#he looks so small next to Kris my lord

[tarhaorvokki]

Pocket sized 🤏

source (Facebook)

[benmehlos]

Valedictus

Next Town Over was supposed to take five years. It took thirteen and change, and it is not an exaggeration to say when I started it I was, figuratively and literally, a different person. 

When I wrote Next Town Over I worked part time in a print shop and part time at a small game developer in what was essentially an intern level copywriting role. I was nearing 30; a perfect storm of residual 20s naivete about paying for the future and a third-life crisis about the fact that I was incredibly dissatisfied with where I was at. I didn’t intend to do Next Town Over as a webcomic; I intended it for an independent press because at the time my ideas around the legitimacy of art hinged [incorrectly] on compensation and traditional publication. I drew the first 10ish pages as part of a pitch to shop around to probably five differently small publishers, and had one taker: a brand new small press that wanted to publish it online, own 50% of it, and give me a page rate of $100/page. (A sidebar for context and transparency: these days I work quite a bit with creator-owned small publishers and in the year of our Lord 2024 I’m lucky to command $100/page; NTO less its supplementals would have paid me $41,000+ in page rates before any royalties or sales, and while $41k is a pittance it’s also probably more than I’ve made off the comic in 13 years.) But I was incredibly naive and ridiculously optimistic about its appeal and my ability to find it an audience – and in my partial defense the creative economy was in a drastically different place than it is today – and I decided that if this publisher could make enough in ad revenue, etc., publishing it as a webcomic, I could surely do it myself while retaining full ownership.

Neither of my then-jobs paid very much but at the time I lived with the person I’d marry a year later, whose job was good money and moreover good insurance.  In the shelter of that headspace I asked that then-partner what he thought of me quitting the print job to focus on cranking out Next Town Over, as a webcomic, since we were sufficiently set financially to take the risk and anyway look at all the money creatives are making off Google AdSense (put a pin in that).

He agreed to this; I slapped together a Wordpress-with-Comicpress website and scheduled those first 10 pages to drop weekly. That seemed like a more-than-doable rate at which to buffer a bunch of pages (it was; NTO’s buffer was, for awhile, a now unimaginable 20 pages). This first website did indeed have AdSense advertising (and Project Wonderful ads; remember those?), and it did indeed appear encouragingly lucrative in the early months given its newness. The comic got a few enthusiastic write ups. Kris Straub shouted it out on Chainsawsuit. I became internet friends with a bunch of other creators of similarly-scoped comics (almost none of which ultimately survived). I quit my other job, at the game studio, which didn’t seem to be going anywhere anyway.  (In the glow of this era I like to think fear I helped inspire friends to attempt their own longform comic projects in web form.)

I no longer remember or particularly care how many months into this enterprise Google killed my AdSense account for “invalid click activity”, a ruling I unsuccessfully attempted to appeal about 4 times over the years – a ruling which eventually affected almost every single creator of those similarly-scoped comics. This not only killed most of the revenue on NTO but also locked me out of earning money via Google in perpetuity; I’d go on to have YouTube videos with 750k views I could never monetize, etc.. Project Wonderful earned, but not like AdSense. Patreon was two years away. Next Town Over was now making me basically nothing.  I’d quit my Jobs for Adults because I felt called to make art and it was going about how they warn you it will, and in the absence of any kind of financial validation I was honestly feeling pretty bad about it. Full time comics was supposed to have solved the aimlessness and ennui I’d felt my whole life and it had decisively not. 

In 2011 I had a near-fatal health crisis I’ll decline to get into, but mention because the existential scare forced me to reexamine once again what I was doing, what I wanted to do, what was important to me. The answer to all of these seemed to just be “I don’t know”; I had never had a plan for or even a vision of what my future could look like. But at 30 I felt like doors were closing, and doing something was better than doing nothing. So in rapid succession I asked my partner to marry me, we had a child, and I ran a Kickstarter to collect the first four books of Next Town Over into a print edition.

With a new child it just made sense for me to continue staying home and taking care of him and the house with my ultimately flexible independent artist schedule and relatively terrible earning potential – terrible earning potential that would ultimately compound itself over a decade out of the traditional work force. 

Having a family and focusing on being a stay-at-home parent didn’t fix the ennui, the sense of estrangement from my own life. It made it worse. I assumed because I wasn’t contributing to our household financially in any kind of significant way, an item of increasing friction and resentment in my marriage. I was taking freelance work here and there, but never consistently enough to replace a real job, and of course I kept puttering away at drawing Next Town Over. 

In 2013 Patreon launched, a new paradigm in supporting creators. I was incredibly hopeful I could make enough on this new platform to meaningfully supplement our earnings and, in my thinking, thereby feel validated in what I was doing with my life. At the beginning I shared a lot of sketch and conceptual materials from NTO, a lot of worldbuilding extras and a few process videos. NTO stalwarts were quick to support me on Patreon – many of whom are still supporting me an unthinkable 10 years later, a fact I’m constantly aware of/grateful for – but my monthly support never went gangbusters in the manner promised by the early optimism of the platform (to this day my Patreon is an amount that’s been immensely helpful and allowed me to purchase, among other things, the iPad Pro that transformed my art workflow – I’ll talk about this in a Patron-exclusive, process-focused postmortem that’s yet to come – but I generally make more off a single commission or item of work for hire than I do in a month’s worth of Patreon pledges.)

I continued like this for years, mostly focused on my kid but sidelining comics and occasional work for hire. I thought for awhile maybe independent publishing was my thing, and in addition to a second crowdfunded Next Town Over collection, I curated, edited, and did two stories for a frontier fantasy anthology with some of my friends: Poor Wayfaring Strangers. It funded successfully and my friends’ contributions to it are lovely so I don’t regret making it for an instant, but it proved remarkably sales proof post-Kickstarter. 

From about 2015 onwards I was convinced the great misstep in my life was leaving the little intern level job at the game developer, because my prime hobby and favorite storytelling medium was perennially videogames, not comics, and I really was drawn to making those. I started doing more and more hobbyist game development, mostly with a partner. We did a few game jams, embarked on several too-big projects that were never completed. I became about 70% of a 2D technical artist, and started thinking maybe that was my real calling, the thing I’d neglected all this time. I started thinking when NTO wrapped, and my kid was older, that would be what I’d try to focus on before I was dead. 

In fall of 2018 I started feeling minor numbness in my fingers, which progressed pretty quickly to worse numbness, radiating up my arms and into my neck and head, eventually becoming tingling and then worsening pain. Working in a desk chair became nearly unbearable and NTO started experiencing the first chronic disruptions to its previously clockwork update schedule in almost 8 years of drawing and posting it. We spent thousands on neurologists and rheumatologists, physical therapists and acupuncturists. I had autoimmune disease symptoms including abnormal bloodwork but I was never formally diagnosed with anything. A sports medicine provider told me I had thoracic outlet syndrome and I muddled through the suggested courses of PT but saw very little improvement. My chronic low grade depression worsened tremendously; I felt like shit and moreover I felt crazy without any concrete diagnosis. I didn’t want to move and not moving made it worse. 

I made a bunch of adjustments to how I work, including overhauling my desk geometry and starting to do art more seriously on an iPad Pro (thanks Patrons!), which allowed for more flexibility in work configurations. Over a period of about 2 years the symptoms lessened and I also just got used to a baseline level of low grade neck and back pain; anyone with chronic pain can probably attest that at some point you just sort of acclimate to some background level of it and soldier on but it’s always there like a rock in your shoe, making you irritable, making you exhausted. I’d always felt like that though: irritable, exhausted, an indefinable rock in my shoe. In a way this was nothing new. It was more of the same.  

Heading into the dread 2020 I wasn’t in the best place but I was fairly comfortable, had just started a solo Unity game, was looking forward to Next Town Over’s homestretch so I could focus on my true calling. I resumed working on Patron-only comic Cutter and Ironwood, and started thinking about returning to trying to stream. I was doing more lucrative freelance work. 

But you know what 2020 was like.  

My kid and my spouse came home from school and work. My kid’s schooling was virtual for a year and change. I was banished from the office where my work/dev/streaming setup was as my spouse [needfully] took it over to work from home. Approaching its 10th anniversary, Next Town Over, which I expected to be concluding, was so decisively backburnered the usually 52-updates-a-year comic updated 21 times in 2020. Then 11 times in 2021.  As the comic slid, so did my mood. I had been almost 30 when I quit my day jobs to do NTO. Now I was almost 40. I had an 8 year old. And nothing I’d done in the intervening decade had moved the needle on my creeping discontent. If anything it was worse. 

And after the years of cloistered introspection COVID forced on everyone, at the beginning of 2022 it went critical. 

This could be its own 2500 word memoir, but the cliff notes version is at the start of 2022 I was forced to confront, agonizingly, over the course of a couple traumatic life events, some therapy, and writing the first draft of Every Hole, that The Problem With Me was that I was a trans man. It is now practically a cliché to have understood yourself as trans because of the pandemic, but annoyingly it was the Cinderella slipper that slid with irrefutable ease over the shape of my lifetime of depression and alienation. 

The good news is pretty much the moment I stopped pruning off any new growth to fit in the comfortable, unchallenging container of my previous existence, things started to turn around for me mentally. Over the course of 3 months I wrote the 115,000 word rough draft for Every Hole – a comic (a comic I’ll be eternally grateful to for its role in the Figuring Out) after years of certainty I was done with comics the second I put down Next Town Over. Unbottling my identity simultaneously uncorked my energy reservoirs for making shit – and also my functionally unexplored sexuality, and by July I’d successfully pitched an erotica short to Filthy Figments, to start running that October. Throughout 2022 I transitioned my ass off along with working on Every Hole, on Positive Feedback, on freelance art, and yes: on Next Town Over. It didn’t hit 52 updates that year but it did hit 24, the most I’d managed in years, and alongside over 60 pages of comics work elsewhere.  60 is also roughly how many pounds I lost in the process of becoming Ben; I’m now over 40 but I am also in generally the best shape I’ve been in since my 20s. This has had the knock-on effect of diminishing the still-there neck and back pain to a whisper I can almost always ignore – still more fuel for the accelerating engine of my want to make art again. 

But it did cost me my partner.

In many ways my marriage ran perfectly parallel to Next Town Over. In a tidy bookend to marrying the year after starting NTO – a comic at its core about a dysfunctional marriage – I’m divorcing in the year following finishing it. My marriage was built on a fault line, its dissolution an inevitability, but it has been slow-motion, and largely amicable. 

My future feels precarious in a way I’m not sure it ever has. But I have to admit the precarity is exciting, and unlike the first half of my life where I just sort of drifted on the current and couldn’t picture any kind of future, I can now envision not one but any number of futures for myself. I have been, and am, both Vane, riding off into the wilderness to find and forget, and John, tirelessly chasing his passion at any cost. 

When I started Next Town Over I was an aimless, childless single straight girl who could ride a horse. 13 years later I’m a middle-aged queer man and father with chronic pain and a 12 year marriage in my rearview. (I assume I can still ride a horse, but it’s been awhile.) Next Town Over was the backdrop to such an unbelievable amount of change in my life that when I think about the sum of the change that has inevitably happened in the combined lives of all of you, its readers, in that same span of time, it is nothing short of overwhelming. 

Thanks for reading, thanks for listening, for commenting, for buying the books or supporting the Patreon, for creating fan works, for retweeting updates or talking in the Discord when the Discord was active because we were all locked up hiding together from a global pandemic. Thanks for coming along. 

For many of us this will likely be where we part ways. My gratitude for those of you is undiminished; if you want a final fix of frontier fantasy and you aren’t a Patron, check out Cutter and Ironwood 0; I intended to do more with these characters and I haven’t ruled it out but it’s unlikely to happen any time soon as I am headed elsewhere, at least for awhile. Watch this space (wherever you’re reading this) if you want to know when I crowdfund a print edition of NTO #9-13, which will be the chunkiest NTO book by far.  

If you’d like to stay on, follow or subscribe to my Patreon if you aren’t already; I have just started Every Hole Book 2; Patrons of all levels get Book 1 for free or you can catch up standalone buying it off my itch.  If NTO was a comic about marriage, Every Hole is a comic about rekindling your power in midlife. I hope to not be working on it for 13 years but if I am I guess that’s fine, too. 

I hope you’re looking forward to or already living in one of any number of futures you envisioned for yourself. 

Happy trails.

Ben May 2024

[destinyimage]

The Simple Key to Supernatural Outpourings of Miracles and Wonders

I am in my tenth year of pastoring a group of 70 students at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry. I love it!

