#he apologized to her after he was choked but by then the damage was done. mentally and physically

[talloseye]

The roscinna angst in Cinna's worldstate is insane. He takes Roscoe on the mage quest and when he meets her in the future she is in such a blinding, unrecognizably frenzied rage that she nearly chokes the life out of him as soon as she's let out of the cell. She blames him for everything that happened after he went through the portal. He could've moved out of the way quicker. He could've been more prepared for the trap. She fully blames him for destroying the life she could've had (her greatest fear is insignificance). And then she tries to kill him. Iron Bull literally has to pull her off of him so that he doesn't get killed, and afterwards she's screaming her head off at him. She didn't talk to Cinna for the rest of the quest until the very end and only sacrificed herself for her own gain. She fucking hates him and makes it Very very well known. When he goes back to the present and sees her again it's quite uh...poignant...to say the least. He still has bruises around his neck after all

[poguehearted77]

Wild Child

summary: after being sent away to boarding school for being a wild child you're finally back and celebrating your return in the only way you see fit.

smut: pool party, ragers, drug use (alcohol, vapes n weed), size kink, Rafe is cocky, mentions of old flings, manhandling, hot tubs, they do it on her parents' bed, rough sex, step-mom slander, reader is such a flirt n a tease, curvy reader, dom! rafe, bratty! reader, skinny dipping, mentions of body shots, choking, spanking (like once).

The morning sun was ascending high into the sky when you finally managed to get yourself out of your king-sized bed, fit for someone of your status and your parents' financial standing.

Your socked feet took padded steps towards your window where you overlooked the hills of figure eight. This was the first time you'd looked out your bedroom window in years. With a deep inhale a soft smile etched its way across your lips. You were finally home, and you had the house all to yourself. Or so you thought.

Your ears pick up on muffled indistinct chatter that managed to travel from the kitchen, down the halls up the elaborate staircase and into your room. Quickly, you headed for the source of the voices and were disappointed to see your dad and his wife plaything, Maria, conversing over coffee at the kitchen island.

"I thought you said the Jet leaves at dawn? What are you guys still doing here?" You try not to sound too curious, arms crossing naturally with your inquiry. With a clearing of his throat, your dad speaks up, "You only just came back two nights ago. Maria and I just don't think it's the right time to leave you alone for the weekend."

You scoff, "Why? You still don't trust me after what happened last time? Get over it, I'm twenty-one now, you can trust me." As you walked over to the fridge for a glass of water, you heard a muted exchange of ideas behind you.

"You can't expect us to forget about all the damage you caused. We still haven't found anyone to repair my crystal vases." You take a long sip, trying to swallow your toxic thoughts with the water.

She thinks she can just waltz up and down the house with that huge ring on her finger and think that her opinion carries any value to you.

You took a deep breath and plastered on a fake smile, pitching your voice to become as sweet as honey.

"I can never apologize enough for what I did back then, but how will I ever earn your trust if you don't give me the chance." Your doe eyes land on your father, specifically his weakened composure.

You're about to break him, you can see it.

He exhales, all the air escaping through his nostrils.

Broken.

He glances down at his watch, "Fine, but if you throw another party so help me god Y/n you'll never see grass again." You play it cool, thanking him with a simple hug and completely disregarding Maria before you make your way back upstairs.

It's as though a weight had been lifted off your chest. You needed them out of the house, you'd been planning this party since you got back and made sure all the guests knew to keep it on the down low, just until they were gone.

The hours fly by, and you hardly keep track of time as you and some of your long-time friends set up the house for the party that you shouldn't be hosting, but you're Y/n Sinclair. Parties are your thing.

"Macy, you let the people in, kay? I'm gonna go get changed." The sun was beginning to set and the music was already blasting, vibrating over the marble floors of the house. Every lyric was punctuated with a shaking of the speakers that could be felt even outside.

The neighbours hated to see you coming.

You know your dad's jet was en route to Fiji and he wouldn't be able to reach you until he landed which wasn't for another six hours at minimum but by then the damage will be long done and far too late to stop.

You make your way up the stairs, the bass thumping through the house and vibrating beneath your feet. As you step into your room, your reflection catches your eye, excitement sparking in your gaze.

With a quick flick of your wrist, you reach for the strappy black and red two-piece, slipping it on, the cool fabric hugging every curve just right. Each strap crisscrosses elegantly, bold yet balanced, making you smile at how perfectly it all came together.

Next, you grab the sheer cover-up, wrapping it loosely around your waist so it drapes with a hint of movement, a playful edge that sways with you. You run your fingers through your curls, scrunching them gently to bring out their bounce, each coil framing your face in soft waves. Reaching for your lip gloss, you swipe it carefully over your lips, catching the light with a glossy shine.

One last look, and you’re ready, your heart beating in rhythm with the music below. The speakers are already blaring, the energy practically calling you back down. You step out with a final tousle of your curls, ready to join the night.

The energy crackles through the backyard as you make your way to the top of the outdoor staircase. The sun has slipped beneath the horizon, casting a dusky glow over the massive pool below, illuminated by floating lights that shimmer across the water.

The bar is buzzing with people grabbing drinks, and in the corner, the foam pit is already filling up, laughter and splashes mixing with the heavy beat of the music.

A neon sign hangs across from the bar, glowing boldly against the evening sky: The Queen of Kildare is Back. You grin, amused at the sight of it knowing it was 100% Macy's doing, and take a step down. Conversations hush, replaced by the roaring blast of excitement as heads turn your way. Hundreds of people, from familiar faces to those you only vaguely recognize from your past in Figure Eight, pause and look up, anticipation brimming in their eyes.

As you descend, your cover-up billows behind you, revealing the bold lines of your black and red two-piece. The crowd’s reaction is instant, erupting into cheers, whistles, and applause that echo across the yard.

"Y/n! Y/n! Y/n" They chant and you laugh. Every step closer to the party, you feel the atmosphere thicken, charged with that infectious blend of excitement and admiration. By the time you reach the bottom, someone’s already handing you a drink, while friends rush over to pull you in for hugs and greetings, their voices nearly drowned out by the music and shouts.

"Y/n Sinclair, s'Been a while."

There's a voice all too familiar addressing you from behind, prompting you to pivot to come face to face with a much taller Rafe than your brain could recall.

"Rafe Cameron. Long time no see." He goes in for the hug, your arms reaching over his broadened shoulders while his longer ones wrap around your waist before pulling back. He not so subtly checked you out, his tongue darting out over his lips briefly as he took you in and you did the same.

The buzzed hair sharpens his features, you think. Making his eyes seem darker, more intense, as they focus on you. His open linen shirt falls loosely over his frame, giving glimpses of his toned chest and the subtle gleam of a thin chain resting against his skin.

The shirt flutters with the breeze, barely hanging on his shoulders, hinting at the strong lines of his arms and drawing your eyes down to his relaxed, dark swim trunks.

He’s saying something, leaning slightly toward you, and his voice cuts smoothly through the bass of the party. Your eyes wander back up to his face, catching the faint smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth as if he knows he’s caught your attention.

"You look good, too good. How long's it been?" It's hard for you to think with the heat of his gaze on you, but you don't falter, never surrendering to this never-ending game between the two of you.

"About 3 years." He hums, the way he looks at you, casual yet purposeful, makes your pulse quicken, and suddenly, every sound around you fades, leaving only the warmth of his presence and the way he looks right at you, but you remind yourself to focus.

Rafe looks around the scene, eyes lingering over the wet t-shirt contest and then the game of chicken being held in the pool while others lounged on the various floaties or indulged in ungodly amounts of alcohol at the bar. As he does so, the pungent scent of weed drafts across your nostrils.

"Your old man know you're hostin' tonight?" You had to laugh, "Oh please, like he would ever let me have any kind of fun while he's in town. He and the skank are in Fiji."

The slight smirk that etches over his perfect lips taunts you. "So the house is yours?" He leans in, a little closer, closing the gap between you. "Until he comes back and banishes me again," You place a confident hand against his chest, pushing him away, "But for now, I'm here to party, and you should be too."

With that said you walk away from him, letting your hips sway with seduction radiating with each step. Rafe lets his thumb and fingers stroke over his jaw, feeling the weight of the pressure you'd just applied.

God, it was good to have you back.

The party raged on, slowly approaching its peak, body shots were going on at the bar, girls were doing lines in the bathrooms and the guys had insisted on a drunk game of volleyball in the pool.

Rafe took a break from the events of the party and watched from the sidelines on the couch, taking another hit of the vape that someone had passed to him, he's not sure he can remember who, and it wasn't relevant anyway.

The only person he had his sights set on is you. Watching you have the time of your life with your friends on the platform in the middle of the pool. Your little group, clearly intoxicated danced carefree while you'd begun to put your hands on the ground and throw your ass in circles.

Rafe choked, sitting up, some smoke coming through his nostrils at the interrupted airflow. He leaves his shirt behind on the couch with the abandoned vape, just as he heads for the pool topped hands him a beer which Rafe accepts before he gets in.

Maintaining a straight face as his body acclimatizes to the cool water he's almost immediately swarmed and roped into a round of whatever the current pool game was.

His icy gaze looks up to the center of the pool where you once were but are now nowhere to be found. "Looking for someone?" Your voice was mocking and he was grinning before he even turned around.

"I am actually." With little ripples in the water, he steps towards you maintaining a respectful distance that was driving you insane. "I was looking for someone to join me at the bar," He puts on a convincing facade but you roll your eyes, feigning innocence.

"Let me know if you find her," He slowly steps towards you and step back, "Don't play dumb with me, Y/n." Your plush lips form a gut-wrenching pout, "What do you mean?" Another step forward, another one back. The cycle repeats itself until he has you backed up against the edge of the pool.

Rafe’s hands find your waist, and before you can react, he’s lifting you effortlessly, placing you on the edge of the pool. You're reeling at the slutty display of his sheer strength.

Your legs dangle, brushing against his chest, and he steps closer, slotting himself right between them. His hands rest on either side of you, his arms framing you in as he looks up with that sly grin, every bit as teasing as you are.

“Always out here playin' games, aren’t you?” he murmurs, his voice low, a quiet rasp just for you. “Gotta say, I respect it—always sticking it to your old man, doing your own thing.” He leans in, his gaze drifting down to your lips before meeting your eyes again. “Not many people around here have the guts for that.”

You scoff lightly, though your heart skips as his gaze lingers on you, intense and challenging. “Oh, please,” you tease, rolling your eyes. “Since when do you care about any of this?”

A quiet laugh slips from him as his fingers trace slow, deliberate circles along your thigh. “You think I haven’t been paying attention to you all these years?” he murmurs, leaning closer, his breath warm against your neck.

“You might’ve been gone a while, but don't think I forgot all those nights we had our fun.” His words hang heavy between you as he pulls back slightly. Now his hand rests on your waist, his voice dropping lower.

He tilts his head, studying you with that familiar glint of mischief. “Now that you're back, I think we should relive some of our traditions, for old time's sake,” he says, leaning in until his lips brush against your jaw, light and teasing, close enough to make your pulse race. He pauses, his thumb skimming your cheek, his lips hovering just above yours, waiting. “But don’t act like you don’t want this as much as I do.”

Before you can snap back, his mouth claims yours, the kiss charged with all the years of pent-up tension and that all-too-familiar heat. His hands slide up to cradle your face as you wrap your legs around him, pulling him even closer. The kiss deepens, and when he finally pulls back just enough to catch his breath, he watches you with a smug, knowing grin.

“There it is,” he murmurs, his voice a low rumble against your lips, his thumb tracing your jaw as if memorizing every inch. “That look you get right before we make a mess of things. I knew it—you missed this just as much as I did.”

If only someone could recount how the two of found yourselves stumbling up the stairs towards your room, your soaked sheer cover-up left forgotten somewhere in the house after Rafe pulled it off of your frame.

"Shit-- Rafe," your teeth dug into the flesh of your bottom lip as you reached to open your bedroom door, horrified to see two other people had monopolized it. They hadn't even noticed the door was opened so you quickly closed it.

"What the fuck, I thought everyone knew my room was off limits." With a quick scan, you noticed items were hanging off almost all the guest rooms in the hall letting others know the room was occupied.

"Shit, there's nowhere else to go in here?" You think quickly on your feet before rushing off to get something before returning with a key in your grip.

Rafe pulls you close with a smirk as you clutch the key to your father’s room, the gleam in your eyes daring him to follow. “Breaking all the rules tonight, aren’t we?” he murmurs, his voice low and thick with approval. His hand slips around your waist as you unlock the door, both of you glancing down the hall to be sure no one’s watching.

You twist the handle and push open the door, and his hand slides down to squeeze your hip, pulling you against him. “I knew there was a reason I liked you,” he whispers against your ear, his lips grazing your skin, sending a thrill down your spine.

Once inside, you barely have a chance to lock the door before he has you pressed up against it. His lips are on yours, urgent and fierce, his hands roaming over your body with possessive ease. “Do you have any idea what you do to me?” he breathes between kisses, his fingers tracing the bare skin of your waist as he lifts your top, letting it fall to the floor. “Thought I’d forgotten?” you tease.

Rafe just about growls, dipping down to kiss along your collarbone, his hands sliding lower as he backs you towards the bed. His fingers hook under the waistband of your bottoms, tugging them down with a smirk that sends heat rushing through you.

Your heart races as you feel the cool, forbidden sheets beneath you, the thrill of defying every rule and having Rafe look at you like you’re the only thing he’s ever wanted. His hands slide up your thighs, lips trailing down your neck as he leans over you. “You know,” he murmurs, voice heavy with desire as he takes in the sight of you sprawled out before him, “I always knew you were trouble. Guess that’s why I can’t stay away.”

With a smirk, he leans in, his lips brushing over yours as his hands explore, both of you savouring the thrill of being tangled up in each other once again.

"Look at these perfect fuckin' tits." He curses, big hands cupping your breasts, kneading them and rolling your nipples between his index and thumb. Your back arches slightly with a gasp, chest pressing up into him and he laughs.

"Still so sensitive here, angel? Some things never change." He reminisces and you roll your eyes, "Fuck off, Rafe." With the blink of an eye, his much larger frame was caging you in from above, his bulging biceps giving him an erotic juxtaposition in comparison to your head.

Balancing himself on one arm he slinks his palm around the expanse of your throat with a weighted pressure. "Been gone so long you forgot your manners? Mm? That's fine, I'll be sure to fuck some sense back into you."

Your eyes flutter shut at his filthy words as you feel his hand move and begin to work you between your legs. "Your pussy's fuckin' soaked--shit." He hisses, gaze hungry and his body acts on his thoughts faster than you can register.

A particularly loud moan slips from you as you feel his tongue skillfully lap over your folds, splitting you open as the warmth of his tongue protrudes into your core. "Yes, fuck! Please, don't stop Rafe." You moan, one hand reaching down to hold him by the hair and it hits you that he'd shaved it all off.

You let out a frustrated gruff, both hands fisting the sheets while you're forced to feel the vibrations of his sick laugh running through you at your dramatics. Even the tip of his nose had been covered in your slick, your juices running down his chin as he ate you out like a man starved.

He wouldn't be surprised if they could hear you from outside, but he knows everyone is far too high, too drunk or both to hear you. It wasn't long before your legs were beginning to shake and came with his name falling from your lips over and over like a prayer.

Taking deep breaths to recover from debatedly the best orgasm you've ever experienced, Rafe walked over to the far wall, out of sight, doing something you couldn't see before returning.

Without speaking he scoops you up into his arms, bridal style, another shameless display of his strength but it would be a lie to say it didn't drive you crazy. "What-what are you doing?" Your questions are ignored until he approaches the bubbling hot tub.

A wicked smirk curls across his lips as he eases you onto your feet in the warm water, his hands lingering on your waist, keeping you close. He gazes at you with that knowing glint, the steam rising around you both.

“Feels nice, doesn’t it?” he murmurs, his eyes trailing down your figure, unapologetic. His fingers skim over your sides, sending a shiver through you that’s from anything but the water.

“Are you really just gonna stand there?” you call, feeling the thrill of his attention but wanting to turn the tables, your voice laced with playful challenge.

