#happy LATE mol day but still :)

[chameleocoonj]

🪱🪱🪱 HAPPY MOL DAY 🪱🪱🪱

[dainesanddaffodils]

So i whipped through Stormblood at concerning speeds and am full of thoughts! so here again are my WoL's feelings on the many characters she knows/met.

Thoughts post-ARR | Thoughts post-Heavensward

Without further ado - Cimorene Greystone's Post-Stormblood Relationship Vibes

Lyse - a little similar to Cimorene's feelings toward Alphinaud in A Realm Reborn (though definitely not as bad). Cares about her very much, agrees with her cause VERY MUCH, but also. she is a lot sometimes and Cimorene isn't always sure how to interact with her. Will always have her back though and is very proud of her.

Alphinaud - that remains her baby brother, don't fucking touch him. still feels closest to him of all of her companions, new and old.

Alisaie - that remains her baby sister, don't fucking touch her. Cimorene worries about her a lot and has resolved to never abandon her.

Hancock - Tangy, the player, thinks he's hilarious and also my friend has a wolship with him (started as a joke, became Not A Joke) so that kinda colored Cimorene's interactions with him. I think she likes him in spite of herself, honestly.

Yugiri - lizard solidarity. Definitely feels a sisterhood with her and cares about her very much. Feels very protective of her, feeling the need to be a tempering force in her life to balance out her passion and idealism re: Doma - and if that didn't work, at least guard her from those ideals getting her killed.

Gosetsu - Cimorene adores him, there isn't much more she can say than that. He’s a good man and she is genuinely surprised he survived and had, while not a happy end to his story, at least a peaceful one - it’s more than most good men in her life get.

Hien - Reminds her of her late husband so much. She's not into him that way, but still is very fond of him because of those similarities. Worries about him the same way she worries about Yugiri and feels a fierce determination to not lose him.

Cirina - That's Cimorene's cousin! Distant cousin but still, they're related on her dad's side and Cimorene immediately notes the similarities when she meets her and the Mol.

(Her father never told her what clan he'd been from, just that he, like most Xaela, was from the Steppe. She didn't have a lot of strong feelings towards the other people she met within the clans because she was kind of assaulted with A LOT OF INFO about who she is and where she came from at this point lmao)

Raubahn - 10/10 man of all time. if Cimorene was in the market for a replacement father it would be him, unquestionably

Zenos - not only hates him but hates him a distinctly uninteresting way. He died and she stopped thinking about him immediately (and when any mention of him maybe surviving comes up she is like, well, I guess I gotta kill him again end of thoughts)

Fordola - her feelings are what could graciously be called complicated and moreover she understands it isn't her place to pass judgement on her one way or another. Is gonna keep her distance from her, though; if she comes around to her one day it will be because she is giving that relationship space now.

Yotsuyu/Tsuyu - similarly complicated feelings; understands that she was horribly mistreated and is very pro-kill your abusers but to say Yotsuyu took it too far is an understatement. She did, however, fully believe that Tsuyu was safe and really wanted her to have that fresh, clean beginning and was heartbroken when that was shattered.

Asahi - GET A JOB. STAY AWAY FROM HER (Tsuyu). truly genuinely hated him more than she has hated anyone she has faced thus far. Absolute garbage rest in piss.

Krile - That's her mom - dont! fucking! touch! her! Cimorene is very glad that she didn't get the scion summoning disease as that probably would have snapped the fragile thread she was hanging on by at the end of the patches

Thancred - genuinely was finally kind of coming around to like, a friendship with him just as he got struck with scion summoning disease so. RIP that budding relationship, I guess. We'll see where Shadowbringers takes that I'm sure only good places

Y'Shtola - Cimorene always forgets how much comfort she gets from being around Y'Shtola until she's gone and then she's like 'wait that's my emotional support archon please give her back'

Estinien - impulsively kissed him after the lvl 70 dragoon quest and immediately fled the scene, later learned that he saved her life and immediately fled the scene, and NOW she’s a literal world away so like… that tension isn’t getting resolved anytime soon

Crystal Exarch (yeah they don't call him that in game yet but I know whomst he is) - get better cell service if you're gonna keep calling my girl in the middle of a fucking war! she would be more willing to open the gates if you didn't keep yoinking the souls out of her beloved friends - again in the middle of a fucking war! yes I know this is probably beyond your control but Cimorene doesn't and she is very very very upset with you!

[red-hibiscus]

180 Degree Longitude Passes Through Us episode 1 analysis

No analysis. I just wanna put it out there that is indeed the accurate depiction of stubborn political son and a-political parent.

Mol: In, don't you dare seduce my son with your booze. My son is a good kid. He doesn't drink nor smoke. Wang: How can I drink when the Great Sasivimol hogs all the booze? But today I'm willing to make an exception for you?

Pretty much from the get-go we see that Mol is generally trying to hold back Wang. She wants him to be her perfect son, despite the relaxed friend-like nature of their mother-son relationship. Wang is an adult and him drinking wouldn't be weird, he says so himself. However Mol tells In to not "seduce" him with booze. Which could also be foreshadowing.

Interestingly, if I remember correctly, Wang actually isn't interested in alcohol. He doesn't actually want it, this is just him being stubborn and rebellious as always. I think it's also important to note that Mol is described as someone who often drinks, despite saying her husband dying from drinking.

In: Thats even worse. It shows you're not willing to decide. Let me decide for you then. A glass of warm milk should do Mol: Good. Drink your milk. Kids these days need someone like you to put them in their place.

Mol basically wants In to “tame” Wang. Also, “let me decide for you” is pretty much what everyone is doing to Wang, especially his mother. People are deciding what Wang should be, what he should do. That conversation was about Wang not deciding on what kind of alcohol he wants and In, channeling his inner teacher, jokingly giving him an F. However within context, Wang's storyline is about him as a youth/young adult, being controlled by his mother/society.

In: The other professors accused me of being too soft on the students. Even though I was only being impartial Wang: But doesn't that mean you weren't willing to decide either?

Well this is foreshadowing. Later we learn that a big chunk of Inn's character is his inability to choose, and when he does choose, it's a choice made out of fear and his wish to run away. He is afraid to decide and stand up for himself so he runs away. Something that Wang will never do.

Mol: He is exactly like his father. In: But I think he takes after you. Mol: Really? I mean, we're both stubborn. But at least I'm open about it. He keeps everything to himself just like his father. That's what I don't get about him. That's what I didn't get about his father.

We start with the Wang =(?) Siam. Which is more foreshadowing to all the Wang | Siam parallels scattered throughout the show. Wang is secretive for the same reasons Siam was secretive. Mol wants truth, but she cannot handle it. She says she doesn't get it, but later we do see that she suspects and understands more than she lets on. Siam kept everything to himself because he was pushed to. He didn't want to harm Mol either. Similarly Wang knows him mother well. He knows how far is too far. He also knows that he's her everything and despite his frustration with her, he still loves her as his mother.

Also right after that short conversation In changes the subject, running away again.

Oh but Mol that's exactly what he didn't want. He was actively avoiding talking to Siam, and for the sake of Mol too. At least that was his excuse. Now by the time he went abroad he did want to hear the phone ring, but it was too late, and it's not like In would take the initiative.

This is interesting because in theory yes, in actuality only partially. If Mol's happiness was the only thing on his mind he probably would've seen that Siam and Mol were not good for each other. At the very least he wouldn't have left them. Initially yes it was for Mol's sake. Mol liked Siam so In helped her get connected to him. But no ultimately he was doing it as a (very damaging) self-defense mechanism.

Wang: It's just that I want to travel... In: from the north pole to its southern counterpart. Wang: And learn of all the things I never got to know. In: and just like that the world is in your hands

The way Wang looked at In is liked something clicked. He realized he found someone he could actually talk to about his interests. He certainly can't with his mother. In understands the meaning of the globe because it was his and Siam's dream originally, and was later passed down to Wang.

Reading into it, but this could possibly be because In sees Siam in Wang, at least partially. Or it could be because In only knew of Wang as a baby and they spent such a long time apart. Plus Wang's way of speaking/interests. They're more in line with an academic.

[munsonsgirl71]

Last March someone very important to me lost his battle with cancer and it WRECKED me. I am still not over the loss and there is a whole in my heart that will never be filled. I looked up to him and his light and love, his kidness, his goofiness. He was one of a kind with a smile that could make you cry.

In May I met Eddie and in June I found Joey. These two men have given me a zest for life that I didnt know I could have. I got back into writing which is something I love and haven't done in YEARS. They helped to pull me out of my depression, helped distract me from the pain I was in.

Eddie came into my life without warning and completly flipped it upside down (no pun intended). He brought me here after a very long hiatus and helped me meet some of the most amazing people I have ever met.

@munson-trashcan Mols, you were my very first friend in the fandom and I love you to the moon and back. I'm still so sorry about predicting the ending of Days of the Week but hey... it worked out because we connected. I know we haven't talked much lately but I am always here and I know you are too!

@eddiemunsonfuxks Becca... You have been there for me so much over the past couple of months and I honestly don't know how I could have gotten through it without you. You encouraged me, supported me, hyped me up and loved me without judgement. I love you so so so much.

@hellkaisersangel Lexy, my angel! We haven't known each other long but we have gotten so close and it's truly the highlight of my day to talk to you about the silliest things. We have bonded so tightly that I am honestly shocked by it. I love you times infinity!

@joejoequinnquinn Baby! You are my source for all things Joey and God do I love you for it! We clicked the instant we first messaged each other and sometimes I wonder if we're actually the same person! I love you more than all the stars in the sky.

@harrywavycurly Sarah, my darling girl! I remember finding you on Tik Tok and falling in love with Boyfriend Eddie! I was ecstatic to find you here and I am so glad we became friends. You have been so encouraging with my writing and you have always been willing to lend a listening ear (or seeing eye) for anything I have needed. I love you more than Eddie's wife loves hot cheetos

@goldenbrownanddistasteful Sadiya, we haven't talked much but I hope that in the New Year we can find time to talk more. You are the kindest of souls and I am happy to call you my beautiful moot!

@myobmaya @icallhimjoey @caseyqdilla @billybluboy @sunflowergirl522 You guys are purely amazing! Such talented writers with such kind hearts. We haven't talked much but every conversation I've had with each of you has been special! I love you all.

And finally to every single follower of this blog that has liked, reblogged and commented on my work... I FUCKING LOVE YOU! To see 600+ people love amd enjoy something I have worked so hard on is the greatest gift I could ask for. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Xx P

[bharv]

hiiii for Glim!

For Good: Is there anyone in your OC's life who had an undeniable positive impact on who they are as a person? How did knowing this person improve your OC's life?

Past: Does your OC have any past partners? How did the relationship(s) end? Are any of their exes still in their life, and if so, do they get along?

Future: Is there anyone your OC is looking forward to meeting or to seeing again? Who? What might that meeting or reunion look like?

Eeee thank you!

I've answered For Good - it's her mother's old girlfriend Ket, who The Emperor uses as his disguise. She was the reason she could go to the library, go to university. She was a good egg indeed.

Past: Does your OC have any past partners? How did the relationship(s) end? Are any of their exes still in their life, and if so, do they get along?

She's definitely well into double-figures but most of them are not serious at all. Most just kind of fizzle out and so she's on friendly terms with pretty much everybody. There's about four more significant partners (bearing in mind she's in her sixties when the game starts, so that's not many). Drek, her first boyfriend, who was another Deep Gnome that she grew up around who later married her sister-in-law's brother because the clan is small like that, Clane, who was one of the first musicians she studied with and her first love, a halfling who played the lute and ended up dumping her because she was progressing faster than he was and he was jealous (they got over it, but she was pretty heartbroken for a while), Almeida, a half-elf Sunite cleric who she met in Neverwinter and fell very deeply for, though it was more of a one sided muse-type relationship, and Gelrinn, another fellow bard who disappeared one day leaving a note that just said "sorry, I can't."

Future: Is there anyone your OC is looking forward to meeting or to seeing again? Who? What might that meeting or reunion look like?

She's always happy to see Volo and Rolan particularly, and invites them to Waterdeep far too often for Gale's liking as they're terrible guests. Rolan is a fusspot, and Volo keeps them up too late and always drinks too much with Glim and leaves before he has to deal with the consequences. She also keeps a close eye on Mol, and is always trying to intervene to get her on the straight and narrow just a little bit. She fails every time.

[nelweensfic]

Saving Christmas

My entry for Jumani_art DTIYS on instagram. Thank you @curlyy-hair-dont-care for Beta reading this fic 🥰

Draco couldn't believe it was happening. He stood in front of the Burrow's door, Scorpius clinging to his right leg, a little bag on his left arm. Having Harry in his life for months was one thing. Having to meet 'properly' Harry's family was another thing. Meeting them, for the first time, on Christmas Eve, was a complete other  thing altogether. 

Harry spent the week reassuring Draco, telling him not to worry, telling him some of Weasley's traditions for Christmas like Molly knitting sweaters for each one of them, decorations flying everywhere or the children doing something special each year. Draco was also mostly panicking for his son. Scorpius had never met the Weasley's children but Harry talked a lot about Rose, Hugo and Victoire. Teddy was the only one Scorpius knew since he was practically Harry's son and was now living with him. 

So when Arthur Weasley opened the door, a small curious look on his face, Draco internally panicked, fearing he wasn't as welcomed as Harry said. But then, Molly came into the frame and both smiled lovingly. 

"Draco, dear! We were worried you'd never come!" Molly said in a motherly tone. "You must be Scorpius." 

Scorpius whined in fear but Draco pushed him slowly by the shoulder to say hello. 

"Nice... Nice to meet you, Ma'am." Scorpius said timidly. 

"Thank you, Mrs and Mr Weasley for-" 

"Arthur." Mr Weasley interrupted with a smile. "Call us Arthur and Molly please, you're almost family now." And then held out a hand.

Draco gulped then shook Arthur's hand before stepping inside, a small smile on his face. Molly grabbed his jacket and bag so he could make himself comfortable. The house was bigger than Draco had thought. Effectively some Christmas decorations were flying here and there. He could smell the delicious meal from the kitchen and decided to follow Molly since he didn't know where to go. Scorpius was still on his leg before spotting Teddy in the kitchen, eating a biscuit. 

"Teddy Lupin Potter!" Molly shouted. "You're supposed to put them on the plate, not eat them!" 

"But they're so good Mol'!" The boy said in defense, stuffing another biscuit in his mouth. 

"Teddyyyy!" Scorpius exclaimed, letting go of Draco's leg to run toward the blue haired boy. 

"Scorp! How's my fav brother?" Teddy said, crouching to pull the child into his arms. 

"Hey!" Exclaimed another boy who entered through the opposite door. "I thought I was your favourite brother!" 

"You're all my family, Hugo! But Scorp' will soon be my real brother!" 

At that, Teddy looked directly in Draco's direction and the blonde's heart clenched. Never had he thought the teen would accept that Harry and Draco would be married one day, nonetheless accept Draco as another father figure. They smiled at each other, then Teddy got up and went to embrace Draco in a welcome. 

"Hey Draco! You're almost late!" Teddy said in the crook of Draco's neck. 

Damn, he's tall now. 

"I wouldn't have missed this. Where is Harry?" 

Suddenly Draco really feels like he should have seen Harry by now. 

"Oh! I think you should follow me to the living room, they should be there"

Teddy ruffled Scorpius’ hair before heading toward the laughs. Draco immediately felt out of place when he entered the room and the chats ended and the tribe looked at him. It was like being in a Lion’s cage. Literally. All the Weasleys were here, orange bushy and majestic hair everywhere. 

Ron and Hermione went to him and welcomed him brightly, happy to see him. It was the most comfortable thing in this house so far. Then Bill and Fleur came, like Molly and Arthur, they welcomed Draco and Scorpius nicely to the family. 

George and Ginny were the most awkward. Because of their troubled past Draco wasn't expecting much from them. They all looked at each other, sensing the tension as they stood without words. The room was filled with a silence that wasn't good for that kind of night. 

"I-" Draco started.

"The past is in the past." Said George before turning around and walking toward the couch. 

"Don't mind him," Ginny said without looking at her brother. "Listen Malfoy, Harry is my brother. I don't want to hear him cry because of you. I don't want to hear him being angry because of you anymore." 

Draco gulped, he wasn't expecting to be humiliated like that in front of people on Christmas night. 

"You were a fool at school, but marrying Astoria and being a dad changed you. We can't deny it. Harry is happier than we have ever seen since Hogwarts. So we know you make him happy." 

"Ginevra, I-" 

"Welcome to the family, ferret." She finished with a smirk and gave her hand as a truce. 

Draco took it sheepishly. This was the weirdest and most realistic version of being treated and welcomed into that family. George and Ginny were right. The past is the past, they won't forget who he was but welcome him anyway. 

Charlie and Percy only nodded at him, being busy with bedsheets in front of a wall. Only Harry and the other children were missing. Well, now Hugo and Teddy were missing too. 

"Where are the others?" Draco asked Hermione.

"Preparing the annual surprise," she answered with a knowing smirk. 

"Hum... a Weasley tradition? Harry told me the children always do something for Christmas." 

"Yeah, we stopped doing it when we went to Hogwarts but Harry insisted on bringing it up when Victoire and Rose were born," Ron said with a laugh. 

"Harry?" 

Before someone could say something, the light went on and off for a couple of seconds before switching to a light blue. All the family gathered on the couches and whispered some things to each other. Scorpius took a seat between him and Hermione, looking confused. 

"You can't be serious!" a voice said behind the white sheet. 

"I can't believe he left us alone to go on vacation!" replied another voice. "Especially at this time of the year!" 

Two little kids walked from behind the sheet, both dressed in green pants and a red shirt with a sleeveless sweater with fleece. Pointy shoes and fake pointy ears. 

"What do we do? We can't do Christmas without Santa?" A girl, maybe Rose, said with a panicking tone. 

Scorpius gasped in fear and surprise. At the age of 5, he still believed in Santa and Draco chuckled at the thought. 

"Rose, it's us, we will save Christmas," Victoire said, with determination.. 

"But... how? It's just us!" Whined Rose. 

"Let's find some help then!" 

The two kids started faking a long walk before being stopped by a noise. 

"Who are you and why are you on my domain?" An ugly, unrealistic wizard said to the elves when he joined them. 

"My name is Victoire, this is Rose. We need your help!" 

"Help? I won't help you, you're invading my domain!" 

"Please, we need your help or there won't be Christmas this year!" 

"And why is that my problem? Santa hates me!" 

"No he doesn’t!" Rose protested.

"Yeah? Then why did I never get a present from him?" Hugo asked with hurt in his voice. 

Scorpius whined, he could understand why the ugly, who was meant to be an evil wizard, hadn't had a gift. 

"Because he left us, enjoying his time in the Bahamas!" Victoire said in frustration. 

Ron and Hermione snorted and Draco couldn't help but smile. The little play was really nice and funny. Seeing the children debating how to save Christmas against the Wizard was nice. It was almost a realistic version of muggle and wizard interpretation of Santa having house elves. 

"I'll help you only if you guarantee me I'll have a present for the rest of my life!" Finally, Hugo bargained.

"Deal! Follow us then, Wizard!" Rose said happily. 

Hugo huffed then they faked walking again. Only to be stopped again but with a giggle. Teddy went out of his hidden spot, a pink dress with fairy wings. His usual wand had a little pink star at the end of it. Long blonde hair was up on a ponytail and he looked really feminine. 

