding from her back and in front of her ears.  In her right hand she gripped a decorative jian, an oriental broadsword, and flowers began to blossom through the snow upon which she stood.  Her face was tense – not with anger, but with determination, as she glared daggers at Thiji.

Once the perception of time went back to normal, Thiji’s focus shattered.  He beheld his final opponent, his penultimate obstacle standing in the way of his rightful ascension:

The Snow Flower herself, Koyuki Kazahana, was his final opponent.

“Hello, my lord,” Koyuki greeted firmly.  “It is finally time for you to embrace your destiny.”

“The High Empress…?!” gasped Celuwen and Shijima.

“That I did not foresee this until now…What is Winter plotting…?” Sylla asked herself aloud.

“I am certain we will find the answers we seek once we make it to the stadium.  Come, sisters!” Celuwen ordered, and with a strum of her oud, she brought the winds of the north to heel as they swirled around herself and the others, carrying them to the Borealis Stadium.

“My mother… She was an Angel all this time?” Seraphina inquired.

“Always has been, Princess Seraphina,” Shiro replied.  “In fact, she is a Seraph, an Angel raised and trained for battle.  Note the two pairs of wings.”

“Just like my name!  It makes so much sense now!” the Princess giggled.

“That she is a Seraph can only mean that she went to the Dawn Academy at some point... which implies that our Empress is a lot older than she seems!” Hira deducted.

“Preposterous!” scoffed Chui, General of the Wavemenders.  “That’d mean she’d be half a century old at the least!”

“Normally you’d be correct, Wavecaller,” coolly spoke Galetracker Yori Honshou, General of the Hailvolleys, “but if there’s one thing I know about the Kazahana Clan, it’s that they hold a lot of skeletons in their closet - the Pure Branch, especially!”

“You’re not just saying that because your bow was blessed by them, are you...?” the Spring Elf Arasil questioned, rolling her eyes.

“He has a point, though,” Hira followed.  “The Kazahana Clan are the most powerful and prominent family in Elementa for a reason.  Some even say that their capabilities border on the unnatural.”

The others shrugged off the notion and fell silent, refocusing on center field.

“Koyuki, my flower, what are you doing…?” Thiji questioned.  He took a step forward, but would be met with only a blade pointed toward him.  He looked upon his wife and immediately took notice of her demeanor: she wasn’t the cheerful and demure lady by which she was so known and loved.  No, this Koyuki was far different – eyes burning with fervent determination, a fury quelled by the serenity her very presence brings.  He had surmised that she has awakened the Kazahana blood within her, turning the Snow Flower into a weapon of war.

“Doing what must be done, my lord,” she replied.  “You have completed the Trials of Winter, and now your final test is upon you.  Did you think you were the only one training, my Emperor?  I, too, have been honing my skills, preparing myself for this fateful day where we would meet each other – as opponents.  And as many are wont to say: the more beautiful the flower, the deadlier its thorns, and I have been touted as the most beautiful in all of Elementa.”

“But I’ve sworn an oath to defend and uphold your purity!” Thiji interjected, taking a stance.  “Laying a hand on you in aggression is sacrilege of the highest order; the Kazahana Clan is the most powerful in all of Elementa, and drawing their blood is original sin – especially the blood of a Pure Branch member – most of all its head!”

“You’re right: you are still oathbound to protect me, my lord,” Koyuki pondered, “which is why I declare upon this day that you, Thiji Sorin Higuri, shall protect me no longer.  I deem you freed from the manacles by which this oath has bound you, sworn no longer to safeguard my purity!”

The entire stadium gasped; some of the Handmaidens were so taken aback that they began fainting on the spot.  As for Thiji, he was crushed by this so that he collapsed, falling to his knees.  The Eternals watched silently from their box with anticipation, counting on the Snow Flower to carry out their mission.  Thiji wanted to feel utter sorrow, but his heart was not as affected by this as he had thought.  In fact, he was not even brought to tears.  But the same sadness lingered as he rose his head to the heavens, wondering what cruel hand fate had dealt him to come to this occasion.  After loving, serving, and protect his beloved Snow Flower – his destined, star-crossed wife – she casts his oath aside like an old toy.

His head felt heavy now.  The weight became too much to bear that he would once again lower it to the ground, seemingly losing all energy to move.  He was still, as the first snow had finally begun to fall upon Hyoga.  Thiji had shut his eyes, hoping that it was all a nightmare.  But a voice broke through the silence.

“Thiji.  Draw your sword.  If you are to claim your destiny, then you must strike me down.”

https://youtu.be/EuKGNGZjUJI?t=11775 (3:16:14 - 3:19:26)

These words came from Koyuki’s lips.  But it only hurt him further.  Again, the emotional blow was softened by some unknown force.  No response from the Emperor of Hyoga.  Koyuki pressed the matter once more.

“Raise your head, Thiji.  Draw your sword and meet me in battle.”

“What madnesss is thiss?!” Z’hira gasped.

“What corruption has befouled the High Empress?!” Deshir followed.

“Koyuki is incorruptible,” Queen Mizu said telepathically.  “She’s plotting something, but it involves battle.  I know Lady Shiro and Lady Koyuki well; they wouldn’t do things without some ultimate goal in mind.”

Seraphina only watched on in silence, unable to say a single word from the sheer emotion wrought by this moment.  Thiji, again, did not speak or budge.  Thus did Koyuki resort to more direct measures.  With a beat of her wings, she took the the skies, grasping her blade as gravity gave way.

As she descended, memories of Thiji’s past surged through his mind – all of which involved Koyuki.  His most cherished moment, when they were mere children, replaying over and over in his mind.  How tenderly he held her that cold day… how icy wet his face was from the tears he shed for her… and the words he spoke to her:

“Please, Koyuki… don’t go.  I need you.”

He kept that memory closest to his heart all his life, and now it seemed to have been for naught.  Of all the opponents he could have faced, he never once dreamed of raising a blade against Koyuki.  But just like the other assaults upon his heart, yet again, the blow was mitigated.  Why did not feel so crushed as he originally anticipated?  Was his warrior’s spirit taking over?  Whatever the cause may be, he found the strength to rise back to his feet, conjuring a katana of ice just in time to clash blades with Koyuki, a loud ring heard throughout the stadium.  The resulting force sent the falling snow blowing in all directions, pelting the crowd in a flurry of frost and angel down.

“Good, my lord,” she congratulated as she stared her husband down, that same determination in her eyes.  His eyes, however, were filled with something else – cold yet raging.  He did not question why he acted in such a way, only that it felt right.  “For the glory of Hyoga, unleash your soul and face me!”

And thus the battle had begun.

“Game on, sisters…” Sakuya declared, reclining in her seat.  The two concluded their deadlock and forced each other back to opposite ends of the arena.  Thiji made the first move and sent blades of ice toward the Snow Flower, who answered with graceful dodges to the left and right.  She performed another wingbeat, sending flower petals forward and strewing them about the arena.

Thiji rose his katana and charged, watching the petals explode in a small radius as he came close.  She had set a floral minefield to deter Thiji.  Stepping directly atop a petal, he was sent flying upwards, throwing him off balance.  Koyuki took the skies to meet him, ready to greet Thiji with a series of blade attacks.  He was able to recover from the explosion he triggered to meet Koyuki in a clash of blades once more, parrying her blows with his katana.  Seeing an opening, Koyuki performed a lunge with her sword, aimed at Thiji’s chest.  The Emperor was able to spin in midair to avoid it, sheathing his blade for a brief moment before unleashing stored energy to perform a blinding iai slash at the Empress’ midsection.  The attack hit its mark, but Koyuki’s form vanished into flower petals.

“A flower clone…” he thought to himself.  He made a quick 180-degree turn as soon as he felt Koyuki’s presence, though try as he did to react, the Snow Flower had already grabbed him by the arm, whirled him around, and threw him straight downward.

Utilizing his newfound strength, Thiji turned to face the ground, clenching his free hand into a fist and slammed the ground with all his might, upheaving the floral minefield and detonating all the petals in a beautiful display of flower and snow.  The audience could not help but cheer at the spectacle, scattered cheering for either side to win.  Everyone was beginning to get into the fighting spirit, it seemed.

“You’re gettin’ all this, right, boys?!” Nora shouted to her crew, who all gave a thumbs-up.  “Good!  Ain’t nobody’s takin’ this moment away from us!”

“Thiji... One way or another, I will help make you see,” Koyuki thought as she looked down at Thiji.  She began her descent, seeking to meet Thiji head-on once more.  As they clashed blades once more, she stared once more into his icy-cold eyes.  “Dance with me, my lord,” she invited aloud.  “Bring me the beauty and grace of battle that only you can provide me!”  Her husband pushed her away, and she performed a somersault before sticking the landing, sliding several meters back along the snow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU0ehpWSZdg

“Then I shall lead…” he coolly replied before wreathing his katana in frost energy.  She did the same for her blade, enveloping it in a violet aura of floral energy, and their dance began: a graceful and frenetic flurry of steel, as gusts of snow and flowers whirled around the stadium.  The crowd cheered them on as their dance went on, with either side showing little sign of letting up.  For Seraphina, however, the residual energies they were giving off reacted with her own body – so much so that it was beginning to feel as though they had counted on this to happen.

The Alabaster Rose hugged herself, unsure of what was going on with her body…

“Cousin!  Are you well?!” Kasui said as she hurried to her side.  She would then be pushed back as the halo which levitated behind her illuminated, and focused her energies into the heavens, drastically altering the scenery.  Kasho caught Kasui, after which they would look up to notice that the clouds had parted, revealing a sunless sky, with the glorious light of Tsukuyomi illuminating the area.  Once this atmospheric phenomenon occurred, all jubilation ceased, and only silence followed.  All were entranced by the dazzling display.

“What… What is this…?” General Hiro gasped.

“In all my battles, I’ve seen nothing like this before…” Snowmistress Hira stated.

“C’est magnifique…”

Everyone turned toward the source of the voice: the newly-ordained Duchess of Yukiga-To, Masao Inkina Muyo.  “A rarity unlike any other: a joining only made possible through the Higuri Clan and the Kazahana Pure Branch; a vibrant and mystical dance of twirling petals and snowy zephyrs beneath the silvery gaze of the moon: the Beauty of the Four Seasons: the Setsugekka no Utsukushi-sa.”

“How do you know of this, Duchess?” inquired Mikomi Toushou, Nomad of Hope, who sat right beside Su Da Ji.

“I’ve served the Royal Family long enough to learn of the unique bond shared between the Higuri Clan and the Kazahana Pure Branch,” she explained.  “With Great Empress Kaiyuki’s blessing, I was the one who oversaw a young Lord Thiji’s rise to Prime Minister of Yukiga-To before his 15th birthday.  The Higuri have always been the most loyal retainers to them, and of the many bonds that form between Clans, theirs is the most graceful and beautiful in all of Elementa.  The Great Empress told me this secret, and I’ve kept it well-guarded until the time was right.  Their very powers alter the world around them: Lord Thiji, of the snow; Lady Koyuki, of the flower… and Princess Seraphina, of the moon.  Together, they complete this rarest of dances…”

A singular tear fell from her face, compared to the countless others who also shed tears from the serene beauty of the sight – even the Glacierfin Naga cried, never witnessing a more beautiful spectacle since the coming of their Queen.  And up above, Nora and her crew were practically bawling.

“D-Don’t stop filmin’ this, gentlemen – no matter how w-watery your eyes get…!” Nora ordered, choking back tears with little success.  The Eternals, too, were moved by this sight, though Homura was trying her hardest not to show her tears.

“Man… I oughta slap the white off of Mizore for not witnessing her own flesh and blood doing this!” Homura grumbled.

On the eastern section of the stadium, the Handmaidens leadership arrived just in time to witness the show with Nisou and the others.  The Handmaidens either fainted from the overwhelming beauty or were praying in reverence to Winter; Sylla felt utter bliss, hurrying to her nieces’ side to watch with them; Celuwen and Shijima were simply stunned.

