#he just wants nemo to be alive and at peace

[nautilusgays]

If I were making a mini series of 20000 Leagues Under the Sea I know how I would end it.

Aronnax is working on his book. He is feeling out of place and lonley in Paris, even though he's surrounded by people at the university, at the museum, and Conseil (and occasionally Ned) remains at his side. Even though he loves them dearly.

Pierre is walking around the museum looking dead and models of marine animals. They are nothing compared to the vibrant marine life he witnessed aboard the Nautilus.

Conseil suggests 'Monsieur should spend some time by the coast for his health?'. He knows.

Then we see Pierre working in a house with a beautiful ocean view. He is trying to finish his book but is constantly distracted and look out of the window, out at the sea - just in case..perhapse?

The final shot is him just standing knee deep, fully clothed, in the sea, staring out at the horizon. The camera just keeps zooming out and backwards across the sea. Pierre's form is getting smaller and smaller until he disappears. Now it is just the sea and the waves. The screen darkens into black, ready for the credits, but at first we are left with nothing but a dark screen and the sound of the waves.

[maegalkarven]

An interlude. What now?

Happens between Empty Prayers and Dreams of Red.

Nemo tries to be serious and Think of the Future. It backfires.

Characters: Dark Urge (Nemo), Enver Gortash, Astarion, Karlach, Wyll, Shadowheart, Gale, Lae'zel.

TW: mentions of cannibalism, questionable way to raise children (Nemo wtf), canon-typical Durge behavior.

Info about Nemo's assassins:

https://www.tumblr.com/maegalkarven/732101148639707136/so-i-actually-created-most-of-the-notable?source=share

"You do realize we all are doomed, right?" The question comes out of nowhere amidst of one of the calmest nights they have. It breaks the feeble illusion of peace right away.

"Now, you don't have to put it like that," Gale tries. "We still have some choices-"

"Blowing yourself up is not a choice," Wyll cuts out, uncharacteristically sour.

"But-"

"No, Gale," Shadowheart agrees. "No more stupid self-sacrifices for the gods who do not deserve that. Besides, you remember what Gortash said? What if you have done as Mystra wanted you to and detonated the orb in the illithid colony, it would turn every parasite-infested person into mindflayer?"

"I'm not sure how much we can trust a word of the former Chosen of Bane."

"Fair," the former Chosen of Shar agrees. "I wouldn't trust him either. But something tells me this time he was telling the truth."

"He also sits just across you, if your memory is that fragile," Gortash comments. "And thank you, not like I was thinking of impending doom and our deaths for every hour of every day now."

"Not like you kickstarted this whole event," Karlach comments.

"And what would you have me to do, let Orin kill Nemo?"

"Well, you could have not tried to conquer the world using the extremely dangerous magical artifact and, you know, the Elder Brain."

"You keep saying that, but I have yet to hear a single idea how to fix it and for us, you know, not die drastically and like fools."

"Everyone always dies like a fool," Astarion comments. "Death is dumb like that."

"If you'd only let me finish," Nemo raises his voice. "And stopped this 'woe are us, we are doomed' crying-"

"We are listening," Wyll tries. "Oh, well, at least I am trying to."

Nemo sends him a grateful look.

"Alright, let's start it anew, you literal bickering children-"

"Hey-"

"Gortash started it-"

"Oh, fuck off-"

"Quiet," and surprisingly, they all quiet down. This is who Nemo is forced to work with these days. Unbelievable.

"We are screwed. This is not me being overly dramatic, this is not me being pessimistic, this is the actual truth we're dealing with. The Elder brain has one stone and if it wasn't breaking out of the hold before - which he was, very much - it's clearly out of it now. Now, the questions why it hasn't turned everyone into mindflayers and why it's playing laying low for now is a mystery, but-“

"It's luring us back to it," Astarion comments. "What? Can't we offer our thoughts too? I didn't know it's One Man show you're having here."

"You have no idea how many people have been stabbed over interrupting him mid speech," Gortash comments. "Me included."

"Oh yeah, well, maybe try to not talk over me, asho-"

"I wasn't talking over you-"

"Just like you aren't doing it now?" Nemo glares at him. "You're lucky I need you alive."

"Thank you oh so kindly, the gracious one-"

"Tsk'va," Lae'zel interrupts the quarrel. "You two desire to tear into each other’s flesh so much it makes you stupid. Go get the urges out of the system and come back when you're capable of being rational."

This comment, made with intention of calming things down, has rather the opposite effect.

"You're the one to talk," Nemo hisses as his face reddens.

"I do not ‘desire to tear into his flesh’," Gortash argues.

Astarion laughs.

"Yes, and I am not a vampire spawn."

"Can we not fight?" Wyll, an unfortunate voice of reason amidst this chaos.

"Oh, I don't know," Gale smirks. "I rather find it amusing to watch."

"You know what?" Nemo snaps. "Go on, detonate this orb. I'm done with it."

"Now I'm not going to, purposely because you asked me so nicely."

"I fucking hate this family."

"Karlach, you already said that."

"It doesn't mean I hate it any less."

"I miss my children," Nemo suddenly chimes in. "They listened to me."

"Your who?"

"Oh, please," Gortash snorts. "I once saw one of your children stab her brother over something minor."

"It was their brother and it was nothing minor. He took their target, that's just rude."

"I'm sorry," Gale tries. "Can we backtrack now? What children are you talking about now?"

Nemo blinks at them.

"Oh," he exclaims. "My assassins, of course, the ones I personally brought into the fold."

"And the reason you address them as children is because..?"

"They were orphans Nemo picked up from the streets," Gortash mentions. "At least that's what I was told."

"Excuse me, what?" Karlach, indignation flaring with her fire. "You stole children?"

"First of all, it's kidnapped and not stole. Second of all, they came willingly," Nemo scoffs. "And really, do you think they had any other choice? Do you think any good life was waiting for them? I saved their lives."

"You've abducted children into the cult and made them killers," Wyll speaks. "Nemo, this is-"

"Wrong?" He interrupts. "How wrong can it truly be? They would die without me, or better yet, get killed. Do you think there's mercy for a girl who took a life of her stepfather? Whose mother blamed her for the murder even if said stepfather was in dire need of killing?" He pierces Wyll with a sharp stare.

"Do you think Flaming Fists would save a little tiefling boy with too much magic in his blood? Do you think they'd get to the mad crowd in time and protect the boy from it? Do you think they'd even care?  A tiefling child, an evil child, a hellspawn. No one would miss him, no one would cry for him. And," he smiles and this smile looks poisonous.

"Do you think your honorable father would spare a child whose survival was linked to the deal with the fiend? Do you think he, who exiled his own son, would look at destruction of the House Et'rris, at the only surviving its member, linked to a devil, and help them? Save them?" His voice drops to a low tone.

"How dare you judge me? You were not there to save these children, I was. What did I do but gave them a second chance? What did I do but gave them home? Where else would they go? Who else would feed starving orphans on the streets, Duke Ravengard?" He laughs an ugly, bitter laugh.

"The Council of Four? Don't be ridiculous, they never even looked down to see the low folk struggling. Those children, all those children would die if not for me. From the so-called justice, from an angry mob, from prison, from starvation. I found them, fed them, cared for them. I made them best of the best, the perfect murderers, the perfect shadows of the night. And who can hurt them now, when they're the worst things haunting Baldur's Gate? Who would dare to strike at them but their own? I made them strong."

The stunned, eerie silence falls over the camp.

Then Karlach raises her voice.

"What did you feed them with?"

"This is irrelevant."

"No, it's not."

"It was a good meat: not rotten, not touched by any diseases, I even cooked it-"

"I fed children the human flesh?!" Gale asks in horror.

"Of course you'd assume it was human," Nemo scoffs. "It was elven too, you know. Some dwarf meat, even halfling or tiefling there and there-"

"You did what?!"

"It was that or starving on the streets! And anyway, I was fed humanoid flesh my entire life and I turned out alright-"

Astarion scoots a little closer to Gortash.

"He did not turn out alright," the pale elf whispers, watching the argument rising to new, dangerous heights. "And you knew that, didn't you?"

"What Nemo eats flesh?" Gortash hums. "It wasn't a big secret."

"And what he feeds his...children the same?"

"It's a Cult of Murder," the man shrugs. "One expects some level of atrocities from it."

"That's not the answer."

"That's the one you'll get," Astarion watches Gortash watching Nemo, a small satisfies smile dancing on his lips. "I don't particularly care what he feeds his assassins, only what all of them seem to care very little for table manners."

"So I'm guessing you've met them?"

"Yes."

"...What are they like?"

"Why don't you ask their benefactor that and not the man who saw them once or twice?"

"Because their benefactor is currently in a screaming match with our companions," Astarion's shrugs. "Though he seems to be holding his ground just alright."

Gortash snorts.

"He used to lead fifty or so bloodthirsty murderers and made it look easy," another long, heavy look at Nemo. "He is good at handling people. Bhaal convinced Nemo the best thing a bhaalshapwn can be is a perfect blade, which is a shame, really. Nemo would do wonders in high court; he has enough charisma and intelligence to wrap the nobles around his fingers without them so much as noticing it.”

"It sounds like you admire him," Astarion comments, trying very hard not to feel slighted at that. Of course tyrant admires his nearest in dearest, it was to be expected. And anyway, doesn’t Nemo deserve to be admired?

But why does it sit so ill against his skin?

"Of course I admire him," the tyrant replies, not even looking away from the assassin. "He is brilliant. His part in our plans is not to be overlooked; everything came falling apart the moment Orin replaced him. Bhaal might have been content with a mad woman who could not control her urges, but our plan could not. She made a mess of things, ruined several of carefully constructed plans and hadn't even noticed. The amount of people I had to tadpole simply because Orin was acting unwise is-" he sighs. "Where Nemo would just waltz into the room, smile and bullshit his way through everything, Orin made things worse."

Astarion hums.

"I once saw Nemo convince an orthon to kill his minions, then his pet, then himself," he mentions. "So I can easily see him doing that."

"An orthon?" Gortash looks surprised. "Where in the Nine Hells did you find an orthon?"

"In a Gauntlet of Shar," Astarion shrugs. "He made an ill-fitted deal with Raphael and tried to get out of it. Nemo tricked him into false getaway."

Three's a long silence after that.

"Raphael," Gortash speaks slowly, as if tasting the words. "It's been a while since I've heard that name. How did you stumble into him?"

"More like he stumbled into us. He appeared from the thin air, laid heavy on those sweet talks of his and tried to talk Nemo into a deal. Probably still trying, all things considered. I am not sure what exactly he wants from Nemo, but he is insistent."

Gortash grows silent once more.

"I would advise against strikingly any deals with that particular devil," he comments after a pause. "Deals with him are even fouler than the deal with the devil would be expected to be. Raphael is clever; he is patient and knows how to play the game. Worst of all, he is at advantage of knowing Nemo while Nemo does not know him, and in the position where he is holding a grudge against the dear assassin of mine."

Astarion bites down the bitter taste of the way Gortash claims Nemo as his.

This can wait. His questions would not.

"Why would he hold a grudge against Nemo?"

Gortash actually laughs, a short lived and curt sound, but laugh none less.

"Because Nemo has done something Raphael failed to do. Raphael has been lusting after the Crown of Karsus for millennia, but was never able to relieve it from Mephistopheles' vault. Together Nemo and I successfully orchestrated and executed the plan what brought the crown into our hands."

So this is what Raphael wants.

"He is after the crown," Astarion comment. "And he thinks Nemo will be able to get it for him."

Gortash nods.

"And I can't express enough how this is absolutely a thing what cannot happen. Raphael is bad enough without a otherworldly power what is the Crown of Karsus in his claws."

"So," Astarion studies the man closely. "Better the crown in your hands then?"

Gortash smiles.

"Providing what we can get it off Elder Brain first and live," he comments. "But yes."

[anewdawnwithoutfear]

Everything I Wished For, Nothing I Wanted [Tutelary Playlist]

Mother Nature Goes To Heaven – a-ha

Wrong You never got it wrong You always got it right But now some time has passed; You're ever so slightly off

Walking In My Shoes – Recall (Depeche Mode Cover)

Morality would frown upon Decency look down upon The scapegoat fate's made of me

Only When I Lose Myself – ŽAGAR (Depeche Mode Cover)

There's a thousand reasons why I shouldn't spend my time with you For every reason not to be here, I can think of two To keep me hanging on Feeling nothing's wrong inside your Heaven

Nemo – Nightwish

Walk the dark path Sleep with angels Call the past for help Touch me with your love And reveal to me my true name

In My Room – Graham Coxon

Outside the window they're singing Inside the doorway there's me Endlessly thinking and working In my room

You're Not Here – Akira Yamaoka

So now, what should I do? I'm strung out, addicted to you My body aches, now that you're gone My supply fell through

Danger Zone – Amaranthe

You used to call me a hero, now I am standing alone Am I almighty, living in a danger zone? It is a countdown to zero, you call me misunderstood I'm high on fire in the danger zone

The Pit – Silversun Pickups

When your eyes can adjust and you see what’s in view Discolored and distempered smiles that seen you Do you realize we were all once like you?