"Oh young elves, what are you doing in the Fairy forest?" said Teddy with a high voice. 

"Oh Queen Fairy Tooth! We need your help!" Rose cried in relief. 

"Yeah, we need you to save Christmas!" 

"Again?" Teddy groaned. 

"Yeah, this time he went on vacation." Victoire sighed.

"When will he understand that these days are the only days we need him?" 

They all started to walk and they finished their journey at the elves' home. They went behind the bedsheet and then, suddenly, Harry was there. 

The Weasleys burst out laughing but Draco was speechless. Harry was disguised as Santa, in a fake white beard and cute little red hat. He had even put  pillows under his jacket to look fat. Scorpius clapped his hands delighted by the new appearance. 

"Ho ho ho!" Harry said, putting on sunglasses. "So much pressure tonight. It's a good thing that I'm on vacation." 

Ron and George booed and threw some napkins from the coffee table at him. Harry wasn't impressed and kept going.

"I should send a message to know what's going on in the big house!" Harry whistled and a tiny owl came to him. Harry gave it a letter and then the owl flew away. 

Harry walked behind the sheet and then the children came back, their arms full of presents. 

"Santa is impossible," Victoire said. "I just received an owl from him, asking if everything was alright and he might come later around January." She tossed the letter in rage. 

"It's okay Vicky, we can do it, Fairy and Wizy are with us." Rose tried to comfort. 

"Who are you calling Wizi?" Hugo groaned. 

They all moved to the Christmas tree and put the presents under it, where one shoe of each member was present. 

"Dad, there isn't mine. Does that mean I was mean this year?" Scorpius whispered in fear. 

Draco didn't know what to say, no one had asked for them to bring a shoe for the presents and Draco hadn't had time to give the presents to Teddy or someone. Panicking, he looked in despair at Hermione who only smiled fondly at him. Then before he could open his mouth, Harry, well Santa, was behind the couch. 

"Ho ho ho!" Harry said and Scorpius turned his head. Some tears of fear and happiness to see Santa rolled down his cheeks. "I forgot to tell my Elves that there are two more people in a special house today!" 

Draco watched Harry ruffling Scorpius’ hair, then with wandless and wordless magic, he removed one of Scorpius and Draco’s shoes and took them in his hands. 

"I have to go back to the big house now!" Harry said with a wink to Draco. 

Without effort he Apparated in the middle of the play, to where the little group were obviously waiting for him. He put the shoes under the tree and Scorpius gasped in joy. 

"Victoire, Rose. I can see you asked for help." Santa said sternly. "Maybe I should retire!" 

"No!" Shouted everybody in unison. 

"Okay okay, no need to scream!" Harry looked at the children and tapped his belly. "There will be two more people from now on at the Burrow. You need to fetch the presents so we can do our duty!" 

The wizard grumbled but gave Draco's bag that was on his left leg without Draco noticing before. Teddy took it and cast a spell to open it. His eyes widened when he put his arm on it. 

Draco snorted and Hermione gave him an elbow in his ribs. Then Teddy gave the presents to the Elves, whispering for who it was since they were all labelled and Rose couldn't read easily yet. 

Once the gifts were in place under the tree, Harry clapped his hands satisfied and looked at the children. 

"Thank you for your efforts, now I think it's time to do our job for all the houses, people will be pleased to open their gifts!" 

With that, Harry and the children went back behind the sheet and everybody in the living room applauded the little play. Draco was happy to have seen such an amazing play and Scorpius still seemed amazed by Santa's appearance. 

After a little while, they came back in front of the family, still in their costumes and went under the tree. Harry picked up a gift and walked toward Draco. 

"Merry Christmas, Malfoy!" Harry said in his Santa voice. 

"Thank you," Draco said when he picked up the package, brushing Harry's finger at the same time. "Santa," he added with a small smile. 

When Draco opened it he gasped in surprise and he tried hard to refrain a tear from falling. It was a sweater. The famous Molly's knitted sweaters. It was light green with white letters. 

Santa's favorite Ho!

Draco snorted and looked up, searching for the Mother of the tribe. They locked eyes and Draco moved before thinking. He got up and walked toward the woman, pulling her in a tight hug. 

"Thank you, Molly." Draco tried to keep his composure but failed, overwhelmed by the events of tonight. 

"Merry Christmas, my dear!" She chuckled. Then they pulled apart and she caressed his cheeks. Draco sobbed a little and she shushed him gently. "Better now than every year, Draco dear." 

They laughed; then he came back to his place. Scorpius had a little broom and a plushie. 

A lion plushie of course. 

Then Hugo climbed on the couch beside Scorpius, a similar little broom on his hands. That was the first time they met and seeing a big smile on his son's face made Draco's heart melt. He looked at them for a moment, chatting and giggling, not really knowing the hateful past between their families and already being friends. 

"I can't wait to see them at Hogwarts," Harry said, putting his arm around Draco's waist. 

"Do you think they'll still get along even if they're not in the same house?" Draco asked, afraid for the future. 

"Draco," Harry whispered, turning Draco's chin to look in his direction, "Both of you are now family. You don't have to worry. If something happens, Rose will be there, you will be there, I'll be there." 

"But you're the head of Gryffindor." 

"And you're the head of Slytherin," Harry argued and laughed. "Even if he's Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw, there is Neville and Luna. Don't worry about it, little Prince." 

Draco pulled Harry and kissed him on his cheek. Whispering at the same time, "Thank you, Harry. For everything!" 

Also on Ao3 if you want to share it too 😘

[weasleysprincess]

New Flame

A/n: This is my first Bill x reader, still trying to get Bill right also I’m wanting for this to be a series. Bill don’t get much love and I wanted give him some more :) I did write this as Fem!reader, I can do gender neutral readers for other people, I’m used to writing as a female since I’m a female. Also Gryffindor reader! I might change the series’ name not sure how I feel about this one 

Summary: You’re best friends with the twins and go to the quidditch world cup with the family before your 7th year.  A certain older Weasley finally sees your fancy to him.  

I was excited when the Weasley’s owl dropped off a letter from Fred asking me if I could join him and his family to the quidditch world cup. Quidditch wasn’t my favorite thing, I’ve been supporting the Weasley’s in quidditch since Charlie played.  I packed my bags for the game and school, Molly said I could leave my school things in Percy’s room.  The Burrow came into sight finally.  “Wow, you grew up fast”, I heard a voice say, I turned around to see a long haired ginger.  “Bill”, I smiled.  “Y/n, you’re here! Hi sweetheart”, Molly smiled, walking to me with her arms opened.  “Hi Molly, thank you for letting me stay”, I said.  “Oh nonsense, you’re family dear”, Molly smiled.  “Fred! George! Come take Y/n’s things to Ginny and Percy’s room”  I heard running and pushing “Oh no”, I said as I prepared myself for the impact of the twins.  “What?”, Bill asked as George picked up as Fred and him engulfed me into their grip.  They had grown a lot since the first of June, somehow Fred got me in his arms.  “Miss me that much, Freddie?”, I asked as he held me longer.  He nodded.  “Alright put the girl down, Frederick”, Bill said.  “Owahh. You’re no fun at all”, Fred whined as he sat me down.  “Thank you”, I said as the boys took my bags.  “No problem, Y/n”, Bill smiled.  “How’s Egypt?”  “Good actually, but it’s good to be home for once”, Bill said.  I smiled. “Heard you made prefect?”, Bill asked.  “I did, who told?”, I asked.  “Ginny, odd actually. I expected Fred to spill it. Congratulations, Y/n”  “Thanks Bill”, I grinned. 

“Y/n”, Ginny jumped the last step and landed in my chest.  “Omph. Hi Gin, I missed you too”, I hugged the ginger girl back. The young girl squeezed me, “Ginny, can’t breathe”, I whined.  “I’m sorry I just missed you is all”, She mumbled in my chest.  “Ginny! Why is my broom in your room?”, Ron yelled.  Ginny looked at me and then Bill, before running away from the older ginger.   “Is she like this in school?”, Bill asked.  “I might have a soft spot for your sister”, I giggled.  “Y/n”, He shook his head.  “I understand, her puppy dog eyes still have an effect on me too”, Bill smiled, laid his hand on my shoulder before stalking upstairs.  Bill made fire run up my body and core when he laid his hand on me.  I watched him disappear up the stairs, “Hey you okay?”, Fred asked.  “Yeah. when did you get down here?”, I asked.  “Just as Bill walked up and I saw you watching him. What’s up with that huh?”, Fred asked, turning the water tap on to fill his glass.  “Nothing is up, Bill and I have talked before, Frederick”, I scoffed.  “I don’t think you’ve had heart eyes at him”, Fred laughed.  “I do not! Stop being a pest!”, I sighed, throwing my head back.  I walked in the twins’ room and jumped face first into George’s bed.  “May I help you, doll?”, George asked from the desk.  “Just want to die right now is all, Georgie”, I said in the blanket. “I’m sorry?”, George asked again.  I raised up, “Just Fred being nosey is all, he thinks I have a thing for Bill”  “Do you? Hey that means you would be an actually Weasley, if you got married”, George smiled getting excited. 

“Not you too, Georgie!’, I whined.  “I’m sorry, would you rather marry Fred or me instead?”, George asked.  “Knock it off, I would kill Fred before we even got in bed together”, I rolled my eyes.  “So you wouldn’t kill me and I could get you into bed is what you’re saying?”, George smirked. “Not exactly but you and Charlie have a better chance than Fredrick does”, I giggled.  “I’ll be waiting, Princess”, George smiled.  “Hey don’t tell Fred, he’ll start something and I don’t feel like dealing with him”, I asked while holding George’s hand.  “Sure, anything for you, Princess”, George kissed my temple.  “Hey lovebirds, dinner”, Bill said, turning around leaving.   I jumped back a little.  “Come on, if you don’t get there before Ron you won’t get the good stuff”, George said.  We got down there, Arthur was at the head of the table, Fred and George were together. Hermoine and Harry arrived, leaving me to be next to Bill and Ron.  “Y/n, dear there’s place next to William”, Molly smiled, pulling dinner from the oven.  “Thanks”, I muttered.  “Hi again”, Bill smiled.  “Hi Bill”, I sat down.  “Y/n, Hermoine and I are having girls’ night. We want you there, please”, Ginny smiled.  “Save me a spot, Gin”, I returned the smile.  Everyone was having a conversation with each other, I was just finishing my food and just moving my fork through the peas and chicken bones.  I heard the twins to be excused and Ginny followed.  Ginny loved the twins and especially if they let her tagalog to whatever.  The trio stood up, Hermoine leaned to me, “Come to Ginny’s room after you get ready for bed”  “Thank you, mione”, I smiled.  It was Molly, Arthur, Bill and I left.   “Did I tell you Charlie would be coming back home, Bill?”, Molly asked.  “No, mum you didn’t. He’s married isn’t he?”, Bill sat up, knocking his knee into my thigh.  “Heaven’s no, I wish. Hogwarts is hosting the Triwizard tournament this year. One of the tasks has dragons, Charlie offered to supply them”, Molly said.  I smiled at the thought of the other older Weasley. He was like my best friend when I started Hogwarts, he always looked after me and walked me to classes.  

“Y/n, did you bring a dress this year?”, Molly asked.  “It’s getting tailored, Mum’s sending it after my aunt finishes it”, I replied.  “Your muggle aunt?”, Arthur asked.  “No, my great aunt Sophia. She lives in Italy”, I said.  Arthur knew some of my extended family were half bloods, and would ask me about their muggle things.  “Thank you for the lovely dinner, Mols”, Arthur stood from his chair. He kissed her cheek.  “You’re welcome dear”, She smiled.  “Mum, you and dad go relax. I’ll clean up tonight”, Bill smiled.  “Oh thank you, baby. You’re too sweet”, She smiled, holding his cheek.  Bill grabbed the plates, stacking them up.  “Care for an extra hand?”, I asked, getting the cups.  “No at all, love”, Bill said walking to the sink. I blushed at the nickname.  The twins barreled in the burrow, one of them was carrying Ginny on their shoulders.  “Don’t drop her and be quiet. Mum and Dad are relaxing!”, Bill raised his voice.  “Oh so you and Y/nn decided to play house? How cute”, Fred chuckled.  Bill blushed, “Get upstairs”  “Sure thing, loverboy. Night Y/n! Oh and Gin’s room is the last one on left”, Fred smirked.  “Go!”, I mouthed.  “Night Bill, glad you’re back. Night Y/n”, George smiled at his oldest brother. “Night George, missed you too”, Bill grinned.  “Night Billy”, Ginny hugged his torso.  “Night Ginny”  “You better be upstairs before 8:30”, She looked at me, wiggling her eyebrows where Bill couldn’t see her.   “Yes mother”, I giggled.  “I wouldn’t break that curfew if I was you, love”, Bill had a shit eating grin.  “Worry about your own ass, Weasley”, I smirked, wiping the table down. 

“Ginny open up!”, Bill said in front of me.  “What do you want, William?”, She huffed.  “Geez Ginvera! Chill, I’m just delivering your guest of honor”,  Bill said pulling me in front of him.  “He insisted on this”, I giggled.  “Okay, have fun, don’t stay up too late. Uh, if you wanna do someone’s make up go to the twins’ room.  Goodnight ladies' ', Bill smiled, patting my head before leaving to his room.  “Brothers'', Ginny rolled her eyes.  “He’s not too bad, Gin”, I said, unzipping my suitcase.  “Whatever, says the one who has had heart eyes all day at Bill'', Ginny shot back.  “As if you weren’t doing the same at Potter'', I scoffed.  “Lets not fight before the night has began”, Hermoine said.  Ginny and I looked at each other before smiling, “Hermoine and Ron sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G! Muuhh muuhh!” “Shut up!”, Hermoine rolled her eyes.  I high waved Ginny, “Hey 10 galleons on them remember?” “I have it, don’t worry”, Ginny smirked.  

Next morning, Molly announced her and Arthur were going to town to get stuff for the world cup.  Leaving Bill in charge, the twins suggested a quidditch match in the field. Ron and Harry were happy at the suggestion. We all went outside, “You not playing?”, Bill asked.  “No, I prefer watching this game instead”, I said, trying not to blush.  “Granger?”, He asked Hermoine.  “No, thank you Bill”  “Okay. Boys! Ginny!”, Bill stalked off to the kids.  I watched his back side, tight jeans carved his thighs out nicely, t-shirt that was too tight on his biceps, Godric that long fiery hair that was now put up in a bun.  “When did he pierce his ear?”, I asked.  “Who?”, Moine asked.  “I said that out loud?”, I blushed.  Hermoine nodded.  “Bill, he has an earring in his ear now”, I said.  “Better watch it, Potter!”, Fred laughed above us.  The game ended, everyone was hungry.  Bill was slowly walking to the burrow. “What did you do to him?”, I asked.  “He just can’t keep up anymore”, Ron snickered.  “You guys go ahead. Hey Bill you okay?”, I asked the tall red. “Oh yeah, just haven’t played in years and forgot how intense Weasleys play”, Bill said.  “Sure that’s the reason”, I smirked, walking behind the twins again.  “If you’re implying I’m too old, I’m not okay? 24 isn’t old, Y/n”, Bill yelled as we got into the burrow.  “You’re out of shape too, William!”, Fred yelled back to the field.  “Shut up!”, we heard Bill yell back.  “Maybe you can perk him up, Y/n”, Fred winked. 

It was time for us to meet Arthur’s friend from work, we had ate breakfast and got hugged goodbye by Molly.  George had me on his back as we walked with his father, “You like Bill?”, he asked.  “Yeah, Bill’s cool”, I replied back, running my hand through his locks.  “When did he get an earring?”, I asked.  “Sometime after, he got to Egypt. Bunk buddy did it for him”, George said.  “Mhmm! Okay put me down, please”, I said. “Enjoy your ride, Princess?”, Bill smirked.  “I did for your information, George is a smooth rider”, I said.  “Amos!”  “Arthur! This must be your kids.” Amos Diggory asked.  “Yes, and their friends”, Arthur smiled.  “This young lad must be Cedric”, Arthur asked as my ex hopped from the tree. “Fuck me”, I groaned.  “What’s wrong?”, Bill asked, squeezing my hand.  “Cedric is my cheating ex, we broke up last spring”, I said looking down.  “I’m sorry Y/n. You can hang with me, I’ll look after you”, Bill said.  “Thanks, Bill. I’d love that”, I smiled at him.  “Bill! Y/n! Come on”, George yelled.  We finally got to the camp where the cup was being held. Cedric and Amos went to their tent.  “Y/n, I didn’t know he was coming too. I’m sorry”, Fred said.  “Fred, it’s not your fault. I don’t blame you, okay? He’s the one who ruined it not you”, I gave him  a smile.  “I still feel bad”, Fred ran a hand through his hair. “Don’t be! Enjoy the game before we have to go back to school, okay”, I stood on my tip toes and kissed his cheek.  Before we left to meet the Diggorys again.  “Y/n, can I talk to you for a moment? Kids wait outside, please”, Arthur said.  “Yes Arthur?”, I asked.  “The twins told about your unfortunate incident with Amos’ boy last spring. I didn’t know you weren’t together anymore, my apologies for not telling you at home”, Arthur said, holding my hand in a fatherly way.  “It’s okay, Arthur really.  We’re prefects, we’re eventually gonna have to talk much as I hate the idea of it.  Besides Bill promised to look out for me”, I squeezed his hand. Arthur smiled, “That’s my boy”  

I was holding Bill’s forearm to keep up with him and the crowd,  “Hi Y/n, how are you?” Cedric asked.  “Hi Diggory, I’m fine. Thanks for asking”, I gave a fake smile.  Cedric nodded and went back to walking.  “Stupid git”, I muttered as Bill walked again.   We finally got to our seats and everyone was amazed at the view.  Lucius and Draco Malfoy stood below us, being stuck up as ever.  Draco looked up at me and smirked. He had a crush on me even though I’m a Gryffindor.  “I hate Malfoy so much”, Ron rolled his eyes. His siblings agreed in silence.  The game ended, Ireland won and the Weasleys were happy about it.  Even Bill celebrated spinning Ginny around the tent.  I was in a corner, I had a bad feeling something was gonna happen soon.  “Hey what’s wrong?”, Bill asked.  “Just got a bad feeling about something, Bill”, I said. Bill grabbed my arms, pulling me into a hug, “Stop worrying, if something does happen I’ll protect you”  “You promise, Weasley?”, I smirked in his chest.  “I do”, Bill said.  “Victor I love youuu”, The twins and Harry started singing to Ron.  Bill watched his father stop for a second.  “The Irish certainly have their groove on”, Fred smirked.  “It’s not the Irish, stop it! Stop it!”, Arthur raised his voice.  I heard screaming and hexes being thrown around.  “Everyone get somewhere safe! Fred, George Ginny’s your responsible now”, Arthur said as we got out of the tent.  