Some of the most exquisite and dynamic young (and older) people come to be trained in the supernatural here in Redding, California in the one to three year-long school.  It’s so fun to mentor hungry and soon-to-be-world-changing students.  I learn from them so much, even as I train and impart to them daily.

The emphasis of our school is the apostolic/prophetic theme of the Bethel Movement, led by Pastors Bill Johnson and Kris Vallotton.  Signs and wonders are encouraged and experienced.  Expectations of miracles are everyday occurrences, while hosting the Presence of the Holy Spirit and His attendant graces are the theme of the teaching and activations.  I participate as much as anyone and ask God for more power each day – in order that, as the Billion Soul Harvest comes to fruition, we may show God’s awesomeness in his miracles and invasion of earth in order that millions come into a vibrant relationship with Jesus.

I delight in students who come with their own “fire” and desire more.  In our weekly Revival Groups we host God’s Presence, worship, ask for more, do activities and care for each other.  Sometimes some students only want to worship and be encountered by God, desiring to spend the two hours in “heavenly realms” without having to be concerned about connection with other students.  They would rather be “drunk” on the floor enjoying Jesus alone than interacting in community and enjoying the Jesus in the other people in their group.

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It is a challenge at times to convince such hungry ones that Family is just as important as Fire.  In fact, Family is the incubator where revival must be birthed and only if there is Connection and Healthy Relationships can revival continue and be passed to the next generation. 

If all we are exposed to is Signs and Wonders and Miracles without the opportunities for growth and learning and the “iron-sharpening-iron” gift in Family, the maturity process can be thwarted.  Then we have fierce miracle-workers, without emotional intelligence, cavorting around the world, perhaps making more messes than miracles.  Character and integrity is modeled and inculcated in small groups and one on ones, and we learn as we rub shoulders with others just how much we need to grow to be conformed to the image of Christ.

I find it quite interesting that when you look closely at the required characteristics to be a pastor/overseer in 1 Timothy and Titus, and you whittle down the duplicate traits into a list of 22 unique attributes that pastors (and I dare posit – everyone who names of the name of Jesus) should display, only four have anything to do with gifts and talents (doing ministry) and the rest promote the need for character, maturity and emotional quotient (inside glory).  Isn’t that a telling emphasis from God himself as to what He deems most important?

Oh, how we need more power to display the works – and greater ones – that Jesus did.  But we also need His sacrificial and unconditional love flowing through us just as magnificently.  When power is present and love isn’t, it’s a scaring situation.  And yes, love without power, however, is very incomplete.

Each day I ask the Lord to give me and my students the four attributes that Luke describes as Jesus’ portion each day.  “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).  I desperately desire more wisdom, more stature, more favor with heaven and on earth.  The word “stature” in the Greek means that Jesus grew not only in height and brawn (outside physical growth), but in maturity (inside emotional growth).  It is the same word used in Ephesians 4:12,13 describing the outcome of apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers equipping the saints: “so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all . . . become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”  That we all may look like, smell like, sound like the perfect Jesus who was full of perfect love and perfect power.

It is such a privilege to serve my students here in Redding and see the transformation that occurs in their lives in nine months of school.  Many come from all over the world who display more power and boldness than I do and I ask them to impart that part of Jesus to me.  But then, it thrills my heart when I see the lights come on in their eyes, as they realize their power is even more effective when combined with the safety and maturity of family.  Often my students write a note to me at the end of the school year: “I wasn’t so sure about you, Pastor Paul, because your family emphasis was not what I thought I wanted, but now I see that it is what I needed!  And I now see the value in both Love and Power!  Thank you showing me the heart of the Father and helping me mature so much!”

May the Body of Christ continue to be built up — by Power and Love — so we may all mature and look more like the Head!

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[teruthecreator]

sweet surprises

lord forgive me for the cringe i’m about to post. i fully blame this post and this post for planting the seeds of berdley having a crush on kris in my brain. also shouts out to izel for listening to me go insane at 3 AM about this. 

anyways, here’s a thing. 

______________________________________________________________

Excitement is in the air.

Unlike the usual calm monotony of life at school, things recently have been quite...electric. Not because of the portal to the Dark World hidden behind the door of the closet, or the adventures had by a select group of students through the portal in the Librarby a few days ago. No, this isn’t about that.

This is about the Sadie Hawkman’s Dance. The once-a-year phenomenon where the school puts on its best interpretation of a formal dance for the incredibly small number of students who attend class. Students buzz in excitement for the event, preparing their most formal outfits and getting ready to dazzle their friends and fellow classmates with their dramatic entrances into the auditorium.

And, of course, there’s the all important ritual of asking someone to the dance.

There’s already been a few proposals made this week. Jockington rolled into class like a hula hoop and asked Catti to be his “best bro” for the dance, to which she happily agreed. (And by that, I mean she looked up from her phone, smiled, said not a single word, and went back to typing.) Temmie loudly announced to the class that she would be taking her egg, which was somehow...embarrassed that she mentioned it. And, of course, Noelle finally managed to work up enough courage to ask Susie to the dance. It was done in an incredible display of candy canes that spelled out the phrase: “CAN(E) YOU BE MY DATE TO THE DANCE?” Unfortunately, Susie was about halfway through scarfing the display down before she realized what it said. She then began choking on one of the candy canes out of disbelief, which wound her in the nurse for the rest of the day. But, when she could speak again, she very quietly agreed to Noelle’s proposal (and, if you happened to be a fly on the wall in that room, you could hear a tail thump rhythmically against the doctor’s bench as she did so).

Kris was pleased with everything. They were happy to see their friends so happy together. A long time coming, if you asked them. And they’d be just as happy attending the dance solo, since they’ll undoubtedly be dragged along by Susie. They’d never gone to the dance before--never had a reason to, truth be told. But with their newfound friends, they may just enjoy being a wingman for the night.

...Speaking of wingmen, Berdly will probably be going solo as well. Unsurprising, but Kris makes a mental note to ensure the bird will be in attendance. As much as he is kind of a lot sometimes, he’s their friend. And Kris is going to make sure all of their friends are having fun at that dance!

They walk into class thinking of this (surprisingly early, for a change), which is why they almost miss the massive display sitting boldly atop their desk. They freeze the instant it catches their eye and, for a second, they almost believe it isn’t real. Like some leftover thoughts of the Dark World lingering in their vision. But, after wiping their eyes and seeing that it’s still there, they decide to approach and...investigate.

The display is expertly crafted by someone who clearly knows their way around a glue gun. It is a heart-shaped arch that is decorated with a myriad of printed illustrations of Super Smashing Fighters Melee characters, all having cut-outs to hold different bars of chocolate. There are also numerous origami hearts glued around the characters on the arch, in colors spanning across the rainbow. The arch is painted in swirls of blues, pinks, and reds and covered with a border of glitter that sprinkles onto the desk when Kris reaches out to pluck a chocolate bar from its perch. On the desk itself is a big origami heart that says “TO KRIS” in gold calligraphy. It is by far one of the coolest, nicest, cheesiest things Kris has ever seen.

They look up from the display to see if anyone else is seeing this shit, and that’s when it all clicks.

Because sitting at the front of the classroom, fidgeting way more than normal, is Berdly. He keeps interlocking his ankles underneath his desk before unlocking them and kicking the air, turning around every half-second or so to try and catch Kris’s reaction. From the brief moments Kris can see the front of him, they notice he’s not in his usual white collared shirt and black khaki shorts. Instead, his shirt is buttoned all the way up, with a nice blue bowtie tied around his neck. He also traded out his khaki shorts for a pair of dress pants that look to be a tad too long for his legs. He keeps reaching up to smooth out the feathers on his head, which immediately stick back up from stress.

Now, Kris may be a straight B student, but they’re not stupid. Context clues are a very good thing, and all signs point to Berdly as the culprit of this public display of...affection?

Beyond Berdly is Ms. Alphys at her desk, who shoots Kris a look of deep understanding and maybe...guilt? She looks at Berdly for a split second and shrugs her shoulders, indicating he was probably in here long before she was and so she had no way of stopping him from leaving it there.

Kris looks back down at the display and picks up the large origami heart. As they begin to unfold it, they see a sprawling letter written in the same flashy calligraphy. Kris squints at the letters--they’re dyslexic, so everything kind of just looks like spaghetti on paper. Still, they’re able to make out the largely printed question of “WILL YOU GO TO THE DANCE WITH ME?” with no issue.

Huh, guess they won’t be going to the dance alone after all…? It’s a little confusing as to why Berdly would want to go with them, though. Like, they’ve hung out a little bit--usually whenever Berdly wanted a “worthy rival” to play video games with, he would come over and Kris would whoop his ass for a few hours. And, of course, there were the recent events in the Cyber World; but Kris is pretty sure them and Susie had thoroughly convinced Noelle and Berdley that that was all a dream. So, why them?

They’re lost in this train of thought for so long that they don’t even notice the other kids enter the room until they suddenly hear:

“Yo, Kris???????? What the heck is this thing????” Susie’s voice doesn’t startle them, but it is loud enough to get them to look up. Susie is standing next to their desk, looking at the display with genuine amazement thinly masked by disgust. She’s also loud enough to basically stop the whole class (who were all muttering amongst themselves about it anyway), which gives Kris only a second to gaze around the room before--

SLAM!

The door to the classroom slams shut, leaving one seat unoccupied.

Berdley’s.

“This thing’s got chocolate on it????” Susie continues to marvel at the display while Kris looks at the door, frowning. They feel...bad. It isn’t Berdley’s fault for trying to fit in with the other kids' proposals; he admitted to feeling like he needs to do more just to stand out enough for people to acknowledge him back in the Dark World. And this thing is really...thoughtful! The characters are all ones Kris typically mains, or ones they know Berdley mains, which means he remembers things about Kris. And the chocolate is a given, but it is nice to be able to stock their personal snack stash with some fancy stuff. Ultimately, it’s very sweet, and Kris can’t help but feel a little guilty for not saying anything immediately.

They turn and lock eyes with Ms. Alphys, who looks extremely out-of-depth with this situation. She makes a number of gestures from them to the door in a flustered way of saying I have absolutely no idea what the hell is going on please help me Kris I know I’m asking a lot of you but I don’t know how to deal with teenage angst I’m like thirty-five. They sigh, standing up and walking past Susie (but not before giving her a stare that warns her if a single chocolate bar is gone that they will be holding that over her until the day she dies) and following Berdly out the door.

It doesn’t take Kris very long to follow the trail of labored breathing to where Berdley is--in the abandoned classroom, hyperventilating as he teeters on a breakdown. Luckily, when Kris opens the door, it seems to put a halt to his spiralling because he just kind of...freezes. Like a deer caught in headlights. Or a Berdley caught in Kris-lights. Kris takes this moment to let the door shut behind them, trapping the two in here. Together.

“U-Uhhhhh, hi--he--Um. H-Hello, K-Kris…” Berdly attempts to put on his usual bravado, but his voice betrays him brutally by squeaking and cracking on every syllable. Kris can’t help the smile that comes to their face.

“Uh, hey,” they reply with a wave. Berdley continues to stand there and stare (almost like he wasn’t expecting Kris to care enough to follow him) before the present circumstances return to his mind and he begins breathing hard again.

“I-I-I-I, uh...I was. Um. J-Just, uh. G-Getting some fresh air! Y-Yes! The classroom can be s-so stuffy sometimes, I’m sure y-you--you, uh...you agree?” Berdley makes a valiant attempt at hiding his panic, which Kris almost takes pity on. But they don’t think the monster will feel any better if they just pretend what happened back there never happened.

“Yeah. I liked the display.” Kris says simply. Berdley stands stock-straight at that, looking even worse for wear in the “being normal and completely cool” department.

“O-Oh??????? That ol’ thing????? I, um--well I just--y-you see, I--uh. Um,” You can really hear the gears in his head turning as he attempts to come up with an excuse. “I-I-I just thought you w-would appreciate the craftsmanship of!!! A t-true artisan, such as myself!!! So, I!!! M-Made it!!! COMPLETELY PLATONICALLY, OF COURSE!!!! I-I would never imply that my intentions w-were anything other than for bro-sies, i--You didn’t read that whole card, did you?”

“I can’t read,” They mean this as a joke, but they can see Berdley seriously consider this for a second too long. “Dude, I’m dsylexic. I can’t really read cursive…” Berdley freezes up once more, which makes Kris realize they haven’t really projected that as loudly as they might’ve thought.

