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muffindaddystyles · 4 years ago

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SERENDIPITY.

(n), beautiful accidents turning out in beautiful journeys.

Nothing to explain, just Vampire!harry.

Smut, Smut and Smut.

Masterlist , Let's talk about more vampire H!

Author's Note: This's me just testing waters with my fantasy writing skills. It got deleted at first and I had to write everything again with fat sad tears. Tried my best hope ya'll like it. Reblogs are always appreciated and I kinda deserve it for this one *sheepishly*

She ignores whatever he's saying craving the overwhelming feel of stars and flowers when he bites her, "Can you bite me, please?" He startles at that brows skyrocketing.

Y/N interrupts Harry amidst his meal and ends up him clinging to her.

Kittens. One hell of the beasty creatures they're. You'd give them your heart but they'll prefer their two hours sleep over it. Such type of beasty wee landed Y/N into such situation. She's been searching for Meowsie her cat for fifteen minutes now when she heard a feeble cry of an animal. The tall trees with it's roots snatching at soil - the moon at it's peek. Gasping she crouches down for the rescue of a deer with it's fur wrenched in blood.

When she does so her eyes struck at the sleekness of a pair of loafers stubbing yellow leaves under it. A groan of annoyance whirling in air and gulping she rakes her eyes to find a tall, swiney man staring down at her in offence like she disturbed him.

He's gorgeous. Features that of greek sculpture with silk kissing it, eyes –well she can't figure them out in her fear. "Who're ye'!?" He snarls and she toppled back on her bum with a squeak, "Aish. should be asking you the same." She shuts her eyelids. He thinks she's very stupid for leisuring in an abnomished forest at this hour of night when every creature's ready to strangle her alive.

"Who're you?" She emphasizes each word grabbing the broken branch and pointing it towards him mustering some courage not letting her brave cascade waver.

His first instinct was to say that he's vegan. But, why should he when he's not. He doesn't like lying.

He steps from under the shadows of trees rims glimmering under the beautiful moonlight, "Could be anythin' ye'r little brain's been thinkin' of." He smirks towering her and scrambles back. Her facial expressions blown out more from the fright he's causing.

Poor little thing.

Before, he could fill in her curiosity his prey escapes into darkness gaining his attention. He growls throwing his head at his shoulders — Harry isn't that of tantrum throwing person (a practice of one hundred year has taught him that bitterness brings you nothing) but he's been devastatingly hungry and the feeding clubs grossed him out.

The smell of grinding bodies, sweat and the combination of different human's blood makes him sick to core rubbing his appetite away. He's bored of them.

Her sweet glazing auroma calls him to trap her and take a succulent bite out of her but before that she benefited the opportunity running away from him exiting the dark forest only to find Meowsie snuggling inside her bed.

"You batty creature!" She huffs, "No wonder I'd be found – dead one day because of you."

With whoever; she bumped in the forest wasn't human at all Y/N thinks.

. . .

She's been fighting her sweet tooth for so long but it's not helping her. She muttered a fuck it before lecturing Meowsie, "No sneaking." When Meowsie meowed bobbing her head she cheered, "Good baby." Like a proud momma.

It was success. Reaching the nearest store and buying the oreo yogurt to savour it immediately. When she strolled outside gloomy vibe hit her causing her nerves to shudder winter chillness freezing her toes.

The cup hits the pavement and she emits a loud scream as a brutal force rams her in a brick wall.

A groan of pain rumbling in her chest and she shuts her eyes as a shadowy demon creeps up her calves agonisingly trying to pop her in two.

Counting on her death when it screeches in horrifying noises being ripped into bits and pieces mercilessly. When she squints her eyes open she finds the mossy jade eyes peering down at her more pissed than he was in the forest, "do ya humans don't sleep at night? Or are ye' a mouse that steals good-ys at night?" He traps her head with his hands on either side of wall and she grumbles at his insult of calling her human. But isn't it what she is? A human?

"I -- don't be mean." She pouts hissing at the dull ache in her legs and he sighs voice getting gentler, "Can ye' walk?" When she nods he scoffs with a thick accent lips quirking and nose scrunching. He wanted to leave her at it but the scared look on her tightened his chest and he felt his responsibility to walk her home safe and invest if she got hurt.

"No you can't!" He winds his arms around her encouraging her to put all of her weight on his side as he walks her. "Who're you. And how did ya do that?" She asks with a timid voice. He doesn't want to scare her away but the truth's he's been keeping an eye on her for days. Muttering a curse to himself whenever she'd have her nightly visits without a care for herself. Silly human.

"Harry." He replies without a care and if it wouldn't be for the pain she's feeling she'd have never let him inside her home. "I can't even eat my yogurt in peace 'cos of you Harry." She reproaches as he sits her on sofa taking her ankles and putting them over his knees.

[That's how I felt when you interrupted my meal you little pesty thing he wanted to mutter but held back.]

Taking out the potion Nana gave him that heals painful scars.

"It'll hurt a bit little mouse." He murmurs pulling out the cork of bubble shaped bottle she flinches, "Don't call me that!" Staring at the way her ripened gnashes disappears in beautiful spirals. "Then stop acting like a coward-y mouse." He stands up looking down at her slumpy with sleep. He shushed her, "'s okay. . ." with each dab feeling sorry for exposing her to his world and now the demon who was manifested without a precise spell thought they're co-related kept lingering around her and well he couldn't leave such an innocent girl to be harmed by evils.

"Not gonna tuck ye' in bed, now." He stands up chin doubling raising his hands in defence albeit he's privy for such actions. Too domestically affectionate for him.

"Please." She doesn't want to be here on uncomfortable sofa and wants to snuggle inside her blankets. "Fine." He rolls his eyes not giving heed to the angelic details of her home for that it'll create a soft spot in his heart for her.

His body swimming in her scent once stepping inside her room and he tucks her under quilts grabbing Meowsie akwardly and putting her beside Y/N so she could cuddle with her. He stares her for time and Y/N doesn't hear door shutting and he's out of her bleary vision in a tick

. . .

White swarms over the crimson in hues with yummy smell spreading everywhere along with the waves of Y/N melodic hum. Meowsie tries to rip the muffin batter and Y/N smacks her paw away ending up having a standoff stare competition with her in the kitchen.

She literally heard her saying mean mommy.

Y/N thoughts are all over the place. All she could think of is his's stupid beautiful face and they way his gentle touch made her feel floffy from muscles. He shouldn't pesk her like that. The white chocolate chip pops and she was about to see if they were done when a rasp crawled in her ear making her jump and causing the pyrx bowl to hit the oak counter, "Been thinkin' of meh, lil mouse?"

"What the fuck. Harry!" She spins sending him into fits of laughter with squeaky scream.

"Not funny. Don't you guys not go somewhere unless invited?" She gasps putting her hand atop her heart and Harry's eyes follows her commotion, "'course we do. Got some manners 'n shite." He scoffs with cupid bow quirked up and nose scrunched.

"Then where are your manners now?" He smirks at that leaning at her level, "You manifested me s' hard it broke rules." Heat splashes on her cheeks and she notices the intricate details of his features finding them dull and sick than his prior glow. She gasps in shock taking his hands leading him to sofa and sitting him with a push to his shoulders.

"God. You look terrible what happened?" He gives out a smile at her care throwing his head into headboard cushions, as she scrambles back to kitchen to take out muffins from oven she asks worriedly proper concerned for his health, "Would you like something?"

A warm mug of delicious bubbling blood thank you very much.

He wanted to mutter but his throat went dry from the headache making him all dizzy. He's been death starving for days now cause his appetite seems to vanish and tongue wouldn't accept any kind of blood since the day he smelled the gush of crimson running inside her veins.

"Can I bite you?" He regrets the moment it slipped from his tongue. Y/N doesn't seem to mind instead mulls about it for a moment putting two warm hot cocoa milk and red velvet muffins on the lil coffee table.

"Will it keep you alive?" When Harry closed his eyes in gentle affirmation she cranes her neck to side like she has seen in many movies. "Okay. Go then." He smiles weakly taking her fingers ever so tenderly in his hold and ushering her in his lap.

"If you wouldn't mind — it'll be more comfortable like this. ." She just nods knees bended on either side of his thighs and his mouth waters at her appetizing sweet smell. He rakes his nose along the curve of her neck swearing that she's made of puddle of how soft her skin's. His senses wrecking havoc as his fangs glistens at the surface grazing against the barrier of her sensitive spot.

"Aa-a!" She cries out and He pulls her back anxiously brows kinking, "Didn't even bit yet."

"Surprised is all." She confesses shyly and Harry shakes his head with a silly smile letting her fist the hem of his shirt tight as he wrapped his arm around her waist smushing her closer to him and keeping her head in one place stopping her from squirming..

"Ticklish baby mouse ye're." Saying this he pushes his fangs into her flesh and she created a mousey noise head lulling. He gives out a moan-y growl at the taste of first droplet hitting his tongue. He doesn't think he could stop from now on. She tastes like the nectar birds of heaven could feed on.

His body coming to life. Inners feeling fresh as ever again.

She feels float-y. Like taking a nap over clouds and letting the zephyr cocoon her and she stuffs her face in the crook of his neck breathing him happily with a loopy smile.

This's oddly satisfying and calming. He wants to take care of her. She's a beacon he always wants to keep protected from the storm. He gasps feeling himself nourished all over again after days of starvation. Lapping at the shiny drops of what's left making her giggle and he could easily recognize that smell. Of her arousal.

She's all worked up in his embrace snuggling closer to him. He has been in this position with many people before but once they serve his purpose they'd been walked away to take care of.

"Don't go lost on me little mouse y'need to eat somethin'." He settles her over his thigh taking the mug and muffins.

Tearing it in two and bringing it to her mouth as she lays her head against his shoulder. He sighs happily feeling full as she nibbled slowly, "Thank you." He wipes the crumbs from the corner of her lips feeling the petalness of them and wondering what he shouldn't be wondering at all. "'S okay." She quips with cracky voice making Harry chuckle and sipping onto his own warm milk.

. . .

Harry didn't know a human could attract him like a magnet to metal. She manifested him once and now he's always at her cosy home, he likes the radiance of sunshine that promises from her presence. They watch movies till the clock doesn't strike six in the morning, have secret rendezvous hidden from the eye of normal people at the places Y/N has never been, he has his weekly bites from her and in return brings her every Oscar Wilde's books from his shelf.

Biting her's the most pleasing yet excruciating part because the way she melts like a honey over him like she depends on him and the sweet smell of her wetness that billows in the room makes Harry gripe at her sides, sometimes drinking more than her petite body could handle. He feels awful after that.

Cuddles her to sleep and makes the walnut pie he learned from his Nana which apparently is a witch (she isn't actually his grandma — he has long forgotten about his real family).

Harry took her to the vampires museum and when her marshmallow lips baubled in astonishment at the wings of Angels displaying on the burgundy wall. He kept his arms wrapped around her waist the whole time eyeing anyone that would look towards her weirdly (humans aren't allowed at vampire premises, but who dares to point a finger at Harry? No one.) One of the reasons he hugged her in a smushing coddling suffocating way to lather his scent all over her leaving her flustered and confused. Y/N has finally met someone that shares the same sleeping schedule as her insomniac ass. "We better leave before they hang me angel here too." His breath was hot against her neck running shivers down her spine.

His words carrying amiability and seductivity causing Y/N to gape at him. Did he just call her his Angel? He definitely did. Annoying leech that's fucking up with Y/N's emotions.

They didn't talk about it at all after that.

Harry did with Nana. Freaking out to her how his emotions are always spiraling for her. That he wants her all to himself. Wants to feel her in ways that's beyond just the touch. Nana just laughed it off and made him eat his coconut pie. He almost choked on his bite. Adam apple bobbing in pain when she cleared to him – that; The they indeed have bonded to eachother.

Her blood runs inside him. His marks are on the most precious spot of her body. Where lovers claim their affection — how could he not feel like that towards her? She's sure that Y/N also feels the same for Harry.

Harry was getting done with some cluster of work when a stab of pain invaded his whole body prickling uncomfortably against his skin. Something's up. He could feel in his bones that his little mouse's not okay. When he goes her home he's met by pure silence making him more anxious than he already is.

He picks Meowsie from the floor rubbing her crown as he steps inside her bedroom. She's layered under many fold blankets in her bed shrinked into a pea and her head perks up when Harry's voice reaches her, "Angel. . ." She throws everything aside tackling him to mattress making him squeak.

He smiles petting her hair as she purrs against his chest fisting the hem of his shirt tightly. "One of those days?" He asks genuinely not stopping his gentle action and she bobs her head vigorously bottom lip wobbling, "Oh my little mouse – c'mere what happened?" His gaze flitting between her's as he cups her cheeks squishing them adorably.

She ignores whatever he's saying craving the overwhelming feel of stars and flowers when he bites her, "Can you bite me, please?" He startles at that brows skyrocketing.

Giddiness stirring in his stomach and how bad he feels to brush her off, he has to do it for her sake. "Now, that's not an escape ye' should seek fo' right?" He gives her a stern look when she whines throwing her head back, "Then can I bite you?" She just wants to distract herself from the unbearable headche of her history course.

He chuckles breathily at that sighing because could he say no to her? No. He smiles down at her dimples denting in his cheeks, "Kay. Go then." She stuffs her face in the dip of his neck sniffing the marbled beach fragrance of him that of summers I'm December's cosiness. Her teeth grazing at the curve of his pale skin and Harry closes his eyes in anticipation. He feels intimidated by this little human being like no other. His little human.

Her teeth grazing against his cold skin and Harry almost whined letting a moan slip his eyes rolling back into his sockets as she bites him. His hands on her ass twitching to grope at the flesh when his cock stirred with her heat leaking against it. She creates sweet filthy noises succling the mark and "Enough." Harry cleared his throat and the haze in his head bounding her wrists between them pulling pulling her away looking at her sternly when she whines.

"Baby. . talk to me." He caresses her cheek with his knuckles but she ignores his words floating in her all headspace staring the mark she created. Tracing the beautiful hue of love bite with her fingers, "How did it feel?" Harry's eyes flutter with charming smile as he kissed the hand which's not busy memorizing him.

"Like a lil mouse ticklin'" She leans at that kissing her work of art, giving wet little sweet kisses up his jaw palms running down his midriff as she whispered.

"This?" Her hips stuttering with his swell sitting delicious between her panty clad pussy lips, she peers up at him from her under her lashes as her lips rested against the corner of his pillowy full mouth.

"And this?" Test of his patience. "Like I've never felt before." Saying. He smudges his lips against her's in a succulent, sweet and affectionate kiss. Lapping tenderly with his pink wet tongue at her mouth to deepen the kiss squishing her cheeks in the process. Swallowing her whimpers and whines down his throat like she's most precious. She humps his bulging cock with erotic swivels of her hips and Harry griped at her sides to leave blue blemishes in some hours.

He closes his eyes still smiling foolishly resting his temple against her's – noses doing eskimo kisses.

"Can we talk now, what's disturbing my angel?" He tucks her hair back kissing her forehead and she bobs her head embarrassed at her tantrums. "It's silly. 'M gonna fail my history exam." His eyes twinkle, "Just havocin' your brain for this?"

"No worries. I gotcha."

. . .

This's how they ended up like this surrounded by notes and papers. Harry complaining with an unbelievable scuff, "What do they teach ye' kids now days? That didn't happen at all in history." Still ending up helping her with learning which ended up him giving her his slender fingers fucking her with them to let her work for her reward.

"No pet. Wrong answer." He tutted eyes still on the quiz card and it's the sight for sore eyes. She cramps her thighs around his wrist and he curled his fingers rubbing her walls in return as a warning, "Come on lil mouse ye' right there." He leans from the edge of his chair to snatch a chaste kiss from her parted ones.

"189-5?" She mewls not sure of her answer and Harry again pressed his lips against her's murmuring against them driving a third finger inside her and rubbing her clit in circles with his thumb, "such an intelligent girl. doin' s' good fo' me – wanna cum?" He bites at her earlobe gripping the quiz cards tightly.

"Yes. Please‐" He cuts her off taking his digits out making her whine and squirm loudly. Sage coloured panties clearly drenched in her slickness as Harry licks her sweet juices like a hungry kitten from his fingers wrapping his magenta lips till his knuckles — if it's a lollipop humming around them vulgarly.

"Harry No!" She huffs making grabby hands at him and he squeezes her bossom thigh to push her down, "Harry yes. Now -- tell me babe where Buddhism originated from?" He wets the pad of his thumb nonchalantly eyeing her playfully and Y/N just wants to kiss that pink pretty tongue as he turned the page around.

She grabs his hand moving them closer to her swollen pussy head falling at his mere graze, "Please." He gives love nibbles at her cheek flickering her clit to tease her.

"What baby?" He murmurs gliding them up and down her slit causing her to rock her pelvis against his touch his freezing fingers adding upto sensation. "Want your fingers." She gasped breathily because before her request Harry was stuffing her back with his fingers massaging the sweet shell of her g-spot.

Her tummy coiling with pleasure and she threw her arms around his neck parted lips pressing against his throat, "Last quiz and then ye' can come all over me fingers." He tells her pinching her thighs. His cock weeping in his pants. The world around them deafening to glitter noises and Harry puts his chin atop her shoulder raising the card infront of her shoulder as she thrashed in his arms.

It was for his last criss-cross of swipe when she gushed all over him with noises that stroked Harry's ego and this time he gave her a hickey coaxing her orgasm from her high, "Hmh. S' warm I could stay inside ye' forever." A sugary smooching voice echoes in room when he kissed the spot between her ear and neck.

Y/N thinks Harry has successfully made a nest in her heart.

. . .

They were flopped over quilts in her bed moon glowing happily in love with them together and Y/N turned in his arms admiring each glimmer of his skin with an awestruck puppy eyes, "You're such an Angel. . .so pretty." He chuckles softly bringing her closer to her chest to hear her heartbeats.

"People think otherwise my mouse." He gives out a 'oof' sound giggling when she climbed up his torso heels of palms pressing against his pecks. "You're for me resting in the depths of ye'r skin — that went through love and sorrows, nourishment and pains until god decided you were meant to be mine. . ." She sucks in a breath cupping his beautiful face to lull it side to side. Harry could bite her whole made of petals and honeycomb she is. He stares her zoning out for a moment.

"Sorry. But seeing ye' with my bites makes me s' hard. . ." He whispers. "Bite me again then." She nuzzles in the crook of his neck pressing her wet crotch down against his hard dick pressing against his zipper.

"So polite and carin'." He grins smacking kisses against the thin skin of her shoulder reaching the mark that's still pudgy and purple. She moans getting him out with shaky fingers and kissing him heatedly in full vigour making slick filthy noises. He slaps her bottom ripping her panties to throw them carefully rubbing his weeping blushed head in between her clenching pussy lips to smudge their arousals.

Whimpers of bliss whirling in air when he slipped inside her slick cunt filling her to brim his balls pressed against her bum, "Fuck. Just how I imagined — tight 'n snug. I love ye'r cunt baby." He gritted grinding his pelvis against her's in slow teasing motion hitting one spot continuously.

"Feels good. . ." She cries softly thighs quivering by his sides and he wrapped his hand around the nape of her to bring her down for another passionate kiss, "Would ye' bond to meh? Huh - lemme cum inside ye'r pretty pussy? Make it mine?" He mumbled wet-ly against her lips sucking her lower one to make it all plump and pinkish.

"Make me yours." She gives out a squeaky whimperish moan when at her words he licked his mark biting it. Her walls creamping around his cock to feel each, ridge and thick vein and she turned a loopy butterfly in his arms.

"Ye' can't cum unless I give ye' permission and I've had plenty to drink. . ." He growls grabbing her jaw eyes turning oyrx and she wipes her own blood from his mouth to press her thumb against his tongue letting him suck. Now, she doesn't have one mark only it's plenty that of flowers scattered on canvas.

He stretches his legs wide toes curling holding her down from her hips to fuck into her with rough mind forging thrusts, "Yes!" Y/N whispers with hoarse throat that she hasn't spoken from months.

"Cum fo' me. Over me cock baby wants to feel ye' Angel." He moans fondling her breasts in his large calloused palms smauching kisses at very skin he could find to shower his love to. Y/N comes a wave of shiver running from her soles to head as she just created noises straight out of porn.

Her creaming around him. Warm and slick cum dribbling down his balls didn't last Harry too. He came inside her in thick spurts of ribbons leaving blueprints at her arse.

They remained like this for some moments. Cacooned into eachother breathing eachother Harry memorizing her to memorize the memory he could never forget and caresses her cheek with the back of his hand.

He lays her on bed gently slipping out of her shushing her with pecks on mouth when she whined from sensitivity, "Gonna take care of ye' little mouse." He bends her knees kissing them stroking the insides of her shivering thighs to calm her down taking his discarded boxer from side.

"Want you to squeeze baby -— I came alot." She does as he said and he cleans her with his clothe showering her in kisses and praises.

Running a steamy bath with essential lavender and rose oils and bathe salts. Resting her between his legs to feel her skin everytime against his skin.

"I love you. Gonna keep ye' forever." He whispers in the silence of night and she smiled with fuzzy heart. Feeling good and fluttery. "I love you too."

Shrugging she retorts playfully, "I'd be all old and wrinkly but you'd be still this gorgeous now that's unfairrrrr." He just laughs at her cuteness creating obnoxious kissing noises while kissing her face.

"Gross." She mutters bashfully eyeing him and he fake offends tickling her sides causing the water splash from rims, "Wasn't gross when I was fucking your brains out—" She tries to smack him in between laughters.

"Heyyyy."

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mollymauk-teafleak · 4 years ago

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Benzaiten Steel and the Case of Mistaken Identity

Ben has a very awkward morning on the Carte Blanche...

Just a fun little scene from a happier, better universe where Ben is alive and happy and committing intergalactic crimes with his brother and their new family.

Please consider reblogging or leaving a comment over on Ao3!

---

Contrary to popular belief, there were a lot of differences between the Steel Twins.

Sure, there was the obvious stuff like the hairstyle and the general disposition, how you could tell which one you’d bumped into on any given day by whether they were smiling or scowling. There was the dress sense and the scars and the tattoos that didn’t match, except for the one. And, of course, the different number of eyes.

But Benten had always thought it was the smaller differences, the ones nobody noticed, that mattered. That made them Juno and Benzaiten, not just the Steel Twins. Not that he resented being seen as one of a matched set, of course not. It was wonderful to work with Juno on the Carte Blanche, to live in the same space as him again and see him every day, tired in the mornings and working furiously into the evenings, to sit with him and have meals as a family with the rest of their crew. To always have him in arms reach, to show him a funny video on his comms or hang off his shoulders as they stood together. To use their nearly but not identical faces in their work, making people believe there was only one of them and seeing their faces when it all fell into place.

Benten knew how it felt to lose his brother and he never wanted to go back to that.

Still, it was nice to have their own individual quirks even if they went unnoticed. Like this, like how Benten was always the early riser while Juno would stay in bed as long as decent society allowed him. He’d gotten used to it as a kid; the three buses he had to take to his dance class had meant getting up just before sunrise six days out of seven. Juno’s hobbies, which were what Ben charitably called his obsessions, his research or his work meant he stayed up late buried in files and data, seeing patterns in it that no one else would, with one eye or two. Often when they were teenagers, he’d be up and about to head out just as Juno was dragging his carcass to bed.

That had led to an intimate familiarity with another difference, how each twin took his coffee.

Benten had the kitchen of the Carte Blanche to himself, the SimSun lights just kicking into gear. Soon the ship would come to life, the noises of some mechanical fix going on from the cargo bay as Jet began his first task of the day, Buddy humming to herself as she sat in her cabin and made the impossible possible, the clatter of Vespa sharpening tools in the med bay either to hurt or to heal, the hammering of fingers on keys as Rita worked at her comms, over the too loud chatter of her stream. And Ransom...well, Ransom doing whatever he did on a morning with his usual eerie silence. All that would come but for now it was quiet, just the sound of his bare feet sticking to the tiles as he moved around and the song he was whistling.

Today was going to be a good day, Benten told himself triumphantly. They were back in charted space which meant he could video call Mick, hearing his boyfriend’s voice and seeing his beautiful, ridiculous grin for the first time in weeks. The thousands of miles between them would shrink to the width of a comms screen and everything would feel better.

And it would start with coffee. He did feel a little pang of guilt at only making two cups, one for him and one for Juno, but it was hard to break traditions that were decades old. He’d always left one waiting for his brother in their crappy little Oldtown kitchen, for when he’d reluctantly follow him into consciousness. He’d always wanted the first thing Juno knew when he woke up was that someone was looking out for him. And to drink some coffee because he probably looked like shit.

Juno liked to pretend he was the toughest, meanest lady around, making Benten wonder if anyone else knew he took his coffee with three sugars and enough cream to make it barely a few shades above white. He mixed in each spoonful of freeze dried coffee and powdered, stasis milk carefully, though it would never taste like the real stuff you got planetside. There was a lot about long haul space travel that sucked. The food was ninety percent of it.

Still, it was hot and sweet and prickling with caffeine, in the mug Rita had painted herself with ‘world’s best boss’ printed on the side, and Benten knew his brother would really appreciate it. It would make him smile in that rough, crooked way he did, the smile that didn’t come out very often but Ben wished it would. People deserved to see it.

He stopped whistling as he balanced the mugs in his hands, trying really hard not to slop any over the sides. Sure the cleaning bots would take care of any spills but Benten had always felt mean about giving them any work to do. The kitchen door slid shut behind him, the mechanism not quite what it had been when the ship was new and making more noise than it should. Juno’s room wasn’t far, none of them had spread out much from the others even with all the rooms to choose from. He should only be a few doors down.

But as Ben moved past the bathroom door, he heard the sound of running water and his brother’s unmistakable rough voice, singing as he showered. Ben grinned to himself, pausing a moment to listen while Juno butchered a peppy, upbeat dance number that had come on the radio the other day. He had a good voice, though he’d never admit it, this just wasn’t his vibe. Still, he sang it cheerily and Ben could imagine him bouncing on the balls of his feet and swaying his hips in time to the beat as he soaped his hair.

Why was he up so early? What had him in such a good mood? Ben wondered briefly before realising he didn’t care all that much. What mattered was Juno smiling, singing, dancing, it didn’t matter why. Clearly, life on the Carte Blanche was doing him good, shaking him out of the dark place he’d been in ever since he’d lost the eye, regained it and lost it again. Just as Ben had hoped when he’d agreed to come with his brother and live as an interplanetary thief.

He had to take a few deep breaths so he didn’t cry then and there, just hearing his brother doing something as simply alive as singing in the shower.

Benten kept walking, thinking he would just leave Juno’s coffee in his room for him to come back to. And then maybe he’d ask him to play video games or watch a stream or ask if he could work on the stuff for their next job in his room. Anything just to be near him and see the light back on in his eye, to know for sure that he’d really got his brother back.

Benzaiten was still lost in his own thoughts as he approached the bunk Juno had claimed as his own, the one with the glitter covered sign that read ‘Mister Steel’s Room’ in Rita’s handwriting, the same as the ones she’d made for all of them on their first day aboard. He was so distracted, he couldn’t even be startled when the door opened before he was anywhere near it.

Or when Ransom stepped through, wearing nothing but a tiny pair of boxer shorts that covered very little and suggested very heavily what they did cover. That and a shirt of Juno’s that Ben recognised immediately, oversized so the neck draped to leave one shoulder bare. A shoulder covered in dark, mouth shaped shadows.