Bill had me on his side as we looked around, seeing fire and people running.  “Where did the twins go with Ginny?”, Bill asked.  “I don’t know”  “Shit! We gotta get back home now, it’s a death eater attack”, Bill picked me up and apperated us home.  The twins and Ginny made it home before us.  “Y/n, you okay? Guess that was your bad feeling”, Bill tucked my head from his shoulder.  “Yeah guess so. Um, can you put me down now?” I asked the tall red head.  We walked in, “Thank Godric, you two are okay?”, Molly looked up from Ginny’s shoulder.  She pulled Bill into a tight hug, the best she could do with her son being over 6ft.  She held his face and smiled. It was late and I was still up. Tomorrow would be my last year at Hogwarts and then I would be off to healer school.  Ginny had finally fallen asleep in Hermoine’s arms.  I looked over at the sleeping pair, “Thank god, they’re okay”, I whispered before getting out of bed.  I walked downstairs to get a drink. Someone was bent over in the fridge.  “Can’t sleep either?”, I asked whoever.  “Y/n. Uh no not really”, Bill stood tall again.  I sat down at the table and rubbed my hand over my face. “What’s eating at you?” Bill asked.  “Just everything, Bill. It’s my last year before I go to be a healer. I feel like I haven’t enjoyed life much as I should have”  “Y/n, you’re 18. You don’t need to know life’s answers just yet, go live your life even as a healer”, Bill sat next to me.  I looked at him for a few minutes, “Don’t want life’s answers at any point of life”  Bill nodded as he understood.  

“Y/n, how did you find out about Cedric?”, Bill asked.  “Uh, he wasn’t as loving anymore. It was two weeks before I confronted him about cheating.  He told me he was going to the library to study with one of his friends, it got late and he promised we would walk around. Damn! Uh anyways, I went looking for him, there was you know those sounds. I was gonna go back to my dorm, but something told me to go see who it was.”,I felt tears on my cheeks.  “Y/n you don’t have to tell me anymore”, Bill rubbed his thumbs on my face to catch the tears.  “You’re the first one, I’ve actually told the whole truth about him.  Let me finish.  He didn’t see me, but she did, it was some random ravenclaw, she might be in the twins’ year. Cedric was too busy fucking her to notice her smiling at me, I didn’t ask him about for a week. I got him to cuddle one night in my dorm, I had my head on his chest and asked him who she was and how long he had been cheating. Of course, he broke down and told me.  He told me I didn’t make him happy anymore, thought I was too close with Fred. The crazy thing he somehow blamed Fred for him cheating”, I laughed at the last part.  “I’m sorry, Y/n. You didn’t deserve that, dirty fucking dog”, Bill clenched his jaw.  “If it makes you feel any better the twins pranked him before we left for the summer”, I ran my finger down his jaw.  Bill was still quiet, letting me crease his face. “Y/n, can I tell you something? I understand if you think it’s weird”, Bill asked.  I nodded, “I don’t know what started it, but I think I love you. Which is crazy because you’re younger than me. Just something about your long soft hair, your gorgeous face and body.  I’m sorry, I-” I cut Bill off by kissing him.  I held his face with one hand and ran the other through his hair.  “Bill, I feel the same way and believe me, I felt weird too about it but fuck it. I like you too”, I kissed the side of his lips.  Bill grinned, “I’m too old for you, love. I have my career already, you haven’t even graduated Hogwarts for Merlin’s sake” “Six years between us so what? My grandparents were eight years apart and they loved each other until she passed away a couple years ago.”I said, Bill was looking at me.  “Okay, fine! I’ll go back to bed until the morning and we’ll forget we kissed and all. Sorry for making you uncomfortable”, I stood up, but Bill caught my wrist.  

“Would it bother you going out someone my age?”, Bill asked, rubbing my wrist.  I shook my head, “Give it some time and I’ll be good” Bill nodded, standing up, pulling by my waist into his arms.  I held his shoulder and peck for stability.  “Y/n, want to be my girlfriend?”, Bill asked sweetly. “More than you know, Weasley”, I smiled in his arms.  “May I kiss you?”, Bill asked, moving a piece of hair out of my face.  “Please do”, I said. Bill leaned down, slightly picking me up and kissed me.  I have had a few partners but nobody made me feel how Bill Weasley does while kissing me. My body got hot all over again, I craved more of him. I deepened the kiss, running my hands in his hair.  We pulled away, needing oxygen in our lungs again.  Bill rubbed his thumb over my bottom lip, smiling at me.  “You’re so beautiful, love”  I smiled and blushed, I was gonna say thank you but I was too embarrassed. Bill knew what I wanted to say, “Come on, it’s late. 9am comes early”, Bill said, guiding me up the stairs with a hand on my waist. We got to the level where Ginny, Ron and the twins’ room were on, I stopped for a minute.  “What’s the matter?’, Bill asked softly, standing near Ginny’s door.  “Kiss me goodnight please?”, I asked shyly.  Y/n! Get it together, you already kissed him twice tonight!  Bill’s smile broke me from my thoughts.  “Well, I can’t kiss you from there. C’mere, Princess”, Bill grinned, doing come hither with his fingers.  I possessed as I stood on my tiptoes to capture the oldest Weasley’s lips.  

I woke up with Hermoine standing over my body with a scolding face, “Good morning, Moine”, I rolled over to my back.  “Where did you go at 2 am?”, Hermoine clasped her necklace. “Couldn’t sleep so I went downstairs for a while. Is that such a crime?”, I finally got up.  “I heard someone else with you when you finally came back”, Hermoine watched my every move.  “I ran into George, okay? He was telling me about a prank they want to do this year”, I said, throwing some clothes on.  Hermoine looked at me but decided to drop it.  I straightened my black crop top shirt of Guns N Roses and buttoned my black jeans before heading down.  I threw on a maroon cardigan and laced my boots, fixed my hair and bangs.  “Morning Y/n”, Molly smiled.  “Morning, smells wonderful”, I grinned at her again.  I could feel Hermoine eyes and a different pair on my back.  George yawned and ruffled my hair before sitting down with Ron.  I was left to sit with Bill, a few days ago it bothered me.  “Morning love, you look pretty”, Bill whispered in my ear as he grabbed my hand.  “Morning Bill. Thanks, you don’t look too bad yourself”, I whispered the last part.  After breakfast, Molly wanted us to check our trunks for the year. I was in Charlie and Percy’s room double checking my things, when someone clears their throat. “Whatcha doing?”, Bill asked.  “Same thing everyone else is doing, silly”, I grinned.  “It’s your 7th year, what could you have missed to pack? I have a better idea”, he smirked.  “Oh yeah what’s that?”, I teased back.  “Just your lips on me while I discover more of you, if that’s okay with you, love”, Bill ran a hand through my hair.  I bite my tongue from groaning or screaming with excitement.  “What d’ya say?”, Bill asked again.  I turned around and grabbed his jaw, “Better make it good, who’s know when I’ll you again” Bill smirked, “That I can do, baby” Bill smashed his lips onto mine, grabbing my waist with his large hands. I ran my tongue over his bottom lip, gripping his hair, the groan didn’t slip my ears or mind. I smirked as I entered his mouth from him groaning.  Bill held his hands on my thighs, he pulled away, “Jump” I smirked before wrapping my ankles around his waist and clasping my hands in his hair.  “Good girl”, Bill whispered as he kissed my neck before getting my lips again.  We made out for a while until Molly’s voice rang in the halls.  Bill was still kissing me as Molly walked away.  I pulled away, “Bill, come on let me go”, I sighed as he attacked my neck with kisses and licks.  He didn’t listen, “Bill”, I whined. The older man groaned in my neck before dropping me to my feet, “Not fair”  “What are you on about, Weasley?”, I asked, shutting my trunk. “Do you know how addicting your lips and kisses are? Now, you have to leave me”, Bill scolded, more like pouting.  “If you help me take my trunks down, I might sneak in a kiss before I leave”, I giggled.  Bill perked up and grabbed my trunks, “Huh Bill, you forgot something”, I smiled at the eager redhead.  “Oh sorry”, He smiled.  I kissed him for each trunk, “four kisses for four trunks, I think that’s a good deal”, I smirked as I followed him downstairs.  “About time”, George groaned.  “Yeah, what did you pack? A house?”, Ron rolled his eyes.  “Ronald Bilius!”, Molly scolded with her hands on her hips. Fred and George grinned.   “Since you’re here, want to join us Bill?”, Molly smiled at her oldest.  He grinned at me and then her, “I would love to, Mum” 

“Jesus, Y/n what did you pack?”, Fred groaned as he threw my last trunk in.  “You know uniforms, robes, after school clothes, my bass and my guitar”, I smirked as Lee Jordan walked in the booth.  “Hey Lee”, I said.  “Lee help me. Princess decided to bring stuff she didn’t need”, Fred groaned.   “Work out more and you won’t have that problem, Frederick”, I smirked.  “Hey is that Angelina? Wow she grew up this year!”, George said, winking at me. Fred almost broke his neck trying to find the girl who wasn’t even there.  We all laughed at him, “Fuck you, Georgie”, he huffed plopping down with his twin. The boys started their own conversation, I decided to read ‘The Great Gatsby’. The longer I read, the more I thought of Bill, his hands on my waist, biceps that bludged as he held me against a wall of his childhood home.  Godric forbid, his plump, soft pink lips. The way he made me feel was more than Cedric or even my secret girlfriend, Evie. The thought of Bill Weasley drove me mad and my body even crazier.  

A few days later, I was in Great hall with Hermoine. Kids were putting their name into the goblet, cheering as their name was accepted. The twins barreled in the Great hall, talking about the potion they made.  I told them they were wasting their time, it wouldn’t work because they’re not old enough and Molly would kill them for even entering.  “It’s not gonna worrrkkk”, Hermoine smirked.  “Moine, don’t start”, I sighed as George pushed by to kennel by the younger girl.  “Oh yeah, why’s that granger?”, Fred smirked.  Hermoine huffed, rolled her eyes before replying, “It’s an age line drawn by Dumbleodore himself.”, I rolled my eyes and blocked them out, Hermoine didn’t realize sometimes you gotta let the two idiots do stuff to find out not everything will go their way.  “Guys, what happens if it actually works? Then Dumbledore pulls one of your names, he’s not gonna let you either one of you attempt the tasks”, I held George’s hand.  They looked at each other and smirked, “Chill”, Fred said squishing my cheek. “You worry too much, brookie”, George held my other cheek.  “Fine, do it, I don’t care”, I sighed as Cedric dropped his name in.  We locked eyes for a moment, “Meet me outside”, He mouthed.  George and Fred drank their potion and jumped into the line. “Oh no”, I whined, knowing it was gonna go south any second now.  “Yeahhh”, Fred and George high waved to each other. Blue flames shot out and the twins were thrown out of the line.  The hall was quiet before giggling filled the hall, I looked over to see the twins now old men with beards similar to our headmaster.  

“You said”, “You said”, the twins whined before tackling each to the ground.  I decided to see what Cedric wanted,  “Y/n”, Cedric said from the stairs. “What is it, Diggory?”, I rolled my eyes.  “Just want to talk is that a problem?”, Cedric asked.  “Depends on the topic”, I deadpanned.  “I know I fucked up hard and broke your heart. I shouldn’t have tried to find some other happiness, I needed to talk to you instead of-”, I cut him off.  “Instead of thinking with your dick and plunging it into some girl who was willing to help get your rocks off, am I in the right direction, Ced? Whatever you have to say I don’t care nor do I want to ever speak to you again unless prefect duties make that in motion. So get fucked, Diggory”, I stood tall.  Cedric looked guilty and wasn’t making eye contact.  “What I thought and stay far away from me”, I grabbed his chin, making him look at me.   

“Why were you with Brooks? I thought you liked Chang?”, Tommy, Cedric’s best friend asked.  “Don’t worry about it”, Cedric stormed off.  Dinner came along, I was seated between the twins as usual.  “What’s wrong?”, Fred asked, getting a drink.  “I’ll tell you guys later, okay?”, I said with no emotions. The pair seem to understand I was moody and could snap any moment.  Cedric walked in with Cho laughing, holding her hand.  Some much anger coursed with my body, I snapped the cup in my hand. The twins, Hermoine, Harry, Ron and Lee stared at me.  I got up and walked to the door.  “Miss Brooks'', Professor McGonall yelled behind me. “Professor, no disrespect but I don’t think now is the time to talk to her”, George said.  I slammed the door of my prefect dorm, screaming and kicking stuff.  The door opened as I threw the compact mirror off my vanity, “What?!!”, I screamed.  The twins stood there cautiously,  “Up to talking yet?”, George asked.  I bit my lip, drawing blood.  “Hey hey, look at me. Y/n, look at me”, Fred got my attention, I stared into his brown eyes for a second.  I cried walking over to him, hugging his chest.  “Freddie”  “It’s okay, Freddie gotcha. Shushh, it’s alright”, Fred petted my head and rubbed my back.  Hot tears rushed out of my eyes onto Fred’s quidditch jumper, “I’m sorry, I got your jumper all wet”, I rubbed my sleeve under my nose.  Fred grinned, “That’s the first time water has hit my chest all year” I scoffed, George grinned.  “It was Cedric and Cho wasn’t it?”, Fred asked.  “That was my breaking point, Freddie. He asked me to meet him after he put his name in the goblet today. I’m beginning to think I was too aggressive with him”, I said.  “Why?”, George asked from the spot on my bed.  “I kinda cussed him out and didn’t let him talk. Just amused he was apologizing for last spring”, I said sheepishly.  “You wouldn’t let us beat him up so I think you cussing him out was good, love. Don’t worry about them, besides Charlie is coming this week”, George said.  

[unnuevosoltransformalarealidad]

Surprise

Title: Surprise Summary: The boys prepared a surprise party for you. Pairing:  Winchester Brothers x Reader, Mary Winchester x Reader Prompt: You think everyone has forgotten your birthday but they surprise you Warnings: Feelings of loneliness, sadness, bad thoughts about the family. Word Count: 1791 This was written for the @firefly-in-darkness‘s 2K Follower Celebration

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Sam and Dean took you in after rescuing you from a wendigo, you were in pretty bad shape, so they took you back to the bunker, they patched you up, and they made sure to get a full recovery before thinking what you were going to do next. Mary took care of you from the moment Dean put you in the bed. She was the mother you’ve never had, and you were beyond grateful for what they did. She offered you to stay with them, you felt a connection with Mary that you couldn’t say no. You adopted her as your mother and the boys like your brothers. They were your family from the moment they rescued you. And because now, you were living under the same roof as them, Mary and the boys made sure you went to school and had a normal life, plus the hunting, but you were only on research duty. 

You woke up today, remembering when you found a family. One year ago, they found you and you found them. Coincidentally, they found you a week before your birthday, you were just grateful for saving your life. You got out of bed, went to shower, and went to the kitchen to have breakfast with your family.

-Hey guys — you greeted them -Good morning, sweetie — Mary said kissing your forehead -Morning, mom -You have school today, right? — She questioned -Yeah, I have two classes about old mythology and folklore. Pretty boring -It’s boring because you already know that — Sam said -You’ll be fine, sweetheart — Dean said giving you your breakfast -Why did you ask, mom? — you asked confused -The boys are leaving in two hours on a hunt and I have to meet with Bobby — she explained -Do you need my help? -No, don’t worry. I’m not going on a hunt, I’ll be back in a couple of hours — She explained -Besides, Cass and Jack will be here — Dean mentioned -Well, be careful guys, please. Love you — you said and left the kitchen

You went directly to your room to get ready for school. Like you said, you had two old history classes and were boring, so you downloaded a few books from the MoL database to help with the research for your brothers. Once you were ready, you left your room and went to the war to pick up your books.

-You almost ready? — Sam asked -Yeah, I’ve to grab my books and I’m out — you explained Sam and Dean were talking about the case, you caught a few details from what they were talking about, so you had an idea of what it would be, but you needed to do the research first. Your mom came from the hallway almost ready to leave too. -Ok guys, I’m leaving — Mary said -Yeah, me too — you added -We’re leaving in an hour or so — Dean mentioned -Ok kids. You all will let me know when you arrived safely at your destinations -Yes, mom — Sam, Dean, and you said together After that, Mary and you left for the garage.

Your school day was really long, hopefully, you were able to do some research and gave the boys a lead on the case. Of course, you were fed up by Sam for not paying attention during classes. 

YN: You should be thanking me instead of scolding me. I saved you tons of research. Be glad that I’ve set up radar on my computer.

You texted him and went to your car to get back home. When you were inside the car, you noticed that you had a text from Cass

Cass: Y/N, Jack, and I left, we found a possible lead on an angel I’ve been looking for. We are coming back tonight or tomorrow morning. We left your dinner ready in the fridge. YN: Ok, Cass. Thank you for letting me know. please be careful. Love you guys Cass: We love you too.

After exchanging messages with Cass, you drove back to the bunker. You felt something in your chest, you felt alone, you felt loneliness. Your mind started to race with negative thoughts “they don’t want you anymore, they are tired of you, they rather traveling than living with you on the same roof, even the angel despises you”. You did your best to ignore them and kept going with your day. 

While you were having dinner, Mary called you. She told you that she needed to stay with Bobby one more day because something happened. You already knew that Sam and Dean were not coming back in like three days, and now Cass and Jack were gone too. And everyone decided to leave three days before your birthday.

*Mary's POV*

You were trying to locate Y/N but you weren't able to find her, her phone went straight to voicemail, and you were really worried. So, you decided to call the boys, maybe they know something

-Hey mom! — Dean greeted you -Have you heard something about your sister? She’s not picking up her phone -No, Sammy talked with her yesterday because she was doing research while she was at school -I need her help and she is not answering -Did you reach Cass? — Sam asked -Yeah. He left with Jack, said something about an angel thing. She is alone Sam was able to understand what was going on -Crap — Sam exclaimed -What is it? — Dean asked -Her birthday is tomorrow, and nobody is with her. We all know that we cannot let her alone because she gets too depressed, and that’s what we basically did -We have to do something — Dean said -Something like what? — Mary asked -Let’s do a surprise party -She is going to hate you — Sam stated -Probably, but we all need an excuse on why we weren’t with her -Ok. I’ll call Bobby and Charlie for backup, you guys call Cass and go back home tonight.

You were deadly worried about your daughter, so you traced her phone. She was at the campus library. Of course, she will be searching for shelter in books. That night, you asked everyone who was with her through her recovery to meet in a motel, so you could start planning. -Dean, Cass, you boys go and buy food and drinks. Sam, you go and buy her some presents. Charlie, Jack you guys are going to help me decorate the bunker. And you Bobby, are going to help me as well, but I need you to make her do some heavy research, something that takes time for her to find out, so we can get everything ready. Everyone agreed and started to get everything ready.

*Y/N's POV*

It was the day of your birthday and you were alone. All your family was busy and no one remembered you. It was a Thursday, and those days were the longest for you. You started the classes at 7:30 am and ended them at 4 pm.  Your first period went well, you learned two or three things in Latin but nothing new. You were heading to your second period when you got a text from Bobby

BS: Hey sweetheart, I know you’re at school, but I need your help YN: Hi Bobby, what do you need? BS: It’s witchcraft, the old school. I need you to find something on the Necronomicon YN: That’s not a real book, Bobby, we all know that BS: I know, but it seems that a witch is killing people with that book YN: Well, I’ll see what I can find BS: Thanks, sweetheart. Love you

Bobby never mentioned your birthday, it was weird, he was always the first one to congratulate. Well, at least you had something to distract yourself, even if it was with a fictional book. The following classes were long, you had a few things to do, but being able to multitask was a gift for you, so you researched while doing an essay in class.