“Oh, don’t worry,” he chuckles, unfastening his swim trunks and letting them fall to the side with a carefree grin. “I plan on joining you,” he says, slipping into the water and closing the distance between you two with smooth, unhurried steps. You take a hard swallow at his size, you don't remember him being this big.

He was going to destroy you.

You raise an eyebrow, matching his smirk. “Pretty bold of you, Rafe,” you say, your voice teasing as he wraps an arm around your waist, pulling you flush against him. “Just like old times, hmm?”

“Better than old times,” he murmurs, dipping his head so his lips graze your ear, his voice a low rumble. “Because now, nothing is stopping us.” He punctuates his sentence by pressing his body up against your back, elevating you a bit so your torso leans over the edge of the tub, granting him easy access to you.

"Fuck, can't believe your ass got even more fucking perfect since last time." His hand raises and comes back down with a loud spank that pulls a sinful moan from your throat. "Rafe, stop teasing." You whine, arching your back and pressing back against him.

His composure already weekend, he decided to let you get away with it this time before he lined up the swollen head of his thick cock with your entrance, "Better grab onto something." That's the last thing you hear before you're being impaled on his dick, your upper half immediately falls forward, and he stills, giving you a second.

You're breathless, it feels like his cock was taking up all the room in your lungs. Some water had splashed over the ledge but that was the least of your worries. Your mind was hazy and focused on Rafe's grunts that escaped him with every snap of his hips.

"Wish you could see how hot you look right now. The Sinclair wild child knows how to take big dick like a champ." His words run straight through you like electricity, fanning the flames of the burning heat that was beginning to form in your belly.

"Shit--This pussy was fuckin' made for me, y'know that?" You moan at his possessive statement. You can only nod, your body had gone limp long ago as he drilled into you. "R-rafe! I'm-" As if you weren't close enough, his fingers begin to rub over your clit aggressively and you jolt with a shriek.

"Oh- fuck, don't stop! Fuck! I'm gonna cum! Please, Rafe." You beg, over and over, arms hanging onto the edge of the tub for dear life as more water splashes around you.

"Wait for me, hold it until I say you can come." You're chewing your lip raw, desperately trying to hold yourself back as he wrecks you from the inside out, his moans getting more frequent, a little more airy and breathless as he tumbled toward his edge of pleasure.

"Cum with me, Angel." Your body spasms as you finish together and he leans his weight against your back, his laboured breathing fanning your ear as you come down from your high.

"Not bad, princess." You couldn't respond and Rafe took note of this, carefully holding you up with one final smug remark, "Hope I didn't wear out the queen of Kildare."

[shushmal]

tw: for implied past emotional abuse, im in my feels today

"What the fuck were you thinking?" Hopper growls. He's not quite shouting, but he's still loud, raised voice echoing through the living room. "She's not ready to drive yet, I forbade it, and what? You two decided that you knew better?"

Eddie rolls his eyes, but gamely keeps quiet. He knows Hopper's less upset with Ellie taking a spin through the parking lot and more upset about the property damage. Eddie's on her side though, that phone pole came out of nowhere. Must have been pretty rotted out too, to fall over that easily after a little love tap.

Ellie had done a damn good job fixing the huge dent in the bumper.

But if Hopper wants to be dramatic and chew everyone involved out, Eddie's not going to stop him. Whatever gets the guy's blood pressure back down.

"You're supposed to be responsible adults! Especially you, Steve!"

Rolling his eyes again, Eddie glances over, hoping to share a commiserating look with Steve.

Except Steve isn't looking anywhere but down, shoulders and spine ruler straight. Eddie stalls there, stuck on the way Steve's standing, tense from jaw down to his ankles, his hands balled into tight fists flat at his side, knuckles white. Hopper keeps ranting, pacing a wide circle in front of them, but Steve doesn't flinch, doesn't look up, doesn't react. It's like all the color has washed from him.

"Are you even listening?!"

"Yes, sir," Steve says tightly. He doesn't look up. Hopper keeps going.

Eddie watches as Steve's throat works to swallow, like he's choking. Like he can't breathe.

"Hopper," Eddie snaps. "Shut the fuck up."

Hopper whirls on him, livid, but Eddie's not looking at him, fixed on Steve as he reaches out. Tries to take Steve's hand, just holds his wrist when Steve can't unclench his fist, gentle as he touches him. Steve is tightly wound and trembling under his fingers.

When he looks, Eddie finds Hopper with deep regret on his face, struck silent. He doesn't say anything when Eddie leads Steve away, back out onto the porch. They sit on the swing, Eddie's arm around Steve's shoulders, rocking back and forth until the muscles loosen and Steve slumps, strings cut, into Eddie's side. They'll sit like that for a while more, watching the woods as the sun sets and listening to the dusk settle, crickets and cicadas and chats calling the moon up, filling their silence with nighttime music.

Later, Hopper will come out, temper cooled, and sit on Steve's other side. Will ruffle Steve's hair when Steve starts to stiffen. Will apologize when Steve eyes him warily.

Later, Eddie will scowl and glare, but ultimately keep quiet, unwilling to make the whole thing worse for Steve, another fight, another shouting match. Will stiltedly tell Hopper good night and take Steve home, wait patiently until Steve finally speaks, when he finally tells Eddie a little more and a little more, until Eddie's holding him tight.

That's later though. For now, he digs his heel into the porch, rocking them back and forth, and waits for Steve to breathe.

[lanawrx]

Hi!! Can I request obanai and sanemi (separate) x reader who's like mikan from Danganronpa? I saw your one with zenitsu, and I adored it! I also wanted to ask could you write about the reader falling into an awkward position (as mikan does) and like how the boys react to that, possibly some NSFW? *Wink wink*

Thank you! :D

Obanai Iguro and Sanemi Shinazugawa with Reader who acts like Mikan Tsumiki

I couldn't fit the NSFW part im sorryyyy!! but ill def write a separate nsfw part 2!

a/n: hell yea, I had a feeling y'all would like these "reader w ___ personality" type posts lol. hope you enjoy! feel free to send more requests ^w^ (edit: obanai is so damn hard to write for. sum1 dm me and explain the substance behind obamitsu😭)

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Obanai Iguro

You were the other head medic of the Butterfly Estate, having trained and learned with Shinobu when the previous Insect Pillar, Kanae Kocho, was still around. After Shinobu rose up to claim the pillar position, you remained her right hand and became an unofficial field medic to the pillars during particularly risky missions.

You had trained hard to assist the pillars during missions, and when you first met Obanai, the air crackled with tension. He was a stoic man with a gaze that could cut through steel, and the way he held himself spoke of countless battles fought. But the moment you stuttered an introduction, your cheeks flushed with embarrassment, he frowned in irritation, his annoyance palpable.

“I-I’m y-your medic,” you managed to stammer, and you could see the impatience flaring in his eyes. Your apologies spilled from your lips, each word making his frown deepen until he turned away, a low growl escaping him. It stung, and you wished you could disappear.

However, fate has a strange sense of humor. During the mission, while Obanai was distracted, a demon lunged at him from the shadows. Without thinking, you rushed forward, pushing him out of the way just in time. The creature’s claws grazed your arm, but you managed to stabilize Obanai before he could react.

“W-What are you doing?” he snapped, but the irritation faded as he realized what you had done. Your hands shook as you helped him back to his feet, but the moment of annoyance was gone, replaced with something more profound.

When the battle was over, you knelt beside him, quickly assessing the damage. You felt a surge of panic when you noticed the deep cut on his arm. “I-I’m so sorry you got hurt! I-I should’ve been more careful!” Your voice trembled, guilt washing over you as you cleaned and patched his wounds, tears brimming in your eyes. The shame of seeing him injured because of your reckless bravery crushed you.

Obanai watched you, his irritation melting away as he noticed the sincerity behind your tears. No one had cared for him like this before, and a strange warmth bloomed in his chest. “You… care that much?” he asked softly, and you nodded, wiping your eyes.

“I-I just feel so terrible! It’s my fault you were hurt!” You choked out, the sobs breaking free as you buried your face in your hands. But Obanai, surprisingly gentle, reached out, lifting your chin to meet his gaze.

“Stop that,” he said, his voice low but firm. “It’s not your fault.” As he spoke, his heart ached for you, realizing how deeply you felt for him. He didn’t want to see you in pain anymore, not for him or anyone else.

After the mission, things changed between you. Obanai became protective, his demeanor shifting from annoyance to a fierce desire to shield you from harm. He snarled at any man who dared to glance your way, and though it made you flustered, there was something reassuring in his possessiveness.

One fateful day, while you were tending to some recovering demon slayers at the estate, a series of unfortunate events unfolded. You were called over to offer refreshments, balancing a tray of cups and a jug of water. But as you approached, your foot caught on an exposed root, sending you tumbling forward.

“Ah!” you cried out, the tray flying from your hands. Water splashed everywhere, drenching your clothes and leaving you exposed and vulnerable.

Obanai happened to be walking by, his heart racing as he saw the scene unfold. His eyes widened in horror when he realized you were on the ground, soaked and in tears, surrounded by the gawking demon slayers. In an instant, he surged forward, covering you with his striped haori, his anger igniting like a wildfire.

“What the hell are you doing just standing there?” he roared at the onlookers, his voice echoing with fury. “Help her, damn it!” His protective instinct took over, and he began barking threats, ensuring everyone knew they would regret not assisting you.

As you sat up, shaking with humiliation, you felt your heart sink. “I-I’m s-sorry! I-I didn’t mean to cause a scene!” You cried, and the tears flowed freely down your cheeks, your embarrassment overwhelming. Obanai’s expression softened as he knelt beside you, his gaze fierce but filled with concern.

“You didn’t do anything wrong,” he assured you, his voice low and steady. “It’s okay.” He helped you to your feet, then led you inside the mansion, calling for Aoi to bring tissues and clean clothes.

“I just… I showed everyone such a horrifying, disgusting sight,” you sobbed, unable to meet his eyes.

His heart shattered at your words. “No,” he whispered, cupping your cheek with a tender hand. “You’re not disgusting. You’re everything to me. Those idiots outside don’t deserve to see you. I don’t even deserve to be in your presence.”

The weight of his words enveloped you, and you felt a flicker of hope amidst the shame. Obanai leaned in, placing gentle, bandaged kisses on your forehead, his touch igniting a warmth in your heart. “You are so much more than you realize. I want you to see yourself the way I see you.”

He didn't even feel worthy of you, feeling so undeserving because of his filthy blood. But he wanted to be your rock and make you see how he saw you. How you should see yourself. You were everything to him. And he wanted you to feel how much he cared for you, just as you had for him during your first mission together.

Sanemi Shinazugawa

You first met Sanemi during a training session at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters. It was your first day, and nerves fluttered in your stomach like frantic butterflies. You had always been the type to trip over your own feet and fumble words in the presence of strangers. But you were determined to prove yourself.

“Sorry! I-I’m so sorry!” you squeaked as you awkwardly navigated through the bustling crowd of Demon Slayers. A knot formed in your stomach when you spotted Sanemi, standing at the edge, his aura both intimidating and electrifying. The moment you made eye contact, you felt a jolt, a mix of fear and awe. He was the Wind Hashira—intense, battle-hungry, and undeniably handsome, though his rough demeanor often overshadowed his features.

While trying to maneuver around him, your foot caught on an uneven stone, sending you tumbling forward. Your heart raced as you prepared for impact, but instead, you collided with his chest. “Oh, n-no! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—” you stammered, your cheeks heating up as you scrambled to your feet.

Sanemi’s expression shifted from surprise to irritation. “Watch where you’re going,” he snapped, though his tone lacked genuine malice. Beneath his sharp words, you sensed something softer—an unexpected flicker of concern hidden in the storm of his frustration.

“Y-yes! Of course! I’m so sorry!” you babbled, bowing your head repeatedly, half in embarrassment and half in desperation to escape his piercing gaze.

As you turned to leave, you heard a low, almost amused growl. “You should probably work on that clumsiness if you want to survive,” he called after you.

You nodded vigorously, your heart racing. “I will! I promise! I’m really trying!”

Days turned into weeks, and your encounters with Sanemi continued to be marked by awkwardness and your apologies. You found yourself drawn to him despite his abrasive nature. Each time you stumbled, each time you found yourself at the mercy of your own nerves, Sanemi was there, his sharp words cutting through the air but somehow comforting in their familiarity.

One day, during a sparring session, you were focused, determined to impress him. Sanemi had been pushing you harder than usual, wanting to test your limits. “Keep your guard up!” he barked, his voice a mix of frustration and encouragement.

You nodded vigorously, trying to keep your concentration. While practicing a series of footwork drills, you overcompensated on your pivot, losing your balance once again. You found yourself falling backward, arms flailing.

“Ah! Sanemi!” you shrieked as you fell, bracing for impact.

But instead of hitting the ground, you collided with him again. This time, your bodies tangled awkwardly, and before you knew it, you were both on the ground, his body pressing into yours. Your face felt like it was on fire, and all you could think about was how embarrassing this was.

“Get off me!” he growled, trying to extricate himself from the awkward position. His cheeks were slightly flushed, and you couldn’t help but notice the way his usually composed demeanor faltered.

“I-I’m so sorry!” you babbled, scrambling to sit up and pushing him away gently. “I didn’t mean to! I swear I’m not trying to—”

Sanemi let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his spiky white hair. “You really need to watch your footing,” he grumbled, though there was an unmistakable hint of amusement in his eyes. “What are you trying to do, knock me out with your clumsiness?”

You felt a mix of embarrassment and a strange thrill at his playful jab. “I’m just... n-not very graceful!” you managed to mumble, feeling your heart flutter at his closeness.

As the days passed, the pattern continued. You would find yourself accidentally in compromising positions around him, and each time, his reactions grew softer, almost protective. During one particularly exhausting training session, you tripped while attempting a high kick. Instead of falling backward, you stumbled forward, colliding into Sanemi’s chest once more.

His arms wrapped around you instinctively, steadying you. “You really need to learn how to fall,” he murmured, the warmth of his breath sending shivers down your spine.

“I-I’m so sorry! I’ll try harder!” you stammered, your heart racing as you looked up into his purple eyes. He looked down at you, an unreadable expression crossing his face.

“Just… don’t overthink it,” he replied, his voice softer than usual. “You’re too tense.”

The tension between you both grew with each clumsy encounter. You often caught him watching you when he thought you weren’t looking, a strange mix of annoyance and affection playing across his features.

One afternoon, while you were supposed to be practicing your forms, you miscalculated a step and stumbled forward, your sword slipping from your grasp. In a frantic attempt to catch it, you dove for it, but in doing so, you ended up rolling into Sanemi, who had been watching from the sidelines.

You both fell to the ground, you landing on top of him, your face hovering inches from his. His eyes widened in shock, and you could feel your cheeks burn with embarrassment. “Oh no! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to!” you blurted, scrambling to get off him.

“Damn it,” he grumbled, his voice low and gravelly. But there was no anger in his eyes, only that familiar warmth that made your heart flutter.

“Why do you keep doing this?” he asked, a hint of amusement creeping into his tone as he propped himself up on his elbows to look at you.

“I—I don’t know!” you stuttered, flustered. “I really don’t mean to!”

A moment of silence hung between you, and for a second, you both just stared at each other. You could feel the heat radiating from his body, and the weight of his gaze sent your heart racing. Then, with an unexpected softness, he smiled. “Well, at least you make things interesting.”

You blinked, taken aback by the compliment. “Y-you think so?” you managed to ask, surprised by the warmth blooming in your chest.

“Yeah,” he replied, his tone lighter now. “Just try not to land on me next time.”

As your training continued, your unintentional falls turned into a source of connection between you two. Sanemi began to approach your mishaps with a level of patience you never thought he could possess. Whenever you stumbled, he would catch you, guiding you back to your feet with a smirk, making light of the situation.

“See? You’re getting better already,” he would say, shaking his head with mock disbelief. “Just keep that clumsiness to a minimum.”

Though your heart raced with embarrassment each time, there was a comfort in knowing that Sanemi’s reactions weren’t purely irritation. He cared, and that realization made each accidental fall worth it.

A rough, hot-blooded Hashira who, despite his abrasive nature, was slowly but surely falling for the clumsy girl who had stumbled into his heart.