Ben stopped dead, eyes snapping wide. Every time he’d seen Ransom before now, he’d been perfectly made up and poised to the point of near absurdity, in his sleek, expensive outfits and coiffed hair and sharp smile. He’d been practically scared of the guy, not least because of how Juno reacted to him and wouldn’t say why, no matter how many times Benten tried to steer the conversation that way to find out more.

Now he wished he knew less.

Ben opened his mouth but couldn’t get any sound out, he was too stunned at the realisation that Ransom was actually human and not a perfectly styled doll of some kind. So Ransom just yawned, exactly like a cat would right down to the way he smacked his tongue after, and blinked, eyes useless with sleep and without his glasses.

“I thought you were showering, dear heart,” he mumbled, his slick accent muddied and rougher than it ever seemed.

And then, before Ben could make any kind of protest, Ransom closed the distance between them and kissed him languidly, hand slipping around his waist to grab a handful of...something that erased any doubt Ben had been clinging to as to what this man was doing in his brother’s bedroom.

Instantly, Ben froze solid, eyes wide with the kind of panic only rabbits facing down the headlights of oncoming cars and people in this exact situation could experience. A heartbeat later, Ransom did the exact same, unfortunately leaving him in that position for a handful of agonsing, painful seconds. When he finally jumped back, he looked very, very awake. In fact, he looked like he might never sleep again.

“So…” Ben cleared his throat, grimacing, “You’re sleeping with my brother, huh?”

Ransom’s blush was fearsome, more than a master thief’s really should be, “I...my sincerest apologies, Benzaiten, I was only...um, your brother...I…of you have any concerns about his...um, his virtue-”

Ben could have screamed cutting across him quickly, “I really do not want to hear the slightest thing about my brother’s virtue. Just...give him this,” he thrust the coffee at Ransom, “And never speak of this again. To him but especially to me. Agreed?”

Ransom took a deep breath, taking the coffee and hiking the shirt up to his neck, like that would erase the hickeys from existence, “Agreed.”

Eventually Benzaiten would realise he was happy about this. He would recontextualise a hundred glances between him and Ransom, he would learn to read the emotion in Juno’s voice whenever he talked about him, what was masked in the intensity of it. He would realise that finally someone loved Juno exactly how he deserved to be loved.

But for now, he was going to lock his door, call his boyfriend and scream into a pillow and wish with all his heart that more people would learn to see the differences between him and Juno.

#the penumbra podcast #jupeter #ben lives au #tpp #juno steel #benzaiten steel #peter nureyev #aurinko crime family #gonna write more for this ben lives au so if you have an requests send em in #please comment or reblog #pwease...

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ikeromantic · 4 years ago

Photo

Kitsune Dawn

This is the second part of Kitsune Haunting which occurs during the trip with MC to Chugoku in Mitsuhide’s main route. Still silliness and sort of scares! Approx 1000 words.

First: Mitsuhide and the Maiden

Previous: Kitsune Haunting

Mitsuhide waited until his little mouse was fast asleep. He was smugly satisfied at how easily she fell asleep beside him despite her fear. It made him feel absurdly protective. As if somehow his presence truly kept bad things at bay. He ignored the sharp sorrow in his chest at that thought. Only her imminent return to her own time gave him leave to play these games.

Ah, and these games were not done tonight. Mitsuhide dowsed one hand in water, letting the night air chill his damp skin. When he judged it sufficient, he reached under the blanket, carefully lifting the hem of her clothes. Then in a sudden flurry of movement, he grabbed her leg and pulled.

Mitsuhide let go just in time for his little one to scream. She pulled her legs up tight against her chest.

“Did you feel that?” He asked her, as if he too, were just woken by something.

“Sh-she grabbed me! I felt her cold hand!” The chatelaine’s voice was thick with terror.

Mitsuhide almost felt bad for frightening her. Almost. He stroked her shoulder gently. “I think she meant to grab both your legs . . . and caught one of mine instead.”

“H-holy cats! Why did we pick this place to camp? M-mitsuhide! You knew! You knew sh-she would try to kill me.” Her fear was shifting to anger.

Her cheeks were flush with anger, her eyes wide with fear. Beautiful.

“We should have just kept riding!”

The horses shuffled on their leads, curious about the upset in camp but unafraid. The chatelaine did not know the difference between a nervous horse and one unhappy to be woken for no reason.

“See? Even our mounts are scared.”

The forest branches clacked like chomping teeth, and the wind whistled through the bamboo pipes hung in nearby trees.

Mitsuhide gathered his little one into his arms. She clung to him, her eyes shiny with tears. He had not thought she would be this afraid. Part of him wanted to confess it was all just a joke. A silly game to bring her to his side. But it worked too well and he didn’t want to spoil it with unnecessary honesty.

“I won’t let the maid take you, little mouse. Stop shivering.” He stroked her hair.

His reward was her little fist striking his chest. “W-we should have kept riding. You . . . you did this on purpose.”

So close, he thought, but not quite there. It was surprising how well her intuition did, lacking in cunning and deception as she was.

He leaned close, his lips brushing her ear. “Trust me.”

She relaxed against him, surrendering this round. “I do. But I still think you knew . . .” She trailed off.

Mitsuhide wondered what she was thinking. It was hard to tell when he couldn’t see her face. Hopefully she was too tired from the full day of riding to stay up. He needed her to fall asleep if he was going to hang a haori in the trees to frighten her again. Although . . . he rested his chin on the top of her head.

There wasn’t much point to carrying the joke further. She was frightened into his arms already.

“Are you smiling? I can feel you smiling,” she mumbled.

“I’m smiling.”

Sunlight creeping through the leaves woke Mitsuhide first. He was surprised to find he’d fallen asleep sitting. His little mouse still sat curled in his lap. He could feel the slow, steady beat of her heart through his skin. She was warm and soft and perfect. It almost hurt to lay her down.

Mitsuhide set about taking down the camp. Packing their meager supplies up, heating some water for morning tea. Some hoshikage because he knew how much she liked sweet things. He checked the horses and fed them some grain.

The chatelaine woke just as he was pouring hot water into thick, clay mugs for a morning tea. She got up slowly and stretched. “I feel like I got hit by a truck.”

“What is that?”

“Ah, kind of like a cart? Without the horse attached.”

He nodded. “I wouldn’t want to be run over by a cart.”

She took her mug and blew at the steam. She took a tentative sip, her lips twisting at the bitterness.

Mitsuhide didn’t mind the taste. It reminded him of days spent hungry, and the iron and salt smell of blood. That was life.

His little mouse nibbled at her persimmon, taking sips between bites.

“I wish you’d stop staring at me.”

“There is nothing more beautiful to see this morning.”

“I’m not - beautiful.” She set her mug down and tried to adjust her clothing. It was rumpled from sleep, and her hair curled up at the edges, tugged loose from her bun. “I wish you’d stop with the teasing until I’m awake enough to deal with it.”

He shrugged slightly. “As you like.” Mitsuhide finished his breakfast and finished packing. Only the birds spoke, and the humming insects. It was a companionable silence.

As they mounted up again to continue their ride, she finally asked. “Was that story last night true? About the maid?”

Mitsuhide gave her his secretive smile. “Who can say?”

As they rode out onto the path, he saw her turn her head. Toward one of his bamboo flutes, still hanging in the tree. The light breeze played a haunting melody, barely audible over the clop of hooves and the creek of the saddles.

“Mhmm. Who can say,” she repeated.

Next: Rehearsal

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen mitsuhide #mitsuhide akechi #otome #otome guys #fanfic #fanfiction #fluff

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gravitygrenade · 4 years ago

Text

Word Count: 979

Story Contains: Murder, Dumb Teens, Timid Female Reader

Requested By: ledkitty on Wattpad

How had you ended up here? You knew you should've never allowed your friends to talk you into this. Pretty much to slim everything down, your friends really wanted to go to rosswood park to prove a point, but oh how wrong they were. You got a bad gut feeling about going there especially at dark but due to your father being an abusive little shit you agreed to tag along.

~Flashback~

"Oh, c'mon N/N! Don't be such a wuss." Your friend Jacob stated with a roll of his eyes.

Here you were in the middle of rosswood wearing a black shirt, some fishnet leggings, black doc martins, and a red oversized sweater. Even though you had the sweater on you couldn't help but feel cold. You wouldn't have come dressed like this to rosswood but you left in a hurry as you didn't want to leave the house with a bruise on your face.

"W-Why are we even here anyway?" You asked shyly as you brushed a strand of hair out of your face.

"Don't tell me you weren't listening during lunch."Alyssa said with a "seriously" look plastered all over her face. You shot her a timid smile and brought your fully covered hand to your mouth.

"Dude even if you weren't listening you should be able to figure it out by all the urban legends there are surrounding this place," Max said looking at you. "don't tell me you don't know the little spooky tales everyone tells."

"I just kind of ignore them, I never saw much of a reason to pay much attention to them." You mumbled tiredly.

"Ooh, so you've never heard the tales of slenderman or that the woods are home to killers who'll rip you apart." Jacob turned to you, obviously trying to scare you. Normally you weren't much of a scaredy-cat but something was putting you on edge, plus you paid enough attention to know that people went missing in rosswood and that these tales of murderers were tales spun off of actual people who had committed heinous crimes.

"C-Cut it out, Jacob." You said narrowing your eyes at the brown-haired boy.

"Aww N/N is scared off the tall faceless man and some fictional killers." Jacob scoffed and rolled his eyes. "Like seriously Y/N, grow the fuck up." You felt slightly ashamed that you were letting him scare you. "Anyways, let's continue." And with that, the group continued to track forward.

You continued to wonder why you were even still friends with these people when you heard a twig snap.

"G-Guys..." You stated quietly.

"Yes Y/N?" Jacob asked with a roll of his eyes.

"Did you hear that?" You asked quietly causing the group to stop. The two boys turned back to look at you.

"Seriously Y/N? Grow the fuck up! Like seriously!" Jacob said causing you to flinch slightly. "Oh I'm Y/N, I'm scared of some fake serial killers and a fake monster with no face." He mocked you causing Max to laugh.

"H-Hey cut it out that's not funny." You stated as you tried to keep in your tears.

"Aww is little Y/N gonna cry?" He laughed causing your lip to quiver.

"Hey, the lady said-" The voice was cut off by a chain saw ripping its way through Jacob's body. "to knock it off." A woman with bright red hair, black and red eyes, pale skin, who wielded a chainsaw could be seen behind Jacob. She wore a black and red nurse's uniform. Alyssa screamed but you stood there frozen in place as tears escaped your eyes. Jacob hit the ground as Max and Alyssa started to run leaving you there to stare at the dead body of your friend.

You didn't turn around to look at your other friends but you knew something bad had to have happened since you heard their screams of agony. That was the last thing you remember before everything went black.

~Back to that Night~

You opened your eyes and groaned as you felt a pain coming from your head. You brought your hand and gently touched the area only for you to bring your hand down with blood on your fingers. You gave off a small squeak out of surprise but quickly looked around before your eyes landed on the lady from earlier.

"Don't touch it, it'll get infected." She stated before coming towards you. She bent down cleaned the wound before wrapping your head. "What's your name sweetheart?" She asked as she bandaged your head. You blushed slightly at the nickname, you were always a sucker for sweet little nicknames like that.

"Y-Y/N" You stated quietly. "How about you?" She smiled underneath her mask.

"My name is Ann." She hummed as she finished up. She went and put the supplies away before making her way back to you. You had been chained to the wall by your ankle. She leaned down and uncuffed you, seeing that your leg was bruised from the cuff she went to her supplies and grabbed a jell cream to help with the bruising.

~A Year Later~

You looked outside as your hand clasped onto the warm mug. It was snowing outside and you were worried about Ann since that night she decided to keep you. She liked taking care of people and you were just so cute. Little did she know keeping you would be the best decision she would have ever made.

You always made sure she was well-fed, she may take care of you but you take care of her too in your own way. The door opened causing you to smile.

"Welcome home Ann!" You said cheerfully as you handed her the mug once she took off her coat.

"Hello love." Those nicknames always made your heart flutter. She came over and kissed your forehead causing you to giggle.

You wouldn't mind spending eternity like this.

#creepypasta #fanfic #x reader #nurse ann x reader #nurse ann #creepypastaxreader

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nicostolemybones · 5 years ago

Note

Solangelo

I answered in short fics for each question!

1. Who Reaches Out To New Neighbours

“Nico, what on Earth are you doing,” Will asked, snaking his arms around Nico’s waist and pressing a gentle kiss to the back of Nico’s neck.

“There’s a moving truck which means new people. I don’t like people,” Nico replied, taking Will’s hands.

“So you’re stalking them from the window?”

“I’m observing,” Nico corrected, and Will sighed, gently turning Nico around in his arms and cupping his cheek in his hand.

“I know it unnerves you, but it’s going to be okay,” he said gently, “I’ll go round to see them, scope them out. I’m sure they’ll be nice people, and if not, we stick to ourselves, okay?” There was a small pause.

“You’re going to bake them cookies, aren’t you?”

“Yep, I’m gonna bake them cookies.”

“What if they’re psychopathic murderers, Will,” Nico whined dramatically, “what if they’re cannibals and they eat you after they eat your cookies, Will, you need to poison the cookies!”

“Oh my gods, Nico,” Will sighed in exasperation, “They’re not gonna eat us, you’d probably bite them if they tried because you’re like a freaking really grumpy cat, di Angelo!” Will smushed Nico’s cheeks, who tried his best at a murder glare. Will merely giggled and glowed, booping his nose. “Boop!” Nico snapped playfully at Will’s finger, who yelped in surprise and put on a fake hurt glare whilst Nico smirked smugly. “I’m gonna go bake cookies for the neighbours!”

2. Who Remembers To Buy Healthy Food

“WILL!” Nico yelled, and Will came skidding into the kitchen.

“What’s happened?”

“What is this?” Nico held up a bag full of salad ingredients on the end of a spatula, holding it at arm’s length.

“Healthy food.”

“I don’t want it, I don’t like it, I want to set it on fire.”

“No setting the food on fire, Nico! I’m making a stir fry, I figured I should make it colourful and healthy,” Will explained calmly with a small smile.

“But it’s yucky vegetables!” Nico protested, staring at the bag of healthy food like it had personally offended him.

“No, they’re delicious, and without them, you will literally slowly die of disease.”

“At least I would have tasted something better than cardboard!”

Will sighed heavily. “If I deep fry it will you eat the veg-”

“Yes!”

3. Who Remembers To Buy Junk Food?

Will was awoken by clattering downstairs. Convinced he was about to be murdered, he reached for Nico, but he found the space beside him unoccupied. With a heavy sigh, Will trudged downstairs, grabbing the bow and arrow he kept on the stairwell and loading an arrow ready. He turned on his glow, ready to attack- and screamed.

“Gods Nico! Don’t just do that! What are you doing down here? Is that McDonald’s?!”

Nico froze, a nugget hanging out of his mouth and eyes iridescently reflecting like a cat’s. “No,” Nico lied round the nugget.

“It’s like four am, holy shit Nico,” Will groaned, “I can’t believe you!”

Nico blinked, staring for a moment, before taking the nugget out of his mouth and holding it out. “Nugget?”

“I’ll make you into a nugget in a minute,” Will grumbled, turning on the light and sitting at the table. Will slid a bag over to Will, who peered inside, more than happy to see a quarter pounder inside. “Gods I love you. McDonald’s at 4am.”

“Only because I know you forget to eat after a night shift and somebody has to feed you.”

4. Who Fixes The Oven When It Breaks

“NICO!” Will yelled, and Nico skidded into the kitchen on his socks. “Is the cooker meant to do that?”

“Do what?”

“That.” Will pointed to where there was a plastic plate and utensils melted onto the hob.

“Will. How? How did you do this? How? This is worse than the time you set the spaghetti on fire!”

“I was trying to reheat my jacket potatoes on the hob and I left and then the plate was goo!”

Nico facepalmed hard. “You’re meant to put stuff in the Microwave, Will, good old Chef Mike! Of course plastic will melt on the hob! You’re supposed to have a brain cell! Idiota!”

“Sorry,” Will pouted, “I really can’t cook.”

“You silly sunshine,” Nico teased affectionately, wrapping his arms around Will and swaying slightly, “I’ll have to teach you to cook as soon as we get Leo to fix it. I’ll teach you how to cook real food, not this bland muck, then you won’t be living off hospital food all the time. In the meantime, how about we order a takeaway? You can choose and I’ll pay.” Nico pressed a loving kiss to his cheek to let him know that he wasn’t mad at Will for accidentally ruining the cooker.

“Any takeaway?”

“Anything you want. Now go sit down and I’ll do you some tea, you’re probably stressed about the cooker and you need to take care of yourself.”

5. Who Waters Their Plants/ Feeds Their Pets?

“Will,” Nico interrupted, “Are you talking to a houseplant.”

“And singing to it!” Will beamed, and Nico sighed, smiling to himself.

“That’s adorable Will.”

“Thank you! I watered it but I felt bad about forgetting to water it yesterday so I wrote it an apology song. Did you feed the pets?”

“Oh my god, stop being adorable you dork,” Nico huffed, standing on his toes to rest his elbow on Will’s shoulder. Will bent down to allow Nico to do so. “And I did. The cat hissed at me because I gave it the wrong flavour and the dog slobbered all over my face and proceeded to eat the cat’s food. It reminds me of you.”

“I have never slobbered on your face, I just licked it once when I was drunk and happened to drool on your cheek a little! Anyway, you’re only saying this because you know you’re just like the cat.” Nico hissed for effect, and Will giggled, resuming serenading the plants. Nico discreetly pulled his headphones on- Will loved to sing, bless his heart, he just wasn’t very good at it. But Nico never wanted him to stop, because his whole face lit up and it was worth the damage to his ears.

6. Who Wakes Up Earlier

Nico was rudely awoken at the asscrack of dawn by Will’s heavy stomping around the bedroom. Nico groaned in protest, burying himself into the covers. He scooted over to the still warm patch where Will had been sleeping and inhaled the scent of Will on the pillow. “What time is it,” he mumbled incoherently, and Will bounced towards the bed, kneeling down and gently stroking Nico’s hair.

“It’s six am, I just got back from a two hour jog.”

“Oh my gods,” Nico grumbled, pulling the covers over his face, “it’s too early, Will, come back to bed!”

“But I’m already awake!”

“And I didn’t fall asleep until half three, get back into bed so we can cuddle, you’re warm and I’m tired.”

“Sorry, Neeks,” Will said softly, “but I have an early shift at the hospital and I need to be there in an hour, but I’m off work tomorrow, so, we’ll stay up late with a movie and fall asleep together and I’ll stay in bed to cuddle until you wake up, and then I’ll do you breakfast in bed and we can cuddle some more and do whatever you want. We can take a bubble bath together with some candles and massage oils, just spend some time relaxing and pampering each other. Although maybe the candles shouldn’t be on the side of the bath in case the water knocks them down again.”

“Goodnight,” Nico groaned, and Will laughed softly, melodically, pressing a lingering kiss to Nico’s forehead.

“You go back to sleep, call if you need me, okay? I love you.”

“Love you too,” Nico murmured, burying his face into Will’s pillow.

7. Who Makes The Bed

“Nico,” Will murmured, and Nico groaned from underneath his blanket mound.

“What?”

“You stole all the blankets and I’m cold.”

“Here,” Nico mumbled, throwing one of his blankets to Will.

“Nico, there’s popcorn stuck to this,” Will grimaced. Nico whined tiredly. “We haven’t had popcorn since last month.

“Don’t care,” Nico protested tiredly.

“You need to make the bed.”

“You need to make the bed,” Nico retorted.

“I do!” Will protested, sitting up. Nico whined in protest at the shift, sitting up besides Will with a tired groan, his face in his hands.

“When?”

“I changed the sheets just a few days ago!” Will protested

“Not according to the popcorn,” Nico grumbled.

“Have we cleaned anything recently?”

“I ate the cereal out of the box this morning when I couldn’t sleep because we have no clean bowls.”

“I have no idea how to make the bed,” Will confessed, and Nico squinted at him through tired eyes.

“Neither do I.”

“Maybe we should have learned this before moving in together.”

“Mhm,” Nico mumbled in agreement, diving back under the blankets, “I’ll get the ghosts to do it.”

“What ghosts?”

“Never mind.”

“Nico, what ghosts?”

“Goodnight, W ill.”

“Nico, I’m scared.”

“Then cuddle me.”

8. Who Makes The Coffee

Nico threw himself into one of the dining room chairs, his hair sticking up in all manner of directions, tangled and generally looking like a bird’s nest. He groaned loudly, flopping his head onto the table with a thud and another groan. “Morning, sunshine!” Will grinned, and Nico looked up just long enough to hiss in pain as his eyes were assaulted with neon yellow spandex. Nico whined agonisingly in response, realising that the table was suddenly very comfortable indeed, closing his eyes. He heard the sound of Will getting the mugs out of the cupboard and the kettle being put on to boil.

“Coffee?” he asked hopefully, and Will laughed softly.

“I know it won’t wake you up much, but it is chilly and it’ll warm you up.”

“If I have coffee, I might go back to sleep.”

“Usually I’d say yes you should, but you slept a solid ten hours, that’s oversleeping, that’s why you’re so sleepy. So, once you’ve had your coffee and you’re comfortable but you’ve had the time to wake up a little, we’re just gonna have a lazy day and we’re gonna cuddle on the sofa.” Nico mumbled in appreciation, drifting off a little until he heard Will gently place the mug of coffee by him on the table. “Wake up, sleepy head,” Will said softly, running his fingers through Nico’s hair. Nico lifted his head up and pressed his lips to Will’s in a slow, lazy kiss, smiling in appreciation of the coffee.

9. Who Burns Breakfast

Nico woke to the sound of the fire alarm ringing in his ears. He grumbled rolling out of bed and almost falling back asleep on the floor, slowly trudging downstairs to an all-too-familar sight: Will at the stove and smoke everywhere. Nico coughed, opening the windows and wetting a cloth under the sink, holding it over his mouth and nose to avoid the smoke. He wet another and handed it to Will. “What did you do this time?”

“I tried to make toast.”

“Why is there a frying pan on the stove?”

“To make the toast.”

“For Hades’s sake Will, there’s a toaster.”

“I just put the bread in the pan dry and then it stuck and started to burn and I don’t know how but it caught on fire and then the bread turned to ashes and the fire’s just embers.” Nico sighed, picking up the broomstick they used to turn the smoke alarm off, leading Will to the living room.

“I appreciate you trying Will, but I’d very much like to live without you burning the house, so leave breakfast to me until you learn how to cook. Let’s eat dry ramen noodles instead. For future reference, you put the bread in the toaster and push the lever down and when it pops up you wait a few seconds for it to cool, put it on a plate, then spread the butter. Okay?”

10. How Do They Let Each Other Know They’re Leaving The House?

“Nico,” Will called softly, kneeling by the bed, and Nico groaned loudly from beneath the covers. “Nico babe, I’m popping to the shops, I’ll be back in half an hour okay? I’ve left the TV on for you, and I washed your favourite blanket last night, it’s time to wake up now, so why don’t you go downstairs. If you fall asleep on the couch I’ll wake you when I get back okay?” Will kissed the top of his head and Nico mumbled in response, and Will left for work

---

“WILL!”

“WHAT?”

“WILL!”

“WHAT?!”

“WILL!”

“I’M IN THE SHOWER, ASSHOLE!”

“I’M GOING TO MCDONALDS YOU FUCKNUGGET, DO YOU WANT ANYTHING?”

“FRIES, NOW FUCK OFF!”

“YOU FUCK OFF!”

“JUST FUCK OFF AND BRING ME BACK MY FRIES!”

11. How Do They Greet Each Other When One Of Them Gets Home?

“I’m back!” Will called, locking the door behind him and pulling off his coat, catching his breath. Then the smell of dinner hit him, and he’d never been more hungry. He took his shoes off and scrambled to the kitchen, where Nico was just pulling a lasagne out of the oven.

“Go get changed into your pyjamas,” Nico said, “I’ll dish up, just go.” Will smiled softly and quickly kissed Nico’s cheek, making his way upstairs to change into his cotton pyjamas. He put his most comfortable slippers on and made his way back downstairs, where Nico had lit some candles and sprinkled a few rose petals on the table. Will blushed as Nico pulled out his chair for him, placing his plate in front of him. “After a double shift you deserve a nice romantic night. Once you’ve eaten, I’ll run you a bubble bath, with all those essential oils and bath bombs you like so much, then I’ll give you a massage to work all that tension out.”

“Aww, Nico,” Will smiled smittenly, “this is so romantic and sweet of you! But I think I’ll be too tired to give you anything in return…”

“It doesn’t matter,” Nico said softly, “you’ve had a long day, I don’t expect anything tonight. I just wanna pamper you and take care of you. We can just cuddle together. Wanna talk about your day? When you called me at lunch I figured you sounded stressed, and I’d like to hear about it.”

“I lost a patient,” Will admitted, slowly eating his lasagne. It tasted amazing, comforting, and Will found himself feeling open and honest. “I know it wasn’t my fault, they had end stage lung cancer, but I cried a little.”

“Hey,” Nico said gently, reaching across the table to take Will’s hand, and Will put his fork down, sobbing into his hand. “Hey, come here,” Nico soothed, standing up and making his way over to Will, gently hugging him, “I know you did everything you could to help, and I know you made their last few minutes comfortable and calming. It’s gonna be okay, Will, just cry it all out.”

---

“WILL I’M BACK!” Nico shouted, and Will skidded to the door, tackling Nico in a flying hug. Nico laughed, backing into the wall for balance. “It’s nice to see you too, Will.”

“A whole day,” Will said against his shoulder, “I missed you. Bed was cold without you. Couldn’t sleep. I tried to watch a horror movie to remind me of you but I just got spooked without you.”

“I’m back now,” Nico smiled, hugging back tightly. Will hummed contentedly, inhaling Nico’s scent and lightly nibbling the flesh of his neck. Nico sighed blissfully, guiding Will’s chin up and gently kissing him. Will pressed Nico closer to the wall, kissing him slowly.

“I missed you,” Will said again.

“And I missed you too,” Nico smiled, playing with the curls at the nape of Will’s neck. Will kissed him again, letting it linger for a little longer until Nico pulled away. “Let me get showered and changed before you get all clingy with me, okay?”

“What? Sorry, I didn’t hear the part after the part where you’re getting naked.”

“Will,” Nico chuckled, “ I was gone a day, do you know how adorable you are when you get all needy?”

“I missed you,” Will protested, hugging Nico again. Nico sighed, smiling softly.

“I love you too but I smell of brimstone and blood, I smell gross, let me get clean and changed into something comfortable and then I’m all yours for the night.”

12. Who Brings Home Little Gifts Like Flowers/ Chocolates More Often?

“What’s this,” Will asked curiously.

“Open it,” Nico said with a small smile. Will looked at him curiously, and opened the small box. It was empty, so Will picked it up, frowning, examining the velvet box.

“Nico, there’s nothing insi…” Will cut himself off the moment he looked to wear Nico had been standing, because he was down on one knee with a ring in his hand. “Oh my gods…”

“I know I don’t get you much, because I don’t exactly have a paid job, and I know you’re always getting me little gifts all the time and bringing me back cool bones you find in your run through the forests, and I love the way you try and always fail to cook for me and you get all pouty and sad because you just want to make me happy, and I wanted to make you see just how happy you make me, Will. I want you to have my mother’s ring, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So William Solace, will you be my husband now and forever? Will you marry me?”