You left school at 4:30 pm and went directly to the campus library to work. You thought that in an hour maybe, you were going to be coming back home because you didn’t find anything. You were wrong. You’d found a lot, most of the things were fictional, as you expected. 

You didn’t realize how late it was, it was 9:00 pm and you were still in the library researching. Your phone buzzed bringing you back to reality.

MW: Sweety, where are you? It’s late and I haven’t known anything from you in two days.

You thought about answering her, it was your birthday and none of your family members seemed to remember it. You answered it anyways with a quick response

YN: I’m at the library on campus. I’ll pack my stuff and I’ll be there in 30. Sorry

You started to pack your things. You couldn’t believe all the stuff you found from that book. Half an hour later, you were opening the door from the bunker, everything was dark. You turned on the lights and you heard some noise. Instantly you pulled your gun from the back and started to go towards where the noise was coming. The war room was empty, so you headed to the library. The light was dim, you turned in and you heard a massive scream

-Happy Birthday! - Everyone shouted You couldn’t believe it. You lowered your gun and you covered your face -What the hell? — you exclaimed -Happy birthday sweetie — Mary came and hugged you, you put your gun in your back — We’ll talk about that later — she whispered in your ear -But I thought… -You really thought we could forget your birthday, hun? — Charlie said — We needed to make you believe it so we could organize it -Thank you. I wasn’t expecting it. I thought... -We know, N/N and we are sorry about it. — Sam said and hugged you

They gave you a lot of presents, all your friends and family were there. You couldn’t be happier

-Bobby, before I forget, I need to show you what I found in that book -Sweetheart, I asked you to do that, because we needed you out of here after school. There is no witch using that book. It’s not real -Well, according to my research, that’s not entirely true

Everyone laughed at your comment, but when they saw your face, they knew you were serious. There were a lot of things that were uncertain and they needed to be learned. But for now, having a surprise party with your family was everything you needed.

Tag List (It’s open, ask away)

@iguessweallcrazyithinktho | @void-hoechlin | @mrspeacem1nusone | @thevelvetseries | @bitchy-witchy-post-mortem | @caplanbuckybarnes | @caplanreads | @akshi8278 |

[sparkzstar]

At Arm's Length

When Caleb first met him he was overwhelming, too much, too bright and often too close.

The longer they travelled together the more he felt he needed to make the choice consciously to keep this purple tiefling at arms lenght. And the longer and the more he did, the more he felt like the Tiefling just grinned at him and grabbed him by the arm he used to keep distance with to him.

Tiresome. Too much. Too uncomfortable and too warm.

He didn't.  . . He didn't think he could bear it.

He wanted it and by the dawnfather and the moonweaver too he wished he could let himself at times but there was so much on his mind and he didn't deserve or need this right now.

Too much. Too complicated. Too good and too binding.

At times he was too exhausted to put up all those walls and keep the full distance and this little devil of a man. . . He knew and he could tell. And he would use it to worm his way right where he wanted to be without regards to how Caleb tried to let him not to.

A tiny kiss on the head, a small hug, a pin to the wall and increasing invasion of privat space.

Too gentle, too caring, too foward and too much needed at times.

When it came time and they fought to find and free their friends and Mollymauk Tealeaf himself was the sacrificial lamb, only then it was that Caleb realized just how much there was a space empty now. Emptied out and hollow made by someone worming gradually their way further and further in.

Too cold. Too hollow. Too quiet.

And all he could do, all he could think and say were the many regrets he suddenly knew he would carry around from now on. And his last words were for him to be bright and full of live again like he used to. And his touch was light as he tucked the hair out of Mollymauk's face but he could tell just how M T he really was at this moment and how terrifying that felt.

Too wet. Too silent. Too scared amd too regretful.

He Avenged him, anger burning hot and red just like Lorenzo's body before it turned to ash but he didn't tell anyone where that rage truely was founded. How it was truely his anger at his own inability and rage for having yet lost and destroyed another so sweet thing to him. However his anger subsided fast, maybe it was what he deserved.

Too messed up. Too undeserving. Too . . . Too late.

As they continued the others were shook by the news and shook by this turn of events. Yasha, dear dawnfather above forgive him for doing this to her, devastated and in great pain about this just like him but she. . . She deserved to feel angry. At him. At Lorenzo. At everyone. He failed them both.

Too selfish. Too distanced. Too. . . Alone now.

As their journey went on and on he learned, he healed and he grew closer and a bit happier with the rest of the nein around. He learned to love each of them dearly and appreciate their company at every step and he was grateful for that. And yet. Yet there was sonething, someone, missing and he was stuck on that. Has been and will be for a long time so he tought.

Too long. Too useless. Too much to be good for him anymore.

He was fine though wasn't he? He tried to be. And all of his friends were there to help and support him just like he would for them without question anymore.

And when he managed to land the decisive blow on Vokodo the fact that he saw a city so moving and magical yet predatory like cities shouldn't be and he heard the mention of nein eyes it struck him. Like lightning or an icicle right through the chest and he felt his heart beat heavy in his throat.

Too close. Too good. Too suddent and all too violent.

The fears that used to hold him back were gone about his old mentor, his mind not being able to afford being out of it now though not fully applied. It was his turn now to do something. They accept the job offer and they met for dinner with old friends and a mentors he wished to see dead rather sooner than later but what really ate away at his mind now was research.

Too little. Too unusable. Too suspiciously picked clean and too many questions.

He knew there was only one way to get answers.

And that was a grave soaked and muddy with a friend lying in it, bound in a tapestry and marked by a beautiful coat. And he would get his answers. He was going to hell for all his failings, mistakes and shortcommings anyway so he might aswell help shovel this grave and add to the list. It was M T.

Too deep. Too easy to remove and definitely too free of a missing friend and piece of his puzzle.

When Jester scryed on him and told the mighty nein of her findings Caleb could feel it again. A burden, a heart, beating so heavy in his chest he would have been worried if he wasn't too busy trying not to cry. He couldn't. He wasn't to believe it's true until he had proof. Tangible proof for himself.

Too wonderful. Too unbelievable. Too good to be true.

They hurried along their wintergear and left as soon as every piece was retrieved, even if with the help, rather unwanted but ultimately needed to be donefaster, of their new Contractor Vess DeRougna. And after that it sure did not take long for them to be on their way. On a ship. Shortly saving the world and secondly kicking a frozenover butt from someones ex. And then stayed the night in the Base before the big travel.

So close. So restless. So very anxious too.

It was that night that Jester scryed on him again. The very Tiefling they had buried and mourned so deeply before. And he was different. But oh so much the same. His glowing eyes like shiny fresh blood and that wicked grin plastered on. However his accent and the way he carried himself too. . . They were different weren't they? But it was him. Atleast it was this body. And a bloody mess. Which they were to clean before following him the next morning.

So far. So soon. So unprepared he felt.

And yet so determined.

It only took them serval more days and the making of a few new friends as well as a very none-compliant Emerald to finally reach the excavation side and Jester in the name of the whole group being welcomed . . .by Mol- Lucien. It was now most likely. Caleb needed to see him, feel him to believe any of that was real though.

So insecure about their place. So unsure about what was ahead and yet so positive they would soon see him again and learn more.

They were so close, each step heavier and more searching, hoping, as they wandered deeper and deeper into this. Many things and a few spiders and ice elementals were to be found and thankfully survived or avoided but whatever swept through this did so thoroughly. And it was after the last door opened that there was no doubt to any of them that who they were searching for was infact that very 'whatever' along with his group.

So bloody. So smug. So. . . Alive.

He smiled at all of them and apologized for the mess. He really was trying to clean up before they would arrive but Caleb didn't care. He saw him. And suddenly it was like he was on autopilot, his feet moved foward slowly. The last lost soul in the hands of this Tiefling was discarded, trow aside as he saw the wizard coming closer and he instinctively raised his arm at his side signaling his companions to wait. Not move. This was not their moment, that much he knew. It was his. So he too stepped foward, towards this wizard cautiously approaching.

He looked so lost yet found at the same time, So disbelieving and so very good compared to . . .to what. He felt like it has been a long time. Seeing any of them. There were dull bells ringing but they didn't make it through.

Caleb stopped and so did his counterpart infront of him. For a moment they shared a deep look neither of them too sure what to do with it before Caleb's lips parted "Mr. . . .Lucien. Is it fine to call you that?" He lifted his arm up, thanks to the arms lenght distanced not yet touching him. Lucien started to grin and lifted his arm too, putting it ontop of calebs outstretched one and grabbing him by the upper arm, then pulling Caleb along to him.

The nein were about to make a jump foward before realizing that it was not needed as now there was Lucien, holding a slightly dazed Caleb in a shoulder hug.

"Oh my! What a formal man! If you want to give me a title I am the Nonagon else Lucien is quite enough." For a moment Caleb did not know what to do. This was it. A tangible moment. A touch. A hug. And it was so different and yet there it was, the same old feeling triggered inside him. Beneath all those winter coats and clothes and all there was still this guy he loved. And he was overwhelmed. Without thinking for a moment he hugged Lucien back. It wasn't a greeting hug no, it was a tight I know you and I missed you hug clear to see for everyone. But truely Caleb just felt so happy. That which he tought lost was there. He was here! He was alive! And Caleb didn't know if it was his own or if he could feel Luciens heartbeat beneath all of those thick layers of wintergear hammering but Lucien himself? Without being able to explain why he felt his heart skipt a beat or two. This man was strange. But he sure knew. He felt a smile creep on his face. As that stranger burried his face into his coat in the hug. As long as noone saw it, Caleb was sure, he sure wasn't crying.

[drsilverfish]

Still not over that True Romance reference in Golden Time (15x06)

Meredith Glynn is awesome. 

I’ve already posted about the pie-date scene in True Romance here:

https://drsilverfish.tumblr.com/post/189248249069/ok-so-have-we-talked-about-the-fact-yet-that-the

and @7faerielights​ and @justanotheridijiton​ have already posted about the alternate ending (Tarantino’s preferred one where Clarence dies, and Tony Scott’s actual version where he lives) here:

https://drsilverfish.tumblr.com/post/189295982449/interesting-name-choice-from-cas-in-this-episode

But there is more to say about Castiel’s choice of alibi in Golden Time.

Clarence Worley opens True Romance (1993) by telling a woman at a bar, that, “If I had to fuck a guy, I’d fuck Elvis... he’s prettier than most women.” 

OK, bi-vibes Clarence.

Then, within the first ten minutes, Clarence (Christian Slater) and Alabama (Patricia Arquette) who’ve just had a totally romantic first movie-and-pie-date (link to the scene in my post above) sleep together, confess they love each other, get married (the next day) and then she gets a tattoo of a cherub (with wings) emblazoned “Clarence” (this is someone else’s copy):

Remind you of anything? 

Alabama is a call-girl and Clarence works in a comic-book store. 

You cannot watch this movie without knowing Dean Winchester loves the ever-loving shit out of it. I mean, Alabama is his kind of girl and Clarence is his kind of guy. They are bat-shit crazy about each other. 

Oh yeah, and they drive a classic car - a pink Cadillac convertible 1974:

As for Cas, well, the movie is ultra-violent, because Clarence and Alabama are on the run from some very bad mo-fos (it’s a Tarantino script) just the way that Cas, in particular, has been tortured by, and been on the run from, Heaven since he rebelled in S4. 

So, I am telling you, at some point, after he got Cas back from the dead in 13x06 Tombstone, in a courtesy of Meredith Glynn fan-fiction gap, Dean sat Cas down in his comfy man-cave in the MoL Bunker, served up beers and home-made burgers, and made his angel watch True Romance. 

First though, Dean enthused about True Romance. He probably told Cas that it had a funny stoner cameo by Brad Pitt, that James Gandolfini was in it, that it had a bunch of douche-bags wearing sunglasses inside...  

And maybe, Cas was still expecting cowboys. He’d seen a lot of cowboy movies with Dean of late. But no, instead he gets this crazy slice of American road-trip, and somehow, when that romantic music starts to play in the early pie-date scene, he feels Dean look over at him, and he gets flustered and drops ketchup on his tie, and Dean laughs at him, and that laugh feels good. 

And after all that violence, the final shoot-out and the flying feathers, Clarence and Alabama get their happy ending. There’s a beautiful sunset, and a son (Elvis). 

Perhaps, Cas hopes, with excruciating quietness, while the stars spin overhead, maybe that’s us. 

Later, when they’re fighting about Jack, when Dean doesn’t want to do movie nights anymore, when they’ve lost a mother and son between them, when Dean finally tells him he’s dead to him too, and Cas takes his dignity and leaves, somehow, he takes True Romance with him anyway - all the way to Jenny Lake Wyoming, where Clarence Worley saves someone else’s kid, who almost died, from a Djinn.   

[randomoranges]

Paint Job

 mid-ish november 2020

Edward finally gets home late, towards the end of the day. Had he known he’d been out this long, he would have asked Étienne to get a start on dinner, but now, they’ll have to figure something out on the fly. He had errands to run which took longer than expected and he’s honestly just glad to be home. He shucks his boots in time to Mercury’s greeting and doesn’t catch from where she came from. The house is quiet, he can tell that much, but it can mean a myriad of things. He’d left Étienne still curled up under layers of blankets in bed and had it not been for the classes Étienne was giving, he would have dragged his boyfriend along, if nothing but for the change of scenery. That, or he would have stayed in bed longer and indulged in a late morning with his boyfriend.

 Mercury wags her tail excitedly and keeps watch as Edward removes his coat and scarf and then follows him to the kitchen table where he puts down his bags loaded with goodies of all sorts. Edward takes the few minutes he needs to unload the groceries and when Mercury doesn’t vie for his attention, he figures it means Étienne is in no need of his immediate attention.

 When he’s done, he gives her a treat for no particular reason, but she doesn’t seem to mind, nor does she complain. He watches her for a moment, amused and fond of her antics and then decides it’s about time he find the owner of the dog. Mercury looks up and as if reading his mind, takes the lead and heads towards the guestroom. Edward follows behind and he’s about to throw a greeting in his boyfriend’s direction, but then lets the words stumble to a halt at his lips.

 The scene before him requires no interruption, if only for its rare occurrence. Étienne is at the wooden easel he’d made him, sat in front of it, and deep in concentration as he paints. He has earphones on, which would explain why he hasn’t looked away and he seems to be submerged in the painting he’s working on. Edward can’t say that Étienne looks as peaceful and happy as he’s already seen him while he painted, but it’s a better look than what’s been playing on Étienne’s features ever since his return.

 Edward has always enjoyed watching Étienne paint, even if he hadn’t always been privy to the spectacle. There’d been something exalting in the way Étienne painted, from the deep concentration etched on his face, to the peaceful smile dangling from his lips and the way he seemed to involve his entire body in the motion. Watching Étienne paint was an experience and Edward could get lost watching him as much as he did appreciating the final work.

 Étienne’s paintings were always bold and loud as if calling for attention and catching someone’s gaze – holding it there, screaming look at me! It was impossible to look away from the movement in the brushstrokes and the thick, bold lines that danced across the canvas in a multitude of colours. Étienne’s paintings were never quiet or subtle – they seized you from the inside and Edward loved the way he felt experiencing the work – the way he was left slightly out of breath as if submerged in deep water for a long while and finally coming back up for air.

 Edward liked watching the evolution of Étienne’s paintings – the assurance he’s gotten in his brushstrokes and lines- the risks he takes in his choice of colours and the movement he creates with them on the canvas. It’s been a fascinating journey and he’s only sorry he’s missed part of it. Still, he consoles himself with the few paintings he’s managed to save over the years – from the ones he quietly brought back that Étienne was ready to throw out, to the ones Étienne had told him he could take, since he didn’t care for them anymore. Edward has lovingly looked after them over all these years and likes putting them side by side with the newer works Étienne has gifted him; from the triptych a few years back to a more recent piece just last year.

 Perhaps, with time, he’ll be able to host his own retrospective of Étienne’s works. (And it doesn’t matter what it is Étienne thinks of his own body of work. Edward might not be as well versed in art as Étienne, but he can tell that Étienne is good at it. He needs to stop selling himself so short.)

 Étienne is still tense around the shoulders and there’s still an edge to the set of his brow and the intensity of his gaze, but even if his movements across the canvas are harsh and jerky, it’s a step forward from whatever state he’d been in a few weeks back. It’s a reprieve from the sleepless nights and the catatonic days; the mornings when Edward hadn’t been able to get Étienne out of bed and the times when he’d barely eaten a thing – the classes Étienne cancelled and the walks he never took Mercury on. Edward hadn’t dealt with this side of his boyfriend in ages and the setback had stunned him. Still, it had been better than the anger that had come afterwards.

 That, had been new.

 Étienne’s anger at the state of things, at his perceived helplessness and feelings of uselessness had culminated in some rather harsh words that had been exchanged which had honestly made Edward question what he had embarked himself in. Had made him wonder if – this was even – if maybe it hadn’t been rushed. If he hadn’t bitten off more than he could chew.

 “I don’t need your fucking pity, Edward. I’m not a charity project.” Étienne had shouted at him one night, after Edward had asked if he needed anything.

 It had been the final straw. Edward had been sick and tired of being treated like garbage and he lashed out just as good. He wasn’t here to fall back on old ways. He wasn’t here to get used and abused by Étienne’s moods. He wasn’t going to accept this anymore. “You know, it’s a good thing I know this isn’t really you talking. That it’s whatever’s going on in that head of yours that’s making you act this way, but that doesn’t fucking excuse you. I’ve never pitied you and just because I give a fuck about you doesn’t mean that you get to treat me like shit.”

 Étienne had come after him, trying to get a bigger rise out of him, but Edward knew better and had walked away. They’d been making good progress, it would be a shame to throw it all away after losing so many years. It wasn’t worth it to get tangled up in the ugly bits again. Once had been enough.

 Still.

 It turned into a tense few days and the only saving grace was the video appointment Étienne had with his therapist. Amends had been made, better coping strategies had been found. Edward was only glad that whatever violent turn Étienne’s mood had taken was slowly ebbing back into a quiet simmer.

 There’d been an apology, naturally. Quiet words shared between them in the dark of night.

 “I’m sorry,” Étienne had started, reaching between the space of their bodies and hesitating for a moment, unsure whether or not it would be okay to take hold of Edward’s hands.

 “What for?” He’d asked, leaving his hand palm up, open and inviting for Étienne to take. His boyfriend had seized it like a lifeline, clutching at it as if his life depended on it. He didn’t want empty apologies; he deserved that much.

 “For being a right old jerk.”

 Edward had cracked a small smile at that, “Yeah, you have been. What of it?”

 “For lashing out at you. You’ve been – really good to me. Tolerant and helpful and patient. You didn’t deserve all of that. I am trying to keep it under control.”

 Edward knew all of that. It was why he had walked away. It was why he hadn’t decided to call it quits. He knew Étienne was really trying. Was getting the help he needed. He couldn’t fault him for what plagued him. He knew Étienne would rather function like a regular person instead of the assault his moods put him through.

 “Apology accepted.” To show that he meant it and that they were good, he’d opened his arms and let Étienne snuggle up to him. He’d held him close, rubbed his back, and wished that this storm would pass.

 The storm is passing, even if there are still a few lingering rain clouds left. This whole pandemic has taken its toll on Étienne, has left him ragged and raw and frayed at the edges, and Edward gets to see the damages left on his boyfriend day in and day out. Still, he thinks, he’d rather have a row with Étienne than let him slowly wither away back home alone.