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡ Thanks for Reading! ˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚⋆

[rookinthecrownest]

Bedtime Stories For a Demon, Night 3: The Girl Who Knew Despair (Lucanis x Rook Fanfic)

*Endgame spoilers for Veilguard ahead

** No seriously if you havent played to the end of the game dont read this

Soft candlelight flickering. An exuberant chorus of voices outside the door, celebrating victory. The smell of alcohol and Embrium and Elfroot in the Diamond’s infirmary. The Cantori Diamond, still standing like the rest of Treviso. Free of the Blight and the wrath of a God’s anger.

Thanks to Rook.

Madeleina.

Lucanis sits on a wooden chair by her bed. He asked Teia for a private room in the infirmary – a request she was happy to accommodate for Treviso’s saviour.

As grateful as he is for her help in Treviso – and he is incredibly grateful, he’s equally infuriated by her recklessness in battle. Not many can claim to have injured a Blighted dragon and lived to tell the tale, but even fewer would have been stupid enough to try and conceal a mortal wound until they were bleeding out on the ground.

He remembers the blood spilling like a crimson waterfall from her mouth. Choked gasps for air as she drowned in it. The thud of her body as it hit the ground while Viago was mid-sentence thanking her for her help.

A shard of ice from the dragon’s last attack before it fled had lodged itself into her chest, piercing her right lung. She must have quickly removed it before anyone else noticed, and her thick mage’s overcoat hid the worst of the damage. The dragon’s attacks only left them with enough time to worry about their own survival – hurling cold, sharp death their way with brutal force and terrifying speed. Even with Spite’s wings, he was barely able to dodge them.

He and Davrin quickly dragged her back to the Diamond, with the help of Teia and Viago to clear the way for them.

Madeleina was still choking on her own blood.

Hemothorax, he thought bitterly. Mierda.

The idiot actually apologized to him for getting her blood on his nice coat while her death rattles filled the air. He is fairly certain he told her to shut up. He desperately hoped those were not the last words he would ever say to her.

Lucanis started barking out orders for supplies – alcohol, a thick needle, and a mage who could heal. He needed to decompress the pressure on her lung and get the blood out before it completely collapsed. One of their mages, Lucrezia, stood at the ready to assist. She had given Madeleina a cloth to bite down on. Davrin, Teia, and Viago stood around the bed and held her limbs down.

Mercifully, Spite was quiet enough to let him get through the procedure. One he hadn’t done in a long time, but still remembered well enough.

He poured alcohol over exposed chest to sanitize the skin.

He inserted the needle through the fourth and fifth ribs in the mid-axillary line. The mage sucked the blood out of her chest, using wind magic to create a vacuum. The blood came flowing out and spattered onto the floor. Agonized cries through the fabric of the towel. Terror on her face, limbs shaking, while he stitched her back up. The mage casts a healing spell to help mend the rest of the damage and hopefully restore some of what was lost.

Then, silence as she finally fell asleep.

Davrin, the new member of the group, stood beside her after Teia and Viago had left.

“Is she going to be alright?” He asked quietly.

Lucanis didn’t have an answer for him. He was fairly certain she was out of immediate life-threatening danger. But she lost a lot of blood, and nearly lost a lung. Only time would tell how well she would recover. If she would fully recover.

“I’ll watch over her – you should go back to the Eluvian. See if you can help Neve and the others in Minrathous. It might not be too late” He answered, nodding towards the door. “We’ll meet you back at the Lighthouse when she wakes up”

When, not if, because he refused to let her die for the crime of choosing to help him. He didn’t need that on his conscience.

Mercifully, Davrin didn’t fight him on it and left soon after.

He’s not sure exactly how much time has passed. There’s no windows in the infirmary, so he measures it in forehead towel changes. Four by now, at least. Maybe a few hours he estimates.

A soft and pained groan, and the rustling of bed sheets fill the quiet room. He looks up to see Madeleina’s green eyes fluttering. She hisses and holds her right side, her face twisting with pain. She coughs, but this time, no blood comes sputtering out of her mouth. The warm towel on her forehead slips off.

“L-Lucanis?” she asks quietly, blinking at him with glassy eyes. She groans again “Ahh… Venhedis…”

“Hey, take it easy” Lucanis holds a hand in front of her, “Try not to move too much right now”

Madeleina frowns, and speaks with no small amount of strained effort “We … won … right?”

“We did. But you almost died” He points to her chest, “Would have died, if that wound kept bleeding out. Why did you try to hide it?”

“Didn’t want … to ruin the …  ‘we survived… a Blighted dragon attack’… party” She smiled weakly. Her voice was raspy and uneven. She was gasping between words. “You … know me … I hate to bring… down the mood…”

Lucanis clapped a hand to his forehead, “Mierda… unbelievable”

His frustration only grows when he sees her trying to sit up, grunting with effort. “What did I just say? You’ll rip your stitches.”

I worked hard on those, he wants to add.

“Min…rathous …. Need to get … back” She winces as another wave of pain sweeps through her body. Madeleina manages to get herself upright and leans against the headboard of the bed. “Neve … Shadow Dragons…”

Lucanis frowned deeply, “You’re not going anywhere. And if you are, it’s back to the Lighthouse.”

Madeleina sighs and leans her head back, hitting it against the headboard softly. She looks utterly defeated.

“They need my help Lucanis…” she whispers, staring at the opposite wall. She’s starting to blink away tears. “I … I left my city to burn”

He’s not sure how to comfort her. He settles by saying what is in his heart, uncertain if it will be enough to assuage her guilt.

“But Treviso lives to fight another day because of you. Free of the blight, free of Ghilan’nain” He pulls his chair closer to the edge of her bed. “And none of us will ever forget it. I won’t forget it”

Lucanis realizes she was forced into an impossible decision. Madeleina was a Shadow Dragon, she was from Minrathous. He didn’t expect her to aid Treviso. But the relief that flooded his chest when he saw her come to his home’s defense was indescribable.

A tense quiet passes between them. He watches, helplessly, as she bites her tongue to keep a deluge of tears from streaming down her face.

“You saved a lot of people today” Lucanis says quietly.

Madeleina shuts her eyes tight and bit down on her bottom lip. Her voice is quivering as she replies, “And doomed so many more.”

“You don’t know that” He leans forward. “Davrin left some time ago to help, he might have- “

“Don’t” She hisses, her chest heaving. “Don’t … do that”  

His brows lift in surprise, taken aback. “Do what?”

The defeated look on her face as she turns to him makes his heart sink into his stomach.

“Give me hope …” Madeleina says weakly, as her shoulders start quaking. “I … I don’t … deserve…”  

He isn’t sure if letting her cry it out is the right thing to do, but lets the sound of her quiet sobbing fill the little room. The weight, the magnitude of the choice she had to make is not lost on him. How unfair it all was. Few things in life are fair, he knows that better than anyone. But forcing someone as young as her make that kind of choice had to be up there.

He sees Spite manifesting beside her bed, a purple doppelganger of him. Spite leans in closer, it’s face – his face, twisting with anger.

Smells like salt and ice and smoke. Not right. Not RIGHT. The demon howls. Lucanis pinches his nose bridge and sighs. Spite’s gaze drifts between Madeleina and Lucanis. He frowns at Lucanis, Make. Her. Right.

“Mierda, not now Spite…” Lucanis whispers, exasperated.

Madeleina sniffles and stops crying for a moment. Her eyes are red and puffy. She wipes her nose with the sleeve of her tunic. “Spite’s bothering you?”

Lucanis crosses his arms over his chest and frowns, “Don’t worry about Spite. You have enough to deal with right now”

She looks around the room, as if she could see him.

“Would Spite … like a story?” Madeleina asks, after a few moments of silence.

Spite tilts his head and leans in closer to Madeleina. He grins maniacally and nods. Yes. Story. That will make her Right.

Lucanis is quick to answer, “Absolutely not. You need to rest, Madeleina. Leave Spite to me”

He’s still not used to the feeling of her name on his tongue.

She sucks in a deep breath, one hand holding her right side. Then, she’s looking at him with an uncharacteristically stern look on her face. “You … always say that”

“Say what?”

“That Spite… is only your problem” She grips her blanket tighter.

“He’s my demon. Of course he’s my problem”

Madeleina sniffles again, her brows drawing together. “That’s not … how being on a team works, Lucanis. We help each other”

“You’ve helped me more than enough” He replies, gesturing around the room, “You saved my home. I can’t ask any more of you than you’ve already given”

Madeleina blinks slowly and draws her knees to her chest, considering his words.

“I … want to help …” She frowns, and she’s staring at the opposite wall again.

Spite’s apparition has disappeared, but he can still feel the demon rattling in the back of his mind.

“You can help by resting” Lucanis rises from his chair, “Are you hungry? I can bring you something to eat”

Madeleina shakes her head. “No… but … will you stay? Just for a little bit”

He stands above her for a moment, letting the request hang between them. He knows he should let her get some rest before they make their way back to the Lighthouse. Before she has to face the other side of her decision. Yet, he finds himself increasingly unable to say no to her bright green eyes and tired smile, and that worries him deeply. What it means, what it could mean.

He sits back down in the small wooden chair, and she gives him a weak smile.

“Thank you”

“It’s the least I can do” he returns the smile in kind.

Madeleina is quiet for a moment. Thoughtful.

She raises one hand, and it starts glowing a familiar blue.

“Madeleina – “

“Please – just let me tell the story” He knew her well enough to know that tone would brook no argument. He can do nothing but gesture for her to continue.

“At least one person ought to know”

Her face awash in eerie blue light, Madeleina flicks her wrist.

She looks like she is struggling to keep the illusion alive. He sees a bird’s eye view of a small village, nestled between a dense forest and a mountain range. It flickers in and out and lacks the usual care and detail of her illusions.

“Once… upon a time … in a land far, far away…” her voice is shaking, and she’s using her free hand to keep pressure on her right side. “There was a small farming village. And… in that village… lived a family.”

Another flick of her wrist and the mountainside village vanishes, now replaced by three figures. The man is tall and lanky. He has a lyre strapped to his back. His hair is wild and curly, much like Madeleina’s. His eyes look like hers too. The figure of the woman is maybe a head shorter, with long, pin-straight hair. She has Madeleina’s high cheekbones. The same nose and lips and heart-shaped face. Finally, he sees the figure of a young girl. A young Madeleina. All wiry limbs and wild curls.

“Eurydice, Orpheus and their daughter”

The figures rotate in the air between them.

“Eurydice ran the town’s bakery, and Orpheus played at the local tavern”

The figures ripple and a young Madeleina is now helping the figure of her mother bake bread.

Madeleina’s glassy eyes looked sorrowful.

“They didn’t have much. The village was small… there were no mages … only regular people.”

She smiled ruefully. “But they were happy. Orpheus,” She paused and waved him back into existence, “Kept their home alive with music and stories” He’s playing the lyre for his wife and daughter, while he chases her around an invisible room.

“And Eurydice made sure a warm meal was always on the table”

Her mother brings a plate of something to the young Madeleina, who wastes no time devouring it.

Madeleina sucked in a deep, shaky breath, before continuing.

“One day, their daughter discovers she can use magic”

The figure of young Madeleina is laughing as blue spheres of light dance around her. The figure of her mother brushes a hand through her unruly hair and pulls her into a tight hug. The figures ripple, and she furrows her brow to concentrate harder. They become solid again.

“Her parents are so happy for her. It means she will become Laetan, instead of Soporati. A chance for a better life. Her mother wants to do something for her”

Madeleina winks out of the scene, and Eurydice is pulling a garment out of a small chest.

“A new dress, she thinks… One from her youth. Her daughter is finally big enough to wear it” Madeleina blinks another tear from her eyes. “But wants to dye it her daughter’s favourite colour. She can’t afford a fancy dye but can make her own. Her daughter wants to help. She’s old enough to go pick the elderberries deep in the woods.”

The figure of the mother disappears, and a young Madeleina is in the forest bordering the village, placing berries in a large wicker basket.

“But the girl didn’t know what was coming for them, or she never would have gone to the forest that day”

He frowns, and a feeling of dread takes hold deep in his chest. He knows that whatever comes next is not likely to lead to a happy ending.

“A Venatori blood mage had escaped capture in Ventus.” The young Madeleina flickers out of existence and is replaced with a tall, cloaked figure, holding a stave in one hand and an amulet, glowing bright crimson, in the other.

“He held a dangerous amulet in his possession. The Amulet of Liberum” Madeleina whispers, “Forged by a Dreamer centuries ago, it held a pocket of the Fade inside it. Allowed the wearer to store an infinite number of demons and summon them at will with blood magic”

The cloaked figure arrives at the border of the village, her village. It takes a knife and runs it across his hand. The blood seeps onto the amulet in the other. The bright red glow becomes even more intense, and a horde of demons springs forth. They rampage through the streets, tearing the nameless and faceless villagers apart.

The scene shifts to her parents, backing away from the demons. The father, Orpheus, stands in front of the mother with a small dagger. It does him little good. They are both swiftly torn apart by demons.

The figure of the mage comes back into view, and sucks them back into the amulet, before disappearing.

Madeleina’s expression shifts between anger, grief and sadness. Something he is intimately familiar with.

“The girl comes back from the forest to see her entire village slaughtered”

The form of young Madeleina drops the wicker basket. She is walking through the main path of the village, by ruined houses and bodies torn apart. Bodies of people she once knew.

She comes to a lone house on a hill. Her home.

Madeleina breathes in sharply.

“Madeleina – you don’t have to …” He begins, but she holds a hand up to stop him.

“Yes, I do” she says, resolute. She shifts on the cot and brings the illusion back to life.

The young Madeleina is standing over the bodies of her parents, mutilated beyond recognition. She falls to her knees, and the figure starts screaming. He can almost hear it. The raw anguish rippling in the air like a shockwave.

“She screams and screams until her throat is dry” Madeleina says quietly, “Keeps going until she’s cried herself to sleep.”

The young Madeleina is still on her knees, her eyes closed, and the bodies of her parents disappear.

“In her dreams … a voice finds her in the Fade”

A faceless figure, layered in several layers of tattered cloaks, hovers above her.

“‘Have you lost all hope, child? Has it become too much to bear?’ The voice asks her. And it was … it was all too much …” Madeleina says, her voice barely above a whisper. “The voice offered to take her pain, her regret – everything, away. ‘So much for one so young’ it said”

Lucanis frowns. Spite’s rage prickled under his skin like a starved beast gnawing at the bars of its cage. Spite hates Despair.

He watches as the familiar blue glow of Madeleina’s figure starts to change colour. Veins of black light crawl up her legs.

“The Demon’s name was Despair. And it would eat everything she was, everything she would be”

As the tendrils of black light crawled further and further up her body, Madeleina continued.

“It ate her love, her hope, her joy” her lip quivered, and the figures flickered again. “It ate up her life until nothing was left”

Lucanis made a fist as waves of rage surged through the back of his head, the pressure behind his eyes mounting.

The tendrils were now creeping along the left side of her face. The figure only looked up at the Despair demon above it and continued to be consumed.

“But the girl didn’t know that the Templars who had tracked the maleficar had arrived at the village. One of them, a young man by the name of Tiberian Mercar, found her” She waved the figure of a tall man, adorned in Templar heavy plate armour, into existence.

“He would have been right to strike her down where she stood. She was becoming possessed. She was becoming an abomination” Madeleina wiped a stray tear from her eye with her free hand.

“To this day, she’ll never understand why he didn’t.”

The Templar, instead of drawing his sword, steps closer to the young girl. Lucanis watches with bated breath as he pulls the girl into a hug.

“’It will be alright child, you are going to be alright’” She says, her voice hitching. “Whether he really meant it, or he was just trying to comfort a girl moments away from dying, she’ll never know”

A bright, golden light shines from the figure of the Templar, and then slowly envelops the young Madeleina. The black light is dying out, overcome by the warm glow shared by the two figures.

“But that simple act of kindness brought her back from the brink of despair, from the brink of the abyss” Madeleina’s lips quirk into a sad smile. “He saved her that day, in more ways than one”

The Templar and the girl stand and begin walking away from the cloaked figure.