“Oh my gods, Nico,” Will gasped, “yes, of course! Oh my gods… I love you!”

“I love you too,” Nico replied with a smile, placing the ring on Will’s finger, “speaking of you love me, I’m stuck and I can’t get back up off the floor, help me.” Will giggled, carefully helping Nico up off the floor and pulling him into a hug.

“It’s funny,” Will smiled, “because I just went out and brought a ring for you too. I was gonna propose during dinner.”

“Oh my gods,” Nico grinned, laughing softly, and Will pulled the ring from his pocket. “Yes,” Nico smiled, letting Will place it on his finger and leaning up to give him a slow, loving kiss. Both men were crying a little but hey, who wouldn’t?

13. Who Picks The Movie For Movie Night?

“What are we watching?” Will asked, settling with his feet up and a bowl of popcorn on his stomach. Nico held up two DVDs and Will shook his head. Nico sighed, digging through the box and holding up two more. Will made a noise of consideration before shaking his head again. The process repeated until Will had picked a pile of ten movies. Nico sorted through them, picking out three of them.

“I like these,” Nico said, and Will cocked his head to the side in consideration.

“Eh… I’m not sure…”

“Will,” Nico groaned, “it’s been twenty minutes and you’ve already ate half of the popcorn to yourself!”

“Wait, this was meant to share?”

“Yeah,” Nico huffed, sorting through the pile of movies and holding one up. “This?”

“Perfect,” Will smiled, and Nico set up the DVD, before finally joining Will on the sofa and curling into his side. He smiled sweetly, kissing Will, who let go of the popcorn to hold Nico comfortably. With a small snicker, Nico stole the bowl of popcorn and sat on the floor, hunched over it like a gremlin and shovelling it into his mouth. “Hey!” Will protested, and Nico almost choked laughing. Will dove onto the carpet, attempting to grab the bowl back off Nico, who threw a piece at Will’s head. Instead of watching the film, the great popcorn war of 2019 ensued.

14. Their Favourite Kind Of Movie To Watch

Will screamed, grabbing Nico’s arm and pressing himself loser to Nico, almost crushing him. “Will,” Nico protested, wrestling him slightly to get them comfortable and readjust the blanket, “that was the funny part!”

“Nico, his guts are all over the floor!”

“I know,” Nico chuckled, “the circular saw just cut right through him! Gutted like a fish! Did you see the blood spray all over the nurse’s face?”

“You’re twisted!” Will replied, settling back into his side and stress eating chocolate, “why do I agree to watch these again?”

“Because you like the cuddles,” Nico replied, “and the kisses afterwards when you’re hopped up on adrenaline-” Nico burst out laughing as Will heard a scream and chopping noises.

“Oh my gods,” Will cringed, “I know I like horror and gore, but I’m not even sure this is legal!”

“It’s not,” Nico replied, “only in Russia.”

“Nico, I’m scarred for life.”

“I won’t let anyone murder you like that, Will,” Nico reassured, “that’s my job.”

“I’m scared,” Will whined, “turn it off.” Nico sighed, turning it off and turning to Will, cupping his face in his hands.

“I am so, so sorry,” Nico began gently, “I didn’t realise it would distress you so much otherwise I would not have put it on for you. Are you okay?”

“I need a hug,” Will whimpered, and Nico immediately wrapped him in his arms.

“No more illegal films, I promise. Only regular horror, because you like watching that more than I do.”

“Yeah,” Will agreed, and Nico rubbed soothing circles on his back.

“We’ll sleep with the lights on,” Nico soothed, kissing the top of Will’s head. “Hey, you’re shaking.”

“I’ll be okay,” Will replied, “just keep holding me and I’ll be okay. You make me feel safe, Nico.”

“Hey, I’m not going anywhere,” Nico reassured, rocking them slightly, “I’m right here. I’ve got you. Next time we watch Dracula, you love that.”

“Yeah, it’s my favourite,” Will replied, burying his face in Nico’s chest.

15. Who First Suggests A Pillow Fort?

,”Will,” Nico began as Will piled yet another freshly washed and dried blanket into Nico’s arms, “can we built a nest with these?”

“A nest?” Will questioned, the corner of his mouth jumping up.

“Like a blanket fort, but a permanent one, with loads of cushions. Most of these blankets are old and we have new ones, and it would be really romantic to sit in there. We can decorate it with fairy lights and we can watch Netflix in there or make out! Please?”

“Nico, I am an overgrown child, I am never gonna turn down the opportunity to make a blanket fort! Never! I could be fifty and I will still want a blanket fort!” Nico giggled, and Will grinned mischievously. “I got a load of unused cushions in the closet we can use for the floor, and I have lots of soft pillows too.”

“Have I told you how much I love you lately? Because I really love you.”

“I love you too, little boo,” Will replied, and Nico blushed at the nickname and smiled.

16. Who Builds The Pillow Fort?

Needs to be higher,” Nico said, and Will secured the bungee cord to the hook on the wall. “That’s about right,” he said, and Will looked at the frame and nodded.

“Now for the floor,” Will said, and he and Nico began to lay out pillows, piling them up until they had a soft floor, laying a blanket over it. Nico sat in the middle, looking up at the frame, and Will checked the feel of the frame to make sure it wouldn’t collapse. It could handle enough pressure, so Will started with the blanket walls that were against the wall, tying the ends to the chord and making sure the bottom was tucked in under the floor, sewing to the frame once he was satisfied with the positioning.

Nico looked at the pile of blankets still left, and Will stepped back to analyse the frame. They’d used bungee chords and thick strips of cut up denim to make a frame sturdy enough for a permanent blanket fort. Will carefully placed the first blanket underneath, tying and sewing it to the frame so it draped from the centre outwards, but not too low. Nico looked up, poking it and tugging it lightly, and Will set out on putting the third side on. He carefully tied and sewed it like before, and Nico was almost inclined to go to sleep, quite enjoying his minimal contributions despite it being his idea.

Next came the front of the fort, which was more tricky and Nico had to help position them so that they could be tied back like curtains and pulled shut. Nico had to hold everything in place whilst Will secured it, and then there was only the top blanket to go. Will had even gone to the length of installing a hook to the ceiling, to suspend the top blanket from and make it into a point at the top. Once it was secured to the bungee chord, it didn’t take long for Will to sew it to the frame. He stepped back to the door to admire his handiwork- it was right in the corner next to the window, the third blanket wall facing into the room and the entrance facing the sofa barely a foot away- it seemed nice and private. Nico was already hooking up all the fairy lights and arranging the cushions by the time Will crawled in- and it was a lot bigger than he thought.

“This is so cosy,” Nico commented, leaning against the wall with popcorn, his laptop on the pillow floor. It was really soft to sit.

“It’s so private in here, so intimate,” Will commented, and Nico smiled, putting the popcorn and laptop aside in favour of kissing Will.

“I can’t believe we’re grown adults and we made a pillow fort,” Nico commented between kisses, laying down and pulling Will to lay beside him.

“Worth it though,” Will replied with a smile, cuddling into Nico, “our own little escape, a private corner for us to hide and relax and have fun.” Nico giggled softly, melting into the lazy cuddles and kisses Will was eager to offer.

17. Who Tries To Distract The Other During A Movie.

“Nico, stop that,” Will said absently, picking up another handful of popcorn, eyes transfixed to the screen. Nico doubled his attention seeking efforts by prodding Will in the ribs. “Nico, I’m watching this.” Nico snickered, poking him in the ribs again, but Will simply ignored him, so Nico upped his game and started tickling Will.

Will shrieked, pushing Nico’s freezing hands away, and Nico laughed, moving his hands up Will’s shirt to tickle his bare skin. Will whined in protest and squirmed, unable to stop the stream of laughter that followed. He playfully wrestled Nico, putting him in a headlock, and Nico tried to twist, his foot somehow ending up by Will’s ear. They ended up in fits of giggles, just collapsing onto each other with uncontrollable laughter. They shared soft kisses and light touches, still tickling each other and laughing between kisses, enjoying the feeling of being young again, being childish again, because after a long week of serious adulting, it felt good to unwind.

---

It started out with Will lightly tracing his finger on the back of Nico’s hand, which tickled, but didn’t stop Nico from concentrating on the movie. Then Will’s fingers started to trace patterns up and down his arm, enough to give him goose bumps and shiver a few times, but Nico had decided this was now a game of chicken and he was not gonna back down. As a result of Nico ignoring Will, Will only tried harder to distract Nico, and by the time Will was kneading his thigh and nibbling his earlobe, Nico was finding it difficult to hold back a soft moan. Will giggled, reaching over to turn the film off, giggling triumphantly when Nico wrapped his arms around Will, sighing happily as Will kissed down his neck. “What about the film, Will,” Nico protested, although he didn’t care about the film anymore, not when Will took his bottom lip between his teeth, tugging on it. Nico whined, whimpering when Will swiped his tongue across Nico’s lips. “I can’t believe you distracted me so easily, Will,” Nico huffed, and Will giggled against his lips. Nico figured they could watch the film another day- Will was in a good mood and Nico fully intended to make the most of it. After all, time spent with a busy husband who spent so long was work was precious, and intimate moments full of love and passion of any kind were always going to be so much better than any horror film anyway. Especially after Will had completed a week of double shifts and night shifts and Nico had been busy in the underworld when Will was home. Nico figured they had to make up for lost time, and he certainly didn’t mind missing the film in favour of a little fun.

18. Who Falls Asleep First

Nico was, through lack of a better word, one heck of a sleepy boy. He stayed up late, often had nightmares and interrupted sleep, so most evenings they didn’t even make it to the bedroom before Nico would get so comfortable he ended up drifting off to sleep. Even at mealtimes Nico had been known to yawn and rest his head on the table, and start snoring gently, with his cheek pressed into the table, barely on the chair. Nico fell asleep almost every time they settled in front of the TV for the evening, with the fireplace heating the room gently and fluffy socks, in one of Will’s hoodies that was more like a tent for Nico and comfortable cotton pyjamas, Nico would always fall asleep pressed into Will’s side and gathered up in his arms, and Will would gently braid Nico’s hair for him.

But today was different. After being left to his own devices to wake himself up in the morning when Will had been called into work early because of a road traffic collision, Nico had decided it a good idea to sleep in until five pm. So by midnight, Will was getting sleepy, and Nico wasn’t even twelve hours into his day. Will was very clearly fighting his sleepiness, but he kept nodding off and squinting and blinking at the TV, yawning every few seconds, until finally, he was lulled into a peaceful slumber, laying over Nico like a lizard on a rock, crushing him. Nico didn’t mind too much, gently braiding Will’s hair. He was rather cute like this, Nico thought.

19. Who Is Big Spoon/ Little Spoon

“I’m cold,” Nico whined, pressing closer to Will’s side. Will laughed lightly, rubbing his hand up and down Nico’s arm.

“Then maybe you should put your pants on,” Will suggested.

“Maybe I don’t wanna put my pants on,” Nico protested, leaning over Will and over the side of the bed, retrieving Will’s hoodie up off the floor and pulling it over his head. Will laughed softly as Nico nestled back under the covers. Nico rested his head on Will’s chest, resting his hand over his belly and pushing his leg in between Will’s thighs. Will wrapped his arm around Nico, resting it on his waist, kissing the top of his head and holding him close. Nico hummed contentedly, staying in that position for a while, until he realised it wasn’t very comfortable and rolled over. Will immediately curled around him, pulling him closer until their backs were pressed together. He buried his face between Nico’s shoulder blades, and Nico intertwined his fingers with Will’s.

“Goodnight, Nico,” Will said softly, and Nico whined tiredly in response. Will pressed a gentle kiss into his shoulder, and Nico lifted his head up. Will laid his arm across Nico’s pillow, and Nico rested his head on Will’s arm, adjusting slightly to press more tightly into the heat of Will’s bare chest.

“You’re really warm,” Nico mumbled, and Will squeezed Nico’s hand.

“I love you, Nico.”

“I love you too, Will.”

---

Waking up with sunrise was never pleasant for Will- he always energised quickly, barely able to get back to sleep. He shifted slightly, realising he was right by the edge of the bed and trapped in place. Nico’s leg was wrapped around his waist, Nico’s foot pressing into the front of Will’s thigh. Nico’s arm was slung over his shoulder lazily, and Nico’s face was buried into the nape of his neck, his soft breaths tickling him slightly, holding him protectively. It seemed the human backpack would not be letting Will out of bed, but Will didn’t mind. He pulled Nico’s arm under his own arm, tangling their fingers together like they always did. It wasn’t very often that they were able to cuddle in the night. In fact, there was a second bed in the room, because Nico was prone to night terrors from PTSD, and sometimes he thrashed around a lot in his sleep, so cuddling like this was a luxury Will intended to make the most of. He was glad Nico seemed to have a restful sleep, so he let himself relax, remembering all the sweet nothings and giggles and surprises of the night before. He craned his neck, content to see Nico still wearing his hoodie. Will reached down to the floor to pull his phone from his jeans pocket- he had an email from the hospital, but it was only a reminder of the new junior doctors who would be coming in. Will was a registrar, training to be a consultant. Nico shifted slightly, his heel jamming into a rather painful place. Will hissed and groaned in pain, removing Nico’s foot from around him and cradling the damaged goods, but Nico just threw his leg back over Will’s waist, this time jamming his foot right into Will’s bladder.

“Nico,” Will called, and Nico whined in protest at being woken up. “Nico, I have to pee, can you let go?”

“Five more minutes,” Nico protested, pulling him closer and nestling into his back.

“Your foot is on my bladder.” Nico whined, reluctantly detangling himself from Will, pulling him to face him so he could kiss him good morning.

“Leave the bathroom light on and make me a coffee,” Nico mumbled, and Will smiled softly, looking for his boxers on the floor.

“Of course,” Will replied, before looking at how tiny and adorable and warm Nico looked in Will’s grey hoodie. “Oh, and you can keep my hoodie. You look adorable,” he said, smiling to himself as Nico blushed.

#heroes of olympus #nico di angelo x will solace #percy jackon and the olympians #percy jackson #nico di angelo #pjo #pjoverse #solangelo #trials of apollo #will solace #nico x will #nicohasahappymeal #solangelo fanfic #pjo fic #will solace x nico di angelo #will × nico #solangelo fluff #ask

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etherealwaifgoddess · 5 years ago

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More Time - Chpt.10

Summary: The guys visiting Emma at the bar becomes part of their regular routine and Emma grows closer to both men. After a mugging gone wrong, Emma, Steve, and Bucky finally put all their cards on the table. Master list can be found HERE.

Warnings/ Content: A mugging gone wrong, not horribly graphic but it happens. A mild freak out over consent (it involves kissing and one person panics that consent wasn’t given when we, the readers, know it was).

Word Count: 3.8k

Author’s Note: Hello lovelies! This is the longest chapter yet and I regret nothing. If I had to pick a favorite chapter in this fic, this would be it. I just couldn’t find a stopping point and I loved it all so much there were no cuts. I think you’ll love it too though :)

Chapter Ten

Emma had grown accustomed to the weekly visits from Steve and Bucky. She got to know them each separately on their days off and some weeks they’d come in together when their schedules were in sync. It was wonderful to make new friends in a city she often felt so alone in but it was also getting harder to stomp down the flares of attraction she felt for both men. She told herself it was only natural, they were both blindingly handsome, kind, funny, caring, and had lived fascinating lives. How could she not be a little twitterpated?

It was two days before Bucky’s birthday and Steve had been bouncing last minute ideas off of Emma for the better part of four hours. He had roped her into helping him plan a party for Bucky that weekend and she had taken the night off from work so she could attend. It would be the first time seeing them outside the bar and Emma was equal parts nervous and excited. Steve thanked her again for all the help, leaning over the bar to give her a quick half hug that had them both blushing a little. He was chastising himself as he hurried outside, wishing he was smoother and hadn’t blushed like a choir boy from a simple hug. He almost didn’t hear the scream, his hearing aid having been turned down to buffer the loud bar, but it pierced through the night catching his ear. Steve didn’t stop to consider the fact that he was no longer in a body that was battle ready, he just bolted towards the cries from the alley next to the bar. A large male figure hovered over a trembling woman who was clutching her purse desperately. The man was threatening her, demanding she hand over the bag and trying to grab it from her and while she writhed away.

Steve might have only been 5’4” but his voice sounded every inch of the 6’2” he had been. “Hey!” He barked out at the man, “Let the lady be!”

The man spun around and laughed at the sight of Steve standing in the opening of the alley, his fists clenched at his sides. “Oh yeah? And what are you going to do about it?” The man challenged.

Steve made a shooing motion towards the woman who gladly fled.

“You just cost me a couple hundred bucks. I guess I’ll have to take it out of you instead.” the man growled.

“Go ahead and try.” Steve challenged, still not considering the odds.

The man took a swing at Steve who artfully dodged the blow, spinning around the man to land a punch in his side. Steve’s memories of combat moves were intact but his muscles were not. It only took one miscalculation for the man to get a punch in that had Steve seeing stars and flying backwards. The man took the opening and rained punches down on Steve’s face and ribs as he slumped down to the ground. Steve was bleeding and barely conscious when the man finally backed off, spitting on him and telling him to keep his nose out of other people��s business before running off. Steve was floating in and out of consciousness, wondering absently if this was it. If he had finally picked a fight he couldn’t win like Bucky had always warned him would happen. The comfort of knowing the woman had gotten away wasn’t enough to distract him from the crushing sadness that if this was it, he wouldn’t get to grow old with Bucky after all. He would never see Sam settle down. Never take the trip back to France that Bucky had promised him. Never know what it was like to kiss Emma. Steve thought that even for someone who had lived so many decades, he still needed so much more time.

It was through good luck or divine intervention that Emma came out back with a bag of trash to toss into the dumpster a little while later. Steve couldn't tell if it had been minutes or hours when he heard Emma screaming his name. She was by his side in a second, crouched down next to him, pushing his hair back from his face with shaking hands. “What happened?” She asked, frantically fumbling for her phone. “I’m gonna call 911. Just hang on for me, okay?”

Steve shook his head, trying to clear the haze in it. “No.” He said with a groan, his voice a little slurred from the busted lip. “No police.”

“Steve, you need an ambulance.” Emma was fighting back tears when she pulled out her phone.

Steve pushed a hand down on hers, stilling her for a moment. “They can’t find out about me. You don’t understand. No one knows about… this.” He waved up and down his slight form, making his point despite the pounding in his head.

“What do I do?” Emma hated how small and scared her voice sounded.

Steve reached with a wheeze for his phone, handing it over to her. “Call Helen Cho and then help me home.”

“Okay. Okay, I can do that.”

Steve’s phone was thankfully not password protected and she scrolled through his contacts until she found Helen’s. “Steven?” A confused, clipped, woman’s voice asked after a few rings.

Emma was still staring at Steve, terrified she was making the wrong decision in listening to him. “No, uh, I’m a friend of Steve’s. He’s been attacked and won’t let me take him to the hospital.”

Helen sighed heavily, “That sounds like him. Where are you?”

“I'm taking him home now.”

“I can be there in fifteen.” The call disconnected and Emma took a minute to text Kyle to tell him she had a family emergency and he needed to close the bar himself.

“How are you going to walk like this?” Emma asked Steve as she helped him up.

“I’ve walked further and in worse shape than this.” He said with a deep groan. Steve fought back a wave of nausea upon standing and Emma cringed, knowing that was not a good sign.

They limped slowly down the block to Steve and Bucky’s apartment. Bucky wasn’t due home for another few hours having been delayed in El Salvador so it was quiet and empty when they stumbled in. Emma was so focused on Steve and getting him settled she didn’t even pay attention to the apartment around them. Her curiosity into their personal life forgotten in her concern for Steve who was still wheezing horribly. She navigated them to the bathroom, having Steve sit on the closed toilet lid so she could start cleaning the cuts on his face. His lip was busted and puffy, his left eye a mess of dark bruises, and a long jagged cut ran along his hairline. He hissed a little at the wet rag she ran across his lip.

“I’m sorry.” Emma whispered, “I just want to clean you up a little before Helen gets here.”

“‘S okay.” He assured her.

Emma was still fussing over his bruises after the blood had been cleaned away and Steve realized she was barely hanging on from panic. As much pain as it caused his ribs, he pulled her into a tight hug, forcing her to pause. “Hey, stop a minute. I’m gonna be okay.” He told her quietly burying his face in her long, lavender scented hair.

Emma shattered at the solidness of the contact and she cried in earnest for the first time since finding him in the alley. Steve soothed her the best he could while she sobbed, holding her close and wishing they could have had this closeness under different circumstances. He was still reeling from the fear of missing out on so much in his life and wasn’t thinking things through like he normally would. All he knew was that he was alive and Emma was in his arms. “It’s okay.'' he murmured again, pulling back to wipe the tears from her cheeks. Her hazel eyes shone with more green than usual, red ringed and worried. Steve leaned in, not willing to go another minute without knowing what her lips tasted like. Emma was still breathing heavily when Steve pressed his lips against hers but the light contact had her freezing up. Her brain got on board quickly and she returned the kiss, trying to be delicate with his battered bottom lip. Steve let out a choked noise, unable to believe that he had been missing out on kissing her when the reality was so much better than he could have imagined. Emma responded with a breathless moan of her own and she was running a hand through his floppy blonde hair when the front door flew open, the sound deafening in the otherwise quiet apartment. “Steven?” Helen Cho called out as she entered.

Emma flew backwards away from Steve, pressing a hand against her kiss flushed lips in horror of what had just happened. Steve looked like he wanted to say something but Helen was in the doorway looking at them in confusion before glaring at Steve. “What have you gone and done now?” She demanded, setting up her medical bag on the counter top.

“Oh, you know me.” Steve tried for levity but came up short.

“I’ll just step out for a minute.” Emma said before fleeing the bathroom. She didn’t have the heart to leave but couldn’t stand being in the enclosed space with him another minute. Emma crumpled down on the sofa, horrified by her actions. She had kissed Steve. Steve, her friend. Steve who was as good as married to Bucky. Who was her other friend. God, what had she done? She knew better, she wasn’t a homewrecker, and he wasn’t even interested in women. She had taken advantage of him when he wasn’t in his right mind. Emma was physically sick, choking on the rise of bile in her throat. She was going to get up and leave when a ball of fur landed on her lap, sharp toenails digging into her leg and piercing green eyes looking up at her. Emma yelped and the cat jerked back but didn’t move. Instead, he flopped down on her and stared as if waiting for her to get the hint and start petting him.

Emma pet the cat, unsure what else to do, while she listened to Helen taking care of Steve in the other room. It was almost an hour later when Helen emerged from the bathroom. “He needs to stay awake for at least two more hours just to be safe. If he shows any signs of disorientation or passes out, call me immediately. He has pills for the pain and swelling, make sure he eats something so he doesn’t upset his stomach.” Helen told Emma who just nodded, trying to retain the information she was being given.

Still feeling disgusted with herself and uncertain, Emma headed to the kitchen to make something for Steve to eat. He’d had dinner a few hours ago but Helen said he needed something so Emma searched the fridge to find something light to make. Coming up empty she looked around, looking for anything and feeling desperately useless. Spying a loaf of thick sliced sourdough bread on the counter Emma rummaged around until she found a skillet to heat up on the stove. She busied herself making a grilled cheese sandwich and fighting for her composure.

Steve’s bare feet were quiet on the wood floor and he cleared his throat to announce his presence. Emma spun around, startling anyway. Tears welled in her eyes and she was shaking, wrapping her arms around herself for the small bit of comfort it would bring. “I’m so sorry. Steve, you have to know that I didn’t mean to… I know what I did was unforgivable. Helen said you have to eat so I’ll be gone as soon as this is done. I never meant to hurt you or Bucky…” Emma’s voice broke on Bucky’s name and she turned back to the stove so she wouldn’t have to face Steve as the sobs wracked her body.

Steve felt like he’d be beaten all over again watching Emma stumble through her apology. He had never thought of how she would react to the kiss. He cursed himself silently, not entirely surprised that this was the result of him trying to make a move on a girl. He should have just left the wooing to Bucky. “Emma, no. That wasn’t your fault.” He placed a tentative hand on her arm. Emma turned around with watery eyes and he continued, “That was all me. You might have been thinking about it too but I was the one who initiated it.”

“What…?” Emma racked her brain, trying to remember the events that immediately led to the kiss. She stilled when she realized he was right. She had been looking at the bruises on his cheek and then he had leaned in and kissed her. Not that it mattered, she was a willing participant after that, she reminded herself.

“Do you know what was going through my mind when I was laying in that alley tonight?” He asked, pulling her hand in his and hoping she wouldn’t shy away again.

Emma shook her head, unable to speak.

“I was thinking about all the things I was never going to do if I died tonight. And kissing you was a prominent feature on that list.”

Emma was torn; thankful she hadn’t taken advantage of him, but also not willing to be a homewrecker. “I’m flattered, but what about Bucky? I won’t ruin what you two have for anything. I’m sorry.”

Steve was becoming increasingly frustrated with himself. Why did he have to be so bad at things like this? “You’ve got it all wrong, sweetheart.” Emma tried to ignore the melting feeling in her chest at the endearment as Steve continued explaining, “I’m not asking you to sneak around with me. Bucky and I are a forever kind of thing, but from time to time we find a girl who catches our eye and… well… there are three of us for a time.”

Realization sunk in for Emma and she wondered momentarily if she fell asleep on the sofa and this was all just a dream. The scent of charred bread behind her snapped her into focus and she flipped the sandwich before it was rendered inedible. Not a dream then. “But you’re gay.” Emma said lamely, still not entirely understanding.

Steve huffed out a laugh and ran an anxious hand through his hair, thankful she wasn’t running for the hills at least. “Pansexual, actually. Bucky is bi. And I think you call it polyamorous now? It’s not a constant thing but we’ve dated a few girls together in the past. I love him more than anything in the world but love isn’t finite, ya know?”

Emma nodded, “Yeah, I get it. I think. But have you two, um, talked about… this? About me?”

Steve blushed and shifted unsteadily on his feet, “A few times.” He admitted and he looked so young and innocent and unsure that Emma had to fight to resist the urge to hug him. She needed a clear head for this. “Have you thought about us at all?” He asked nervously.

Emma blushed just as brightly as Steve. “A few times.” She echoed his words.

“Both of us, or just one?” Steve was afraid of the answer but it was apparently the night for putting their cards on the table.

“Both.” Emma said quietly. With the hand Steve wasn’t holding she flipped the sandwich on the waiting plate and held it out to him.

“Thanks. You good to hang out for a bit? I know it’s been… a night. But Helen didn’t want me to be alone and Bucky is due home any minute.”

“I’ll stay.” Emma blurted out immediately. “I can make tea.”

“Just come sit with me a minute? I’m a little worn out here.”

Emma followed Steve to the sofa and found herself sitting right up against him, a large fleece blanket over top the two of them while Steve started in on his sandwich.

Bucky walked in to the two of them trading shy smiles, still holding hands. His heart warmed at the sight, so glad Steve had made a move but it quickly dissolved into fear when he saw Steve’s battered face.