Weak And Powerless – A Perfect Circle

Little angel, go away, come again some other day The devil has my ear today, I'll never hear a word you say He promised I would find a little solace and some peace of mind Whatever, just as long as I don't feel so

Magic Hat – The Scary Jokes

So far as you can tell, you know me very well And there's not much to know You're seeing what you get

The Sun Always Shines On T.V. – a-ha

Please don't ask me to defend The shameful lowlands of the way I'm drifting gloomily through time, oh (Touch me) I reached inside myself today (Give all your love) Thinking there's got to be some way to keep my troubles distant

Panic Drills – Sleigh Bells

Sleep-deprived, dignified Sixteen feet from the finish line When I die, I'll sacrifice More than enough for the afterlife

Deadlines and Commitments – The Killers

Deadlines and commitments Every morning And in the evening They can suck you in Boy, don't I know it

Easy to Read – Milk & Bone

My friends are so clever My manners are poor My heart is too big To belong to just one

Tip Toes – half•alive

Leaving my heart behind, it's bleeding But still my pride is screaming My future will listen to me Listen to me, listen to me

Iron – Woodkid

A soldier on my own, I don't know the way I'm riding up the heights, of shame I'm waiting for the call, the hand on the chest I'm ready for the fight, and fate

Another Go – Mieka Pauley

I'd like to learn the science of making choices I'd like to learn the art of knowing when I'd like to learn the science of making choices In case I get to do it over again

Massive Addictive – Amaranthe

Give me purity, strength and affection Give me lust to ignite my devotion for life It's where beauty comes alive

The Good Soldier – Nine Inch Nails

Blood hardens in the sand Cold metal in my hand Hope you understand the way that things are gonna be

Whisper – Evanescence

I'm frightened by what I see But somehow I know that there's much more to come Immobilized by my fear And soon to be blinded by tears I can stop the pain if I will it all away If I will it all away

You Know My Name – Chris Cornell

You can't deny the prize it may never fulfill you It longs to kill you, are you willing to die? The coldest blood runs through my veins You know my name

Addicted To Bad Ideas – World/Inferno Friendship Society

I wasn't always a monster I was a saint Now forgotten, so Addicted to bad ideas and The blood that runs from my arms And my eyes and my throat

Everything Is Burning – IAMX

I dream gunfire, but I'm not sleeping The bloodshed, the lies Everything is burning

Smile Like You Mean It – The Killers

Looking back at sunsets on the East Side We lost track of the time Dreams aren't what they used to be Somethings slide by so carelessly

The Future – From Ashes to New

A vivid display, what are you thinking? I'm building a vision, you're digging a grave I'm in a position to have an opinion Don't need your permission to give it away Give it a rest, this is the end You cannot prevent what you're fighting against

Haunted – Poe

And I'm haunted By the lives that I have loved And actions I have hated

Ringfinger – Nine Inch Nails

If I was twice the man I could be I'd still be half of what you need Still you lead me and I follow Anything you ask you know I'll do This one act of consecration Is what I ask of you

What I've Done – Linkin Park

Put to rest What you thought of me While I clean this slate With the hands of uncertainty

Hope Of Morning – Icon For Hire

My mind's a kaleidoscope, it thinks too fast Blurs all the colors 'til I can't see past The last mistake, the choice I made Staring in the mirror with myself to blame

Blood – Editors

Don't say it's easy To follow a process There's nothing harder Than keeping a promise

See Who I Am – Within Temptation

Fear is withering the soul at the point of no return We must be the change we wish to see

Never Forgive, Never Forget – The Dear Hunter

'Cause it's best not to give a shit And to speak in a timid tone Keep my tongue to my teeth and keep my ear to the ground And a blind eye to everyone

Can't Lose – We Are Scientists

I'm breaking my own rules, becoming someone else Well everybody says I oughta get over myself I'm thinking I can't move If there isn't somewhere else to go

I Belong To You – Muse

When these pillars get pulled down It will be you who wears the crown And I'll owe everything to you

Angel Of Small Death And The Codeine Scene – Hozier

Freshly disowned in some frozen devotion No more alone or myself could I be Lurched like a stray to the arms that were open No shortage of sordid, no protest from me

Ocean Soul – Nightwish

I only wished to become something beautiful Through my music, through my silent devotion

[kazumikiz10]

The Cask of Amontillado

By Edgar Allan Poe

The narrator, Montresor, begins the story by explaining that he has been irreparably insulted by his acquaintance, Fortunato, and that he seeks revenge. However, the nature of the insult is never revealed. Montresor wants to exact this revenge in a measured way, without placing himself at risk. He decides to use Fortunato’s weakness for wine against him. During the carnival season, Montresor, wearing a mask of black silk, approaches Fortunato. He tells Fortunato that he has acquired something that could pass for Amontillado, a light Spanish sherry. Fortunato (whose name means "fortunate") is dressed in the multicolored costume of a jester, complete with a cone-shaped cap with bells. Montresor tells Fortunato that if he is too busy, he will ask a man named Luchesi to taste it. Fortunato, apparently considering Luchesi a rival, claims that Luchesi could not tell Amontillado from other types of sherry. Fortunato insists that they go to Montresor’s vaults.

Montresor has strategically planned for this meeting by sending his servants away to the carnival. The two men descend into the damp vaults, which are covered with nitre (saltpeter, a whitish mineral). Aggravated by the nitre, Fortunato begins to cough. The narrator keeps offering to bring Fortunato back home, but Fortunato refuses. Instead, he accepts wine as the antidote to his cough. The men continue to explore the deep vaults, which are filled with the dead bodies of Montresor’s family. In response to the crypts, Fortunato claims to have forgotten Montresor’s family coat of arms and motto. Montresor responds that his family shield portrays “a huge human foot d’or, in a field azure; the foot crushes a serpent rampant whose fangs are embedded in the heel.” The motto, in Latin, is “nemo me impune lacessit,” meaning “no one attacks me with impunity.”

The strategic plan unfolds according to Montresor’s design. He tries not to feel guilty for what he has done to his friend. He concludes that for fifty years, no one has disturbed the tomb, and ends with a Latin phrase meaning "May he rest in peace."Indeed, Fortunato is a good friend yet he was abused by his close friend .If I am going to give an advice for him, I would tell him that he should not trust that much .

The terror of The Cask of Amontillado lies in the fact that there is no clear evidence of what kind of insult Montresor's friend actually committed. The story focuses on revenge without proof and a secret murder that no one knows about. No justice occurs in this story. For fifty years, Montresor has kept this dark secret. Montresor uses his subjective experience of Fortunato’s insult to name himself judge, jury, and executioner in this tale, which makes him an unreliable narrator. Imagine if he disobeyed the rule of God, which forbids putting judgment in one’s own hands when someone sins. Without evidence, he acted on the unsaid reasons for the insult. Meanwhile, Fortunato's addiction to alcohol is the true reason for his death. The thing that actually killed him was his addiction , not Montressor, because at the first place he accepted and went with the murderer’s trap. In addition, during the time of this story, the issue about killing or buried alive was rampant during that time. To the point that Poe’s reason of writing this is this, and for also having that depress gained in his own family, been addicted to gambling .

All in all, always remember that even the closest friend will be your biggest enemy. It is crucial to know them better and never trust that much. If you can only know them by that, don’t just stay by what you see. Sometimes the more you stay , the more sufferings. Just a short reminder that I got in other resources was “Your emotions are valid but your behavior is not. Your anger is valid but your yelling is not. Your jealousy is valid but your judgement is not. Pain is valid but your drinking is not.” This is the exact lesson that you can apply even when you grow up. Separate your emotions from your behavior because the more you believe in emotions , the more that it will hurt you. Try to walk around and look for the positive side of every single things around you. Life won’t ends in darkness, it will always shine if you will choose to be in a good path.

[spencessmile]

Mi Amour

Pairing - Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader 

Summary - Spencer finds out what Valentine's day actually means to you. 

Warnings - Slight mentions of death, but mostly fluff. 

Word Count - 1,791

And all imagines/fanfics/blurbs are written solely by me so please don't steal my work and/or post it without my consent. Feedback and Comments are welcome. Happy reading! 

A/N - HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!! I LOVE YOU GUYS!! 

Requests are CLOSED!

** 

“Spencer!” You kicked the door with your foot, “Come on, I can’t feel my damn arms,” You were juggling 4 bags of food on one arm as the other held enough alcohol to serve 100 people. “Spen-” The door flew open, revealing Spencer as he fixed his hair. “Help me!” You shoved past him, handing him the alcohol. You set down the food on the table, pulling out the chair and having a seat. 

“We could have just ordered this stuff, you know?” 

“We could have but I haven’t left my apartment in four days and I needed some fresh air.” 

“How much food did you buy?” 

“Oh, you’ll probably have loads of leftovers. Like Papa Rossi always says more food is better than less food.” 

“Did you happen to go to the grocery store and buy -” 

“Double stuffed Oreos and whipped cream? Yeah, the first thing I crossed off my list.” 

“You’re the best,” He beamed, skimming through the bags. 

“Oh,” You chuckle. “I know.” 

“How were the grocery stores?” He asked.

You shake your head as Spencer looks at you in amusement “Everyone is so giddy and full of fluff.” 

“Fluff?” Spencer laughed at your choice of word. 

“Yeah, holding hands, kissing in public, smiling with their teeth, being extra freaking nice, buying all the damn chocolate and different colored flowers in the world. Don’t even get me started on the damn stuffed teddy bears.” 

“Who did you buy these for?” He pulls a nice yellow bouquet out of the bag alongside a vase. 

“For you.” 

“Why?” 

“Because you need some colour in your life besides this were half off and I felt so ridiculous standing in that damn aisle. So, make sure they live longer than a week.” 

“On it,” You watched Spencer fill the case with water, adding the flower food, mixing it up, cutting off the ends of the stems, adding the flowers in the vase as he placed it in the middle of his small dining table. 

“Mmm,” Spencer stood behind your chair. “They do look nice.” 

“Yeah, they do.” You nod. 

“Did you bring the movies?” 

“Oh yes!” You reach for the bag on the far end. “It’s Disney night.” 

“101 Dalmatians, Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, Bambi and Bambi II, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Dumbo, Finding Dory, Finding Nemo, Lion King, and Coco,” Spencer reads out all the movies. 

“Just some of my favorites.” 

“These are just some?” Spencer raises his eyebrow at you.

“Disney and Disney Pixar have the best movies. Hands down. Don’t even argue with me on this.” Spencer nods, “Listen, I could have rented out the whole shelf at the shop but I controlled myself.” 

“I bet.” He nods. “Alright, which one should we watch first?” 

“I picked last time so your turn,” You watched Spencer flip through the movies until he landed on Coco. 

“I’ve never watched this one,” You looked at him shocked. “What?” 

“Oh my god, where do you keep your tissues?” 

“What why?” 

“Trust me, you're going to need them. You're going to need lots of them.” 

** 

Spencer and you sat on the couch, after watching the movie, boxes of sushi in both of your laps, eating in comfortable silence. You could feel Spencer’s eyes on every once in a while. 

“What is it, Spencer?” You asked. 

Spencer set down his drink and rubbing his neck. “Can I ask you a question?” 

“Shoot,” You replied. 

“Why don't you like Valentine’s day?” 

You had a feeling that Spencer would ask this question but you weren’t quite sure how you were going to answer it without breaking down, you didn't expect yourself to. 

“You don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to but I just always wondered. I’ve known you for 6 years and every year we do the same thing. You come over to my house with way too much food and alcohol. We sit here together and watch movies.”

“Are you saying that you don’t like my company?” You pretended to play hurt, just to pull Spencer’s leg. He immediately set down his sushi box and faced you. 

“N-No. That n-not what I meant. I didn-t mean to hu-hurt your feelin-” You laughed at how quick he panicked at your words. “Why are you laughing?” 

“No reason,” You set aside your box, grabbing your wine glass and settling down on the sofa again. "When I was younger my mom would love celebrating Valentine's day and she would celebrate it with everyone, not just my dad. I would wake up to the smell of bacon, pancakes, her famous buttery and cheese eggs, and cherry pie. My siblings and I would help her set up the table. Once everything used to be set, we'd make our way to their room and wake up my dad. We'd have a tickle war and jus-" You feel the tears pressing as you take a deep breath before continuing. "I remember laying there for several minutes, taking in the comfortable and peaceful silence of our little family. We'd have breakfast, play games, and simply spent the day with one another. We did the tradition every year growing up. When I was young, I asked my mom why she always celebrated Valentine's with us and never just our dad and she said 'Valentine's day isn't meant to be spent with just one person you love, it's meant to be shared with everyone you love. That there is always enough love within you to want to share it with others.' I mean, they could have dropped my siblings and me off at my grandma's and left to celebrate the day on their own, but she never did. She always chose to include us." 

Spencer was intently listening as you continued. "Every year I used to look forward to this stupid day, but one morning I woke up and my life changed forever." Spencer grabbed onto your hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I was at my grandmother's the night before Valentine's, my parents and siblings were coming to pick me up but when I woke up in the morning I remember my grandma looking at me and without her saying anything, I just knew. It has never been the same since then." 

"Y/n," Spencer moved closer. "First off, I'm sorry about your family," You nod, you never once mentioned them to anyone on the team, it was far too painful for you. "Secondly, even though you're not going to believe me, what happened to your family isn't your fault." 

"Isn't it?" 

"No," Spencer shakes his head as the tears come streaming down your face. 

"They still would have been alive Spencer! If it weren't for me, they'd still be here. They'd be here with me, today. I would have been at home but now I don-" Spencer wraps his arms around you, rubbing your back. You stay like for a minute before pulling back. "Sorry, I did-" 

"You don't have to apologize." 

"The following year on this day I remember being so upset because I woke up to nothing. It was just quiet. I felt so empty and it just hurt so much. I just hated the fact that the one day that bought us together as a family was the same day that ripped them away from my hands. Ever since then, I've had this love-hate relationship with this day." 

Even after all these years of you convincing yourself that what happened to your family wasn't your fault, you couldn't help but think it was your fault. If they weren't on the road that morning, then you'd still have them. 

"I sulked around every year on Valentine's day until one day, I realized that my mom would have been so upset to see me doing that. She always celebrated that day with music, food, movies, and love. So, I decided to celebrate it just like she would have. Before I joined the team, I used to go out buy loads of takeout, grab a couple of my parent's favorite red wine bottles," You raise your glass. "I'd play our favorite music, watch the same movies we'd watch together, and stuff my face with food. It sort of became my tradition, my thing." 

Spencer's inside exploded as he noticed your smile getting bigger as you talked about your family. "I like that." 

"What?" 

"That you kept the tradition alive." 

"Me too." You beamed. 

"But why did you decided to share your sole tradition with me?" 

"I know that you and your mom probably spent loads of holidays and special days together up until you had to make the tough decision to put her in a care home. After that you probably didn't spend many special days with her," Spencer remains silent at your words. "So I took it upon myself to share the love with you because if my parents knew you, they'd love you. Even though it was rarely said I knew that my parents and sibling loved me a lot, so I decided to share some of that love with you because god Spencer, you deserve it." 

Spencer's heart was bursting at your words, he never heard anyone say anything sweeter. "Thank you." 

"For what?" 

"For sharing your love with me," You smiled.

"They're proud of you, you know that?" 

"I hope," You chuckle. 

"They should be because they raised one hell of a human being. Going through what you did and still having love to share, that's a difficult thing to do." 