“Oh! Right! How could I forget! That you’re! Dsylexic!” Berdley’s smile is stapled to his face as he begins to rhythmically knock on his head. “And I! Wrote! That! Entire! Note! In! Cursive! Which! You! Can’t! Read!!!” Kris steps forward in an attempt to keep Berdley from bashing his own skull in, but that only makes Berdley more tense, so they take a step back. “I-I just--The note isn’t important! None of it’s important actually can we forget this interaction ever happened okay? Okay yes that’s great have a wonderful day Kris I will be returning home to sitinmyroomandneverreturntothecorporealrealmalrightgoodbyeforeverKris--” He attempts to sidestep around Kris and out the door, but is very easily intercepted.

“Stop.” Kris grabs him by the shoulders, which seems to shut him up for a second. “Can you just tell me what’s wrong?” Berdley gapes at them as his face steadily grows redder, which makes Kris feel as if there’s something on their face. But he quickly shakes it off, going from completely neurotic to...dejected.

“I just…” He starts, trailing off immediately. “You deserve to have a big proposal, same as everyone else. I-I see you in the back of the class, just...watching. And I, uh, felt it was time to...give you the spotlight! But that was silly of me, wasn’t it?” He looks off to the side at the floor, smiling sadly. “After all, who’d want to go to the dance with me…? I-I’m alone every year, standing in the background. Just kind of...taking it all in...and th-thinking about how it’d be...nice to be a part of it. But that’s...not probable. It was just nice to think about taking you to the dance because you’re--well, you’re nice to me, and you’re funny, and you actually listen to me when I’m talking, an-and you’re a good person and an incredible gaming legend...but I shouldn’t have put it all on you in front of everyone...I’m. I’m sorry, Kris.” He won’t make eye contact with the human, but Kris can still see the tears collecting in his eyes.

“Berdley, that’s stupid.” Kris says, which Berdley cringes at, “Why wouldn’t I wanna go with you?” That part is...not what Berdley was expecting. He looks up at Kris, unsure of where to go from here.

“U-Um…? Because of all the previously stated things? Like me being a complete loser who nobody likes?”

“I like you,” Kris replies immediately, leaving Berdley’s feathers sticking straight up as he flusters. “And I like your display. It’s...really sweet.”

“E-Even if you can’t read the note?” Berdley’s voice cracks.

“I mean, I could read the: WILL YOU GO WITH ME TO THE DANCE part, so, like. Yeah.” Kris shrugs. “Plus, you got me chocolate. Nice chocolate. Nobody...gets me things like that.” They smile, a light dusting of blush across their face. “I’ll go with you.” Berdley’s entire body seizes up for the third time, eyes wide and mouth agape.

“W-W-w-W-w-w-w-w-W-W-W-w-w-w-Wh-Wha-wh-w-w-wha-wha-w-wh-Wh-Wha-wh-Wha-wha-w-w-W-W-W--” Berdley continues to struggle with the word “what” for a solid minute and a half before he’s finally about to manage a: “What?!” Kris can’t help but laugh.

“I said that, Berdley,” at this, they move their grip from his shoulders to his hands, “I will go to the Sadie Hawkman’s dance with you.”

The circuits in Berdley’s brain struggle with this frequency for an extended moment before his face erupts in the giddiest smile Kris has ever seen the bird monster sport. He even begins to jump up and down, taking Kris along with him, as he cackles. It is a surprisingly cute display that Kris finds themselves blushing a bit at. It’s nice to be this...cared about.

“I-I--We have to start thinking of outfits immediately!” Berdley blurts out, returning to their usual demeanor. “I was thinking of some complimentary color schemes on the way to school today which I will be happy to show you at lunchtime. I’m also a master with a sewing machine, so if you are unable to procure an outfit that meets the color requirements, I would be delighted to take your measurements and--w-wait, don’t read into that phrasing, I just m-meant that I could make an outfit for you! B-But I’d need your measurements, and--Oh, goodness, hasn’t class started already, Kris?! We should head back, but--” He looks from the door to Kris and back again a few times before finally settling on something.

“I’lltalktoyouaboutthislaterseeyouinclassKris!!!!!” He says this right before he gives Kris a solitary peck on the cheek before bolting out of the abandoned classroom, leaving Kris blinking at the Berdley-shaped cloud he left behind. Their hand gently grazes the spot on their cheek--luckily not actually pecked by his beak, but more of a quick-kiss kind of peck--and feel their heart skip a beat.

Huh.

That’s...different.

They elect to not dwell on that feeling any longer and head back to class. They have to make sure Susie hasn’t eaten all of the chocolate on that display.

They wouldn’t want to make Berdley go through the trouble of re-proposing  just so they could rightfully claim their other sweet surprise.

[hockeynascarfan91258]

A/N: Please be kind and leave feedback. If you don’t like it keep scrolling and don’t be a troll and send hate anons! Hope you enjoy!

Banner made by me!

Eden had just moved to Pittsburgh and was loving her new job with the Penguins.    Despite being a southern bell and loving her Georgia Dawgs football she loved Hockey too.    She had a fun time dragging Chase to Canes games when they lived in Charlotte.   Much to his dismay she had all feeling Chase loved hockey too.   

It had only been a few months since she started and somehow as much as she tried to she couldn't help but fall for the charming Sidney Crosby.    She knew it was wrong to date a co worker especially the captain of the team but he wouldn't let up.    

Finally after months of him pursuing her and flirting Eden finally caved and let him take her out on a date.    That date ended up leading to a second and then a third.     And now she was getting ready for their fourth date and to make it official they were attending the Penguins Night of Assists which was their charity event they hosted every year.   It was disco themed this year and she was excited.  

She put on a blue dress and straightened her hair.  

She had a bag packed because she was going to stay at Sidney's house afterwards.   She grabbed said bag and headed down the hall just as a knock on her door.    She opened it finding Sid standing there looking as handsome as ever.

"Damn baby." Eden says breathless.

"I could say the same thing about you." Sid says kissing her cheek.

"Does it look okay?   Is it disco enough?" Eden asks.

"Eden baby it's fine.  You look beautiful and I'm so happy you will be on my arm and we can make it official." Sid says.

"Are you sure about this?   I don't want to loose my job." Eden says.

"You aren't going to.   There is no rule that says trainers or staff cannot date the players.   It's fine." Sid replies.

"If you say so." Eden says.

"Trust me there it's not the first and it won't be the last." Sid says.

She shook her head as she grabbed her overnight bag.    She grabbed her purse and made sure she had everything.   Phone, keys, money and extra make up.  

"Okay I think I have everything:" Eden says.

"Well then madam our chariot awaits." Sid says holding out his arm.

Eden loops her arm in his and they head out to the limo waiting for them.    Sid hands her bag to the driver who puts it int the trunk.    Sid opens the door for her and Eden slides on in.    Kris Letang was sitting in there dressed in his outfit.

"Hi Kris, sorry didn't realize that you would be here with us.   But should have known because you two are joined at the hip." Eden says.

"Hi Eden, and if you only knew." Kris says smirking at her.

She laughs shaking her head as Sid climbs in beside her.

"I am so happy that you are coming with me and we are making it official.    But before we do there is something you should know." Sid says.

"Are we telling her now?" Kris asks.

"Telling me what?" Eden asks looking between the two boys.

"Yes she deserves to know the truth and then she can make the decision on what happens next.    I trust her enough that no matter what she choices she will not say anything." Sid replies.

"Okay you guys what is going on?" Eden asks.

"Well you see Eden me and Kris well we are a package deal." Sid says.

"'Meaning?" Eden asks.

"Meaning Sid and I are bisexual.   We are in a relationship and have been since like 2009.    We are looking for our unicorn someone to share our life and our love." Kris says.

"Yes exactly so like I said we are a package deal meaning if you date me you have to date Kris too." Sid says

Eden sat there in shock.   

"Can you handle that?" Kris asks.

"Yes Eden say something please?" Sid begs.

"So I would be dating both of you at the same time.    Wouldn't that make me a whore?" Eden asks.

"No baby girl, it would be a poly relationship between you, me and Kris.   But you are not a whore." Sid says.

"Absolutely not." Kris says.

"And whatever I do with either of you wouldn't be considered cheating on the other?" Eden asks.

"Nope not at all." Both Kris and Sid reply.

"Okay I am willing to give it a try.   Remember I have never done anything like this before so I am new to this." Eden says.

"So are we.   Yes we both hooked up with other girls but never anything long term and we both never wanted to be with the same girl before until you."  Sid replies.

"So you guys hooked up with girls and are together?" Eden asks.

"Yes.   Kris and I have been seeing each other since 2009.   But we have to keep the appearance up that we aren't Bi.   Not that I am ashamed to be with him because I am not but no one can know." Sid says.

"Yeah the NHL wouldn't take it well if their face came out as Bi.   But to answer your question yes we used to hook up with girls.   None of them ever knew about me and Sid until you." Kris says.

"You both are pretty hot and I really really really like Sid so if I have to accept you Kris into this relationship then I will.   However I have a few stipulations." Eden says.

"I would be shocked if you didn't sweetheart." Sid says.

"What are they?" Kris asks.

"One: Sid and I go out like a normal couple and every so often Kris you can go with us we can make it look like we are hanging with our friend, two we all get tested for STI's and HIV regularly." Eden starts.

"We get tested every three months.   Also Kris and I are on a HIV medicine have been for a while because lord knows we both hate wearing condoms." Sid says.

"Well good because I am on birth control." Eden says.

"Good is that all?" Kris asks.

"Yes.   Now I have my apartment will I be staying there or what?" Eden asks.

"Maybe for a bit but then you can slowly move in with us." Sid says.

"You guys live together and that hasn't risen any red flags?" Eden asks.

"Oh no I have a house here but I stay at Sid's a lot so you might as well say I live there." Kris replies.

"Okay.   Then we are all in agreement." Eden says.

"Yes and I am so excited." Sid replies kissing her pulling her into his lap.

"Yeah I am happy too." Kris says chuckling.

"We are here." Eden says noticing they had just pulled up in front of PPG Paints arena.

The limo door opens and Eden climbs off Sid's lap and climbs out.    A few minutes later Sid get's out.      Kris  follows suit and they head inside.     They stop and get a picture together.    They then head into the main area.

"Baby I have a lot to do for the event.   Go have fun." Sid says.

"Okay I will come find you in a bit at whatever table you are at." Eden says.

"I will like that.   Laters baby." Sid says planting a small kiss on her lips.

Eden smiled.    She then goes and finds a chair to sit on.    It was in the Wag section near the bar.   She ordered herself a glass of wine.    He phone buzzed it was Chase.

"Hey what are you up to?" Chase texts.

"At the Night of the Assists with Sid." Eden texts back.

"Oh like a date, date?"  Chase asks.

"Yes Chase like a date, date.   But don't worry okay.   No one will ever take your spot in my life.  You are my ride or die and no one will ever change that." Eden replies.

"I know just be careful please.    I don't trust him." Chase says.

"I know and I will." Eden says.

"Have fun and enjoy your night.   I miss you." Chase says.

"I miss you too.   I have to work the 16th but as soon as I am done I am heading to the airport and flying to Daytona." Eden says.

"Awesome, you can stay at the coach with me, if you want to." Chase says.

"Sounds good to me,  I will text you the flight info and times." Eden says.

"Okay, because I will fly back with you.   Maybe attend a game or two?" Chase asks.

"Would love that.   Then you can meet Kris too." Eden replies.

"Okay.   Well go have fun.   Talk later." Chase says.

"Yes definitely talk later :)." Eden replies.

"Text me when you get home.   I love you." Chase says.

"I will and I love you more Clyde." Eden replies.

She then puts her phone back into her purse.    She sips her wine.     Some of the Wags come over and introduce their selves after seeing her come in on Sidney's arm.    They seemed to be nice and she started to let loose and have fun.

**********************************************

Chase had just gotten home from the shop after spending the day getting the cars ready to roll to Daytona.    He fixed dinner and then texted Eden.    He was so happy she was going to come to Daytona but since he started racing in NASCAR she always came to the big  races.      There was a knock on his door.    He opens it finding his other best friend Ryan Blaney standing there.  Fletch was so happy to see him.

"I think he likes seeing someone other then your ugly face from time to time." Ryan says chuckling.

He got down and was petting Fletch.

"Ha ha fuck off." Chase says flipping him the middle finger.

"Now now now is that anyway for a Georgia Peach to talk?" Ryan asks.

They both then let out laughs like hyenas.

"What's up?" Chase asks.

"Wanted to come hang.   Maybe race the Stimulator and prepare for Daytona." Ryan says as he helps himself to a beer.