The length of their dance was reaching its end; the Borealis Stadium and surrounding area darkening as a sign, until the moonlight was focused only on the circumference of the arena.  The two warriors disengaged to focus all their respective energy into their weapons again, before zooming towards center field to meet one another in one final clash beneath the lunar spotlight.  The ground then began to shake as the residual energies focused onto a singular area – the stadium itself.  A raging blizzard of snow and blossom petals filled the area, contained in a transparent veil of moonlight which protected the audience.  The storm rose to the very heavens, until the barrier would finally break from the resulting explosion, releasing a flash of light which temporarily blinded all who gazed upon it.

Once the light had faded and the skies returned to normal, the crowd beheld the last vestiges of the dancing iceflowers, as both contestants laid on the ground.

“Did… Did he win…?  Is it over…?” Da Ji asked hopefully.  Thiji and Koyuki slowly rose to their feet after recovering from the shock of the explosion, barely a scratch on them, save for a small cut on their cheek.

“Well done, Thiji…” Koyuki said in her mind.  “All under Heaven and above the Underworld will remember this day.  And with this dance concluded, you’re one step closer… But still you must see.  You must further be catalyzed.  Only then will the truth be revealed.  Jenivieve… Liliana… Dr. Rieleigh… everyone… after all we’ve done for him… I pray that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.”

Grasping her blade, she took to a piercing stance, wings outstretched.  Taking this moment in her hands, she charged at Thiji with all her might, her blade aiming straight for his heart.

“MY LORD, TAKE CARE!!” shouted Da Ji, reaching out to the man she loves.  Try as he could, he was unable to react, his body feeling… cold.  Rigid, even.  He only watched as his beloved wife came toward him at full speed, bracing himself for the inevitable blow…

… But destiny had other plans.

A loud clang resounded throughout the stadium, which such force that the wind generated from it blew everyone off of their seats (figuratively, of course).  Thiji slowly opened his eyes, gasping at what he beheld: his heart was untouched, a strange barrier holding Koyuki’s blade a meter from it!  He rose his head to meet Koyuki’s gaze, who shut her own eyes in response.  And in the midst of it all, Thiji could not help but think that Koyuki felt… relieved by this.

Setting the notion aside, he released his pent-up energy in a radial wave of force which knocked the Snow Flower back towards her end of the arena.  Koyuki caught herself, getting to her knees as she watched Thiji’s body… changing.

“It’s done…” Koyuki quietly cheered under her breath.  The Emperor’s eyes shut as he winced in pain, clutching his chest as he saw his body crystallizing!

“She did it!” Sakuya cheered with a fist pump.  “It’s all on her now.”

“I-Is this a result of the dance, Duchess Muyo?!” Mikomi asked.

“Non,” she answered.  “This is something entirely different; a first-time occurrence for us all.”

As Thiji fought his hardest to stop this process, he dropped to his knees, clutching his chest desperately to stem the pain.  It was then that he heard a voice in his head:

“Thiji… do not fight it.”

His eyes opened, scanning the area for the source, but he saw only Koyuki, and the masses who gathered today to watch him.  The voice called to him again:

“Give in to it.  This is your destiny.  Your time has finally come.”

“I know that voice…” he whispered…

“Come to me… and all will be made clear.”

A protective dome of permafrost formed around Thiji, leaving everyone stupefied.

“The plot glaciates…!” Nora exclaimed.

https://youtu.be/EuKGNGZjUJI?t=10967

Thiji reopened his eyes and found himself in a different realm – far from the Borealis Stadium – far from Hyoga – and far from Elementa.  A vast forest blessed by eternal winter; trees turned white and blue by snow and frost; arctic fauna both normal and magical roaming the land.  Light snowfall persisted no matter where one went in the forest, and the wind was calm and serene.  Thiji was beyond awestruck at the stark beauty of this land.  His reverence would be cut short, however, as a snowy owl landed before him, staring at him expectantly.  It lifted a wing and pointed it to the path behind it, gesturing him to follow.

Thiji threw caution to the wind and proceeded down the path, until he would eventually come to a glade of pristine snow and ice.  Waiting for him in the center sat a lone woman robe in an ornate white-and-blue kimono.  Her waist-length hair and skin were as white as the very snow, and icicles decorated her form – from hair ties with red ribbons to lining her obi in a manner akin to strings of charms.

The owl perched itself on a nearby nest, alerting the woman to Thiji’s presence – though she already knew he had come.  She rose from her seat and turned slowly to gaze at Thiji, greeting him with a smile warm enough to melt the snow around her.

“My son – my sweet Yukinko…” she greeted with the most gentle of voices.

“Mother…” Thiji replied under his breath.  He broke into a sprint towards his beloved parent, and memories flashed back in both their minds, to a time when Thiji was a mere child.  This mother of the Emperor of Hyoga was none other than Mizore, the Eternal Yuki-Onna of Ice, and by proxy, Empress Dowager of Hyoga.  He embraced his mother tenderly, for he had missed her so, just as she missed him.  “Where am I, Mother…?  What is going on?”

“Be still, sweetest son,” she replied.  “I will explain.  Firstly, this is my – and soon to be, your – domain: the Antarctic Glade.  I summoned you here personally to help you on your final step towards your ascension.  First, I would ask of you to create a reflection.”

“Yes, Mother,” he immediately acknowledged.   Mizore then used her powers to conjure a large slab of ice before them, while Thiji utilized the powers of the Glacial Guardian to project his memories onto the ice, replaying them as though it were a television.

“Thiji,” Mizore began, “do you recall a certain crucial moment in time where you changed drastically in demeanor?  I will give you a hint: it was during your burgeoning adult years.”

Thiji thought for a moment, which caused the ice to react.  The reflections began replaying a younger Thiji with Koyuki, whom he was on the verge of proposing to, and the actual wedding.  Then it replayed a moment in time with Thiji and Koyuki again, a few years older, but with a third familiar face: flowing, platinum-blonde hair; stunning violet eyes…

These particular moments kept playing over and over as Mizore continued her explanation…

“Your destiny was delayed due the love you shared with the Snow Flower and the Dragon Empress.  Though they may have given you power through love, they had, unbeknownst to them, been holding you back.  This was not your fault, nor theirs, for your love was star-crossed.  However, you have learned all you could, and now you are at the crux of your power; the zenith of your potential.”

“So Koyuki and Liliana… them changing my heart affected me so?” Thiji asked.  Mizore responded with a nod.

“Love is powerful, Thiji,” she said.  “so powerful that it can soften one’s resolve.  Elementa is in need of new protectors, and it is unanimous that none are a better candidate than you to ascend to godhood.  But in order for this to occur, you had to undergo the Trials of Winter – they served as a means of reminding you of your roots as a child born of Winter.  You bear it in all forms: its savagery; its ferocity; its serenity; its beauty.  Your heart needed to be re-hardened, and you have done just that in record time.  To ascend to godhood, you needed to become the undisputed mortal ruler over all things cold and frigid.  This… is the Diamond Prophecy.  You passed yourself off as the Diamond Emperor, but now you can truly be the Diamond Emperor.  This will be your first – and final – transformation.”

“That is why my body was crystallizing!” Thiji realized.  “It was a diamond cocoon!”

“Precisely!” his mother affirmed.  “Koyuki knew of this, and now she stands between you and your ascension.  Though you are among the incredibly rare few to have multiple true loves, you must learn to let them go.  Koyuki wanted you to see that; in time, I am sure Liliana will understand as well.  We are living forces of nature; the limits of our strength far surpass even that which love can bring.  So I ask you, Thiji: will you strike down the Snow Flower – your greatest love – to ascend?”

“I will,” he immediately stated, his expression turning cold.  “I must.”  Mizore took note of this, smiling in approval – not a single bit of doubt or remorse present on his face.

“Then I have done my duty.  Now I’ll just need to give you a little jump-start!”

She lifted her index finger, and condensed the glade’s latent glacial energy into a small orb, resting on its tip.  As it drew closer to his heart, Mizore gave her parting words to her son:

“When next I see you, Thiji, you will be a God.  For now, I think it’s time you left; you have one last show to put on!”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7mt36xZhrk&list=RDj7mt36xZhrk&start_radio=1

As soon as she touched his heart, the energy discharged and quickly enveloped his body, consuming him in a white light that transported him out of the glade and back to Hyoga.  Everyone watched with bated breath over the glacial dome that has now been hardened into diamond.

“What could be goin’ on inside that dome?!” Nora shouted.  “If you’re still holdin’ your breath, then you’ve got the lung capacity of an Olympic gold medalist!”

“Think she did it?” Homura asked Sakuya.

“For sure.  Look at the dome,” she replied.  The dragoness looked back, noticing that cracks were forming along the dome.  The crowd gasped as the cracks began splitting, growing in length and width.  Light broke through the fractures, which made everyone grow concerned.

“That dome’s about to burst!  Watch out, everyone!!” Nora warned.  The crowd did not have much time to react until the dome burst, sending shards of diamond out in all directions.  The audience and Nora and her crew did their best to shield themselves from horrible lacerations and puncture wounds, only to find that the shards have been trapped in stasis before it would strike anyone.  They looked around and beheld nothing but a glistening stadium of diamond, as Thiji emerged from his cocoon, completely transformed: his normal garb has been replaced with regal clothing; it along with his hair took on an ice blue-to-white gradient; his skin, pallid and pure white, like the snow.  Upon his head was a crown made of pure diamonds, with the shards of the selfsame mineral dancing about him.  Koyuki smiled at the sight of her lord – remade whole once more – his former self, restored.

“Is… Is that Lord Thiji?!” Nora gasped.  “Ladies and gentlemen and everybody tuned in: the unthinkable has happened!  In the heat of battle, the master of ice himself has undergone a PHENOMENAL change, and has stilled the power of winter itself with a mere glare!  This can only mean one thing: we’re witnessin’ the first – and last – transformation of Thiji Higuri, the Diamond Emperor!!”

The crowd cheered loudly once more, chanting “Diamond!  Emperor!  Diamond!  Emperor!”  Regaining her composure, Koyuki picked up her blade and assumed her best fighting stance.

“Are you prepared, my lord…?” Koyuki called out.  He rose his head and slowly opened his eyes, revealing cold orbs of ice blue to match his emotionless countenance.

“Time to find out…” he answered lowly.

With a few slashes of her jian, she called forth miniature petals which gleamed in the light, as though they were tiny blades in disguise.  She sent them forth to assail Thiji, who responded with a mere tilt of his head, forming a barricade from the diamond shards.  The sound of numerous tiny blades clashing against rock was heard as Koyuki’s attack was nullified.

This, however, was merely a distraction.  Koyuki flew forward at full speeds, drifting around the barricade and kicking up snow as she did to strike at Thiji’s blindside, using her deceptive combat style to find a hole in his defenses.  Fortunately, he was very focused on the battle, effortlessly deflecting her attacks with his katana, now made from diamond.  Koyuki then wheeled around and swung her blade in a clockwise arc, but Thiji easily no selled her attack by planting his blade in the ground.  With his free hand, he made a swiping motion with his index and middle finger, shaving off some of the barricade to send a cloud of diamond towards Koyuki, who had to fly to evade. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen this side of Father before,” an awestruck Seraphina mused. 

“He was... a different man back then, Princess,” Shiro followed.  “He was far more cold and calculating in his ways before he was reunited with your mother.  Thiji was well on his way to becoming one of - if not, the most - powerful practitioner of ice in Elementa.  But now, it looks like he’s done just that.”

“How poetic - Elementa’s progenitor of winter, he must first rule it as a mortal,” Sylla thought aloud.  “A pity we will only see this once in our lifetime.”

Thiji then retrieved his sword and slashed it behind him, sending a wave of frost in an arc towards the Snow Flower, who barely rose a floral shield to fend it off, an ice shard or two cutting her face.  Koyuki then planted more lotus flowers on the ground, sprouting into man-sized plants into which she would enter.  As she did, that flower shrunk into the ground, effectively teleporting her to another one nearby, utilizing this tactic to get the element of surprise on Thiji.  Again, it seemed to provide little effect, as he reacted quickly to where she would appear, clashing swords with and forcing her away as she fell into flower after flower to repeat the same tactic.  Another clash, and Thiji pushed Koyuki high into the air with his newfound might, using this time to disable her means of teleportation by shredding each and every flower with his diamond shards.