"Yeah, I guess." 

"Let's toast," Spencer raised his glass. 

"To what?" 

"You shared your love with me so now I'm going to share my love with you," You looked at Spencer confused, he put down both glasses and leaned forward, your faces inches away from one another. He rubbed the tip of his nose with yours, giving you enough time to pull away, but you don't, instead, you wrap your hands around his neck. Soon after, his lips clash with yours as he pulls you closer. You wrap your legs around his waist. Pulling back you rest your forehead against his, "What was that?" Your heart was racing, eyes a little blurry as your mind was a little fuzzy from the wine. 

"Just sharing the love, mi amour." 

** 

All you have to do now, is listen to your soul - Seeker

[popatochisssp]

Potential tw for those who need it: disability, mental issues, possession, referenced violence and death

Horrorswapfell

Same rough premise as my take on Horrorswap but to sum up— the Fallen Human comes through on a Neutral run, leaves the Underground in disrepair, without solid leadership and no souls.

Asgore was left alive, but has no interest in taking the throne. The people are restless and angry and want a leader who will act decisively. He steps in only long enough to appoint General Alphys of the Royal Guard the official successor of his late estranged wife and then back into the Ruins to mourn again.

Alphys, though she doesn’t really want the position nonetheless accepts the burden with grace and becomes the Empress of the Underground.

The plan is the same as in Horrorswap: her right-hand skeleton Sans, the Captain of the Royal Guard, will bring her the Next Human that falls, she’ll subsume their soul to cross the Barrier, and then break it from the other side with whichever humans she can find.

Until then, martial law is declared to ensure utmost efficiency with the Underground’s remaining resources and keep everything from breaking down any further than it already has.

The overall atmosphere amongst monsters is strained and tense, but everything works like clockwork for the few months it takes for another human to appear.

Sans captures them, escorts them to the Capital and to the new Empress, who kills them and absorbs their soul.

And then…

Alphys is unable to subsume it.

The human soul in Alphys’ now especially monstrous body wins control and goes berserk—a startling reminder for the watching Guard and civilians of the shocking and terrifying power of one human soul.

In fact, everyone flees as the beast rampages around the palace, wanting only to get out of the way of the destruction.

Only Sans remains to bait the creature, using his speed to dodge its heavy blows and hopefully tire it enough for his Empress his friend to get control.

Even he can’t dodge forever, of course.

Only one brutal swat of the beast’s whiplike tail lands, but one is all that’s needed. The sound of crunching bone startles Alphys enough inside of the creature to give her a foothold toward control.

She digs in as hard as she can and yells for Sans to run; to let her take it from here.

Normally, Sans might protest, if just for the sake of his own ego…but disoriented, very badly wounded, and in an amount of pain he’s actually never been in before, he obeys the order and blindly shortcuts home.

Papyrus is, expectedly, horrified and alarmed at the state of his brother and does his best to take care of him and keep him from dying because it was close, it was very close.

His task is only made harder by the complete and utter breakdown of…everything outside, more fighting and looting than even the Royal Guard can stem, wherever they are.

(Sans was meant to lead in Alphys’ absence and keep things running normally, but…)

Papyrus goes out of doors into that chaos as sparingly as possible, only to scrounge around for what food and healing items he can find, and he has only the barest awareness of Asgore returning from his self-imposed exile and calming things again by force.

A little late, but better than never.

There’s no word on Alphys for a long time, no certainty that she’s still alive on the otherside, or that if she is, wherever she is, she’s even still in control.

Papyrus doesn’t know and doesn’t care to know—it’s safest to just barricade himself and his critically injured brother in the house and hope that no news is good news.

Sans is, of course, in no state to protest this plan.

Alphys does return, eventually, with all the necessary souls to shatter the Barrier and set monsters free. She’s deeply unsettled by her experience with the soul that took control of her and still feels that she can hear it in her head, fighting her still.

She has no desire to be Empress anymore and begs for Asgore to stay on as the ruler of monsterkind.

Monsterkind, equally unsettled by the power of humanity and the chaos of both the Fallen Human and the brief breakdown of social order, are willing to accept Asgore as their Emperor, and to accept making peace with humans to stop the fighting now.

Asgore leads monsters to the Surface and integration with humans, and even negotiates Alphys’ prison time to asylum care.

Monsterkind can begin to heal.

Horrorswapfell Sans (Pitch)

The Creature’s tail hit him full in the face, shattering the bone between his eye-sockets entirely—though all his other broken bones from the fight have healed by now, he’s still entirely blind thanks to the gaping void in his face

He’s far too stubborn to let this affect him, of course, and has determined to go on as usual, making use of every adaptation that might help him. He carries a cane now and has started learning Braille…he’s thinking of putting in for a seeing-eye dog, too, while he’s at it…

He’s actually dealing with everything very well. While he’d of course prefer to still be able to see, being so badly hurt and put out of commission for so long forced him to rely on others and let them help him, all while he actually couldn’t do anything in return…and he wasn’t…immediately discarded? There were a lot of ways he’d have preferred to realize he has worth beyond what he can do for people, but beggars can’t be choosers, he supposes

Amidst learning how to do things again without a major sense, reestablishing his independence, he stumbles into boxing at a local gym. He never particularly liked the up-close-and-personal physical sort of fighting before, preferring to use bullets, but he actually finds it’s great for blowing off steam and boosting his ego when sight or no, he can still go toe-to-toe with his opponents and win more often than not. He’s gaining a bit of notoriety on the semi-pro circuit and is kicking around the idea of making a living out of it

If only it weren’t for his brother…

But he’s on the Surface, and even if he can’t see it, he can still feel the wind and the sun on his bones and he can still do everything he wants to do up here and he’s...he’s happy! And sorting things out with Papyrus...will come when it comes.

Horrorswapfell Papyrus (Nemo)

Physically, he’s fine excepting a few more scars than before and just a bit more LV than he ever wanted. Emotionally, well… he’s pretty rattled after how basically the stability of his whole worldview kinda crashed and burned back there

Seeing his untouchable big brother so hurt and helpless actually really scared the hell out of him and it made him step up a lot. He learned a lot of self-sufficiency in those couple of weeks Sans was out of commission, most by trial and error, and it gave him a new respect for everything Sans had been doing for both of them

And, unfortunately, a new kind of fear of the dangers out there in the world that can strike at any time: it started gradually on the Surface, but it isn’t long before he has a case of full-blown agoraphobia and hates to leave the house, knowing it’s not rational to just stay indoors forever, but struggling to rein in the fears and anxieties that creep in whenever he steps outside

Or when Sans steps outside, for that matter, especially when he’s going to a fight—he’d really rather Sans stop the whole boxing thing altogether and stay home where it’s safer, but Sans wouldn’t budge and they had a whole blowout about it, where…some things…may have been said, and…

Suffice it to say, things are strained and they’re not…talking very much…

Papyrus is really trying to work on himself, hoping that if he can get through some of his hang-ups, the rest will be easier to push into place. He’d love to travel someday, and he’s experimenting with photography in his downtime, hoping he’ll be able to take pictures of stuff worth being photographed

[bluebellhairpin]

Who Will Remember?

Levi Ackerman X Reader

A/N: I'm sorry. - Nemo

Warning(s): Angst. Angst. Angst. Character Death. (Seriously. Everyone dies in this one. It's not fun. I cried when I wrote it. Suffer with me.) Almost Manga Spoilers. 

Summary: Who lives. Who dies. Who tells your story?

Listening to: 'Call of Silence' by Hiroyuki Sawano - ‘So cry no more, oh my beloved.’

Masterlist

When the world turns to stone, and the ashen sky clears, the blood turns brown to dry on the pavement, who will be there to remember you? 

To remember them?

To remember him?

Him.

What you wouldn't give to have been somewhere nicer with him right now. To have been anywhere but where you were now would've been preferred.

But someone had to be the last one standing, and you were glad it wasn't him. He worked too hard, too long, to have seen how bad everything turned out to be. To see what 'too late' really meant.

You wanted to cry. 

Yes, the titans were gone. Humanity had won. But if you were the only human left alive, did you really win?

Behind you were steaming titan carcasses, a graveyard of giants.

In front of you was a cliff, at the bottom was, again titans, lifeless and unmoving. Surrounding and under them, however, was humanity. Countless bodies - thousands, if not millions - of innocent people, who suffered at the hands of a madman.

And then beside you, at your feet, were your friends. Your family. Him.

They'd all fought, losing their lives in the process, and you wonder what for. Why? Why so much death? Why could Eren not see the pain he'd cause? How could he not see it?

At your feet, he lay. Not Eren, no. Him, the love of your life, Humanity's Strongest Soldier, Levi Ackerman. He was still, too still, and yet had never looked more peaceful.

You could remember a time when you both laid together. He'd fake being asleep, and he looked just like that now. Eyes closed, hair swaying, lips parted ever-so-slightly, and he even looked like he was reaching around to hold you. Or where you would be.

So, with that you gave up your original plan and stepped away from the cliff.

Crouching, you brushed the ebony hair away from his eyes. Looking down at his face you traced his scars, still in stitches, and still tender - or would be, if he could feel them.

You shuffled down, moving to your knees and lifted up one of his arms. Ignoring everything else around you, and the nagging voice in the back of your head that sounded like his, telling you to get out of the dirt and blood and good grief away from the smell, and you laid down on your side.

Shifting his arm around you, you rest your head against his other arm - and a tear falls. Soon followed by more. And then they turned to body-shaking sobs.

He was really gone.

He wasn't breathing, his chest didn't rise and fall under your palm, and his breath didn't tickle your forehead like it was supposed to. His arm didn't tighten around you to pull you closer. He had no heartbeat. He wasn’t warm. 

Levi was dead.

So there, laying among the remains of humanity, and the monsters that killed them, you held him close. Crying. Wishing. Hoping. Willing the universe to scrape some years of your life and bring him back.

But it didn't, and he grew colder by the second. 

You couldn't live without him. And so the streams of tears slowed, the sobbing turned to quiet hiccups, and eventually, as night fell and the sky lit with a million extra stars, your eyes closed. 

And so the world turned to stone. The ash settled. Blood dried, and ran no more. There was no one left to remember. But if there were?

They would find you, and him, and among the skeletons and ghosts the giant graveyard held - unlike you - they'd see and they would know why. 

Why you fought. Why you lost.

Because you loved.

[bindi-the-skunk]

The seas of time lead to many places chap 1

The sun shined against the water and almost seemed to glow as if veins of gold laid in its depths and the beach sand was warm, but not yet too hot to sit on.

Which was why the league had chosen to stop at the little island for a small vacation of sorts, to enjoy somewhat dry land after so long of being cooped up in the Nautilus, as nice as Nemo's lady was, her walls and halls did tend to get suffocating after a while.

Not that anyone would tell Nemo that without risking the ear chewing of their life from insulting the beloved ship.

Said captain was floating around in the gentle waves, as much as he sailed the seas with pride in his heart and fire in his belly, he rarely ever swam in them or in any body of water at all, sad when he chose to think about it.

The sea was his home, was the home for them all now, but enjoying the embrace of her depths or feeling your soul seem to float with your body were a rare sensation.

Almost no time for such pleasures, taking care of his lady and her crew was a job that did not lend itself much personal amusement for her captain, but Mina had insisted that they all needed a vacation proper and Nemo was inclined to agree, the temperature was perfect and did wonders for all his aches and pains.

And it was a rather amusing show seeing the normally brave Allen Quatermain sticking his foot in and out of the water like an unsure child just starting out, the water was a shock when you first got in, but you got used to the temperature quickly.

And the footprints from invisible feet heading straight for the hunter was telling the captain that someone was ending up in the water with him before long.

SPLASH

Just not the one their gentleman thief thought, or wanted.

"I could smell your intent you invisible rat!" came the irate shout from the still dry Quatermain as the water seemed to fly up from nowhere as shrieks of shock popped off.

"Feels like Siberia all over again! I can't feel my neither region!"

"Good!"

Nemo resisted the urge to chuckle as he dove down, eyes closing as he relaxed, the muffled shouts above him not bothering the sea captain in the least, let them work out their own problems, nice and peaceful...hm?

Something brushed past his leg...must have been seaweed...

But just as the man went to surface for air...his fingers met something just above his head.

Brown eyes snapped open to meet what looked like a sheet of plastic, but most certainly was not.

Looking down Nemo saw the tell-tale tendrils but he almost could not believe it.

A jellyfish, but it was HUGE, big enough to have trapped the sea captain under its bell and Nemo tried to relax and was thankful at least he did not see a whole bloom of them.

He had to get out before he ran out of air...Nemo boasted being able to hold his breath for longer than many, but longer, did not mean forever and he was starting to feel the burning.

Slowly...

Nemo tried to duck under the bell and just avoid the stingers altogether, but seems it was not his luck as a tendril floated upwards and a bolt of pain went up the man's leg making his body give an uncontrollable jolt which just sent more tentacles flying from the wave.

And with it more pain

"He's been down there a while" Jekyll pointed out as he saw their captain disappear under the waves and not surface for precious air yet.

"I think the man's part fish, he likes it!" a floating bruise, given when Allan punched the invisible goofball, seemed to jump up and down as Skinner no doubt was waving his hand dismissively to the others concerns.

"No, wait...something dragged him down!" Mina called out and before anyone else could react, dove into the depths to retrieve their comrade, the vampiress was many things, but a coward was certainly not one of them.

The ex-music teacher swam down, and saw something floating just a few feet in front of her and at first thought it was a plastic sheet, it was not.

Mina's eyes widened at the monstrosity before her eyes settled on the one in its grip, of whom looked unconscious, or was just trying to not get stung by staying still she did not know.

The vampiress grabbed the ex-pirate as soon as she had an opening and ignored it as a sting went through her hand, thankfully not getting its first victim again, she would heal in a moment, but the captain desperately needed air.

Lunging upwards and breaking the surface of the water, the others body still limp in her hold till they both smacked down into the sand and a shaky breath drew into the other as Nemo's lungs were finally allowed salvation.

Good, he was still alive

"He was stung by a jellyfish!" Mina reported quickly as she moved the captain so he would not get sand in his injury and tried to encourage him to take deeper breaths to sooth his abused lungs.