“The Templar couldn’t take care of her, so he asks his brother to adopt her into his family” She waves to life four new figures – a man, a woman, and two small boys. “His brother agrees, and she goes to live with them” The young Madeleina walks away from the Templar and towards her new family.

“The Mercars are a military family. One of a precious few non-mage families in Tevinter who enjoy more than a modest life” Madeleina explains, “She’s given an education, nice clothes, and a seat in the Circle of Minrathous. But everything comes at a cost”

The figures all wink out of existence, and are replaced by Madeleina, in apprentice robes, standing alone amongst a sea of other robed figures.

“She can never whisper her old name – the one her parents gave her. She can never tell anyone she’s not a true Mercar.” She fists her blanket, gathering the fabric in her right hand. “When the family agreed to take her in, they erased all of what she was. She was not a foundling, but a long-lost member of the family. She’s named after a great-great-great-great-grandmother, the last in their lineage to be born a mage. It gave them more legitimacy that way”

Madeleina’s eyes fall and all the figures disappear. “And in time… she forgets who she was before she joined them. Forgets her own name”

She brings her knees closer to her chest and wraps her arms around them. Lucanis releases a breath. He wants so badly to reach out. A hand on her shoulder. A hand on her arm. Anything to provide some kind of comfort. But all he can do is listen, as if some invisible rope binds his arms to his sides.

Madeleina gestures with her left hand, and a young Madeleina is standing next to an older, tall, rather handsome man.

“But she wants to help, so she finds those in the Magisterium working for the greater good” She continues. “She finds Magister Dorian Pavus, and he brings her into the Shadow Dragons. He gives her a cover to use so her family doesn’t grow suspicious. She tries to do good, tries to make use of the second chance she was given”

The figures blink out of existence a moment later. Her face falls. “But she never feels like she’s ever going to get there. Always feels like she's falling short of some unattainable goal”

“Madeleina…” Lucanis starts, but he doesn’t know where to go from there. What to say.

“That’s why I chose to come to Treviso” Madeleina is looking at him now. “I… I didn’t want another defenseless city to suffer the same fate as my home town – as Arvanitum did”

Lucanis clasps his hands together in front of him and leans forward.

“Whatever the reason you chose to help us … just know we’re grateful” He gives her a small smile. “Thank you for sharing that with me”

Madeleina gives him a weary smile in return. “It feels nice to have someone know … the Shadow Dragons, Dorian, Neve – I was never able to tell any of them. On paper, there are no survivors from Arvanitum. On paper, I am dead”

Lucanis rises to his feet and takes the towel from her pillow.

“For whatever it’s worth …. I’m glad you’re only dead on paper” He chuckles and twists the towel in his hands. “But you need to stop tempting fate, hm? Contract is no good if the employer dies”

Madeleina snorts, “I promise if I get another mortal wound, I’ll come right to you”

Lucanis grins, “Deal”

He motions to the bed, “Get some rest, we’ll go back to the Lighthouse when you’re ready”

Madeleina groans as she slithers back down into the bed. She yawns and turns to her side. “Alright … I should… need…. to check in with Varric soon ….”

Lucanis hesitates a moment before leaving the room. As he closes the door, he wonders to himself.

Who is Varric?

[legokingfisher]

Riyu growls and snaps when he’s startled.

He knows it’s not polite, but he can’t help it. It’s a knee-jerk reaction.

He’s done it since he was a dragonet. But of course, it was no big deal back then. He wasn’t strong. He wasn’t big. His spooked growl sounded more like a puppy’s yelp than anything. The others could always shake it off with a smile and an apology, even if he’d accidentally bitten.

He’s grown a lot since then. His claws are sharper, and so are his teeth. His voice has deepened, and thus his growl has turned into a predator’s snarl.

He doesn’t mean anything by it. Everyone knows that. Everyone tells him they know that.

It doesn’t stop him from feeling guilty, though.

He wishes he didn’t react like that. He knows what’ll happen if he bites. If he swipes. If he whips around too fast, knocks something over. He’s got the equipment to do damage, now. Damage that can’t be just shaken off with a smile. And he’s not done growing yet.

It makes him cautious. It makes him wary. He’s glad his hearing is good, and his smelling. Ninja training helps, too— he’s learned to become harder to sneak up on.

He’s pretty on-top of it.

Or. He was.

The matriarch of the mountain dragons, mighty as the peaks she roams, is dead. Departed. Murdered.

It’s hard to focus, now. Riyu visited her once, after the victory against Beatrix. Just that once.

(He’d assumed he’d have plenty of other opportunities to do so. She was in her prime, after all.)

He wishes he’d visited more. He wishes he’d stayed with her longer. He wishes he could have given her a proper goodbye. He wishes he’d been ready.

He feels hollow. Heavy. Lost.

He’s been off his game.

Seeing as his tribe mother’s grave is far out of sight from the monastery, he figures he can put it out of mind, too. He trains with the others. He chokes down his food. He makes sure his tail is wagging.

But he’s been off his game. It’s hard to focus, now.

Sora didn’t mean to scare him. She’d just tapped his shoulder. But he had missed her approach.

He’s been off his game.

Riyu growls and snaps when he’s startled.

Sora’s fast, her reflexes are good— but what if she hadn’t been fast enough? What if he’d bitten? What if he’d swiped? What if? What if?

He startled her too. She can reassure him to the moon and back, but he saw it. He saw her face.

He’s been off his game.

It’s hard to focus, now.

It’s made it easy to startle him.

Riyu growls and snaps when he’s startled.

He’s been sloppy on missions, too. Lloyd tells him he’s trying his best. Thats what’s important. Lloyd tells him it’s okay. He’s not the weak link.

Maybe a weak link is a good thing to be. He’s sure it would be better than being a monster. Something that lashes out like a cornered dog.

Or maybe he can be both. Somehow. Lloyd’s also said he’s talented. Maybe he’s ‘talented’ enough to do that.

After all,

He’s been off his game. He can’t do anything right, now.

After all,

Riyu growls and snaps when he’s startled.

[strangevynl]

slipping through the cracks | k.sm x afab!reader. angst

Authors note: was bored so I asked ChatGPT for a prompt to write so here :)

Seungmin sat alone in the dimly lit room, the soft hum of the air conditioning his only company. The hours had drifted by as he stared at the clock on the wall, each tick a cruel reminder of the time slipping away. His heart ached with a heaviness he couldn’t quite explain, a sensation that had become all too familiar in recent weeks.

His phone buzzed softly on the table beside him, but he ignored it, unable to muster the energy to check the messages. They were from her—always from her. He had been avoiding her calls, avoiding her messages, because he didn’t know how to face her after everything.

The relationship had started out with such promise, their connection seemingly effortless. But as the months went by, cracks had begun to show. Seungmin had been consumed by his responsibilities, his career, and the pressure of living up to expectations. She had been patient, understanding, always supporting him even when it seemed he was drifting further away.

But one evening, as they sat together in their favorite café, the conversation had turned into a confrontation. She had tried to voice her feelings, her frustration at the way he had been shutting her out. Seungmin, overwhelmed and defensive, had reacted poorly, his words sharper than he intended. The argument ended with her walking out, leaving behind an air of unspoken goodbyes.

The days following the argument were a blur. He had wanted to reach out, to apologize, but something held him back. His pride? His fear of admitting he was wrong? Perhaps it was both. And now, the thought of facing her after everything was unbearable. He knew the damage had been done, that the hurt was deep, but he wasn’t sure if it was too late to fix it.

A knock at the door jolted him from his thoughts. His heart raced, a mix of hope and dread. He opened the door to find her standing there, looking tired but resolute. Her eyes met his, a silent storm of emotions passing between them.

“I’ve been trying to reach you,” she said softly, her voice trembling slightly. “I needed to talk.”

Seungmin nodded, stepping aside to let her in. They sat across from each other, the silence heavy between them. He could see the hurt in her eyes, and it cut through him like a knife.

“I’m sorry,” he began, his voice breaking. “I didn’t know how to handle everything. I thought I could keep going without acknowledging how much I was hurting you.”

She looked down, her fingers twisting nervously. “I understand you have your responsibilities, Seungmin. But when you shut me out, it felt like you were choosing everything else over me. Over us.”

He reached out, gently touching her hand. “I never meant to make you feel that way. I was scared, and I let my fear control my actions. I should have been honest with you.”

Tears welled up in her eyes as she met his gaze. “I needed you to be there for me, just like I’ve always tried to be there for you. I’m not sure if we can go back to how things were, but I needed you to know how much you hurt me.”

Seungmin’s heart ached with the weight of her words. “I don’t want to lose you,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “I know I’ve made mistakes, but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make things right. Please, give me a chance.”

She took a deep breath, her tears falling freely now. “I need time to think. I don’t know what the future holds for us, but I hope we can find a way to heal from this.”

As she turned to leave, Seungmin felt a pang of desperation. “I’ll wait for you,” he said quietly. “No matter how long it takes.”

The door closed behind her, and Seungmin sat alone once more, the silence in the room now filled with the promise of change and the hope of redemption. He knew the road ahead would be difficult, but he was ready to face it, determined to rebuild what had been broken and to fight for the love that still lingered in his heart.

Days turned into weeks, and the silence between Seungmin and her became a constant, aching presence in his life. Each day he struggled to balance his responsibilities and the lingering sense of loss. The guilt weighed heavily on him, a reminder of the words left unspoken and the hurt he had caused.

Seungmin threw himself into his work, hoping that by immersing himself in his career, he could drown out the pain. But no matter how busy he was, the thoughts of her lingered, each memory a sharp reminder of the love he had nearly lost.

One evening, as he was walking home from the studio, Seungmin spotted her sitting alone on a park bench. The sight of her took him by surprise, and his heart skipped a beat. She looked up as he approached, her expression a mix of sadness and resolve.

“Seungmin” she said, her voice steady but soft.

He took a seat beside her, the familiar warmth of her presence both comforting and painful. “I didn’t expect to see you here,” he said quietly.

She nodded, looking out at the darkening sky. “I’ve been thinking a lot. About us. About everything that happened.”

Seungmin’s heart pounded in his chest. “And?”

She took a deep breath, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “I’ve realized that I can’t keep holding onto the hurt. It’s consuming me, and it’s not fair to either of us. I need to forgive you, not just for your sake, but for my own.”

Seungmin felt a wave of relief mixed with trepidation. “I’ve been trying to find the right way to make amends. I know I can’t undo the past, but I want to show you that I’m willing to change.”

She turned to him, her eyes searching his face. “It’s not just about changing, Seungmin. It’s about understanding. I need to know that you’re willing to prioritize us, not just when it’s convenient but when it’s hard too.”

He nodded earnestly. “I understand. I’ve been selfish, and I see now that love is more than just words. It’s about actions, and I’m ready to show you through mine.”

A faint smile appeared on her lips, though it was tinged with sadness. “I’m not sure what the future holds for us, but I do want to try. I want to see if we can find a way back to each other, but it’s going to take time.”

Seungmin reached out, gently taking her hand in his. “I’m willing to wait. I’ll be here, doing everything I can to earn back your trust and show you that I value what we have.”

They sat in silence, the cool breeze carrying the sounds of the city around them. For the first time in weeks, Seungmin felt a glimmer of hope. It was the beginning of a new chapter, one where healing and understanding would be the foundation.

As they stood to leave, Seungmin glanced at her with a newfound determination. “Thank you for giving us a chance,” he said softly.

She nodded, squeezing his hand before letting go. “Let’s take it one day at a time.”

As they walked away from the park, side by side but not yet entirely together, Seungmin felt a cautious optimism. The road ahead was uncertain, but he was ready to navigate it, step by step, with the hope of rekindling the love they once shared.

©️strangevynl

🏷️ : none yet

[urdepressedslut]

You could never hurt me

♡ Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Fem!Reader, Platonic!Sam Wilson x Fem!Reader, Platonic!Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader

♡ Summary: Bucky realizes what he’s done to you after an episode, and starts to doubt if he deserves to be with you.

♡ Warnings: angst, fluff, mentions of choking

It was fair to say that shit had hit the fan, the sliver of calm that was held before… ripped away.

Somehow Bucky was triggered into The Winter Soldier, allowing many to see how he was in action up close. Much to Bucky's dismay, nobody trusted him even more now. Besides his close friends that is, which sadly wasn't many.

The trio, Sam, Steve and (Y/n) had tried their best to subdue the soldier, but were easily outmatched.

Sam walked away with a sore back, some bruises here and there, while Steve was able to come out of the tussle without many marks himself. (Y/n) on the other hand, had some pretty bad bruising circling her neck. She felt fine physically, having taken worse damage at some other time in her life. Though emotionally she felt torn, knowing that Bucky wasn't in control, but she knew that wouldn't stop him from punishing himself.

Able to seclude them four away from prying eyes, the trio waited for Bucky to wake. Steve and (Y/n) was hoping that it would be their Bucky that would eventually stir, and not the soldier.

"How you doing?" Steve asked her from her sitting spot, a good distance away from Bucky's hunched over form.

"Not too bad... I've had worse." She answered, wincing at the discomfort from speaking.

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?" He asked with a 'Really?' look.

"Guess not. Sorry... I just..." She paused, exhaling painfully, "He's been through so much, he can't seem to catch a break."

"I know." He said solemnly, focusing his gaze to a spot on the floor by her shoes.

"With everyone looking for him, now we got Tony added into the search squad."

"You really think he won't help us out?" Steve asked, making (Y/n) scoff from her spot on the floor.

"It feels unfair to ask him for help... Knowing what you know." She told him, giving him a disappointed look.

Steve looked into her eyes now surprised, having not known that she was aware. He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't find an appropriate response.

"Its not fair Rogers... After everything he's done for us? It's not your choice, he deserves to know." She stated, giving Steve a look of disapproval.

"I know, okay?" Steve finally spoke, running his hand through his disheveled hair.

"Hey Cap!" Sam shouted from his spot near Bucky, grabbing both him and hers attention, halting their current conversation.

Both making their way over, she stood behind the boys, watching Bucky cautiously.

Bucky let out a groan of discomfort, trying to sit upright, noticing his metal armed pinned. He glances around taking in the weary looks on the men's faces, while he notices (Y/n) hiding.

"Steve?"

"Which Bucky am I talking to?" Steve asked, not willing to take any chances.

Bucky thought hard for a moment before speaking.

"Your mom's name was Sarah," He pauses, "You used to wear newspapers in your shoes." He lightly chuckles, causing Steve to smile in relief.

"You can't read that in a museum." Steve stated.

"Just like that we're supposed to be cool?" Sam asked him.

"Sam..." (Y/n) warned, slowly stepping out from behind Steve.

"What? A guy can't be too careful." Sam told her, receiving a glare.

"Enough Sam..." She locked eyes with Bucky, "It wasn't him."

Bucky suddenly focused his gaze on her neck, wincing at the apparent hand-shaped bruise forming.

"I did that." He stated, not needing anyone to confirm for him, he was a monster.

"Buck, it wasn't you. That doctor triggered you." She told him, trying to convince him.

"But I still did it." He retorted, watching the frown form on her face.

"No, because I know you... Bucky would never hurt me." She told him.

"Doll I..." Bucky started, but stopped himself from giving her a lousy apology.

"Can you guys release his arm and give us a minute?" She asked the two.

"(Y/n) I don't think tha—"

"Please." She begged, keeping her eyes locked with Bucky's shame filled orbs.

The two nodded in agreement, releasing his arm and giving them privacy.

"Your heads bleeding, let me see." She told him.

Bucky knew he didn't deserve her kindness, but he couldn't find it in him to push her away, he craved her touch.

"Really, I'm okay." He tried to convince her, even though he was far from it.

"You've never been able to lie to me... So don't try it now." She spoke, her voice shaking just barely.

"Doll, I'm so sorry I..." He choked up, "I never wanted this to happen, my worst nightmare has come true."

Her hands held the sides of his face, smearing away the escaping tear. Rubbing her thumbs up and down, she watched the quiver in his lip slow.

"The only way you could ever hurt me, is if you left me." She cooed, feeling both his arms wrap around her sides, pulling her slightly closer in need of comfort.

"I'm supposed to protect you. I can't protect you from myself. We can't... You shouldn't be with me." His voice went to a whisper by the end, the words feeling bitter rolling off is tongue.