Running thin on options, Koyuki called upon the heavenly host to fill her with light, swooping down to meet Thiji once more in a deadlock, the resulting force causing another shockwave of ice and flowers to spread, though they were contained by the diamonds which formed a barrier around the arena.  Thiji slid his blade toward the guard of her sword, using his leverage to pull her down to the earth in a kneeling position.  She gazed into Thiji’s eyes as their blades remained deadlocked, and she felt her very soul running cold.  They were devoid of feeling – empty save for the unforgiving chill that his very presence brought.

The Snow Flower stilled the quickness of her heart, keeping her gaze fixed on the only man she ever loved.  She was completely helpless; if she lost this deadlock, this battle was his.  But she saw no point in reasoning with him now, for she had already gone too far – which is what she had wanted all along.  She braced herself for what was to follow.

“I’m ready, Thiji…” she said in her mind.  Everyone watching stood up from their seats, some even on the verge of falling over the arena.  Seraphina couldn’t bear to watch and shielded her eyes.  Mizu and the other ladies covered their mouths in shock at what was going to happen.

“Sh-Should we keep filming, ma’am?” asked the cameraman.

“YES!  No matter what!” Nora immediately replied.  Thiji sent the diamond cloud into the blade, fusing with and hardening its surface, thus increasing its strength.  So much so that he applied just a bit more pressure, causing her sword to split in two… The memories of their teary farewell surged into her mind.  She remembered it all: the words he said to her; the way he held her; the countless tears he wept for her…

… Then, time stood still once more, as the only sound that followed… was steel piercing flesh.

[doobler]

DATA LOG//VALERIE-01//XX.XX.XXXX

SOME FILES CORRUPTED. RECOVERING UNCORRUPT FILES.

LOG 1

LOADING... LOADING... LOADING...

"Hey! You're not quite done yet but I wanted to start leaving you some video diary entries! Today is [REDACTED] so my 14th birthday was just last week! Pretty exciting, huh? As of now, you're about a couple months old which is really weird to think about. I'm so excited for the day you're finally done! Hopefully that'll be soon but, judging by how progress is going, it might be longer than I first predicted. Which is fine! You're worth the wait. Okay, well I just wanted to start this new little diary ritual hah hah! I'll seen you soon, buddy!"

LOG 27

LOADING... LOADING... LOADING...

"Hey, buddy, it's me again! Yesterday was my 16th birthday. It was pretty fun, we didn't do much. Mom made all my favorites like tostones and empanadas. I'll be graduating college in just a few months. Man, it went by so fast. Regrettably, that means you've been on the back burner. I'm real sorry, bud. I've had to work so hard at school but it means I've got a better chance at getting the job of my dreams. You understand, I know you do, your programming makes you empathetic. One day, I'll be the head of design for T.A.B.H, you'll see. Then I'll finally be able to finish you and show you off to the rest of the world. Keep sleepin' until then, okay? Dream of electric sleep. I'll see you soon."

LOG 112

LOADING... LOADING... LOADING...

"Today is [REDACTED]. I've finally gotten my shit together at the office. We made it! I'm now officially an employee working for the Programming and Design department of T.A.B.H! It took maybe a little longer than I wanted, I was hoping to be here at 18 but I guess two years late is better than nothing! Most of the people here are old bastards anyhow, hahaha! I get a lot of dirty looks but fuck 'em, I worked my ass off to get here and I deserve the recognition! The real work starts soon which means you'll probably be put on hold again, but only for a little longer! It's weird, I've had to age up your designs as time goes on. I guess the perfect boyfriend and companion for a 14 year old looks a little different when it's repurposed for a 20 year old. Don't worry though, I intend on keeping your [REDACTED] on the bigger side, hahah! Anyways. The next update might be a little late, I foresee this job really swallowing up all my free time. See you soon, buddy!"

LOG 120

LOADING... LOADING... LOADING...

"Hey. It's been a few years. I'm sorry, bud, this job just... Takes all my free time and energy. Your basic infrastructure is easy to tweak, it's your coding that's really been dragging. If I had just... A week to myself, undisturbed, you'd be finished but... Soon. Okay? We'll be together soon. I promise. Sleep well, love."

LOG 121

LOADING... LOADING... LOADING...

"T.A.B.H. isn't what I thought it'd be. On the outside, they're a tech company "dedicated to the pursuit of improving every day human life" but on the interior, this place reeks. There's a suspicious amount of security and the employees like myself are constantly screened, our social media always monitored, our phones constantly looked through. Thank god these diaries are directly through you. If I'd been uploading these through my phone, we'd be fucked. It's been nearly 14 years since I began building you, Valerie. You're still cutting edge, nothing these dumbasses throw together are nearly as advanced as you are. But you'll have to stay asleep for a while longer. I'm terrified of what would happen if they found you. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Sweet dreams. I love you."

LOG 250

LOADING... LOADING... LOADING...

"This isn't what I wanted, Val. The advances we're making grow exponentially as the days pass. Androids are out, they're becoming accessible to society, but... Not in the way I wanted. They're not companions like you, they're... Slaves. Used and abused then thrown out like trash. T.A.B.H. puts so much research and work and effort into making them as lifelike as possible, only to treat them like... Like... Fuck! It's sickening, I can't. I look at my reflection every night and I'm disgusted by what I see. They're keeping me in a junior role within my department so I'll be forced to work harder but I'll never be given the jurisdiction to make POSITIVE change. They see that I'm leagues ahead of everyone else but I'm fucking trapped like a rat."

The camera view shifts. Mar's face comes into focus. He looks tired, with bags under his eyes and wrinkles at the corner of his mouth. Silvery hair has started to grow at his temples. He has multiple day old stubble along his chin.

"I can't bring myself to age you up anymore, Valerie. I want you to stay as youthful as when I first designed you. I wish... You could've finished in time and actually fulfilled my dream of having the perfect boyfriend. Instead, I pray you'll at least come online in my lifetime, so I can finally show you the love I've been dying to give you for almost 21 years now. Sleep well, sweetheart. I'll see you soon."

LOG 300

LOADING... LOADING... LOADING...

"I've been in hiding for 10 years now, making today [REDACTED]. God, I'm so fucking tired. You're the only legacy I've got, Valerie. No kids, no husband, no family left. Just me. And you. T.A.B.H's influence continues to grow. They've taken over the entire tech industry and are sinking their nasty little fingers into everything they can reach, from food to infrastructure and beyond. Everything looks so shiny and nice on the outside but the system is rotted all the way through. They haven't found out about you yet, but... I'm afraid they're getting close. I'm lucky to have found this place, old land my family used to own way down south, almost to the border. My grandfather was a smart man-- there isn't a microcubit of trackable technology here. The only way I'll be found is on foot. It's hard to rest, though, but it does mean I've got a little more free time to work on you. Your coding is nearly complete. I'm really proud of myself, hahah, the infinity matrix will give you the ability to learn and grow and develop just like a human, though you do have basic personality programming. Your external design has barely changed. You're still so young... Anyways. The next update might be a while. I'll do my best to stay hidden. I'll see you... Soon. Okay? Soon. I love you. Sweet dreams."

LOG ???

LOADING... LOADING... LOADING...

Maurice appears in the camera's view. He's old now, old enough to be a grandfather maybe. When he looks at you, a funny expression crosses his face. Your basic sensors pick up his heart rate, slowing gradually. He lays wrinkled fingers on your frame and smiles.

"This is it, Valerie. The end of the line. They've finally found me. I'm too old to run now. It'll be up to you. I'm gonna finish uploading the final details to your software and then you'll be done. It breaks my heart that I never got to meet you. I've seen you in my dreams for so long. You're gonna be amazing, though, I just know it. My only wish is... Please. Go out there and show humanity what you really are. Teach them that androids have souls, too, that you're all equal. Only then can life truly improve, only then will we reach harmony."

Maurice twists around when he hears something. He moves to the computer beside you and types for  while. He has something in his hand but your sensors can't pick it up. 

"I'm... Sorry, Valerie. That it had to be like this. But you've got so much ahead of you. These logs are protected deep within your mental core. They'll be incredibly difficult to access externally and hard to delete so... I'll be with you always. You'll come online soon, and I'll... Be watching on. Stay safe. Keep your chin up. I love you, Valerie. I love you so much. It's time to wake up, old friend."

[fortheheavenssake]

MM Anon 6

Jan 1, 2020

MM ANON ……… “ I don’t want to go back!!!”…… “ get him a title”………… “ a monthly periodical” ……… “mental health and well-being” ……… A brief synopsis LG……… “ I’ve prepared a small dossier ma’am”…… “One has no choice”……… “I’ll contemplate it”………… “ Somewhere warm Catherine”……… keep a low profile ………… he’ll do what he’s told!!!! ………… perhaps a state visit??………… “springtime with Boris in harmony” ……… “Mmmmmm, god help us”

————-

Jan 2

MM ANON ……… Drip, drip drip……… Drop ,drop drop……… back to school soon 🏫 ……… a successful 🌍 ……… Sophie steps up…… a stable stable ………a tad overconfident ……… “ sooner she falls off the better!!” ……… “ Mmmmm, quite the young man!!”…… “resuming play” ……… it’s the open!! ……… “a bit of an obsession!!” …………”it’s another course Catherine” ……… “be careful!!”…… “ we’ll have to send an envoy ma’am”. ……… “yes, it’s a disaster “.

—————

Jan 3

MM ANON …… “They will return… eventually!!”…… “mummy, it’s school Monday!!”……… cry-sis, 😭😭what cry-sis…… “from our house to Bauhaus”……” there together sir”………… “ one needs the quiet time “……… take the pulse of the populace ……… “ overwhelming support ma’am” ……… “football George,football!!”…… “O god!! He’s on another planet”………… “ A quiet few weeks would be welcomed” ……… I received the memo. ………” poison chalice old boy, poison chalice”

—————-

Jan 3

MM ANON, The Suck-sexses are said to be contemplating a return to the UK, I don’t think so, they have made it quite clear that they have nothing but contempt for the BRF and its citizens. They probably will visit LA and try to get some free PR via OW. Nutmeg will begin to blab more word salad about her “Snoozpaper” and how she’s living this perfect life with archificial and himself. WHO PAID FOR HER SIX WEEK VACATION???? THE BRITISH TAXPAYERS

————-

Jan 3

MM ANON , Mmmmm ,RA has a point, no recipes from Harry except (photoshopped images) ? My own gut instinct is that all the misinformation has muddied the waters of confusion. As you say this site is for “ entertainment purposes” and your unique in that respect. No body posts the amount of information that crosses your blog from anonymous sources to real time situations, even the national press visit “Skippy” to fuel its veracity for copy. As they say “A diabolo,qui semia dei”

A diabolo, qui est simia dei. Where god has a church the devil will have his chapel.

Thank you MM Anon😊❤️❤️❤️❤️

—————-

Jan 4

MM ANON ……… a list of all her discrepancies!! ……… sex, lies and video tapes, my god!!……… metoo Monday …… “actually darling it’s now the safest local”…… “I’d love to play in a tournament” …… “ great backhand!! “ ……… Duty calls…… first things first!! ……… “an environmental tour??” ……” eventually,with the children” ……… no chance to cry racism ……… no protocol left ……… maybe frog cott?? ……… we start building in the spring ………” it won’t last long”.

—————

Jan 5

MM ANON, ……… 🎼I’m ready, ready ready ready,I’m ready🎼…… “No your not”………… vinegar and brown paper ……… activate the broken record ……… same old, same old ………” from my window I can see Frogmore House” ……… A short reflection on residency ……… home delivery …… another Sunday service , beautiful!! ……… she’s got this one in the bag. ………”The children aren’t participating!!”……A REASON, A SEASON A LIFETIME. ………

——————-

Jan 6

MM ANON … RICKY , RICKY ,RICKY!! …… respect!! …… A HANK-kerchief full of platitudes …… 🎼a speech full of sugar helps the Meganson go down🎼……… 🎼Oh happy days 🎼………… “SHE CAME, SHE SAW, SHE CONNED-CURD…… …”………… “ this must end soon !! very soon”…… We have the technology ……… “Ahhh , The elusive tape”……… Timing is everything!! ……… DM loading it’s guns……… print and be dammed!!