"Find something to put seawater in! Then fetch me some vinegar!" Jekyll ordered already moving towards the injured captain, thankful to not see any stingers in the ugly-looking sting marks as he examined it, careful to not actually touch the marks, so he did not need tweezers.

Think...Put seawater on the stings to wash away any stingers or other jelly residue you can't see...then apply vinegar...put a mix of seawater and baking soda on the wounds...hot packs to relieve the pain...he would need to raid the painkillers cabinet just in case...

The wounds looked ugly and angry, but did not seem to be too severe, no doubt the captain would be sore for a while though, and he would be staying in bed even if the doctor had to strap him to it.

"What type of jellyfish was it?" Jekyll asked, hoping it was not one of the nastier ones,

"I'm..not sure...it was bigger than any jellyfish I have ever seen or read about," Mina said honestly "It was big enough to trap him under its bell"

Henry's eyes widened at the thought, and he was glad no one else had gone into the water, save Rodney who stayed in the shallows and got right back out to nurse his dignity after he was thrown in.

They did not need any more trouble or injuries

"Well, we can treat him better inside, let's just get him back to the...wait...where is the ship?"

Open water is what greeted their eyes

The Nautilus was gone

--------

hope you all like this little experimental fic

[shitpostsfromtheinvisiblelibrary]

41 for Kairene.. you'll get plenty of chances 😂

"I need to get this into the Library," Irene said, looking down at the scroll in her hands before looking up to Kai. "I'm sorry, but-"

"You don't need to apologise," He said, touching her shoulder. "It's important."

"I was going to say that I was going to try and talk to my parents again. Hopefully I'll be back soon? But we have a lot to talk about."

"I know, it's important to you," He looked exhausted, she probably did too. They'd only just returned to the house after Ao Shun had indicated that he was done on Nemo's Island. Kai had whisked them both away without so much of a backward glance. "I'll be waiting here when you get back." She'd have loved a shower but all she had the time for really was for bandaging up the cut in her arm and getting dressed in something that wasn't a borrowed jacket from Mu Dan.

Kai held the scroll out to her when she came out of the bedroom, trying to tidy her hair up a little bit, salt water tended to make things a bit tricksy. She took it from him but put it back down on the side table, he managed a slight frown before she had slid an arm around the back of his neck and pulled him into a kiss. There'd been no time for it before, no peace and no privacy, but here in their study, in their home, there was no one to disturb them as Irene and Kai kissed like it was possibly the one thing that they needed more than oxygen.

Kai made a soft groaning noise as he held Irene tight to his chest, feeling the pounding of her heart. She slid a hand into his hair, it felt almost natural to them both, like they fitted together like puzzle pieces.

But eventually they had to seperate and Irene rocked back on her heels, breathing deep with pinked cheeks and lidded eyes. "I..." She inhaled deeply. "Was so relieved when I found you again, even if you were unconscious, I knew you were alive and safe."

"Until we got dropped into the sea." He pointed out. "Seeing you so close to me but surrounded by sharks and bleeding? Irene... I don't know what to say that you want hear right now. I'm just glad that we are safe again." He smirked. "You're a hell raiser, you know that right?"

"Most lovers tend to go for pet names like sweetheart? But I think I prefer hell raiser in all honesty." He rolled his eyes and kissed her forehead. "Go and get sleep, hopefully I won't be too long."

[multifansky]

Scenario - Knowing Bros Episode 200

 Anon - can you do a chapter on knowing bros ep 200 with sky and the members. Thank u!!!

I did my best and tried to only get Sky content with the members of course. I hope you like it!

The credit belongs to the show, with my little twist here and there!

Sky’s P.O.V~

Another episode of Knowing Brothers. The 200th episode to be exact. And what better way to celebrate it by having the members join. Just like the 100th episode, the members are back. All 10 of us and I couldn't be happier. 

Today I’m in a different schoolgirl outfit than I usually am for filming because I’ll be on the other side. 

All the knowing bro’s cast was wondering where Heechul and I were since we aren't at our seats. They kept yelling our names and Heechul and I decided to walk through the door of where the guest comes in. The cast looks confused, “We’re here as singers today.” I said. “Yeah, We’re not about of Knowing Bro’s today.” Heechul then said after me. The cast kept wanting us to sit down, not liking the sudden change. 

 “We brought some friends today,” Heechul said.

“Indeed we did. Come out here!” I said and the rest of the Super Junior members came along. I stood back, pushing lightly at the members to all stand at the front. Heechul and I are standing on opposite ends. Us members and the cast all clapped and cheered as we all gathered around the front. 

“We’re from “We are Back After 100 Episode″ High. We are Super Juni-” Leeteuk said.

“Or!” All us members said and did our hand poses. Everyone cheered again and I smiled proudly. The Knowing Bros cast tried to copy us, but instead of Super Junior, it was Knowing Brothers, which turned out... not good at all.

“Wow, that was a fail. Glad to say I’m with the members and not the cast.” I said and smiled after everyone laughed. 

“It seemed like they made it up,” Leeteuk said.

“I got a shock. It seemed a little rushed” Heechul said after. 

Kang Ho Dong then started to explain how amazing the group Super Junior is and how we released a new song called “Super Clap” and are now joining them for their 200th episode. Then Kyuhyun explained how we all came here not knowing it was the 200th episode, we just found out before we started recording. 

“I honestly didn't expect this show to reach 200 episodes,” Leeteuk said. 

Then Shindong and the cast began to talk about how the show would have gotten canceled because of how risky it was at the beginning. Then, of course, Shindong got cocky and said he was the one that made the show alive after he danced with JYP perfectly. 

Then, of course, Lee Soo Geun talked about how Leeteuk looked like a tour guide especially with the bag. Leeteuk then proceeded to act like one, which got a huge reaction from our reaction man, Siwon.

Finally, we got to introduce ourselves and Shindong came up with the idea of doing it like how we used to in debut years since our album title is called “Timeslip”.

“Hello, I’m “Cinderella” Kim Heechul,” Heechul said. Then he explained that it was his social media username in the past and that he had to go home in the past and that he had to go home or go out at 12:00 AM.

“Hello, I’m a special leader of this world, the angel who lost his wings, Teuk, Teuk, Leeteuk!” Leeteuk said, even doing his old hand gestures. I giggled to myself, thinking he is still cute to this day.  

Then Before Yesung started, Ho Dong said he lost weight and Yesung began saying that his face his swollen today. Then we all made fun of him about how he has no face at all making everyone laugh. “Hello. I’m the lead vocalist of Super Junior, with the voice of an artist. I’m Yesung. Nice to meet you.”

“Hello. I’m Donghae, who is cuter than the animation Finding Nemo. ” Everyone laughed and I smiled wide, nodding my head in agreement. He sure looks like him.

Everyone was curious about Siwon’s introduction and how he is handsome. What will come to them is a surprise, but to them, not to us. “Hello. I’m Choi Siwon.” And that was it. Nothing more to explain about him, making me roll my eyes in a joking matter.

Since Shindong was on Popopo at the time, the name of his character was “Dongridong” so he used it in his introduction. “Hello, Donridong, Dong, Dong... I’m Talented Shindond,” He did, with his hand movements as well. 

“Hello, I’m self-illuminating handsome jewel, Lee Hyuk Jae.” 'Everyone chuckled because it wasn't his stage name, he then explained that he often forgot his stage name and just used his regular name instead. “He really is stupid, huh?” I pointed at him, looking at the cast, making them laugh. Eunhyuk just staring me down, trying to get through an episode without us ending up arguing. 

“Hello, I’m Super Junior’s vocalist, one of the youngest member’s Ryeowook.” Everyone forgets that he is older than Kyuhyun and me, especially since he looks young as well. 

It was finally Kyuhyun’s turn and he stepped back, “ I used to kind of hesitate. I was introverted and lacked confidence. When we were standing, I would stand slightly behind.” Everyone laughed. “I swear he did this and I felt bad all the time. I tried to bring him to the front and he would always just find someone to slightly stand behind.” I explained to everyone. Kyuhyun got into his act, looking at everyone first, then began talking with no eye contact with anyone and talking quieter, “ Hello, I’m Super Junior’s new member, Kyuhyun.”

Finally, it was my turn. I bowed and said energetically, “Hello, I’m the only girl who’s the cutest of them all, Ji Sky!” Also adding my poses was putting a peace sign to my eyes, with a wink. Everyone awed, “She’s still cute now, oh gosh!” Heechul said. Everyone agrees. 

After introductions, Ho Dong explained about our album concept and how almost all of our hair colors are different, and about how we picked our own style this time around. Which made everyone to proceed to attack Eunhyuk because of his bright ass hair that no one wanted to see. “I sometimes wonder if Leeteuk is the attention seeker or Eunhyuk,” I said, making the members laugh. Then we also talked about Siwon’s hair and how it’s the rich hairstyle of a young businessman, which also targeted Seo Jang Hoon who has the same hairstyle.  

We then proceeded to talk about how it's our first time back with all the members back from discharge. “Sky, how did you feel when the members kept coming and going because of their military service?” Lee Sang Min asked me. I thought for a moment, already feeling a little emotional, “They are my brothers, almost my whole lives have been about them. Seeing the members come and go was very hard. I knew they were doing a great job, but I couldn't help but feel selfish. I get lonely easily and sometimes I go to specific members for different things, so at times when I needed them for that certain thing, they weren't there. It took me a while to process it and understand. After more members started to leave, I accepted it more. When we were on our hiatus that’s when it hit me hard. Because for a couple of years we went and all did our own thing. It was very weird. But I’m happy, we’re all back together because now they get to deal with me again.” I laughed at the end, making sure tears didn't fully come out. Everyone chuckled, “She tried to make it funny so she didn’t cry,” Kyuhyun said, laughing and giving me a side hug. I smiled and leaned into him, “She learned that from me” Heechul said. 

After we proceeded to talk about other topics. Such as; Leeteuk being the most complicated when it comes to our upcoming tour because of how much he messages us, Us members saying happy birthday to Ryeowook in a group chat that he isn't even a part of, Who visited Ryeowook in the military, Heechul and I suddenly becoming awkward because we aren't in our original spots on the show, Leeteuk being popular among elders even J-Hope’s family, after Yesung’s confession about Ho Dong other victims came and talked about their trauma with ho dong which led to Kyuhyun talking about that one incident with yesung and Ho Dong, Siwon having a bad experience with Jang Hoon when he was a kid, and Kyuhyun being the Genie on Masked Singer.

 Eunhyuk got to do his interpretation of our song “I think I” by dancing and he never fails to impress me. In which not many people know right now, but we just started dating recently and it’s so hard for me to not have a bigger reaction like I wanted.

After we got to talk about Shindong and how he is the best at dancing of all of SM and even trainees use this one video to audition or do a cover of it. Shindong then proceeded to redo that dance, which had a great storyline. During towards the end of the song, the old Dance Line used to be a part of it, So Eunhyuk, Donghae, and I stepped up with Shidong, Leeteuk being close behind. We danced with him. 

After we all got to sit down with each other, Ryeowook with me, Yesung with Heechul, Eunhyuk with Kyung Hoon, Siwon with Jang Hoon, Donghae with Young Chul, Kyuhyun with Ho Dong, Leeteuk with Soo Geun, and Shindong with Sang Min. 

We are playing the game, “I am sorry, I love you.” It’s basically where we get something off our chest about someone else. The other person should apologize after one says something and then, in the end, both say “I love you.” It seems simple enough. 

After Leeteuk and Kyuhyun went first, Heechul replaced Kyuhyun’s spot, which got us, members, freaking out not wanting another Incheon battle. So, we went over dramatic with our reactions whenever they said anything about each other. Eventually, they did makeup and no battle happened. Everyone got to confess and misunderstanding and on now asking questions and trying to guess the answer. 

After Shindong, it was my turn. “Everyone Listen up, I’m asking the question now,” I said, holding the hammer in my hand and raising an eyebrow, looking at everyone. “Oo~ she thinks she tough,” Eunhyuk said, looking away, which earned a well-deserved glare from me. The members then gasped, “Don’t fight!” they all started to say and the cast was confused. “When they are on a show together they start to sometimes fight and cause an actual argument,” Shindong explained. 

“Anyways! I’ll start.” I start reading the card, “Everyone knows I was really young when we debuted, yes?” I looked at everyone, then went back to reading, “What did I use to hate about myself but now I love?”

Everyone “ooo'd” and I examine all of them, everyone looked at each other then started laughing, “Min Kyung Hoon is growing his beard back!” Heechul yelled out. I looked at him and held my hammer ready to fire at him, “What are you thinking about, huh?!”

I walked over to him, hemmer ready in action. “B-breast?” He stuttered laughing and looking away with his face red. I laughed and hit him with the hammer lightly, “Wrong even though that is a good answer.”

I smiled and went back to the front. “I Got it!” Eunhyuk yelled loudly with his hands up. “Your dancing skills?” I glared and walked over to him and hit him hard, making the sound of the toy hammer echo in the room. “Wrong. Plus, I’ve been better than you since trainee years and I was 11.” I walked away from everyone and the boys all laughed. 

“I got it! Was it your chubby cheeks? ” Shindong yelled out and I hit him on the shoulder lightly. “Wrong,” I said. 

“Kyung Hoon was the closest to it.” The boys started to think.

“I-i got it!” Kyuhyun stood up and I looked at him, “Was it your body figure in general?” he asked.

“You got it!” I said and everyone clapped. 

“W-why?” Everyone started to ask.

“Back then I was really young and obviously was still growing. I’ve hated myself for years. My first relationship made it worse for me. And when I am stressed, I eat a lot and then not eat for days because I was scared of my image. My weight would function weird and go to places that made me feel unattractive. Now that I’m older and things balanced out, I enjoy how my body looks. The fat goes to the right places.” I winked at them and sat back down, getting a hug from Ryeowook. 

The last segment of today was the Super Scholarship Quiz where we find out who is the best in variety by playing some games. It was very chaotic as usual when it comes to us. I was with Leeteuk, Shindong, and Ryeowook. With Ryeowook and I together. It was an easy win. Us, Super Junior,  won the Ice Cream which I was so excited to bring home, I saw Kyuhyun in the corner of my eye, smiling at me.