“What happened?” Bucky all but yelled, flying across the room and kneeling in front of Steve to examine his wounds.

Steve and Emma both jolted in surprise at his voice. “I’m okay, Helen already patched me up.” Steve told him, putting down his plate so he could take Bucky’s hand with his free one.

Emma shifted back, uneasy still, and Steve shot her a look, “Hey, no. It’s okay.” He squeezed her hand tightly and Emma looked to Bucky who just gave her a quick smirk and nod before refocusing on Steve.

“That doesn’t explain you look like you lost a fight with a brick wall.” Bucky pointed out.

“A girl was getting mugged and I jumped in.” The set in Steve’s jaw made it clear he didn’t regret his actions.

“For fuck sake, Steve. You can’t do that shit anymore.” Bucky fussed.

“Why?” Anger spiked in Steve, “Because I’m not a super soldier anymore? It didn’t stop me before and it’s not going to now. You can’t stop me from doing what’s right.”

“You’re gonna get yourself killed. A lot of people carry guns now, you know. I thought we were past you wanting to die.”

“That’s a low blow, Buck.”

Emma had been watching with growing unease as they quarreled but she saw an opening and took it, wanting to help if she could. “Steve, honey, he’s just worried. He loves you and you’re pretty banged up right now. You can’t blame him for not wanting to see you like this.”

Steve looked over at Bucky and realized that beneath the anger there was fear in Bucky’s eyes. “I’m sorry.” Steve said without explaining for what. “I’m really going to be okay though. Helen taped up my ribs and nothing is broken.”

“I’m sorry too. I love you.” Bucky leaned in and kissed Steve tenderly, trying to not hurt his lip. “See,” he said, pulling back, “I told you she would be good for us.”

Steve laughed and winced when it pulled on his ribs. “Yeah, you did. So, to catch you up on part two of this evening, I kissed Emma.”

Emma blushed and found it hard to meet Bucky’s eyes despite the wide smile that appeared on his face at Steve’s words.

“You did, huh? I’m impressed, Rogers.” Bucky finally caught Emma’s gaze and raised his eyebrows at her, “How you doin’ over there, doll?”

Emma nodded, “I’m okay. Steve and I talked a little bit about you guys.”

“Uh huh. I know where we stand. The question is where do you? As much as I wouldn’t fault you for only wanting Stevie over here, we come as a package deal. I know it’s a lot, we’re a lot, but we’d love to take you out sometime.”

“I want to go out with you guys too. Both of you. I, um, I like both of you.”

“Good, doll. That’s real good. How about after the party on Saturday?”

Steve and Emma made choked noises of surprise and Bucky chuckled, “You two really thought you’d be able to keep that a surprise?” They nodded and Bucky rolled his eyes. “Well, good try. But I’ve known for weeks. Now, how about that date?”

“Okay, we’ll go out after the party. It’s only supposed to go until four anyway.”

“Perfect, we’ll even have time to get ready. Stevie, what do you say? Wanna take our girl out this weekend?”

Steve nodded, blushing lightly. “Yeah, maybe I can kiss her without having to get beat up first next time.”

“Oh my god.” Emma laughed and shoved Steve lightly. Steve knocked his shoulder against hers but the closeness of his face and the warm smile he was wearing shifted the playfulness to longing and Steve stared into her eyes, waiting for approval. Emma gave a slight nod and Steve took his opportunity to kiss her again. His lips drifted across hers so gently, careful not to hurt himself or rush anything. He could feel Bucky rubbing his thumb across his knuckles in the hand he was still holding and Steve was overcome with a deep sense of rightness in that moment.

“Can’t say I’m not a little jealous over here.” Bucky teased, his voice a little rough.

“Don’t know why.” Steve told him and he leaned over to kiss his partner. Emma watched, feeling a little voyeuristic but appreciating the tenderness Bucky displayed kissing Steve around his busted lip.

When they broke apart Bucky looked over to catch her staring. Emma steeled her nerves, wanting to do something brave for once. “Now I’m a little jealous.” She said quietly.

“Well, we can’t have that.” Bucky’s voice was slow and sweet like honey as he moved over so he was kneeling in front of her. He reached out with his free hand and Emma leaned in to the cool vibranium palm as it cupped her cheek. Bucky’s movements were languid and almost predatory as he leaned forward to capture her lips with his own. Emma’s mind swam at the new sensation. Kissing Bucky was so very different than Steve. His lips were rougher, more demanding as they moved in tandem with hers. Her mind wandered for a moment, wondering if the differences in their kisses were any indications of how they would be as lovers. She clamped down on that train of thought as quickly as it bubbled up though, not willing to get too carried away after such an eventful night.

Bucky shuddered briefly as they parted, the dimples on his cheeks making an appearance with his grin. “Can it be Saturday already?”

“God, I wish.” Emma’s voice was breathy as she tried to regain her composure. “I’ve gotta get going though.”

Bucky and Steve wore twin frowns but Steve nodded finally, they all had work in the morning. Steve offered to call her an Uber which she attempted to turn down but Steve insisted upon. Emma felt a little off kilter when she got home, trying to decompress a little before turning in for the night. It should have been a normal, quiet night but between the attack, the kiss, the talk, and more kissing, Emma’s brain was still playing catch up. Emma never spent much time dreaming of happily ever afters but for the first time in her life she felt like she might actually get one.

Tag list lovelies: @godofplumsandthunder @remilupin22 @supraveng @hiddles-rose

If anyone wants added or removed please lmk!

#more time #stucky #stucky fanfic #stucky fanfiction #stucky x original female character #stucky x original character #stucky x ofc #original female character #steve rogers #preserum steve rogers #post winter soldier bucky barnes #shrinkyclinks #marvel #marvel fanfic #marvel fanfiction #post endgame #post avengers endgame #endgame fix it #endgame fixit

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darktammy · 6 years ago

Text

Coffee Shop Ch5

Tag: @sausagefest1996 @sassybrose @balorbarnes @mrsambroserollinsacklesmgk @instantbouquetdestinysblog @ambrollinsbabe @ambrosesnerd @thelonelunatic @wwesarahjaneroszko @musicallyinclinedthings @thejulietfarciertlove @thepalaceofmelanie @queenofthekingslayer @queenofthearchitect @queenbutterfly2018 @demonkingsangel @tacoshu @beenlovingromansincedayoneish @myadm1234 @livlyf247 @living-the-life-1996 @sithlita @thatwrestlingfan91 @nonnirenea @wwefanatic91 @ambrosiac1993

You made to the shop a little late as you started to take peoples orders messing them up at times. You sat in the back washing the coffee mugs and the tall glass as well, making sure all the orders for the coffee were in the right place. Somehow you got those right, Dixie walk over to you as she gave you a funny look at you. “Damn girl what happened to you? One minute you was right on time then the next minute here you are mess things up.” You look at her with a smile, “I don’t know really, I mean after that night that Seth took me to Raw it was different after what happened that night. I mean we both woke up we both came back home I came to work did what I always do, now it’s been almost two months Dixie I don’t even live with Seth anymore.” She shook her head.

“Sweet I already know, you see you got way too close to him and now you look at ya one big old mess. You let your guard down once you both got close to each other. Now look at ya one hot mess.” She told you with a smile. You wanted to cry, but you held it back as you look up at the time. “Yeah your right I better clock out and go home.” You said giving her a hug.

You walk into the back clocking out, once you got your stuff out of the locker you slam it shut as you walk out of the shop heading home.

You made to your new place tiny your living space is your bedroom. The only other room you have is just the kitchen and the bathroom. You took your clothes off as you hope into the bathroom you ran the water down your body. It wasn’t the same not like Seth’s home. You miss his dog Kevin you even miss his black cat. You mess the time you and him made sweet love together. You miss all of it, but that one day when you walk into his gym just to see him with Becky. You saw them kissing each other your heart drop so fast you thought this was just a dream and that it was a nightmare. You remember very well how fast you turn just to walk out of there. You made it back to his house Seth’s house not yours not ‘ours’ his, and you pack up as fast as you could just to get out of there.

It’s been two months, two months of not hearing his voice, two months of not feeling his touch, two months that you was keeping a dark secret from him, even tho you know it’s not right, but his with Becky now right? You start to rub your now somewhat growing belly.

You was finish taking a shower as you walk out of the bathroom back into your bedroom. You turn on the tv just to see raw and guess who was on the tv Seth. “Oh fuck.” You sat down as you watch raw for the rest of the night.

The next day you was up and ready for work, you made on time this time due to the fact that josh was going to be here today. You got to work serving customers there oder making there drinks and everything else. Josh came in just to check on everyone as he had a nice smile on his face. Then he saw you as he called you over just so he can talk to you, “Hey Y/n what’s up with you and Seth?” You look at him as you rolled your eyes at his name. “Nothing I mean it’s just nothing he has Becky his fine and I don’t give a flying rat's ass about him!” You yelled making everyone look at you and Josh. “I’m so sorry I just haven’t been myself for a few weeks.” You said looking down. Josh pat your back as he told you to get back to work. Josh sigh as he had an idea what was wrong with you.

Seth was in his black & brave academy, sitting in his office as he waited for Josh to come in Seth look at him. “Well is Y/n alright?” Josh nodded as he look at Seth. “Dude she mad like under some kinds of emotional state, I can’t tell if it’s cuz she saw you kissing Becky or…” Seth look at him, “First off it was just a storyline nothing more and nothing less, what is that or.” Josh nodded his head again. “Or dude is on her period man who really knows.” Seth shook his head as he got up. “Yeah right no way a women can stay one her period for two months Josh, there’s something else bothering her I just know it.” Josh look out the window to the office as his eyes widen when he saw you walk right in. “Yeah you know what Seth maybe you should do the paperwork ok?” Seth nodded his head just to ease his mind.

Josh walk out of the office as he walk up towards you. “Hey kid what you doing here?” You smiled as you gave him the coffee tray. “They made it for you Josh and for Seth, we all know how much his loves his coffee.” You sad with a smile as you turn to walk out, but right before you did you heard that voice. “Y/N!” You turn just to see Seth running towards you. “Hey, hey Y/n.” You want to run but Seth grab your arm. “Hey, hey babe listen to me alright?” You shook your head as you closed your eyes. “No seth please I just want to go home ok?” “What home?” You look at Seth then at Josh seeing him walking away from your both. “Don’t worry about wear I live just know that I’m fine. I come to work I do what I have to do and that’s it.” You said looking at him.

Seth took you by the hand as he pulled you back to his office. Why did you even bother following him you will never know why. You sat there in his office waiting for everyone to leave. Then it was just you and him in the gym you walk out as you got into the ring then sat in the corner as you laid there slowly closing your eyes.

Seth walk right back to see in the ring sleeping. It put a smile on his face as he slide into the ring he walk right up to you as he touch your face. “Two months Y/n come on what’s wrong with you?” Seth sat down right in front of you as he he was ready to pick you up he felt the side of you belly. “What the hell?” He touch the rest of your belly feeling it as he eyes widen, he look down just a take a better look to see that your belly was growing. “I...is she….having….my baby?” Seth look at your sleeping lump body.

You woke up in dark room as you sat up you look around then look down just to see something moving around. “Hey what the hell?” is all you can say then you turned it around just to see your baby crying out in pain. You start to screaming as you saw your baby had no skin no eyes nothing. You keep on screaming until you heard someone calling you name waking you up from your nightmare.

“Hey Y/N wake up wake up it’s ok just wake up!” You sat up as you covered your mouth with both of your hands. You started to sob into Seth’s arms. “Oh god Seth a terrible dream. It was god awful..I thought I saw a baby with no skin no nothing and it was crying out in pain every time I tried to touch it.” Seth look at you and he started to rock you back and forth. “Hey it’s ok it was just a dream that’s all.” You nodded you head as you look up at him with a sad smile on your face.

The next morning you walk down to the smell of food. That’s pretty much all you want to do now is just eat. You saw Seth with a few of his friends that came over. You ran and gave Renee the biggest hug you can. “Reni I haven’t seen you in forever.” She smiled as you both sat down on the other side of the couch. Dean, Roman, and Seth were standing in the kitchen as they all watch you and Renee talk. “So you think she’s pregnant?” Roman said look at Seth. “Yeah I know she is maybe that’s why she left, she thought I saw gonna get mad about it?” Dean watch as he smiled as Seth. “Nah I think she thought you Becky was dating cuz Renee told me that’s what Y/n told her that night when she left your home.” Dean said looking over at Seth.

Seth look over at the guys as he got the idea, “I just gonna tell her no me and Becky were just friends plus I’ll never leave Y/n she was all that I ever wanted. Sweetheart, caring, never stab anyone in the back, even tho her so called friends stab her in the back. Nah I’m gonna keep her.” Seth said as he watch you and Renee talk.

It was getting late you watch all your friends leave as you sat down on the couch rubbing your belly. “So when were you gonna tell me the news?” Seth walkover with a cup of tea with small plate of pancakes. You smiled as you look up at him, “I don’t know really maybe never, because I thought you was with Beck and I just left not knowing about the baby ether.” You said as you pick up the tea drinking it. “No coffee?” Seth shook his head. “My kid so no coffee, no ice coffee, no soda, no surgery drinks.” You rolled your eyes at him as you look away. “Yeah this gonna be fun, plus doll face your gonna have to cut back on work because your having my baby ok?” You nodded your head as you drank your tea again.

That night you look into a body mirror you saw how your belly was pretty big for two months. “Think it’s twins” You look back to see Seth look at you. “You think so?” Seth walk on over as he hug you from behind. “Yeah I think so babe, because if it was just one you may or may not be showing who knows really.” You both laugh as you both got ready for bed.

Few months has gone by pretty fast your belly was pretty big, but that didn’t stop Seth not at all. He keep on rubbing your belly for good luck before he left. Every time you want to work it was you who now runs the shop, making sure your works are on time and making sure they got the job done.

Seth one night came home seeing you laying on the couch past out so he made it his mission to mess with both your unborn baby. “Hey there you or both of you because tomorrow we're going to see if there’s one or two. God let there be two, yeah well hey once you come first rule no one is going near those title replicas ok? Rule number two…” “Babe there not even gonna listen to you.” You said look over at him with a smile. “Seth laugh as he gave you a kiss, “Come on babe lets go to bed because I have a good feeling tomorrow.” You both want up stairs and straight to bed.

The next day you both were in the waiting room. “Seth I’m scared.” He laugh as you as he held your hand, “relax it’s nothing were just gonna see our baby that’s all.” You smiled as the nurse called out your name the both of you walk into the back. You laid on the bed as the nurse got the ultrasound ready. “Uh….nurse that’s not gonna hurt her right?” You look over at Seth now giggling. “It’s going to be ok sir.” The nurse smiled at him. She did her job by add this clear blue gel stuff on your belly. It’ was cold, but you and Seth saw the baby one the big screen for the first time. You had tears coming down your face as you can see them? “Yeah it looks like twins your having.” Once she said you you look over at Seth as he’s face turn pale white. “I think I knock you up real good Y/n.” You laugh as you look at the screen.

The both of you made it home as Seth called up his friends and family to tell them the good news. You laugh as you pick Kevin up in your arms, “Looks like your going to be a big brother little man.” Kevin bark at you as he wage his little tail. You smile as you put him down then you start to look up online some stuff for your twins.

You was back at work, you look at all the workers doing their job, “Great work you guys guess what this means Seth is going to take you guy to watch his match with him going to face Brock for the title so that I can’t wait, and I know you guys can’t wait either.” Everyone in the shop was exiled. You walk into the back just to see Dixie sitting in the chair as you laugh, “You know girl you should thank me for helping ya, you getting this job then you meet up with Seth then losing your V-card to him.” You shook your head, V-card really Dixie?” She shurge as she smiled at you. You both sat down for lunch together.

You made it home as you look around you saw new furniture. Confuse by it you look up to see Seth’s mother Holly as she walk up to you with a smile on her face. “My first grandchildren I can’t wait.” You smile as her as you look up stairs to see Seth moving some stuff into the what was the guest bedroom. “What’s going on?” You said looking at Holly, “Oh the guys are turning one of the guest bedrooms into the twins new bedroom.” She said pulling you to sit down, “Now then my dear while there doing that it is time for us to eat a little something drink us a little something just to se we can enjoy this moment.” You smiled as you was about to drink some soda. “NO DRINKING SODA!” Seth yelled from up stairs. “SHE CAN HAVE WHATEVER SHE WANTS SETH!” Holly yelled back “Oh come on ma.” Seth whine a little as you drank down the soda for the first time in seven months.

Everyone was sitting at the dinner eating dinner, Holly gave you the most on your plate as Seth look at yours then at his. “She has two babies in there so relax hon.” You laugh as you poke your fork at the chicken then feed it to Seth making you both laugh. Dinner was great for you both as you watch his family head back home. “So then daddy what would you like to do for the rest of the night?” You said to him in most seductive voice ever. Seth smiled at you, “Are you sure it’s safe?” You pulled him in for a kiss as you wrap one leg around him. Seth breaking the kiss looking down at you. “Oh yeah I can do this all night.” Seth said picking you up then caring you up the stairs and into the bedroom having the best sex that night.

#seth rollins #sethrollinsimagine #seth rollins x reader #renee young x reader #Renee Young #dean ambrose #roman reigns #WWE #wwe imagine #the shield wwe #fanfic #fanficwwe #reader x friends

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thebrotherscupheadandmugman · 5 years ago

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Fiery Frolic! With Grim Matchstick!

Before you read: This is a rewriting of the main game Cuphead. Characters, certain dialogue, music, and locations obviously do not belong to me. This is best read with the OST playing over it.

Before you start reading, I now have a Patreon you can donate to as well if you should want to support where I wish to take this project! Patrons have unique opportunities to help bring this story to life, so please check it out or become a patron if you feel so inclined! Too young or unable to give financial support? That’s perfectly fine! You can also support this project, and my future ones by reblogging these episodes for free! Oh, and here’s a link to all published episodes. Enjoy!

As the brothers crossed the second rainbow bridge in Isle Two, Mugman couldn't help but stare up at the tall spire with nervousness. Even from here, they could see a large, green tail that wrapped up and around the castle tower. Cuphead continued to drag Mugman across the bridge, even after the older brother's feet stopped moving. “Mugs, we at least have to cross the bridge before the sprinklers stop working.” “I-I-I know, I just...” Mugman gazed fearfully at the broken castle ahead of them. He suddenly pulled out the list of debtors and began reading it. “M-maybe there's someone else we should fight first!” Cuphead placed a hand over Mugman's and gently pushed his hand down so he could see his face. “Mug, we're here now. It'd waste more time ta run around and find any a the other debtors in the isle.” Mugman whined at that. “I know, but...” He let out a huff in frustration. “I-it's a dragon, Cups! A real-life dragon! You know how many times Elder Kettle's said he lost fellow knights to dragons!! A-and they're trained for combat! How can we possibly stand a chance to a fire-breathing dragon?!” Mugman began biting his nails through his gloves, clippings flying off his fingertips with each chatter he made.

Mugman imagined a dark scene, where the dragon angrily roared at them with burning, glowing yellow eyes as he flew around his castle with razor-sharp teeth bared out at them. The dragon breathed fire that burned so brightly, it made the sun seem dim in comparison, making the entire landscape darker as his eyes could only seem to focus on the yellow and orange flames.

Cuphead quickly waved the thought cloud away with his hand, only to notice Mugman had began to chew on his straw now. “Mug, yer such a worry-wart! Stop chewin' up yer straw, and quit bein' a sippy cup.” Cuphead tried as he grabbed Mugman by his right wrist to pull him across the bridge. “Everythin's gonna be fine!” “H-how can you be so confident about this?!” Mugs asked, his straw flying out from his teeth once he opened his mouth. “Because. When the two of us stand together, there's nothin' that can take us down.” Mugman lowered his head anxiously. That was a little comforting, but could the two of them truly take down a dragon? Cuphead noticed, and gave his brother a reassuring pat on his right shoulder. “Everything's gonna be fine. Swear on my straw.” “You swear on your straw?” “Uh-huh!” Cuphead nodded with a wide smile. “Cross my heart, hope to crack, stick a sword in yer back! Besides,” Cuphead took off the glove on his left hand, revealing the lavender ring on his finger. “We got this new weapon, and you've got invincibility on yer side thanks to that swell, new, magical Super Art.” Mugman pulled out the Super Coin labeled with II from his pocket and looked at it. “You're not going to try it?” “Nah.” Cup shook his head, “I'd rather be able to do massive damage and end things quicker.” “Can't end it if we don't survive it.” Mugman argued, but sighed and placed the coin back in his pocket. “But you're right. It'd make no difference if we put off this fight and run out of time, or if we fight him now and lose.” “That's...not what I was goin' for, but we'll roll with it!”

Our heroes stood outside the castle and looked up at the stone spire from the grass below. Cuphead let out a whistle at how tall the tower stood. They could hear a ferocious roar from outside, one that shook the ground from where they stood, followed by an exhale of air. Mugman quivered in his boots, clinking in fear as the dragon roared again and exhaled. It was starting to form a pattern. “J-j-just why is he r-roaring like that?! D-does he know we're here?!” “Maybe we should find the window his tail is coming out from, and sneak in from behind.” Cuphead thought. “Y...yeah, that's actually not a bad idea.” The brothers walked around the left side of the tower, and found the dragon tail that stuck out the window and wrapped around the tower. “Do you think he's looking this way?” “I dunno, I can't see from here. Uh, hang on, lemme try somethin'.” Cuphead removed his straw from his head, and angled one end to form a perfect 'L' shape. He then bent the bottom of his straw towards him just a tad and looked through the end of his straw to try and see inside, but he couldn't quite see through the window, and ended up staring right at the stone wall. “Ugh, I still can't see!” “Here.” Mugman grabbed his little brother's handle and lifted his head off his shoulders, just enough to see past the wall. “Ack!” The child squeaked, not quite expecting that, but it was just the extra height he needed. “Perfect, thanks!” Cuphead moved the straw back up to his eyes, looked inside the security castle, and saw the tail leave the room and trail around the corner. “Mug, he ain't even in the room!” Cuphead announced as he removed the kink he made in his straw before putting it back in his head. Mugman put his brother's head back on his shoulders, then Cuphead turned around. “Gimme a boost, we can sneak right in!” Mugman nodded. “O-okay...”

Mugman put his hands together to give his brother some footing, and Cuphead placed his right foot in the mug's hands, holding onto the older's shoulders for balance. “Ready?” Cuphead asked. Mugman nodded. “Just climb in though. If you jump in, you'll make too much noise when you land. Now's not a good time to be a showoff. And do not touch his tail!” Mugman whispered. “Well duh!” Cuphead hoisted himself up in Mugman's hands, grabbed onto the inside of the stone window sill and pulled himself up. “Watch the tail, watch the tail!!” Mugman warned cautiously. Cuphead pulled himself as close to his right-hand side as he could, placed his left foot on the window and pushed himself forwards, quietly landing inside the castle. He stuck his straw out the window from the other side. “Take my straw!” Cuphead whispered. Mugman grabbed onto the red straw and gave a small tug. The straw was suddenly yanked back into the castle, taking Mugman along with it. “Eep!” The screen shook with the sound of a crash!

Cuphead looked down at Mugman as he laid on the ground, holding his head as stars and birds circled around it. After a few moments though, Mugman shook them off and stood up. “Well, we're in.” Mugman said as he looked around at the ancient castle. “Let's follow the tail to find Grim.” “Mm-hmm.” Cuphead agreed.

The boys silently followed the large green tail around the corner, only to find it trailing up a spiral staircase. “Wha- how long is his tail?!” Mugman whispered. “We have to climb all the way up?!” “We have to climb all the way up, without stepping on his tail, and without falling off the other side!!” “But his tail is basically the same size as the stairs! How we supposed to do that?!” “Uh...just watch your step?” “Great. If we don't accidentally touch him, we'll fall off the side and shatter.” “Well that's optimism.” Mugman sighed.

The brothers began to climb the stairs, they were careful not to brush the dragon's tail or step off the ledge. After what seemed like an hour for the kids, they finally reached the top of the stairwell, both practically crawling their way up those final few steps, heaving and wheezing as they tried to catch their breath. How could anyone ever have climbed all the way up while wearing such heavy armor?! “Why...couldn't...have...the princess...built this place...with an...elevator?!” Cuphead panted. “Elevators...weren't...invented...until...1853...guh!” Mugman wheezed.

After a few moments of catching their breath, the brothers finally stood, ready to continue their search for the roaring dragon at the end of the tail. They walked forward and entered one last room before they finally spotted this mighty, ferocious dragon.

Grim Matchstick laid in the middle of the room on his back, his short arms and legs sticking lazily up in the air, almost like a dog or a cat. His long, lizard-like tongue hung out from his wide-open mouth limply, even lying on the stone floor some as his chubby tummy gently moved up and down with each breath. Grim roared loudly, then exhaled. Then, he roared again, but this time, there was a definitive snorting sound to it, followed by a slight sigh. “He's snoring?!” Cuphead whispered, causing one of Grim's ears to twitch. “This is...definitely not what I was expecting.” Mugman admitted, but he still didn't want to be the one who woke up a sleeping giant. “How exactly are we going to do this?” Grim's ears twitched again, and he suddenly stirred, causing Mugman to jump right into Cuphead's arms with a hushed gasp.

Grim closed his mouth and rolled over on his stomach, curling his long neck against his legs as he sleepily mumbled something. “That was close.” Mugman breathed. “Well, we still gotta get his contract!” Cuphead argued, dropping his older brother from his arms. “Ack!” Mugman squeaked as he landed on the stone. “Shh!” “Yer the one screaming.” “Just wait.” Mugman stood and brushed himself off, small gray dust clouds forming as he did. “If he's sleeping, we can snoop around and try and find it without waking him!” Grim's ears twitched again as Mugman explained. “We don't have to fight him!” Was someone trying to steal one of his scales again? “For once, we don't have to resort to violence!” They seemed like good-natured folks, but they also sounded like kids. Why would two kids need a dragon scale? “Mug, we might not have time for that.” Time? Oh no...

Grim finally opened one of his eyes to see what was going on, which Cuphead noticed immediately and looked on in fear. “Look, I think it'd be easier to make up for lost time than it would be to try and fight a dragon,” Mugman explained, oblivious to the shadow that loomed over him and his brother. “Uh, M-Mugs?” Grim looked down at the kids, unintentionally towering over the boys. As Mugman looked back and he squealed in fear as he saw the large dragon glaring down at them. No doubt Grim heard what Mugman said. They were ceramic toast. The dragon huffed out a bit of smoke as he stretched his wings.

Grim let out as quiet of a yawn as he could to avoid frightening the children, small sleepy tears pricking the corners of his eyes. “H-h-h-holy smokes! I d-d-d-didn't even hear you two come in! S-s-s-sorry about that, I had a rough n-n-n-night's sleep last night, so I didn't r-r-r-really clean as much as I sh-sh-sh-should have.” Grim stuttered, genuinely feeling sorry about his messy castle. The brothers looked at each other, unsure of how to react. Grim noticed his tail ended up wrapped around the castle again, so he unraveled himself from both the inside and the outside of the tower. “So, wh-wh-wh-what brings you two to the security castle? Is there s-s-s-something you n-n-n-needed?” Mugman opened his mouth to speak, but only various noises managed to come out. Grim lowered his head a bit, just to try and make himself look less intimidating. “Aw, I'm sorry, I-I-I-I didn't mean to scare you! You two can ask me a-a-a-anything! Honest!” “Anything?” Cuphead checked. “Anything. I promise I won't g-g-g-get mad.” “Promise?” Repeated Cuphead. “P-p-p-promise.” Grim nodded, his ears perking up cheerfully with a smile as his tail wagged behind him. “T-t-t-trust me. I'm known for m-m-m-my patience.” “Well...Okay.” Cuphead toyed, acting like the innocent little kid he wasn't. “We need your Soul Contract.”