—————-

Jan 6

MM ANON, Ok , a sycophantic visit to Canada 🇨🇦 House tomorrow in a packed London, they’ll be met by the Ambassador and no doubt Harry will be the customary three steps behind his 43 year old companion who will smile on queue and fake waves to nobody watching. After the same old same old they’ll disappear into the same car and return to the elusive residence somewhere in England. Don’t expect a rush towards the crowd.

—————

Jan 7

MM ANON, ……… she’s the (arm) pits……… go home Yank…… he’s a stone lighter ……… get off my f#@£%land ……… “ come to my birthday, never!!” ……… A state of emergency …… who dares bins ………… 🎼return to lender🎼……… “ it’s a struggle old thing”……… “ stop swearing at the tourists”…………… “ bloody tourists” …… Sydney!!……… “ I’m looking forward to next series” ……… “new stamps??”

—————

Jan 8

MM ANON ……… 🎼”And she must face the final curtain 🎼 The problem with NOT WEARING your wedding ring opens all conversation towards conjecture ………… 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 the firm always wins. Numerous whores and courtesans have tried to put a dent in the Monarchy over the past 2000 years most were decapitated. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

—————-

Jan 10

MM ANON. .…… GSTQAOBC …… don’t rock the bloat. …… pain-t stripper …… past, present and future ……… hide-a-Weymouth ……… W&K rule……… make a list ……… common- wealth……… nutmegs strange grandiosity ……… feed the handbitten …… king baby ………… love in a cold climate ……… NO MORE MONEY ……… a fall from race ……… Harry has left the building

—————

Jan 10

MM ANON, BP has just denied that M&H were frozen out. And where did she accumulate £500 million. Something really really stinks. All her life she’s grifted and whored. TPTB should take her down before the BRF are involved in her elaborate deception. DM poll on side of RF and PH, want MM to leave Britain and never return.

—————

Jan 11

MM ANON ……… blowing up a GAIL……… “ it’s like de-programming sir” ……” better have them inside the tent pissing out……… “it’s her pattern of behaviour” ………… back in the day ……… W&K step up……… William refuses to play ball……… that’s weak Charles …………” it’s all about money with her”……… “ all I’m saying is,you’re powerful family “ ………” another snifter LG”……… “ hold the calls Sydney”. 

————-

Jan 12

MM ANON ……… 🎼I don’t like Mondays🎼………” turn her bloody ugly face orf”. …… “ your call William!!” ……… bad advice ……… A military absence ……… “ yes,Pontcius Pilate” ……… Charles, The weakest link ……… “ your over generous ma’am”. ……… “ let them go, f**** em” ……… The taxpayers won’t like it ……… Canada caves……… RCMP……… BO offers a net- flick……… 🎼money,money,money 🎼…………… royal dis-appointments. ………… a tabloid tornado looms.

—————

Jan 13

MM ANON …………… take it or , take it!!……… no negotiation ………… Harry walks out ……… threats and lies ……… no comment…… tabloid carnage ……… more talk,talk. ……… commonwealth ambassador??? ……… no loss of financial support ……… MM gives up title ……… Harry keeps HRH. ……… archificial tells all……… W&K hold a huge party 🥳 🧣🤣🥳🥳🥳👀……… PP gives Sydney a knighthood ……… PP& Sydney get drunk. …………George bakes a cake. ……… Lottie has another sleepover. ……… Nanny gets a surprise

—————

jan 14

MM ANON ……… para-sight……… “ O ma’am, cunning very cunning”………… “ William is made of sterner metal”……… ( behind every great man) ……… spring offensive, the children!! …………” Lotties the key”……… the holy trinity ……… “freeze them out”………… “it’s all a smokescreen sir”…… “ yes, full steam ahead, ask Camilla “ ………… “ circle the wagons LG” …………” Burn that f**** olive branch, once bitten”………” a Canadian tour , with the children, OMG! Touché!!……… inde redire eruditionis Habes

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

Jan 14

MM ANON … She new well in advance of Markle V Markle, that’s why she ran , doesn’t want the dirty laundry washed in view of a few hundred yards of BP. HARRY, You married trash. Trash whose father is going to testify against her. Goodness sake Harry, didn’t you see this , or weren’t You briefed by the intelligence service about her family and sordid history.

————-

Jan 15

MM ANON …………… OUR BEAUTIFUL DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE …………… ONE DAY OUR GLORIOUS QUEEN ……………WELL DONE KATE , YOU ASTOUNDED THE CRITICS ……… ONLY ONE CLASSY DUCHESS. 👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑👑

—————

Jan 15

MM ANON, MARKLE V MARKLE, won’t get to court, she will not Dare. She won’t bring the firm into disrepute. Unless she really wishes to harm the royal family and that’s a possibility. Will she permit her resentment for her father to drag her dirty washing through the royal courts of justice in the Stand. Is she that psychotic. Yes , I think she is, will Harry approve, I don’t think so.

—————-

Jan 16

MM ANON,……… sea-plane PR. ……… where’s Harry?………… “ leaves 15million mansion visits poor shelter 🤣🤣🤣………… so broke,(woke)……… Paternal hurricane ……… Royal courts of Justice ……… “ write me a roll”………… “what Megan wants, Megan forgets”:……… Calipornia politics? ………… “she can be the new AOC” ……… she’ll campaign for Dems……… “OW ,tell all coming”. ……… negotiations,negotiations!!! …… W&K kill it !!!

——————

Jan 16

MM ANON,……… laugh and carry on……… isolation desperation ……… W&K leapfrog ……… not jaw jaw …… pseudo Trudeau ……… re-distribution …………” just scrapping by ,sausage” ……… LA NA. ……… gizza job……… ahhhhh’ the ubiquitous tape……… brotherly shove ………… “ the tour will proceed” ………… Diamond Dogs……… 🦂🦂🦂………… twice shy

————-

[mimiplaysgames]

are you still there?

Terraqua Week Day 7: Quote

Summary: It’s time to sort through Eraqus’ things. There’s little they know of their late Master, but they find letters - addressed to them. @terraquaweek​

Notes: Based on Jim Hopper’s letter from the Stranger Things 3 finale: “There's something I've been wanting to talk to you both about. I know this is a difficult conversation, but I care about you both very much. And I know that you care about each other very much, and that's why it's important that we set these boundaries moving forward so we can build an environment where we all feel comfortable, trusted, and open to sharing our feelings. Jesus. The truth is, for so long I'd forgotten what those even were. I've been stuck in one place. In a cave, you might say. A deep, dark cave. And then I left some Eggos out in the woods and you came into my life. For the first time in a long time, I started to feel things again. I started to feel happy. But lately, I guess I've been feeling distant from you. Like you're pulling away from me or something. I miss playing board games every night, making triple decker Eggo extravaganzas at sunrise, watching Westerns together before we doze off.But I know you're getting older, growing, changing. I guess, if I'm being really honest, that's what scares me. I don't want things to change. So I think maybe that's why I came in here, to try and make stop that change. To turn back the clock. To make things go back to how they were. But I know that's naive. It's just not how life works. It's moving, always moving, whether you like it or not. And yeah, sometimes it's painful. Sometimes it's sad. And sometimes, it's surprising. Happy.

So you know what? Keep on growing up kid. Don't let me stop you. Make mistakes, learn from 'em. When life hurts you, because it will, remember the hurt. The hurt is good. It means you're out of that cave. But, please, if you don't mind, for the sake of your poor old dad, keep the door open three inches.”

Read on AO3

***

It is weird going back - it’s like they have their house again but not their home.

They clean up to find some closure - if they stall, if they leave the Master’s things alone, they’ll dread having to do it and there he will linger, like a one-ton weight that they’d have to drag by their ankles. It hurts but it’s necessary, like amputating a limb beyond help before the rest dies with it. They do it start a new chapter, to let the Master move on to the next life, so they can move on with theirs.

In Aqua’s opinion, it’s horrible, but she continues to sort through private books that he kept in his office to see if they’re of any use. Every time there’s an artifact that reminds her of a specific memory, she cries, and Terra wishes he could wipe them away. It makes him feel helpless - it’s been twelve years in darkness and he still hasn’t found the courage to let her know just how much he cares.

For Ventus, it’s a new wondrous adventure, like finding out the person he thought he knew for so long is actually someone different. For the years he thought that Eraqus was as stern and cold as a statue, he discovers an old stack of childish finger-paintings that prove him wrong. Why the Master was so secretive, they’ll never know, but it’s something Ven takes with pride. At least it distracts him from making snarky remarks about Terra’s feelings.

To Terra, he’s reliving an entire lifetime in a matter of minutes and where does life fly to when it flies by? It’s crazy to think that a living person used to have things until he’s forced to start claiming which he should take as his.

Of course, there have been a lot of shared tears, and they all agree to take a break for dinner when a loud thud - like a bookshelf falling over - makes Terra jump.

Ventus whips around first, a Keyblade in his anxious hand. “What happened?”

It was Aqua, the shelf right in front of her now opened - a secret panel in the wall.

Terra huddles close, a smirk threatening to take his face. “I shouldn’t be surprised the Master had secret stashes.”

Huddled in this cubby hole are journals, some in better condition whereas others are so old, their pages have been stained with exposure. 

“The Master kept diaries?” Ven asks. 

“He did,” Terra answers, letting Aqua take the first grab. “I remember writing in one of them actually… he only writes when he’s upset about something and wants to vent. I walked in on him one day and he let me sit on his lap and have at it.”

“When was that?” Aqua asks, quickly sifting through pages of one before going through another. “It looks like he had a lot to be upset about.”

“Definitely before you came along, but I don’t remember why he was sad that specific night. I don’t think he ever told me.”

“So…” Ventus dawdles, his hands in his pockets. “Do we read them or trash them?”

“Trashing them feels wrong,” she says.

“Reading them feels wrong, too,” Terra says. 

“But,” Aqua hesitates, taking another. “This is something he left behind, like a legacy.”

“Of his most secretive of secret thoughts,” Ventus agrees, nudging Terra on the elbow. 

Aqua holds up one of the newer journals. “His last one… there’s blank pages.” 

They all hold a pregnant breath. In their hands are the Master’s final concerns before he was taken forever, his last rites.

She flips through anyway, and Terra nearly objects because… well, why hurt himself by reading what the Master thought of him before the Mark of Mastery? He failed, after all. 

Some folded pages come out of the journal - she didn’t rip them out, they were already wedged in there. “And some extra,” she says. 

Ventus helps himself to the journal, opening to the first page. The Master always had such beautiful handwriting, as though calligraphy was his art of choice.

“They’re to us,” she says when she opens the folded pages, reading the dates. “Letters. He wrote them while he was waiting for us to come home.”

It suddenly hits them, and Ventus slams the journal tight like he’s violated a boundary. 

While he waited for them in those long months to come home, before the possession, the fall to darkness, the sleep...

They take turns looking at each other, two of them passing asking glances at Aqua to see if she would approve. And Aqua looks at Terra to see if he would approve.  

“If he was alive, he’d never show them to us,” Terra says, “but sure. Let’s.”

“He probably wouldn’t mind,” she shrugs. “The Master didn’t like to dwell on something trivial.”

Ventus is the first to jump onto the loveseat in the middle of the office, over a soft rug in front of the fireplace, leaving Terra and Aqua to take the couch across. 

“Aqua should read them out loud,” Ventus says, making himself comfortable, like he’s excited to find out more about his late father... like he’s not anticipating it’s going to make him cry. He’ll probably learn the hard way. “She’s a great storyteller.”

It’s not really fair to put that burden on Aqua, to read the Master’s words on behalf of all of them, but she smiles, accepting it. “Only if everyone is okay with it.”

She’s really talking about Terra in this case, looking over her shoulder to see if he’d object again. He doesn’t.