 During one of the questions, Kyuhyun was asked what his girlfriend's name was, which of course was asked by Lee Soo Geun. He wasn’t supposed to ask that, but that man wanted to win. Kyuhyun said “No one” which meant he didn't have one. Then we all bagged on him because he didn't say E.L.F. Leeteuk made me laugh as well when he said, “She must be disappointed” which was funny enough until Heechul slightly mumbles, “At least it wasn’t to a different member then we’d be in trouble. “ And at that moment all the members started yelling and hitting him because we all knew who he was talking about. 

In the end, Super Junior is the best of variety shows. We got some good food and then we promoted our new song “Super Clap.” Overall this has been the best time I’ve had since episode 100 of Knowing Bros. Not only am I with my Knowing Brother’s cast family, but I’m also with my Super Junior family. 

Masterlist

[unit-zero-two]

London Singularity takes place in 1888. If someone were to say, expand the other Singularities into that era (or just to place other Fate based stories then), which Heroic Spirits could you reasonably have appear as a living Human who might be able to assist or summon a Servant?

Historical Characters:

Florence Nightingale (12 May 1820 – 13 August 1910) [Age: 68]

Geronimo (Mescalero-Chiricahua: Goyaałé Athabaskan pronunciation: [kòjàːɬɛ́] "the one who yawns", June 16, 1829 – February 17, 1909) [Age: 59]

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (12 August [O.S. 31 July] 1831–8 May 1891) [Age: 57]

Saitō Hajime (February 18, 1844 – September 28, 1915) [Age: 44]

Thomas Alva Edison (February 11, 1847 – October 18, 1931) [Age: 41]

Vincent Willem van Gogh (30 March 1853 – 29 July 1890) [Age: 35]

Nikola Tesla (10 July 1856 – 7 January 1943) [Age: 32]

Li Shuwen (1864–1934) [Age: 24]

Margaretha Geertruida Zelle (7 August 1876 – 15 October 1917) [Age: 12]

*Jack the Ripper (the first murders happened in 1888)

Fictional Characters:

Dr. Jekyll (Novella was published in 1886, but you can just follow the timeline of the original Singularity)

Sherlock Holmes (born in 1854, and “His Last Bow” is set in 1914)

James Moriarity (in canon he died in 1891)

Captain Nemo (His canon stories tend to take place in the 1860′s, but there’s precedent with “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” having him live past 1888.)

Fran (Either do it like London did and have her in stasis, or just do the common story element of her just not dying and traveling around exploring the world.)

Interesting Notes: I added Jack the Ripper to the list because 1888 is when the Whitechapel Murders happened, although any appearance probably needs to ignore the Fate versions of Jack. Someone who fits the bill was alive. By definition, a Jack the Ripper would need to be alive at this point.

For fun I included Margaretha Geertruida Zelle (later known as Mata Hari). She’s probably not participating in any Holy Grail War or events, but it would be interesting if you want a 12 year old Master.

She didn’t quite make it to 1888, but Katsushika Ōi (c. 1800 – c. 1866) was relatively contemporary. Her date of death is marked as unknown, but I think that just refers to month and day, not the year being in dispute. If you want to get a little crazy though, there’s a quote from someone who knew who her implied, “”she had ambitions to become a female xian sage.” So, who’s to say she didn’t succeed in doing so and gaining immortality or reversing her aging?

This is mostly just something fun to consider. Dr. Jekyll summons Mordred like in London (although as a proper Master/Servant relationship). Florence Nightingale summons Asclepius to a battlefield. Saito Hajime summons Miyamoto Musashi to keep the peace in the Meji Era. Geronimo summons Abigail Williams... Lots of interesting potential here.

[edda-blattfe]

Hello, the dorm leaders reacting to Coco and Finding Nemo please ? Ps: I really love the way you write the characters.

You really wanna see those boys cry, huh? Sorry it took so long to answer, had to find time to sit and rewatch both of these masterpieces. Hope y’all enjoy!

Finding Nemo

- Azul takes a personal interest in the marine life displayed in the film. Occasionally slips some fun facts in about the different kinds of fish and oceanic biomes. Nerd. Gets all of the fish jokes.

- Not even five minutes into the film and Kalim is already tearing up because MARLIN LOST EVERYTHING EXCEPT HIS LIL BABY AND OH MY GOD WHY WOULD YOU START A MOVIE THIS WAY?!?! Everyone else is shaken, and oddly impressed by the writers’ bold choice.

- Marlin: *is being an ass, telling Nemo there are things he just can’t do*

Nemo: I hate you.

Leona: Oof, shots fired!

- *Nemo gets kidnapped*

Idia: This is why you should never leave home...

- *Dory is introduced*

Riddle: Short-term memory loss?

Azul: It’s like those times when you walk into a room but forget what your going for, except all the time.

Kalim: Do I have short term memory loss?

Vil: No.

- Azul: *narrows eyes at the first scene with the aquarium scene* Is this a representation of how living in the confines of a small enclosure without enrichment deprives animals of their basic social needs, thus leading to these mentally unstable fish?

Leona: They’re crazy fish! It’s funny! Stop over analyzing everything and watch the god damn movie!

- *Darla pic appears*

Vil: *shudders* Are they sure that little gremlin didn’t eat the fish after shaking it to death?

- *scene when Marlin watches the baby sea turtle get back to the current on his own*

Malleus: Children have got to be free to live their own lives.

Vil: Did you just quote from “The Little Mermaid”?!

- Kalim and Riddle are literally screaming when Marlin thinks Nemo is dead and have pillows clutched to their chest. Then papa clownfish leaves Dory after she literally told him that he helped her remember stuff and she didn’t want to forget anymore and they were freaking sobbing! After the second time Nemo nearly died the two of them needed to rehydrate.

- Idia likes the “just keep swimming” ditty. Hopefully Ortho will learn it and sing it to him whenever big brother starts stressing out.

Coco

- Miguel: “Sometimes I think I’m cursed.”

Malleus, Idia, and Leona: Same.

- They all have mad respect for Mama Imelda. Man left her, but did she cry and lose hope? Nope! She worked her ass off and established a family business focused on shoe making, of all things! She could stand to loosen up when it comes to music tho...

- The focus on Dia de Los Muertos in the film really gets Idia’s attention. It’s nice to see a culture that honors the dead instead of fear them, as many do, especially in such a beautifully bright way!

- *Abuela smashes guitar*

Azul: *gasps in horror* How could she?!

Malleus: Not even the original villains were that cruel!

Leona: I don’t know, Triton was pretty bad too, if I recall.

- *Miguel enters the spirit world*

Leona: *whispers* I see dead people.

- Kalim loves the close relationship Miguel has with his family, even the ones who’ve passed on. It kinda reminds him of home, you know, in that bittersweet way. He’s probably gonna be a little homesick after this.

- Leona, on the other hand, thinks Miguel needs to cut ties with the fam and strike out on his own. If they won’t support his dreams why stick around, right?

- Mama Imelda: “ That devil box tells you nothing but lies! *proceeds to beat computer with boot*”

Idia: Hey Mal, it’s you!

Malleus: *unamused*

- Vil is amazed by all of the detail the animators put into every single scene. It’s such a stark contrast to their earlier works, you can really see the refinement of their skills. Pretty boy just really appreciates the hard work that led to the completion of this beautiful film.

- You know that scene when Hector’s friend has his final death as the moon shone across the water, and Hector played him a song for the last time? Yeah, no one is forgetting that scene anytime soon.

- Riddle is the one who really gets into the music, something about the tune gets straight to his heart. Heartlabyul better be prepared to have mariachi music playing for the next month.

- Hector: *big reveal about how De la Cruz stole his songs*

Everyone: *gasps*

Azul: Does that mean that Hector could be Miguel’s great grandfather?

Everyone else: 😶

- No one expected that twist!

- Leona: That makes way more sense than his great grandfather running out on Imelda. Who could leave such a nice peace of-

Idia: *jumps out of emo corner* Respect the dead, you thirsty hoe!

Leona: 0_0

- *they finally figure out that Hector and Miguel are related*

Azul: Knew it!

Riddle: Stop spoiling the movie!

- I don’t care how hard your heart is, there isn’t a soul alive who doesn’t tear up when Hector sings “Remember Me” to his baby girl, and these kids are no exception! Kalim is clutching to a pillow while Riddle is holding onto his arm, balling their eyes out. Vil is dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief. Leona had buried himself into the couch cushions so no one could see that he has a soul. Idia is hidden in his hoody. Meanwhile, Azul and Malleus simply sit there misty eyed.

- *Mama Coco remembers her papa*

Everyone: *sobbing*

- Kalim: *with snot running down his face and tears streaming down his cheeks* Ma-*hiccup*-ma Coco got to see her papa again and Hector got to live and they’re all so happy! *ugly crying*.

Vil: Don’t get that on the carpets..ugh, here *hands a handkerchief*

Kalim: Thanks...

[cathwritestragediesnotsins]

Across the Hall (1)

Mechanic!Dean Winchester x plus size!reader

Summary: Dean, Y/N, Cas and Sam all share a large loft apartment in NYC. The only problem? Y/N has feelings for Dean. But he doesn’t know because there’s no way a guy like him could have feelings for a girl like Y/N...right?

Word count: 1,551

A/N: hey guys this is my first attempt at a series so I wrote this part to get it out there and see what ppl thought and then I’ll write more if ppl are interested! Thanks for reading!

I was up early this morning, earlier than was normal for me. The view that I got to watch this morning was completely new to me because I had never been up early enough to watch the sunrise. I sat on the couch, cocooned in a blanket to keep out the chill of the morning, facing the windows so as to watch the sky sleepily waking up and changing from a deep navy to a steel blue.I could hear the bustle of traffic off in the distance and smiled to myself at the peacefulness of watching the city that never sleeps come alive.

I heard the door down the hall close mutedly as Cas tried to keep quiet so as not to wake the others. When he made his way into the kitchen a surprised expression spreads across his face at seeing me up this early. I gave him a small smile and held up my coffee mug to let him know I had put on a pot already. He took this que and went about with his morning, making himself breakfast and fixing himself a cup of coffee.

I get up and shuffle to the kitchen to talk to him before he has to leave for work-still draped in my blanket. When I lean against the counter across from him Cas turns, eyes immediately dropping questioningly to my bare legs. He smirks after a moment. “No pants?” he chuckles. I stick my tongue out at him childishly. “Hey if you boys all get to walk around here without shirts on I am allowed to not wear pants every once in awhile.” I argue. Cas shakes his head and rolls his eyes in amusement as he lifts his mug to his lips. “So, are you still working on that missing persons case?” I question, secretly prodding him to know if he’ll be back for movie night tonight without straight up asking him because I know how stressed he is with work. He hums in confirmation and gulps down the bitter drink in his mouth, “Yeah, finally got a lead on where the boyfriend was the night she went missing so we’re gonna check that out.” I nod understandingly. Even though I am a bit dissappointed with how much of my friend’s time this case is taking up I am glad to hear they’re making progress because I know this is important.

“What about you?” 

Cas asks, bringing me out of my thoughts. I shrug. “Well we’ve got some kids coming over to drop off some donations at 1:00 and the mayor is coming with for the photo op but other than that, things are gonna be pretty slow today. We haven’t had a lot of adoptions recently.” Castiel gives me a sad smile because he knows how much I love all the animals at the shelter. “It’ll pick up again soon.” he reassures and I bob my head, trying to seem optimistic. 

Cas lets out a sigh and then looks around, “Speaking of which, where is your army? I haven’t seen any of them this morning.” I laugh at the mention of my many pets. “Well Elias, Atlas, Georgia and Nemo are all sleeping comfortably in my bed. And Crowley and Otto are hiding under furniture somewhere.” I say, waving my hand in the direction of the living room. Cas glances around me and over my shoulder as if to see if he can spot one of the cats in their hiding places. I snicker a bit, recalling the many occasions in which Crowley would sneak up and scratch Cas simply because he didn’t like him. Needless to say Cas-who is normally the sweetest guy I know-returns my cat’s disdain. The scruffy man’s eyes return to me a moment later though when he sees the coast is clear for now. “Is that why you’re up so early? Because your dogs took over your bed?” I laugh, light and airy, again and nod. “Yeah, they got scared of the thunderstorm last night and I didn’t have the heart to kick them out.” I say with a shrug.

Just then the door to Dean’s room opens and he shuffles out in nothing but some grey joggers; his hair sticking up every which-way. “Mornin’ guys,” he says, stopping just outside his doorway to stretch. I allow my eyes to sweep over his muscular torso for just a moment before he can catch me. “G’morning.” I reply, giving him a crooked smile. Dean returns it and comes over to the counter next to me where the coffee maker is to claim the last of the hot beverage in the pot. “What’re you doing up so early N/N?” Dean asks, turning to me and sighing after he takes the first sip of his morning fix. I chuckle at the question, knowing I’ll be asked the same one by Sam whenever he gets up. “Couldn’t sleep.” I state plainly, moving toward the cabinet to get a bowl for cereal. Dean frowns. Cas throws Dean a knowing look which Dean returns with a glare. I pretend not to noticed all of this happening over my shoulder; brushing it off.

“Well I should get going.” Cas says, pushing himself off of where he was leant on the counter. He makes his way out of the kitchen and gathers all of his necessary work items before jogging up the short stairway to the front door. 

“Your coat is in the closet!” I yell,

I hear the sound of a door opening and closing and then my friend calls out in thanks. “I’ll see you all later!” he calls, opening the front door. “Ok, have a good day!” I pause to say as I’m opening the fridge in search of milk. The sound of the door closing can then be heard and our detective friend is off to make the world a safer place.

I turn from the fridge and see that Dean is once again perched on the kitchen counter. I swat lightly at his legs, “You’ve got to stop doing that,” I chastise, “we have chairs ya know.” Dean flashes me on of his adorable smiles, knowing I can’t even pretend to be mad at him when he makes that face. I roll my eyes. “Stop being cute when I’m trying to be mad at you!” I whine. Dean’s smile morphs into a smirk, “Sorry beautiful, just can’t help it. You’re not the only one who’s cute without trying.” he says, shooting me a wink. I roll my eyes and subconsciously adjust my posture so I don’t look like the pillsbury dough boy. I give Dean a sarcastic look before pointedly looking down at my bare thighs, “Yeah, sure, cute.” I say, trying to make it come off as a joke. Dean frowns, his eyebrows creasing together and his lips pouting slightly. 