"Sounds good." Chase says.

"What has got you so happy?" Ryan asks.

"I was just texting with Eden and she is coming to Daytona and I am so happy.   She is going to stay with me and Fletch  in the coach and then we are going to go visit her in Pittsburgh for a few days." Chase says.

At the sound of her name Fletch looked up ears perked looking for her.  

"That is good.   Will you finely tell her how you feel?" Ryan asks.

"She has a boyfriend Ryan.   Besides we are just friends and have been for 20 years man I don't want to ruin that." Chase says.

"Dude if you don't tell her, how are you gonna know how she feels?   Besides if you don't I don't think you will ever find someone and be happy." Ryan replies.

"I don't know we will see."  Chase says.

"Okay you know I will support you either way.    I adore Eden." Ryan says.

"I know, I think everyone does.   She likes you too.   You are my only racing friend that she actually enjoys talking to and hanging out with when she is around." Chase says.

"I am touched." Ryan says.

Chase rolls his eyes laughing.     They then headed into the room where the stimulators were.    Ryan takes a seat in one and Chase in the other and they start to race.     

Hours later they finished playing and Ryan was a few beers in so he decided to crash at Chase's and not risk driving.   Chase let Fletch out and made sure he had fresh water.    He then headed into his room.    He got changed and climbed into bed.    Fletch hopped up on the bed beside him.    

"Guess what Fletch Eden is coming to see us in Daytona." Chase says scratching his ears.

Fletch wagged his tail and got excited.

"I know boy I am excited too." Chase says.

He looked at his phone.   It was almost midnight and still no text from Eden.   

"Hope you made it home safe and sound from your event.   Text me and let me know.    Love you and see you soon.   :D." Chase texted her.

"Also Fletch says Hi and that he cannot wait to see you either. 

Attachment sent."

Chase put his phone on the charger and set it down.    He had a lot to do tomorrow to get ready to head to Daytona.

Chase and Fletch 

********************* 

It was a little after midnight when the charity event wound down.   Eden had a good time and she even got Sid out on the dance floor much to everyone's surprise.      Sid leads her out to the limo and opens the door.    She climbs in followed by Sid and then Kris.

"Did you have fun?" Sid asks.

"I did.   I had a good time." Eden says.

"That is good.   I am glad." Sid replies.

"Yeah you got Sid out on the dance floor something no one has ever done." Kris says.

"Well I am glad that I did." Eden replies.

"Yeah I had a blast tonight." Sid says.

"Good.   Oh before I forget after the game on the 16th, I am leaving to fly to Daytona." Eden says.

"Oh, what is going on in Daytona?" Kris asks.

"Chase is racing the Daytona 500 and I never miss it." Eden says.

"Okay." Sid says not happy.

"Look if this is going to work you will have to not be jealous of Chase.   He is my best friend and like you and Kris are a package deal, Chase and I are a package deal." Eden says.

"Okay but I don't like it.   He wants to jump your bones and I don't trust him." Sid replies.

"Stop it.   We are friends period.   We have been friends for 20 years." Eden says rolling her eyes.

"I want to meet this Chase guy." Kris says.

"You will because after the race he is coming here to spend a few days with me here." Eden replies.

"Okay." Kris and Sid both say.

They finally arrive at Sid's house and the Limo drops them off.   Sid gets Eden's bag out of the trunk and they all head inside.       It was really late and Sid and Kris would have practice later that next day so they head up to the master bedroom.      Eden pulls her phone out of her purse.   She saw Chase had sent her a text and a picture.

"I am home safely Clyde.   Love you more." Eden replies.

" Also tell Fletch hi for me, give him all the belly rubs and kiss his little nose for me.   Tell him Eden loves him and cannot wait to see him."   Eden replies back to the picture.

She then grabs her charger and plugs her phone in.   She unpacks her bag.   That was when Sid came up behind her kissing her neck.

"I have been dying to get you out of that dress since the moment I laid eyes on you." Sid says.

“I’ve been dying to get you out of those tight ass pants. They don’t hide anything.” Eden says.

“God Eden.” Sid moans as he pulls you closer to him.

What baby?” Eden smiles,

“My darling Eden ,” Sid whispers, kissing her face sweetly.

Sid unzips her dress as she motioned for him to pick her up, legs wrapped around his waist, kissing his lips slowly, hands running through his greyish dark hair. Pulling at it so she could press wet kisses to his neck, his hands gripped onto the underside of her ass as he hoisted her farther up his body, dress falling down to the floor, mouth still attached to his pale skin while he walked her over to the dresser.

Trying her best to pull him on top of her , he knelt between her open legs, peppering kisses to them while she covered her face with bashfulness of the attention she was receiving and the fact she was in nothing but her bra and panties while both Sid and Kris looked on fully clothed

“What’re you shy?” Sid joked while kissing her ankle, her leg in his grip,

“No,” Eden groaned while his hand met her waistband of the lacy underwear she was wearing.

Just I’m practically naked and you too have far to many clothes on.,” Eden moaned out while his fingers danced over her clothed pussy.

Sid chuckled at her statement, however that could quickly change and in a blink of an eye it did. Kris and Sid both stripped in an erotic sexy strip tease.

“You are awfully quiet Kristopher.” Sid says.

“Just enjoying the show.” Kris replies.

Sid nods.

“I love you so much Eden and I’m glad we are official to the world now,” Sid cooed, while pushing down the cups of her bra , exposing her tits to the cool room air, Sid watched as she squirmed at the new sensation of the cold air against her nipples.

“ I love you too Sid and I am glad too,” Eden moaned while using the heel of her foot to push Sid closer to her.

Sid happily obliged in pressing his body against hers. Feeling him hard against her stomach only spurred her on more.

“ Tell me what you want,” Sid spoke quietly in your ear, his scruff prickling the side of her neck, drawing a whimper from her throat.

“Please, Please,” Eden whimpered while bucking her hips towards his cock.

Within a swift motion your legs were placed on Sid’s shoulders, heels pressed to his back while he teased her clit. In seconds her panties were shredded to pieces. Now his head leveled with her swollen pussy, he placed small kisses on her inner thighs, biting slowly on the plush of them. Eden’s back was arched up as she waited for him to give you more, “Sidney , stop teasing me,” Eden pleaded, his fingers rest near her parted mouth, she turned her neck to the left to take his rough fingers into her mouth, hallowing her cheeks as if his fingers were a cock.

“Fuck Eden.” Sid moans.

“Good good.” Kris moans stroking himself watching.

“Loving the view Letang?” Eden asks.

“Fuck yes.” Kris says.

Shifting down her body, Sidney’s mouth became attached to her clit, his tongue moving in circles while he forced her hips down with his strong forearm, his ring and middle finger entered her. Moaning out with zero volume control, Sid chuckled against her pussy, gladly excepting her juices running down his lips.

“Oh my god!” Eden moaned out, “Mouth’s so good Sid ,” Eden whined, fingers lacing in his dark hair while she rocked her hips into his mouth.

“Doing so good baby,” Sid praised as she began to shake with over stimulation.

Even though he had only eaten her out a few times, however, Sid swore he could eat her pussy all day, his large hand gripped onto her ribs, before his fingers began to pinch her nipples.

“Fuck Sid!” Eden moaned while he brought her to another orgasm, his fingers rolling her clit, tongue fucking her entrance.

“ I want your cock, please,” Eden moaned while shutting her legs.

Sid’s head shot up with a grin, his eyes opened wide and mouth dripping with her.

“Do you baby? Will this cock, make you feel so full,” Sid teased, slapping her ass with his large hand, drawing a groan from her.

“Come here babe and get a taste.” Sid says.

Kris comes over and Sid pulls him in for a kiss. Kris sucks away some of the juices still on his tongue.

“Damn tastes so good..” Kris groans.

Eden giggled as Sid picked her up, trying to get her on the bed as quickly as possible.

“Bed now Crosby!” Eden teased.

Sid laughed at her while throwing his head back, “Eager little thing,” he teased back, as he moved.

As soon as he placed her down on the insanely large bed she took to her knees, kneeling in front of Sid. She then took his heavy cock in her hands, while she slowly ran her thumb over his leaking tip.

“Jesus Christ Eden,” Sid hissed.

Eden locked eyes with Kris as held Sids cock in her hands, she then twisted her wrists in the way she knew drove him insane.

“Damn.” Kris moans as he mimicked her movements almost cumming right there.

Eden then darted her tongue out of her mouth, pressing it to Sid’s cock.

Fuck Damn,” Kris groans at the sight.

“You are one lucky bastard Crosby.” Kris adds.

“We are both lucky bastards baby.” Sid says.

Eden laughed as she ran her hands up Sid abs, right before spitting onto his shaft and taking him into her mouth.

They could hear Kris shifting in his spot while a string of curse words left his mouth as Sidney praised Eden.

“Stroke yourself babe,” Sid chuckled.

Kris came closer so Sid and Eden could see him jerk himself off. Eden hands were behind her back as she took Sid down her throat, her throat slightly contracted around his thick cock. He moaned when he felt her choke on him, his moans filled the air.

Gripping tightly on the back of your hair, Sid began to manipulate her mouth on his cock. Edens hands were pressed to his hips to keep herself steady, wet sounds filled the air as she tried her best to take all of him.

Sid pulled back abruptly, making her gasp for air, tipping back her head, “Go help Kris ,” he urged, Eden whined pathetically.

Kris came over to her his cock in her face.

“Hi baby girl,” Kris cooed, his large hand stroking his cock. Pumping it for her.

“Mhmm,” Eden moaned while watching him, bottom lip pressed between her teeth.

“Suck it baby just like you did to Sid,” Kris begs.

Eden spit on his shaft before taking it slowly into her mouth at first. She hollowed out her cheeks as she did. Kris threw his head back in pleasure.

As Eden sucked Kris off she felt Sid playing with her hair, hands pressed to her lower back.

“God baby this mouth is going to make me cum. Are you ready to swallow my load pretty girl?” Kris asks.

Eden nods her need all while reaching for Sid’s cock behind her, she was squirming on her knees from how wet you she was , needy for relief and horny as hell needing to be fucked.

“Fuck,” Kris moaned, picking up the speed of his his thrusts while watching as Sid bent her over, hands gripped tight onto the sheets in front of her, were Kris was kneeling.

Moaning at Kris pulling her hair as she was flushed with his cock.

Sid’s cock bumped her ass, he dropped to his knees to taste her once more, before lining himself up with her entrance.

Eden took Kris all the way down choking as he thrusted.

“Fuck god damn fuck.” Kris calls out as he came straight down her throat.

Eden swallowed every drop and then proceeded to kick him clean. Kris pulls back needed time to recover.

Kris pulls Sid in for a kiss as Sid thrusted into her deeply, his hands squeezing her ass as she dropped herself onto his cock. His hands spread apart her ass as he fucked you.

“Think she can take us both?” Kris asks.

“I think so. Let’s find out.” Sid moans.

Kris didn’t waste no time he thrusted inside her as well. They kissed as they held their cooks together thrusting into her.

With every thrust Eden could feel them get deeper, one of their tips kissing her g spot every time she dropped herself deeper onto them. Sid and Kris moans were wild behind her, the sound of her two boys moaning was near religious, Kris’s deeper moans and Sid’s gasps.

They watched as her tits bounced with each of their thrusts, they watched while they each gripped tighter to her hips.

“Sid, Kris oh my fucking god,” Eden moaned.

Sid gripped a chunk of her hair, pulling her back to meet their thrusts, she didn’t trust herself to keep balance at the rate they were fucking you,

“Sidney ... i’m gonna,” Eden was cut off by a moan coming from the back of her throat.

“M’ sorry can I please cum,” Eden corrected herself.

“Why don’t you ask Kris.” Sid chuckled as they continued pounding into her.

“Kris please” Eden moaned.

Kris was mocking and chuckling at her whining, she could feel that they were both just as close as she was to cumming.

“But you look so good like this,” Kris spoke finally, “Just wanna watch you forever,” he groaned.

“You take Our cocks so good eh?” Sid teased while still not giving her the word, “Stretching out this pretty pussy?” he spoke to himself,.

“Yes,” Eden rasped out, “I love both your cocks,” Eden whined.

Kris pulled her hair back and sucked on her neck, grazing his teeth over her pulse point.

“Cum for us pretty girl,” Sid rasped out.

Eden happily obliged. Sid and Kris groan as they pump her full of their cum. When they could finally move they pull out. Kris goes and grabs stuff to wipe them all off and clean.! He then throws them in then hamper before joining them both in bed.