“Right.” She takes a deep breath. “The first one is for Ven.”

It’s Ven’s turn to take a deep breath. “I’m ready.”

Terra holds his own, his arms crossed. It may be for Ven, but… it’s like he’ll hear the Master’s voice again, even if it’s Aqua who’s reading it.

It takes a few more moments before Aqua prepares herself to read - she’s probably thinking the same thing. He holds her shoulder and it wakes her up from her stupor. Finally, she starts.

~

My cherished Ven,

I cannot deny the horror I felt when I watched you drift away into the sky, chasing a fate I know in my heart will do nothing but gravely harm you. I have always been aware that there is only so much I can do to protect you. I have always been aware that the life you have lived here was unfair to you, and I can only hope that you understand it was for your protection. If I may be true, I am frightened - of what you will discover, of whether you would survive it. Maybe even of your own power.

You must know, Ven, that darkness speaks. It will tell you stories meant to horrify you and meant to tempt you down a path where it will take advantage of your innocence. Part of me feels foolish, and here I realize what I could have done better to prepare you. You have a strong heart, Ven, and a brilliant soul, a powerful, ancient light that has many destinies intertwined with it. It is not something I fully comprehend, and there have been many precepts that I have researched into the matter, some that I cannot decipher. 

It is because of this that I do not have any answers that you seek, and thus I assume you will not come to me for them. I can vow there will be a time for you to learn about yourself, and I simply want you prepared with the proper knowledge to not only protect yourself, but to protect the worlds that you have the responsibility over, as Keyblade Wielder. You are practical and efficient, and you already know that your weapon is precious and cannot be misused. I can only pray that you come home and sleep safely.

~

There are sniffles, and they belong to Ven. She hands over the letter and he takes a readthrough, a small smile coming to his face.

“If I didn’t know any better,” he says, his voice shaking but he’s trying hard to find comfort. “The Master is kind of giving me the blessing to leave… without really doing it.”

They haven’t set a date for when he’ll leave - it’s clear there are many lingering questions about Ven’s past, with Chirithy’s sudden appearance only making it more necessary to answer them. He’s talked about traveling, seeking out answers, and while Terra and Aqua think Ven should become Master first before setting off on his own journey, the final decision ultimately lies with him. 

Either way, with Chirithy, he won’t be alone.

“So will you leave?” Aqua asks. There are silent tears traveling down her cheeks. It’s already so hard on her. 

When she notices Terra staring, she actually inches closer, looking for his hand. Immediately, without even thinking about it, Terra leans forward and wipes them off her face, his other hand on her back.

He chooses to ignore all the knowing glances Ven is throwing at him. 

“Maybe,” Ven says, like he hasn’t been thinking about making teases towards Terra. “I feel like this advice still sticks, you know?” He folds the page. “When I do, I want to take this with me. But… precepts? There are actually books that can help me?”

“You never know, there could be another hiding place with more stuff,” Terra says, asking Aqua with his eyes if she’s okay. She nods. 

“In here?” Ven looks around.

“Or somewhere in the castle.”

“That’s gonna take forever to find,” he whines. 

“We’ll help you find it. In the meantime,” Aqua says, holding up the next letter. “This one is for me.” Her voice cracks. “I’ll be okay though,” she says to Terra before he has a chance to ask.

~

My esteemed Aqua,

There is a certain cruelty to life about becoming older: with age comes conviction, and it is merely a defense against confusion, the flux of emotions that will all storm together when facing a difficult problem. I am speaking of the wave of mixed feelings that came with ordering you to chase after your friends, your closest comrades. I have conviction in my belief that it was the right thing to do - this entire ordeal was riddled of something terribly sinister that I have yet to solve. I fear for you, for my other students, for what is at stake.

At the same time, I know you. You are and will always be the element that holds this family together. I have always been impressed by your light, by your determination, and by your loyalty to your calling. And yet, you are the one most guided by the bond you share with your peers, and this is exactly why I know of no one else who has a light as powerful as yours. Your bond to them will be their saving grace, I must believe in that. But I feel I may have burdened you with a responsibility that would put these elements at war with each other, that I have asked you to put your beliefs at conflict.

I have named you Master because I believe you have the strength to see it through. I believe you have the wisdom to face darkness in its true essence and not break. Every day that passes by that I do not see either of you home yet, I get more worried. Still, I can find peace knowing you are there to look out for our family. You are still so young, the youngest Master in history, and there is a sense of guilt in knowing I have given you a burden when you should be experiencing more carefree days. I expect that you will not have to carry this burden all by yourself for long, and that you will be able to share the weight with Terra once he is ready. Until that happens, there is no one more suited to keep us safe. If you should ever falter, and I would be ignorant in assuming you would never, know to never lose faith. I have the utmost faith in you.

~

The letter shakes in her hands. 

“I need a moment,” she says, her voice cracking. Her tears get buried in her fingers as she covers her face to let it all go. 

Terra brings his arm around her, going through her hair with his fingers. He’s actually always wanted to do this, but not like this, not while she’s crying. 

“He’s right you know,” he whispers in her ear. “You are the glue that keeps us together.”

Ven goes to sit on her other side, his head leaning on her arm, his hands around her elbow. “Yeah, you’re the strongest person I know.” 

She nods to their words, sniffling her voice out. “I wish I had this with me that entire time,” she says, “when I walked the Realm of Darkness.” She smiles. “It would have been nice to read, k- keep me company.”

Aqua has suffered for so long and she’s still so hard on herself. “You did good,” Terra says. 

“Far better than either of us,” Ventus adds in.

Her fingers find themselves intertwined with Terra’s, and she rolls her lips inward to accept their words of encouragement. 

“Thank you.”

She’s saying it to them, and she’s saying it to the Master. They take a moment in silence for the Master, but mostly for her sake. Aqua deserves to be listened to.

Then she pats Terra’s lap. “Your turn,” she says with a little pep, like she’s grateful that she’s over the most harrowing experience ever.

“My turn,” he grumbles, instantly closing in, leaning into the backrest because he at least knows (unlike Ven) that he will definitely cry.

~

My dearest Terra,

I have never been truthful with you, and there are certain ethical boundaries as to why. Part of me wishes I was, to let you know why it is I expect so much out of you. You have saved my life - the moment I found you, I was still suffering certain experiences that have left me heavy and cold. Raising you had given me new purpose, and I took that responsibility as though it was breath. I am and will always be so proud of you, of how you have grown and of your gentle heart. You are meant to accomplish great things, and I believe you will go far. 

There have been times as of late where I felt I could not reach you, however, when I did not have the right words to guide you. I see in your eyes your desperate need to please, to succeed. I have been guilt-ridden with failing you on the Mark of Mastery, with making you feel like you are not worthy enough. You are worthy, and one day you will see your dream realized. But there are still things your joyful, ambitious heart needs to understand. You become solemn far too quickly, and with such a powerful weapon in your hands, you will need to still that crying heart when the worst comes to haunt you - and it will, in due time. Life will always find a way to challenge and harm you, and I need to see you prepared. I want you to succeed.

I meant what I said. You mustn’t be afraid of losing - -

~

Tears are trickling down his cheeks; they are warm before they get cold, like the exposure frightens them. The words are what he needs to hear and yet some of them he still has trouble accepting.

It’s silent now, though.

Aqua is biting her lip, a smile betraying her, and Ven looks over her shoulder when he realizes she’s not continuing.

“Are you not going to finish?” Terra asks, and he feels he has the right to be annoyed.

She brings the letter to her mouth. “You sure?”

“Why are you asking?”

She chuckles behind her hand. “Okay.”

~

I meant what I said. You mustn’t be afraid of losing, especially with the path I have seen you choose for yourself. I understand how devastating it is to lose to Aqua, how you hold her in such high esteem, and how terrifying it is to ponder the possibility of losing her as well. I understand more than you realize why you are obsessed with holding yourself up to her, and why you need her to do the same for you. It is not a conversation I take pride in holding with either of you - the path of the Keyblade leaves little in the way for partnerships, as it can be such a heavy strain. But if I had to give my honest opinion, I can agree that Aqua is a wonderful choice for a mate. If this dream of yours shall be realized, I offer two threads of advice: one, let her light guide you. A partnership is a mind of two, and when you find yourself struggling, you have to let her in. Two, it is now more vitally important that you understand the nature of your own light, so that you can do the same for her when she needs you. You will need to be her guardian in the worst of times, something I know you are more than capable of doing despite your failure in the exam.

I would only ask one favor: please do not exhibit any scandalous or inappropriate behavior in the hallways if something were to come about it.

~

Again, she brings the letter to her face to hide her sputtering chuckles.

Ven looks across her at Terra, his eyes wide like he’s just witnessed… well, a scandal.

“You just got outed,” he says.

Aqua scoffs, her tears still finding their way out and it’s amazing how she can express two different emotions at once. “So you knew about this.”

Terra wants to kill him.

Ven holds his hands up in surrender, getting up from the couch and walking to the door. “Whatever I say doesn’t matter. Terra’s still busted.”

“Ven,” Terra warns.

“Caught red-handed.”

“Ven.”

“B-U-S-T-E-D.” Now he’s at the door, giving a questioning smirk like he’s sorry, before storming out of the room, letting the door slam behind him.

Terra doesn’t know what’s stronger now - the grief or the awkwardness making itself comfortable in the room.

“It was sweet,” Aqua says of the letter.

“Thanks…?”

She chortles, bringing a hand to her heart. 

Honestly, in normal times, they’d probably still be physically close. If he is to try now, though, there’s all sorts of implications that he doesn’t have an excuse for anymore.

She folds the letter for him before handing it over. “Here is your… um...”

“Love advice?” He’s just trying to be funny, to lighten the mood and now he’s probably made it worse.

At least she’s laughing, but she’s speechless. “Ah, yeah.”

Terra fiddles with it in his hands, careful not to crease it. This is why they shouldn’t pry into private thoughts. 

“How are you-?” he asks.

“Feeling?”

“Yeah.”

“Actually better.” She sighs. “I feel a huge load off my shoulders.”

“Really?” He feels like he’s been slapped by an avalanche, or he’s about to drown in one - it’s like someone has him by the throat, and he really hates not knowing what Aqua thinks of all this. 

She takes her own letter, gently folding it and he’s sure that she’ll keep it safe in a box in her room. “I do.” She stands up, hesitating with every step like there’s something she wants to say.

At least there aren’t any more tears. He never expected the Master of all people would put a stop to that.

“That’s good,” he says, ready for the worst.

“Terra,” she says, turning to face him when she gets to the door. “We should have dinner, just for the two of us.”

His heart skips a beat, and if it continues to do that, then this is the worst time to die. “I’d love that,” he says and immediately regrets it. That’s the second time he used “Love” and he really shouldn’t, not this early.

It makes her laugh nervously, and she bites her lip to control it but she’s doing a terrible job. “Good.” 

She walks backward into the door and then apologizes, extremely embarrassed. 

He’s never seen Master Aqua like this, and she rejects his help when he gets up and walks over to see if she’s okay. It makes him feel better knowing he’s not the only one this nervous.

“I’ll see you tomorrow night, then?” she asks, her hand on the knob. 

He has to clear his throat, because his “Yes” is too scared to come out. “Count on it.”

She bites her lip again and he has to remember to tell her how cute it is. When it’s more appropriate. There’s still so much pain to go through, but maybe they can put a pause on that? 

“Okay,” she whispers, unsure of whether to say something else before she finally laughs again and goes through the door.

It’s quiet when she’s gone, and if he lingers for too long she’ll just come back to tell him that it’s unhealthy to be alone in the Master’s office. But it’s nice for now - he thinks of the letter, thinks of it in the Master's voice as if he is there, saying those words. It isn't quiet at all. It almost feels like he has a father again, rooting for him.

[kokotaro]

Romantic headcanons for Todoroki, Amajiki, Mirio, Sir Nighteye and Fatgum with shy and quiet but kind and patient s/o please?

i’m sorry but i’m gonna have to skip over sir nighteye because i’m not that far into the manga and i wouldn’t want to misinterpret him ): otherwise, enjoy!!