He hops off the counter as I take a seat at the breakfast bar and pulls out the chair across from me. “Why do you always talk about yourself like that? You know you’re beautiful right?” he questions. My lips press into a tight smile, “I wouldn’t say beautiful but I know I’m ok, yeah. Just not without trying.” I explain. Dean shakes his head at me, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the table. “That’s not true.” he says adamantly. I speak up, seeing he has more to say but desperately wanting to avoid having this conversation with the man I am in love with, “Doesn’t matter,” I dismiss quickly, hoping that will be enough to diffuse the subject. I should’ve known better. “Yes, yes it does matter. You are the coolest, most beautiful, badass woman I have ever met! You should know that.” he insists. I close my eyes in stress for a moment, not believing for one second that he means those words as anything more than comforting a friend. “Dean, can we please not have this conversation right now?” I beg. Dean sighs, “Fine.” he mumbles, leaning back in his seat to show he is backing off.

I clear my throat, bringing up the first subject that comes to mind. “So, how’s the car coming?” I ask, knowing he can’t resist the chance to talk about his precious ‘baby’. His dazzling smile causes me to mirror his expression as he starts on about his car, telling me all about how he refurbished the bench seats and added some extra speakers in the back. I’m not a car person but even I am excited for Dean to finish his repairs on the beautiful ‘67 chevy impala he got at an auction. It has all the potential in the world and seeing Dean so excited about it makes me happy. “That’s great Dean! I can’t wait til it’s finished! You know when it is you’ll be driving me like, everywhere right?” I joke. Dean chuckles, his smile still lighting up the room more than the early morning sun, “Of course sweetheart. Gotta show that asshole Shawn how much cooler you are than him.” Dean replies. I laugh at the idea of my co-worker’s face if I were to pull up to the shelter in such a gorgeous car. 

“Now, that, I can get on board with!” 

[crinkliedfries]

Okay, so this is just using what i’ve already written and what i already know for a fact is going to happen, so certain (minor) things are subject to change. (also, for my own and others’ sakes, i’ve bolded and italicised certain points to make it easier to read) 

So: Pluto, the embodiment of death, the Raven, you know. I love that funky little omen of death, however-- 

We’re here to examine how they interact with the story and characters (hopefully).

To start off, there are at least six other definite “Spirits” (Pluto, death; Beowulf, war/anger; Rumpelstiltskin, greed/famine; The Pied Piper of Hamelin, punishment; Captain Nemo, adventure; and Time, time). We could start off with saying that Pluto readily calls them siblings even though none of the are actually related (it’s more in an adopted-family sense of the word, though none of them have no parents and the idea of family is more of an illusion to most of them, especially for a while), which shows that while they almost definitely don’t often get along (See: initially not wanting to let the other main characters meet the group, arguing with Beowulf about the stories she’s taken, not even wanting to acknowledge Time for a while, trying to avoid and ignore Rumpelstiltskin until it becomes obvious that they can’t) they do care for them and don’t necessarily wish too much ill will towards any of the others. Pluto is, at their core, a caring entity, even though it’s taken thousands of years to get to that point (although it is very likely that this, especially in the beginning, comes from a place of self-interest and almost selfishness). 

Which takes us to character before the story even starts. For those that know the basic idea of the stories, you know that things like The Tell-Tale Heart, The Black Cat, The Fall of the House of Usher, and the Cask of Amontillado end in someone dying. So do Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde, Frankenstein, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet. (which brings up a point for later). This implies that Pluto has previously (and fairly recently, all things considered) been a cruel entity that allowed these people to die, possibly working with The Pied Piper to teach these characters lessons in ways that they would not be able to learn from. It is very likely that they have even gotten joy out of such things (implied [and possibly explicitly stated] in conversations that haven’t yet been written with Annabel Lee/Lenore/Ligeia/Rowena), but something happened. Now, their motivation is to keep as many characters alive as possible while still having the idea of the stories play out vaguely as they’re supposed to (which is almost impossible, when you consider quite a few things and the way that death is a theme that runs through most of/all of the stories mentioned). 

When we initially meet Pluto, it is likely that they are having some sort of crisis/are beginning to come out of one (“Enter Pluto, wearing sunglasses and dressed in a very loud button-up and garish pants, a hat on their head, an instrument slung across their back, and a coffee in hand. They are very obviously out of place.”) and they have an introduction that is similar/mirrors The Raven, which shows that they are still influenced by the stories/the fact that they are the embodiment of death and have very likely internalised this part of who they are. They have named themselves Pluto (see: Roman god of the dead, the planet that was cast out, etc. etc.) but have also given themself a middle initial (although it should be noted that they don’t quite understand the idea of middle names, as their middle initial stands for one of their other forms) and a last name (Ulalume, named after a poem that focuses on the idea of loss). 

They are aware of what has to happen (“Pluto. Hello, I’m Pluto, and… did you really start without me? 

Montresor. I’m sorry, what? 

Pluto. Alright, well, this is a bit less than ideal. 

Montresor. What? 

Pluto. Right, right. Where is Annabel Lee? 

Montresor. She’s dead. 

Pluto. Ah, ah, alright. And Lenore? 

Montresor. Dead as well.”) 

And they’re act almost inconvenienced by this (“You all started without me and now I gotta figure out where we are. You said Annie’s dead, right?”). The next time we see them, they’re ready to start and get going, still attempting to work out how to stop everyone from dying. Throughout the story, they remark on how Montresor doesn’t have to resort to murder and even try to help the other group that is trying to find him so that they can help. 

When Montresor sends them away, they immediately go to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (which could be argued to have some themes of death, because of the idea of “murdering the Time”), and is even the one to help point Alice in the right direction (but again, could be considered as another way that they are ultimately going back to their initial form, seeing as they point her in the direction of someone who has “murdered the Time” and because of that is stuck at tea-time, the idea of the “painting the roses red” possibly being a symbol for the War of the Roses, etc. etc.). They choose to go to a fairly light-hearted story in which death isn’t something that doesn’t actually occur too terribly often (it is threatened often, and referenced, but isn’t actually done, and is talked about in a less than serious manner) and then they go and cause mischief in various other places (they likely go to Waiting For Godot when it first starts and cause them to wait longer, spark the conversation in Play, help blow Odysseus a bit of course, egg Medea on [but also like. I love Medea so that’s just something that happens], etc.) and then they go to the other group to get help. 

Bringing up a point from before: the Shakespeare plays. In the second part, we find that Pluto has gone to Much Ado About Nothing to help Beatrice/Benedick (and, by extension, Hero/Don Pedro/I guess Claudio) as well as has now taken over Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland (a story which Time was originally supposed to have) and has recruited Hatta (a character that Time and arguably the Pied Piper had both specifically supposed to have been dealing with, not Pluto) to their “team”. They have also recruited a certain Sherlock Holmes (known for faking his death/escaping death). It is later discovered that Pluto was supposed to be on either (or both) Hamlet and/or Romeo and Juliet (when they’re arguing with Beowulf). (on another note: because they were both abandoned, it’s almost comical because by abandoning them the Spirits have caused the stories to play out exactly as they had before). 

It should also be noted that Pluto is described as singing off-key, which is something that is likely often done on purpose on various occasions. Pluto later admits that they cannot actually sing a song that has to do with something they have not experienced (basically: for a long time, the only song they could play was Dies Irae [part of a joke]), so when they sing A Dream Within A Dream it is very likely that while they are remarking upon both Montresor and their own crises, they are also attempting to cheer him up by not doing so in a perfect way. When Pluto later hums Dies Irae, it is unmistakable and almost causes the plants in a nearby vicinity to die, except that they put all the force they can into keeping them alive--which brings up another point: 

The amount of power Pluto has. So far, the power hierarchy seems to go (from most powerful to least): 

Pluto Ulalume (death) 

Time (time) 

The Pied Piper (punishment) 

Beowulf (war/anger, and on the flip side of that same coin peace) 

Rumpelstiltskin (famine/greed, and on the flip side of that coin prosperity/charity) (this isn’t to say that either Beowulf or Rumpelstiltskin aren’t powerful, Time and The Pied Piper have just been more busy with one specific thing and because of that are considered to be more powerful) (also, Rumpelstiltskin rates lower because they are a gremlin that mainly just tries to inconvenience others and often forgets that they, you know, have Actual Abilities That Would Be Difficult To Stop that they could use for said inconveniencing) 

Captain Nemo (adventure) (he’s just kind of got a ship. He’s doing his best, but. All he’s really got is a ship and probably some harpoons.) 

Pluto, very obviously, is at the point in their life when they are less than a fan of the abilities they have, and as such choose to rarely use them. It is later revealed (likely by Beowulf or The Pied Piper) that, while they do not realise it, simply by being death they are also life, because neither can exist without the other. (but it should be noted that this does not mean that they can bring back the dead). 

Now, another thing I’ve considered: how does Pluto compare with other versions of death that can be seen? 

If you go by The Book Thief’s version of Death, he’s weary. He’s tired and doesn’t necessarily like his job, but he does it. If you go by Death in Good Omens, he’s very much “not one of the guys” (because while the other three horsemen may change with the time, death very much does not) and omnipresent. He’s serious and doesn’t necessarily push the apocalypse happening--he goes with what happens, leaving when the other three horsepeople have been sent away. 

This isn’t the first time I’ve gotten my grubby little hands on death tried to write with a character that is the embodiment of death--the one that’s most easily remembered is John, a version of death from another wip. I very much enjoy taking these things and putting them on their heads and messing them up, so when I was working out the Four Horsemen (all named some variation of John, because I Am Very Done With This Family [i don’t even know how to give context. I wish i could.]) I tried to consider what they were and what they meant, and how a person might react to having to deal with those things (because they were, ultimately, at one time people, and have to deal with the effects of that). Eventually, they all became characters that were aware of who they were and what they would have to do, but, for the time being, wanted to help as much as possible. Pestilence was a doctor, doing what they could to help the sick and injured; Famine donated food, money, and supplies to people that needed it; and Death did similarly. The Death (John) from that wip and the Death (Pluto) from this one differ in how they deal with who they are, while still choosing similar paths, except that John was like that from closer to the start, while it took Pluto what could be thousands of years (not including possible “Returns” [still working out what to call them]) to come to who they are when we meet them in the story. 

Tl;dr: pluto has changed very much even before the story starts, and while secretive about their identity, later tries to help people. They don’t even realise the full extent to who they are, because they focused so much on one specific aspect that they didn’t consider other possibilities. 

[hookedonapirate]

The Princess and Her Sultan

Summary: Crown princess Emma of Misthaven is second in line to the throne, her brother Leopold ll being the first, but her parents see her with a future as a great ruler. King Rumpelstiltskin of neighboring land, strikes a deal with King David, promising to uphold the peace between the kingdoms if Emma marries Prince Baelfire. With the promise of his daughter becoming future queen of the Dark Kingdom, David accepts reluctantly.

Before her wedding day, the princess is kidnapped and taken overseas. She is sold as a slave to a palace where Crown Prince Killian of Neverland ascends his father’s throne and is sworn in as Sultan. Meanwhile, Killian’s mother pressures him to sire a prince and presents him with gifts for his birthday, one of them including a blonde princess from Misthaven. Dazzled by Emma’s charm, intelligence and beauty, he summons her to his bedchambers every night and eventually finds himself casting aside his harem and centuries of tradition.  

A/N: We're back and we'll be moving along a little more quickly and getting closer to resolving things I know some you are anxious to see resolved. This chapter is just the beginning of that process. I'm excited to post this chapter, and all I have to say is not everything is as it seems, unless I've made it too obvious, then it's exactly as it seems. Ya'll just need to trust me, okay?

Thank you @gingerchangeling for your wonderful suggestions and ideas for this story, and also @ilovemesomekillianjones for gifting me with your wonderful editing skills at. I also want to give a shout out to @onceuponaprincessworld for being my sounding board, constant cheerleader and good friend, thank you, darling! This story wouldn’t be the same without these lovely ladies!

And all of you have been so supportive and awesome, thank you all for following along and for your feedback!

Rated: Explicit

AO3 l FF.N I Prologue l Ch 1 l Ch 2 l Ch 3 l Ch 4 l Ch 5 l  Ch 6 l  Ch 7 l Ch 8 l Ch 9 I BTS

“How was your night with the maiden Emma, Your Majesty?”

 Killian looks up at James from their chess game. He must have noticed Killian’s big smile has been cemented on his face since the moment he left his precious swan. “It was…” He’s uncertain how to describe his night with her in words. It was easily the best night of his life and he wishes he could revisit it repeatedly. His grin widens, and he stares wistfully at James as he awaits an answer. “It was magnificent,” Killian finally answers, but it’s an understatement. “Being inside her, being with her is like being in paradise.”

 James shifts uneasily, his features contorting as he clears his throat and picks up a game piece, considering his next move on the board. “I’m glad to hear, Your Majesty.” He smiles, but Killian can tell it’s a bit contrived. 

 He studies his friend suspiciously. “What is it?”

 James’ eyes widen at the question as he meets Killian’s gaze. “Oh, it’s nothing. It’s just—I have some news to share with you. But I didn’t know if I should wait and tell you or not. I didn’t want to pull you down from your cloud of bliss.”

 Killian raises a brow at him, his smile fading as he waves his hand for James to speak. “Please tell me.”

 A grin takes over James’ face, and this time it’s more natural than before. “Your Majesty, Ruby is with child.”

 Killian’s lips pull into a smile again, a smile that lights up his entire face, and he stands from his seat, walking around the chess table. James takes his cue and stands, letting Killian pull him into a hug. “Congratulations to the both of you.”

 “Thank you, Your Majesty. The baby will be born in May.”

 Killian is elated by the news as they pull away from the hug. He is happy James is starting a family. He only wants the best for his friend. In fact, he has made a decision regarding James’ future. James has been loyal for a long time, so Killian has a promotion in mind for his friend and confidant.

 Killian fears if he were to leave the world too soon, his half brother, Declan, would swoop in to seize the throne. His throne will always be threatened as long as Declan is alive. If Killian were unable to defend his throne, even if he had sired a son, his Grand Vizier would take over his role and guide the prince before he is old enough to take over the duties of the empire. Gepetto, the current Grand Vizier has also been very loyal, but he is very old and does not stand a chance against a threat to the throne. He will retire soon, so Killian has to choose a strong leader who will protect his future son and guide him before he can take over the duties as Sultan. The rest of Killian’s viziers are all new, for he had banished all of his father’s men. They were corrupt and could not be trusted. Killian has turned over many rocks since taking over the throne and unearthed many secrets of his father’s that have proved to Killian once again, his father was not a good man.