Grim's warm smile dropped at that, his ears drooped lowly. He never told anyone about his deal with the Devil. Grim's wings twitched instinctively as he straightened his neck up once more. “H-h-h-how d-did...?” Cuphead was growing nervous himself now, as he saw the dragon make himself taller again. “Uhh, n-now remember, y-you promised not ta get mad!” He tried, slowly losing his nerve as every bit as much as Mugman had. “D-d-d-did the Devil himself send you?!” Cuphead flinched at that. “Uhhh...” The brothers both nodded, more out of fear than anything else. Grim sighed and looked away to try and hide his quivering lip. “Y-y-y-you two don't seem like th-th-th-the type for the D-D-D-Devil's l-l-l-lackeys.” Grim took another deep breath, gaining control of his emotions for the time being. He turned his head back at our heroes and looked down at them with slight guilt. They were just kids. Children. And from the conversation they had earlier, they seemed like good kids, too. “Ah, w-w-well, y-you see,” Mugman started, “w-w-we basically, uh, went somewhere w-we weren't supposed ta, a-and things k-kinda got outta hand!!” The poor boy was terribly frightened and unable to quite read the dragon's body language well. “W-w-we really don't wanna, b-but--” Mugman's mouth suddenly felt dry, too dry to speak. “But you were t-t-t-tricked?” Grim concluded, looking down at Mugman. Mug slowly nodded, afraid to break eye contact with Grim. Grim sighed again. He truly felt bad. “I....I'd l-l-l-love to h-h-h-help you out. I t-t-t-truly would.” Cuphead and Mugman looked hopeful at that. “B-b-b-but I c-c-c-can't just...leave.” In an instant, their hopes fell. “I-I-I-I can't j-j-j-just give over m-m-m-my Soul Contract t-t-t-to you.” Grim looked away. “If I do, I-I-I-I'll have to l-l-l-leave. I'll h-h-h-have to leave my f-f-f-friends, a-a-a-and th-th-th-they'll be s-s-s-so w-w-w-worried a-a-a-about me. I-I-I-I don't want them t-t-t-to worry about li'l ole me.” “Little?” Cuphead whispered. “So...I g-g-g-guess this puts us a-a-a-at a bit of a s-s-s-standstill. A c-c-c-case of 'your soul or mine.' R-r-r-right?” Neither one of the brothers liked where this was going. Grim spread out his wings and gave them a gentle flap. “M-m-m-my soul and my Soul Contract belongs to me. A-a-a-and no one else! I-I-I-I'm sorry. T-t-t-truly, I am. B-b-b-but if you w-w-w-want to get it from m-m-m-me, th-th-th-then I must challenge you.” Grim reached into a drawer with his tail, pulled out the contract, then shut the drawer again. He showed the boys his contract, then put the scroll behind his back. He began to flap his wings and lifted his body off the ground. “Take it f-f-f-from me, if you dare!!” Grim suddenly took off out the window and into the sky with a large gust of wind that knocked Mug over and sent him rolling into the wall, just beside the window. “Oww!!” “C'mon Mugs, we gotta get moving!” Cup said as he pulled his older brother up by the hand and tried to lead him outside. “I ain't fightin' this lizard withoutchya!”

The brothers hopped onto a cloud passing by the window and saw Grim just a little farther out. Our heroes began to skip across the sky, jumping from cloud to cloud to catch up with the dragon. Grim suddenly burst into view from the right, his wings morphed into thin, large hands with wriggling fingers and kept his real arms around his chest as he stretched his lips out with a, “Booooo!” Although it wasn't exactly scary, Mugman was so frightened by having to fight a dragon that it got the preteen to jump and squeal. Grim couldn't help but snicker just a tad. Yes, it was mean, but he always got a kick out of startling people. Mugman pulled his straw down to his mouth and took a large gulp of milk from his head to rid himself of his dry mouth. Meanwhile, Cuphead took a deep breath and pulled up his shorts as he braced himself for the battle ahead.

Grim's eyes suddenly swirled and went zany as he charged up his dragon magic. Cuphead hopped onto a cloud ahead of him, not too far above, pointed behind his own head and snapped. The green Roundabout bullets swirled behind him, just above his brother, then swung forward to hit Grim in the base of his neck. Then, green magic rings fired out from Grim's eyes and straight for Cuphead, then for Mugman, each with a third pink one that followed behind the first two. “Ah!” Mugman threw himself towards the next cloud, jumping down on the surface directly below Cuphead and avoiding the attack. Mugman saw another cloud that was higher up, where he could get a better view and made two hops up to it. Meanwhile, Cuphead ran forward to beat the train of magic rings to the next nearest cloud, then, he let himself roll forward and off the cloud. The end of Cuphead's straw closed up to form a white-gloved hand as he continued to flip forward, the hand slapped against the pink magic, giving the child a slight boost. This, unfortunately, wasn't enough, however, and as soon as Cuphead landed on the edge of the cloud, he began to wobble and quickly fell with a shriek. “Mugman!!” Mugman quickly looked back and saw his brother dangling from the cloud with his right hand. “Cuphead!!” Mugman rushed over to the other side of the fluffy platform, got on his hands and knees and grabbed his little brother's wrist to pull him up. However, as Mugman began to pull his brother up, Cuphead noticed how Grim's eyes went zany again, just like before. “Mugman, hurry, he's gonna attack again!!” Mugman groaned as he yanked the other up, and once Cuphead was close enough, Cuphead grabbed onto the ledge with his free hand and helped pull himself up. “There you go! Whew!” Cuphead stood, spun his head around backwards and started firing, ready to dodge. Mugman tried to get up but felt a tug on his left arm that told him he couldn't. “Wha-?!” Mugman tried to pull himself up again but got the same result. He looked down to see what the problem was and saw two little cloud puffs had embodied themselves to grab onto Mugman's glove and pull his hand down into the cloud completely. “Oh no!! C-Cuphead, help me up, I'm stuck in the cloud!!” Cuphead gasped at that and spun his head forwards again to try and pull Mugman out. Grim fired out three more eye ripples at the brothers, and Cuphead tried to pull his brother out even harder. “Cuphead, watch out! Move!!” Cuphead suddenly threw himself over Mugman and let all three attacks slam against his back. The boy hissed in pain and wiped his eyes before looking back at Grim. He seemed to be getting farther and farther away. “Mug, you gotta start shootin' at him. I'll try and getchya out!” Mugman gulped but nodded with a serious expression. If they didn't do anything but dodge, they'd never be able to end the match. Cuphead wrapped his arms around Mugman's chest and pulled, as Mugman began to snap at Grim with his free hand.

The sound of a tinkling piano was heard as the green tip of a tail wiggled through the cloud-cover below, almost as if waving to the audience on the other side of the screen. Suddenly, the tail jut upwards towards the brothers which caused Cuphead to let go of the mug and launched Mugman into the air and onto another cloud above. “Oof!!” Mugman hissed in pain, feeling the bruise already forming on his belly as he slowly got up. “Well, at least I'm out...” He looked down at Cuphead, “hey! You can reach that cloud down there!” Mugman pointed. “Either he's flying backwards, or he's pushing the clouds back by making wind! Aim behind your head instead of turning it, it's too dangerous at this height!” “Gotchya!” Cuphead winked as he gave his brother the a-okay sign with his hand. Cuphead dashed off the cloud, then threw a Smoke Bomb to give him the extra boost he needed to reach the lower cloud Mugman pointed to.

Mugman pointed straight at Grim, and began to fire again, jumping onto another cloud close by in order to keep the dragon in sight. Mugman winced in pain as he landed, but he tried his best to push it aside like he'd always seen his little brother do. Cuphead bent his arm back behind his head, and began to shoot his Roundabouts again, watching his green bullets circle around and hit Grim. Thankfully, the dragon was big enough that aiming wasn't majorly important.

Grim watched as the children moved closer and began to suck in air. He pushed his tummy upwards, seemingly puffing out his chest as the brothers continued to hop from cloud to cloud, Mugman always trying to stay higher up, and just a tad further back. Grim suddenly released his attack, coughing out a large meteor at the boys as he threw his short arms down and to the sides, then he wasted no time in preparing another. The meteor snaked down, then back up before it would start to curve and fall back down again. Mugman stood his ground, not moving from the cloud he was on. He estimated that the dip and the rise of the meteor's path should have been equal to each other in height and that he should have been safe from where he was. Unfortunately for Cuphead, he'd already hopped in the air once the attack was launched and found himself in the path of the meteor! The child rolled his body forwards as he flipped, letting his legs stick out at an angle to try and make himself flatter to avoid crashing into the fiery rock. While Cuphead had successfully avoided slamming his whole body against the attack, the boy in red reached his left palm out towards the cloud to be able to land on his feet and scraped his elbow. “Ow!” Cuphead hissed, patting out the fire on his elbow as he stood. Something about that felt funny. It didn't feel like just a normal scrape, it felt different. Almost warm, but not at all in a pleasant way. Too warm. So warm, that it actually hurt. “What was...?” “Cuphead, incoming!” Mugman warned.

When Cuphead looked back at the dragon, he'd coughed out yet another meteor that sailed upwards first, unlike the one before. Cuphead got a running start, then jumped up onto another cloud above him, and Mugman didn't take long to join him. Cuphead held his left arm in pain. If Mugman wasn't standing right behind him, he'd be able to fire at him, but before Cuphead could tell Mugman to move, his older brother seemed to notice him holding his elbow. “You alright?” He asked, glancing down at Cuphead's elbow briefly, as he continued his fire. “'M fine, my elbow just...” Cuphead trailed off, not knowing the proper word to describe the way this felt. “Stings?” This caught Mugman's attention, but so did the next meteor Grim coughed out. “Hang on!” Mugman wrapped his left arm around Cuphead's waist and started running. “Move with me!” The brothers stepped off the cloud and let themselves drop onto another one close by. Mugman paused for a moment, waiting for the attack to move a little closer, then jumped directly into the trail of dark smoke the meteor left behind, and onto another puffy, white platform. “What'd you do?” Mugman asked as he kept an eye on Grim. “I scraped my elbow against one of the meteors, and now it kinda stings? But not really?” Mugman grabbed his little brother's injured elbow and brought it closer to his face as he continued firing. “Lemme see!” He looked down at Cuphead's elbow an immediately saw what Cuphead was talking about, thanks to the hole left by the fire on his shirt.

Cuphead's elbow was black and slightly charred. The cup burned himself. Dishware didn't get burned by the same things most people would, such as hot water, or hot food. Even brief contact with an open flame wouldn't feel as hot for them as it would for someone else. It took far more heat for a ceramic or metal being to feel pain than the average Joe, so neither of our heroes had experienced the burning sensation of touching a hot pan, or drinking hot cocoa before it's cooled. That was why Cuphead didn't know how to describe the pain he felt. “You just got a little burnt, it's nothing major.” Mugman informed, looking back at Grim now. “Burnt?” “When someth- shoot!!” Mugman grabbed his brother's right wrist and pulled him along as he jumped down onto a lower cloud. Cuphead hadn't even noticed Grim cough out another meteor. “When something's too hot for our bodies to withstand, it leaves a burn, which causes pain. But because we're made of ceramic designed for holding hot coffee or tea, most things won't burn us.” Mugman explained, moving in front of Cuphead as he continued his fire towards Grim. Neither one of them noticed the sound of the piano as the tail wriggled behind Cuphead. Mugman turned his head to finish his explanation as Cuphead finally began firing behind himself again. “Luckily for you, it's a minor burn, we can just wash off the soot with some dish soap and elbow grease late- Cuphead, hightail it outta there!!” Cuphead glanced behind him and rushed out of the way onto a lower cloud as Mugman jumped up to a higher one, just before the tail jut upwards.

Seeing that his meteors didn't seem to work, Grim switched tactics again and let his eyes go zany as he shot out four magic eye ripples, the fourth one being pink, just as before. Mugman saw the incoming attack, and squat down low to duck out of the way, but as the pink ring soared above him, he jumped back up to try and parry the magic, only to miss, and get hit in the face. “Ouch!!” Mugman tried to stay standing and stumbled back as a result. “Mugs, watch yer--” Cuphead knew it was too late. One wrong misstep and Mugman plunged off the cloud with a loud shriek, and with nothing but the carnival below to break his fall. Cuphead lunged forwards, as far as he could manage, and pushed Mugman and himself onto another fluffy cloud. “Mug!! You okay?!” Mugman sat up and held his right cheek as he hissed in pain. “Yeah. Ugh, I sh-shouldn't have tried to parry.” He let go of his face to see the crack that formed from the attack. “Ow! Thanks for the save.” The brothers quickly got up and moved closer to the dragon, both trying their hardest to build up their Super Meter and both so close to a full meter.

Once the brothers got close enough, Grim noticed the charred ceramic on Cuphead's elbow, and a pang of guilt shot through him. “D-d-d-did I burn you?” He asked meekly, trying not to sound half as guilty as he felt. “Wh- of course ya burnt me!! You shot giant fireballs of death at us!!” “Oh, I-I-I-I'm sorry!” “Wh- I- sorry?!” Cuphead seemingly spat back, but he spoke more out of disbelief rather than anger. “Don't m-m-m-misunderstand my flames – I just meant fun and games.” Grim admitted, although it was a bit of a lie to himself. It was the only way he could trick himself into attacking these kids. He wasn't actually fighting them, he'd tell himself, he was merely play-fighting. Grim pushed his thoughts to the side, and began to suck in air as he prepared another attack. “What flames?!” Cuphead asked. Grim paused, completely still for a few moments as he pretended to think.

After about one second, Grim answered. “Th-th-th-these flames!” He joked and coughed out two flaming meteors that weaved up and down in a crisscross pattern. “Ack!!” Cuphead jumped over the higher fireball and managed to roll onto another cloud safely, then looked back to watch Mugman. Mug looked around the sky to find a safe cloud between the two meteors, but the only cloud that was safe was the one directly across from him, which he would have to cross the path of the intertwining fireballs to reach. Mugman had no choice, however. He took a deep breath, got a running start, and lunged across the gap between him just as the meteors flew towards him. It was evident Mugman wouldn't make the jump before the attacks crossed. “Mugman!!” Cuphead cried. He couldn't see his brother anymore thanks to all the smoke from the meteors. However, it almost seemed like there was more smoke than usual.

Not seeing his brother made Cuphead's heart sink. He balled up his fists in anger and wiped away the dots of milk that tried to form in his eyes. “I ain't letting you get away with hurting Mugman!!” The child roared, not looking back at the dragon as he snapped faster, and more vigorously than he ever had in his life. He could hear the green bullets swivel around and hit Grim, and he could feel his Super Meter building now more than ever.

Suddenly, tiny blue bullets joined the barrage of attacks that hit the dragon from the cloud of smoke left behind. Cuphead instantly felt hope well up inside his very soul and he could just barely make out the sound of his brother's voice coughing.

As the smoke cleared, Mugman was waving the gray clouds away with his right hand as he shot at the dragon with his left. “Good gosh!” The mug hacked, “That literally blew up in my face.” “Mugman!!” “For future reference, the Smoke Bomb works better when you don't throw it at a flaming object that's two feet away from your face!” Cuphead sighed in relief, then turned back to look at Grim.

“Also, as an addition to what we were saying before, those don't count as flames! They're just rocks on fire!!” Cuphead shrieked back, the anger from before having completely dissipated. “Wait, th-th-th-they don't?” Grim asked. “Nuh-uh!” The cup huffed sternly. “Oh...Well...uhh...” Grim stammered, not changing his facial expression as he slowly slid backwards and off the screen.

Mugman quickly hopped from cloud to cloud, passing Cuphead as he tried to chase the seemingly fleeing dragon. “Where'd he go?!” “Cuphead, after him!” Mugman suddenly heard a whooshing sound from behind him, but he only managed to catch a glimpse of a scaly green tail. “Wait a minute!” As a large gust of wind continued to push the clouds forward, Mugman suddenly heard a fiery fwoosh from behind, and saw that something pink had rolled out below the clouds under them. The boy turned around and saw that Grim had lowered his head down behind Cuphead and him, and that he'd not only rolled out his tongue below, but he was also blowing out fire from his nostrils as he slowly flew closer to an oblivious Cuphead. “Cuphead, move!!” Mugman called, but it seemed his brother couldn't hear him. “Mugman, do you see where he went?!”

Eventually, Grim ran out of breath and had to stop breathing fire. He quickly took in a sharp breath to refresh the attack, but noticed the inattentive red child that stood on a cloud just above him. Regardless of what Grim was trying to do, the dragon didn't see it as very fair if he unexpectedly snorted fire at the boy with absolutely no warning.

Grim puffed out smoke from his nostrils with a deep whistling sound into the air above, and unfortunately right into Cuphead's face. “Ack!” Cuphead was blinded, and began to cough and hack aggressively as he tried to wave away the smoke. “M-Mugma--” The boy was cut off by his own choking. “I-I can't see!!” It was clear to Mugman that his brother didn't notice the approaching dragon behind him. Mugman swallowed the lump of anxiety in his metaphorical throat and dashed back from cloud to cloud to reach his little brother, only to freeze up when he got too close to the dragon for his liking. Mugs looked back to see if there was another cloud he could use as a safety net and looked back to Cuphead, holding out both his arms. “C-C-Cuphead!! J-jump forward!! Quickly!!” Cuphead still couldn't see anything, but his brother sounded close, so he jumped towards the sound of Mugman's voice, eyes still glued shut as he sailed into the air blindly.

Once he could finally breathe fresh air again, Cuphead managed to open his eyes as he started to fall. Mugman caught Cuphead in his arms, but at the price of stumbling and falling off the white puff. Luckily for the ceramic duo, Mugman managed to grab onto the edge of a cloud below, and swiftly swung his little brother up and over onto the cloud with impressive speed and agility. “Pull me up!!” Mugman called, firing back at Grim with his free hand. Mugman's feet dangled only mere inches above the dragon's tongue and he didn't like it one bit. Cuphead ran over to the other side of the cloud and bent over to help his brother up, having learned from Mug's mistake earlier. However, an orange fireball holding a large, burning matchstick in his left hand and wearing a blue shako on his head marched out from Grim's mouth with grit teeth, followed by another, grinning orange flame, then another, then another. Both the brothers realized that if Mug wasn't pulled up soon, he'd be burned by the Fireball Marchers. “Wuh-oh!!” “Hurry!!” Cuphead yanked his older up by his arm, then grabbed his shoulder to pull him up the rest of the way, just before the leader with the shako reached the cloud. “Let's get to higher ground!!” Mugman advised, able to feel the heat from the marching fire below. “We're in the air right now?!” Cuphead reminded. “Whatever! Higher clouds! You know what I mean!!”

The boys moved away from Grim, both doing their best to keep a constant fire upon the mighty dragon. “Cuphead, do you have enough for a Super?” Mugman asked. The younger cup looked over to his brother and nodded. “Should I use it now?” “No! Not yet!” Mugman glanced down at the clouds below them, then back at the clouds behind them. “The strong wind's pushing the clouds towards Grim, if you try to use it now, you're bound to wind up with nothing under you to land on!” Mugman looked back at the dragon, keeping his line of fire on him as he thought. “The first Super lasts about three seconds before you drop back down.” Cuphead did his best to stay close to his brother, so that he could be ready whenever he gave him the signal, all while keeping his aim ahead to hit Grim. “But it'll be hard to judge the distance a cloud will be in that time while fighting like this...” This put the mug in a tough spot, using the Super in this type of field was risky, but they wouldn't last long simply chipping away at the dragon with their weaker attacks. If Mugman made a mistake, his brother would fall onto the Fireball Marchers below and get hurt. “Mugs...” Cuphead grumbled, growing impatient. “Alright. I'll keep an eye on the incoming cloud formations and try to time it so you have something to land on without getting burned again. In case I botch it up, I'll try and stay as close as I can so you don't fall.” “Wah? Mug, what if I accidentally hit you?” Cuphead voiced. “You won't, I promise. I'm only staying close by as a safety precaution! There's no harm in playing it safe.” “Right.” Cuphead nodded. “Once you finish the attack, switch to your new short ranged weapon, and try and stay within range, but not too close!” “Golly! Great thinkin' Mug!!” Cuphead agreed, and just like that, the plan was underway.

However, that was just when one of the Fireball Marchers suddenly made a noise, and broke the formation on the tongue. Mugman noticed the new sound and looked back to see the rouge fireball suddenly leap towards the two of them! “Woah!” Mugman suddenly pulled his brother back by his shirt, “jump, Cup,” and hopped up to another, higher cloud. “Wait!” Cuphead saw that the fireball could still reach them from their new height, and pushed his brother forward, forcing the mug to stumble two steps forward out of harm's way. As the younger cup jumped up, he let the marcher sail under him and into the cloud-cover below. “Good catch,” Mugman said, looking back with a thumbs up. “Ah! Wait!” Mugman rushed behind Cuphead then began to fire at Grim again. “Use it now!!”

Cuphead quickly pulled out the Super Coin from the depths of his pocket and flicked it into his head with his thumb in one, swift motion. He could feel the built-up magical energy grow stronger inside his body before the child let instinct take over. Cuphead jumped up in the air, lifted one leg up, and cracked a wide, confident grin as he aimed his head right at the dragon. “Take a sip a this, lizard-breath!!” He cried, then launched out the milk in his head with a mighty blast! Grim visibly tensed up at the attack upon impact and he let a loud yelp of pain escape his throat by mistake.

True to his word, Mugman moved along the traveling clouds and stayed close to his brother. As Cuphead began to fall back down, he just barely managed to land on the edge of a cloud below, with the help of Mugman, who grabbed his shoulder when he started to wobble forwards. Just as planned, Cuphead switched his weapon when he landed, and the next time he snapped, a small, lavender ball catapulted from his fingertip and crashed onto Grim's snout with a plop! “Auh!” Grim choked out as he flinched again. “This is working...” Mugman gasped softly, “keep on 'im, Cup!”

Suddenly, the brothers heard the strange, whiney sort of groan again and looked down to see another Fireball Marcher crouched down and facing the left, towards Grim. “Cuphe-!” “Already on it!” As the fireball lunged towards the ceramic duo, Cuphead took a short hop forwards and onto a lower cloud, closer to the dragon, before quickly jumping back onto the previous cloud once the flame had begun to sail towards him for a second time. At the same time, Mugman leaped and flipped backwards onto a lower cloud that was closer to the tongue than he'd like. “Ah!” He hissed, feeling the heat from the fire below. Mugman loved warm drinks and blankets next to a toasty, cozy fire, but this was too hot, even for him. It wasn't painful, but the fact that he could easily be burned scared him. The boy glanced back to find another fluffy platform, hopped onto the higher one behind him, and started firing again. “Cuphead, keep a safe distance!! I'll hang back!” Cuphead mentally acknowledged his brother's plan, but was too absorbed in the battle to physically show him, other than by getting some distance from the approaching dragon by hopping onto another cloud. “Try to stay higher up!” Mugman warned before he suddenly felt a drop land right on his nose. “Hnn?”

Cuphead had heard Mugman's strategy and glanced behind to try and find a higher platform, when he heard another matchstick marcher ready up for another attack. Cups glimpsed down below and saw this one facing the right, away from Grim, and towards Mugs! “Mug, watch out!!” “Ha?” Mugman saw the Fireball Marcher jump up and gasped as he quickly pulled out the new Super Coin. As Mug flicked the coin with his thumb, he jumped back and caught the enchanted charm in his head.

All at once, the boy could feel the magical energy from his Super Meter and the magic he dropped in his soul combine and increase dramatically. As if instinct took control, Mugman jumped up and crossed his arms below him in a circular motion as he tucked his knees into his chest. His soul, fueled by the magic, projected the illusion of his head, grinning despite appearing to be on the brink of death as indicated by the hollowed-out, black eyes. His head suddenly laughed in a deep voice, one that clearly wasn't Mugman's. “Ha ha ha!” The mug suddenly leaped out from the mouth of the illusion before it shrunk away with a few, large drops of milk, but rather than the typical blue appearance, Mugman was gold, and he glimmered and glowed so brightly, he almost looked transparent. Or perhaps he was transparent. “Woah! This is...I feel great! Fantastic! Ha ha!” He laughed confidently, oblivious to the other marcher that suddenly lunged at him. “Eek!” Mugman expected to get rammed and burned by the flame, but the fireball merely passed right through his body. “Good gosh! This sure is swell!!” Now Mugman was brimming with confidence, knowing that nothing could touch him. The child fought without fear.

Mugman dropped to a lower cloud, still keeping his distance from Grim, but not worried about the fire below. Mugman quickly began to fight recklessly, oblivious to the fading shimmer and how his body flashed between his normal and golden state. He heard another Fireball Marcher prepare for another leap, but when Mugman saw that he was facing him rather than Cuphead, he only scoffed. “Take your best shot at me, sucker!!” He taunted with confidence, just as his body ceased its flashing form and reverted back to its normal state.

The fiery marcher launched at Mugman and not only violently crashed into him, which caused the screen to shake, but also left a large, painful burn on his chest. “Ow! Ouch! Ow! Get it off, put it out! Ow!!” He shrieked, prompting Cuphead to look back. Mugman was laying flat with his stomach on the cloud, shirt and gloves still steaming and sizzling from when he presumably pushed the Fireball Marcher off and put out the fire it started on his shirt. “Mugman!” Cuphead rushed over to his brother and helped him back up to his feet again. “Are you alright?! What happened to your invincibility?!” “Owww.” Mug whimpered. “Y-you tell me.” He hissed as he held the burns on his chest. “I-I didn't realize that had such a short time-limit!” “Mugs...” “D-don't worry about me! Ow. We need to knock this guy out! Pronto! Focus on attacking him!” Mugman tried as he leaned onto Cuphead for support. It hurt so much just for him to stand, but they had to press forward. “Mug, yer hurt!” “I know, but we can't back down now! We'll worry about me later, but for now, we need to take this guy down! The longer we're fighting, the worse off we are!” Mugs groaned. Cuphead begrudgingly nodded. “Right.” He made sure his older brother was able to stand and got closer to the dragon again.

Mugman hopped up, wincing in pain as he moved, and focused his shots on Grim as he watched his little brother. Despite being hurt himself, Cuphead didn't let it bother him in the slightest. Meanwhile, Mugman was severely slowing down due to the pain, and would always take a precautious jump back whenever he saw the Fireball Marchers get ready to pounce. The burns to his chest certainly did no favors to the bruise that he got earlier, and all this moving around was making the crack on his cheek throb in pain. Mugman felt another drop on the right side of his rim, this time it rolled down and traced along the crack in his face, which earned another pained hiss from the boy. Elder Kettle didn't say anything about rain before they left, did he? Or maybe it was just dragon slobber?