Todoroki:

> Shouto isn’t necessarily used to giving nor receiving affection from many people in his lifetime, the most ever being his mother and sister. Since going to UA has taken up all of his time he has grown to have a slight fear of intimacy and romantic gestures in general. 

> Despite his fear of intimacy, he’s perfectly fine with hugs and platonic gestures one could deem as romantic. He knows his boundaries with his friends and he knows that they respect his wishes. And when he first develops a crush on someone, he has to take a month or so to process what he’s actually feeling.

> It takes another couple months to figure out how he wants to word his emotions and get them across. He even goes to multiple other students for their opinion on how to go about it, and he finds much to his surprise that Uraraka has the best advice of all. “Trust yourself, follow your heart and the worst they can say is no!”. He gains enough courage from her words.

> Todoroki is too blunt to do anything extravagant tbh he just straight up told his crush he had feelings for them and that it confused him but he still liked them no matter how many times he tried to think his way around it. He told them he even liked himself better when they were together. After that, they didn’t date immediately, but they did spend a greater amount of time together. They took things slow and he appreciated the patience they had with him. 

> At a certain point, they both broke out of their introverted shells together and grew as people as well as a couple. He only feels comfortable with them when it comes to intimate times and romantic gestures, no one else. And he would prefer it to be that way for a long long time too. Most of their dates are simple and cutesy but his personal favorites have always been ones at carnivals; playing games, eating too much sugar, and going on the ferris wheel with the person he cared for more than anything else is always absolutely perfect to him.

(his left side would definitely catch fire whenever he got too flustered too)

Amajiki:

> Amajiki doesn’t have a good concept of being social outside of his friendship with Mirio and Nejiri. He struggles with speaking to new people, especially larger crowds, and wishes he could speak to the underclassmen or even students he’s been going to school with for three years but even then it’s still difficult. So, having a crush on someone he’s only spoken to a few times was undeniably one of the hardest things he’s had to overcome.

> Nervous couldn’t begin to describe the way he felt whenever his crush was nearby. Mirio would always have to be the one to help him with his words or to even get a casual conversation going between the three before making up an excuse to leave the two together. Eventually Tamaki grew accustomed to the interaction and managed to have one on one time with them.

> He’d have to confess through a love letter, finding to be too unbearable to say everything he thought and felt out loud. He was encouraged by his friends of course but he practically ran to the other side of campus after handing it off to his object of affection. They had to chase him down later that day to talk it out and there they decided to have their first date. 

> The first date is so a w k w a r d due to his anxiety of ruining things and their shyness in general. They decided to go to a more mellowed out place which happened to be a not-so-well-known cafe in an odd location. It was hard for him to make conversation because he was worried he’d either say something unintentionally rude or flat out stupid. Once this is confessed, they both spend a moment being flustered and encouraging one another that it’ll be alright, and the rest of the day went swimmingly.

> Tamaki loves that cafe to death now. They have a set day after school every week where they just walk there together, hand in hand, and relax with the live music and a cup of warm tea. They help each other with homework, teacher troubles, and other problems then goof off on a small couch in the corner (they definitely end up cuddling, they’re curled into his side). And it gets to a point where even the staff recognizes them and already has their drinks prepared when they arrive. It’s horribly embarrassing, but sweet.

(he’d manifest their favorite flower everyday ok bye)

Mirio:

> Already having a lot of attention from other students, he wouldn’t always be thinking about being romantically involved with anyone especially when he wants to focus more on becoming stronger and helping others (mostly the 1-A kids tbh). Sometimes he’ll get a random confession but he’ll have to turn em down because he doesn’t have an interest in them, unfortunately. He usually sends them off with words on encouragement that they’ll find their other half one day.

> When he does finally like someone he seems actually fairly calm about the whole thing but is internally screaming and crying because oh god what is supposed to happen now when his heart is about to fly away just looking at them. He gets really confused about it for a little bit before working on finding the time to confess. 

> His is simple! He knows they’re shy and doesn’t want to overwhelm them at all so he keeps it short nd sweet. He was nervous, of course, but easily got his point across to them with a bright smile in the end. And luckily they felt the same which was a huge weight off of his chest. Mirio would take them out on a date literally that day to the mall because he wants to show them his favorite ice cream shop.

> This boy is so full of energy and enthusiasm and he’s just so GEEKED to be able to be with someone who makes him as happy as they do! He often checks in with them if they’re alright, not unhappy or uncomfortable because their date was all about them being together and nothing else. He makes this well known quite often! 

> He cares about them so much and he simply cannot keep himself from telling them how much they’ve changed him. He feels that he has been overall happier with them, only hoping for them to feel the same way too. Their mutual trust and love is what he enjoys the most, and he just loves being around them as much as he possibly can. It gets tough sometimes for them to see one another but that’ll never stop him from always trying his hardest to be the Best Boyfriend.

Fatgum:

> Dealing with hero work isn’t always fun, even when he works with other heroes and even students to aid them with their needs but he enjoys it nonetheless. He would let all of his time be taken up by such an occupation and would keep the thought of a romance in the back of his mind. But.. he does think of it from time to time.

> Every time Taishiro sees a couple on the street it only makes him think more about having a relationship and even gets a little upset about it. But not in a way that would affect him for long, just a pouty and almost childish moment of greediness. He tells himself if and when it happens, it’ll happen. And, as if by a miracle in his opinion, it does. 

> They bump into each other on the street and he calms their rattled nerves with his dorky sense of humor, telling them not to worry about it. They continuously run into one another on the sidewalks after that, and even in the grocery store sometimes too. Soon enough, he shoots his shot thinking ‘couldn’t hurt to try’ and is pleasantly surprised when they agree to go out with him, at least just once!

> As expected, he takes them to his favorite restaurant and recommends practically everything on the menu but leaves the decision of whatever they want to eat up to them. He doesn’t want to force them into doing something they didn’t know nor anything they didn’t want to do either. Taishiro loves everything but he didn’t know he could love somethin more than food than watching their face light up when they first taste it. 

> From then on they see each other quite a bit then announce themselves as an item. Most of their dates include going out to eat (of course) to discover new restaurants, cafes, bars, themed places, and even cute little fast food dates. But he lets them choose a lot of the places they go to as well because where’s the fun if he always decides? He loves spoiling them to hell too so homecooked meals and little treats are a common thing. Taishiro loves em to death and would do anything to keep their heart racing smile on their face.

[thechocoboos]

may I request a modern AU in which the chocobros go on a good old fashion American roadtrip in the Regalia? and if they did, who would ultimately win control over their summer roadtripping playlist? thanks!

Hey there!!! Thanks so much for your request, I really loved writing it omgHope you guys enjoy reading this, and look forward to a new hc list shortly!!!

HC: The Bros on a Roadtrip

It was all Prompto’s idea, he suggested it one night at a bar

“Omg omg guys we should go on a roadtrip!” -Prompto

“Maybe… sounds like it would be cool…” -Noctis

“Yeah, could be fun. Camping in the great outdoors by night, cruisin the countryside by day…” -Gladio

They didn’t listen to what Ignis said about it (something logical and realistic, but the other bros said fuuuck that)

So they went on a roadtrip, giving Regis a mild heads up one day and driving off

Now. Let’s talk music…

Prompto, cause he’s in the passenger seat, decides most of it, as Ignis usually doesn’t care

So, they get stuck with either pop or indie stuff

Noctis doesn’t care too much; he’s usually asleep

Gladio sometimes cares, but he usually gets some time with the aux cord (he plays classic rock and metal music btw)

Ignis… Ignis rarely gives any fucks about what’s playing, so he lets Prom have a field day with music, but… if he doesn’t like a song or what’s playing… You bet your ass he will snatch that aux cord and play some smooth jazz or classical music for the next three hours (he says it’s to cleanse his palette)

So basically, Prom chooses the songs, but Ignis has the most power over music choice

And in saying that, Prompto also made five different playlists for the roadtrip: One with Gladio’s fave music, one with his own, one with ignis’ faves, and one with Noct’s faves, then one with random ass, typical summer-y montage type songs

He likes to switch up which one is playing

Ignis sometimes turns his nose up at some of the shadier diners they stop at along the way, but if the others beg enough he’ll eat there anyways

The bros camp most of the nights, and just like ingame, Iggy cooks (the camping idea was pretty much forced upon all of them by Gladio)

Ignis doesn’t like to let Noct ever see the map ‘cause then he’d make them stop at every body of water to go fishing and they’d never get anywhere

Prompto also doesn’t get to do too much navigator stuff, ‘cause he always gets turned around or distracted, making Ignis miss turns and go the wrong way allll the time

So, Gladdy is the official navigator

He’s so good at reading maps that he can do it upside down and backwards and every which way (he also takes them through the scenic routes so he deserves a gold star or somethin’)

Don’t get me wrong tho, he does mess up

Once he fell asleep with the map on his face and Ignis didn’t realize until they were an hour out of their way

Prompto has them stop at EVERY roadside attraction and takes so many pictures that he has to bring extra storage for them

His favorite attraction are the really dumb ones, like The World’s Biggest Ball of Twine, The Biggest Santa, the Jimmy Carter Peanut Statue, etc

He also loves the big attractions, like The Grand Canyon (even though he almost fell in while trying to take a good picture)

He also has them stop at any super pretty areas for pictures too

Ignis started saying no whenever Prompto asked to pull over, so now he always asks Noct (Noct can never say no to Prompto)

Oh, and in case you were wondering… Bathroom breaks. See here for more details.

Ignis is the one driving 90 percent of the time

Whenever he gets super tired, he lets Noct drive but Ignis always feels regret afterwards (Noct sometimes likes to brake check them if no other cars are around)

They let Prompto drive once, but that was the biggest mistake of all. He stopped every five mins for pictures, and at one point got so distracted by the scenery that he ran them off the road

So yeah

Prom doesn’t drive anymore

Gladio, on the other hand, outright refuses to drive (even though he has his license)

They stop for every meal because Ignis does not allow food in the precious Regalia

Speaking of the Regalia, they’re 90% sure they’re not supposed to take it on long trips or anything but… Noctis swear it’ll be fine

Noctis has to call his dad every night (Ignis always calls Regis behind Noct’s back to give him a truthful report)

Gladio has to call Iris every night too (his calls last at least half an hour, and it’s mainly him “mmhmm”ing at the stuff Iris tells him)

Sometimes Gladio gets a call from Iris during the day too, but usually it’s asking something small like, “Hey, Gladio, can I borrow your romance books?”

Normally, she’d want to text him instead, but Gladio hates texting, so she just calls

Speaking of calling family… Prompto tried to call his adopted parents to tell them about his trip (multiple times might I add), but they never answered the phone or called back after he left messages, so he just stopped trying

He gets kinda lonely seeing the other bros on the phone each evening (when they have signal, that is), but tries to hide it all the time

Noct noticed. He told Prompto to give Cor a call for him, “Let ‘em know what we’ve been up to…”

So he did. And then he did it again. And again. And soon, Prompto was calling Cor every other evening when the other bros’ called their families.

At first, Cor was confused and a little annoyed, but he had a liking for that kid, so he listened and talked to Prompto with no problem. Soon, he legit looked forward to hearing from Prompto’s calls and missed him when there were none. Cor tried to pretend that he didn’t feel like a dad to Prompto, but he started calling Prompto “son” in the end, anyways (Prompto may have accidentally called Cor “dad” or “pops” a few times, too)

Prompto likes to take his shoes off in the car and prop his feet up on the dash, but Ignis will stop the car and lecture him if he does

Noctis also takes his mismatched boots off, but his feet stink so he usually keeps them on…

Gladio doesn’t like to take his shoes off, but if he ever does, the stench would probably kill an entire ecosystem

Noctis has the worst roadtrip hygiene (he showers like, three times a week?)

Ignis? You bet that boi has some dry shampoo, some extra water for washing up, three different kinds of soaps… He’s all set. He will not go a single day looking or smelling like shit, mark my words

Prompto borrows Ignis’ soap here and there and he defo showers whenever he has the chance, but otherwise he just lives with insecurities about hygiene and hides his greasy hair with a beanie when they don’t have access to showers

Gladio is good with either. He’ll shower when he needs to, but he doesn’t let the grime get to him, like ever (“If our ancestors can live in the woods without a shower, so can I.”)