 No, there is only one man Killian trusts above all, and that man is James. He will make him Grand Vizier. 

 ~*~

 The next several weeks are a pleasant blur for Emma. The Sultan summons her every night and only her. She happily complies, and most nights, they are both wrapped up in a passionate embrace and left breathless, picking up the shattered pieces of themselves. They’ve made love on every surface possible in his bedchamber; they’ve made love on the divan, on his desk, the floor and the low table by his bed. They’ve also made it past the terrace and made love in the garden, and one night they snuck off to the pool and made love in the water. They’ve only been caught twice by some servants who immediately scurried away, blushing profusely when they saw Emma and Killian naked and consumed in the thrall of their passion.

 The physical aspect of their relationship certainly isn’t lacking anything. Both are always left completely satisfied and content afterward, but they also spend much of their time engaged in chess, simple conversation and getting to know one another. They talk about their pasts and the people close to them. Emma shares details about her friendship with Elsa and tells him how close they’ve become since they arrived at the palace. Killian talks about James a lot and how they became friends. He was sold to the Jewel of the Realm when Killian was young, and since then they’ve stuck together through some very dark times. 

 The Sultan also tells her how James got the scar on his cheek. A lonely old widow owned James after he was taken from his family, and she’s the one who took a knife to his cheek when he wouldn’t obey a command. Emma feels terrible for what her uncle went through, but she is glad Killian has found a friend in him and treats him well. He talks about the adventures they’ve had, but she can’t help but wonder what would’ve happened if James were never taken and remained in Misthaven. Would he have been king? Would he and David get along?

 She wants to tell Killian that James is her uncle but she’s conflicted. She’s not sure what the Sultan will do. Will he be mad and banish one of them from the palace, or will he be understanding about it? Emma likes to think he would only be happy about this knowledge, but she doesn’t wish for anything to happen to James if it angered Killian. So she keeps her relationship with him to herself, at least for the time being.

 Killian tells her frequently how she casts a light over his darkness, and she doesn’t wish to be the cause of that darkness. She doesn’t want what they have to change. 

 Every single time they’re together, he treats her with courtesy and compassion; he respects her opinions, her mind, her body and he completely adores her. When the day wears him down, she can flip his mood around with only her presence. She can ease his mind with a kiss or excite him with her dancing. She brings a smile to his face with her laughter, soothes his soul with her wisdom and his body with her hands. 

 Killian expresses to her on various occasions that not only is she his lover but also his friend. Her heart always warms at the sentiment. The Sultan doesn’t confide in many people or look to them for advice, except for James, but Killian enjoys reaching out to Emma about court politics since he knows she is shrewd beyond her years with experience and has an innate grasp of the intricacies of these matters. She’s also not afraid to call him out when he is wrong about something. Nor does he feel threatened or angered by her for doing so. In fact, he finds it rather refreshing and is quite open to it. He isn’t ashamed to go to a woman for advice. 

 She has opened a brand new world to him, just as he has done for her. 

 He also isn’t ashamed to join the maidens of his harem for dinner to get to know them. This is unheard of in Neverland society, but after the initial surprise, the women are accepting of it (apart from Merida, who remains dubious of him). And this way, they don’t feel left out, even though Emma is the only one he calls to his bed. He grows quite fond of Elsa, just as Emma has, and she can’t help but worry about the Sultan calling on her next. It frightens Emma to her core, no matter how much she tries to accept this possibility.

 The Neverland nights grow colder and November quickly arrives, but Emma’s blood never appears. She thinks nothing of it until one morning when she wakes up feeling ill. She carefully sneaks out of the Sultan’s bed while he sleeps, and looks at her reflection in the mirror. She notices immediately how pale she is and doesn’t wish for Killian to see her like this. Though he’s seen her in worse conditions, she doesn’t want him to worry. She softly knocks on the door, so as not to wake him, and Nemo escorts Emma to her suite and sends for the doctor.

 When Emma finds out she is with child, she is full of emotions. She’s overjoyed but also sad. She doesn’t want her time with the Sultan to end. She loves him too much. She loves him so much it hurts. A tear slides down her cheek, even as Elsa is clapping her hands in excitement. 

 “Emma, aren’t you happy? You will soon be the Master’s Kadin.”

 “I am happy, but what if Merida is right? What if the Sultan tosses me aside when he finds out?” Emma’s heart tightens at the thought, tears pricking her eyes. “I’m not sure I can handle it!” Emma cries for the first time she has been to the palace. “I love him, Elsa, I cannot bear him to take another maiden.” Her heart stings as the truth comes rushing to the surface, tears falling down her cheeks. 

 “Oh, Emma…” Elsa scoops her up into her arms, letting Emma cry into her shoulder. Elsa holds her tightly, whispering soft words of reassurance, taking some of the burden off of Emma’s shoulders.

 Maybe it’s her emotions from being pregnant or maybe she has concluded she cannot accept the Sultan, her Sultan may take another to his bed. It feels like an act of betrayal. It feels worse than Graham’s betrayal. 

 That evening before Emma is to go to Killian, his mother invites her and Elsa to her suite to celebrate Emma’s pregnancy. She’s a bit surprised, to say the least as they enter Kira’s suite. She and Elsa are dressed in their best clothes, Emma is wearing one of the outfits and the jewelry Killian had given her. The pelisse Emma is wearing hides the small swell of her belly as she rests her hand there. 

 She’s not very far along, but she already feels protective of her baby. And truthfully, she doesn’t care if the tiny human growing inside her is a boy or a girl. She will love her child either way. She hopes Killian will too; she has a feeling he will, by the way he had spoken of having children. He wants a family, not barbaric sons who will rival for the throne, so it makes no difference if their child is a boy or a girl. 

 Emma will become Kadin, and if she has a daughter, her position will remain intact for the time being. She has no doubt she will retain his favor once she has a boy, but that doesn’t mean Kira or someone else won’t try to convince him otherwise. Kira sent Nemo to acquire four wives for Killian, not one, so Emma knows his mother will not rest until she has four grandsons from four different mothers so Emma cannot influence the Sultan. The more power Emma has, the more Kira will feel threatened. 

 Emma is not exactly sure what to expect by accepting Kira’s invitation, but when she sees her, the woman’s eyes light up and she opens her arms. “Come and sit beside me, my dear daughter.”

 Emma swallows thickly as she and Elsa make their way over. Regina is on the other side of Kira, her eyes shooting invisible daggers at Emma. She guesses Regina doesn’t like anyone competing for her mother’s affections.

 Kira kisses Emma’s cheek, cupping her face in her hands, saying prayers to the soon to be mother and her child. “I am delighted with your news. May the child be strong and healthy.” The woman gazes at Emma in admiration, a vast contrast to how she has treated her before.

 Emma bows her head. “Thank you, my Sultana.”

 They gather around on cushions at a low table, laid with sherbert, melons and sweet desserts. 

 “Have you told my son he is to be a father?”

 Emma shakes her head. “No, I have not, my Sultana. But he has summoned me for this night, so I will tell him when I go to him.”

 Kira nods in approval. “Very well. The news will overjoy him.” She gestures to her maids. “My daughter, I have some gifts for you.”

 The maids present her with many beautiful fabrics.

 “I will make the fabrics of your choice into maternity clothes, for when you grow big with child.”

 Emma smiles weakly when she looks over them. 

 When she is big and lonely and the sultan has another maiden to bring him pleasure.

 Kira must sense Emma’s sadness as she studies her in concern. She gently takes Emma’s chin in her hand, urging her to lift her eyes. “Do not worry, my daughter, Killian may summon you no more after tonight, but you have motherhood to look forward to, and that is more important. And if you have a girl, you may return to his bed.”

 Regina scoffs before taking a sip of her sherbert.

 Kira scowls at her. “Is there a problem, Regina?”

 “Why must you console her? Not long ago she was breaking the rules and rightfully thrown in the dungeon. She is a mere slave. Now, she has my brother and you wrapped around her dainty little finger. She hasn’t even had the baby yet, and you treat her as though she is your real daughter.”

 Kira becomes outraged by Regina’s words. “How dare you speak to me like that? You may be my daughter, but you do not have the right. Emma is your brother’s Kadin now, so you are to treat her as such.”

 Emma is shocked Kira is speaking up for her.

 “She is not his Kadin yet. I hope she is poisoned like Milah was.”

 With those words, Regina rises and storms out of the room.

 Kira and Elsa are mortified. Emma is mortified.

 “Please excuse my daughter, she has apparently misplaced her manners.”

 Kira stands up and follows after Regina.

 “Wow. Regina does not like you,” Elsa says to Emma quietly. “Maybe she feels threatened by you?”

 Emma shrugs, fear rippling through her, but she maintains a casual demeanor. Now that Emma will be Kadin, she will have new enemies and must watch her back at every turn so she doesn’t end up like Milah.

 A few minutes later, Kira returns and sighs as she reclaims her seat next to Emma. “Please do not mind my brat of a daughter. She did not mean what she said.”

 Emma knows she did, though.

 “She is just bitter, that’s all. She had a husband many years ago.”

 Emma lifts a brow and turns to look at Kira. “What happened to him, if you don’t mind me asking, my Sultana?”

 “He became very ill and died. Regina was with child, but she lost the baby. The doctors say she can never carry a child to term.”

 “Oh,” Emma says faintly.

 “It doesn’t excuse her for misbehaving, though. She doesn’t like any concubines who rise through the ranks. She feels threatened by them. She can never be Sultan, and any wife of Killian’s will have more power than her. And she cannot stomach the idea.”

 “Oh, I see.”

 “You must not worry, my child.” Kira takes Emma’s hand in hers. “My son will purchase the best taste testers and personal bodyguards there are and we will take extra precautions in the palace. I am the one who encouraged my son to sire a child, so it is my duty to make sure that happens. We must protect your son or daughter at all costs.”

 Emma nods, but somehow she doesn’t feel comforted by those words.

 “Now go to my son and tell him. You will have this last night with him.”

 Emma’s eyes prick with tears as she manages a nod. “Yes, my Sultana.”

 ~*~

 Emma goes to Killian with a swarm of emotions rushing through her. She doesn’t know exactly how this evening will go. He will be delighted with the news of course, but what will happen after tonight? She has no idea, and that scares the hell out of her. She slowly exhales as the doors open and she steps inside Killian’s bedchamber. He is waiting for her at his desk. His eyes brighten when he sees her, a big smile overtaking his face. 

 He stands and strides over to her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her forehead. Her heart fills with warmth as she feels his soft lips on her skin. “I’ve missed you, my love. When I woke, you were not in my arms or my bed. Are you alright?”

 Emma nods and offers a small smile. “Yes, I’m fine. I was only feeling under the weather.” She debates about whether she should tell him now or later. But she deems it better to rip the bandaid off now, rather than let a million questions she has, linger inside her. She takes his hand and moves his open palm to her belly as she maintains eye contact with him. “I am with child, my Sultan.”

 Killian’s eyes widen, his sparkling blue depths pooling with emotion. He peers down at her belly and drops to his knees, pushing her skirts away until her stomach is bare. “Emma,” he whispers against her skin, his lips and hands caressing her belly. “My little love.” He moves his hands to her hips and makes a trail of sweet kisses down her slightly protruding belly. Emma closes her eyes, enjoying the way his lips feel on her skin, so soft and warm. This isn’t supposed to feel erotic, this is supposed to be a beautiful moment between a father and his unborn child, but Emma feels a stir of desire for him. She can’t help it. Killian is good and gentle and loving. Being with him makes her rethink everything in life. 

 Killian’s hands move up her sides as he continues to kiss her belly, and Emma runs her hands through his hair, enjoying his gentle words as he whispers sweet nothings to her stomach. When he rises, she can see the love he has for her in his eyes. The love he has for them. She doesn’t want that love to fade; she doesn’t want what they have to end. 

 She wants to capture this moment forever. She wants to capture all of his kisses and touches and sweet words forever. She never wants to lose the affection he has for her. She basks in these moments of happiness, for she does not know when she will lose them.

 Emma’s not sure if it’s her pregnancy hormones or the depth of her love for him that overflows her body with emotions, but the thought of losing him overwhelms her completely, and she weeps. 

 Killian’s expression clouds with concern and genuine worry as he cups her cheek in his hand, using this thumb to wipe away her tears. “What is wrong, my love?”

 Emma shakes her head. She can’t possibly tell him what troubles her. She can’t be so selfish. She feels so foolish and stupid for crying. She wants the father of her child to be happy and if that means he must take another woman to his bed then she must accept this.

 “Please tell me, heart of my heart.” His voice cracks with worry. “Has someone hurt you or threatened you?” 

 Emma can see the storm brewing in his eyes at the prospect of this.

 “I will kill whoever lays a hand on you or threatens the life our wee one.”

 She can hear the protectiveness in his voice. Is this really a man who wants to be with anyone else?

 Emma shakes her head and wipes the rest of her tears away. “No, my Sultan. Nothing like that. I’m only sad because this may be our last night together.”

 His brows knit in confusion. “What makes you believe such a thing?”

 Emma sniffles and shakes her head again. “Because I’m with child. Custom demands a man no longer take a woman to bed once she’s pregnant, as it may risk hurting the baby.”

 Killian nods and lifts her hands to his lips, pressing soft kisses to her knuckles. He sighs sharply, deep in thought.

 Emma braces herself. It’s the moment of truth.

 After a moment, a small smile curves his lips as he gazes into her eyes. “My love, just because we cannot make love doesn’t mean we can’t find other pleasures with each other in other ways. Merely holding you and our child in my arms is all the pleasure I will ever need.”

 Emma lifts her eyes to his, completely stunned by his words, relief washing over her. “Truly?”

 “Truly.” He kisses her forehead as a grave expression takes over his features, his quivering breath fanning her skin. “I shudder in repulsion at the thought of taking another woman to my bed. They would not be you. Not even close.” He holds her tightly in his arms, resting his forehead against hers. She can feel the emotions bubbling inside him. She can hear them in his voice. “The thought of being with anyone else hurts like the worst level of hell. The thought of betraying you or bringing you pain hurts like hell.”