 Mercury gives him away when she barks, perhaps bored that her master has not noticed the guest at the door and so Étienne finally looks away from his work and turns towards him. A smile, soft and gentle, blossoms on his face when he sees him and Edward consoles himself with the knowledge that there’s still this – that Étienne looks at him with such open fondness and care – that every day he lets his guard down just a smidgen more.

 “Hi Eddy.” Étienne removes the ear buds and Edward gets a whiff of jazz music coming from them. It’s a little different from what Étienne’s known to listen – grittier and angrier – fast paced and a mixture of notes fighting to be heard, but he supposes it fits with Étienne’s latest mood.

 Edward walks over to the easel and Étienne stands from the chair he’d been using. He’s wearing the rattiest most stained sweater Edward’s ever seen and a pair of sweat pants that may have once been black, but are now mostly multicoloured and still Edward thinks Étienne looks as lovely as always. He tugs him close, pulls him gently by the sleeve, until Étienne comes willingly in his embrace.

 “Careful, I might be full of paint,” Étienne warns, but Edward doesn’t care. He’s just happy Étienne looks a little bit better – that he seems to be on the mend – that he’s participating in life again.

 “I don’t know how you do it – but you have paint on your eyebrow,” He chuckles and Étienne looks up, as if he could see the paint and Edward wants more of this for his boyfriend. More of these innocent, silly moments when his guard is down and he doesn’t look haunted with the ghosts of his loneliness.

 “Errands go okay?” Étienne let’s Edward hold him, checks to make sure there isn’t any wet paint on his clothes and then molds himself to Edward’s body, making himself comfortable.

 “Not too bad. Good to be home though.”

 Étienne makes a humming noise at the back of his throat that could be agreement to Edward’s statement, but for all Edward knows, it could simply be Étienne letting him know that he’s comfortable and cozy.

 “Missed you today,” He finally says and looks up to catch Edward’s hazel gaze. The green of Étienne’s eyes is easier to see without his glasses in the way and Edward’s heart beats just a little faster. These are the moments that matter, he thinks – these quiet little exchanges that warm him up despite the cold outside.

 “Home now,” He reiterates, his voice a little thick with the moment and the emotions swimming inside his head. Étienne offers him another smile for his trouble and wiggles out of his embrace to sit back on the chair. He pulls Edward along with him and so Edward finds himself sitting on his boyfriend’s lap. Étienne holds him close, head on his chest, content little smile playing on his lips, and Edward leans in and let’s himself be held.

 He finally gets a good look at the painting and marvels at the intensity of it, as well as the dizzying display of figures and lines. It’s very loud, he thinks, and raw. It’s a little different from what Étienne usually does, but Edward believes he knows why.

 “It’s not much – but, it helps.” Étienne offers as an explanation.

 “I like it.” He does. He always means it, when he says he likes one of Étienne’s paintings. He likes the way they make him feel. From the raw emotions to the dizzying movement and everything in between. Étienne communicates in brushstrokes and white canvases he fills with his own essence and being and Edward is only glad he gets to read and interpret the messages once more.

 He wonders, and not for the first time, if all of Étienne’s paintings hadn’t always been a little bit autobiographical. That if he were to put them all side by side they would tell the great story of Étienne Maisonneuve. Of his triumphs and downfalls. Of misery and victory.

 “You always say that,” Étienne admonishes softly, but he still looks a little pink in the cheeks and slightly pleased by the compliment. “Thank you,” He ads and furrows his face back into Edward’s chest, where it’s perfectly ensconced in the folds of his clothing; where he’s safe and loved.

 FIN

[thvnderbclt]

📲 📲 📲 📲 📲 📲 (i said 10 but i stopped at 6 instead)

send 📲 for 4 times my muse didn’t send the text and 1 time they did.

#1 - Doe x Fabian

[ fabian -> doe ]; [UNSENT] hey, doe, we should get food sometime. like. together. romantically. like a date. or not, that’s totally fine too. [  fabian -> doe ]; [UNSENT] i like you more than friends. that’s coming on far too strong... isn’t it? [  fabian -> doe ]; [UNSENT] gideon is calling me a coward so here it is; i like you. a lot. we should go out sometime. [ fabian -> doe  ]; [UNSENT] gideon is now telling me i’m an idiot for trying to ask you out over text. he is correct. for once in his life. [  fabian -> doe ]; hi :) wanna grab lunch? my turn to pay :)

#2 - Prosier

[ gideon -> evan ]; [UNSENT] okay this is like the fourth text i’ve sent you. where are you??? why aren’t you home??  [ gideon -> evan  ]; [UNSENT] hannah’s spending the night with wyatt. i’ve been out all night trying to find you. [ gideon -> evan  ]; [UNSENT] so... looks like you left. on purpose. at least that’s what stu was saying. not that i believe stu; you wouldn’t just leave us right? we’re family, ev. [ gideon -> evan  ]; [UNSENT] i haven’t stopped looking. cain’s even helping now. winnie’s a mess. i’m trying to keep hannah happy but babe, i miss you. so fucking much. where did you go?  [ gideon -> evan  ]; come back home. please. i miss you.

#3 - Amrys

[ emrys -> alastor ]; [UNSENT] cain??? really?????  [ emrys -> alastor  ]; [UNSENT] so. you slept with my brother. that sucks. and you don’t even know why. [ emrys -> alastor  ]; [UNSENT] fuck you. and your dumb cute fucking face. making it fucking hard for me to avoid you. you don’t even know what you’ve done but it fucking hurt. [ emrys -> alastor  ]; [UNSENT] WHY CAN’T YOU LET ME IGNORE YOU. [ emrys -> alastor  ]; gid and i are swapping shifts this week. you’ll be working with him instead of me. see you next week.

#4 - Lupmore

[ remus -> sturgis ]; [UNSENT] i’ve been keeping something from you. you might hate me for it.  [ remus -> sturgis  ]; [UNSENT] so. i’ve been lying to you for most of our friendship. we should... talk. [ remus -> sturgis  ]; [UNSENT] I’M A WEREWOLF. THERE. I SAID IT. [ remus -> sturgis  ]; [UNSENT] Sirius has told me that approaching this over text is a bad idea, and I never thought I would see the day when Sirius Black was logical about something so, we should meet up to talk. [ remus -> sturgis  ]; hey, need to see you x

#5 - Dahlia x Milo

[ milo -> dahlia ]; [UNSENT] i can’t stop thinking about you. [ milo -> dahlia  ]; [UNSENT] i miss you. i want to see you. [ milo -> dahlia  ]; [UNSENT] why can’t i get you out of my head????  [ milo -> dahlia  ]; [UNSENT] i really should delete your number. but i can’t. it’s been months and i still can’t get over you. [ milo -> dahlia  ]; can we talk? please.

#6 - Jul2

[ juliet -> julian ]; [UNSENT] i’m a mess and you’re too good for me.  [ juliet -> julian  ]; [UNSENT] being just friends sucks. wanna bang again? [ juliet -> julian  ]; [UNSENT] why am i never enough?  [ juliet -> julian  ]; [UNSENT] there’s so much i wanna tell you, but i don’t wanna scare you away. [ juliet -> julian  ]; heeeyyyy, i’m bored. wanna hang out? :)

#7 - Mols & Fabe

[ fabian -> molly ]; [UNSENT] i’ve not been sleeping lately. i’m exhausted. [ fabian -> molly  ]; [UNSENT] you told me if i’m not doing great that i can always talk to you. so. i’m not doing great.  [ fabian -> molly  ]; [UNSENT] i’m worried about gid. i’m worried about me. i don’t know what to do. [ fabian -> molly  ]; [UNSENT] i’m sorry i’m a sucky brother. you deserve better. [ fabian -> molly  ]; prewett sibling movie night?? been a while :) just don’t let gideon choose the movie again. please.

#8 - Theodain

[ cain -> theo ]; [UNSENT] do you think i’m a shitty person? [ cain -> theo  ]; [UNSENT] i saw you kissing someone today. i fucking hated it. [ cain -> theo ]; [UNSENT] i think i’m in love with you. but you deserve better. so ....  [ cain -> theo  ]; [UNSENT] yeah i’m definitely in love with you. but i can’t lose you. you’re the one person that puts up with my shit and i’m terrified to lose you. [ cain -> theo  ]; i’m gonna punch emrys if i listen to him whine about alastor one more time. wanna get drunk?

[themangledsans0508]

Wounded

AGNST WARNING YALL NO MAJOR CHARACTER DEATH BUT BLOOD!

Mal knelt beside Molly, shaking. Molly’s breathing was labored, and her shirt was soaked with blood. She couldn’t believe what had just happened. If she had moved faster if she had been paying attention, if-

“Mal.” Molly’s voice was weak, and she reached a hand up to place on Mal’s cheek. Tears streamed down Mal’s cheeks, her brain wasn’t working. She had done all this medical training, why couldn’t she remember?  She reached over to Molly’s hand and gripped it tightly, squeezing her eyes shut. She drew in a shaky breath.

“Stay with me Mol, it’ll be okay. Stay with me.”  She blamed that voice, that hellish creature that wouldn’t leave Molly alone. She blamed herself, if she had been able to protect Molly, this wouldn’t have happened. 

“Mal! Molly!” Mal whipped her head in the direction of the voice, Jo and April, looking like angels running towards them. She gently squeezed Molly’s hand, looking back to her. 

“It’s gonna be okay Molly, Jo and April are here. It’ll be okay.” Molly smiled weakly.

“I love you Mal.” She shut her eyes.

“MOLLY!” 

~

 Mal paced back and forth in Rosie’s cabin, unable to speak as she and Jen spoke softly between themselves. She wanted to scream, she wanted to run out of that hell and go to Molly’s side. She couldn’t stand this, she didn’t know if her best friend, her partner in everything, was alive or dead. 

“Mal,” Jen spoke softly, breaking the silence. “I know you’re worried about her, but I need you to stay in the cabin right now. All the campers are gonna stay in their cabins for the rest of the day.” 

What about her? Mal wanted to scream. What are we going to do about that thing?

“But-” Mal began her weak protest, her voice hardly working.

“Counselor’s orders, scout.” Rosie placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. “We’re doing our best to take care of her, you’ve got to go take care of your cabin.” Mal complied, dragging herself out the door and down the steps. She walked to the Roanoke cabin, resisting the urge with every step to run to the nurse’s cabin, and stay by Molly’s side.

~

The cabin felt empty without her. Mal laid in her bunk, covered by blankets, filled with dread for the message she felt was inevitable. Nobody knew what to do. Ripley sat oblivious on her bunk, able to feel the sadness of the cabin but not knowing what it was from. April sat flipping through her notebook, looking for anything that matched the description Mal had given her. 

“You said it had claws?”

“Really sharp ones, like sharper than a sword or Rosie’s axes.”

“And it was tall and furry?”

“Yeah, almost like the same color as Sea Farin’ Karen, but it wasn’t her. Too tall, and it had red eyes. Like, horror game red.”

“How’d you guys get it to leave?”

“We didn’t, that voice, or that’s what Molly said, told it to leave, it said that they’d ‘got the job done’, but I don’t know what the job was. The thing just dropped on all fours and ran.”

“How’d it-”

“April, can we please talk about it later? I don’t want to think about it right now.”

 Jo stared out the window, watching the sun dip below the trees, casting everything it a dark shadow. She didn’t know what to think, she liked everything to based on science and reason, which wasn’t at this camp. She loved camp, but with what they were dealing with, she needed something to go on.

Mal wished everything was normal, her and Molly walking together down a worn path, Ripley bouncing far ahead of them and April and Jo playfully bickering. Jen talking about plants, Ripley trying to sneak away, April proving her strength, Jo looking at flora with her magnifying glass she had made, and Molly just being Molly, her eyes lighting up at stuff that she loved, her smile, her laugh.

She let her tears run. She had a feeling she knew what Jen’s message would be when she returned, she wanted to sleep, just dream. In her dreams, even if they weren’t real, they were happy. She did eventually slip into a slumber, but her dreams weren’t what she wanted them to be.

“Molly?” Mal ran frantically through the pitch-black woods, jumping from root to root and narrowing fitting between tree trunks. She finally made it to a clearing, which Molly was kneeling in the center of. “Molly!”

Mal raced to her, reaching her hand out to grab her. Molly turned to her, but it wasn’t Molly, that face wasn’t hers, blood-red eyes and a grin with spiked teeth. The thing morphed, it wasn’t in Molly’s form anymore. It stood up, being at least eight or nine feet tall.

Its fur was tan, and its claws were stained and coated in grime. The muzzle was long, and its lips curled up to show teeth that were stained with red and yellow. It took a thunderous step towards her, then another, and another. Mal was frozen, she could only watch as the monster got closer and closer. It raised its arm up and Mal drew in a deep breath. As it lashed out at her Molly jumped in the way, getting thrown many feet away and leaving a splattered trail of red.

April watched Mal with worry. She knew what it was like to lose someone, and she didn’t want Mal to have to go through that. She also didn’t want to lose one of her best friends, but she knew she had to be strong for everyone. Mal’s tossing and turning in her sleep was concerning, but she was afraid to wake her up. 

April looked out the dark window, seeing the world bathed in a soft glow from the moon. Ripley was asleep, clutching Mr. Sparkles tightly. She couldn’t see Jo, as she had the bunk above her, but she assumed she was either asleep or tinkering with a new project she had. April quietly got up from her bunk and crouched next to it, looking beneath it for a tool she needed. Her eyes had adjusted enough to the dark that she could see the items extremely close to her. She saw the flashlight and grabbed it, pushing the head of it underneath her bunk and flicking it on.

She’d admit that she should clean the mess that lived beneath her bunk, but now was not the time for that. She carefully pointed the beam and gently moved it across the span of the bunk, waiting for a glint. She finally saw it, the reflection from that dull blade she had taken from the old Lumberjanes training area, or also known as the roller derby arena. She reached to grab ahold of the hilt, carefully pulling it from its resting place. 

“What are you doing.” April jumped, nearly dropping the sword. She spun around to see Mal sitting up, her eyes red and puffy from crying. April straightened her back and puffed her chest out. 

“I’m taking care of the monster, Mal. Nobody else will be hurt by it.” Mal choked back a sob.

“That’s suicide April. Not even you can beat it.” Mal swung her legs over the edge of her bunk, weakly standing up. “I’m not letting you go.” She positioned herself in front of the cabin door. “If you want to go, you have to go through me.” April gave a broken laugh.

“What is this? Harry Potter? Mal, it hurt one person already, I won’t let it hurt another.”

“The next one it will hurt will be you, and it won’t just be hurt,” Mal growled. “I’m not letting you go through that door. I already lost somebody-” she let out a sob. “I won’t lose you too.” 

“Mal listen to me. I-” 

“No, YOU listen to ME!” Mal shouted. “I just lost my soulmate.”

“Mal you don-”

“I’m not losing anyone else.” Tears streamed from her eyes, she shuddered with every breath.

“What are you two doing?” Jo’s voice rang out, drawing the attention of both girls. 

“Jo! I was just-”

“No. I can see what’s going on. I know you April.” Jo swung herself off her bunk, carefully dropping to the floor. She walked to April, towering over her. She reached a hand for the sword held tightly in her grasp. She grabbed the blade. “It’s too dull to cut anything. Even butter,” she muttered. She looked to Ripley’s bunk, where she remained in her deep slumber, with Bubbles wrapped around her head.

“Mal, I know you’re hurting.” Jo reached a gentle hand to rest on her shoulder. “But April is right, something needs to be done about it.” Jo took back her hand and turned back to April. “However, one person can’t do it alone. Especially at night.” Jo cupped April’s cheek and pressed her forehead against hers. “I don’t want to have to be the one to find you after-” She forced down a sob. “If we go, we all go together, and I don’t mean just our cabin. I want Rosie to advise us on this.” April closed her eyes and nodded her head as much as she could without making Jo uncomfortable. After a few moments, Jo drew back and looked between the two girls. She raised her hand up to wipe a few stray tears away before taking a deep breath. 

“Jen isn’t going to be back tonight, it’s this late already. She probably fell asleep at Rosie’s. We should get to sleep too. April and Mal nodded in unison before swiftly retreating to their bunks. Jo returned to hers as well, sitting in the silence of the partially empty cabin. Her eyes remained focused on the woods, scanning for any sign of the beast residing within. Eventually, sleep overtook her and as she gave up her search for the creature. While her eyes closed to travel to her own dream realm, the treeline shook with the footsteps of a red-eyed monster. 

~

Mal burst out of the cabin the moment day broke, running as fast as her legs could go. She jumped up the steps and rapped her knuckles against the door to the nurse’s cabin. There were a few thuds from inside before eventually, the door swung open.

“Scout, this is supposed to be- oh.” Jen stood hunched over, sleep still dragging her body down. “Mal, you’ve got to remember that there are other people resting in here.” 

“I know,” Mal mumbled. “But how-” The words got caught in her throat. “How is she?” A soft frown formed on Jen’s face.

“Mal, it’s too early to say anything.” She took a deep breath. “She’s still breathing, but she hasn’t woken up yet.” Mal nodded.

“Is it okay if I come in to see her at least?” Mal pleaded. Jen hesitated, before sighing and stepping aside.

“Just don’t spend all day in here, okay? Make sure you do a few activities.” She knelt down and hugged Mal. “Keep your hopes up, okay? She’s strong, you’re strong.” Jen gave Mal a kind smile before heading off, scanning her clipboard for her next activity. 

Mal took a few careful steps into the dark cabin, scanning the area. It was pretty standard, with a desk shoved in a corner covered in bandaids and medical records. There were a couple chairs sitting against the wall the door was fixed to. There were also three dividing curtains, allowing for three closed areas starting against the wall. The curtains could be drawn around the front as well, to allow total seclusion. Only one was shut, and Mal knew who was in there.

She made a beeline towards that curtain, carefully drawing it back as to not make a lot of noise. Her eyes fell upon the girl, deep in her sleep. She took a shaky breath, before fulling stepping in, closing the curtain behind her. Mal stared at her, her shirt was removed and her full upper body was wrapped in bandages, a few bled through but dry. She reached a careful hand to feel the bloodied ones, just to make sure they were dry. She shuddered at the feeling of the bandages, her mind running with all the worse case scenarios possible. She shook her head, moving her hand from Molly’s stomach to her hand.

She gripped her hand tightly, watching her chest move up and down slowly. She cried once again in the past day, bowing her head down. 

“I’m sorry Molly. I couldn’t protect you,” she whispered. “I didn’t even say anything when you told me.” 

“I love you Mal.”

Why hadn’t she said anything?

“I just lost my soulmate!”

How would she know?

I lost my other half.

Mal choked out a sob. She gave up trying to prove herself wrong. Who knew if soulmates were real? Mal felt like she did. She looked at the girl clinging to life and muttered a few words from her mouth.

“I love you too Molly.”

~

Molly didn’t want to wake up. She was tired. She didn’t realize what happened was real. 

Her first hint was the damp feeling against her stomach, and her wetness on her hand. 

The second was sobbing.

The third was that her whole body hurt like hell.

She forced an eye open, unable to recognize her surroundings. The curtains were unfamiliar, so was the bed. She drew in a sharp, and painful breath when she saw her body. 

“Why do I look like a mummy?” She thought aloud. There was a pause in the crying, followed by a sniffle. 

“Molly?”