“Kablooey!” Cuphead called as he expelled the built-up magical energy from his body out both his fists. As he fired the new Ex Move, a larger, lavender ball launched out and onto Grim's lower jaw, splashing all over his face.“ Owie!!” Grim yelped. “Why ca't you hoo husth g-g-g-githe uh ahleahy?!” The dragon questioned, wishing the children would just admit defeat and go home! “Over my empty head!!” Cuphead retaliated, just as the wind drastically picked up. The boy snapped his fingers once again and the lavender bullet catapulted forwards and smacked Grim right between the wings, then bounced off and hit the back of his neck, just behind the head.

The dragon shrieked in pain. The attack was just enough to trigger a reflex in his wings that caused them to freeze up and stop moving. Grim's eyes bulged out of his head as his body involuntarily shuddered. The dragon rolled his tongue back into his mouth as he glided across the sky, motionless for a few moments. The sky suddenly grew very dark as black clouds rolled in from seemingly nowhere. Rain quickly began to pour down over the three debtors, soaking them all within seconds.

Grim suddenly reared his neck upwards as the clouds darkened his form into nothing more but a large silhouette. There were three voices, each making a different sound. One laughed, another made a silly, warbly, babbling sound, and the last timidly wooed as if mimicking a ghost. “What was...?” Mugman asked, looking up at the silhouette in fear. A head rose up to look Cuphead right in the eyes. “One...” It said before another head on the left side rose up next to the other. “Two...” It taunted, before a third head arose on the far right, grinning maniacally at the cup with an insane look in his eyes. “Three!” Suddenly, the three heads closed in on the boy, forcing Cuphead to take a step back. “You'd b-b-b-etter flee! Brawrahahahah!” The hydra taunted, just as a loud crack of thunder crashed throughout the sky. “Cuphead, back away!!” Mugman warned, and Cuphead didn't at all hesitate.

However, Cuphead surprised Mugman with how far back he retreated. Cup pulled out a Smoke Bomb and dashed as far back as he could, then turned on his heel and lunged across at least four more clouds before he stopped behind his brother. Although Mugman didn't think much of this, he glanced behind at his brother for a moment as he observed Grim in his new form. “Good thinking, Cups. We don't know what this fella's capable of now. We should hang back and watch how he fights!” Mugman informed as he kept a line of fire.

The trio of hydra heads juggled themselves up and down in a way that seemed complex but was a fairly simple pattern. The outer two heads quickly spat out a goopy-looking fire cluster into the air, followed by another and another. At first, Mugman thought these would be easy to dodge if they only kept a safe distance, but one stray bullet from the Peashooter, and a cluster exploded in four different directions, one of course, that headed straight for our heroes.

Mugman flipped forward to dodge, then looked back to make sure Cuphead was safe. “Cuphead!” He called over the thunder and lightning. “Switch your weapon and focus on dodging if you accidentally hit one of those attacks!” Cuphead looked up at Mugman stiffly. “Focus on building up a Super, and end it quickly!!” A soft groan escaped from the older brother. “Hurry!” Mugman turned back to focus on their new strategy.

However, Cuphead couldn't hear what his brother had said at all over the rain, wind, and thunder. The child wasn't focused on the battle at hand at all anymore. Rather, Cuphead looked all around at their surroundings. A large, three-headed, fire-breathing dragon in front of them, gray and black clouds as far as the eye could see, trapped Heaven knows how high up from the world below. Another strike of lightning caused the child to tremble as the rainwater collected in his and his brother's head and overflowed, spilling down the sides. As high up and as soaked as they were, they were bound to be struck by nature's cruel electricity. Cuphead hardly moved aside from his own shaking, not that he could hear himself clinking over the sudden and violent storm. The boy watched his brother as he fought the dragon, unable to move from the one spot on the cloud as tears began to well up in his eyes. A soft hiccup escaped the child as his heart pounded against his chest. A sudden bolt of lightning lunged dangerously close to his brother's head, and the child nearly screamed, but his voice seemed to catch in his throat and turn into a mix between a sob and a cough. “M-Mugs!” Cuphead whimpered softly, sniffling as he shook violently, paralyzed with fear.

Mugman continued to shoot at the hydra as he made sure to watch out for the fire clusters to avoid hitting them. After a short while, however, Mugman noticed that Grim's center head took a deep breath, and knew he was preparing something. He turned back to warn Cuphead, only to hear his little brother suddenly start wailing loudly as soon as another, deafening clap of thunder echoed throughout Inkwell. “Cuphead?!” It had become too much for the child to bare all at once. Cuphead had his face raised to the sky as he wailed and sobbed in fear, terrified. Terrified that he was going to be electrocuted by the lightning. Terrified that his brother was going to be electrocuted by the lightning.

Mugman quickly looked back at Grim, then rushed over to his baby brother as fast as he could. The second he wrapped an arm around Cuphead, his little brother suddenly clung to him for dear life, sobbing and screaming into his chest. Before Mugman would even attempt to try and calm his beloved little Sippy Cup down however, he rushed up and lunged them both onto a higher cloud, and not a moment too soon.

Grim's center head morphed into a large, red flamethrower, and unleashed a massive beam of fire onto where the brothers once stood. He breathed in again and attempted to burn the brothers once more, but he hadn't seemed to notice they had moved. “Hey, g-g-g-genius! They moved up th-th-th-there! The angry-looking head on the right bickered. “W-w-w-well I didn't n-n-n-notice that!!” The center head defended. “And n-n-n-now's not the time t-t-t-to be arguing!” “Right! W-w-w-we need to defend our s-s-s-soul!!” The one on the far left agreed gleefully with a nod. “L-l-l-let's go!” They all cheered.

“Cuphead, what's wrong?” Mugman asked, keeping his little brother close as he pushed him against his aching chest. Cuphead managed to blubber something out, but it was far too distressed for Mugman to be able to make anything out. Another crashing boom of lightning and Cuphead whimpered as he hugged his brother tighter. “A-ah! N-not so tight!!” Mug hissed in pain, but now he understood.

Cuphead had been absolutely terrified of lightening ever since he was six. The three of them had gone to see a movie for Cuphead's birthday, and in the grand finale, the antagonist had been violently and graphically struck by lightning. The child had been terrified of getting electrocuted ever since. When they were kids, Mugman would always have to hold Cuphead close and stay with him until the storm either passed, or Cuphead fell asleep. However, Cuphead stopped waking him up in recent years, Mugman thought he'd been sleeping right through the storms and just assumed he'd gotten over his fear. He must have thought wrong.

Mugman looked back at their foe, grit teeth and a grave expression lining his face. This was a fine time for him to find this out. He knew he wasn't going to get Cuphead to do much more fighting, but if he'd tried to tell him to sit it out anywhere, his brother would not only still be terrified, but at risk of getting hit. No matter where Cuphead moved to, he'd always be in the way. He had to think of something, and quick. “I-it's okay, Sippy Cup, don't panic, alright?” Mugman hoped that the nickname would at least soothe him in some way. “Y-yer gonna be alright, alright? Just...” Mugs began to fire at Grim once more with his free hand and held on tighter to his brother with the arm he had wrapped around him as he continued to move towards him. “Hang on tight!” Mugman braced himself for the remaining battle ahead and for his brother to increase his grip over his injuries.

Mugman rushed just a little closer to Grim and attempted to build up enough of his Super Meter to at least use some Ex Moves, all while carrying his caterwauling mess of a baby brother. The crying child wasn't about to go unnoticed by Grim, however. “Wh-wh-wh-what's wrong with him?! I-i-i-is he hurt?!” The center head asked, quite clearly very concerned. “Wh-wh-wh-what's it matter to you?!” The right head barked. “H-h-h-he's not important, we are!!” The left head tried to remind. “He is a m-m-m-mere child!!” The center head argued as he glared at his other two heads. “He is trying to t-t-t-take our soul!!” The left head scolded. “We have every r-r-r-right to kill them both!!” The right head growled before he suddenly nipped at the mugs. “S-s-s-stop that! C-c-c-can't you see there's something wrong?!” Their arguing suddenly gave Mugman an idea, but he'd have to get dangerously close.

Mugman briefly stopped his firing to yank a cloud out of the sky and throw it closer to the hydra on the left side. Mugs continued his fire once more and jumped over onto the cloud he just smacked back into place and shot at the farthest head from beside the outer right head. “Hey ugly!! Fix yer aim, I-I'm right here!!” He taunted, which prompted a snarl from the angry head. “D-d-d-don't make him even madder, k-k-k-kid!!” The center head warned, but it was too late. The right head suddenly spat out multiple fire clusters at the boys, which Mugman promptly shot before he jumped off to another cloud.

The clusters split apart and hit the two other heads, who both yelped in pain before glaring daggers at the offending head. “Smooth m-m-m-move!!” The left one growled. “E-e-e-even I w-w-w-wouldn't have fallen for that!” “Sh-sh-sh-shut up! Y-y-y-you don't even want to defend the fate of y-y-y-your very soul, a-a-a-and you're upset at me?!” Suddenly, the left head spat out two other fire clusters at the right head, which Mugman quickly shot so that they'd hit all three heads again. “Oh, now look who's the g-g-g-genius!” “G-g-g-guys, we need to stop arguing!” “L-l-l-look, wise guy! If you think f-f-f-fer a second that I'm going to l-l-l-let you get away with a-a-a-attacking myself like that--” “Well at least I d-d-d-didn't do it on purpose!!” Suddenly, the right head lunged forward and bit the left most neck beside it, resulting in the left head to retaliate by chomping down on the right one's cranium. “Ouch!! Stop f-f-f-fighting with yourselves!!” The center head begged, but it was too late.

Mugman seized the opportunity and began firing once again while they were distracted. Thankfully, Mugman's plan had worked, and they were distracted enough by themselves that they hadn't noticed him shooting. Right now, it wasn't about beating the hydra, or doing massive amounts of damage to him. This was about building up his Super Meter, ending this, and calming his brother down. This was about survival. “G-g-g-guys, p-p-p-please! Stop f-f-f-fighting!!” The center continued. Mugman got up closer to the center and hoped that he could do this with just one hand. He had just over enough for one attack, and Mug knew the heads couldn't stay distracted for long! Upon seeing the boy, the center head glanced between the two, still arguing, heads and Mugman, practically cradling his shaking brother with one arm. The same boy who'd been shaking in his presence just moments earlier. Grim had to commend the boy for his bravery, but knew he still had to stand his ground. He puffed out a sigh, then took a deep breath, preparing his flames. “Please work...” Mugman begged to himself. He glanced over at Cuphead and, in an attempt to try and calm him down, he decided to use the whole 'signature move' baloney that Cuphead had been begging him to do. Mugman took a deep breath and concentrated the magical energy built up in his body out his right fist. “Mega Blast!” He jut his hand out forward, but the magic gave a blue spark in both hands for a brief moment, then fizzled out. Mugman internally panicked and promptly tried again, knowing this was his only chance. “Mega Blast!!” Once again, the magic sparked, but fizzled out. If he let go of Cuphead, he could fall. If he didn't try something, they'd be burnt to a porcelain crisp. Mugman took one last deep breath and focused entirely on his magic and the target. He balled up his fists as he unintentionally shot a glare at the dragon, then threw out his fist one last time.“Mega Blast!!”

Finally, the magic shot out one fist and collided into the hydra with a great force. The two outer heads drooped down with 'X's in their eyes, the one on the left side's cheeks puffed up as his tongue hung out haphazardly from his mouth. The center head snapped back, 'X's also in his eyes, before his head tilted down slightly. “Yes!! Oh! Oh! Oh dear mercy yes!!” Mugman shouted in utter relief, but it wasn't over yet.

Mugman held onto his brother as he leaped onto the hydra's back and scoured under his wings. Before long, Mugman found the contract and checked it, but before he could get off Grim's back, he suddenly felt overwhelmingly dizzy and unbalanced. Mugman's world suddenly began to spin and he clung onto the reptile's back for dear life just before the dragon lurched forward without warning and back into the tower, away from the storm.

Grim lowered a wing down for the brothers to climb off once they were inside. “H-h-h-here.” He murmured softly. Mugman was a little confused, but he took the offer and gently climbed down onto the stone, both he and his little brother dripping wet. “I-I-I-I'd offer you a-” Grim cut himself off with a slight hiss of pain. “A towel, b-b-b-but you'll just get soaked as soon as you s-s-s-step outside again.” Grim had changed back to normal now, with only one head visible, but the dragon was still covered in wounds and bandages from their battle. “Y-you're...? Not mad?” The dragon shook his head. “No.” He looked down at the pair with a somber expression and a sigh. “What's done i-i-i-is done. A-a-a-and you earned that f-f-f-fair and square.” Grim fell down onto the stone floor with a huff, just to rest his injured body. “Holy s-s-s-smokes...you two certainly didn't hold anything b-b-b-back...” A pang of guilt shot through Mugman. “W-we're sorry.” “D-d-d-don't be...I just hope...th-th-th-that whatever happens...It h-h-h-happens for the best.” Grim looked up at our heroes. “You two should g-g-g-get going.” “Right.” Mugman nodded, his dizzy spell having passed, “come on, Cups...” Cuphead whined and sniveled quietly into his brother's chest, still terribly frightened from the violent storm just outside.

As Mugman carried his little brother back down the stone stairway, he rubbed the child's back soothingly. “I didn't realize you were still so scared of lightning...” Cuphead only whined in response. “I'm sorry. If I'd known, I would have tried to do something sooner.” Cuphead sniffled a few times, and Mugman sighed, rubbing the base of Cuphead's handle with his thumb a bit. “I...” Mugman looked over at Cup as he spoke, giving his baby brother his full attention. “I w-was tryin' ta be b-brave a-and...” The boy was cut off by another hiccup before he dove back into his brother's chest. “Aww, Sippy Cup...” Mugman hushed. “You don't have to worry about being brave around me when something scares you that bad.” Cuphead mumbled something into Mugman's shoulder that sounded just a bit like 'I don't?' “Of course not. You're already one tough cup. The toughest cup I know, alright? But you can't always be tough like that. And that's okay...Because you have a big brother like me to help you out when things get too scary and tough.” Mugman continued to rub circles into Cuphead's back as the two descended down the stairs. “After all, you're always here for me when I'm scared. So it's only fair that I'll be there for you when you're scared. Okay?” Cuphead turned his head to breathe a little better, still leaning his head against Mugman's chest. He sniffled a few times, wiped his eyes and nose, then pulled his brother into a hug. “...mokay...” The child mumbled.

Missed the past episodes? Want to check for the next one? Here’s a link to the list of episodes currently published!

#Cuphead and Mugman: Don't Deal with the Devil #Word on the Wind! {Rebloggable Content}#Cuphead: Don't Deal with the Devil #Cuphead #Mugman #Grim Matchstick #Rewriting #Drabble #Fanfiction #Fanfic

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gingercullenboy · 6 years ago

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Movie Commentary Monday: Episode 1

Hello everyone and welcome to the very first episode of Movie Commentary Monday (or as i call MCM, which sounds ridiculous by the way) where I express my thoughts on a movie while desperately trying to be funny (and usually fail).

There will be dozens of side comments in brackets because I talk too much, sorry in advance.

This week’s movie is:

Isn’t It Romantic (2019)

Directed by: Todd Strauss-Schulson

Writing Credits: Erin Cardillo (screenplay&story), Dana Fox (screenplay) & Katie Silberman (screenplay)

Stars: Rebel Wilson, Liam Hemsworth, Adam Devine, Priyanka Chopra, Betty Gilpin, Brandon Scott Jones

Summary: A young woman disenchanted with love mysteriously finds herself trapped inside a romantic comedy.

(thanks IMDb)

Now, buckle up folks, it’s gonna be a loooooong ride. Let’s get down to business!

(this isn’t a Mulan reference)

Why is the Mom so bitter about happy endings? I bet she has seen things...

They don’t make movies for girls like us.

THIS!!! LINE!!! IS!!! SO!!! IMPORTANT!!!

That single sentence just basically summarized the entire history of Hollywood and you can’t argue with me on this. The evidence is there (sorry i’m bitter like mom) (i’m full of rage like younger john mulaney)

Natalie’s (Rebel Wilson) apartment is a mess and is so tiny, it’s like screaming YOUR FUTURE HOUSE at me, it’s unbelievable

Fucking finally, a realistic view of New York; smelly, crowded, and filth everywhere (not that i could ever know, i don’t live there but i’ve seen metropolitans before)

“STOP THE CART WITH YOUR BODY” WTFFF I’M CRYING THAT’S SO RUDE

Ok, Natalie’s a nobody at the workplace, even though she’s a fricking architect. UNREALISTIC TO ME

That co-worker and office manager can choke, that’s all I’m gonna say

Ohmygod, Whitney (Betty Gilpin) is so cute, I’ve seen her 10 secs in and I already love her (lovey dovey characters are always my faves)

JOSH (Adam Devine) IS AMAZING, ADORABLE DORK, PROTECT HIM AT ALL COSTS

LIAM HEMSWORTH’S AMERICAN ACCENT GOT ME SH00K!!! He just said “Goddamn it” and I am already hooked

Who puts whipped cream in a coffee? ME, BITCH

I PUT WHIPPED CREAM IN MY COFFEE BECAUSE BLACK COFFEE TASTES LIKE SHIT, SORRY THAT I’M NOT TOUGH AS YOU

Natalie says nice guy with a nice life and it... kinda bothers me. It’s a reaaaally generic expression and a bit insulting if you think about it bc if you don’t fit that person’s standards of being nice with having a nice life, it discourages you (in this case, you=man). So when Josh said “I’m a nice guy with a nice life” I thought ‘Of course you are’ bc he is in my standards. What I’m trying to say is that rom-coms have stereotypes on not only women but also men. Yes, it is sad.

Awwww Josh has a crush on Natalie *wipes happy tears* but she thinks he’s looking at the model billboard LMAO SAME, NAT

I’m so done (but it’s also so relatable, bc i’m like Nat but with less cynicism)

WHITNEY’S DESKTOP OMG

PAWSITIVE VIBES???? I WANNA MARRY HER SO WE CAN WATCH ROM-COMS WITH CATS ON OUR LAPS ALL DAY TOGETHER

Natalie was on the subway and a stranger waved at her. Then he tried to mug her. Then she knocked herself over. My mom always says don’t talk to strangers and I see why. I’m 22, if you’re wondering *clears throat* Moving on...

OH MY GOD SHE WOKE UP WITH THE MAKE-UP ON AND A NICELY DONE HAIR WITH FLOWERS AND STRAWBERRY DRINK ON THE SIDE, I CAN’T-

Oh, hello Mr. Morningstar... *wiggles eyebrows* (quick note, i don’t actually watch Lucifer but i really like Tom Ellis)

She just ripped her IV and blood didn’t spill everywhere, yeah this is a rom-com alright

She’s dressed from lost and found and she looks like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman-

NO WAIT, THE ENTIRE SETTING HAS CHANGED

HOLY SHIT ‘A THOUSAND MILES’ BY VANESSA CARLTON IS STARTED TO BE PLAYED BY A RANDOM GUY ON A BIKE AND HE PLAYS IT FROM THE STEREO ON HIS BIKE I’M CACKLING

ENTER LIAM, HE LOOKS SO GOOD I CAN’T EVEN DESCRIBE (i’m a thirsty hoe, your suspicions are correct)

What the fuck does beguiling mean? *checks dictionary* oh, okay *is weirded out now*

HE’S AUSSIE NOW, THEY’VE DONE IT, HE’S KEEPING THE ACCENT, AND I’M HAPPY AGAIN

...Birds form a heart while flying... Uhhh... Strawberries and champagne in the limo... Rich as fuck, my poor ass can’t relate

NATALIE’S STREET HAS CHANGED, TOO

He’s giving her flowers already? Ok- NO WAIT

HE JUST WROTE HIS NUMBER ON MULTIPLE FLOWER PETALS AND HANDED TO HER, IS HE FOR REAL LMAO

“But there’s only one of you, so...” Well, this doesn’t change the fact that there are millions of ways to order the numbers, you dumbass (why is he like this)

Her apartment... Every Millenials’ dream

And... A gay neighbor/best friend who acts like an over-feminine gay (which is also a stereotype)

So, I’ll count every rom-com trope I’ve seen in 22 mins *counts her fingers* So far, I have seven tropes

The Big Presentation (eight)

Unconventional workplace which looks like a Google office (nine)

Nat is the star architect now (ten)

Rival bitchy colleague (eleven) (WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE WHITNEY, THOUGH) (SHE’S MY SENSITIVE WIFE) (oh, she looks hot)

They gave like, four other tropes in two mins and it doesn’t feel like rushed at all *salutes respectively*

The setting change is so... Like, you cannot miss it, it’s sweet and makes you feel all giddy inside, it’s so lovely, so rom-com like (does that make sense to you?)

OH PRIYANKA, SHE JUST TURNED AND I’M LIKE “Oh I’m fucked”

“Josssssssh”

Natalie keeps falling (twelve)

“MY LIFE IS A ... ... ROMANTIC COMEDY!” “AND IT’S ... PG-13!″ EVERYONE STARTED DANCING BEHIND HER I’M HOLLERING

The subway map behind her is shaped in a heart, lovey dovey couples everywhere... And shE’S GONNA JUMP ONTO A TRAIN??? THIS GOT DARK ALL OF A SUDDEN

Officer Hansom *facepalms*

She threw the flower petals and guess what? THE NUMBERS FELL DOWN IN THE CORRECT ORDER, WHO COULD HAVE KNOWN HAHAHA (thirteen)

Y’ello

Y’ELLO

Y’E LL O

IS THIS HOW AUSSIES ANSWER THE PHONE, AUSSIE MUTUALS PLEASE RESPOND

BLAKE (Liam Hemsworth) IS SO ADORABLE I’M ROOTING FOR EVERYONE IN THIS MOVIE

Dress up montage... Yeah- Oh wait, they cut it out what the hell fvygbuhnj I WANT MY DRESS UP MONTAGE, GIVE IT TO MEEE

This is some fancy first date though... Also leaving 100 bucks tip doesn’t justify breaking in to a store I guess??? Seems like the law has no function in rom-coms lmao (fourteen)

BUTTER PECAN??? HOW OLD ARE YOU, 200 OR SOMETHING??? WHAT THE FUCK, MAN

The rain... You know what’s coming after- Ah, and they kissed *giggles uncontrollably* YES!!! (fifteen)

THEY CAN’T HAVE SEX BC IT’S PG-13 (liam’s abs, though) *bi scream*

Her apartment makes me cry, it’s so beautiful (ok i’ll stop counting from now on bc i cannot keep up anymore)

Also the romantic tension between Natalie and Josh................ I have no words

Isabella (Priyanka Chopra) calls Josh ‘Mush’ and it’s so f-king cringey, I swear to God sxrdctfvygu

STOP OVERSELLING NEW YORK, WE KNOW IT’S NOT THAT GOOD

I can talk about Blake for five hours, he’s so fucking funny lmao

Donny (Brandon Scott Jones) is such a gay sidekick, he comes out of nowhere and talks weirdly but he makes me laugh so I’ll give him a pass

NOW WE’RE GETTING SOMEWHERE, NATALIE’S GONNA STOP ISABELLA&JOSH’S WEDDING

That musical scene is everything, and Natalie hits that high note H AR D

GET IT, GIRL

Blake............ no-

I ROOTED FOR YOU, WE ALL ROOTED FOR YOU, HOW COULD YOU DO THAT-

Oh my, he’s a certified douchebag, I should’ve guessed, I’m so disappointed in myself

Unexpected wisdom coming from Donny who had no function to the story other than appearing beside Natalie at random times (again, rom-com trope)

BUT at least he made her realised who matters to her the most

Slow motion running!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Her boobs are like sxrdctfvyg SHAKING AS SHE’S RUNNING ESXRDCTFVYB (as someone who has big breasts, i relate to that so hard)

“Yoga Ambassador. Yoga. Ambassador.” “Ambassadors are for countries, not for streching.” Dang, Nat!!!

She finally realised she loves herself! Awww, that’s so sweet and empowering and I can’t get enough of this!!!! Yes, to love someone else first you should love yourself!

Oh she crashed the car and went back to reality

Another hot doctor???? Wait, I’m confused- No, false alarm, she’s back and her real doctor is tired, is also swimming through lawsuits LMFAO

She pulled her IV and blood SPILLED EVERYWHERE AS IT SHOULD BE, THANK GOD

I’m glad that she’s happy with what she’s got and she didn’t decide to keep what she’s been doing but instead, tried to take care of herself, it’s such a good message to young girls and I cannot praise this enough

PLOT TWIST, DONNY IS ACTUALLY REALLY GAY AND HAS A BOYFRIEND AND IS ALSO A WEED DEALER OH MY FUCKING GOD I LOVE THE TWIST SO MUCH

Natalie!!! Is!!! Confident!!! Now!!! I’m literally living for this *throws hearts to the screen*

OH MY WIFE IS BACK, HI WHITNEY I LOVE YOU MY SWEET SUMMER WIFE I MISSED YOU

Nat stormed into that meeting and she’s. on. fireeee

Real Blake is as jerk as ever, no surprise

Using parking lots as metaphors would never cross my mind but ok I guess???

Fuck, he said “What does beguiling mean?” I’M LOST FOR WORDS, THIS MOVIE SXDCTFVYGU

JOSH HAS BEEN LOOKING AT NATALIE FOR THE WHOLE TIME, NOT THE SWIMSUIT MODEL, WHO COULD HAVE THOUGHT???

ps. me and probably everyone else except Nat lol

EVERYONE SINGS

THIS IS NOT A DRILL

I REPEAT, EVERYONE SINGS AND IT’S SO GOOD

LIAM PLAYS THE SAX HOLY SHIT HE’S SO HOT I’M GONNA FAINT

Priyanka with that rose.......... Consider me dead, thank you

“It’s hot as fuck” tcfyvgubh probably true

Overall, I would give this movie 7/10 because of the message. Plot is nicely done and I got see basically every single rom-com tropes. At total, I counted 23 tropes I guess? If I could look every minor detail, I would count more but I won’t get into it that much for now. (i’m running late to a meeting with friends so i have to cut short)

I loved the production design, setting felt like I’m in a classic rom-com movie and characters were written accordingly. Every actor in the movie has fit perfect to me. I especially loved Priyanka and Liam because 1) I’ve never seen any of her movies and 2) It’s been a long time since I watched a Liam Hemsworth movie (i only watched hunger games, so you think about it lmao)

I guess that’s about it! I have a list for the next weeks’ movies but if you have a request then tell me so, I will watch your recommendations first! I appreciate comments; if you have something to add, please do. I will read every single one of them.

See you next week!

#movie commentary #movie commentary monday #isn't it romantic #rebel wilson #liam hemsworth #adam devine #priyanka chopra #betty gilpin #brandon scott jones #todd strauss-schulson

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ladyluck852 · 6 years ago

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Aunt and Uncle Duties pt. 1 (a got7 scenario)

A/N: inspired by the many great conversations @kpop-and-overwatch and I have, a crackfic about life with kids and those weird aunts and uncles we all have.

Summary: Y/N and Jaebum have kids, Yugyeom and his wife don’t, the kids miss their aunt and uncle but their parents would rather not be reminded of all the good times they’re missing out on.

Word Count: 1.7k

Warnings: none! just your normal cuss word and mention of drunkeness

Y/n woke up in the morning with a headache, two crying children, and a snoring fiancé who wouldn’t budge even if the whole roof came crashing down on him. She counted down the seconds before the twins came running into the room, the lack of a strong dose of caffeine making it physically hurt when the door slammed open and hit the wall, making Jaebum jump out of bed like they were in the middle of a war zone.