Ignis packs snacks and pulls the car over for snacktimes (he can’t have anyone going hungry on his watch!)

Sometimes Prompto will crank on some grand ole tunes that they all know and they’ll just cruise down the highway screaming lyrics (even Ignis will tap his hands to the beat and mouth the words with a dumb smile on his dumb, perfect face) and Prompto will take pics and it’s just such an A E S T H E T I C

Also Prom and Noct wear each other’s clothes sometimes when they can’t be fucked to grab their own (Gladio and Ignis are too specific in sizing to be able to wear the other bros’ clothes)

Prompto LIVeS for roadside diner food omfg

His stomach gives him hell for it and he’ll complain about gas or bloating but he can’t stop eating the greasy fries and overstuffed burgers

Ignis is disgusted by it all but he still eats it for the “original road trip experience” as he says (we all know you’re a slut for crap food sometimes, too, Ignis)

Prompto started collected cool looking rocks from each place they stopped at. Soon, his bag was too heavy to tote around and the bros were sick of hauling around heavy ass bags during camp, so he was forced to give him his collection (tho Ignis swore it was due to the ant infestation one rock caused but Prompto says otherwise)

Gladio, tho, he collects flowers. I know, surprising. He presses them between the pages of his books and plans on making a scrapbook (also surprising) with photos of them at the places they found the flowers pasted next to the pressed flowers themselves (he also presses extras to give to Iris, bless)

ANyways

They didn’t get proper permission to do this, they fought over sleeping arrangements and showers, and they argued over music sometimes, too

But in the end, they made memories that would last a lifetime and they began feeling like a weird lil family anyways

[wayward-idiots]

Sometimes I yell into the void about things. This is the story I told in the tags of a post, about Jack Kline and Kevin Tran and two boys who didn’t much care for their birthrights, or becoming weapons, and how Kevin didn’t notice they were dating.

-

"Is that the Prophet?" Greg asks.

Greg's a pretty new demon and Val's already getting sick of looking at his dumb face. The demon mortality rate is finally settling back down now, after some concerning heights, but the downside is demons like Greg managed to live through the slaughter.

But Val looks and, holy shit, it's actually the Prophet.

It's Kevin Tran.

"And there are no Winchesters around," Greg adds.

Val's almost tempted to nab the kid. Sure, Crowley hasn't put out the word that he's interested in a pet prophet again, but someone's bound to be willing to give something in exchange for someone with that kind of power.

But.

"Don't say the name, moron."

"It's not like it summons them."

"It might." No one's quite sure about them.

"Who's that he's with?"

Val isn't sure. He's wearing a cardigan and talking expressively and he's definitely young, a trendy hairstyle and the curve of a boyish face is just visible as he gesticulates. But his back is to the demons, through the café windows. He's not one of them. His hair is neither long enough nor short enough, and he's much too small and young.

Whoever he is, he's got the Prophet's attention. They haven't been spotted yet.

Greg strolls – fucking strolls, he's not even good at lurking menacingly yet and he has the overconfidence of someone who needs to either have the power to back it up or the life squeezed out of him for playing at it – over to check out the Prophet's little friend.

Val follows.

Catches sight of the handsome, boyish face. He can't understand how he didn't see it before. The way his good mood rolls off him disguised the all-too-familiar power he exudes.

"Oh, no, nononono," says Val. "We're going. Let's go. Now, before he sees us—"

The Antichrist's eyes flicked over to them. The joy drains out of his face. The sunshine smile becomes a frown, and the Prophet looks up too, rapturous interest sliding away into confusion, briefly, and then hardening in recognition. They both stand up.

Val is still trying to remember how to make this useless meatsack move while so terrified that, if the meatsack had been alive, it might've actually regained control, when Greg, the absolute idiot, says, "Who?"

Greg is too new a demon to recognize that tugging, that innate loyalty, as reminiscent of the boy's father.

Lucifer himself had been even more magnetic, calling out to every demon in existence, but their Creator had been unmade before Greg's time – unmade by the very boy who is now leading the way out of the café with a jaunty little jingle of the bell on the door as he pushes it open and steps out to face them.

"Jack Kline," Val says, and considers that suicide would be a nice option right about now. That or lying prostrate at his feet. Maybe he could be persuaded not to tell his guardians to tell the King. Instead Val hunches low. "We, uh. Didn't mean to disturb you."

"What were you doing?" He asks. He mostly sounds curious, tinged with healthy suspicion, and more confusion than Val expected. His eyes are narrowed, but in confusion.

Val might actually live long enough to blame the whole thing on Greg when the King investigates.

The Prophet hovers just behind the Antichrist, wary.

"Making sure you weren't a Winchester."

"Oh," says the Antichrist. "I mean. My license does say Winchester. Jack Winchester Kline."

"They were trying to see if they could nab me," the Prophet says.

Accurately.

The narrow eyes become flinty.

Alarm bells are ringing in Val's head.

Hadn't the King put out some new order –

some warning –

"Don't interrupt date night! Oh god!"

"What?" Both the boys say.

"The King said not to interrupt your dates and we did, completely accidentally, our bad, we'll be leaving now, won't happen again, uh, Mr. Kline, Winchester, sir."

And Val slinks away, thinking Greg will either be sensible for once and do the cowardly thing, or become another demon-Winchester statistic.

Greg picks option A.

Val's a little proud. And will continue to be a little proud until it dawns that that means Greg will live to be annoying another day.

Go—Lu—Winchesters dammit.

-

Kevin shadows his eyes with his hand as he turns to Jack. "Did he just say Crowley ordered them not to bother us?"

"Will you feel better if I kill them anyway?"

Kevin gives this due consideration. He knows they were thinking about abducting him. But seeing Jack scared them off, and if word spreads that he's off limits because of Jack, it can only be a good thing. "Just scare 'em a little?"

"Okay," Jack shrugs. He turns back to the retreating demons, frowning, and in a moment his eyes flash gold. There's a distinct fizzle of answering power, and they vanish – Kevin's pretty sure both have been sent back to Hell, and the bodies returned wherever they came from, probably both dead, but at least they'll go back to their families for funerals and closure and all that completely fake bullshit.

"Your control is getting better," says Kevin, because thinking about all that will just make him want to open the can of worms that is trying to destroy all of Hell.

"It's easy when I'm angry," Jack admits.

Kevin glances at him. He's got a distinct little jaw-clench going. "Our coffee's getting cold," he says.

Jack brightens. "I can reheat it!" He likes the little non-violent, non-hellish things he can do with his powers, which is precisely why Kevin mentioned it. Gotta put that genius IQ to work, right?

It's not until they're sitting back down, rewarmed coffees in hand, that Kevin realizes, "Does that mean Crowley thinks we're dating?"

There's a pause. Jack swallows his mouthful of coffee. Stares at him. A little wide-eyed.

"Does that mean we're… not dating?" Jack asks.

Kevin stares at him.

And stares some more.

And drains his entire cup in one go and considers ordering an espresso shot because he might be on half-caf these days to avoid inflicting permanent damage with his caffeine intake after the near lethal amounts he ingested back in his fulltime tablet days.

And.

He hasn't dated since high school, which feels like lifetimes ago and can be measured in traumatic experiences in increments of ten. But also: how has he gotten to the point where he could wind up dating someone and not realize it?

Oh, god.

They've been to the movies, and not just in the home theater in the bunker. To the actual damn movies, without any of the others, even Charlie, who had winked at Kevin when they went to go see one separate from her and Dean nerding out. That had been two movies ago.

They have standing orders and usual booths and servers who recognize them and they went to the park to feed ducks special duck feeding food because bread was bad for them. Dean had denied this when Kevin opened the Amazon box, and then Sam had backed him up, and then Jack had been horrified humans ever gave ducks something so ill-suited to their digestive systems, and then Castiel backed him up, and Dean had spent an hour readjusting his worldview to accept that cartoons weren't always real. And then Sam had mentioned mice and cheese, rabbits and carrots, and then Kevin had brought up carrots and eyesight, and Dean had called them all nerds, and Jack had listened with absolute, angel-intense undivided attention as Kevin explained the history of British codebreaking and propaganda actually aimed at misleading the Germans. And then they'd gone to the park, like Kevin had planned a week in advance and ordered special duck food for.

Holy mother of –

Kevin's brain goes off into some seriously archaic, long-lost-to-human-memory languages to express the expletives he needed here.

And then he blinks, because Jack is starting to look crestfallen, and says, "I should really work on being a better boyfriend," he says, "'cause I didn't even notice."

"The ducks were nice," Jack defends his boyfriend abilities immediately.

Jack has powers. Jack knows what he means when he rubs his eyes and says "fuck Heaven" or "fuck destiny", Jack knows how it feels to worry about falling into the wrong hands, to be a weapon, to be terrified of what you are. Jack knows what it is to move past that and just become a person again. Albeit a weird one.

Kevin's dating his best friend.

And he hasn't even held his hand yet.

Kevin remedies that. Quickly.

Jack looks at him wonderingly as they hold hands a little awkwardly across the table, and the barista keeps smiling at them. Like seeing Kevin fumble for Jack's hand so suddenly and hastily made her entire freakin' week.

"I'm gonna take you to the zoo," Kevin says, thinking about the paper he wrote on the history of ethical zookeeping, and how excited Jack will be to hear about the progress humanity's made so quickly, and to look at the animals.

Jack smiles. "Can we go to one with penguins?"

[himbowelsh]

Could I get that parenting otp ask for the regulars, harty, and frill? Thx babe 😎

meme your own destiny (ACCEPTNG)

WINNIX: here!

SPEIRTON

packs the lunches

Lip is very determined to do lunch right. He has it down to a science now – one juice box or mini-water bottle, one sandwich or yogurt, some fruit slices, and something sweet. Sometimes he’ll even throw in a quick note, just to lift his kid’s spirits on a hard day. He makes the best lunches.

blows raspberries while cuddling

Lip is an affectionate cuddler, while Speirs can be stunningly playful. He loves to bounce the babies around and do things to make them laugh (within the realms of safety – he’s terrified of accidently hurting his child). Lip once caught his husband making funny faces at their baby, and never lets him forget it (he has pictures).

is the tickle monster

They tag-team the family. Lip is the one to lure them in, soothe them into a false sense of complacency… and that’s when Ron strikes. This man will parkour across the room if he sees the opportunity to ambush his kids.

gives life lesson speeches

Lip is THE BEST at this. Getting life advice from Ron is like asking for a hug from a crocodile, or a very intimidating scarecrow. You don’t know what you’re gonna get. It might be the best idea, or it might be the worst idea.

kisses the boo-boos

Lip is very gentle with bandaging up bumps and scrapes, but usually their kids prefer Speirs to do it – “because Daddy always gives a kiss after.” 

breaks the bad news

Speirs, every time. He won’t allow Lip to shoulder that burden (it’s his way of protecting him and their kids). Even so, Lip insists on being in the room, because he needs his kids to know that they’re both there for them.

joins the PTA

Speirs might be president of the PTA, but Lip is his right-hand man, keeping the over-aggressive PTA mothers in line.

crashes sleepovers with embarrassing stories

They don’t need to. They have a lifetime’s worth of embarrassing photos framed and hanging around the house.

gives the crazy nicknames

Lip calls his baby “sweetheart” and “sunshine”. Speirs Does Not Do nicknames. Their kids get off lucky with them.

BABEROE: here!

WEBGOTT: here!

LUZTOYE: here!