She turned to look at the voice, familiar but far away. Her vision was fuzzy, but as it slowly cleared she recognized the girl clad in flannel. 

Everything came rushing back at once.

The feeling that something was wrong, that voice in her head telling her what to do, and her disobedience. That disobedience had saved Mal’s life, but at the cost of what? 

Molly didn’t know. All she knew was that it was worth it. Anything was worth it for her. Even the world, the camp; and Molly’s life.

She gave a painful smile. 

“Hey, Mal.” At the mention of her name, Mal broke out in a wide grin. Tears that had temporarily paused ran again, but instead of sadness, they were of happiness. She hugged Molly tightly, but carefully, as to not hurt her.

“I thought I lost you, Molly.” She said, pressing her forehead against hers as Jo had to April the night before. “Never do that again.”

Molly laughed brightly through her pain.

“I don’t ever intend to.”

This was a request for someone I’m not sure if it’s okay with to tag, but if you got a request send it, I’d love to do it.

[islareeveswriting]

Because you asked, and because I said yes, and because I feel bad not doing it, and because I got a sudden surge of inspo....here it is

Terrified didn’t quite cut it.

All that was running around Molly’s head was Harry’s voice, the words that he never wanted children. Molly stared at the two red lines and bit her jaw tight together. She tried to refuse to have any feelings about it until she’d told Harry. She didn’t want to be happy for him to have negative feelings about, she didn’t want to feel scared for him to be overjoyed. She didn’t want to get anything in her head until she’d told Harry and knew how he felt. 

Of course that didn’t mean she didn’t have an initial gut reaction. Before the terror and fear kicked in, there was a buzz of excitement. But then it all sunk in, and she began to get scared and anxious. Not necessarily because she didn’t want to be pregnant, just that it was a scary though, made scarier by the fact her and Harry had always said they didn’t really want children of their own. Molly had no maternal desires, she always thought herself too selfish, and even though he was doing great as the godfather of Lola, Harry still believed he’d never be able to raise a child of his own. 

And anyway, they had Lola, they looked after at least once a week, and often more than that. Molly would pick Lola up from school, take her for a treat, and then take her home. They’d have her over night and watch movies and eat popcorn and treat her to all the things she wasn’t normally allowed, and let her stay up a little later, and take her to the zoo or the gardens or wherever she wanted to go, and then Shane and Ellie would pick her up and they’d go back to being Molly and Harry.

Molly supposed that was entirely the point. No one took her child away at the end of the day, she didn’t get to drop her child off with someone else when they were ready for bed. It wouldn’t be just her and Harry. It would be her, and Harry, and their baby. It warmed her, but it scared her. 

Of course Molly and Harry had spoken about their future, and their relationship, many times. They’d been together nearly seven years it would be weird if they hadn’t talked about it. It never involved children. It never involved them getting married. Maybe marriage was woven between the promises of forever, but neither of them felt the need to really do anything about it. Molly was secure. Harry was secure. Mostly. Though he still had his moments where he questioned everything and got himself convinced he wasn’t good enough for Molly. They were getting less frequent though, and easier to talk him down from.

Life was going so well. They’d just bought a house. It needed work, but they were both loving putting their spin on it. They both had the stable jobs they wanted. Molly got to work from home three days a week and the bigger of the spare room was slowly turning into a studio for her. That might have to change now, she realised. And she knew she had to talk to Harry. She was getting ahead of herself already, and they didn’t even know what they were doing yet. Harry didn’t even know yet. 

Talking to Harry proved harder than it should have done though. 

At five thirty, normally the rough time he walked through the door, Harry called to say he’d be late. He had to pick something up from Shane’s and the traffic getting through town was insane. Normally Molly wouldn’t even have flinched, it wouldn’t have bothered her at all, but for obvious reasons it did, and Harry obviously picked up on the sudden tension down the line.

“I’m sorry baby, hey I’ll pick up Thai food and a bottle of wine on the way home,” He suggested and Molly felt herself swallowing down something that taste bilous. 

“Don’t worry about the wine, not really in the mood,” Molly lied, before biting down on her bottom lip. “Thai food sounds good though,” She tried to assure. But then she panicked, was she allowed to eat Thai Food, was spice ok, would it hurt the baby, and there was definitely something about fish she knew it. “Can you just get me something with chicken though please?” Molly added quickly, hastily.

“Ok,” Harry chuckled. Molly’s head was spinning, perhaps she was getting ahead of herself again, being overly precautious for something that might not come to be, but if it did, she had to start thinking of more than just herself. No matter how much she really wanted Prawn Pad Thai. “Well I’ll see you in a bit, I love you,” Harry told her and she settled for a second, telling Harry she loved him too before hanging up the phone and trying to ignore the nausea that was yet to fade. Molly wasn’t sure if it was just nerves or if it was some sort of pregnancy thing. 

All day she’d been pretending to be focused on was the new season look books that had come in the mail, but really all she’d been thinking about was Harry, and her, and their unborn baby. Again she skipped over the lookbook to her laptop and google pregnancy and fish. 

“Fucks sake,” Molly hissed, finding out it was raw fish that was to be avoided. For a minute she just stared at the picture of the woman on her screen, the stock photo that seemed to have been on every website she’d been on that day, her stomach swollen, her photoshopped skin glowing, her hair neatly tied back into a sweet little bun. Already Molly knew it wouldn’t look so perfect on her, she just felt it in her bones, she was scared of it, and perhaps pregnancy was like a horse, it would be able to sense her fear and treat her accordingly.

Of course Molly knew how ridiculous that all was. For all she knew she might have the most blissful pregnancy, minimal morning sickness, pain free, a perfect little bump. But at the same time, for all she knew, it might not get that far. It was a conversation they had to have, Molly knew that. It wasn’t a decision Molly could make, either way, alone. She needed Harry, because it was his too, and she need to know what he thought, how he felt, see his initial gut reaction when she told him. 

There was no way Harry would force his opinion on Molly any which way. If he wanted the baby, he wouldn’t make her keep it, if he didn’t want the baby, he wouldn’t make her get rid of it. But she still needed to hear what he had to say, she still needed to see how his face flinched and moved, and what his eyes did when she told him. Deep down Molly knew what she wanted, deep down she knew how she wanted Harry to feel about it, and what she was more scared of than anything else, than an ugly bump, than swollen ankles and horrific pain, was that he would want the other. 

Eventually, he walked through the door and Molly looked up from her laptop were she’d was looking at the same empty page of lookbook notes that she’d opened hours earlier after throwing the test in the bin. 

Molly heard the secondary voice and her tummy tightened. She knew she’d always recognise Shane’s voice for the rest of her life. It was stuck in her head from seven years of wise words and advice. It made her laugh to think she’d been scared of Shane when they first met. Now he was like the big brother she’d never had, but had seemingly always wanted, or at least needed. It was ironic that she would undoubtedly be going to him for advice in a couple of days time, but right now, she wished he wasn’t there. 

“Hey, I’ve got dinner, Shane just wants to grab that contract, where did I put it?” Harry’s greeting and questions came all at once, before he’d even made it to the dining room where Molly was sat. She closed the lid of her laptop and smiled as Harry wandered towards her and kissed her head. 

“In the drawer,” Molly told him waving her hand towards the top drawer of the cabinet against the wall. 

“Hey Mol,” Shane smiled lingering in the doorway, Molly smiled back at him leaning back in her chair. “You ok sweet? You look a bit pale,” Shane pointed out, concern in his tone as he straightened and creased his brown at Molly. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Harry look up from the drawer of paperwork to her, a similar frown on his face. Molly just smiled bigger, ignoring the knot it her stomach and the lump in her throat and the sickness she was feeling.

“I’m fine, been staring at a screen all day is all,” Molly shrugged.

“You eaten?” Harry asked. Molly nodded, but she hadn’t. She’d felt too sick, had no appetite, and to be honest making any kind of food was the last thing on her mind. “Why haven’t you eaten?” Harry asked, as always seeing straight through her.

“Just haven’t, I’ll eat now, you found that contract?” Molly pushed, sliding her chair back, getting up slowly. She didn’t feel dissimilar to how she’d felt in Harry’s bathroom all those years ago, just before she blacked out and he rushed in and made her feel better, and she wondered if he’d ever stop making her feel better. She didn’t want a repeat, that surely couldn’t be good. So she was careful and slow when she got to her feet. 

“There you go mate.” Harry spun and handed shane the stapled together documents for the latest property they were buying to develop together. It made sense, they were practically family, and when Harry’s uncle announced he was taking early retirement, Harry couldn’t think of anyone else he’d rather have by his side in business. Sometimes it was tense, mostly it was a breeze. 

“Sweet, I’ll see you tomorrow then, feel better soon Mol,” Shane quipped, Molly just rolling her eyes and flicking Shane her middle finger. She heard him chuckle as she turned for the kitchen and he headed to the front door with Harry. Molly stood at the kitchen side, getting plates had been on her mind, but that was removed by the fact that she now had to tell Harry, there was nothing in the way now. 

“Right.” She heard Harry start, the sound of his feet marching back towards her, Molly turned on her heel to face him. “What’s going on? You haven’t eaten, you look pale as anything, you don’t want wine, are you ok? Don’t just fob it off, I want an-”

“I’m pregnant,” Molly blurted out suddenly, and she held her breath watching it wash over Harry. His nostrils twitched and it took a second for anything else to happen. She saw the corner of his mouth lift but fall again quickly, and they his eyes started too look wetter.

“You serious?” He asked quietly. Molly nodded. A tear leaked out of his eye, he didn’t flick it away. Molly bit the inside of her cheek. “You’re sure?” Molly nodded again. Harry laughed, a sticky, wet laugh, but his smile was undeniable and Molly felt something like relief. “You gonna have my baby?” Harry asked stepping forward, and Molly nodded again, smiling herself. “Holly fuck, you’re gonna have my baby, we’re gonna have a baby, shit,” Harry laughed, stepping foward and pulling Molly tight to him. “You do want this yeah?” Harry asked quickly, mumbling into her hair. “Cause I know we said it wasn’t for us, and I thought that was true, but now you’ve said this, and I think I really do want it, if you do too though?” Harry explained and Molly marvelled and how much that resonated. She’d never wanted kids, until she looked at the two lines on that white plastic stick, and suddenly that was exactly she wanted. A baby, a baby that was her and Harry’s, and theirs forever. It was different for everyone, and perhaps anyone else would be freaking out, but for and Harry, suddenly it made perfect sense, so that was ok. 

“I do too,” Molly told him, pulling back and smiling up at him. “We’re gonna have a baby,” Molly whispered, almost giggling with giddy glee. Harry chuckled.

“We’re gonna have a baby,” Harry affirmed. He kissed her then, firm and gentle all at once. The ocean and the boat upon it, keeping her safe. The way it had always been. The way it seemed it always would be. Harry let go, and slipped down onto his knees. “Hey baby,” Harry whispered, kissing Molly’s tummy. “I’m your daddy, I can’t wait to meet you, me and mummy are gonna love you so much,” He kissed Molly’s tummy again, breathing her in before he got back up to his feet. Molly had never felt herself smile like it. Everything shifted suddenly, jolted into place, but it all seemed to make so much more sense than it had before, like the world was on the right axis. Perfect now. 

A/N Not sure what this about, read it all here. To those who have been here from the start, thank you. And to those who have been messaging and asking what’s going on, thank you. Finally got some inspo to finish this little bit and I feel like this world is now fully complete and rounded. Time to finally, really truly, say goodbye to Molly and Harry, I hope you’ve come to love them as much as I have, and thank you to everyone who’s always been so sweet and lovely and kind about this. Feels kinda weird posting writing again. Lol. Love you all endlessly <3 

[starsandauras]

Prompt #24: Hair Washing

FFXIV 30 Day Writing Challenge Prompt: Unctuous

Spoilers up to 4.5. If you haven’t finished the Stormblood patch content don’t read this. Official spoiler warning.

Features a reference to @dragons-bones‘s entry from yesterday. Will be linked soon. Here it is!

“I was catchin’ Feli flirtin’ with one of the wee Adders privates,” Brigid said as she scrubbed lather through Thancred’s hair, the man sitting on the floor in front of her, leaning into her hands.

“You’re certain?” he asked, tilting his head back just enough for her to reach and to look up at her through white eyelashes.

“His tail was doin’ that thing he’s doin’ when he’s seein’ someone ‘tractive. You’re rememberin’, how ‘tis goin’ all big and poofy, shakin’ a wee bit?” She nudged his head forward again, fingers massaging behind his ears.

“What does Lord Haurchefant think, I wonder,” Thancred replied, and Brigid could hear the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

“Oh he’s likely thinkin’ ‘tis a lovely thing, you’re knowin’ how he’s bein’.” She wiped her hands on the towel around Thancred’s shoulders and reached for the bottle of water she had nearby. “‘Bout to rinse,” she warned, and waited for his nod before starting the drizzle the water over his hair.

“Thank you for this,” he murmured, sounding almost embarrassed.

“‘Course darlin’,” she replied easily, running fingers through his hair to ease the suds out. “Any time you’re needin’ it.” She poured a little more water into his hair, cupping her hand above his eyes to keep it from getting in them. “Recovery’s nay bein’ a straight line after all. Just dinnae delay askin’ so long your hair’s bein’ a massive oil slick, hm?”

He laughed and his hand rose, trembling, reaching out for hers. She met him at his shoulder level, and she laughed as he managed to bring her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to the back.

———

“…Hilda’s sayin’ I should be goin’ to the Steppe for a bit,” she murmured softly, her fingers running through the longer hair. “That I’m needin’ to be gettin’ ‘way from all this.”

She reached out for the bar of shampoo sitting nearby and lathered her hands back up. Thancred remained as he had been when she came in to wash his hair, a silent shell. “The Mol would be bein’ happy to be seein’ me ‘gain, and they’d be keepin’ me safe. Like they’re doin’ for…” She blinked back tears and shook her head, fingers scrubbing at his scalp.

“Liam’s still flirtin’ with Yugiri,” she said instead, voice taking on a false brightness. “She’s understandin’ one word in ten, so I’m nay sure he’s doin’ a very good job at it. I’m offerin’ to be translatin’ for him, but he’s just goin’ all red and sayin’ he can be doin’ it himself.” She imagined him laughing in response, perhaps giving his own offer of help. It had been an endless amusement between them, her twin brother’s flailing in the matters of love.

“And Connor’s bein’ quite well known ‘mongst Clan Centurio lately, bringin’ in quite a few S ranks. ‘Tis one of his better ways of copin’ lately.” She wiped her hands on a towel and got the water, murmuring about rinsing before starting. “There was bein’ a wee dust up at the Arcanists’ Guild, somehow Arthur was gettin’ kitchen duty. Long story bein’ short, he was makin’ puddin’ and the aetherochemistry department’s bein’ mad at him ‘gain. Gettin’ tired of bein’ sent samples of his cookin’.”

It was all she could do for them, she thought to herself, looking over the rest of the downed Scions. She still needed to wash Alisaie’s hair. She sighed and went back to Thancred’s, cupping her hand to stave off the water from running into his ears, his eyes.

“I cannae be waitin’ for you to be wakin’ up,” she murmured, fingers searching for any remaining soap. “You’re already missin’ too much, dinnae need to be missin’ any more.”

[sockablock]

Something New for Me and You

• (start) (AO3) (prev) (next) •

Chapter 5: Ribbons of Green Silk

TUSK LOVE 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALOO Today 8:22 AM

(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*: hey assholes whos excited for saturdaaaaayyyyyyyyyyy??!!!!! NottSoBrave: caleb says ‘what is she going on about’ (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*: rude (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*: im not going to elaborate until he apologizes Babebarian: caleb please say sorry NottSoBrave: he says “i dont understand why but i am sorry” (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*: i forgive him (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*: anyways im talking about the 25th anniversary!! Its going to be so fun molly told me all the juicy details Seaman: and wouldn’t tell ME anything about it NottSoBrave: what a dick (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*: ANYWAYS, will we all be able to meet at some point? I know molly is performing (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*: and fjord and beau and yasha have to work that night Babebarian: perhaps after the show when things have calmed down we can all meet Seaman: yeah sure

Nott swung her feet off the side of the counter as Caleb finished washing their dishes. “Nobody’s replying now,” she narrated. “Did you have something you wanted me to send?”

Caleb shut the faucet off. “No, I am fine,” he said. “Tell me instead, have you and Jester decided on a time yet? Is your plan worked out?”

Nott nodded grudgingly. “She’s picking me up after her classes end. You’re super lucky that you’ve already got a suit, you know,” she sighed. “I really don’t want to do this.”

Caleb gave her a sympathetic smile. “I am sure it will be fine. Jester wouldn’t subject you to too much, of that I am certain.”

Nott sagged against the cupboards. “But this is going to suck,” she groaned. “People are gonna be looking at me, touching me, what if they realize I’m a goblin? The gnome disguise is only an illusion, what if they accidentally feel my ears or my hands, or what if the spell ends before I remember to cast it again? What then?”

“There are definitely risks,” Caleb conceded. “But that should not stop you. You can set a reminder on your cell every hour, and I am sure Jester would be more than happy to make sure nobody gets too close. She is our friend, ja?”

“Yeah,” Nott muttered. “Gods, I didn’t think going to a fancy party would be this much trouble. I still don’t see why I couldn’t have just magicked a fake dress for myself and saved a us a whole lot of trouble.”

“Jester wanted to treat you,” he reminded her. “And this is an experience you’ve always wanted, isn’t it? Even more, you deserve something nice. It is not every day one of us gets to be fancy, you should enjoy it. That is what you said when Jester dragged me out to the Tri Spires for dinner, ja?”

Nott raised an eyebrow. “Is this revenge, then? Are you getting back at me for that?”

Caleb grinned. “Not at all,” he said. “This is me giving you moral support and wishing that all goes well. Ich drücke dir die Daumen. Fingers crossed.”

•

Molly awoke to Fjord standing next to his bed, poking him in the arm. The half-orc was saying something, garbled and completely intelligible, and Molly had to sluggishly shove his hand away and pull the blankets over his head and ignore Fjord’s impatient sighs for a solid thirty seconds before he felt awake enough to reemerge and attempt communication.

“Gods, what?” he muttered. “What’s it?”

“I need you to stop by Crute’s apartment before you go to work and give him my letter,” Fjord said. “It’s on the kitchen table. Can you do that?”

“Letter?” Molly mumbled. “What letter?”

Fjord rolled his eyes. “My notice of leave letter, remember? Because I’m moving out next month? Like I told you last night?”

“Oh. That letter.”

“Yes, Molly. Can you do that?”

He rolled over and sighed dramatically. “I suppose so,” he said, “but I can’t say I’m thrilled about it. Am I not a good roommate, Fjord Tough? Have I not been more than wonderful? Are you abandoning me now, in this, my time of greatest need?”

Fjord shuffled his feet awkwardly. “Molly, you know I’m sorry, I really am, it’s not you. Jester ‘n I have been looking forward to this for a long time, yeah? And when we found the perfect apartment we knew it was the time and I know it leaves you out by yourself, but—”

Molly rolled back over and took Fjord’s hand. “I’m kidding, dear.” His tone was still sleepy, but now light and laced with warmth. “Of course I’m very happy for you both, I’ll give Crute the letter. Besides, when you’re gone then there won’t be any pushy half-orcs to prod me awake every morning.”