Post orgasm Eden was laying on Sid’s chest, finger nails running up it. His hand was pressed flat to your face, stroking your cheek with thumb.

“You did so good baby. How do you feel?” Sid asks.

“Sedated.” Eden says.

“How does it feel down there? Kris asks knowing they were both pretty big.

“Sore but I need to become adjusted to your sizes.” Eden says eyes fluttering.

“Yes you do. And you will. Now get some sleep baby girl.” Sid says kissing her head.

“Yes close those pretty eyes and sleep.” Kris says kissing her back.

Eden closed her eyes and was out pretty quickly. It didn’t take Kris and Sid long to follow.

First picture is The story banner, second picture is Eden in her dress, third and fourth are Sid and Kris in their outfits. Fifth and sixth is Chase Elliott and his Dog Fletch.

[sunsetofdoom]

i can’t go on living as i am

(Credit for the word ‘badzuriqash’ goes to @fluffynexu​ and her sith wildlife post)

Taking the lift up to the fiftieth floor, Nan stepped into Lord Kris’ Dromund Kaas apartment for the first time. Having lived in her benefactor’s Korriban estate for ten years before being sent to the Academy, the decor was intimately familiar- ancient artefacts, Sith Pureblood art and sculpture, cultural and religious relics in between the many books on every shelf. The walls painted red, soft yellow light just bright enough to read by.

The motion detector took in her presence, and an opera’s overture began to play from the wall speakers at an unobtrusive volume. Nan noted somewhere in the back of her mind that it was a newer rendition of Grothalde en Annasti, probably under heavy revision. Ducking her head, she kept her horns from knocking into a chandelier to find herself in the sitting room. She was intensely conscious of where she put her hands, her feet, her horns; the same clutter of expensive things in the Korriban estate had been hell as a bullish apprentice, neither graceful nor used to small spaces. This residence was even more cramped.

“Master.” She bowed to the Sith Pureblood woman resting in a chair opposite the door.

“Ah-” Anzhel Kris stood, not even coming up to Nan’s shoulders. Her facial tendrils curled in comfort and pleasure. She grinned, creasing the smile lines around her mouth that betrayed her age to be in her hundred-teens. “My dear girl. You’re here.”

Unsure of herself, Nan bowed again. A nervous pride bloomed in her breast. She was. She’d made it- she was apprenticed to a Darth, stationed on Dromund Kaas, soon to be discharged to the wider galaxy.

She had proved Lord Kris right.

Putting her hands on Nan’s broad shoulders- reaching up to do so- Lord Kris looked at her with awe. “You really have done magnificently. Come all this way- I can’t believe your progress. And to think of what a mess you were just a few short years ago!”

“Thank you, my Master,” Nan murmured, averting her eyes. Praise from Lord Kris always made her feel stupid and wary, wondering what was coming next.  “It was your training.”

Lord Kris reached up, tapping her cheek with two red, black-clawed fingers. “None of that, now. You have another Master. A real, true Sith Master who’s going to make you a Lord one of these days.”

Her gaze still roving over the artefacts all along the shelves- was that a replica of Darth Marsere’s funereal statue?- Nan lifted her head with slight pride. A Lord. She would be. She’d worked so hard.

“Come now,” Lord Kris drew back, straightening her robes. “We’ll take tea in the solarium, listen to the rain. How have you found Dromund Kaas?”

Turned left at Telos, Nan thought but didn’t say. Apparently that mouthy little Twi’lek was rubbing off on her. “The rain is lovely. After so long on Korriban...”

She kept a mind to her pronunciation; with Vette, Lord Kris’ carefully-cultivated Kaasi accent had begun to slip, letting her native Dathomirian drawl creep back into her words. She was lucky her home language’s drawled vowels and dropped consonants mimicked a Ziost accent. At least she sounded vaguely normal.

“Oh, I have to wash the moment I get off that horrid planet.” Lord Kris reassured her. “I’m on my way to another dig just tomorrow, they’ve unearthed the tomb of one of Terrak Morrhage’s lovers-”

“One of,” Nan commented, her voice dry. “How many does this make? Fourteen?” A pang of anxiety struck her low in the gut at her own observation.

Lord Kris tossed her head back, her laugh nobly cultivated to be bell-like and charming. “The man really couldn’t keep it to himself, could he? And if he’d been half as good at subterfuge as he was at genetic engineering, his wife might not have killed them all. We think this one was poisoned.”

“Unusually subtle.” Entering the solarium, Nan ducked her head under the doorway so as not to bump her horns. It was a nice room- not as cluttered, the lights blue-tinted, the rain making soft noises against the enormous windows. There was a table between the two seats, set with dishes.

At the counter stood a slave, a blank-eyed and unhealthily pale Human girl. Her hands were busy with tea and biscuits and small sandwiches.

“It is, isn’t it? My hypothesis is that he was higher-ranking than some of the other little conquests, so she had to be a bit less blatant. We’ve found carvings around the doorway-”

Lord Kris kept up her talk about her new discovery as Nan went to the counter. Without speaking, she dismissed the slave and took over preparing Her Lordship’s tea, her hands falling into the familiar motion of measuring the leaves and the water.

“And he might be descended from the Mherinel line, which we should be able to prove with a scan of the remains- of course that’s assuming we get so far into the tomb, with all the traps undisturbed it should be quite the adventure- where is my tea, you tiresome girl?” She asked, her voice ringing with mirth in a way that Nan associated with days full of bustle and cheer.

“Here, M-” Nan swallowed back the familiar title. “My lord.”

“That’s a good girl. What are my other forms of address?” She picked and quizzed, as usual, tucking her slippered feet up under her on the lounge sofa.

Nan thought for just a moment, balancing the teapot and the sweetsand biscuits on the tray. “Countess. Your Lordship. My Lord Countess, in a letter.” Nan listed, timing each word with a step so as not to spill the tea. “Your familial title- Right Honorable Lord Kris, Countess Kris of her associated estates, Professor Kris...”

“Now you’re just showing off,” Lord Kris said merrily. “Well done, well done. Now sit.” She waved her hand at the seat across, and Nan set the tray down with great trepidation before taking her place where indicated.

They took tea with careful bites and pointed conversation, discussing Lord Kris’ new assigned unit with Reclamations, her great regret that her favorite researcher, Drellik, had been poached off to study something in an icy wasteland instead of Korriban’s deserts.

Nan made her laugh twice. She counted each as a personal victory, dearer to her than any battlefield conquest.

The tea and conversation both nearly exhausted, Nan set her cup down. “Have you gotten your proposed genetics paper off the ground yet?”

Lord Kris sat back, crossing her legs. “Oh, I can’t get anyone to touch it. Can you imagine, any Sith worth their title daring to attach their name to a hypothesis that ancient Sith Pureblood willingly bred with savages, thus making planet-bound Dathomirian natives the last true bastion of un-muddled Sith blood? The Dark Council would be out for my guts. I’d disappear, and any who dared stand with me would go too... But I know. I’ll always know.” Moving fluidly, she pushed herself up until she was standing.

On reflex, Nan mirrored her and got to her feet, feeling the tension in the air rise until it crackled.

Almost floating around the table, her face serene, Lord Kris reached up to touch her cheek. “That’s why I found you, and why you’ve come so far. All these things-” She gestured, and Nan knew what she spoke of. She’d heard the lectures for years. Their similar hunting adaptations, strong limbs, carnivorous diet, claws and teeth. Nan, evolutionarily designed to pursue rancors on the plains and steppes of Dathomir; Anzhel equally equipped for a long life tracking badzuriqash from oasis to oasis on Korriban. “All these things that make us the same, that make us strong. This is why I pulled you out of the gutter.” Her long, sharpened claws nicked Nan’s jawbone.

Nan sucked in a breath. Held it. Something boiled inside her, something that brewed hotter at every moment she spent in her patron- her owner- her mentor’s presence. The alarm bell went off in her head that she was in danger.

Some echo of the mouthy Twi’lek girl in her head said, why not?

“No,” Nan contradicted in a slow and dreamy voice, some part of herself horrified by what she was tempting down onto her head. “You’re wrong. I pulled myself out of the gutter.”

Lord Kris’ eyes held hers, hypnotic with their bright gold irises and deep red sclera. Her pupils were pinpricks despite the low light.

Her Lordship, Countess of Her Associated Estates, Professor Anzhel Kris slapped her ward across the face. Compared to other strikes she had delivered, it was an almost gentle motion. Nan turned her head to the side, moving with the blow, but it still raked her lip across her teeth. 

The shock of it was worse than the taste of blood. Nan bowed her head, shaking.

“Oh, well said, my girl!” She whispered around an enormous smile, trembling with laughter and rage. She reached up to touch Nan’s chin, making her jerk with the expectation of lightning.

Bright eyes filled Nan’s vision, dazzling her, making her blink- and then Lord Kris, Countess of her Associated Estates, was gone in a swirl of robes, heading for the doorway on quick and silent steps. “Well said. Do give Baras my regards- I believe he has some business for you in the Temple.”

[odderancyart]

Alright y’all here’s my first attempt at Deltarune-fanfiction starring teen Papyrus (must heal soul), Lancer, and the Duke of Puzzles.

Edit: OH! And thank you to everyone who came with assistance for how to write Roulx-dialogue!

”Um, sorry, but who are you?”

Papyrus stared down at the small… bubble grinning up at him from the small staircase outside of their house. Their face was covered by a hood, and they were quite ace-y. A small blue tongue stuck out between their teeth. Next to them, a tall, blue man with white hair, wearing a fancy suit, smiled at him.

“He is Prince Lancer and I amst the Duke of Puzzles, Roulx Kaard. Worm Kris hath said thee shall be babysit the Prince as I wend to see our former Lorde King to receiveth the custody of his son, who shalt soon be mineth,” the tall man exclaimed.

Papyrus’ mouth fell open as he stared at the tall, grinning man. Sure, Kris had said they had a friend who needed babysitting, and he had agreed because of course he always wanted to help, but what. As he cleared his throat to gather his words, the duke ushered the kid inside. “Behaveth, Prince.”

The door slammed closed in Papyrus’ face just as the kid stumbled in. Blinking, he rubbed his neck, and turned around to see the kid – Lancer – stare up at him, still grinning widely. He fiddled with the scarf around his neck as he returned the smile, unsure what to do now. He’d never babysat before, and especially not a prince. But he was friends with Kris and Susie so…

“Hello,” he greeted, waving awkwardly. “I’m Papyrus. Papyrus the Skeleton.”

Lancer weighed on his feet, waving back. “You’re a friend of Susie’s?”

“O-oh, yes,” Papyrus stuttered, surprised. “I… think so?” He hoped Susie and Kris considered him a friend, they often were together all three of them, but they’d never called him their friend, so he couldn’t know for sure.

The kid beamed. “Cool! Want to listen to my MP3?”

“Sure!” Papyrus felt his confidence rise as Lancer cheered and bounced over to the black couch, picking up an MP3 from the bag he had slung over his back. With a few long steps, Papyrus sank down next to him, and grabbed the earphone he was handed. A long fart-noise immediately bombarded his hearing, much like his brother’s whoopee cushion.

For a moment, he stiffened, but when he glanced down at Lancer to see if he was teasing him, he found the other staring at him with unbridled delight. Relaxing into the couch, he smiled at Lancer. “You must play this for my brother, Sans. He’d love it.”

“Oh!” Lancer rocked in excitement, and Papyrus’ smile grew. Aw.

Fifteen minutes later, once the mix of cartoon noises finally ended, Papyrus pulled out the earplug. “That was fun!” Lancer chirped like a happy bird, and Papyrus almost cooed. He glanced at the clock. “But it’s time for a snack! What do you want?”

“Worms!”

Papyrus blinked. “Well!” he said, standing up. “I don’t have that! But! I have apple slices and dark chocolate!”

“That’ll do.” Jumping down from the couch, Lancer threw the MP3 on the couch and raced over toward the kitchen. Grinning, Papyrus followed, their footsteps loud against the stone floor.

…

Hours later, it knocked on the door. Papyrus twitched, looking away from the racing game he and Lancer were playing, and Lancer cheered as he bypassed Papyrus in his distraction. It knocked on the door again. Lancer yowled in protest as he pressed pause and stood up, stretching his spine. They’d been sitting at the floor the past hour playing, leaning against the couch, and now it ached.

Lancer mashed another fistful of chocolate into his mouth as Papyrus glanced up at the clock. Five PM. Wowie, the other had been here long. It didn’t feel like it. “It’s probably your… the duke,” he said, smiling even as his stomach dropped. He’d had fun. A shame it had to end so soon.