 Emma’s heart explodes with happiness upon hearing his words. Tears of a different kind sprint to her eyes and a grin blooms across her lips. 

 “I love you, Emma.” He moves his hand to her belly, caressing her skin again. “I love both of you. I will never love another woman unless that woman is our daughter.”

 Emma wants to capture those words and keep them forever. “I love you too, Killian.” It’s the first time they’ve ever exchanged these words to one another. 

 Killian smiles and kisses her lips, both of them sighing in utter relief. “But what will the people of the palace think?” she has to ask. She doesn’t wish to ruin his reputation or how the people of the capital look at him. 

 He thinks about her question a moment before pulling away and answering. “Emma, do you trust me?”

 She nods confidently. “With all my heart.”

 “Then trust me when I say I have a plan that I think will appease everyone in the palace.”

 “I trust you, Killian. Whatever happens, I trust you. ”

 Killian smiles and wraps his arms around her and captures her lips. He kisses her breathlessly and lifts her up, carrying her to the bed. They have one last night of passion before they can no longer engage in lovemaking while she is carrying their unborn child. But it’s certainly a night to remember, full of soft kisses and caresses, full of Killian stroking her belly and speaking to their baby. 

 Afterward, they’re breathless and panting, trying to reassemble themselves. Emma nuzzles her cheek into his chest and takes his hand, placing it over her belly as they lay there naked. She’s not showing very much, yet they both love their baby with everything they have, already. Emma can see he does in the way he gazes at her belly, she sees it in the way he touches her there, the way he kisses her there. 

 Killian tells her he will leave in the morning to personally find an expert taste tester and two bodyguards. “I will make sure no harm ever comes to you or our baby. I would rather die than let anything happen to either of you.” 

 Emma’s heart flutters at his words as he holds her and tells her everything will be okay. She lifts her head and captures his lips. 

 ~*~

 “I will miss you, my Sultan.”

 Killian smiles and draws Emma into his arms, kissing her deeply. He kisses her like he’s never kissed anyone before. He kisses her like this is his last day on earth. He strokes her belly while their lips are still connected. He wants to capture this moment and hold it inside his heart forever. They break for air, his hand still on her belly through her clothes, his forehead resting on hers. “I will return soon, my love,” he breathes, his voice shattered and wrecked. 

 Emma licks her lips and nods. “I will be waiting most patiently, my Sultan.”

 He caresses her hair and presses a kiss to her forehead. “I love you, beloved queen of my heart.”

 Emma smiles, her cheeks filling with blush. “I love you, too.” She rubs her belly. “We both love you.”

 He doesn’t know if her pregnancy has made her more lovely or if her beauty simply magnifies with every passing day, but he swears she is even more exquisite than the day he met her, and that’s certainly saying something.

 He has to wrench himself away from her and looks at James. “Guard my precious treasures, will you James?”

 He nods. “With my life, Your Majesty.”

 Killian’s concierge is the only uncastrated man he trusts with Emma. He can see the love James has for Emma, but it’s much different than what Killian feels for her. Emma’s only been to the palace for a handful of months, but James already sees her as family. Killian feels completely secure leaving his wife and child with him.

 He kisses his beloved and her belly once more, whispering to his little prince or princess how much he loves them already. He pulls away from them and mounts his horse, smiling at Emma from his saddle. Even though he will not be gone for long, he will still miss her and their baby terribly.

 Emma’s eyes are warm, full of love as she rests one hand on her belly and waves at him with the other. “Return to us soon, my Sultan.”

 He nods and winks at her as he turns the horse around and gallops off, his escort of lost boys following behind him.

 Emma and James watch her Sultan off as he wraps an arm around her shoulder and kisses her temple. “Congratulations, my niece.”

 “Congratulations to you,” she says, smiling at him. “I heard you and Ruby are expecting.”

 He grins as they turn around and head back inside the palace.

 “Perhaps our children will be good friends.”

 Emma nods, but he can tell her mind is running nonstop as she looks at him. “We should tell him, James.”

 He nods and looks ahead as they walk. “We will, my niece. You will remain here at the palace no matter what, now that you’re pregnant with the Sultan’s child. Nothing will happen to you, but we know not what will happen to me when he finds out. So, after I meet my son or daughter, we will tell him, I promise. We will tell him.”

 ~*~

 Killian returns to the palace two days later with the things he’d promised. He brings Emma two castrated bodyguards, an expert taste tester who was highly recommended to him and a slave who has already proven her loyalty. She will help Emma by making sure she has everything she needs to feel comfortable throughout her pregnancy.

 The taster teaches Emma a few tricks and gives her a potion that will make her and the baby immune from any poison she digests if it comes to that. No one knows this though, except for Killian, Emma and the taster.

 There is only one more thing left for Killian to do to ensure Emma’s and their child’s safety. He’s thought about this over and over during his trip to retrieve Emma’s gifts. He’d meant what he’d said to Emma; he can only stomach the idea of being with her, but perhaps it’s better if not everyone knew of this. Everyone expects him to take several wives, in fact, anything less would be unacceptable, to his mother and to everyone. They will tell him being with one woman is unhealthy. They will tell him he will be left feeling deprived. Unsatisfied. They will tell him if he only has one woman, that woman will let the power go to her head. They will tell him she is only trying to control him. 

 Perhaps it’s better if everyone is oblivious to the fact that Killian only wants one woman. One wife. One mother to bear his children. He only wants Emma and that will not change, no matter how long they cannot make love.

 He needs to keep Emma and their baby safe and also keep people from interfering with his life. Perhaps he can do both simultaneously. 

 Perhaps he can kill two birds with one stone. 

 And he has just the plan that will hopefully accomplish that.

 ~*~

 The next evening, Emma and Elsa are chatting pleasantly on the couch when Nemo enters Emma’s suite. Both women turn to look at him.

 “Elsa,” he begins, bowing his head. “Our Master summons you to his chamber.”

 Elsa’s face pales as she glances at Emma and then at Nemo again. “What?”

 “The Sultan requests your presence this night at the ninth hour.”

 “But, I cannot possibly…”

 Fear strikes him, for no one refuses the Sultan without grave consequences. “You defy the Sultan’s orders?”

 She looks at Emma, studying her reaction. “Emma, I am so sorry, I do not want this,” she whispers. “You are my friend. I never wish to betray you.”

 Emma offers a confident smile and takes Elsa’s hands in hers. “You must go to him, Elsa. I will escort you this evening.”

 Elsa’s face washes over with shock and bewilderment. “You are not upset?”

 Emma shakes her head. “No, if he is to choose anyone else, I want it to be you. Besides, we made a promise, remember? We will remain friends no matter what happens, right?”

 Elsa nods. “Yes, of course.” She looks relieved, but still unhappy about this, her loyalty to Emma shining through. It only makes all of this easier.

 “Now you must go and get ready for our Sultan,” Emma tells her.

 Elsa studies her friend one more time to make sure Emma is sure about this. 

 Emma is sure. 

 Elsa stands and goes to Nemo as he escorts her to her room. Emma doesn’t know exactly what Killian is up to, but she has complete faith in him. She places her hands on her protruding belly from her spot on the couch. “Don’t worry, baby, our Sultan loves both of us very much,” she whispers, peering down at her stomach. “He will take good care of us.” 

 She stands up and leaves her room to meet Elsa when it’s time to escort her to the baths, not a shred of worry in her mind or her heart.

Tagging: @courtorderedcake @teamhook @onceuponaprincessworld @nikkiemms @followbatb @resident-of-storybrooke @hollyethecurious @snowbellewells @artistic-writer @ultraluckycatnd @kmomof4 @darkcolinodonorgasm​ @lovepurplepumpkins @kiwistreetswan @therooksshiningknight @deathbycaptainswan @tiganasummertree @superchocovian @emeraldwitches

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The Girl Who Knew The End {18}

Thorin Oakenshield X Fem!Reader My Father, My Brother, My King

Chapter Seventeen // Watching, Waiting, No More

Chapter Eighteen //  (You’re Here!)

Chapter Nineteen // The Return of the King

A/N: I’m not dead yet, and neither is this series! (Get read for an information overload, ‘cause (y/n)’s mama has a lot to explain!) - Nemo

Warning(s): Angst. Mentions of Coma’s and Death.

Summary: Reunited with her mother, (y/n) must make a decision. Keep looking for Fili, or go and help battle the Orc army and save Thorin? 

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“Mom?”

“(y/n)?” 

“Mom!” You yelled, surging forwards into the arms of someone you’d never thought you’d see again, “Mom, I - how did you get here? And why are you so tall?” you asked, pulling back in confusion at how large your mother had gotten. 

She smiled down at you, and then you noticed exactly how neat and long her hair was, and the pointed ears that came from the sides of her head.

“Well, you’re not exactly reaching the top shelf, you know.” she said, pulling some stray hairs back behind your ear. “My daughter, a dwarf. Who would’ve guessed?”

“Thranduil.” you mumbled, casting a glare to your side as if said elf was standing right there, “Although he wasn’t too happy about it.” 

You mother’s eyes glossed over.

“You’ve met Thranduil?”

“Well sure I have. He was up over a hill back that way around midday. We probably had the nicest experience between our two kinds in the entire history of his being.” You explained, gesturing off into the distance where you guessed Dale and Erebor were. “But you still haven’t answered how you got here?”

Her face saddened even more, and she ran a gentle hand over your cheek. 

“This is your first time in this world, isn’t it?” 

“Is it that obvious?”

“To a fellow Earth-Shifter, it’s almost painfully so.” She let out a snicker, and climbed out of the closet, brushing down clothes that were definitely not from Laketown. “I shall explain, but weren’t you calling for someone just before?”

“Fili!” you gasped, turning back this way and that in a feeble attempt to spot him among the ruins.

“See, I shall help you look, and as we do I’ll explain.” 

__________

Another couple hours passed. Sunlight of a new day rose, but you were in no way feeling it’s warmth.

Your mother had spent a good armful of minutes explaining to you exactly what happened, and with it explained how you got where you were. 

Back in your world, Earth, you were in a car crash. Your mother was in it with you. Currently you were in a coma, and with that something like a copy of yourself was being sent to this world. If you woke up on Earth, you’d disappear here. If you died ‘correctly’ in Middle-Earth then you’d wake up on Earth. If you died ‘incorrectly’ in Middle-Earth you’d die on Earth too. 

When you’d asked your mother how she got back so late after you did, she shook her head, saying; “The Coma Projecting only works once. Once when Middle-Earth really needs it. After that, the only way back is to die.” 

And that was how you found out your mother died back on Earth. You figured, at least, you could see her here, now, and whenever you came back here. She was an Elf. She’d live much longer than you would if you stayed here. 

You also found out the Earth-Shifting happened a lot though your family. Commonly in the eldest daughters, but the only thing that was solid was that there was only ever one in each generation. 

But all the explaining in the world didn’t help you find Fili faster. All you did find was charred wood, more corpses, and pieces of Smaug’s body - of which made both you and your mother reel back slightly. 

___________

“I can feel you looking at me, and no. I’m not leaving.” 

“(y/n), just -”

“Mom!” you stepped up onto a bridge, looking about eye-level at your mother now, “The least I can do is give Fili peace and let him see Erebor just once. Let me do that.” She looked back at you, eyes stealy and unwavering. 

“Fine. But I’d suggest you give head to that!” She pointed across the ruins, showing the visible hillside, and in the distance an army of Orcs.

You let out a curse, turning around on the spot.

“You and I both know what’s coming,” she said, her words stirring something inside your chest, “I’ve watched those movies too. You need to go.” 

Frustration ebbed at your mind, swelling tears into your eyes.

“I won’t get there in time. It’s too far -”

“No. It’s not.” Your mother placed her hands on your shoulders, shaking you back to your now reality. “You can feel it inside you, a power, a warmth. Some may call it a darkness, or a curse, but it’s not. Don’t let the darkness take you. I made that mistake, and that was because I forgot what I was fighting for, and remembered instead what I’d lost.” 

She touched your temple, and it seemed like everyone from the past months had spoken to you again. 

"- She's here to help -"

"- The dwarf scum travels with a powerful being -"

"- You've got nothing special about you -"

"- She has something inside her, a power or force -" 

"- I'll have your blood spilt, mark my words Earth-Shifter! -" 

"- You know nothing of what would come for you if you went with him -"  

"- You were stubborn for a reason -" 

"- You look like you've seen a ghost Miss -" 

"- A darkness is coming, and by all means, hit will take her too -" 

"- You have no idea who you are -"

“- She’s been through more then we’ll all ever know -” 

Her hand moved from your temple back to your shoulder. 

“You still have people counting on you. You have people to protect.” She said. “I’ll stay here and look for your Fili. You go. They need you.”

“How the hell did you do that?” she smiled at your question, then ushered you towards the Orcs without a word. “Hey! How am I supposed to get to them?” You asked, feet firmly on the ground, but that didn’t stop her from moving you further. 

“Trust me, you’ll figure it out!” she said, reaching over and patting your chest, “Feel it here.” 

__________

You’d lost your boat, and there wasn’t anymore in good enough shape to take you, even if you’d only made it halfway back through town. You were - under any circumstances - going to swim. 

The cold of the water would do you no good.

The earth rumbled, and a horn billowed in the distance. Time wasn’t on your side. As dread started to settle in again, you pushed it aside, thinking instead like your mother wanted. 

Your people needed you. The dwarves. Bilbo. Kili, Dwalin and Balin. Thranduil and Legolas. Thorin needed you. He was your king, but your One first and foremost. 

Something hot stirred in your chest, and the earth rumbled again, but a lot closer. You turned, seeing the town move. Something in the water was moving,it was big, and you had a feeling it was just moving because of you. It was moving for you. 

You made your way closer, stepping to the water, and meeting the eye of Smaug. 

He rose out of the water, wings rising over the broken rooftops. 

He was blinking. Breathing. He was alive. 

But the eyes weren’t his. You could tell. They blinked with yours. They saw what you saw. This was why he was afraid of you. He was your way back to the fight. Your way back to Thorin. 

As the dragon rose further, a light burned in your eyes. Bright and proud. This was how you saved Thorin. 

This is how you got home. 

__________

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