“The twins! Y/N why are you still in bed?!” Jaebum stressed, his eyes barely open as y/n yanked him onto the bed and motioned to the crying kids who had since climbed on top of her and were squeezing the life out of their mother. She was sure that although their problems seemed large, they were nothing compared to her lack of sleep and proper nourishment that came with raising two four year olds at the same exact time. She envied her friends who didn’t have kids, as much as she loved them she also wished she could get out more often without a child attached to each leg and a fiancé who complained that she complained too much.

“Babies, why are you crying? Mama is tired, it’s too early to be sad” y/n mumbled, brushing her kids tangled hair back and holding back her own tears. It was too early for this.

“H-Hojin said that Aunty Sammy and Uncle Yugyeom don’t love us!” the youngest of the twins said. Yulli was a spitting image of her mother and father, although early in the morning looking this unkept she looked more like her mother.

Y/n refrained from giving her son the ‘angry mom’ eyes when the words spilled from Yulli’s mouth, the topic of their ‘aunt and uncle’ going unheard of for what felt like months now. They used to come over all the time, sometimes they stayed for days, the kids loved it but Y/n and Jaebum not so much. Since they were parents now and had many responsibilities, it hurt to see reflections of their youth when Yugyeom and his wife Sammy came to hang out. Not to mention they were just as unstable as Y/n and Jaebum were before they had the twins, every time y/n opened Instagram she was met with another vacation photo from the two or photos from some club looking smashed.

“Don’t be silly Hojin, of course they love you, why would you say that?” Jaebum asked softly, knowing y/n had no idea what to say in this situation, mostly because she was the one who asked Yugyeom and Sammy not to come over as often. Oops.

“B-but I heard you and mommy talking and she said t-that uncle Yugyeom and Sammy can’t come over anymore!” Hojin whined, burying his face in y/n’s stomach as she tried not to squirm. Her kids gave her more affection than she’d ever wanted in her life, except from maybe Jaebum, but she wondered if it’d ever end. The kids were an accident, a happy accident, but they certainly hadn’t planned them. They were knee deep in a romantic vacation after Jaebum’s schedule had cleared, one minute y/n thought she came down with some exotic disease and next she was pregnant. They were okay, shaken but okay, then the doctor told them they were having twins and they hadn’t been alright since.

“Well mommy was just kidding. Of course they can come over, they’re just busy” Jaebum sympathized, trying to calm the kids down who were still as frantic as they were the second they broke the door open.

“Then why don’t they?” The twins challenged at the same time, climbing off of y/n and climbing on top of their father. Y/n took this opportunity to slip out of the room and make herself coffee, her heart beating erratically when she checked her phone and found two missed calls from the devil herself. Sammy and y/n used to be thick as thieves, and as much as she missed her she didn’t have the time to indulge in all the fun stuff anymore, she couldn’t day drink let alone night drink without dying anymore.

“It’s early, I thought you didn’t wake up until 12pm nowadays” y/n joked when Sammy answered the phone on the first ring. The coffee machine made farting noises in the background and y/n rolled her eyes, awaiting a response from Sammy. She could hear Yugyeom being loud in the background, listening to music while her heart ached slightly.

“Okay mom, I can be responsible,” Sammy snorted, “Yugy and I are in the neighborhood, can we come over? I miss the kids, how are they?”

“Big, they miss you guys. But um, we’re not busy or anything I just-“

“What do you mean not busy, isn’t it your anniversary?” Sammy asked, sounding slightly offended. Y/n wasn’t phased, she knew her anniversary wasn’t until November and Halloween hadn’t passed yet right? She checked her phone and was met with her lock screen, a photo of the four of them dressed as cats for Halloween two weeks ago, the date reading November 17th making her nearly drop the coffee mug she’d just retrieved.

“Oh my god Sam it’s my anniversary” she groaned, sipping the burning hot black coffee as her headache intensified, “maybe-“

“Say no more. Yugyeom and I will be there”

An hour and a half later the twins were cleaned and dressed, eating breakfast at the table while Jaebum lounged lazily without a shirt in the living room.

“Babe, put some clothes on we have guests. You better tell Yugyeom to not get drunk and throw up in the pool again” Y/n warned, getting flustered when Jaebum got up from the couch and crushed her against his chest. The only thing she could do from that position was smell his deodorant, which smelled like her lady deodorant Jaebum insisted was too girly for him. She tried not to get angry and instead settled for the affection her fiancé was giving her.

“It’s just Yugyeom and Sammy. Yugyeom has seen me naked more times than you have” Jaebum chuckled, leaning down to kiss her cheek while y/n sincerely hoped he was kidding.

“I really hope not” she hissed, ruffling his hair he’s spent all morning styling. But he still wasn’t wearing a shirt...

“Also, make sure you tell your best friend Sammy to not pass out in the kids clubhouse again. Your friends are out of control” he said, turning away before she could tell if he was kidding. She was going to follow after him when she heard the doorbell ring, and the little footsteps of a child echoed through the house.

“I got it!” Her son shrieked excitedly, while y/n stomped after him.

“Hojin open that door and see what happens!” She hissed, grabbing the back of his sweater to keep him from dashing and opening the front door. He whined as she stepped in front of him and opened the front door, being crushed in the arms of her best friend before she could even blink. All she could think of was that Sammy gave hugs like her children, and her heart was slowly getting fuller.

“Aunty Sammy!” Hojin squealed, hugging his aunt for two seconds before Yugyeom stepped through the door and Hojin screamed like he was in a horror movie. All the yelling attracted his twin sister and the living room became a loud mess, y/n didn’t know what to do except look for Jaebum who ruffled her hair on the way to hug Yugyeom and Sammy.

“Did you come to visit us? See Hojin I told you they still loved us!” Yulli shrieked, stomping her foot as y/n wondered when her children became so ill-mannered. She knew they understood they shouldn’t yell so much, but their favorite aunt and uncle brought it out of them.

“Yes! You get to spend all day with us!” Sammy said excitedly, pulling the twins into her arms while Jaebum and Yugyeom immediately hopped on the PS4 and loaded up a game Jaebum played religiously when he had free time, “mommy and daddy are going to leave you home with us while they go out and have some adult time okay?”

Y/n’s eyes bugged out of her head, this was the first she’d heard of this, she thought they were just going to enjoy their day with their two friends and that was it. She was even considering getting out the girly wine for her and Sam to enjoy with dinner in the evening, now she had to plan a whole date. Impossible, the kids would never even let her leave the house, “um...what?”

Sammy just rolled her eyes at her best friend who looked like she hadn’t slept in years, which was probably true, “come on, Yugyeom and I can do it, you trust us right?”

Something in the back of Y/n’s mind was screaming no, but they’d been best friends for so long it was hard to say that, “y-yes”

“It’s settled. Yugyeom and I got you and grandpa a reservation at our favorite restaurant at 4pm. After that you guys can get some drinks and we’ll have dessert ready when you get home. It’ll be fun, live a little, show your fiancé a good time, I’m sure he misses grabbing your ass in public without the kids copying his every move”

Y/n paled, Sammy was right...about all of it. Her mouth watered at the freedom, but she also felt bad.

“Come on mom, it’s just practice for the day Sammy and I have kids” Yugyeom called from the couch, not bothering to look away from the the tv screen as y/n’s eyes flashed from Jaebum, to the kids, to Yugyeom and back to Sammy. It was too good not to pass up, she just had to tell the mom in her to shut up for once. Which was nearly impossible because she was born with the mom gene, always bossy and overbearing and making sure everyone was fed. She just couldn’t shake it that easily.

“Fine” Y/n mumbled, knowing her day would be a train wreck but worth it all at the same time.

#got7 #got7 scenario #got7 imagines #jaebum x reader #yugyeom x reader #jaebum fluff #yugyeom fluff #got7 fluff #ladyluck852 #got7 fanfic

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tindomielsilverthorn · 6 years ago

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Letting Go

This is a collaboration with @thebiganvil. I am picking up the story that I started back in February.

This piece comes in directly after Long Night

If you enjoy my writing, please come check out our website! Silverthorn

The early morning sun was just beginning to break through the window. Ælithil dozed on his pillow, despite all attempts to remain awake. It had been hours upon hours since he brought her home. From beneath the blankets, Silannah began to stir, mumbling incoherently at first. Ælithil twitched an ear, and looked up.

Silannah voice broke the silence again, barely intelligible. “I will keep my word....”

Ælithil brow furrowed as he moved towards her. “Sil,” he asked softly. Her eyes fluttered open and she tried to sit up, surprised. “Hey, hey, slow...” he gently instructed.

The ancient Kaldorei woman gasped in pain. “Shit!” She dropped back down with a thump, her brow knitting. “Æl?” She managed the question weakly.

“I'm here,” he responded softly.

“How did I...how am I back here?”

“Here, take this first,” he coaxed. He handed her a mug and a hunk of crusted bread. “The ale will warm you up, but you need to eat. I'll make tea for after that’s finished.” Silannah looked at the bread in her hand and sighed heavily. The younger elf snatched the kettle from the table and placed it on the runestone. Silannah sat up very slightly and sipped a little. She winced as the alcohol hit her busted lip. He watched her carefully, concerned.

Silannah looks down at herself, frowning at her state of undress. She pulled the blanket up and covered herself. Shivering a little, she took another sip of the ale, attempting to avoid the cut, but was not entirely successful.

“Your clothes were wet and frozen, I had to take you out of them,” he explained.

Silannah picked the bread back up, her hands shaking as she tried to tear it. “No..I understand,” was all she quietly managed. She made another attempt at pulling off a bite of the bread, but the crust would not cooperate.

“Do you need help?” He didn’t expect her to even acknowledge the offer. Instead, Silannah started to argue but restrained herself. She held it out to him, trembling. Ælithil’s eyes went wide in disbelief. He sat next to her, taking the bread and started to tear it into bite-sized pieces. “I got out some night clothes for you. When you feel up to it.”

Silannah picked up a piece of bread, chewing it very slowly and deliberately. “I would appreciate that,” she responded quietly.

He set them next to her head. “Can you do it, or do you need me to dress you?”

Her voice dropped to a whisper as she lay there looking completely ashamed “I...I....” She bit it back, afraid to meet his eyes.

He adjusted his postition and put the clothes on his lap. “It's ok, I'll do it. You were damn near dead, Aunt Sil.” Ælithil lifted her gently to a seated position, slowly pulling a shirt on for her. She whimpered uncomfortably.

Silannah took a shuddering breath. “It would have been best...”

Ælithil grimaced. “Please don’t talk like that.”

Silannah sighed heavily. “I am sorry you have to see this.” She took another bite of the bread, again chewing it with care.

“Aunt Sil, what happened?” He laid her back down with care, his face pulled tight in concern.

She looked at the mug in her hand. “I wanted to go, Ælithil.”

Ælithil looked confused. “Go?”

“To her. Kajeda.”

He looked confused for a moment, then his eyes went wide. “Shan'do, no....”

Silannah sipped again slowly, pulling air in with a wince. She shook her head. “Æl...I am hardly a Shan'do right now.

“You are my Shan'do, no matter what.”

Silannah chuckled softly. “Gods but you are stubborn.”

“I get it from you. And don’t tell me that is impossible, I don’t care. What were you doing out there? Did you do this to yourself?”

She took a slow breath and tried to sit up again. “I was...” She grunted with the exertion. “I was trying to get to Everlook.”

“You were nowhere near Everlook...” he retorted, not buying her story.

Silannah started to take another bite and put it down. “All right...let me...let me try to explain...it's fuzzy.” He nodded slowly, waiting to see what she had to say. “I sent you away after you started asking questions. And I...Ælithil, I have tried to keep walls up inside, but you asked and they crumbled.” Ælithil furrowed his brow. She lifted her mug, sipping it again. “And I haven't eaten since.”

Ælithil sighed heavily. “And you’ve been drinking, haven’t you?”

Silannah nodded, “Whatever was here.”

He scowled. “I saw the broken bottles.” He snatched the mug of ale from her hand. “That's enough of that.” Silannah nodded wordlessly. Æl grabbed the boiling kettle from atop the runestone.

“Just some water would be fine.”

Ælithil took a moment to tidy up the table and prepare the teapot. “You're getting tea, you need the warmth.”

Silannah frowned. “I was going to let go, Ælithil. If you wish the truth of it.” Ælithil clenched his jaw and poured the water into the pot. “I only needed a couple of days,” she continued quietly. “And then Este decided to show up instead of just reading the letter I had sent.”

“Estelæth? She was here?”

She nodded, “Came to check on me.” Ælithil poured a cup of tea and walked over to the bed. He held out the mug to her. Silannah reached out gingerly, her voice going tight. “Oh gods…”

Ælithil scowled at her. “What?”

She shook her head. “It's not your fault...it's just…” breaking off, she bit back the rest.

Growing annoyed with her, Ælithil snapped. “Oh, no, I just saved your damn life. You are talking to me.”

Silannah lip quivered as she fought to speak. “Ælithil...this is something I shared with her...It is no easy thing for me to…” She closed her eyes, fighting against the tightening in her chest. “To drink this.”

“Right now it is something to help make you well. Drink.” He stood over her, his arms crossed, indicating no arguments would be entertained. Silannah nodded and sipped it. A tear ran down her cheek as she swallowed. “So why were you going to Everlook?”

“Este figured out what I was doing,” she sighed. “She forced me to give my word I would take care of myself.” Gesturing around the cottage, “There's nothing left to eat.”

“I’ve got some rations for the road. I can go get more later.” Silannah picked up a small piece of bread and placed it in her mouth. She started to chew, her face going a little green. So she pushed it into her cheek and let it sit. “So how does sitting out near the Hidden Grove a mile off the road count as taking care of yourself?”

She sipped her tea again. “I called Helin to me and I was going to go get some food. A tree fell? Maybe?” She shook her head, unable to recall. “Something frightened him... He took off.”

“That’s why he left the road?”

“I was taking the cut off between the path and the road. To shorten the trip,” she explained. “We were almost to the road when it happened. And he just zipped through, no commands obeyed.”

“I saw the tracks. Lucky for you it wasn’t snowing the yesterday.”

Nodding her agreement, “He threw me, not on purpose. And went to hide.” Ælithil muttered under his breath. Silannah continued quietly. “I couldn't hold on. I tried to get up but…” Looking down, she attempted to move her leg. A short yelp escaped her lips before she could bite it back. Ælithil scowled at her. “I am fairly certain it is broken in more than one place.”

Ælithil nodded. “One is a compound fracture. I'll put a splint on it. Finish your tea then lay down on your back.”

Silannah nodded. “I am afraid I am of no use to you now.”

“Your wounds will heal.”

She shook her head. “Some don't, Ban’du.” Ælithil scowled at her again. Silannah quickly downed the last of the tea, holding the cup out to him, refusing to look at it. Ælithil took the cup and set it aside. She worked to get herself onto her back as Æl stepped towards the door.

“Be right back,” he told he and walked outside. The sharp crack of wood breaking could be heard, followed by the stomping of his boots as he knocked off the snow. He set several large branches on the floor and moved to his side of the space. He dug around in his pack before revealing several rolls of bandages. Carefully straightening the injured leg, he finally spoke again. “I came back....found the house trashed.” Silannah took a sharp breath, but said nothing. Very gently, he reminded her, “This is going to hurt…ready?” She nodded and gripped the bedclothes. Ælithil pulled down in a sharp, single motion, setting the bones.

Silannah screamed for a moment before nearly passing out. She gulped air, tears coming unbidden. Ælithil sighed, setting a couple of stripped branches along each side of the leg.”Tea set had been left out unwashed, ripped up dress or something on the floor. I thought you got raided.” He began to wind bandages around the leg, binding it to the sticks. “I looked around, found your tracks.”

Silannah choked out through gritted teeth. “I am sorry...I...I allowed myself to lose control.” She looked about the cottage. “You cleaned up.”

“Yeah. You were out for a while.” He continued his efforts, focused on his work. Silannah swallowed the soggy bread in her mouth and placed another in her cheek. “Your cat had just crashed through the woods, not trying to be stealthy or anything, so his path off the road was pretty easy to follow.” The woman chuckled mirthlessly. “Found you up by the grove, damn near frozen solid and more dead than alive.”

“I do not know why I keep the animal.” She winced, “Too tight, Ban’du!”

“It has to be tight, stop bitching. You taught me to do it when you broke my arm, and you didn’t listen to me when I complained either.”

“That's because you were being a baby,” she snapped back, squeezing her eyes shut.

“Then what the fuck are you doing?”

“Trying to keep you from jamming that splint into my leg too far,” she grumbled. Silannah arched her back, trying to hold herself steady.

“Just let me do it, ok?” Silannah sighed, but nodded. “You taught me well, just trust me.”

“All right.”

“Was anyone out there with you?” She shook her head at him. “Hmm…”

“Este left and I went straight away.”

“There was another set of tracks out there, it came up to you and then went away,” he told her. He tied off the first bandage and started on the second.

“I…” her face twisted for a moment, “I thought I dreamt that.”

“Dreamt what?”

“Someone walking up to me,” she replied. She tried to sit up a little to watch him. He reached over and pushed her back down.

“And they didn’t help?”

“I asked for help...but I..I couldn’t open my eyes.” Silannah reached down, touching her hip. “My coin pouch,” she stopped, concentrating on the memory. “They took my coin pouch.”

“What?” The word came out with a growl. “Gods damned goblins.”

“I heard it move…” She made a face. “It could have been anyone, Æl.”

“Around here?” He grunted. “Goblins is the best bet, especially for thieving. Little bastards.”

She sighed, “You are probably right.” Ælithil finished tying off the bindings. Silannah shifted and tried to move her toes. She managed some jerky twitches. “Well, that's something, I suppose.”

Ælithil muttered, “Should just clean this continent of anyone not kaldorei….” Silannah swallowed the bread and lay back down. Ælithil blinked. His voice dropped to a whisper. suddenly. “Or other elves….” He began to clean up the tea service.

“I was supposed to go to Este's place,” Silannah told him.

“Was she coming back for you?”

“She told me...what was it?” She rubbed her face. “Something about getting me away from here? I cannot recall it.”

“Well, I can't get you that far.”

“She's gonna be pissed off then,” she grunted, an odd smile on her face. “Good. That's what she gets.” She muttered to herself about people staying out of her business.

“What I am going to do is sit you on my panther and walk your ass to Everlook,” he stated, matter-of-factly. Silannah blinked at him. “I will write my father, he can come get us we can port to his place.”

“Oh for fel's sake…”

“What?”

“Why would I need to go there?”

“Min'da will take care of you. And you can get looked after,” he scowled at her, adding, “and watched to make sure you don’t do anything else stupid.”

“I'm nearly twelve thousand years old. If I want to do something stupid, that's my choice.” Ælithil glared at her.

“You know, months and months ago, you showed up when I was sitting minding my own business at that great tavern in Stormwind. I heard a lot of shit about being ready and doing my duty and crap like that.”

“You're 25! You haven't yet done your duty!”

“And I came here, and got my ass kicked and my gods damned bones broken for months on end.”

“Sounds like I did my job then,” she retorted.

“And I didn’t complain, I took it. I did anything you asked of me.” His voice had an edge to it that she didn’t quite recognize at first.

“That's what you are supposed to do.”

“And because of you I learned how to be me after everything I'd lost…”

“My job was to get you to this point! So you don't need me. I've done it. Someone throw me a damned parade,” she mocked.

He turned to her, tears in his eyes. “And you are the most important gods damned person in my life and you are not going to quit on me now! And if you make one more gods damn smart remark I swear I am going to re-break that fucking leg.”

“Don’t…don't..." she begged. “You take me off that fucking pedestal right now!”

Ælithil was shaking with anger. “SHUT UP,” he bellowed at her. “Just shut the fel up and accept what you are, gods damnit!” Silannah shuddered, tears forming despite her every effort to stop them. He softened and continued quietly. “You're my family….”

“I cannot be Æl...I do not have that within me,” she whispered.

“Don't talk shit. You already are.” He sounded truly hurt. “My father is distant by nature, my mother is wounded. You are the family I got in this life after all the others got erased.” Silannah pushed herself up, trying to stand. “Get off that fucking leg you twit,” he barked at her.

She shook her head. "You listen to me, Ban'du. You hear me, whether you want to or not. You want to call me family? Fine. But I am not special. I am just a broken soldier who follows orders. Your uncle told me to train you. And I did. But you don't dare put me before your mother. Not ever. Because I promise you that no one one this planet, or any other loves you the way she does. You got it?”

“I didn’t say you are before her,” he glared.

“Damned fucking straight.”

“But you are here, and when you look at me you don’t just see what you missed.”

“No. I see a man who is finally figuring himself out,” Silannah grabbed his shoulder, holding herself steady. Ælithil scowled. “Now. I will sit back down, if only to get that stupid look off your face.”

Ælithil sighed. “Gods you are a pain in the ass.”

She lowered herself, shaking. “Don't tell me you just figured that part out. I thought you were smarter than that.”

“Pretty sure I got that on day one,” he replied bitterly. “When you had me bare knuckle fighting in the snow wearing only my undergarments and kicked me in the balls and then broke my arm.” Silannah’s eyes go somewhat blank suddenly and she started to pitch forward. Ælithil lurched forward to catch her. He wrapped his arms around her, lifting her back into the bed gently. “For fel's sake, just lay down.”

Silannah shakes as she lowers herself onto the pillow. “Dammit,” she mumbles.

You are the toughest thing in all the land, now lay down and shut up.”

“Mocking me now?”

“No. Anyone else would be dead.” He watched her carefully. Silannah nodded.

“Is that water still warm,” she asked.

“I can heat it back up, what do you need?”

“Just something to drink, but warm would be nice...it's so cold in here.” She pulled the blanket up to her chin, shivering a little.

Ælithil furrowed his brow. “I'll make more tea.” He rose and moved to gather up the kettle. He set it back on the runestone to bring it back to a boil.

“No…no…" she pleaded.

“Well it’s that or hot water….”

“Is there…um…" she cleared her throat, trying to keep her voice even. “Is there any honey in Kajeda's little pot?”

Ælithil rummaged around the little containers on the table. Finally finding the one she meant, he looked inside. “Yeah.” The kettle started to whistle and he lifted it up, returning it to the table.

“Some of that in water will be fine.”

“All right.”

“The tea will make me need to use the out house. And I would prefer to limit the trips out there.”

Ælithil prepared a cup for her. “You're dehydrated, I doubt your body will give up fluids right now.”

“Perhaps. But please...just...just the water.” She shivered again, her hands visibly shaking.

Ælithil held out the cup, looking very worried. “Here...” She reached for it. She wrapped her fingers around and tried to pull it away. Unsure of her grip, she brought her other hand up to support to. Ælithil knelt down, helping her guide the cup to her lips. “Thank you,” she whispered before taking a drink. “You are rather good at this...”

Ælithil shrugged. “I was a healer once...sort of.” He guided the cup for her to drink again. “In another life,” he whispered.

“Hmmm,” she said, sighing. “Thank you for..well everything today, nephew.” He nodded curtly. “Sit, please.” She pointed to the bed. “Wherever you wish.” He sat quietly at the edge of the bed. She continued in a gentle way that was unlike her usual demeanor. “I want you to understand something. It may seem like very little to you, for all you have been through. But I gave my word that I would take care of myself. And once I am able to, I will keep that word.” She shifted, wincing a moment before settling into a less uncomfortable position. “Este knows that it binds me, no matter what my own desires may be. It's why she forced it from me.” Ælithil listened, nodding slowly. “So no, I will not be leaving you. But I am,” She started shivering again. “I am going to need....” She grit her teeth and forced herself to be still. He watched her, his fear written across his features. “I will need your help.”

“I'll do anything you need,” he whispered, his eyes filled with tears.

“Oh stop crying, Ban'du.”

He sighed. “I have every right to be afraid.”

“Afraid of what?”

“Losing you,” he answered sullenly.

Silannah sighed. “I told you, I will keep my word.”

“You are badly injured,” he countered. “I wasn't kidding when I said most people would be dead.”

“Then you better find someone to fix me up,” she instructed.

“That’s the plan, as soon as I can move you.” He nodded.

“Ælithil...I cannot go anywhere for some time. It would be better if you rode to Everlook and sent for someone.”

“I don’t like the idea of leaving you alone,” he stated flatly. He stood and fussed over the blanket, making sure she was completely covered

“I will survive the short time it would take you,” she chided him with a smirk.

“Get some sleep. I will go later after you wake again.”

Silannah nodded, conceding the point. “All right. Just...can you get another blanket? Or my coat? It's cold...”

“Yeah...” He crossed to the trunk near the far wall and opened it up. Pulling a heavy wool blanket out, he returned to her. He unfolded it and threw it over the bed. Ælithil gestured over the runestone, instructing it to put out more heat. “Better?”

Silannah has softened down to a whisper. “Yes...thank you.” He started to turn away when she called out to him again. “Æl?”

“Yeah?” He faces her again, concerned.

“You smell like perfume,” she pointed out. Ælithil colored slightly. “You back to your old habits?”

Ælithil shook his head emphatically. “No, Shan'do.”

She nodded. “Because I would have to kick you in the balls again if you are.”

He smiled faintly. “I did meet someone....but...it wasn't like that. She's...nice”

“Oh?”

Ælithil flushed, “Yeah.” He smiled slightly. “I only just met her....we'll see what happens.”

Silannah shuddered a little. “Do you feel it?”

“Feel what?” He looked confused at first.

“You know what,” she prodded. He looked down, nodding quickly. Silannah chuckled. Her voice started to fade. “About time....” Ælithil blushed deep purple. “It's nice to see you blushing, instead of the other way around.”

“To be fair, she was doing it too.”

“Hmmmm,” she responded. “Well...you're a goner.” He glanced at her, looking sheepish. Silannah’s eyes close. “She's a Silverthorn...isn't she?” Her voice grows quieter with each word.

“Maybe...it’s a little complicated,” he whispered.

Silannah sighed and her breath grew more deep and even. “Tell me about.....” she drifted off to sleep mid sentence.

Ælithil sighed, relieved. He gently squeezed her shoulder before finding his way to his corner of the cottage to rest.

#Kaldorei #night elves #Silannah Redwing #Ælithil Silverthorn #World of Warcraft #Wow Rp #wow rp character blogs #WRA RP #wra roleplay #Wyrmrest Accord #Wyrmrest roleplay #wyrmrest rp #my oc #my husband's oc #My writing #writing collab

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kenjiro-s · 6 years ago

Text

A different kind of Final Quest

This is me trying for NaNoWriMo, wish me luck and strong will, because I am going to need both.

Day 1: A kidnapping

Having a 24 h bookstore at a college campus made sense in theory, but on nights like this, Tooru wondered if it was worth it. Ten at night was not so late and there were the occasional confused customers but mostly the shop was full of bored students looking for a warm place to escape the late Autumn air that slipped through layers of fabric to bite at the skin like a rabid animal. Tooru sipped from the huge mug of tea he kept just for these occasions and flipped through the magazine on the counter. True, it was right up his alley, but he’d also read it cover to cover three times already and there was only so much he could take.