Fjord smiled. “Thanks, Molly.”

“Don’t mention it. Now get out, go to school, or whatever. I still have two hours before I need to be at the Moondrop.”

Fjord laughed. “Alright, alright, I’m going.”

And just as he was about to walk through the doorway, he paused and turned and said, “I’m gonna miss this, Mol.”

Molly pulled the blankets up again. “No,” he said. “Too early for emotions. Go away, try again later.”

Fjord snorted and left. A few seconds later, the front door clicked shut.

Eventually, Molly managed to close his eyes.

•

Shortly after Jester waltzed out of their apartment, pink backpack hanging loosely off one shoulder and humming cheerfully to herself all the way, Beau got up.

She slowly got out of bed and trudged into the kitchen, leaned against the counter and started sorting through mail as she waited for the coffeemaker to get its shit together.

“Boring…boring…boring,” she mumbled, tossing letters aside. She made a mental note to make sure Jester saw the one from Sieversii’s Office of the Bursar, immediately ignored a card saying she was overdue at the dentist, and then flipped to the next message and froze.

This envelope, brown and plain, was almost completely blank. Almost, except for “Beauregard” scrawled across the front in lazy, looping script.

She bit her lip. She thought for a moment. She walked over to the sink, held the envelope over it just in case, and carefully tore it open from the bottom.

A single piece of paper slid out.

She stared at it, lying motionless in the basin for a good minute. Then she gingerly picked it up and began to read.

Her eyes narrowed. Her teeth clenched, and her mouth curled into a scowl. Her anger grew, swelled, expanded until it burst in a thunderous explosion and she screamed with rage, kicked the dishwasher, crumpled the letter into a tight ball and whirled around and chucked it across the room. She pounded a fist against the side of the sink and stared furiously into the drain.

The coffeemaker dinged. She glowered at it, and then sighed.

She reached for the dishrack and found her mug, light blue ceramic.

She poured herself a cup.

•

“Okay, Nott!” Jester grinned as she climbed out of the car. “Welcome to the Tri-Spires! That tower over there, that one’s the Triumph Chime, where Caleb and Fjord and Molly and I had dinner on Monday. That one’s the Zauber Spire, it’s got fancy wizards in it and stuff, and that’s the Constellation Bridge. We’re going to one of the smaller boutiques, though,” she continued, gesturing to the bustling shops and storefronts around them. “I’ve been there a couple times before, they’re super nice. And you’re in gnome disguise, so it should be fine!”

Nott tugged uneasily on her coat. “But the illusion will cover everything up,” she said. “What if the people working there want to see me try something on, or what if they touch me and their hands disappear? That wouldn’t end well, Jester.”

She gave Nott a pat on the arm. “I’ll make sure that doesn’t happen. Trust me?”

Nott looked conflicted for only a moment. She exhaled and nodded slowly. “Alright, Jester. I trust you.”

•

“So,” said Yasha as she leaned against the costume rack and watched Mollymauk apply a generous layer of sparkling powder to his eyelids. “How was the, er...the coffee time?”

Molly snorted, launching a cloud of glitter into the air. “The coffee time?” he asked.

Yasha shrugged. She saw Molly reach for a tiny brush that was indistinguishable from an army of tiny brushes on the makeup table and press it to his eyelashes. “The event with Caleb?” she tried. “I don’t know, I would have said ‘date’ but he seemed adamant yesterday that I did not use that label.”

Molly frowned at Yasha in the mirror. “Really?” he asked. “Did he say why?”

Yasha shrugged again. “I left his home in a hurry. If he did, I did not catch it.”

There was a soft chuckle at that. “I’ve never seen you late for something before,” Molly quipped, “especially when you were harping on me for being on time. I’m ashamed for you, Yasha.”

She snorted and threw a stray sequin at his head, which hit his chair and vanished under the dresser. “Hush,” she said. “And tell me about your not-date, already. How was it? Did you have a good time? Was it everything you hoped?”

Molly sighed and leaned back to examine his eyeshadow. “Sort of,” he said. “It’s definitely confirmed that I am, in fact, head-over-heels for him. But I know it’s much too soon, and I’m fairly certain he harbors no such feelings in return.”

“Perhaps then you just need more time,” Yasha suggested. “Or maybe you should turn your affections elsewhere. I like him but he is a strange one, that Caleb. And that is coming from me.”

“I can’t just stop my emotions like that, Yasha. And besides, I wouldn’t want to. Even if he doesn’t ‘like me back’ it wouldn’t matter. Any suffering I face now is nothing in comparison to the darkness of not being able to love him.”

There was a brief pause.

“That was from Tusk Love, dear.”

“I know. I can’t tell if I want to punch you or clap.”

“I think I make a pretty good Guinevere.”

“You have nothing on Jester.”

There was another pause.

“Yeah, alright, that’s fair,” Molly conceded, and went back to studying his reflection. “Anyways, I do believe that. I’m just going to keep doing my best, and so long as it doesn’t make him uncomfortable, or ruin anything, I don’t see what the harm is. Let me feel, Yasha. Let me love.”

“You should listen to him,” said Mona from the mirror next to them. “If you don’t he’ll just keep complaining.”

“Endlessly,” agreed Yuli, standing behind Mona and doing her sister’s hair. “Hey, when are we going to meet this mystery man of yours, anyways?”

“He seems a much better sort than the kind you usually end up with,” added Mona.

“Soon,” said Molly. “Actually, he’s coming to the anniversary tomorrow. Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of him then?”

“Not good enough,” said Yuli. “I want to meet him.”

“We should invite him backstage,” Yasha suggested. “He knows us both already as is, we can offset any awkwardness, yes?”

Molly blinked a few times. “Mm...maybe,” he said. “We’ll see. It’s a bit early to introduce him to the family, isn’t it?”

“He’s the love of your life,” Yasha teased. “Doesn’t that help?”

“Oh it helps,” said Molly. He leaned into the mirror, and studied his expression. He liked to think his eyes made him hard to read, but right now the fear and worry painted across his face was painfully obvious to him, at least.

He sighed, and lifted his brush. “We’ll just have to see if that’s enough.”

•

“Okay,” said Jester as she pulled the curtain closed. “You can drop the illusion now! It’s just us.”

Nott breathed a sigh of relief and suddenly, the appearance of a small gnome girl with curly red hair and bright blue eyes melted away. Now there was a little goblin in a ratty hoodie standing in the middle of the large fitting room.

“Thank the gods,” she said. “I got really worried when that half-elf tried to touch my illusion-dress. Thanks for distracting her, by the way.”

Jester beamed. “Of course! I promised I would protect you, yes? Now come on. Which one do you want to try on first?”

Nott surveyed their haul, which barely fit on the available hooks.

“We can start with the pink one?” she suggested. “I don’t know, I’ve never done this before. And I still don’t see the point in getting a dress, Jester, especially when nobody will actually see the real thing.”

Jester shook her head. “I want you to have something nice!” she said. “You’re a pretty girl, you need something pretty of your own to go with it. Not Caleb’s old clothes.”

Nott scoffed. “I’m not a pretty girl,” she said. “I’m a goblin.”

Jester raised an eyebrow. “So what? What difference does that make?”

Nott gave an incredulous laugh. “It makes the whole difference!” she said. “Goblins can’t be pretty, that’s ridiculous. They’re horrible, nasty, awful creatures that live in caves and eat children, everybody knows that. A goblin is, is, is disgusting.”

“No way,” said Jester. “That’s not true at all. You aren’t disgusting, and you’re not nasty or terrible either!”

“But I’m still a goblin,” Nott argued. “And there’s nothing I can do about it. I’ll always be a goblin.”

“Maybe so,” Jester said, and here she put a hand on Nott’s shoulder. “Maybe that’s the case. But you’re not only a goblin. You’re also Nott! And Nott is kind, and funny, and lovable. And if she gives it a chance, I think she’d see that she can be pretty too.”

Nott bit her lip. She looked up, met Jester’s pleading expression, and for the second time today, relented.

“Okay,” she sighed. “I’m not completely convinced, but I’ll try.” She slowly reached for one of the dresses, and turned back to Jester with a hesitant smile. “Help me with the zipper?”

•

Caleb looked up from his book—a particularly promising history detailing the rise of the Age of Arcanum—as a green, sheepish-looking man in a bright pink scarf walked up to his counter and tapped lightly on the bell.

It gave a faint, twinkling ding.

“Er...hi, Caleb,” said Fjord, putting the yarn out of his mouth. “How’re you today?"

He blinked. He stared at Fjord for a few silent, awkward seconds.

“Do not take this the wrong way,” Caleb said eventually, sliding a bookmark between the pages and putting the volume aside, “but what are you doing here? Doesn’t Sieversii have a much better library than this? One exclusive to students?” he added with only mild resentment.

“I’m, uh, I’m not actually here for books,” Fjord said. “I was actually meanin’ to ask you for your rates. Sorry I’m buggin’ you for such a small thing, I would’ve texted but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have gotten a response.”

Caleb blinked again. “Excuse me, back up a second,” he said. “Rates?”

Fjord raised an eyebrow. “Uh...yeah? Sorry, are you not taking on more at the moment, or…?”

Caleb leaned forward. He wore a thoroughly bewildered expression on his face. “Fjord,” he said slowly, “I have no idea what you are talking about. Is Jester involved somehow?”

Fjord nodded. Now he looked just as confused as the wizard.

“Okay then,” Caleb said. “In that case, you should start again slowly. What is it you are here for?”

Fjord reached into his bag and produced a thick spiral notebook. He placed it onto the counter between them both.

“I need your help with classes,” he said. “I have a hard time understandin’ arithmetic and magical theory, and I was hoping you’d have some spare time in your weekly schedule to take me on as a student.”

“Oh,” said Caleb. “Oh, tutoring, ja sure, that is absolutely doable. But what did you mean before, asking for ‘rates’?”

Fjord frowned. “How much you charge, Caleb. I might not be able to match what Jes pays you, but—”

Caleb held up a hand. He met Fjord’s eyes. “Jester does not pay me,” he said evenly. “I never asked her to.”

Fjord blinked. He stared at Caleb. He took in the dark circles under the man’s eyes, the tattered nature of his coat. He thought about his own apartment, where he lived with Mollymauk, and then about Caleb and Nott’s home. He thought about his job at Fletch, and he thought about his salary.

“I’m paying you,” he said, and watched Caleb’s eyes go wide. “Seriously,” he added. “Whatever you ask. Name the price.”

•

Nott arrived through the front door that evening, which almost scared Caleb out of his mind as he stood in the kitchen, trying to light the stove with a gentle application of Burning Hands.

“Scheiss, spatz,” he said, extinguishing his fingers. “I thought you were a robber.”

“Sorry, sorry,” said Nott. She wore a wide and giddy grin. “I just didn’t want to rumple my dress coming through the window.”

Caleb’s face lit up. “Your dress? You got one?”

Nott proudly thrust forward a fabric bag almost as tall as she was. “I did!” she beamed. “And I really have to say...it was a lot of fun. I felt like a real girl, for the first time, you know?”

Caleb gave her a soft smile. “You’ve always been a real girl, Nott. But I am happy that you had that feeling. Can I see it?

She quickly shook her head. “Nope. You’re not allowed yet. Not ‘till after Jester does my hair and makeup. It’s a whole look.”

Caleb raised an eyebrow, but the grin stayed warmly in place. “If you say so,” he conceded. “Color me excited for tomorrow, then.”

“I’m really excited too,” Nott said. “Thank you for inviting me along.”

He chuckled. “Of course,” he said. “You are my family, Nott. I would want nobody else at my side.”

•

Jester arrived home to the smell of Marquesian takeout. Beau was seated at the dinner table, shoveling curried chicken into her mouth.

“Oh, Jester,” she said, muffled. “Welcome back.”

Jester shook the snow off her boots and hung her coat up. “I’m starving,” she said. “Scoot, let me at that bread.”

After Jester skipped over and began to eat, Beau stared into her bowl, seemingly thinking hard about something. After a moment, she suddenly looked up and said quickly, as if trying to prevent herself from stalling, “Hey, can I ask you something?”

Jester raised an eyebrow. “Sure. What’s up?”

Beau hesitated. “Do you...uh...do you like your mom?”

Jester laughed. “Uh...yeah?” She raised an eyebrow. “Of course I do, she’s my mom! And she loves me very much.”

“How, uh, how do you know?”

Jester put her fork down. “I dunno,” she mused. “I guess ‘cause she pays attention to me, and talks to me whenever she has time, and gives me lots of cool stuff and cares about me. She wouldn’t have sent me away if she didn’t love me, right? I could have been in super bad trouble if I had stayed home, after all.”

Beau contemplated this. She took a slow bite of chicken.

“I guess,” she said eventually. “I guess that makes sense.”

“Why’re you asking?” Jester leaned in. “Is there something going on?”

“No, no,” Beau shook her head quickly. “No, not at all. Just curious, I guess. Hey, pass me that bread, you can’t eat all of it!”

Jester giggled. “I bet I could,” she said, but handed it over. Then she met Beau's gaze with a soft expression. “You know you can talk to me about anything, right?" she asked. "We’re besties, that’s what they do.”

“Is it?”

“Absolutely.”

Beau nodded, and gave Jester a small smile. “Good to know, then,” she said. “I guess I’ll keep that in mind.”

•

Today 9:25 PM

Molly Tealeaf: hey there mister caleb! Molly Tealeaf: ive been told now that you never actually will read these Molly Tealeaf: but i figured id stop by just in case you do! Molly Tealeaf: i just wanted to let you know how excited i am that you’ll be seeing me sing Molly Tealeaf: for real I mean, not just karaoke while im drunk Molly Tealeaf: and yesterday Molly Tealeaf: it was a ton of fun! Molly Tealeaf: thank you again so much for agreeing to get coffee with me Molly Tealeaf: and lending me your coat Molly Tealeaf: i can’t wait for next time!!

•

Caleb adjusted his tie and sighed.

Now it was Saturday afternoon, a few hours before the performance. He was seated on Jester’ bed, glancing slack-jawed at the room around him, all high windows and thick curtains, plush carpeting under his feet and towering bookshelves to his left, gold leaf on the doors and dresser drawers. It would have been something out of a TV program on millionaire’s homes and lifestyles, if not for the pile of stuffed animals on the bed, the sea of beanbag chairs and cushions on the floor, and the dozens upon dozens of drawings and posters taped along the walls.

“I just got two more,” Jester had said cheerfully before shoving Nott into the bathroom. “One for Shallow Breaths and one for Scent of the Sea. Plus I added some more drawings, feel free to look! I’m very proud.”

And then she had closed the door behind her, leaving Caleb in his tan tweed jacket alone on the bed.

He could hear the girls giggling in the distance, the sound of a blow-dryer occasionally drowning them out.

He fidgeted with his sleeve. He stared at the windows. He put his head in his hands and leaned his elbows against his thighs. He groaned and rubbed his temples.

“What are you doing?” he whispered, staring at the red carpet beneath him. “Why on earth are you here? What made you think this would be a good idea? Gottsverdamnt, this is a high-class party you are about to attend, for the city’s elite!” He rubbed his chin and groaned. “And look at you now, with your shaved face, your neat hair and fancy attire. You are going to get recognized, you imbecile. What if somebody you know is there? Fuck, what if they are there? You don’t know? You were too stupid to ask what kind of people would attend. What if they are in town? What if they decide come? What then?”

He gestured blindly around. “And look at all this,” he continued. “Look at all this. You were supposed to leave this behind. You are garbage, you do not deserve such well-to-do and kind friends, who let you into their homes and, and, and buy you clothing! How could you let Jester do that? You do not deserve this! You should be in your filthy apartment, alone, doing nothing but research. This is a waste of time and a terrible risk.”

There was a sound, muffled by the bathroom door. He glanced up in a panic, half-expecting the girls to be standing there and staring at him. But the room was empty. He heard them giggle, and relaxed.

“Listen to that,” he muttered. “Hear how happy they are? Not for you, Widogast. Not for you. You should have encouraged Nott to come alone. Why even bother with this? You should just go home, now, while you still have the chance.”

He flopped backwards onto the bed and stared up at the ceiling, a high arch far above, reminding him again of how small and insignificant he was.

“You are a fool,” he murmured, and ran his fingers through his hair. He stretched his arm out and stared at the back of his hand. “Why are you here?” he asked nobody. “What made you do this? What is the point—”

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw something slip out of his jacket pocket and fall onto the bed. His brow furrowed. He felt around on the covers and his palm brushed a folded-up piece of paper.

He gently brought it closer; he held it up. He read:

Thank you again, Mister Caleb! A bit of warmth in the cold is all we need sometimes, eh?

This handwriting was more of a scrawl, as if formed by a grip unused to writing but determined nonetheless. It was actually almost intelligible, and took Caleb a few moments to properly understand.

When he did, he realized that it—along with the Mister Caleb—was completely, undeniably, Mollymauk.

He let his hand drop onto the blankets, and brought his other arm around to cover his eyes.

“You are a fool,” he muttered again. “A damn fool.”

This time, it lacked venom. If anything it sounded more resigned than angry.

•

Molly stared at his reflection in the mirror.

The rest of the group milled about behind him in various states of preparation for the big evening—Gustav fretting over his top hat, Desmond carefully tuning the instruments, Ornna opening and closing her fan, Bosun helping Kylre into his costume and the Knot Sisters braiding Toya’s hair.

Molly looked down at his costume, a flowing red cloak adorned with alchemical symbols and gaudy colored shapes. It had taken days, weeks, months to complete, and he was rather proud. He’d never played a powerful sorcerer before; usually he didn’t act at all. But rehearsals had gone well, and he couldn’t wait to show it all off tonight.

Still, something fluttered uneasily in his chest.

Molly would be the first person to admit he was a peacock that adored showing off for posh crowds. But Caleb would be here tonight. This would be the first time he’d watch Molly perform. Would he like it? Would he be impressed? Entertained? Or would he think Molly was shallow, too flamboyant, too flashy, too dramatic?

Molly ran a hand through his hair. Then he kicked himself mentally and reached for the hair gel. As he squeezed the pale blue substance into his palm and rubbed his hands together, he looked back at his reflection and paused.

What did he want? He’d told Yasha he would be happy just being allowed to stand by Caleb as a friend. Was that true? Was that right? Was that okay?

He sighed and pushed the gel into his hair.

What did he want?

He didn’t know. And somehow, that was the worst part.

•

Jester burst out of the bathroom, swinging an anxious-looking Nott behind her by the hand.

“We’re ready!” she declared loudly. “Caleb, get up and tell us that we are pretty!”

He pushed himself up. His eyes softened, and a smile crept across his face.

Jester was wearing a long, pale pink dress that seemed to shimmer as she moved. There were no sleeves, and the neckline curved down, stopping just short of indecency, ending at playful with a refined edge. She wore long white gloves, and a necklace of pearls, and a delighted grin.

Nott stood next to her in a bright yellow sundress with a cream-colored sash around the middle. It ended just below her knees, fanning out and twirling slightly as she fidgeted. Her eyes were expectant, and nervous.

“You both look wonderful,” Caleb said. “Absolutely spectacular.”

Nott glowed under his praise. “Thanks, Caleb.” Her hesitant smiled turned giddy. “I feel pretty spectacular too.”

Jester pumped a fist into the air. “I knew it would be amazing!” she beamed. “And now it’s time to party!"