Standing up as well, Lancer nodded, though he glanced back at the game as they made their way over to the front door. Just as it knocked again, Papyrus opened it, and came face to face with the duke, who still had his fist raised. His eyes immediately flickered down to Lancer, who had hid his hands behind his back and grinned up at him with his chocolate-covered mouth.

“Greetings, bastard child, worm,” he said loudly, his expression solemn. Then the seriousness slipped off his face as he knelt before Lancer, and Papyrus couldn’t help his smile as the duke fought his own before eventually giving up and smiling at Lancer. “I amst nay longer thy lesser dad, but thy only father, young prince.”

At first, Lancer didn’t move. He looked like he’d frozen in place, Papyrus noted, his brow wrinkling in concern. Then he let out a small shriek, and the duke stumbled backwards as a small ball of blue threw itself around his neck. Papyrus’ soul skipped a beat as he watched them, his smile so big his cheeks were starting to hurt.

Soon, the kid freed himself slightly, moving so he was sitting on top of one of the duke’s legs. “Does that mean I can use tier two swears now?”

“It doeth not.” Lancer pouted as the duke put him down and stood tall again, towering over Papyrus’ head. “We shall wend home to the Puzzle Residence, Lancer. Sayeth thy goodbyes.”

Lancer twisted around, finger gunning Papyrus. “You’re pretty cool, my sweet peach.”

“You too!” Papyrus replied, waving goodbye and beaming down on Lancer. His soul fluttered at the compliment. He loved compliments! Then he looked back up on the duke, and hesitated for a moment before bracing himself. “Ifyou’rethedukeofpuzzleswouldyouliketolookatsomeofmine.” He inhaled deeply, clasping his hands behind his back as he waited. His soul pounded in his ears as he waited for answer.

The duke’s eyes narrowed as he processed the quick words before he smiled crookedly. “Gladly, friend of worm Kris. I shalt grant thee mine own expertise within the nobleth art of puzzlemaking.”

“Thank you!” He could hardly believe that had worked. He was sure to learn lots from someone with such a title!

The duke grasped Lancer’s hand, and Lancer waved as they stepped down from the porch. Papyrus eagerly waved back.

“I shalt alloweth thee to knoweth at which hour I has’t timeth,” the duke promised, and he nodded happily.

“I look forward to it! Bye, Lancer!” In the corner of his eye, Papyrus saw a shape in the window of the grocery store. Turning his head, he saw Sans watching them – spying at them, grinning. He narrowed his eyes, and after ensuring Lancer wasn’t looking, stuck his tongue out at his older brother.

“Dad! We played a super mega cool racing game!” was the last thing he heard before he closed the door behind himself, leaning against it as he exhaled slowly. A whole day of socializing! And it had went well! Wowie.

[queenslasharchive]

Believe

A gift for @chaoskirin, never stop believing. 

“I believe in Santa Claus

Like I believe in love

I believe in Santa Claus

And everything he does

There’s no question in my mind

That he does exist

Just like love I know he’s there

Waiting to be missed…”

A long long time ago, in the land of ice and snow, there was once an ivory-haired foundling left on the steps of a winsome little cottage in the center of an ever-wintery forest. 

Why ever-wintery you may ask? 

Well, it was a place where snowflakes never stopped falling, where rivers never broke apart into grue. A place where it could be Christmas Day all year round, everything imbued with a certain sort of magic. 

That little cottage in the wood, made of strong sturdy arctic firs and draped with gossamer strings of icicles, the sort that almost looked like the trailing strings of fairy-lights and tinsel, to grace the pine boughs of a Christmas tree decades later… belonged to a family of tiny elves by the name of Kringle, toymakers by trade and a burgeoning family by choice. 

They called their new baby boy, Nicholas. 

The world would come to know him as Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, and Kris Kringle. 

But three wan boys with big dreams and empty pockets, would come to know him as John Richard Deacon, their Deaky. 

-X-

Strangely enough THE Santa Claus, was rarely, if ever, at the North Pole (which on a map, was actually called Polaris).  

He could usually be found fixing something in the apartment he shared with his bandmates, a wrench held between his teeth as he tinkered away. He had been building and inventing toys since he was in the cradle, so the process of creation was nothing new to him. Yet he would still be at a loss for words when Roger would trot over, as John was laying flat on his back, fixing their shitty fridge once again, and plopped down, straddling his stomach. (Which was not round and jiggly like a ‘bowl full of jelly’, thank you very much, modern culture. He was sort of chubby yeah, not gonna deny that. But dear lord, every caricature depicted him as some obese old man. It was almost enough to give him a body complex. Almost).

“Hey Deaky?”

Rog started with that annoyingly inquisitive tone of his and John merely grunted at the knee in his ribs. 

“How did you learn to fix stuff like this?”

Because I was raised by toy-making Keebler elves in a magical winter-wonderland forest. 

“Practice.”

Roger asked a lot of questions like that. 

Most people liked to write him off as the dumb blonde of the band, (obviously there to do little more than pose and look pretty, while playing on his kit or laying on an album cover), but in practice, Rog was anything but. 

“Hey Deaky?” 

John hummed as Roger’s hand stilled from where it had been carving through his long pale ponytail, bushy as ever in the confines of it’s scrunchie. 

“I’ve been meaning to ask, why is your hair all white? Are you albino?” Ever the biology major.

Magic, Roger. 

“I dunno, I was born with it.”

Which wasn’t to say that Brian and Freddie didn’t ask difficult questions as well, but they were rarer events. Most of his quirks he could easily explain away to them. Like Fred when he shoved eight cookies into his mouth at once. The impatient boy was just lucky they were still soft out of the oven, or he probably would’ve choked to death and they’d be out a lead singer for the band. 

As it stood, Freddie flopped over the arm of their couch’s nasty love-seat, hands folded over his mouth, making several guttural sounds better suited to a porno than a reaction to baked goods. 

“Good, huh? Or are those just the sounds of despair?”

Freddie made a noise that sounded a bit like how Cookie Monster must have in the throes of passion. 

“Funny, the way you go on, I’d always thought you could fit more in your mouth.”

He caught a faceful of moist towelettes for his insolence, but it was so worth it. 

“How in the world did you learn to cook ambrosia, darling?” Freddie asked, once he could finally breathe again. John shook his head and tucked in his chin to hide the smile. 

“Tante taught me.” Tante Kringle, his elf mother. 

Fred’s brow had crinkled and his lips pursed in confusion. “Tante?” 

Deaky did the washing up with a smile on his face. “Yes, it means Aunt in German. She and my uncles raised me.” Brushing a stray clump of snowy hair out of his eyes, just because it was white didn’t mean he could see through it. Freddie came up behind him to wrap his arms around his waist, pressing his curved seashell ear onto John’s back to hear him breathe.

“What happened, Deaky?”

Fred sounded so sad, but John merely tossed his hair aside (Freddie insisted that it stay long for their glam look) and pressed a little kiss to the crown of their singer’s head. 

“My parents abandoned me on their doorstep as a baby.” 

“They did what?!” Freddie sounded so bloody broken up about it that John had no idea what to say. It wasn’t a big deal anymore. He was raised by the most unbelievably loving elf family. (Part of him wished that the boys could meet them, you know, without freaking out). 

“It’s alright, Fred. I never knew them and my family loves me very much.”

Freddie pouted, arms wrapped around John’s tummy. “Still.” 

****

Roger snorted as he watched one of the many TV movies leading up to Christmas, “Hey, did you lot know that Santa’s got a pilot license?”

Freddie had laughed into his cornflakes, sitting cross-legged on the living room rug in his underwear. Brian didn’t look up from his textbook, or the leaning Tower of Pisa he’d constructed out of notes from each of his dozen classes, frantically studying for his next final. John nodded, of course he knew, it was his license. Thank you, American Assistant Secretary of Commerce. 

“So Bri…” Roger trilled, rolling over until his blonde head was all up in Brian’s face, covering his frantically written notes, in a way that reeked of suicide. The fire in Bri’s eyes could have deforested the Congo. 

“Do you believe in Santa Claus?”

“No. He doesn’t exist, he’s a social construct. It’s impossible. No one can go deliver gifts around the world in one night or go down a flue over and over, especially not a man that size. Suffice to say, reindeers can’t fly and could never carry that many presents. Now kindly bugger off, so I can study.”

Thank you, Mr. Analytical. 

…Whatever happened to magic?

Sometimes he really wanted to pull A Year Without A Santa Claus and see what went down without him.

But then he’d remember his family, waiting up in the snowy hilltops for him and just how hard they worked for the joy of children each holiday season and he could never pull shit like that. Not when they relied on him so much. 

Tante would pull him into her lap as a little thing and smooth out his hair with her dainty glass hands.

“Our boy, our Kris, our little Saint Nicholas.”

-X-

“I believe in Santa Claus

But there was a time

I thought I had grown to old

For such a childish rhyme

He became a dream to me

‘Til one Christmas night

Someone stood beside my bed

With a beard of white…”

-X-

As usual, Christmas Eve came far too soon and he was frantically packing up in the dead of night to get the show on the road. 

Making sure his boys were safely tucked into dream-land before creeping out into the living room, dressed in a pair of obnoxiously red flannel pajamas, snow boots and a white parka the same shade as his hair (the suit would be waiting for him in the sleigh, along with the toys and everything else sent along by his ever-vigilant family). His cheeks were round-peach rosy even in the cold and tugged on a pair of fleece mittens with a practiced hand. He was just walking around the couch to grab his discarded polka-dotted scarf, when his foot connected with something worryingly plush and startling human. 

Roger groaned as he sat up like Frankenstein’s monster, holding his stomach where John had inadvertently kicked him. “Hey Deaky, what’s the big idea?!” 

John was at a loss. “I just saw you… you were asleep in bed…” He waved his hands around as if that would remedy the problem. 

Rog just rolled his eyes, “Nah, that’s Fern. The girl I brought home last night.”

“…and you’re not asleep with her?”

Roger cringed as though John had suggested he drop Freddie’s hairdryer in the bathtub, while he was in it. “Well, you know Johnny Boy, when a man loves a woman, or a man loves a man, or a woman loves a woman, (let’s be inclusive here)… sometimes if they’re too close together they…” Cue several vulgar hand gestures. “I wasn’t sure if you lot wanted to hear that.”

“Yeah well, I didn’t. But now I can see it. Thanks for that.”

Roger grinned like a greedy kid on Christmas morning. 

“No problem, Deaks!” Then his eyes narrowed in on John’s outfit and the small clutch of luggage in his keeping. “Where are you going?’

The young bassist blanched. “Oh, you know.” A vague hand gesture. “My family needs me to rush home for… reasons.” I have to go fly around in a red suit handing out presents to children. “I’ll be back soon, okay?”

He tried to grab everything he needed and make a beeline waddle for the door, but Roger was far too fast for him and basically galloped over, to wrap those skinny noodle arms tight around his waist, stopping him in his tracks. Fuck. 

Instead of doing the sensible thing and asking him why he had to go, or if there was anything he could do to help, Roger screamed for Brian and Freddie at the top of his lungs. Yelling about how there was a Christmas emergency and John was trying to flee the country. 

Thanks Rog, thanks a whole fucking lot. 

Freddie hurled himself out of the bedroom, tinsel wrapped around his neck and candy-cane pasties on his nipples. It complimented the tight yellow star boxers down below that left nothing to the imagination, leftovers from their wild Christmas party the night before. “Wha’s going on? Deaky’s going on the lam? Who did we kill?”

John’s will to live. 

“The last of my sanity.” Brian groaned, scrubbing a hand through his half-flattened curls. “What is going on?”

Roger instantly let go and pointed the finger at John, like they were still in primary school and he’d stolen Rog’s Hello Kitty eraser. “Deaky’s trying to run off and join the circus!”

“No, I’m not!” He was about to rip out chunks of his own hair though. “I just have to go home for a few days…” Nope, I’ve got to go be Santa. 

Freddie was aghast. “But Deaky, you’ll miss Christmas! I thought we were going to celebrate together.” He looked so sad about it. Dramatic Queens, the lot of them.

John pinched the bridge of his nose. About to launch a long winded apology and partial explanation. Until he got distracted by Roger, who was running about and gathering up all his shit like some sort of small opinionated human tornado. 

“Rog, what are you doing?”

“Packing!” The drummer squeaked, squishing himself between the love-seat and the pull-out couch to dig up his other sock. “We’re coming with you!”