"I'm sorry Buck, but you're not allowed to make that decision for me. I'm always gonna stay." She spoke strongly, no more shakiness in her voice.

He went to respond, but choked on a sob. He truly didn't deserve her, and he still couldn't comprehend that after everything, she still wanted him. Leaning forward he snuggled his face in the crook of her neck. Taking in her comforting scent, he was home.

"I love you baby... I love you so much." She promised, hearing his sobs die down, his breathing slowing.

Lifting his face so that his was inches from hers, he gazed into her eyes adoringly. His eyes danced down to her lips, then met her orbs again.

"I love you (Y/n)... I don't deserve you." He whispered.

He closed the space between them, capturing her lips in a devoted kiss. He let his metal arm pull her onto his lap, letting his flesh fingers tangle themselves into her hair. They could taste their shared breath, feeling the light thump of their heartbeats against each others lips.

Pulling away from him for air, she held his face in front of hers, letting their foreheads connect. Bucky closed his eyes in content, letting their breaths warm each other.

"You deserve everything." She whispered.

A/N: im so protective of bucky, he deserves to be happy 🥺 pls feel free to send in requests 🤍

[helplessautomaton]

Happy Halloween.

Going off these from my goretober prompts i am using for this month -wc: 1581 -tws: yandere, reader in pain, tortured, toxic relationships, broken bones.

also this is my first time writing for Margaret ever since my friend gave me her for the original prompt (had to switch it to accident since i had no idea what to write for bones), so hopefully i did her justice!

-Stitches: Jouno -Nosebleed: Ranpo -Accident: Margaret 

Jouno:

Lets be real here, you’re either getting the most torture sessions from this man, or!, you’re getting locked in a room for several weeks. Overall you’re not gonna have the best time in his forced “care”. 

Would he care enough to stitch you up? Hmmm, well, it would depend on how far he overdid it, but I would give this question a yes. He would be slightly uncomfortable giving the stitches realizing how far he actually went to get to this point. If you’re somehow able to tease this man I would not suggest it unless you actually want to be left out to rot. 

-

The loud ringing in your ears is only a low comfort compared to the aching pain shriving up your body. You knew the tears wouldn't heal anything but they continued to swim down your face. Jouno hit a spot on your arm rather viciously, one that made him backpedal on the rest of his torture upon you. It was a rare sight to behold, you would have laughed in a pathetic victory if the pain didn't choke you. Jouno cursed under his breath at the accident he caused, hesitatingly getting up with a deeping frown on his face ever so present. He left the room without a word, leaving you to suffer with no one to watch. It didn't take too long for him to come back with medical stuff much to your pained surprise. Crouching down next to you, he placed the first aid down, Jouno proceeded to lift you up and slouch you against the wall. He sighed, shaking his head before speaking up. “Let's get this fixed up before it becomes a bigger problem.”

He gently lifted up your more wounded arm with care, he already had an anti-infection cleaning wipe. Calmly he put it on the affected area, the sting only worsened and you tensed up greatly even more than you already had. Jouno’s frown only deepened at this reaction, giving another sigh he didn't want to make a bigger mess by moving you into the bathroom. It was eventually time to get the stitching done, Jouno started telling you sweet nothings to calm you. Stating how proud he was of you for being able to withstand this type of pain and how you compared to no other. 

Jouno finally got to the needle was trying to insert into your skin without causing more damage. The pain was still rampant, nothing was making it better, not your tears, and not Jouno. Every sting of pain clouded your mind, you didn't know how long it had been since this whole thing started. Yet nothing calmed down in your pained breaths or aching body when Jouno Announced he was done stitching you. He took notice of your reaction and turned his head, he once again left. The door to the basement opened signaling that Jouno was back, he had a long fabric in his hand. 

He started to wrap you up in the towel he brought, not wanting to get anymore blood on him and the floor. After he successfully wrapped you in a blanket, Jouno simply placed you on his lap, hugging you and continued to praise you while saying his apologies. 

~

Ranpo:

I'm curious on how you would be able to have a nosebleed that is not caused by injury, maybe it's boiling in the house you're in, I don't know. This is the part where the author tells the audience that he has never had a nosebleed.  

Let's say for the sake of this, you accidentally hit your nose or the air is really dry for some reason in october. Ranpo would be freaking out while also childishly complaining about how he has to take care of you. It probably won't be that bad, just a lot of complaining.

-

You were trying to remain calm and attend to your unfortunate bleeding that came from your nose as it trickled down your face. You were already tired and yet this was topping off the night. Hoping you had enough time before Ranpo came to check on you would be a blessing, but tonight was just not your night. Footsteps were approaching the bathroom, you quickly tried to clean the ever growing blood pouring down in a panic. Yet, no matter how hard you tried to make the bleeding less bad you ended up smearing it on your hands and face. The slightly already opened bathroom door got pushed open to its fullest. 

Ranpo was standing there with a lollipop in his mouth while you stood there panicked. He took a few seconds before complaining about how careless you were being and how you weren't even taking care of yourself correctly. He’d continue to blabber about how he had everything for you, you sighed in defeat trying not to take in his words seriously. However, his degrading words about who you were just kept on going while he was taking over what you were trying to do. He got done with fixing up your bloodied nose pretty quickly, while over doing his complaints. You let out a few tears at his harsh attempt at teasing, the night getting worse and worse at everything unraveling. Ranpo immediately stopped his complaints and got closer to you, stuck in your mind completely you failed to notice him pout. Finally he gave you a hug.

You began to shed more tears, sobbing on how tired you were of his complaints and how you didnt feel good enough. Ranpo hugged you tighter, he made his silence last longer, once the final words of pain fell out of your mouth, he spoke up. “I was just joking.”

Choosing not to speak after what was just said, you finally hugged him back out of the need to be comforted. You both ignored the smeared blood on your hands that were probably getting on the back of Ranpo's clothing. Neither of you paid any mind just resting in the comfort of each other's warmth. While his was blissful, yours was in discomfort. He snuggled up in your chest giving soft nothing apologies. 

At the end of his little blabbering, he spoke something that stuck with you for the rest of the night, “I wish you would get nosebleeds more often so we can have moments like these.” your eyes widen in a pained realization of what he ment. It's fine after all, he loves you.

~

Margaret: 

Hoo boy, let's sum it down to you got injured on a mission, that injury could’ve been avoided but simply you were caught off guard, hypothetically. Let's also say, for the sake of this, you get a broken rib or hell just a broken arm.

You get to see that softer side of Margaret you rarely ever see. she stays with you awhile, scolding you for not being careful enough. Yet, for the “you almost got killed!” berating, she compliments you for being strong. 

-

You lay down in a bed, agony coming from your chest, the pain killers you got to help the pain had yet to process in your body. The most you got was ice around the area where it hurt the most, you tried your best not to move, fearing the pain you felt. The door to your room opens, it's Margaret. You don't speak but give a small nod at her presence to avoid accidentally hurting yourself. She looks uneasy but still continues her way to your bedside, looking over you to make sure you’re okay. After getting a chair and sitting down in it, she starts to talk to you, firstly asking if you’re okay then getting into mission details with you. Margaret states how you gave her a shock, how fearful she got after how hard you got hit leading to your fractured ribs. Yet among the words she spoke of the accident during the mission, her turn of phrase hid a slight counterfeit to them. You brushed it off, taking in her worries about your current health as being genuine yet, it still felt off. It hurt to speak but you tried to slowly communicate back about mission details. 

Trying to stir the conversation to what could’ve been avoided. Margaret didn't let you get another word in, she tried to get you to rest more and that she would get you anything after you woke up again. A blanket of uncomfortability laid across your core, everything about Margarets person wasnt sitting correctly with you, she wouldn't let what was considered an accident, happen on purpose, right? She wouldn't let you get harmed for no good reason, right? You trust her right? Margaret took notice of your sudden clouded mind, trying to assure you it was okay, that you’ll be just fine. Her little smile meant so much she had to be genuine after all. Yeah, Margaret was just looking after you, so far the first person to check if you’re okay. 

“I’ll be back in an hour to see if you’re still awake, please try and get some rest.” 

She finally got up from where she was sitting and walked towards the door, her hand placed gently on the knob. She gave a slight turn to your direction. “It could’ve been avoided but I was in awe of you.” Margaret swiftly left out the door.

[axlerica]

SECOND CHANCES~

-The One Where Trust Was Broken-

Pedri's fame and flirtations lead to the end of his relationship with Y/N. When they meet again, he begged for a second chance. Can they overcome the past and find a second chance at love? A journey of healing and rediscovery.

Once upon a time, in a bustling city of Barcelona. Y/N and Pedri were two young hearts who fell deeply in love. They met by chance at a local coffee shop, bonding over their shared love for art and poetry. Their connection was instant, and soon, they became inseparable.

As Pedri's football career began to take off, the demands of his new life as a professional player started to take a toll on their relationship. The long training hours, constant media attention, and traveling with the team made it increasingly difficult for him to spend time with Y/N.

One evening, after a particularly challenging match, Y/N decided to surprise Pedri at his apartment. As she opened the door, her heart sank at the sight before her. Pedri was surrounded by a group of girls, laughing and enjoying themselves.

Her voice shook as she confronted him, "Pedri, what's going on here?"

Pedri turned towards her, his face pale with guilt. "Y/N, it's not what it looks like," he stammered, trying to explain.

But Y/N couldn't bear to hear any more. Tears welled up in her eyes as she choked back the words, "I trusted you, Pedri. How could you do this to me?"

Pedri reached out to touch her arm, but she pulled away, feeling betrayed and hurt. "I didn't think it would hurt you this much, We were just having a party. That’s all.” he admitted.

"How could you not think it would hurt me?" Y/N's voice trembled with anger and sadness. "We were supposed to be in this together, but you've become so distant, so careless."

Pedri tried to explain, "I've been under so much pressure, and I made a mistake. These girls, they don't mean anything to me, I swear."

But Y/N couldn't bear to hear any more excuses. "I can't do this, Pedri. I can't be with someone who doesn't value our love," she said, her voice trembling with pain.

As tears streamed down her cheeks, she turned and walked away, leaving Pedri standing there, filled with regret and remorse. He knew he had made a grave mistake, and the consequences of his actions were too painful to bear.

In the following days, Pedri tried to reach out to Y/N, desperate to apologize and make amends. But the damage was done, and Y/N couldn't bring herself to forgive him. The heartbreak was too deep, and she knew she had to prioritize her own happiness and well-being.

And so, their once beautiful love story ended in heartbreak and sorrow. Pedri's fame and the pressures of his football life led him astray, and Y/N had to find the strength to heal and move forward without him.

In the years that followed, Pedri became one of the greatest footballers in the world, achieving incredible success on the field. But deep down, he always carried the regret of losing the one person who had loved him unconditionally.

As for Y/N, she focused on her art and her travels, finding solace in the beauty of the world around her. Though scarred by the past, she learned to cherish the memories of their time together and embraced the journey of healing and self-discovery.

Two years after the breakup , Pedri's attempts to reach out to Y/N remained unanswered. Each unanswered call and unopened message deepened the chasm between them. As the weight of his fame grew heavier, Pedri's personality started to change.

The adoration and praise from fans, coupled with his on-field success, fueled his ego. Pedri became more distant from his teammates, spending his time surrounded by a new group of people who were enamored by his stardom. The once humble and grounded player began to develop an air of arrogance, losing sight of the values that had endeared him to others in the first place.

His teammates noticed the change, and some tried to offer guidance, reminding him of the person he used to be. But Pedri brushed them off, convinced that he knew better. He no longer felt the need to work hard or prove himself, believing that his talent alone was enough to maintain his status.

Meanwhile, Y/N focused on rebuilding her life and finding happiness outside of the football world. Though the pain of their breakup still lingered, she was determined to move forward. She immersed herself in her art, traveling to different places and finding inspiration in every corner of the world.

One day, as Pedri was scrolling through his social media feed, he came across a post from Y/N. Her artwork was showcased in an art gallery, and the comments were filled with admiration for her talent and creativity.

For a moment, Pedri's heart tugged at the sight of her success, but he quickly dismissed the feeling. His ego had grown too large, and he couldn't bear to see her thriving without him.

Time passed, and Pedri's arrogance only intensified. He relished the attention and privileges that came with his fame, often disregarding the feelings and needs of those around him. His former humility seemed like a distant memory, replaced by a haughty demeanor that rubbed others the wrong way.

As the years went by, Pedri's career continued to flourish, but his personal life remained empty. He had attained fame and wealth, but the void left by his broken relationship with Y/N lingered, and no amount of success could fill it.

On a rainy evening, as Pedri sat alone in his luxurious penthouse, he found himself reminiscing about the love he had lost. He realized that he had become a shell of the person he once was and that his fame had brought him more loneliness than joy.

In a moment of clarity, he decided to look up Y/N's number once again, hoping to reconnect after all this time. But as he dialed her number, his heart sank when he heard the familiar automated message stating that the number was no longer in service.

Pedri's eyes filled with tears, realizing that he had let go of the one person who truly loved him for who he was. He had become too blinded by fame and his own self-importance to see the value of their love.

And so, in the bustling city where fame and success reigned, Pedri's journey had come full circle. The once humble and kind-hearted young man had become a shadow of his former self, while the woman who had loved him unconditionally had found her own path to happiness and fulfillment.

As the rain poured outside, Pedri sat alone, reflecting on the choices he had made and the person he had become. The road to fame had come at a high cost, and he couldn't help but wonder if it was worth losing the love that had once meant everything to him.

—————————

One gloomy afternoon, as raindrops fell gently on the city's streets, Pedri found himself seeking solace in their favorite coffee shop – the very place where their love story had begun. He ordered his usual, a cortado, and settled into a corner booth, lost in a sea of memories that flooded his mind.

Little did he know that fate had other plans for him that day. As he sipped his coffee, he looked up, and his heart skipped a beat. There, standing just a few feet away, was Y/N. She looked as radiant as ever, her eyes twinkling like stars in the night sky.

For a moment, time stood still. Pedri's heart raced, unsure of what to do next. The memories of their past love and the pain of their breakup weighed heavily on him. His ego and arrogance seemed to vanish, leaving him vulnerable and exposed.

Y/N noticed Pedri's gaze, and her eyes met his. The air was charged with unspoken emotions. She hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should approach him after all these years.

Pedri swallowed hard, gathering his courage. He stood up and took a step towards Y/N, his heart pounding in his chest. "Y/N," he whispered, his voice filled with a mix of apprehension and hope.

Y/N's eyes softened as she looked at him. "Pedri," she replied, her voice equally tender. "It's been a long time."

He nodded, a lump forming in his throat. "I know, and I've missed you," he admitted, his vulnerability shining through.

She gave him a sad smile, "I missed you too, but things have changed, Pedri. We've both moved on."

He took a deep breath, "I know I made a lot of mistakes back then. My ego got the best of me, and I lost sight of what truly mattered."

Y/N looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity. "Pedri, it's okay. We were both young, and life took us in different directions."

He reached out to touch her hand gently, "But I never stopped loving you, Y/N. I was a fool to let you go."

She looked down, her heart torn between the past and the present. "Pedri, we can't change the past. We can only learn from it and move forward," she said, her voice trembling.

Pedri nodded, tears welling up in his eyes. "I understand, but I just had to tell you how much you meant to me. I'll always cherish the memories we shared."

Y/N's gaze softened, and she gave him a bittersweet smile. "I'll cherish them too, Pedri. But we both need to find our own happiness now."

They stood there, facing each other, the weight of their history heavy in the air. As the rain continued to fall outside, they knew it was time to say their goodbyes once again.

Pedri's heart ached as he watched Y/N walk away, knowing that he had let go of the person who had loved him unconditionally. He had lost her once, and now, he had to come to terms with the consequences of his choices.

As Y/N walked away, Pedri's heart couldn't bear the thought of losing her again. With a rush of adrenaline, he made a split-second decision and ran after her through the pouring rain.

"Y/N, please wait!" he called out, his voice filled with desperation.

She turned around, surprised to see him running towards her. The rain continued to fall heavily, but neither of them seemed to care about getting soaked.