•

Today 5:51 PM

Jester Lavore: mission accomplished molly Jester Lavore: caleb and nott are in some choice fashions Jester Lavore: we’ll head over soon Molly Tealeaf: youre a doll, dear Jester Lavore: im not a doll im a chic god Molly Tealeaf: right of course Molly Tealeaf: thank you so much again for doing this Jester Lavore: HA! any excuse to shop Jester Lavore: nott would NEVER let me put her in a dress if she didn’t have to anyway Jester Lavore: so really its perfect Molly Tealeaf: it truly is, thank you again Molly Tealeaf: hey can I ask you one more favor? Jester Lavore: of course! anything for you Molly Tealeaf: excellent

•

Caleb wasn’t sure whether or not to be relieved. Upon arrival, Jester had immediately dragged them past Yasha at the front entrance and up the carpeted stairs, away from the bar and between the tables and around the stage so quickly that none of the guests had even seen them for more than a few seconds. No chance of being recognized, that way, or any need for socialization.

But she had done so because they were going to the performer’s lounge to see Molly and his coworkers before the show. Quite a need for socialization, in that department.

“Relax,” she whispered, pausing just outside the door. “They’re all super-duper nice, and he’s already told them all about you both. Even you,” she added with a grin to Nott. “They know you’re a goblin, but it’s alright. And they won’t say a word.”

“Good,” Nott sighed. “The less we talk about it, the better.”

Caleb gave her a pat on the head. “I am sure they would have loved you on sight, disguise or no. It is me that I am worried about, Jester, I don’t know how to speak to these people! I have never even met them before, how am I supposed to behave? Will they try and make light conversation or should I not speak unless spoken to, or—"

She snorted. “What kind of dumb rule is that? Just be yourself! C’mon, it’ll be fun. Molly’s dying for you to meet them.”

And then she knocked on the door and pressed her cheek against the wood and called, “Guys! It’s Jester and Caleb and Nott! Put your pants on, we’re coming in!”

She turned the handle and yanked it open.

Ten pairs of eyes at assorted heights and varying sizes immediately trained on them. There was a half-elf in a frock coat standing next to a shorter balding man surrounded by a loop of floating instruments. A woman with dark skin and fiery hair, draped in gold and crimson fabrics, lounged next to a rack of costumes. Two identical halflings in shimmering green bodysuits looked up from behind a table covered in makeup and hair products. A half-orc was seated on the carpet, adjusting a drum, and tiny flaxen-haired dwarf girl in a simple white dress was perched atop an enormous, bright green, hulking mass of a lizard-man in the corner by the window.

Mollymauk, seated on the arm of a couch, beamed.

“Jester! Caleb and Nott too, hey, you made it!” He immediately stood up and ushered them over to the sofa. “I’m so glad you guys stopped by, I really wanted to introduce you to the troupe.”

Gustav gave them a warm smile as they sat. “Lovely to see you again, Miss Lavore,” he said to Jester, tipping his hat. Then he turned to Caleb and Nott and bowed. “I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure yet. My name is Gustav Fletching, master of ceremonies. Come on, you lot!” He grinned, waving at the rest. “Introduce yourselves!”

“Ornna,” said the redheaded woman. “It's pleasure.”

“Bosun,” said the half-orc. “The Breaker. Call me Bo.”

“Mona,” said one of the halfling women.

“Yuli,” said the other. “We’re the Knot sisters.”

“Desmond Moondrop,” said the man surrounded by musical instruments. “I’m a bard.”

There was a tremor from the corner of the room, and then a deep, gravelly voice leaked from the mouth of the lizard-man. “Kylre,” he said.

“Toya,” whispered the dwarf sitting on top of him.

“And I’m Mollymauk,” Molly grinned cheekily. “But you knew that already. Yasha’s included in the troupe too, since she hangs around us so much, but you also knew that already too.”

Jester nudged Caleb and Nott. “Go on,” she hissed. “Introduce yourselves!”

“I’m Nott,” said Nott. “The Brave. But there’s no comma.”

There was a chorus of “hellos,” and Bosun laughed. “Perfect!” he said. “We have the same middle name.”

Then they all looked expectantly at Caleb. He managed to clear his throat and said, only slightly shakily, “Caleb. Caleb Widogast.”

“Ah,” Yuli grinned. “You’re Caleb, then?”

Ornna chuckled. “You're the mysterious man who—”

She was cut off as Molly suddenly threw his arms out and pulled her in tightly by the shoulders. “Anyways, he said loudly, "it was lovely of you three to stop by! The show’s on in half an hour and we’ll be a bit busy from now on, but maybe we can all talk some more after the show. Drinks included.”

Desmond glanced at his watch. “Actually, Molly, we could still spare a few—”

“We’re very busy!” Molly declared again, very pointedly. “After the show.”

The troupe exchanged glances. A few members tried very hard to hide their sniggering.

“Of course,” said Gustav generously. He turned back to the trio and gave another wide bow. “I’m delighted to have met you all. Do stop by again, a friend of Molly’s is a friend of ours, and I’d love to get to know you better, Ms. Nott and Mr. Caleb.”

They both nodded, and before they could say a word were swept up by Jester as she rose and started ushering them out the door. Just before leaving, she turned back and called, “Break a leg, you guys! I can’t wait to see the show!”

“You all seem really cool!” Nott added, sticking her head around Jester. “Nice meeting you!”

“Er…I as well,” Caleb said, and then kicked himself, and then tried again. “I mean, I enjoyed this.”

And then Jester slammed the door, and they all stood in the empty hallway for a few beats of silence.

“That was…peculiar,” Caleb said eventually. “They are a, a colorful lot.”

“They’re good people,” Jester said cheerily. “And they’re Molly’s family, you know?”

“I liked ‘em,” grinned Nott. “I wanna to talk to them some more.”

“I bet we can,” Jester agreed. “But after the show.” She started marching down the corridor, and the other two scrambled to follow her. “C’mon!” she declared. “Let’s go find a table with a good view, before they’re all gone.”

•

Beau dropped her elbows onto Fjord’s counter and raised an eyebrow. “Hey,” she said when he failed to notice her. “Hey, Fjord. When’re you gonna take your break?”

He turned around, wiping a glass cup, and glanced wearily at the packed crowd wedged into the bar around them, dancing to loud, bass-heavy music or playing pool to the side or occupying the booths beyond maximum capacity.

“Dunno,” he said. “There’s a lot of people here tonight.”

“Yeah,” sighed Beau, “bar discounts’ will do that. But we gotta take a break at some point, right? Everybody’s been hypin’ this thing at the Moondrop up for ages, we can’t miss it. Jes promising to illegally tape it for us ain't enough.”

Fjord nodded. “I’ll see if I can’t get someone to fill in for me later,” he said. “And you’re right, if Molly hears I never got a chance to see it he’d be crushed.”

“You think?” Beau asked.

Fjord laughed. “I know.”

The conversation went on hold for a moment, as two people approached the bar and rattled off an order. Beau idly picked at her fingernails.

“Sorry ‘bout that,” said Fjord. “Anyways, how’ve you been? Haven’t seen you in a few.”

Beau snorted. “We were at the gym together like…three days ago,” she said. “And I helped you finalize your apartment decision with Jester. Are you forgetting me in your old age already?”

Fjord rolled his eyes. “You know what I meant,” he said. “C’mon, spill. What’s up?”

Beau paused. She seemed to briefly wrestle with something, a mental debate that came and went in a flash

“Not much,” she said, and pointed to a clear bottle behind Fjord. “Hey, pour me one of those? It’s gonna be a long night and I think I need some help.”

Fjord raised an eyebrow. “You sure?” he asked. “You're on the clock and It’s like…seven-thirty. Isn’t that a bit early?”

Beau shook her head. “No way,” she said. “Alcohol will only enhance my performance right now, and seven-thirty just means that night is young. And ripe with opportunity.”

•

Jester had found a circular table near the middle of the crowd, stage-side views having already been claimed. The three of them now sat together in tall, cushioned chairs, hands neatly folded in their laps—Caleb—or fingers drumming absent-mindedly on the white cloth—Jester and Nott. Thankfully, which Caleb noted as he made furtive glances around the large hall, there was nobody here that he recognized. There had been a brief moment, when his eyes caught an older man with a wrinkled face and long beard, where he almost had a heart attack on the spot—

—until he realized the eyes and nose were different. Eventually, he calmed down.

Around the large floral centerpiece, Caleb also sized up the other couples sitting at their table. There was elf with a human, and a pair of gnomes. The closest one, a woman with pale blonde hair and rosy cheeks, gave Nott a pleasant smile when they noticed each other.

“Excited for the show?” she asked, quite kindly, in Gnomish. “My husband and I came a long ways out to come see it.”

Nott stared at her. Her eyes darted back and forth and behind her, Jester and Caleb began to panic silently.

“Uh…” she said, and under the table Jester kicked Caleb’s leg in a you’re-magic-you-have-to-do-something sort of way. He nudged her back with a I-don’t-have-any-spells-that-can-work-fast-enough-to-help-fuck.

Nott cleared her throat. “Ah…actually,” she said, “I’m real sorry, but I don’t speak Gnomish.”

The woman blinked. “Oh, shoot, I’m the one that’s sorry,” she said quickly. “It was my fault for assuming.”

“No, no,” said Nott. “It’s alright. It was a reasonable assumption, Miss. It’s just that I, uh, I was…uh…”

She quickly glanced back at Caleb and Jester, who both shrugged.

“I was raised by halflings!” Nott declared. “Yes, that’s it. Adopted. Never knew my birth parents, it’s quite sad really. But I love my halfling family, and we’re very close.”

“Is that so?” The woman smiled. “Well then, that’s nice. I lived with my adopted brother, you know. He couldn’t make it tonight, but I’m sure he would have loved to meet you, Miss…?”

“Oh!” Nott smiled and gave her a short wave. “I’m, uh, Bren,” she said. “Bren…Tough.”

“Bren Tough?” The other gnome, a man with short brown hair and glittering eyes, raised an eyebrow. “That’s a pretty interesting name.”

“Thanks,” said Nott. “It belongs to me. What are, uh, what are your names?”

“Oh,” the woman smiled. “Of course, where are my manners? I’m—”

The chandeliers went out. A spotlight suddenly appeared on the grand stage, illuminating a single man in a long frock coat and a tall top hat. He bowed deeply, spreading his arm aside and lowering his hat as he did.

“Esteemed Guests,” he called in a rich, musical tone. “I extend my humble gratitude for gracing us with your presence, and I welcome you to the 25th Anniversary celebration of the Fletching & Moondrop. Our performers have worked tirelessly for months to prepare a unique and spectacular exhibition of culture and music and art for you all tonight, and I firmly believe that it will be to your liking. Grant us your imaginations this eve but a trifle bit of time. Sit back, have some dinner, and enjoy the show.”

And then he bowed again, and in a sudden plume of purple, glittering smoke, he was gone.

The curtains pulled open, and revealing a single man dressed all in blue, old-fashioned minstrel’s clothing, a large feathered cap perched upon his head. He had a fiddle in his hands, and as the light moved towards him, he began to play.

Ah, came Gustav’s voice from somewhere unseen, I see you’ve already met Desmond. He’ll be part of our story tonight, so keep a wily eye for the shifting fool. But first, I will tell you the tale of two sisters of the Fey.

Desmond bowed his head, slowly moved away from the center. And as he retreated, three long ribbons of green silk unfurled from the ceiling and gently caressed the wooden stage.

Lost without form into the mazes of the underworld, there, where the body would break, they found a teacher in a mystical serpent. And the gift they received, was the ability to bend with this maze that had captured them, and slither their way back to the surface, to reclaim their place in the world.

A hand emerged just into view, along the top of the silk. It swayed gently, as if stirred by a breeze. And then another appeared, and another, and another, and then two bodies adorned in glittering emerald scales dropped down, catching themselves against the ribbons and twirling in the air. Their faces turned towards the audience, and then to each other.

May I present to you: Mona and Yuli, the Knot Sisters.

The sisters began to move slowly, bending their limbs, arching their backs and intertwining their torsos in impossible formations, dangling in the air supported by nothing but ribbons, and one another. And as the fiddle’s melody, now sourceless and swelling, building, crescendoing and accelerating in tempo and vigor, the sisters began to spin wildly, press tightly, drape their arms together and move unison, seemingly shifting into a single being of whirling, fluid scales and shimmering, verdant green.

Next to him, Caleb saw Nott wince at their display of impossible flexibility and bone-shattering dexterity. A number of patrons close to the stages were also gasping in shock, in awe, mouths agape and whispering with hushed amazement. The elf at their table gave an impressed nod, and Jester was completely entranced.

Suddenly, one of the sisters folded over and plunged downward, drawing horrified exclamations from the audience, until she stopped short barely two feet of the ground. The other twirled down as well and the two of them began to tangle and wrap like battling serpents, hissing and thrashing and violent and beautiful all at the same time. It was…off-putting, and impossible to look away.

Slowly, the lighting began to dull into a pale turquoise. And then it got darker. And darker. And the sisters fell into the underworld.

They began to tell the tale of struggle, crawling across each other limb by limb, using their snake-like forms as a ladder that extended up the ribbons, using every muscle in their bodies to climb upwards. Caleb found himself forgetting to breathe, so pulled into this wordless story of redemption, of hope, of climbing back to the surface from a dark hell to the soft glow above. And as they moved higher and higher, building off one another and stretching upwards, the lighting shifted, grew brighter, and their climbing became less fevered. The two of them, arm into arm, leg into leg, rolled upward and swirled and spun and twirled until finally they reached the apex and wrapped themselves close and pressed their foreheads together and, one again, turned back out to the audience. The extended their hands, and bowed their heads.

And with a flourish, their ribbons were pulled back up, out of sight, the sisters along with them, until the stage was empty again.

The audience erupted into applause. Caleb felt something brush his cheek, and saw Jester patting his face with her napkin.

“You were crying,” she whispered softly. “It’s okay. I got it.”

He blinked, and felt the moisture gathering under his eyes. He glanced back at Jester, who was smiling in an uncharacteristic moment of silence, and thought of something to say.

“…thank you,” he murmured.

She put the napkin down and gave him a pat on the arm. “Don’t worry. And sorry if your face is sticky, I think there was some juice on my cloth.”

And then, before he could reply, the soft green light suddenly vanished, replaced with nothing but empty darkness, and Gustav’s voice echoed around them once more.

In a flash, beyond the ash, gods all went and gone. The darkness came to grasp, reclaim, and suffocate the dawn.

Suddenly, the audience gasped again as out of the darkness, a burst of flame erupted through the room, beginning with two torch sconces just beside the stage on both sides, spreading out in a circle around the hall, shedding a low, orange light over all of their heads. Caleb couldn’t help but wonder if this was scientific, or arcane, and briefly considered a Detect Magic to find out. But then Gustav spoke again, breaking his train of thought:

But from that night, a burning light doth keep back the shadows’ bane. The strength to fight will set alight the morning sun again. Esteemed guests, I present to you: Ornna, the Fire Fairy.

From the center of the stage, a flash of silver metal. And then another, and another, and suddenly as the sharp gleam arced through the air a flame trailed after it, framing the face of that beautiful woman with blazing red hair, now surrounded by curls of fire. She spun in a hypnotic twirl, her simple dress fanning out around her and catching the warm light, flickering and giving her the visage of a warrior-goddess battling against the darkness around her. The frenzied fiddle soared again, she spun the fans in her grasp, face stoic and graceful all at the same time. The audience breathed their quiet awe, watching her strike and spin and dive across the stage, banishing the shadows from the hall. She moved with the music, drew wild as it crescendoed, leapt and lunged and flew through the air until the song climaxed and she finished one final, brilliant twirl, and as she landed on the stage, the lights all around her suddenly rocketed into a victorious luminescence.

The crowd went wild. Nott stood in her chair and pumped her fists and even in this refined, upper-class audience, she was not alone.

“This is super different from what they usually do,” Jester whispered to the human on her other side. “Usually it’s just background singing and stuff.”

“What a shame,” said the elf. “I would love to see this sort of show more often. Nice use of pyrotechnics.”

“It’s very artistic,” said Nott, sitting back down. “I like it.”

And then the torches went out, and a low drumbeat began to pulse from the stage. Gustav spoke once more:

Even as the sun would rise anew, bellowing roars will quake the lands of Xhorhas and beyond. Terrible beasts, now freed from their dark masters, scattered into our world.

And then a terrible, guttural roar shook the entire performance hall. In the dead silence that followed, came the quiet crawl of grinding, dragging chains.

A spotlight appeared, cast over the form of Bo the Breaker, dragging something onstage. Desmond came with him, chains in one hand and fiddle in the other, the bow moving itself. And then a shape emerged, massive, hulking, covered completely in slimy, swamp-green scales a stark contrast of the lithe sisters from before. This shape was enormous, corpulent, with large toad-like legs that framed a rotund torso, muscular arms manacled and pulling it in. It fought and wrestled against the chains but slowly, painfully, bitterly pulled into the center of the stage. It roared a second time, mighty and brutal. The front row of the audience pulled back in their seats, whispering urgently, fear beginning to build.

The devil-toad crawls hungrily into the land of free folk, said Gustav, steady and unwavering. It ravages the mind and lords over nightmares. But what truth lies behind the eyes of this beast? What would be learned when the guiding heart of innocence pierces the hateful soul, brings beauty for the first time?

A soft, faint voice from somewhere in the darkness began to drift slowly over their heads.

I now present to you: the vivid song of Toya.

A light shone down atop a platform against the left side of the stage. And upon the structure, feet swinging and bare, was the shape of the young dwarven girl in the flowing white dress. Her eyes were closed, hands at her side. And her voice, her voice, her voice—

—she sung with a mystifying hum, a sound that pierced the heart with unexpected, uncontrolled, unbridled joy. The crowd audibly gasped as the melody washed over them, entranced them, brought every single person into its music. Caleb felt something brush his cheek again, and when he looked down he saw Jester blow her nose into the napkin, staring at the stage with wide, tear-brimmed eyes.

And before them all, the devil-toad froze. It stopped struggling, seemingly caught by this song. Its face dropped into a soft smile and it slowly walked beneath Toya’s wooden platform. It looked up, and sat down. Bosun and Desmond both dropped their chains and walked away, leaving the creature in its awed rapture. From up above, Toya’s voice began to grow, almost summoning a chorus from the ether that once again spoke of magic that could not be. Her smile was infectious, and though tears spilled down Caleb’s face, he could not break his gaze.

Until, abruptly, a man seated at one of the tables shot to his feet. His arms were outstretched and behind his fine-tailored suit was a body wracked with age. His legs shook, and the low light caught the wetness of his cheeks.

“What’s happening?” Nott whispered as the audience's attention shifted to the man. “What’s he doing?”

“I dunno,” Jester frowned. “I think…hey, he doesn’t look so good—”

He screamed. The music instantly stopped. Other patrons began to stand up, began to move closer, to check on him, watched him collapse to the ground and clutch his chest and with another wet gurgle screamed again, vocal chords bursting and now the skin on his arms began to tear, the bones split from his flesh, the people immediately around him began screaming themselves and backing away and his body writhed and crackled and dust shook from his swelling form and the entire audience started panicking, scrambling, running for the exits and shouting and—

Chaos erupted all around them.

Instinctively, Caleb’s hands caught fire.

•

💚 ☕ ☕ 💚