Roggie, you can’t just…

The familiar symphony of hooves touching down on the roof, dislodging more than a fair bit of snow, sounded high above their heads and John contemplated using his wintery magic to knock the boys unconscious. Alas, Bri just crinkled his nose. 

“What on earth was that?”

John grimaced. “My ride.” 

-X-

When he got up to the roof, Donner was all up in his face with that wet nose of hers, the others not far behind her. His loyal reindeer queen. His fuzzy baby girls that he’d raised from the very moment that they’d tumbled out into his arms. They knew his scent, the funny choked-off laugh mimicked by all around the world, they loved him. (Yes, his sleigh ran on fierce girl power. Male reindeer didn’t have antlers this deep in the wintertime).

He trudged through the surprisingly thick snow to be able to reach out to all of them at once. 

The boys were openly staring behind him. Keeping a wide berth, but ah hell, what did John have to lose? Might as well give regal disaster Freddie the time of his life. John took the shy singer by the hand and led the scrawny boy towards the rarely skittish creatures. 

“Hold your hand out palm up, so they can sniff you.”

Freddie was adorably incredulous, whispering over and over under his breath. “I’m being sniffed by a caribou. I’m being sniffed by a caribou. This is the best day of my life. I’m being sniffed by a caribou.”

Brian cleared his throat, eyes unblinking as he worried at his bottom lip absently. “John. Why are there caribou on our roof?”

“They’re uh… reindeer… That’s the term they prefer.”

Bri nodded, waiting a suitable amount of time before. “Right. John. Why are there reindeer on our roof?”

“They’re my ride.” He sounded sheepish as could be, drawing a hand through his ever-mussed ivory hair, pretty sure that Brian was inches away from pulling a Santa Clause and shoving him off the roof to die. 

“Your ride home is… in a sleigh drawn by reindeer? Were the red-eye all booked up?” Disbelief written across his soft features, plain as day. 

“Uh no. You um… caught me red-handed. I actually have to make some deliveries first.” 

The toy bag was resting in the back. It was magic, you see, the correct toys wouldn’t appear in his sack until he had reached the intended home. The children sleeping softly in their beds, eager for what the next day would bring. 

“You have to make deliveries in a sleigh drawn by reindeer on Christmas Eve?” Brian rolled his eyes skyward, those bony arms crossed to hide the way they trembled. “I think I know this story. Isn’t that Santa Claus’ job?”

John shifted side to side, clearly uneasily. “Well, yeah. Though can you really count it as a job when I’ve never gotten paid?”

Bri looked more frozen than the ice freezing on the edges of his curls. “Excuse me, what?”

“You heard me, Bri.” 

“Um, no. I didn’t hear you, because Santa Claus doesn’t exist.” And this was the man who thought he was so much better than those who called Galileo crazy, for suggesting that the world didn’t revolve around the earth? Wow. Irony. 

John rolled his eyes, because this was going nowhere and he didn’t have any time to lose. 

“Look, believe whatever you want. But I don’t have time for this. Take Freddie and Rog and go back inside. I’ll be home in a few hours.” 

He moved to climb into the sleigh and change clothes. But not before seeing an eager Roger sitting in the front seat, beaming from ear-to-ear and practically bouncing where he sat. “Oh fuck that, come on boys! Let’s go save Christmas!” The drummer crowed, arms spread as wide as could be. 

“Rog, Christmas isn’t in danger.”

“It will be if you don’t get a move on, Santa Baby.” A finger reached out to poke at his soft middle and John blushed all the way up to his ears, as Roger began to hum the opening lines of the song.

“Fuck you.” Honestly, he didn’t mind and could give a shit. (At least it wasn’t Little Drummer Boy, for the thousandth time).

“Aw, don’t be shy, Johnny! It’s cute!” Roger squirreled his arms around John again, who rolled his eyes before hugging back, loathly.

“Rog, you are so on the naughty list, for life.” Enjoy coal, bitch. (Okay, so maybe he cared a just little bit). 

“Let’s save Christmas!” The naughty blonde simply crowed, throwing out his arms like he was preparing for some sort of grand entrance at a ball (as the princess). 

John pouted as he moved to check all the rigging, he wasn’t taking them with him. He wasn’t. 

Spoiler alert: He took them with him. 

-X-

‘“So you’re too old for Santa Claus”?

He said with a smile

“Then you’re too old for all the things

That make a life worthwhile…

For what is happiness, but dreams

And do they all come true

Look at me and tell me, son

What is real to you?”’

-X-

He cracked the reins to get them soaring into the air, even though the girls knew exactly what they were doing.

His boys seemed the opposite, a complete motley of emotions. Brian was scowling like a sullen little boy, and holding onto the edges of his seat for dear life. Roger was still bouncing around like a little kid on a sugar high, so no change there. And Freddie was trying to avoid looking down. 

“Fred, you okay?”

Soft swallow, “I’m not much of a heights fan, dear.”

“HA! Deer!” Yes, Roger was most certainly still drunk from drinking his body weight in spiked eggnog earlier. Or maybe that was just Roger. John unceremoniously reached over and dropped the reins in Freddie’s hands.

“Drive the sleigh for a minute, yeah? I’ve got to get dressed.” He ordered absently, as he climbed into the back to change into the proper attire. The response from the boys was immediate, Roger froze and stared over at Freddie with unspeakable horror. Freddie himself clutched onto the reins with trembling hands and Brian was flabbergasted, as usual. 

“Freddie can’t even drive a car, Deaky!”

“Oh we’re gonna die… we’re gonna die!” Roger moaned from the back and Freddie whipped around with a venomous scowl on his face.

“Thank you so much, darlings, for the vote of confidence!”

John tucked his discarded parka around Freddie’s narrow shoulders. “It has to be him. Nobody else has the song power needed to keep this thing up.”

Roger snorted into his hand. “Fred’s good at keeping stuff up.” Fear momentarily forgotten. 

Brian eyes were practically suspicious slits, “Song power? Is that a thing?”

Freddie looked like a mix between nervous and intrigued. “Do we have to sing Christmas carols to stay in the air?” 

Nope. 

“Definitely.”

He dressed in the back as quickly as he could, fortunate enough that his warm suit was tucked safely amongst the floorboards. He hastily handed off pieces of his clothing to whoever looked the coldest, as he was serenaded by the worst Christmas carolers he had ever heard in his life. If the sleigh really did run on song power, oh they would have been dead long ago. 

Roger wolf-whistled as he climbed into the front in full-regalia. “Looking good, Deaky!”

John flushed all the way up to his ears and Freddie frantically passed the reins back. A few of the reindeer tossed their heads and gave him scathing looks for being under-siege by such an unexperienced driver. 

“You aren’t singing.” Brian deadpanned. 

“I don’t have to, I’m Santa.”

-X-

Once they’d hit all the bloody homes in Britain, Brian was sitting there blinking in shock. “How in the world…? It’s been minutes!” (What could he say? He’d had a slow start). Bri’s stubbly jaw was half-hanging open like a shutter door somebody had forgotten to close. 

“Stand up, Bri.” 

They were flying through the air faster than the speed of light, the ocean swirling, curling and sloshing beneath them. Brian looked at him like he’d just suggested jumping into it. 

“Stand up!”

Brian rolled his eyes and did as requested, so John dropped the reins into Freddie’s hands again, as he pulled Bri over to the edge of the sleigh. They were flying at a height that turned the clouds into cotton-candy and brought the stars ever closer. He tightened his arm around Bri’s tiny waist to support him, watching as those dark eyes filled with wonder once more. A wide, childlike wonder. Mirroring the face of a little boy who had once believed in magic. 

Brian May, Hampton. He’d asked for space-related paraphernalia every year for Christmas during his childhood. The one year he’d asked for a bike instead, John had personally attached planetary stickers and streamers to the handlebars. 

Bri, when did you stop believing? 

His hands reached out to touch the stars. 

“Hey, Bri, do you know what they see when they look up at us?”

Those doe eyes were enormous as he shook his curly head. When did you stop seeing the magic in the stars?

“What?” A little smile playing in the corners of his mouth. 

“A shooting star… Make a wish.”

That lovely smile took full center-stage again, a man who believed again, in something more. 

Merry Christmas, Brimi. 

-X-

“Just believe in Santa Claus

Like you believe in love

Just believe in Santa Claus

And everything he does…

Wipe that question from your mind

Yes, he does exist!”

-X-

They flew around the world in a matter of hours. 

Even when Freddie begged to be left in Japan (they’d had to bodily put him back into the sleigh, “Just leave me here to enjoy my life!” Fighting for freedom with all his might). Roger was groaning with a sore distended belly from eating all the bloody Christmas cookies that John had shoved in his direction. (“What the hell? Why did you eat them all?!” Roger pulled his big pouty face. “You said they would be upset if you didn’t!” John rolled his eyes skyward before ordering that if Rog had to puke, he more certainly wasn’t doing it in the sleigh. Magic could only go so far.)

And Brian was looking around like he was seeing the world with new eyes. 

John made sure he dragged each of them down the chimney at least once, to give them the full-experience of laying down the presents and experiencing the whole shebang. 

Their only issue occurred in America. Where they hadn’t noticed a little girl in a fuzzy green nightie asleep on the couch overlooking the tree. She had sat up with a stuffed snake cradled in her lap. 

“Santa?”

All four of them had frozen. (Why he’d thought it was smart to bring all of them at the same time was another matter entirely). John had turned though, with a practiced smile on his face, it wasn’t the first time he’d been caught by a pair of curious little eyes. 

“Hello, love. You should be asleep.” 

She had rubbed at her eyes with a tired little smile. 

“Sorry, Santa.” 

“It’s alright, little one. I’m sorry we woke you up, my friends are helping me deliver gifts tonight,” He looked around with mock-furtiveness and spoke in a stage-whisper. “They’re a little new at this.”

John gently tucked her in on the couch. “Merry Christmas, Aeryn.” She smiled that child’s gummy grin and pressed her stuffed snake ever closer. 

“Merry Christmas, Santa.”

But nothing was better than looking in the backseat of his sleigh, the one that had seen many lonely Christmases in his time, and seeing all his rough-and-tumble boys curled up together instead of empty space.

Brian’s head pillowed on Freddie’s shoulder. Rog curled up across both their laps. Freddie flopped over like a deflated bouncy castle. 

For a moment he wondered if being Santa meant giving himself the best Christmas present as well, for when he looked at the boys he’d miraculously accrued… perhaps he already had. 

The sleigh touched down in the center of the small elfin village that he’d helped to build so long ago, all of the icy grandeur patterned around that tiny cottage in the ever-wintery wood. The house that had served as his school, his workshop and his home beyond all else.

He hurled himself out of his uncomfortable wooden seat (they really needed to invest in better padding) to careen over to that same little cottage and the old elfin queen who waited for him there. Tante Kringle opened up her arms and he bent in two to hold her close, even as his knees grew damp and icy cold from the snow beneath them. He couldn’t help the sob that escaped his chapped lips.

“Oh how I’ve missed you my little Saint Nicholas.”

“I’ve missed you too, Tante.”

She pressed a familiar kiss against his forehead, tracing the path of a snowflake. “Did you have a lovely Christmas?”

“The best I’ve had in a very long time.” 

Her hands crested on her rounded hips and she tsked in his direction. “And have you called your mother yet young man? You know she’s been waiting to speak to you for millennia.” 

John groaned and rolled his eyes skyward. “Let her, I do have eternity, you know. And she abandoned me! She can wait.” He flashed her his token impish grin, only this one came with a forked snake tongue and slitted red eyes. His birth-mother’s calling cards. 

Oh you didn’t know Krampus had birthed Santa Claus?

Well, that dears, is a story for another time.

-X-

John carried his limp sleepy boys inside, one by one, and gently tucked them in on their messy couch. Brushing his chapped lips across every forehead within reach. “Happy Christmas.” He whispered to each and every single one of them. 

The boys who had ‘saved’ Christmas. 

But he lingered a moment afterward, saying a little Christmas wish of his very own. 

It doesn’t matter if you lot don’t believe in Santa Claus. That’s not something I would ever force anyone to do. But promise me, that you’ll believe in something. Anything. Even when everything is dark and there isn’t a Christmas light in sight? Believe. Believe in hope, believe in the future, believe in yourselves. That is all I want for each of you. That’s what I’m designed to teach. A belief in something incorporeal. Something beyond the limits of the possible. 

Yet when they woke up hours later and fervently asked about how things had gone, had everything gotten delivered in time, oh god was John really Santa Claus? He had merely raised an eyebrow, sipping at his hot cocoa. 