Pedri stopped in front of her, his breathing heavy from both the run and the emotional turmoil inside him. "I can't let you go like this," he said, trying to steady his voice.

Y/N looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity and regret in them. "Pedri, what are you doing?" she asked, her heart torn between wanting to give him another chance and protecting herself from potential hurt.

"I made a mistake, a big one, and I regret it every day," he confessed, his voice cracking. "I know I became arrogant and let my fame get to my head. But none of it mattered without you. You were the light of my life, and I lost sight of that."

Tears mixed with raindrops on Y/N's cheeks as she listened to his words. "Pedri, I loved you so much, but I couldn't bear the pain of watching you change. It broke my heart," she whispered.

"I know, and I'm so sorry for hurting you," he said, reaching out to gently wipe away her tears. "But I've learned from my mistakes, and I promise you, Y/N, I'll do whatever it takes to be a better person and be worthy of your love again."

Y/N took a step back, trying to compose herself. "Pedri, I can't just forget what happened. It hurt too much."

"I understand, and I don't expect you to forgive me right away," he said, his eyes pleading. "But please, give us another chance. Let me show you that I've changed."

As the rain poured down around them, Y/N hesitated, torn between the love she once had for Pedri and the pain of their past. She knew that forgiving him wouldn't be easy, but she also knew that deep down, her heart still longed for him.

"I need time, Pedri," she finally said, her voice barely audible over the rain.

"I'll wait for you, for as long as it takes," he vowed, reaching for her hand. "I'll prove to you that you're the most important thing in my life."

Y/N looked into his eyes, searching for sincerity. "If you truly mean that, then show me through your actions, not just your words," she said, holding back the tears.

Pedri nodded, determination in his gaze. "I promise, Y/N. I'll do whatever it takes to earn your trust and love back."

And so, with their hearts heavy with the weight of their past and the hope of a future, Pedri and Y/N stood in the rain, at the crossroads of love and forgiveness. Only time would tell if their love story would find its way back to the happiness they once shared.

Should I do a part 2 for this?

[bluestarlett]

{Put in terms I can understand, this wound is all I've got.}

{But I can't disconnect my hand From the damage that it's brought. Well, the straight face on this cruel place, It just won't crack or break. I'm always one man down, I'm always one man down, And fed up.}

1,318 words.

Eris looked up. 

“Starshine, what are you doing here?” Seraph cooed, the water beneath his feet rippling and splashing as he gingerly crept closer to the Star. Sidra flinched, backing away slightly as she looked back and forth between the Moon and Sun. She shook her head repeatedly, staying just out of the Moon’s reach.

“You two shouldn’t be here. You can’t- I- how are you even here?” She stammered, seeming almost nervous. Saturn and Seraph exchanged a rather unsure glance. The Sun pinched the bridge of their nose, slithering over to Asteria.

“My mother helped. You shouldn’t be here, either.” They hissed.

“Saturn.” Seraph said dangerously, flashing Neptune a cautionary glance. Apollo rolled their eyes, mumbling a small apology as Artem turned back to Eris.

“Aster, it’s… ok. We’re not mad at you. I mean that this time.” Qamar cooed gently, offering a kind yet quivering hand to Asteria. She stared for a moment, her lips pursed in thought as she considered Seraph.

“...How do I know I can trust you this time?” She asked, and her question held no malice or spite. She no longer held an air of anger and rage and betrayal. Instead, she had seemed naught but small, helpless and afraid. Like a frightened mouse who has known nothing but the cold sting of winter. Apollo and Artem exchanged another unsure look, silently pondering whether they were even doing what was best, or if they were, once more, digging their own graves deeper into the earth. After a moment, Juno lowered his head, almost bowing to Asteria as he spoke, whether it was out of honour or pity.

“We know what happened, Eris. What Gaea-... what he did to you.” He trilled sadly, his voice laced with pain and guilt and pity as his hold around the Star’s hand grew stronger, perhaps out of fear that she would break again if he let her go. Asteria paused, her fingers slowly curling around Seraph’s hand as she remained deathly silent, as if the i̶c̶h̶o̶r̶ blood in her body had run colder than the harshest winters. She slowly drew her hand away from Luna’s, hugging her arms around herself as she looked away in shame. 

“How? How did you…”

“Selene. She did not inform us of everything, but… I believe we know well enough.” Saturn spoke firmly. Eris looked up at Shams for a moment, before turning away again as she avoided their eyes, as if she could not bring herself to meet their gaze out of shame of something she never did wrong, or fear that she would again, be hurt beyond salvation, all for something that she had never done. 

“Aster, why… why did you come here?” Seraph asked once again, yet the question came much softer this time, his tone one of worry and care instead of the shock it once held. Sidra sighed, barely shaking her head as she fought back tears, and she said nothing. Truly, the Star wasn’t even sure herself. Perhaps she had come to find the Earth, to beg God for forgiveness once more even though she knew damn well in her heart and in her mind that the day she was forgiven would never come. Or perhaps, she wished to die in the dark once again. Perhaps she couldn’t bear the weight of life anymore, and her light had once again started to waver.

“...I don’t know anymore.” She mumbled, choking back a sob. She stayed silent for a moment, her bony, frail fingers flitting nervously about as she fidgeted. “Maybe… I guess I wanted to die. …Again.” She finally said, her voice hardly anything above a whisper. The Moon fell dangerously still as the Sun winced, and despite the fact that both of them had been expecting that dreadful, dreadful answer, it still seemed to pierce through them like a spear, pulling their spines with it. 

“Eris,” Artem said quietly, his voice just as tremulous as his shaking hands as he looked up at the Star. “That’s… I…” 

“It does not need to come to that,” Saturn spoke up, and though their voice seemed calm as they placed a firm, soothing hand onto Seraph’s shoulder, the fear in their eye said damn well otherwise. “We- ...Listen, Asteria. We want to make the effort to mend things. We know damn better now—everything has been changed with this, and-”

“What they mean to say is that we’re sorry. For everything.” Seraph interrupted Saturn, taking Asteria’s hands into his own. Sidra looked down at Qamar’s hands— his hands, large and rough and scarred, scars made by her own hand and her own weapon; his hands, trembling and having been broken by the Star time and time again, yet kind and warm and loving and forgiving. 

Eris shook her head, taking her hands away out of fear, maybe. Fear that her touch alone would rip the Moon into pieces as it has so many times before. Fear that she would hurt, because that is all that she knows.

“You have nothing to be sorry for. This… All of this is my fault. You two wouldn’t be here, wouldn’t be like this, if I wasn’t here. I’ve lied to you, and bargained, and forsaken you. I…” She trailed off, silently shaking her head as she turned away, her back to the Sun and to the Moon. 

“Aster,” Juno pleaded, following after the Star. “Just because you’ve hurt us in the past doesn’t mean anything. Starshine, that’s all forgiven.”

“How could you forgive me?” Asteria cried, whipping around to look Artem in the eyes as tears flowed down her face in streams, like an abandoned, broken god weeping for a love it would never know again. “After all that I’ve done to you, after everything I have done and all the hurt that I’ve brought, the skin that I’ve torn and the bones that I’ve snapped, every ounce of blood that you’ve both shed by my own hand, how could you forgive me?” Her voice broke into a helpless whisper as she looked away from Saturn and Seraph; she couldn’t bear the sight of them, knowing the damage her hand had brought. 

Artem shot Apollo a look—something of a plea of desperation, and something of a glare of spite and impatience, begging them silently to say something, anything. Neptune inhaled, one hand slowly making its way to their neck as they considered the pain there, a pain that lingered with every breath and word that left them in all their years; every drop of wine that poured into their lips and every ounce of blood that was choked out of them, all of it ached.

“...Asteria. Even the deepest wounds can heal. Nothing can be truly broken forever. Even a mirror, shattered into a million and one pieces, can be put back together with time and patience. Which we have.” They called, and they tried their hardest to sound kind, to hide the venom that would drip from their voice every time they’d address the Star, to silence the hisses and curses that they had so often spat alongside her name. Ethos considered Logos’ words, her gaze flitting back and forth between Apollo and Artem, before falling back to the floor in shame.

She kept silent for a long moment; she had been dead still, save for her shaking hands and her eyes which blinked back tears as she thought, the feelings behind those very eyes shifting over and again, none of which could be described by words. Perhaps emptiness was the closest word.

“...Okay.” She finally said, looking down. Qamar smiled sadly, offering a hand to Sidra.

“Come home with us, Aster?” He cooed gently. Asteria stared blankly at his hand, slowly taking it into her own. The Moon smiled at the Star as he and the Sun guided her through the dark.

“...We love you, Starshine.” 

“...Okay.”

[aliblujay]

Miraculous Ladybug Secret Santa 2024!

Hello @ladybug-love-square-enthusiast! I apologize for the (really) late gift, but I am your giftee for this years @mlsecretsanta (and by this year, I mean 2024)

I noticed you seemed like a big fan of the Re-Verse so I thought I would give you my version of what happens after the special! I hope you enjoy!

========================================

Going through the portal this time felt longer, taking what felt like minutes instead of a blink of an eye. Maybe it was the adrenaline of the chase that made the initial trip to the other universe quick, but this time, it felt time was folding in on itself. By the time they landed in their own universe, all the exhaustion hit Marinette and she stumbled out of the portal, Paw Noir managing to catch her before she could fall. “Be careful.” He said gently, pulling her back and lending himself to lean against. She waved him off, a quick thank you before looking at the scene around her.

The room was dark, save for the large screens next to them, different news channels playing across each screen. Looking at them, Ladybug watched at the carnage her and her partner caused right before leaving, before seeing what life could be like and she felt her heart drop. Paw Noir also stood silent next to her, and the two were glued to the screens, a compilation of their crimes flashing on the news.

Betterfly, who was just starting to recover from the trip himself, hurried over to the panel to turn off the screens. “Don’t worry about that! Everything is okay. We’ll fix it up.” With a smile, he turned on the lights, and illuminated the damage they caused in the base. The glass elevator was ruined, the glass panels shattered and littering the floor. The metal frame work was rusted and nearly disintegrated. Paw Noir clenched his fists and looked over to Ladybug. “I imagine your lucky charm won’t be able to fix this up?”

She shook her head. “I’m not sure. To be completely honest… I’m not really sure how to use my powers for good.”

Betterfly rests a hand on their shoulders. “That’s okay. You guys are turning over a new leaf and we’re here to help you.” He smiled at them, giving their shoulders a gentle squeeze. “Now, let’s introduce you to the team.”

Releasing Alya from the Kamiko, he waves over her and Nino, who was on the other side of the catwalk looking over the elevator, over to the duo. “Alya. Nino. I would like to reintroduce you to Ladybug and Paw Noir. They will be joining us in our fight against the Supreme.”

Alya gave them a glance over before holding out her hand to shake. “It’s a pleasure to be working with you both this time.” She winked. She looked over at Nino, who held his laser gun still. “You can drop that now, you know.”

Nino, still holding his laser gun, stepping closer with uneasiness. “Are we sure we can trust them?”

Paw Noir choked a bit, seeing his former best friend pointing a gun at him and bit his lip. Can he really be trusted? He thought as he nodded slowly. “I- We… want to help.” He said slowly, looking over to Ladybug, who was standing there, arms wrapped around herself.

“We’re sorry about everything. I- I don’t know how I can fix it, but I want to.” She said, looking around.

Nino, finally placing the laser down, walked over to them and wrapped them into a hug. “This is a start.”

Ladybug and Paw Noir froze at his touch, not expecting the sudden warmth. While Paw Noir leaned into it, Ladybug stepped back, nervous. “Uh… sorry. I’m a little…” she trailed off, looking down.

Nino pulled back and held out his hand. “Is a handshake okay?”

Smiling, she nodded and shook it.

Betterfly cleared his throat to catch everyone’s attention. “Thank you everyone for your hard work today. Alya, Nino. Thank you for everything you have done and the hard work you have put in.” Looking over to Paw Noir and Ladybug, he smiled. “And you two. I’m proud to have you on the team now. But I’m sure all of you are very tired and deserve some much needed rest.” He gestured to another corner of the base. “You can find another exit over their. All of you, go get some sleep and let’s connect again in a few days. We need to make up a new game plan to take down the Supreme.” With a smile, he sends them off.

Nino and Alya, hand and hand, make their way out without a moment’s hesitation, expression their desires to sleep the weekend away. Paw Noir and Ladybug make their way out, and the sun was just beginning to rise over the horizon, bathing the world in a soft hue of gold and red. Despite all the exhaustion, they felt hopeful for what was about to come.

Read More on AO3

[eastwindmlk]

Written for @jilymicrofics prompt: Insignia Word Count: 721

In the days after the post-O.W.L. disaster, James made an attempt to get her alone. To apologize for what he now realized was a terrible, terrible move. But it seemed an impossible task. 

Wherever Lily Evans went, so went the other 5th-year Gryffindor girls. And none of them were even so much as giving him the time of day, never mind allowing him a moment alone with the redhead. 

Which was why he thanked his lucky stars when he spotted her making her way from the greenhouses all by herself. 

For the first time ever, he resorted to being late for Quidditch practice as he ran back up the hill to meet her. Arm extended as he called over, “Evans! Evans, wait!” Only to watch her walk away faster after meeting his eye. 

Cutting through the grass, James caught her right before she could make it to the door. Practically leaping in front of her, hands grabbing the tops of her arms. Keeping her in place. 

“Evans, I need to talk to you,” he announced, still panting. 

Lily turned up her nose and looked away from him, shaking off his hands. “I’ve got nothing to say to you, Potter,” she spat at him, attempting to sidestep him and him following her motion. 

“Then don’t say anything, just listen.” She scoffed at that, giving him a dangerous side-eyed glance. But at least she stopped trying to escape. 

Taking this as a go-ahead, he launched into his apology; “I just wanted to tell you that I am really sorry about what happened after the exams. It was never my intention for you to get hurt,” he swallowed thickly and carded his hand through his hair nervously, “things just got out of hand. I should have never involved y-” 

-” You should have never tried anything in the first place,” she challenged. The fact that she was regarding him directly now only made him more nervous. His words clearly had done little to soften her up to him. 

He pressed his tongue to the roof of his mouth, waiting her out for a moment. Pulling up a shoulder indifferently at her remark. He did not regret going after Snivellus. He just regretted the collateral damage. 

“I’m not here to apologize for that. He had it coming.” His hand lifted to brush along the slash that had escalated it all. “If he had not used that nasty curse first, things would have gone differently.” 

Lily rolled his eyes at him. Clearly she disagreed with him there. “As I said, I am sorry you got hurt. I did not intend that. I hope you know that.” 

Her lips curled into a sneer, her palm hitting him on the shoulder hard enough to make him stagger back. “What is this about, Potter?” His name sounded dirty on her tongue. Dirtier than normal. Her eyes were full of contempt for him. 

His hand gripped his shirt, pulling the tight fabric away from his heart as if it would help with the sudden stabbing ache in his chest. “I just wanted to check on you, make sure you were okay.” His voice was suddenly small, unable to meet her gaze head-on. 

What James did not expect was for her to start laughing, barking and humourless. “See if I am okay?” Lily repeated, her tone snide. Closing the distance between them, raising up to meet him almost nose to nose. 

“What? Are you some type of Girl Scout trying to earn insignia?-” Her eyes flashed at James as he attempted to interrupt her, asking what a girl scout was. His mouth snapped shut as she continued her assault. “-’ I was nice to a Mudblood’ on a pretty shiny badge?” She bit the slur towards him, making him cringe. 

Rolling her eyes, the redhead shoulder-checked him as she passed him by. “I am not going to let you use me to make yourself feel better. Give you a pat on the back just because you are doing the bare minimum.” Her words made his stomach knot painfully, starting to doubt his own intentions for seeking her out. 

“I hope you choke on your stupid apology!” She spat at him before pushing the heavy door open with such force the hinges creaked. 

Leaving him standing there, completely undone. 

[peachymilkandcream]

Evelyn struggled way too hard that she ended up accidentally hitting him.

Levi x Evelyn -> There Are No Accidents

(A/N: Now this, this, I love this. Let's freaking get itttt)

WARNINGS: noncon, dubcon, manipulation, domestic abuse, yandere themes, forced marriage, forced pregnancy, stockholm syndrome, violence, mind breaking, misogyny, etc.