An hour later, the place was barren. Empty. Desolate. Deserted. Abandoned. Tooru pulled out the heavy thesaurus from the shelf behind him. Vacant. He flipped through a few pages. Forsaken. No, godforsaken. Devoid. Barren… Before he could find more words to describe his terrible fate, because one had to find ways to entertain himself on night shifts, the door opened. He glanced up, relieved for the distraction but also a touch annoyed because he’d been just getting in the mood, and the two customers didn’t make it easier to like them.

Frat boys. The worst breed out there. Yes, he’d been one of them once, but even in his first year he liked to think he had class. This…This was something else. They were attractive, true, but nobody in their right mind was that loudly cheerful close to midnight on a weekday in that weather. It just wasn’t natural. But they were potential customers and if Tooru knew how to be one thing, it was how to charm people. Smiling playfully, he leaned a hip on the counter and waited for the strangers to notice him.

Which they did not. The audacity… Well, their loss. He shrugged, more at himself than at anyone else, and pulled back his magazine. He’d just have to make sure they didn’t pocket anything without paying for it and it would be fine.

-…well, you know he’s never wrong. – Even without trying, it was impossible not to catch a word here and there. They were the only people in the shop beside him and they didn’t try to keep it down. Tooru found himself unconsciously listening to the conversation, not that it made much sense to begin with.

- I am just saying… - The black-haired guy was obviously trying to placate his friend with mixed results.

- Yeah, but bro, do you want to be the one to go to him and tell him… - The voice faded to a loud theatrical whisper. – that you think he is wrong ? Can you do it ?

- Now, Kou, no need to go that far. I don’t have a death wish. – Tooru wasn’t sure what the topic was but while they did sound like they were overdramatizing, at least they didn’t seem drunk or high. Probably just bored. – How about we…

The pause made Tooru lift his head. And realise the other man was much closer than he’d though. A pair of almost-green eyes met his and he froze.

- Well, hello there. – The grin slipped on the man’s lips like ink, slow and confident. – Can I ask you something about a book we’re looking for ? – He was practically purring and Tooru knew that if he’d been anyone else, he’d be a puddle on the floor. But, he wasn’t.

Keeping the movement just as slow and liquid as the Cheshire cat smirk, Tooru stood up from the unattractive slouch he’d been in, and propped a palm by the magazine on the counter. Looking down at the man who was still leaning forward, he smiled in the same way that had made all the girls in high school swoon. Not that he’d cared that much but one had to use every weapon in their arsenal.

- Sure. What do you need ? – The man just smiled wider, showing off perfect white teeth.

- It is… - He couldn’t finish because his friend almost threw himself on his back, and judging by the wheezing, had almost knocked the breath out of him. – Damn, Kou, are you trying to kill me ?

- Nah, Keiji wouldn’t like that. I found the place where it should be, though, and it’s not there.

- Wait, bro, you did ? What do you mean by “it’s not there” ?

- That. It should be there… - If that wasn’t a dramatic pause, Tooru didn’t know what was. – But it isn’t.

- Shit. Call Keiji, maybe he gave us the wrong address…? – They were getting more animated with every passing moment and Tooru was a bit confused. They were obviously looking for something specific that wasn’t there ?

- Um, excuse me…

- You think I didn’t try that ? He’s sure it’s here.

- Hey, can I ask…

- Yeah, but maybe, just maybe, he should run his calculations again. Just in case.

- Hey. – This was getting ridiculous. It wasn’t even about them ignoring him anymore, he wanted them to shut up and tell him what was “not there”.

- Oh, yes, because he makes so many mistakes and is always a moonbeam when we point them out !

- Hey !

- What do you suggest, then ? If he says it’s here and it’s not here, what do we do ? ‘Cause I’m running out of ideas…

- Can. You. Both. Shut. Up. Can you !?! – Two pairs of eyes met his. The brunet blinked, obviously confused, while his friend just stared and, whoa, those had to be contacts. Because nobody had this kind of luminescent yellow eyes. But at least that silenced them. Not his proudest moment, but it had worked. – Thank you. Now, what are you looking for ?

At first he thought they would just stare at him, frozen like statues, but then the shorter guy with the strange hair and even stranger eyes shook his head and pulled out a piece of paper.

- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, illustrated. Part one. – Well, someone hadn’t done their research. Or, it was the world’s stupidest prank. – Do you happen to have it ?

- Obviously not. – The guy just blinked in confusion, the movement disturbingly animalistic, and then tilted his head to the side.

- Will you have it with your next stock ? – It was his friend’s turn again. Okay, this couldn’t be lack of research. It was too specific. It was probably some sort of dumb challenge and they’d get a case of beer or something from their buddies of they made the cashier look like an idiot. Too bad they’d stumbled upon him.

- Again, - Tooru smiled sweetly. Judging by the tall guy’s narrowed eyes, the smile was way too sugary to be realistic. Good. He’d reached his goal. – obviously not.

- But why ? Is it out of stock ? Or you can get only a certain amount and you’ve exceeded it ? – It was almost sad, how the man believed everything he said. Whoever had roped him into this had probably lied to make it seem real. His friend was definitely familiar with the joke, though. Probably faking it to see if the newbie would go with it. How unpleasant. Tooru knew his face showed his disgust but there was nothing he could do about it, even if he wanted. Let the man know he’d been found out.

- No, sir. – He dropped the smile and spoke clearly. – You are asking about the seventh book in a series. They have published only three so far. It won’t happen anytime soon. I am talking years, probably.

He could read the emotions running though the customer like he was an open book. Lack of understanding, confusion. A little bit of hurt, more confusion. A desperate search for a solution. A lack of solution.

- And whoever told you it’s out obviously lied to you. Not sure why, though. – This…didn’t cause the effect he’d been going for. The man lost the “confused puppy” expression and his glowing eyes hardened. His friend casually slipped an arm around his shoulders though Tooru could see he was actually holding his, and not gently.

- Whatever misinformation had happened, it was not because I was lied. Thank you for your help.

And he turned on his heels. His friend stood there for a couple of seconds more, raised eyebrows above light eyes, his face almost amazed, when…

He wasn’t sure what happened. It felt like pressure, like a ton air compressed to the size of a soda can dropped on his chest, nailing him to the floor. His ears were ringing, the high-pitched sound digging in his brain and stopping him from thinking straight. Something shook, he heard glass breaking, but his lungs simply wouldn’t work. It was like every muscle was frozen and the only thing still going was his heart. Which beat way too fast and he could feel it in his temples. Something wet dripped down his face and yet he still couldn’t take a breath.

His eyes were closed, he realised, but panic started seeping in when he tried to pry them open and couldn’t. Nothing. He was completely frozen, his body not in his control, and it felt like his very bones were being crushed. It was weight but there was nothing, he knew there wasn’t, nobody was pressing him down and yet he could feel the mass spreading and forcing his spine to the floor. Oh, he was laying face-down. That just went from bad to nightmarish. And he still had no idea what was that.

Opening his mouth and trying to scream didn’t work, or at least he thought it didn’t, because the ringing in his ears still occupied his brain, but something changed. The terrible weight was still there, but there was a touch on his fingers and someone was talking, and then pulling and then…then everything went dark.

- Just one question. Only one. Why…did you kidnap a random person ? – Tooru’s skull felt stuffed with candy floss, light, empty and sticky, and the words didn’t really make sense, but he still kept listening. It was important, he knew it was, but he just couldn’t remember why. In the absolute darkness behind his eyelids, he could only focus on the voices.

- We didn’t kidnap him.

- Did he volunteer, then ? Or is he hitching a ride ?

- Keiji, it’s not like that, come on…

- Yeah, we didn’t do anything illegal. We saved his life !

- And instead of helping him and leaving him to his life, you took him here, because…?

- We panicked, okay ? We couldn’t just leave him there ! Who knows when someone else would’ve come and helped him. Or maybe they would mug him and beat him ! Or something worse ! I mean…

- I know what you mean. – The voice was completely unfamiliar but the exhausted sighs reminded him of his childhood best friend. Though this man spoke quietly and with the sharp confidence of a general. – I just wish you’d warned me. Did you at least find the book ?

- It wasn’t there. Apparently, it wouldn’t have been there for years. Someone messed up with you.

- You mean it was a trap.

- I bet it was that asshole Daishou…!

- Tetsu… - The tone had changed. Now it was soft, soothing. Tooru could listen to it forever. – You know he likes to antagonize you but he’d never do something so dangerous.

- You were misled and he’s the only one…

- I didn’t say that was not his doing. But the attack ? That was too much. I need to think. And you, both, need to rest. And then you can tell me, again, why did you kidnap a complete stranger.

- Keiji, I’m telling you…

- I want an explanation, not excuses.

#haikyuu!!#haikyuu fanfiction #oikawa tooru #akaashi keiji #Kuroo Tetsurō #bokuto kotarou #ot4 #rare pair #urban fantasy #nanowrimo #nano 2018 #fanfiction #aged up characters #different first meeting #not stockholm syndrome #promise

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silluuuu · 7 years ago

Text

And Cat Makes Three

Here’s my submission to SE’s February Prompt Challenge! I was so excited to scoop up @makapedia‘s prompt: Character A and character B try to take care of a lost dog in an apartment where dogs are strictly prohibited. Or a lost cat. A lost pet. Any pet is acceptable.

This was a blast! Thanks to @jaded-envy and @piercelovewonton for the beta eyes and a big extra thanks to jaded for organizing this event!

And Cat Makes Three Rating: G

“No.”

“Please?” Maka says.

It is far too early in the morning for Puppy Dog Eyes, but here she is, unleashing them while Soul is still in his plaid pajama pants, mug of tea in hand. The juxtaposition of Puppy Dog in her eyes and black, mewling cat in her hands is as charming as it is grating.

“Maka. We can’t even have cats in the apartment.”

He wants to make her see reason, but unfortunately, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a weapon, in possession of perfectly good sense, must be in want of a meister with no sense at all.

He’s not being entirely fair. Normally she does have good judgement, but alas... today it has been stolen by a four-legged purring machine.

“I know, but look at her.” She holds the cat up, another meow escaping its jaws. Soul walks over to it and leans in, narrowing his eyes.

“...Looks like a cat,” he observes, which earns him a scowl. “And--” Accusatory eyes flash. “How do you know that it’s a girl?”

Check out the rest below the cut, or on AO3 | FFN !

A wave of guilt crosses her face before it’s replaced with a smile. She feels bad, but not bad enough. “Beeeeecause… I might’ve already taken her to the vet. And had her microchipped.”

“Makaaaa,” he grouses into his teacup, closing his eyes.

“...We don’t have to keep her,” Maka says softly. She’s the queen of the guilt trip, even when dumping a large shopping bag on the counter that is, incidentally, filled to the brim with cat toys.

“We can’t keep it,” Soul says. “Unless you wanna get thrown out of the apartment.”

He stands no chance. Her heart is too big, programmed to help every living thing that needs saving, and it’s going to leave them homeless, wandering the streets of Death City with Maka’s feline charity case in tow.

If they have to become vagabonds because of this, he is not carrying the cat toys.

“Just for a little while, then,” Maka says, looking down at her feet. “Until we find somewhere for her to go. Okay?”

He heaves a massive sigh, eyeing the now-purring cat in her arms.

“... Fiiiiine,” he groans. “But only until you find someone else.”

The way she beams at him is totally non-permissible. She should not be giving him positive reinforcement for harboring a fugitive.

“Wanna hold her?” Maka smiles, extending the cat out like she’s presenting Simba to his lowly subjects.

Soul grimaces and reaches out, but as soon as it seems to get settled, it lets out another yowl and jumps out of his arms, prancing away with its tail in the air.

“She likes you,” Maka declares in response to his scowl. “I can tell.”

---

He doesn’t like it at all.

It’s always there, in the apartment, staring at nothing, or licking itself, or thundering down the hallway at two in the morning like it’s chasing ghosts. Or even worse, staring at him. Which it does. Frequently. And when he shuts the bathroom door, it comes for him, claws slithering beneath the door, pawing at him like a toilet-peeping thief in the night.

It all sounds a little like paranoia; he knows this, and yet he can’t stop himself from keeping tabs on this cat. Fear for his own life is one thing, but he also finds himself making sure it hasn’t gotten itself into the grocery bags, or the coat closet, or crushed by the vacuum, or in the vacuum--

Not that he’d care. It’s not like he worries about its well-being or anything.

It does give him heart attacks every second day, though. One night, he’d been halfway through his routine midnight snack of two percent when yellow eyes had flashed out of the corner of his eye. A demon, he’s sure. Freshly summoned from the underworld to expunge his fridge of dairy.

“Yikes,” he’d said flatly, ignoring his heart hammering against his ribs. “Little witch.”

She’d let out a mewl and tried to rub against his leg, which had left him paralyzed in the kitchen at one in the morning, victim to her infernal whims.

She probably just wants milk, he could imagine Maka saying. In any case, his plaid pajama pants are no longer safe.

Maka had decided to name it Blair, after that character from Gossip Girl, because she’s supposedly classy and refined, or something. The ‘picture of down-to-earth glamour,’ Maka had said, as Blair had hacked up a hairball on the bed.

All Soul can think of is the Blair Witch Project, which he finds infinitely more fitting.

---

“Maka!”

The next day, his strangled yelp echoes through the apartment, and he hopes that the sound of pure desperation can properly rouse her.

“...What?” comes a drowsy response from behind her bedroom door.

She’s not grasping the urgency of the situation, so he expedites the process: “She’s trying to get in my pants!”

It’s very effective. The door flies open, followed by three heavy steps as Maka bounds into the room, fists clenched, ready to fight. “Who the h-- … oh.”

She stares at Soul for a moment, and then lets out a little laugh as she sinks onto his bed, watching Blair knead at the spot where Soul’s hip joins his leg.

“Nothing is funny about this,” he squawks, knuckles white against the backboard, which only makes her snort.

“Have… you never seen a cat do this?” She scoots up close to him, seeming to relish seeing him immobilized by cat affection.

“I have,” he says, grimacing. “But not to me.” When the cat jumps up onto his leg and settles herself in the crook of his thigh, however, he gives up the fight, scowling at Maka instead.

“She likes you,” she says again, reaching up and lying across the bed as she scratches the top of Blair’s head, and suddenly, this image, the two of them stretched across the bed with a cat nestled between them, sets his heart thumping again, though in a different way than before.

No. He will not fall victim to the allures of domesticity. He’s not ready to be a father, okay? Especially not to a creature that may or may not be consorting with the devil.

He is further convinced of this the next day, when all hell breaks loose.

“Surprise inspection!”

Sid is perky, as he normally is when he comes around for inspections. Soul suspects that this is because secretly, their landlord loves the stress that he induces in his tenants via his little check-ins. Much like the zombie apocalypse, no one can ever know when he’s coming. For many years, however, Soul had found it hard to be phased by this routine, since they never had anything to hide.

Until now.

“Uuuuhhhhh, just a second!” Maka calls out cheerfully as she jumps up, knocking over the cereal box in her haste. Her eyebrows knit in worry and she starts to sweep it up, but Soul’s got other priorities.

“Leave the Mini Wheats, what are we gonna do with it?” Soul hisses.

“Agh! Yeah. Okay. ” Maka jumps up and the two of them sweep the house, de-catifying the apartment which is, unfortunately, a process that normally requires more than thirty seconds.

“It’s okay, pretty girl,” Maka soothes as she quite literally stuffs Blair into a backpack, holding her down as Soul deftly pulls the zipper over Blair’s face. Under normal circumstances this would’ve given him an immense amount of satisfaction, but for the moment, he is made only of panic. Blair echoes his sentiments, screeching her displeasure as Maka carries her through the living room.

Maka places her gently on the porch, sliding the door shut against a chorus of yowls. Cat toys are quickly amassed and stuffed into a bag in the closet. After finding no other suitable hiding places, Soul simply chucks the litter box out the window, the top of the tupperware enclosing Blair’s… business inside. Maka glares at him, unimpressed at this decision, but time forces her into complacency, so she grabs the Lysol and makes it rain all over the bathroom.

With their tracks appropriately covered, the two of them run for the door, shooting each other a wide-eyed glance before they tug it open, faces ashen.

“Gooood morning!” Not waiting for a response, Sid struts in, chest out, almost giddy in the way he strolls through the apartment. He looks down at the spilled cereal and glances up at them.

“Heh. Yeah,” Maka says, pulling at a pigtail. “I’ll just--”

“No worries,” Sid says as she leans forward to start cleaning it up. “I’m sure this’ll be a quick visit, anyway.”

The two of them laugh, and Soul wonders if Sid can hear how forced it is. Soul crosses back into the living room as Sid and Maka make their way through the kitchen, and his feet still when a very obvious yowl carries in from outside. He peeks through the curtains to see Maka’s backpack rolling around the porch in a little circle, moving forward by little jolts and accompanied by Blair’s screechy commentary.

“Christ,” he mutters and, with Sid in the other room, he abandons his normal cool-shuffle for a full-on bound towards the record player, slapping on the nearest record without even looking at which one it is, eager to mask the sounds of screaming cat.

It turns out to be the soundtrack from Psycho - a present from Wes for his birthday - and he takes a moment to appreciate his love for Angry Violins, which happen to sound... not that different from Angry Captive Cats in Backpacks.

His relief is short-lived when, accompanied by the Psycho violins ringing his in ears, he hears something truly horrific from the kitchen:

“...Why is there cat food in your fridge?”

Maka’s stunned silence feels louder than the music, and since he won’t let her face that question alone, he doesn’t think before he hears the words coming out of his mouth.

“Oh, uh -- that’s mine.” (He’s going to kill this cat.)

He walks into the kitchen, trying to keep his face as impassive as possible - which Maka is certainly not doing, her mouth falling open as Sid turns to face him in disbelief.

“Yeah, it’s got uh… good health benefits, okay?” He can tell Sid still doesn’t believe him, and he can see Maka’s eyes growing wide with fear from behind him, and he knows, deep in his heart, what must be done.

“See?” he says, grabbing a fork and popping a bite in his mouth. “Good for digestion.” It tastes like salty, fishy refried beans, but the worst part is… it’s not even that bad.

“Plus--” Maka says, eyes sparkling with amusement at this point, because they can both see that Sid is beginning to accept that he may just have really weird, if catless, tenants. “It’s free range.”

“From Uruguay,” Soul adds, pointing to the label.

Sid heaves another sigh at this, and just as Soul is about to stuff another bite in his mouth to really bring home the charade, Sid simply shuts the refrigerator door and mutters, "Can't believe I already gave back your damage deposit."

The soothing sounds of Psycho continue to spill from the living room as they enter, which probably doesn't do much to improve their newly decreasing reputability with their landlord, but at least this particular room is devoid of potential cat giveaways.

With one exception, of course.

After clearing this room, Sid opens the curtains to look out onto the porch, and Soul's heart jumps into this throat as he cranes his neck, trying to see what Sid sees and hoping desperately that Sid isn’t watching a strangely mobile backpack. Somehow, though - miraculously - he doesn't seem to find anything of note, and he continues down the hallway. It takes everything in Soul to not race to the window and make sure that their cat is still breathing, but he holds himself back for the final ten seconds of Sid's inspection.

"Everything's fine, as usual,” Sid says, and Soul tries not to let out an audible breath. “But," he adds with a small laugh, "lay off the kibble, would ya? I don't wanna have to call Poison Control on my weirdest tenants."

He pulls the door shut, his chortling echoing down the hallway and leaving Soul and Maka staring at the peephole in the door.

The things he does for her.

Well, he's not living this one down for awhile, but for the moment he's more concerned about the great escape that his cat seems to have pulled off from the porch.

But no, the porch door slides open to reveal her purring and curled up in the bottom of the bag, pressed against the door. As soon as they bring her back inside, she hops out of the bag and runs over to the table the record player sits on, rubbing against its legs.

"Huh," Maka says, glancing at Soul and smiling.

"What?" He's still grouchy about Sid thinking he subsists on a cat food diet.

"I think... she likes the music."

Startled, he looks down at Blair again, who is happily curled up at the base of the table, head bopping along slightly to the music.

"'Course she does," he says with a shrug, turning to finally clean up the cereal. "We already knew she was psycho."

---

"You're leaving me alone with her?!"

"It's only for a week." Maka's eye roll is extremely unnecessary, he decides, especially since his concerns are extremely legitimate.

The cat won't leave him alone. She still hasn't stopped watching him when he drinks his midnight milk; if anything, she's gotten bolder, meowing at him in the kitchen, even standing on two legs and pawing at his knee, eyes wide and unblinking like she's trying to bewitch him into handing over his precious carton cargo.

“You’re just a wolf in cat’s clothing, aren’t you?” he’d said to her on one of these nights, and as she’d finally stalked away, leaving him to finish his milk in peace, he swore he saw her wink in the light of the fridge.

“She’s a cat, Soul,” Maka says, bringing him back to the present. “The worst she can do is fall asleep on your face.”

“Uh, yeah, which would suffocate me. That’s murder.”

Maka hoists her bag over her shoulder, dropping her keys into his begrudgingly outstretched palm. She’s the Responsible One, after all, keeper of the sole keys to the mailbox and the recycling room. Normally he’d be quietly happy about accepting this responsibility, but now... at what cost?

“You’ll be fine. She trusts you.”

It’s not whether the cat trusts him that’s the problem, he muses, but he catches the keys anyway. As she walks to the door, he staunchly ignores the fact that he misses her already.

That night, he puts on the Blair Witch Project to properly educate his fugitive feline about her namesake. She watches it with the same wide-eyed attention that she gives him when she’s after his milk which, yes, he does find terribly unnerving.

“You like horror movies, don’t you?” It’s the most riveting discovery he’s made in months, mostly because it makes so much sense. She meows back at him from her perch on his lap.

(It’s not like he likes her sitting there, or anything. He’s just too lazy to move her.)

They finish the movie in silence, Blair purring against his stomach. And even if his cat is a horror movie-loving, crazy violin superfan who is probably a demon, he has to admit… it’s sort of nice to have her there.

---

The rest of the week passes much like this. Blair invades his space at every opportunity, and Soul fends off her advances. He’s taken to pacing around the kitchen to avoid her begging during midnight milk, which is only moderately successful. She - like Maka - is aggravatingly persistent, and although he will only ever claim to be supremely annoyed about this, there’s a part of him that does find it endearing.

Currently, Blair is on a quest to grab a bite of his dinner, jumping onto the table every few seconds and swiping at his chicken. He imagines Sid saying well, if you’re so interested in her food, she should get a crack at yours! and crabbily wolfs down another bite. In response, he picks her up like a baby (which cats are supposed to hate, but she, for some infuriating reason, loves it) and tosses her on the bed, shutting the door so he can finish his dinner in peace.

Minutes later he finds himself creaking open the door to find that Blair has nestled completely into his laundry pile. Only her face is exposed, eyes half-closed in Tide-scented bliss.

“Tch,” he says, feigning disgust, but even as he says it, he’s taking his phone out, snapping a photo to send to Maka.

It’s after midnight, so he doesn’t expect a text back, and when the screen lights up in his hands, he almost jumps.

[[ see? she likes you. :) ]]

He rolls his eyes, but he bites down on his lip to keep from smiling. Aloof stoicism is his brand, and Maka, with her ruthless optimism, will not break him.

[[ likes being up in my business, maybe ]]

[[ well, I do that too, sometimes. and I still like you. ;) ]]

The smile is gone, replaced by a dull heat that fills up his face and then recedes, though the familiar gnawing in his gut sticks around.

“I wonder if she could,” he says to Blair. She blinks at him from inside her laundry cave. “Ever like me,” he explains. “Like that.”

At this, Blair stretches, sending socks rolling down the sides of the pile, and then plops back onto his lap, belly exposed.

“Is that supposed to mean something?” He tries to sound grouchy, but he’s smiling again, and it’s awful. “I don’t speak cat,” he adds, but as he sees her lying there, giving him nothing but love despite all his surliness, she reminds him of someone.

He looks down at his phone and starts to type.

[[ yea, ur not so bad urself ]]

Soul realizes that he should have seen his very peaceful week as a bad omen, because at this moment, he feels like Blair is making up for lost time.

This is what he gets for trying to be responsible. Clearly the possession of two forbidden keys had driven him mad with power, and since great power is the inevitable precursor to great responsibility, he’d decided to give Blair a bath - a cat’s public enemy #1 - in order to surprise Maka when she came home.

And when Maka walks into the bathroom to find litter all over the floor, and Soul and Blair drenched in a corner of the bathtub, she is certainly surprised. In fact, she walks in at the worst possible time, to angry hissing coming from more than one source.

“Ugh, Blair, quit it --”

“W-What are you doing?!” She raises a hand to stifle her laugh as Soul stares absolute daggers at her.

“I was trying to get her clea-- oh- oh god- stop wiggling--”

But Blair is, unfortunately, a master wiggler. In her haste, she leaps over the lip of the bathtub and out into the hallway. As Soul lunges for her, his face slams into the side of the tub with a sickening clunk.

“...Ugh.” He rises from the depths and pinches his nose as Maka runs over to him. “Is it bleeding?”

She carefully lifts his hand off his face to reveal that yes, it is, and even in the daze that he’s in, his eyes flicker to her hand, gentle against his.

“Let’s… clean this up?” she asks. All he can muster in response is a glum nod.

“I dob’t know,” he huffs a few minutes later, two tissues stuffed up his nose as he crosses his arms. “I tought maybe she’b like bads!”

“Maybe she’ll grow into them,” Maka shrugs as she dries his hair with a towel.

“Yeah, okay.” He settles into letting himself be taken care of, because his head is pounding and because yes, after a week, having Maka’s face this close to his is kind of nice, or whatever.

He has mostly forgiven Blair (for precisely this reason, if he’s honest). She’d come back in to the bathroom after sufficiently drying herself - he suspects the floor vent in his bedroom is to blame, as she’s fluffier than usual - and has now endeavored to wind between his and Maka’s legs.

“Well, anyway. All done.” Maka tosses the towel on his face and heads into the hallway to put away her things, his hair apparently dry enough.

From inside the bathroom, he catches her saying something else as she walks away, something that he wasn’t sure if he was meant to hear: “It was still really sweet.”

Blair, at this moment, bounds into the hallway after Maka, stopping just for a moment to look at him again.

Before she turns to go, he swears he sees her wink again.

---

It’s midnight and - world’s biggest plot twist - Blair is here.

Because of course she is, this infuriating, adorable, sweetheart of a cat that he can’t really bring himself to scoff at anymore. She might be Blair, Beseecher of Midnight Milk, Bringer of Nosebleeds in Bathtubs, Probably A Witch But Definitely Also A Cat, but she also might sort of be… family.

She’s a nuisance, but she’s their nuisance, and it’s the way that things are supposed to be.

“Alright, fine, little witch,” he mutters, going to the cupboard and grabbing a small bowl. “I think you tried to do some matchmaking yesterday. So here. I owe you one.”

Into the bowl goes a modest helping of two percent, and Blair meows her gratitude as she laps up her earnings.

Down the hall, in her bedroom, Maka smiles at the two of them, at the grunty-meowy conversation that she can’t quite make out.

As she lies there in bed, she pulls out her phone, and with a small sigh, she rereads a conversation from a few days before, replaying it in her head as she tries to figure out what it means, if anything.

[[ yea, ur not so bad urself ]]

She rolls over, letting the screen fade to black and watching her reflection in the glass.

… Who knows. Maybe Blair can help her figure it out.

#my writing #soul eater fanfiction #soulxmaka #soul&maka #family feels #roommates #cat chaos #se february 2018 prompt challenge

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