HARTY

packs the lunches

Kitty. Kitty has to. Harry tries to cook something in the morning, gets super frustrated, winds up throwing the entire meal out and tossing ten dollars at his kid a minute before they leave the house. If Kitty doesn’t make lunch, there is no lunch.

blows raspberries while cuddling

They both will, but any time their baby starts laughing, they start laughing too -- until eventually they’re just a pile of cuddly, giggling adorableness. Kitty likes to slather their baby’s belly in kisses, while Harry can’t get enough of that cute little face.

is the tickle monster

Harry is fast, mischievous, and has no mercy. Kitty is armed with a water gun, and willing to make a heroic sacrifice for her children. May the best family member win.

gives life lesson speeches

Harry becomes a guidance counselor, so he kind of has to be good at this. When it’s his kid it’s a bit harder... but Kitty tends to be just as bad as their kid. (”Mommy, David pulled my hair on the playground and called me names!” “Are you kidding me? I’m going to go in there and talk to that kid myself, who does he think he is?”) Harry’s the one who has to step in occasionally and reign in his impulsive kid AND wife. It teaches him to be less reckless, to be sure.

kisses the boo-boos

Harry freaks out over any minor injury, so it’s Kitty who keeps her cool and bandages up all the ouchies. She’s an expert at getting the tears to die down.

breaks the bad news

Harry tries, but he gets too emotional about stuff, so Kitty might have to step up to the plate. When it’s something really bad, however, Harry insists on being the one to break the news.

joins the PTA

Kitty joined for like a month, but dropped out when things got too intense. Harry made fun of her for weeks. (”Were Susan and Linda too scary for you?” “Those women could commit murder and feel no remorse.”)

crashes sleepovers with embarrassing stories

Kitty’s good at getting along with her kids’ friends (mostly because she wants to make sure they’re Good People) but she doesn’t have the same wicked streak as Harry. He delights in embarrassing his kids in front of their friend. His favorite bratty stories become something his kids never live down.

gives the crazy nicknames

Kitty gives the wildest ones, like “Sugar Pumpkin” “Baby Bee”, and “Little Bear”. Half the time, Harry isn’t sure who she’s talking to. (She also has her share of silly nicknames for him.)

FRILL

packs the lunches

Ohhh, they don’t do home lunches. Too much effort, and neither of them are awake enough in the mornings to actually be useful. Their kids go to school with money and can fend for themselves.

blows raspberries while cuddling

Fran gets super playful while cuddling, to the point that Bill is terrified someone will wind up getting hurt. (”Frannie, don’t toss ‘em like that, don’t – jESUS CHRIST!”) She loves raspberries, because it makes the kids giggle like no tomorrow.

is the tickle monster

Once again, Frannie. Bill despises being tickled, and has too much decency to do that to his kids. Not so for Fran. She’ll tickle the kids whenever she can – and if she see’s the opportunity, she’ll go for Bill.

gives life lesson speeches

Bill is very straightforward with his kids, and determined to tell it like it is. Fran might be the more sensible parent, but Bill’s the loudmouth, so the kids get advice from both sides.

kisses the boo-boos

Any Guarnere kids are gonna be durable little hurricanes, but Bill gets freaked out anytime they take a bad fall. He’s seen enough blood in his life; the last thing he wants is for it to be coming out of his kid. He’s the one to place gentle kisses on his kids’ band-aids; Frannie lets them crush her hand when they snap bones or need stitches.

breaks the bad news

Once again, they’re the couple that does this together. Bill usually does the talking, while Fran pulls the kids close and rubs their backs when they start to cry. It breaks both of their hearts a little, but they agree it’s best to do these things as a family.

joins the PTA

Neither. They both have too much sense, and they’re both terrified of the PTA.

crashes sleepovers with embarrassing stories

Look, the kids’ friends LOVE Bill and Fran. They tell the wildest stories, crack the funniest jokes, and aren’t afraid to laugh at each other or themselves. They’re also not afraid to tease each other mercilessly, so they’ll tell stories about the other to their friends just to embarrass each other.

gives the crazy nicknames

Bill is the type of parent who swears while talking to the kids. Not because he’s man, just because he forgets they’re children, and then remembers a few seconds after he’s said it. Fran is willing to smack him for it, but at this point it’s a lost cause, so they reach an agreement with the kids that if they can swear in the house, so can they – just don’t swear at classmates or teachers. This is a really long way of explaining why Bill sometimes calls his kids “you assholes”. (Fran actually will smack him for that.)

[iwillbeinmynest]

Duet- Bucky Barnes x Reader(f)

Authors Notes: Duet  By: Penny and Sparrow. I recommend playing this on repeat as you read. It sets the mood and tempo of the work and honestly it’s just a beautiful song and is worth hearing more than once. Italics are the lyrics. 

Notes/warnings: Anxiety, self-hate, mentions of scars, fluff, mentions of pregnancy. 

I bet your shoulders can hold more than Just the straps of that tiny dress That I'll help you slide aside When we get home

  Bucky leaned against the bar and sipped on his scotch with a phantom smile on his lips. He watched as you mingled with patrons; smiling and offering gentle touches on arms and backs. The thin straps of your silk floor length gown pressed lightly into the soft flesh of your shoulders from the weight of the fabric and all he wanted to do was take you in his arms and slide them from your frame.

 His breath caught in his throat when you turned away from him and your hair brushed over your exposed back. How was it, that after years of being together, you still managed to make him feel like he was seeing you for the first time? How was it that you were able to shatter every wall he’d ever built with one look? How was it, that a man like himself, was with a woman like you?

 He set his empty glass on the bar and made his way through the crowd. Seconds felt like weeks, minutes like months, hours were lifetimes when he wasn’t by your side. He reached out and finally touched the soft skin of your arm. When your face met his you glowed in his eyes and he felt like he could breathe again. He pulled you into his side and snaked an arm around your waist; his thumb rubbing your hip.

 He stood proud beside you as Tony made his speech about the success of the night and the good use the money from the evening was going to. Bucky really wasn’t sure what tonight was for, just felt like another reason for Stark to throw a party. But, it was important to you and as long as you were with him, he could tolerate a night of mingling with people he didn’t care to know.

 I've seen 'em carry family And the steel drum weight of me Effortless, just like that dress That I'll help off

  Bucky’s brows pulled together when he looked up and saw you pinching your eyes shut. You let out a sigh and rubbed the back of your neck before picking up a few more empty champagne flutes. You walked them over to the bar and looked for something else to clean up.

 Ever the helpful one, you were. The corner of Bucky’s lip pulled up a bit but he swallowed hard when he thought of how you were always cleaning up after the kids; he really should help clean more. Rebecca and Grant were a handful but somehow you handled them with grace and patience. You always made sure they knew they were loved and knew, that even though Bucky left a lot, that he loved them, too.

 He frowned when he thought about how he would return to you, sometimes; broken and bleeding, either physically or mentally. You were always there for him, no matter the damage he had done and, selfishly, he’d held onto you. You never complained when he’d snap at you. You didn’t yell at him when he disappeared for a day or two because he couldn’t justify the life he had with you. You never told him how poorly he was being as a husband and Bucky knew that he had been falling short lately.

 Suddenly, your hand was in his and you were smiling up at him. He leaned over, kissed your head and tried his best not to look ashamed of himself. He gave a quick nod to Stark who waved when you called goodnight to him. He held your hand tight as the two of you headed to the elevator. He was ready to be home with you.

 Because I've seen you And I know you And I'm not going anywhere

Because I've seen you And I know you And I'm not going anywhere

I bet your back can carry more than Just the weight of your button-down One by one, they'll come undone When we get home

  You watched Bucky as the evening went on; he kept to himself mostly. He shared a few conversations with some older gentlemen who had served in the war, in Bucky’s war, and you were happy to see him mingle with people outside of his team and the two toddlers at home. He was so handsome when he smiled, even his fake smile created a little spark in his eyes. You'd give anything to see him like that with his friends. He needed to get out more but you didn’t push him. He wasn’t the social butterfly he used to be.

 After a nice chat with a woman who had just donated five thousand dollars, you looked over your shoulder to see him at the bar again. He was slouched on the stool, bracing himself against the counter. You wanted nothing more than to sit with him and hold his hand; he always got so anxious at these functions, there were too many people for his liking.

 As Tony began his speech of thank you’s and formalities, you felt the warmth of Bucky’s hand at your elbow. You smiled to see him beside you in the middle of the dense crowd, it meant the world that he ventured into the sea of people just to stand with you. He gave you a little squeeze when your name came up in Tony’s speech and you glanced up in just enough time to see the end of a genuine smile.

 He ran his thumb in it’s familiar circle on your hip and you leaned into his shoulder. Of all the men in the world, how did you manage to land this one? How was it that someone like him, could want someone like you? He had his demons but, so did you. You had just as many mental scars as you did physical ones, and yet, he was never bothered by them.

 I've seen you carry family And all my insecurities One by one, they'll come undone When we get home

  There it was, his self-hate and the shame he tried so hard to hide from you. You put down the empty plates that you had gathered and grabbed your clutch from one of the velvet couches. You hurried to his side, needing to break his train of thought before he felt so burdened that he disappeared; it’s happened before. He had tortured himself at Rebecca's last birthday party and he disappeared for two days.

 When your hand weaved tightly into his, his eyes snapped to yours and you recognized the storm that brewed there. You knew those choppy seas and all of the sailors it’s swallowed. You ran a hand up his forearm and he kissed the top of your head. You savored this moment, this was the moment that you knew you’d just stopped a hurricane. The sea would calm and he would be home with you tonight.

 You shouted a quick thank you and goodnight to Tony before you tugged Bucky towards the elevator. He didn’t need much prompting to leave and he held you tight in the large mirrored box as you journeyed down. He held your face in his massive hands and tilted your head up to kiss your forehead. This was his way of reminding you that he would always be there, even when he wasn’t physically beside you. His unspoken promise.

 You twisted and pressed your body against his, chest to chest, laying over him like a blanket that was too small. His hands slid down over your shoulders, one strap of your dress falling off with them, and down your arms to settle at your sides. Then, he looked at you. He really looked at you. The kind of look that spoke a thousand words and told you everything you ever needed to hear.

 The look that told you just how much he loved every part of you.

 Because I've seen you And I know you And I'm not going anywhere

  Ten levels down and, finally, you were home, on your floor of the tower. The house was dark and quiet. The babysitter had been sent home by F.R.I.D.A.Y. when the two of you left the party, not five minutes ago. Bucky let go of your hand and slipped his coat off. He threw it over the back of the couch and silently made his way to the kids room. You hung his suit jacket up in the coat closet before following his quietness.

 You stood in the doorway as you watched him kiss Rebecca’s head and then Grant’s. Bucky rubbed his sons hair out of his face and turned off their music player. You looked up at him as he pulled you from the room and shut the door behind him. He held your hand delicately with his fingertips and pulled you towards your bedroom.

 Bucky walked backwards and watched as you slipped your heels off and left them in the hallway.

 You took a deep breath as Bucky undid his tie, pulled it from around his neck and un-buttoned the top three buttons of his crisp white shirt.

 He rubbed his hand over his mouth as you removed the thin string of pearls from around your neck, leaving it bare.

 You lifted your dress to move easier through the bedroom and stand in front of him as he kicked his shoes off.

 Bucky sat on the bed and pulled you between his knees. He held your hips in his hands and rubbed his nose on your belly before placing a few short kisses over the silk material.

 “You sure you’re ready to do this again, with me?” He whispered. You could hear the weight of his voice that hovered over your stomach and you glanced at the positive pregnancy test that still sat on his dresser.

 You took his face in your hands and lifted his gaze to meet yours. You took a deep breath and smiled when you saw the storm in his eyes had dissipated, replaced by a gentle summer shower.

 “James,” You started.

 “(Y/N),” He repeated.

 “I have seen you,” You rubbed your thumb over his stubble.

 “I have seen you,” Tears welled in his eyes.

 “And I know you,”

 “And I know you,” He wrapped his arms around your waist and tugged you down to the bed with him.

 You lay beside him with your chest facing his and you wiped a tear that fell from the corner of his eye when he’d hit the mattress. “And I’m not going anywhere.”

 “And I’m not going anywhere.” He sighed the final verse of what had become almost ritual between you. He ran his hand into your hair and cupped the back of your neck. He shifted his body to be flush against you and, with a quiet, last gasp for air, he pulled your mouth to his.

 Because I've seen you And I know you And I'm not going anywhere

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