===========================================

Evelyn rushed in the door, slamming it behind her to keep him out, anything to keep him out. Words couldn't describe how angry she was at that moment, a moment later when the door swung open and shut just as violently she knew Levi wasn't having her temper. His footsteps catching up to hers easily as he spun her around.

"The fuck do you think you're doing walking away from me?"

"What do you mean? You think I would seriously stay and be humiliated like that?"

"Oh humiliating you, get over yourself, of course I'd talk about what I do with you."

"And I'm not going to just sit there and take it, which is why I left, and you can think whatever you want."

"And you publicly embarrassed me, what are people going to think when they find out I can't even control my wife? Your shitty attitude has made my reputation crumble already, and with these stunts I'll be lucky to even have it!"

"Oh no, I'd hate to ruin your precious reputation, oh you poor baby." Sarcasm drips off her tongue.

Levi grabs her wrist in his hand. "Don't you ever talk back to me you uptight bitch, you're practically begging for a punishment now. But if you ask for my mercy maybe I'll be merciful enough to forgive you this once."

"Shut your fucking mouth, I'll take my punishment instead of grovelling to someone like you."

"I wouldn't worry about that, you'll get it soon enough with the way you're going." His grip tightens, fingers digging into her skin.

"Let go of me it hurts!" She struggles slightly.

"I thought you said you could take my punishment?" He smirked, doing nothing but continuing to squeeze her arm.

She struggles more, pulling with all her might. "It hurts!"

Out of amusement, he releases the grip on her hand slightly, to see what she'll do. But the force of her struggling mixed with the momentum causes her to slap him across the face.

Both of them freeze a moment in shock, him because he had never felt her hand against him besides base struggling. And her because she knew how much trouble she'd be in now, there was no way Levi would let her off with just a warning. The reality of what she had just done, even by accident, sunk in, there's no telling what he'd do.

Levi takes a second, collecting his thoughts and gaining his composure before his expression turns to one of rage.

"How dare you." He grabs her by the neck, squeezing.

She claws at his hand on her throat, trying to choke out 'I didn't mean to's and apologies. Anything to get him to calm down so his temper wouldn't cost her her life.

"You fucking cunt, I could kill you right now for doing that to me. After all the things I do for you, you do this shit to me?"

He throws her down, kicking her head over and over, he was going to do it, he was going to beat her within an inch of her life. Then she'd learn her lesson, that with a proper fucking then she'd come to respect him again. She learn her place was under his heel.

=============================================

When she came back to consciousness, all she could process was pain. At lease two of her bones was broken, what else was damaged she wasn't sure. The next thing she registered was Levi inside of her, holding her broken body up enough to push himself inside. Pleasure was non-existent, it was only agony as he took Evelyn over and over, his only form of claiming her and teaching her the role he forced upon her was filling her womb.

Levi finally was satisfied after what seemed like centuries, leaving her filled and worn body. Maybe now she'd understand what her place was to him, a breeding machine to be the equivalent of his servant. Giving him children until he was satisfied, pleasuring him within a moment's notice at anytime simply because she should.

He'd get her a doctor to be sure, he wouldn't want anything to heal badly. But the pain would be a good reminder while she was on bed rest, only able to serve him sexually. However as a sign that his wrath had cooled and he forgave her he gave her a small kiss on the forehead.

"I love you my sweet wife.."

[unmeisenshi]

The trio would arrive at Avett's clinic, with Zane getting patched up after a lengthy explanation by Solaris. Once he was done, the Machamp looked at Zane. "That wound of yours was fairly serious. Until it closes up, you are not to leave this room."

Zane looked like they wanted to protest, but nodded after a few moments. "Very well." The Marowak looked at their left wrist, opening a small compartment and pulling a device out. "Solaris, hold on to this. It detects Paradox Pokemon from much farther than your own devices."

The Charizard nodded, and turned to exit the room. "You focus on getting better. I'm going to brief the others on what's happening." Solaris gave an assuring nod to Zane, and left the room along with Avett, leaving Phoebe and Zane alone in the room, the former standing with her arms crossed and looking out the window in the room.

Zane looked down and away, in an attempt to find something to say. "Phoebe, I-"

"Save it." Phoebe interjected. "You've done enough damage to this family as is."

Zane shut their mouth, trailing to another thought. "So... Is all of Flora gone? How many citizens were left?"

Phoebe sighed, and lightly shifted. "The continent is still there, but by the time Sly teleported me out there were... A couple dozen left, at most. The entire city was destroyed."

Zane went quiet for a few moments. "Dammit... I never should have come here..."

The Lycanroc turned to face Zane. "You're only just now realizing that? Tch..." After a moment of silence, Phoebe continued, "Why did you even come here, anyway?"

"To save our timeline. If I can-"

"That's a stretch and you know it." Phoebe interjected again. "I know how you think... How you are. I know that 'saving the timeline' is not the reason you came here."

Zane looked away. "Why are you just now caring about my intentions? You've ignored every other time I've tried to contact you..." Zane's voice was filled with hate as they said it.

Phoebe looked at Zane, a hint of annoyance on her features. "You never made an attempt to contact me. To see how I felt after you hi-"

"God dammit, yes I did!" Zane yelled. "I sent you messages, I've tried to apologize to you about my outburst and hitting you! Not one time did you ever respond! Ever make an attempt to make amends! All I ever got from you was glares! Don't give me that bullshit that you didn't get them... I know you fucking did! I was the one who put them in your mailbox!" Zane breathed heavily, and they would sit back slightly. Phoebe would quickly look away, giving the Marowak their answer to their statement.

"God, Phoebe... I've made an effort to move on from it... To be at peace. To at least stay in contact. I've tried to care for you after it... But knowing that you had no cares for me... Even after I explained myself in those messages... It really fucking hurts... More than anything the world can throw at me..." Zane's reaction caught Phoebe by surprise, and left Zane in tears.

"I came here because maybe... Just maybe I could make you happy one last time. That by destroying the Paradox Pokemon that our timeline could be saved, and that you could live out your days in peace - without me in the picture. I knew that this was a one way trip, and that by me being out of your life you'd have some peace. Because I only wanted the best for you. But now that our home is gone and there isn't anyone left, it doesn't even matter anymore." Zane leaned back, burying their head into their hands.

Phoebe remained quiet, eventually sitting down next to Zane. "Dad, I..." She got choked up. "I'm sorry." When Zane didn't respond, Phoebe looked away. "I'm sorry for ignoring your messages... I know I've been ghosting you... Wishing you were dead... But you're the only family I have left... And I shouldn't have been pushing you away, so... I'm sorry for being bone headed."

Zane grabbed onto Phoebe's hand, pulling her into a hug. "No, Phoebe. I'm sorry. After Remi and the other kids died... I wasn't in the best spot... And I lashed out at you. Even if it was in a blind anger... It wasn't okay. I'm your parent, and it's my job to take care of you... And I failed to do so. I just want you to know that... From the bottom of my heart... I'm so sorry for hitting you."

Phoebe buried her head into Zane's neck, returning the hug. "It's okay." After a few moments, Phoebe sniffled and continued, "I love you, Dad."

The Marowak nodded, and cradled Phoebe's head. "I love you too, sweet pea."

[deviljaythey]

Darksider - Vampire Fantasy Novel (WIP) Chapter 8 - The Harpy

If you want to read the full story, send me a message and I'll link you the document!

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

Arlin didn’t get as much sleep as he probably should have, he had too much to think about and it kept him awake. He didn’t have much time to catch up because as soon as First Night began, they were off on their journey. Erica led the way, with Arlin and Leon following close behind. They walked through the forest, sticking to lower ground with trees and shrubs to give them cover. Her experience showed, she probably could have led them through the path blind with how well she knew it.

As they moved further southwest, it began to get warmer. The snow that had occasionally littered the landscape was completely gone at this point. Instead the landscape was vibrant, no longer choked by the cold. Arlin had never seen such color before, dark greens, purples, and blues littered the forest. The stars brought out more color as their light shot through the leaves, sparkling like prisms of crystalline color. 

He was so wrapped up in it, experiencing all of these wonderful new sights. So wrapped up in it in fact that he didn’t see the massive crater in front of him. Leon was there thankfully to pull him back before he tripped into it.

“Mind your surroundings, Arlin.” he said softly.

“Sorry, I was just–” before he could finish his apology, he saw what was in front of him.

In the middle of the forest was a huge crater, sixty feet deep at the center and forty feet deep at its highest. The air burned Arlin’s senses, the smell of ash and soot clinging to his nostrils. While the rest of the forest was bright, the crater was a garish white, like all the color was snuffed out by whatever had done this. It was like a gash in the earth, a scar that had become malignant and rotten. 

“What, what happened?” Arlin managed to stutter out. 

“Mana bomb.” Erica explained. “They’re bombs of concentrated magic; the damage they cause is irreversible.”

“About a thousand years ago, both the High Coven and Kingdom of Man used them against each other. Several of them were launched and detonated in enemy territory, but they were unpredictable and could not easily be controlled. Many of them detonated in their own land and caused damage like this to the environment; soon after that, they were largely decommissioned.” Leon elaborated. 

“Hold on, this can’t be repaired? What about the trees, the grass, can’t it regrow?” Arlin asked.

“It destroys everything within its blast.” Erica said. “Plants, animals, even magic. None of it can be repaired or fixed; it’s terrible.” 

The reality of it hit Arlin, but he couldn’t accept it. Despite the fact that it was right in front of it, he didn’t want to accept this reality. A reality where trees would never grow on this soil, birds could never build nests in those trees, and magic could not flow through this land. He could feel it, after his training with Erica he could sense the lack of magic, the cease of its flow. His body was made from magic, so he didn’t realize the lack of it would make him feel so sick. 

Leon walked over to Arlin and kneed down next to him. “I am sorry, Arlin.”

“It’s fine.” Arlin said, before thinking for a moment. “No, actually it’s not fine. But you don’t need to apologize, you didn’t do this.” 

“No, I did not. But I do not know how else to ease this pain.”

“Let’s just keep walking, we can’t be stopping like this if we’re going to get to the sanctuary in time.”

Arlin began walking away from the crater; he didn’t want to look at it. Erica soon began leading the way once more, and Leon this time decided to stick closer to the young vampire. Soon, the crater was far behind them, but the image of it was stuck in Arlin’s mind. After seeing that, who could really forget it?

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

They were moving quickly, making up for lost time. Thanks to the paths that Erica knew, they managed to cover several miles in hours instead of days. Arlin’s mood was still poor, he was stewing in what he just saw as the image and new knowledge ran through his mind. 

“Young one.” Leon said, falling back to walk alongside Arlin. “Are you alright?” 

He jumped slightly, he had gotten so wrapped up in his thoughts that he forgot Leon and Erica were still with him. 

“Apologies, I did not mean to startle you.”

“It’s fine.” Arlin assured. “What is it?”

“I wanted to check in, how are you?” 

“I’m fine, nothing to report here at all!” he said, faking a happy tone. 

They walked in silence for a few moments, Leon just looking at Arlin with his usual stoic stare.

Arlin sighed. “That was a bad lie; to tell the truth, no, I’m not doing very good. Not after seeing… well you know.” 

“I would not expect you to be, it is only natural to have this reaction. I would have been concerned if you showed no reaction to it.” 

“Probably but, I honestly wish I didn’t see it at all.”

Leon sighed. “I apologize, I did not mean for you to see that. I want to protect you from what the world has in store, but it seems I can not shield you from everything. I will make sure to correct this failure.”

“It’s not a failure, there’s no way you could have stopped me from seeing it. You need to not be so hard on yourself, you’ve been doing everything to keep me safe. I couldn’t ask for anyone better to protect me.” 

He could tell Leon wanted to argue, that he wanted to find a reason to say he wasn’t doing as good as he should be. But he held it back, he allowed Arlin’s words to settle and disburse.

“You are exceptionally kind, young one.” Leon stated.

“It’s not hard to be kind when I’m just telling the truth.” Arlin said.

“On the contrary, telling the truth is exceptionally difficult.” 

Arlin looked ahead to Erica, she had walked a bit further ahead but not so much that they couldn’t keep following her. It seemed like she was giving them space to talk, not listening in on their conversation. 

“Are all the Shade Lord’s like that?” he whispered.

“Like what?”

“Are they all that, careless? Did they even think about what those bombs would do?”

“While I was not there when they were being used, I imagine that the environment was not on the forefront of their minds. Of the Shade Lords I knew, most of them were only concerned with the conquest of the Kingdom of Man; they were not concerned with much else.” 

“Most of them? Did you know one who wasn’t like that?” 

“I knew one yes, he was unlike any Shade Lord before him.”

“What was he like?” 

Leon actually began to smile. “Where to start. He was very kind, thoughtful, proud, he had a strength to him that was mesmerizing. When he spoke, everyone could not help but listen; he rarely raised his voice but gained the attention of all. He was brilliant.”

He spoke about this person with a certain wistfulness that Arlin noticed. He couldn’t pinpoint it but there was a longing there, he could tell that Leon missed this person.

“You remind me of him actually.” Leon stated.

Arlin was immediately taken aback. “Wait what? I don’t sound anything like that guy.” 

“I would beg to differ, but I suppose you would have to have known him. It is, difficult to describe him with words alone.”

“What was his name?”

“His name was Akbar, and he is very dear to me. But that was a long time ago, now he is– well, you would not be standing here today if he were still with us.” 

Arlin knew now what that feeling was in Leon’s voice. It wasn’t just longing, it was mourning. He didn’t know if talking about this was making Leon sad, so he decided that a change in topic was in order.

“Actually Leon.” he started. “How old are you anyway?”

Maybe it was a bit rude to ask, but it was all Arlin had in the moment. 

“Oh? Well, I believe this year makes me one hundred and thirty-four.”

“Really?! You don’t look that old.” 

Leon chuckled. “I am glad I have managed to keep my youth to an extent.”

The joke made Arlin smile, he liked to see Leon happy. They walked ahead for a few moments, Erica seemed to draw back to meet up with the two of them. 

“We’re close to the path, we should be able to follow it to the sanctuary.” 

They were close to the top of a hill, an overlook to a valley that would show them the path ahead. Erica crested over the hill for a moment, but an expression of shock went over her face. She jumped back and hid under the slope of the hill, Leon and Arlin coming down to hide with her.

“What is it?” Arlin asked. 

“Coven Guard, they found the path. Take a peek, but be careful.” 

Arlin glanced over the hill and saw what must have been at least thirty guards searching a small ravine that went through the valley. There was no way they could sneak around them, there were too many of them and they would be spotted almost instantly in the valley. This path was closed off to them, it would be hopeless to try to get past them. 

“What are we going to do now?” Arlin asked.

“I’m not sure, but this path is compromised.” Erica stated. “I need to mark it.”

She walked over to a tree that was just below the top of the hill, running her hand along the bark. At the center of it, a small symbol glowed with magic as she touched it. From her pocket, she pulled out a knife and slashed across the rune, the magic fading as she did so.

“There, now other witches will know the High Coven found this path.” she explained. “Now, what are we going to do now?”

“Do you not know any other paths besides this one?” Leon asked.

“None that can get us past them. I’ve been using this path for a while, I didn’t expect the Coven Guard would find it now of all times.”

“Then we need a new plan, what are our options?”

Arlin looked around, trying to get a lay of the land. To the north is where they came from and to the south laid the path that was now closed to them. However, to the southeast was a city, bigger than the one they just came from. It could be dangerous, but it was a better option than trying to sneak past the Coven Guard.

“There’s a city over there.” Arlin said, pointing it out to them. “Maybe we could go there and get some help.” 

“While I would agree, that course of action did not work well for us last time.” Leon said.

“But we met Erica, maybe it may have not worked out at first but it led us to her.”

“I wouldn’t bet on that again.” Erica chimed in. “There’s not many people in the valley like me. Tell me, what were you guys actually doing in the city? I know you were looking for some place to hide out but how were you going about it?” 

“Well, I had heard that there were people in the back alleys who operated under the nose of the Coven Guard. I had thought they could help us, but I was wrong.” Leon explained.

“That explains it, you don’t know the first thing about the Underground do you?” 

Leon scratched the back of his head. “My knowledge is based only on things I have heard, I must admit I do not have much hands-on experience.” 

“What’s the Underground?” Arlin asked.

“I’ll explain it for both of you.” she said. “The Underground is basically where all the business that the High Coven bans goes, along with people who need services to avoid the High Coven. Put simply, it’s the criminal underbelly of the Umbra Valley.” 

“So they’re kinda like what you and the witches do?”

“They’re nothing like us.” Erica stated, firmly. “We do what we do because people need it; meanwhile, the people in the Underground don’t lift a finger until they’re promised some coin.”

“Well maybe we can hire someone to help us out. Leon, how much money do we have?” Arlin asked.

Leon reached into his pocket and pulled out a small pouch. He quickly ruffled through it, the sound of tiny metal coins clinking together filled the air. 

“We have one hundred and fifty gold and forty-four silver.”

“That won’t get us much.” Erica stated. “Not unless we find a generous courier, or a bad one.”

“Do you have any better ideas?”

She thought for a moment. “I’d love to say I do but I’ve got nothing honestly.” 

“Then we will have to do it, it may not be the best choice but it is the one available to us.”

“I hate to agree.” Erica admitted. “Alright, I’ll lead the way. Stay close to me, we don’t want to be seen by the Coven Guard while we’re in the city.”

Despite Arlin being the one to bring up the idea of going into the city, he wasn’t exactly excited to go into one again. Even with all the walking they had done today, that was nothing compared to walking uphill at all times in the city. Not to mention, he wouldn’t be able to hear any of the animals while there, it was just so loud. 

But, they needed to do it if they were going to get to the sanctuary; otherwise they’d get caught by the Coven Guard. He didn’t know what would happen to Leon and Erica, but he knew what would happen to him. It would be straight to the capital, forced to rule and be the Shade Lord. A bit of discomfort was worth avoiding that. 

Erica led them down the mountain and on to a main road, a small dirt path that a few wagons were traveling down. She ran over to the back of a covered wagon, checking the back before seeing it was clear. Hopping in, she gestured for Leon and Arlin to do the same. Leon hopped in easily, picking Arlin up to help him into the wagon. Looking around, it seemed the wagon was delivering some fruits and vegetables, the person driving didn’t seem to notice the three of them getting on. Arlin thought about stealing some fruit, but he decided against it. 

“We’ll ride in here until we get into the city.” Erica said.

Arlin and Leon nodded as the wagon bumped over to the city entrance. It stopped at the gates, rocking both the cargo and the group around in the back. They couldn’t get a very good view of what was happening outside, at least not without risking being seen. From the front, they could hear the driver talking with the guards at the gate. 

“We’ll have to take a look at your wagon.” one guard said. “It’s simply a routine search.”

From both sides they could hear the guards walking to the back, right where the three of them were hidden. Erica acted quickly, she took a dried leaf from her bag and crushed it, throwing it into the air. She then waved her hands as the bits of the leaf glowed.

“Don’t move a muscle.” she instructed. 

With one final wave, the magic enveloped the three and they vanished. It was as if they weren’t there at all, they had all turned completely invisible. For a moment, Arlin wanted to test if he could move, but just when he moved his hand, the illusion began to break and his hand became visible. He froze again, the illusion once again coming back into place. Just as it did, the guards looked inside, staring right where the group was. But thanks to Erica’s spell, they couldn’t be seen at all. 

The guards dropped the cover and whistled, signaling for the wagon to continue into the city. The three of them unfroze, almost collapsing from the stress of that close call. 

“That was way too close…” Erica admitted.

“What was that?” Arlin asked.

“Invisibility spell, it helps in a pinch.”

“Why haven’t we been using that more? That would have been great for when we needed to escape the city.”

“For me to use it that quick without drawing attention, I can’t do a full invisibility spell. If we want to be quick and quiet we’ve got to use the small version, and we can’t move while using that.”

“Aw man. It would have been really nice to make sneaking around easier.”

“We’ll just have to do it the old fashioned way, we’ve managed it so far.”

As the wagon rode further into the city, Leon peeked out of the cover and into the city around them. He was waiting for just the right time for the three of them to hop out. When the wagon rounded a corner, he opened the cover and they all jumped out onto the hard cobblestones of the city streets. They’d thankfully ended up away from any of the guards, but it wouldn’t be long before they started to show up. 

“Where to next?” Leon asked.

“Just follow me, it shouldn’t be too far from here.” Erica explained. 

She led the way, darting into the backroads like she knew the city by hand. Once again they had to trek upward, the steep incline of the city being sure to make Arlin’s legs sore. Instead of trying to get to the most hidden corners of the city, they were actually heading to the densest part of the city. 

“Are you sure this is the right way?” Arlin asked.

“Of course I do.” Erica assured. “Do you think I don’t?” 

“It’s not that! But is the Underground really in the middle of the city?”

“Let me put it this way: if you were looking for a den of criminals, where would you look?”

“Well, probably in one of the dark alleys where nobody is.”

“Exactly, which is why they’re not going to be there. If that’s what you’re thinking then the High Coven probably had the thought before you. The Underground stays hidden by blending into the rest of the city, like they’re nothing out of the ordinary.”

“Oh, that makes sense actually.”

“Yep! We’re not gonna be wandering around any dark alleys today.”

She gave a pointed look to Leon who looked away. Arlin did catch a look at his face; he was actually a bit red. Even he gets embarrassed. They walked further into the city; thankfully other people were wearing hoods so the three of them weren’t out of place. After a few more minutes, they came up to a set of stairs going down below the street, and down those stairs was a door. 

Erica led the way down to it, knocking on the door three times with the back of her hand. After a few moments a slit in the door opened up, a pair of brown eyes looking over the group. 

A voice came from the other side of the door. “Who is it?” 

“Just a traveler, looking for a place to stay.” Erica responded. 

The pair of eyes looked over the group one last time, before the slit closed. A few clicking sounds were heard from the other side before the door opened up. On the other side was a tall monster, his most notable feature being the tusks that were pointing up from his jaw. He beckoned the group inside, Erica nodding for Arlin and Leon to follow. 

The inside wasn’t exactly what Arlin was expecting, though after what Erica said he wasn’t sure what he was expecting. It was a kind of bar, with many different tables and booths that people were talking and drinking at. The monster who let them in was heading over to the main bar, Arlin stayed close so he wouldn’t get lost in the crowd. Erica sat down at the bar and the monster got behind the bar at the place she was sitting, beginning to polish a few glasses. 

“Are you here for leisure or for business?” he asked.

“Business.” Erica replied.

“Interesting, we don’t usually see many witches come through here too often.”

“Let’s just say that I’m here under some, special circumstances.” 

The monster looked to Arlin and Leon and seemed to get it immediately. 

“I see, what do you need then?” 

“The High Coven cut off one of my routes and now we don’t have a way to get past this city. We need a courier, someone to get us past the Coven Guard and get us to the border.” 

As they were talking, Arlin’s attention wandered. He found himself taking a look around the bar, just getting a look at everyone that was in here. Many in here were similar to Leon, with various animal features or just fully transformed. There were a handful of vampires that seemed to be sitting off in the corner of the place, and even an occasional horned child who was just trying to keep to themselves. 

However, one stood out, and it was because he was staring right at Arlin. He was sitting across the room, near one of the corners in a booth. He had a hood up, but Arlin could just make out that he was looking at him. That would have been frightening enough, but what really shook him was the fact that he was smiling at him. 

He felt a hand on his shoulder. “Arlin, we are going now.”

Arlin jumped a little but calmed down when he saw it was just Leon.

“Oh, I am sorry. I did not mean to startle you.” he said. “Are you alright?”

Arlin looked back once more, but when he did, the figure was gone. He looked around one more time, but he saw no trace of him. Did he just imagine it? He couldn’t have, could he? Regardless, it wasn’t important now. 

“I’m fine.” he assured. “Did I miss something?”

“We have found someone who is willing to meet with us, the bartender was just going to lead us to them.” Leon explained. 

Arlin looked over his shoulder and saw that Erica and the bartender were waiting for him.

“Oh! Let’s get going then, sorry for holding us up.”

“It’s alright.” Erica said. “Come on, let’s go.”

Arlin started following, trying to push what just happened out of his mind. They walked out of the bar and further into the building. The place wasn’t exactly one singular building, rather a series of different buildings that had been linked together. They went through a few makeshift hallways; these rickety wooden tubs that Arlin swore could collapse at any time. Thankfully they didn’t, and they were eventually led into what seemed to be a study. 

The bartender loudly knocked on the door. “Jason! You have clients!”

He waited for a moment, but there was no response from the other side. 

“Figures.” he admitted. “Just let yourselves in, he doesn’t usually answer the door himself.”

With a wave, he walked off and left the three of them in front of the door. They all exchanged looks with each other before Leon simply opened the door and walked in, having to duck to fit under the doorway. Inside was a large room, the walls lined with bookshelves and those shelves lined with books. It had two floors, one at street level and the other seemingly overlooking the outside and the floor below. The first thing Arlin saw was on the second floor, a pair of wings that were resting over the railing. 

He seemed to notice them walking in, turning slightly to get a look at the small group below him. There was a small thud as he closed a book he was reading, setting it down on a table before fully turning around to face the three of them. His hair and feathers seemed to match, both being stark white. His hair was short, a bit rough but seemingly manageable other than his bangs which he moved to the side. He had dark brown skin and almost piercing blue eyes that seemed to be focused on Arlin in particular. 

The most noticeable part about him was the large pair of wings on his back, which made him look far bigger than he actually was; he was only about as big as Arlin and he guessed he wasn’t much older than him either. His wings seemed to be comfortably folded at his back, although he noticed that his right wing seemed a bit cramped. His feathers weren’t just on his wings, his ears were actually feathered and were pointed upward. 

He dressed simply, just a white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and black dress pants. Clearly, he dressed for practicality rather than style. He began making his way down the stairs, the three of them unsure what to do. Arlin especially didn’t know what to make of him, he didn’t think the person that was going to be helping him would be someone around his age. He did know one thing, he knew what he was. He was a harpy. 

“So you’re my clients?” he said after what seemed like ages. 

“We are.” Leon answered. 

“Let’s get started then, I don’t like my time being wasted.”

“Likewise.” Erica stated, going over to sit where Jason was sitting. 

They all convened at a pair of couches with a table in the middle, the three sitting in one and Jason sitting across from them. 

“What’s the job?” he asked them.

“Alright, I’ll explain again.” Erica huffed. “We were trying to make our way to the border but our route got cut off by the High Coven.”

“I see, you’re a witch then?” 

“That’s me.” she gave him a smile. 

“What about the big guy and cinders?” he said, gesturing to Leon and Arlin. 

“My name is Leon, and this is Arlin. We are just simply traveling.” 

“Hold on.” Arlin interrupted. “What do you mean by cinders?” 

“The marks under your eyes.” he gestured to his own eyes. “They look like ash stains.” 

It took Arlin a moment to figure out what he meant but as soon as he did, his face turned very red. The marks around his eyes were something he’d had since he was a child; he just assumed it was a side effect of being the Shade Lord. No one had pointed it out before, he didn’t realize how embarrassing it would be. He tried to cover his face so they wouldn’t see how red he was, but that was a vain effort. 

“Would you look at that, vampires can blush.” Jason said, actually smiling for the first time. 

“I’m not blushing!” Arlin lied, obviously. 

“He’s witty too.”

Arlin started to get a bit mad, which only made him even more red. Jason seemed to be enjoying himself, picking up a small kettle and pouring himself some tea.

“Alright, how bout we get back on topic before Arlin dies from embarrassment?” Erica said. 

“Gladly.” he took a sip of his tea. “I know about your situation, what exactly do you want me to do about it?”

“Well like I said, our route was cut off by the High Coven. We need you to get us around them, and furthermore, come with us so we can avoid the coven until we get to the border.” 

“So you want me to get you to the border?”

“Well, I’m getting us to the border.”

“Right, I’m sure you know the exact path you want to take. What does that make me then? Back up?” 

“Basically, we need you so we don’t get caught by the Coven Guard.”  

Jason went to take another sip of his tea, and Arlin saw an opportunity. He knew he probably shouldn’t try to pull a prank on the person they were trying to get help from, but he couldn’t help himself. With a tap of his shoe on the floor, a small squirrel formed from the shadows. It raced under the table and up to Jason. Just when he put the teacup to his lips, the squirrel nudged his arm upward, making him drink a lot more than he expected. He ended up coughing a bit, trying to catch his breath while Arlin had a cheeky smile on his face. 

“Very mature.” he said, glaring at Arlin. 

“Arlin.” Leon said sternly. 

Arlin wanted to argue, but he knew that he shouldn’t.

“Sorry…” he grumbled. 

“Whatever.” Jason composed himself once again. “If I’m going to help you all, I need you all to answer a question.”

“That being?” Leon asked. 

“Why are you worried about the High Coven catching you?”

“Well, it would be more accurate to say we simply wish to avoid them.”

“Oh really? Cause I heard that recently a group of criminals were on the run from the High Coven. Apparently one of them was a red-haired witch accompanied by a tall man and a young vampire. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

Leon fell silent, he didn’t know how to respond to the question. 

Jason sighed. “Relax. What do you think I’m gonna turn you into the Coven Guard? That’s not my style, but it does mean my services are going to cost you extra.” 

“How much?” Leon asked. 

“Well factoring in the danger from the High Coven and the journey to the border. And have to deal with him.” he pointed to Arlin, who replied by sticking out his tongue. “It’ll be twenty thousand gold, half upfront and the rest when we reach your destination.” 

Leon looked to Erica, who just shrugged; unless she wanted to figure out how to make money with magic right here, they weren’t going to be able to pay for the service. 

“You don’t have the money, do you?”

Leon shook his head. “We do not.”

He sighed. “Look, chances are if I recognized you, so did a lot of the people in the bar when you came in. If you try to get help from them they’ll most likely try to turn you in for the reward. You don’t have the money, so instead, how about we try to work something out?”

“Really?” Arlin asked. “You’d be willing to do that?”

“I said I’m willing to talk it out; don’t get your hopes up.” he clarified. “As long as you don’t go and try to pull another prank, I’m willing to talk alternative payments, alright?” 

Despite the harsh tone, Arlin actually felt relieved. He sat back and exhaled.

“Thank you, I thought I had messed up again.” 

There was an emotion that came over Jason’s face, but he quickly looked away and got back to the topic at hand.

“Alright, let’s talk alternatives.” 

“Actually.” Arlin interrupted. “Could I get some fresh air while you guys discuss? I’m not really good with money stuff.”

Leon considered for a moment. “Just as long as you don’t go to the main street, make sure to keep hidden.”

Arlin nodded. “I will.”

“There’s a balcony on the second floor, you can go up there.” Jason pointed to a door near one of the windows. 

“Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it.” 

Arlin got up and quickly made his way upstairs and out to the balcony. It was actually a pretty big space, there was some furniture set up overlooking the backroads of the city. He took a deep breath, trying to get as much fresh air as he could while in the city. It was different from out in the woods; it was thinner, it was harder to breathe. 

He rubbed under his eyes, trying to see if the marks would come off. But they stayed, like always. It wasn’t something he thought about, he only realized now that it was something he was embarrassed by. Just another thing to add to the list. He didn’t know if he liked Jason; hell, he didn’t know if he even tolerated him. It’s not like he knew Arlin would react that way, there’s no way he could have. Still, why did he have to target him in particular? 

The most Arlin could do was growl and just try to cool off by himself; he just needed some time to himself. 

“There you are.” said a strange voice behind Arlin. 

The sudden voice made him jump, he spun around and quickly called shadows to defend himself. In front of him was someone new, a man in a hood that had somehow made his way up here. Arlin probably wouldn’t have been able to identify him, but he saw something about the man that was familiar. His sickening, skin-crawling smile. 

He pulled down his hood, revealing the rest of his face. He had short, wild blonde hair, narrow brown eyes, fair skin covered in scars, and teeth almost as sharp as Arlin’s. But more than anything, he didn’t look like a monster. He looked, human.

“Finally.” the human said. “I’ve been wanting to meet you for a long time, Arlin.”