“Wow, you three certainly got plastered at that Christmas party last night. I wonder what was in that eggnog…” Smiling to himself with a knowing sort of look. 

Already getting ready for next year. 

-X-

“Just like love you knows he’s there

Waiting to be missed

Just like love I know he’s there

Waiting to be be missed…”

-X-

(MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

Features the song: “I Believe in Santa Claus” from the Rankin/Bass Christmas special. :D)

[exolistic]

Mystic Part 2

Masterlist Part 1

Genre- Angst, sci fi, fluff sometimes lol

Summary- When you’re dragged into a web of secrets and deceit that you can not even begin to comprehend, you have no idea what you’re in for. Locked away, lied to, you don’t know who to trust. With different stories from everyone, who will you trust in the end?

Pairing- X reader (Also lots of chanbaek and hunhan ;))

(Y/N) has entered the chat

Baekhyun: Jongin you’re crazy, why didn’t you stop him?

Jongin: Sehun is a man that can’t be stopped. Trust me, I’ve tried. Don’t you know this by now?

Baekhyun: You remember what happened last time he got that drunk, don’t you?

Jongin: How could I ever forget?

Chanyeol: Wait, guys...

Baekhyun: The image of Sehun showing up naked at my doorstep will never leave my mind.

Jongin: It’s not funny! He was almost arrested for that. And I was the one who had to deal with his hangover the next day.

Chanyeol: Guys...

Baekhyun: I know, which is why you need to keep a better eye on him! You really need to take all of the alcohol out of your apartment.

Chanyeol: BAEKHYUN!!!!!

Baekhyun: WHAT?????

Chanyeol: I’ve been trying to get your attention for the past few minutes! Are you blind?

Baekhyun: No, I could see your messages. You’re literally in the room next to me, if it was that important you would’ve come to get me.

Chanyeol: But who is that? Someone joined the chat…

Jongin: What do you mean?

Baekhyun: I don’t see anyone else..????

Chanyeol: No, look at the chat party at the top, there’s another name there.

Jongin: WAIT YOU’RE RIGHT

Baekhyun: WAIT WHAT

Chanyeol: I told you! (Y/N), who the hell are you?

Jongin: I’m calling Junmyeon brb.

Jongin left the chat

Baekhyun: Reveal yourself, fiend!

(Y/N): Um, hi?

Baekhyun: IT SPEAKS

Chanyeol: How did you get here?

(Y/N): Um, I’m not really sure to be honest.

Chanyeol: ????

Baekhyun: ?????????????

(Y/N): Well you see….. this random app was on my phone, so I opened it, and now here I am I guess.

Baekhyun: Are you pranking us? Is this a prank? Sehun are you messing with us? It’s not funny!

Chanyeol: But this app isn’t even on the store, you need a certain code to access it and download it, you have to be verified first. It wouldn’t simply show up on your phone. There are a lot of security precautions in place.

Baekhyun: Exactly, Sehun we know it’s you. Cut the shit pls

Sehun entered the chat

Baekhyun: ………

Chanyeol: ………

Sehun: Everybdy whatsgfd going nf on nwhjyu is Jonging screamginj my head isokd alk l loopyr

Baekhyun: Sehun what are you doing?????

Sehun: IOj don’y now why don’t yuo tell me?

Chanyeol: Baekhyun he’s definitely drunk, I don’t think it’s him.

Sehun: Whgat do kyou menam what is goinf on?

Junmyeon entered the chat

Baekhyun: Thank God! Junmyeon, you’re here!

Chanyeol: Someone has infiltrated the chat! Something isn’t right here...

Yixing entered the chat

Chanyeol: Yixing! You’re here too, thank the lord.

Junmyeon: (Y/N), how did you get here?

(Y/N): I honestly don’t know. I’m sorry to cause trouble, I don’t really know what’s going on either.

Sehun: Wait who is that whagdha is going on I’m so ocnufsed.

Junmyeon: This chat is confidential, I’m sorry but if you aren’t a member we’ll have to kick you from the server. Although I’m still curious as to how you managed to get here. Are you telling the truth when you say you’re unaware of what brought you here?

(Y/N): I’m sorry for the trouble, this was just on my phone. Is this the right place?

Chanyeol: …...Right place?

Baekhyun: Were you looking for someplace in particular?

(Y/N): No, I just, I don’t even know what I’m saying. I’m sorry I’m just a little flustered right now. It’s been a long day.

Junmyeon: I’m sorry but for safety reasons I’ll have to kick you from the chat. Chanyeol will remove the app from your phone and cut your access.

Yixing: Wait….

Baekhyun: ????

Yixing: Chanyeol, don’t cut her access. Junmyeon, can I talk to you? I’ll be home in a few minutes.

Junmyeon: Um, yeah. Do you know something about this?

Yixing: I’m pulling into the driveway. Don’t cut her access. I mean it.

Yixing left the chat

Junmyeon: …..I’ll talk to you guys later. Nice meeting you, (Y/N).

Junmyeon left the chat

Chanyeol: ?????????????

Baekhyun: ??????????

Sehun: Are they hiding thingfs again?

Jongin entered the chat

Jongin: Okay I’m back what did I miss?

Chanyeol: Junmyeon and Yixing just left!

Jongin: Oh, Sehun, you’re here. Where the hell are you?

Sehun: Cfome findd me

Jongin: What the hell does that mean? You’re so weird when you’re drunk.

Baekhyun: Maybe he’s in your closet again, that’s what happened last time.

Jongin: You’re right, I’ll go check. I’ve gotta take care of him before he pulls something again so I have to leave, keep me updated on the situation.

Jongin: (Y/N), I don’t know who you are, but for now, welcome to EXO ;)

Baekhyun: A winky face, really Jongin? This is not the time to flirt -_-

Jongin left the chat

Chanyeol: I just hate that they’re always talking in secret, why don’t we get to know things? You’d think with all of the work I do for them, they would at least let me know what the hell is going on.

Baekhyun: I know. Ever since Tao, Kris, and Luhan left things haven’t been the same.

Chanyeol: Let’s not say too much, we still don’t know if (Y/N) is trustworthy yet.

Baekhyun: That’s true….

Sehun: Jongin is makign me lesve my favorite spot

Sehun has left the chat

Chanyeol: Well, now it’s just us three I guess. (Y/N), are you sure that we can trust you?

(Y/N): I have no ill intentions, I’m just doing what I’m told.

Baekhyun: ????????????????????????????

Chanyeol: …………….

Baekhyun: What do you mean? Who sent you here? Who’s telling you to do this?

(Y/N): Like I said, the app just randomly appeared.

Chanyeol: But you said you’re just doing what you’re told…..

Baekhyun: Chanyeol we should just let Junmyeon and Yixing deal with this for now.

Chanyeol: You’re right, but I can’t help but wonder a few things….. I just feel like I should cut her access, but I won’t for now since Yixing told me not to.

Baekhyun: Yes, me too, but let’s trust our leaders, okay?

Chanyeol: Yeah, whatever.

Baekhyun: It was nice meeting you (Y/N), I must be going now.

Baekhyun left the chat

Chanyeol: ……..

Chanyeol left the chat

I exit the chat as well, questions filling my mind. I curse myself for mentioning I’m being told to do this, and I desperately hope they’ll forget about it. I can’t seem to piece together the connection between Anonymous and EXO, they mentioned Kris and Tao being members. Did something bad happen?

They’re definitely very suspicious of me due to my surprise appearance and lack of explanation. I feel frustrated that I did not think through my words more carefully. Now they may never trust me, and just remove my access. If that happens, what will Anonymous do with me? I shake my head at the thought, pushing the haunting nightmares from my consciousness. After seeing how they reacted, I’m realizing that it might take longer to get close to them than I thought. I wanted this to be as fast as possible, thought it would just be any other group chat, but this is different. They all seem so nice though, so innocent…. How could they be so bad like Minseok said?

I feel in my gut that Anonymous are the side at fault, not EXO. Based on the people I’ve met so far here, they aren’t good people. I have no way of knowing the intentions of EXO either, I can’t trust anyone in this situation. My stomach twists in anxiety at the thought, as loneliness covets me, stinging deep in my stomach.

Didn’t they say that EXO is a charity foundation? And here I am helping this deranged cult do something to them. What do Anonymous want from them? Should I be trying to help EXO rather than Anonymous?

I look back at the phone, examining the app. There are only a few features. There is a large button labelled “chat room”, another called “messages”, and a phone call option. At the very top there are little icons for each member, Junmyeon, Yixing, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, Sehun, and Jongin, brief statuses for each. It seems pretty innocent to me, so what am I doing here? And why did Yixing tell them not to kick me out?

Does he know something? He’s the one I’m supposed to be pursuing…….

A small bell chimes, and I jump in fear, until noticing it’s only a text notification.

Yixing: Are you free to talk?

A lump forms in my throat as I stare at his message on the screen. I just need to play it cool, act normal, be nice, and not act suspicious. I need to think through what I say, and keep my story the same. Remembering my family, I shakily type out a response.

(Y/N): Yeah sure, I’m sorry for all of the confusion.

Yixing: It’s okay. We’re a little concerned as you just showed up, but I can sense that you have no ill intentions. I only have a few questions for you.

Questions? I shudder, what if he asks things I can’t answer? I can’t make him even more suspicious.

(Y/N): Yeah sure. I’m not exactly sure what’s going on so I’m not sure how much I can answer, but I’ll do my best.

Yixing: Yes, I can imagine you would be confused right now. You said this app suddenly appeared, correct?

(Y/N): Correct. It somehow got on my phone, I never downloaded anything.

Yixing: Hmm, did someone else have your phone before it showed up?

Shit, how am I supposed to answer that? I feel guilty lying, as so far Yixing is being much kinder to me than the people here have been. I can’t know his true intentions, but he is at least treating me with respect. Maybe EXO are good people, good people who could possibly get me out of this place. They did mention Kris and Tao, do they know of this place?

(Y/N): Not that I know of, no.

Yixing: Hmm, I see. Do you know about EXO, this organization, at all?

(Y/N): No, I’ve never heard of it before now.

Yixing: You must be confused, then. I’ll explain briefly. EXO is a fundraising organization for charity. Junmyeon is the founder and leader, I accompany him in running the foundation. We have parties every so often where we invite many guests, that’s when we collect our donations and promote EXO. I see you met the other members in the chatroom already, I’m sorry that they act with suspicion towards you. A lot has happened as of recently, so they’re just a little on edge, that’s all. I’m sure they’ll warm up to you.

(Y/N): I don’t blame them for being suspicious. Thank you for being welcoming, Yixing.

Yixing: No need to thank me. I have just a few more questions for you, if that’s okay of course.

(Y/N): Um yeah, go ahead.

Yixing: Alright. If you are in any danger, you should tell me, okay? If anyone threatens you, or does something to hurt you, tell me right away.

My breath hitches in my throat at his words, and I wonder if he knows what’s going on with me. Does he want to help me, or does he want to use me as well?

(Y/N): I will, thank you.

Yixing: Very good. As a member, I just want to assure your safety. I just have one more question, and then I can let you go.

(Y/N): What is it?

Yixing: You would tell me if you were in danger right now, right?

(Y/N): ….

Yixing: It’s okay if you feel uncomfortable, I am kind of interrogating you. I’m sorry if I caused you any distress, I’ll be going now. I look forward to talking to you again.Goodbye.eddddddd

I set the phone down, my head spinning. Was I right in not answering his question? I did not want to simply say that I was safe, and rule out possibilities of ways for me to get out of here. I have no way of knowing what he wants from me, but I’m not looking to burn any bridges already. But will Kris and Tao be angry at me? I did allude to the fact that maybe something is going on. Just how closely are Kris and Tao monitoring the chat, anyways? Will they see all of it?

I hope I don’t get in trouble for this. A million worries whir through my mind, but my eyes feel too heavy to deny. It’s the middle of the day, but I’m exhausted from everything that has happened, and I can’t stop myself from passing out on the heavenly bed. Images of tall, scary men, and the messenger clouding my dreams.

[mkay-gay]

I..love..him. I LOVE HIM!

Love. Suho was in it. With a certain Kris Wu. Only Sehun knows this, for Suho doesn't even know himself. Sehun just knows Junmyeon too well and can spot when he is in love long before anyone else notices.

Suho and Kris met at work and had become fast friends, too the point Junmyeon's best friend Sehun thought Suho would ditch him for Kris. Alas, Suho had no time to do so because Kris moved far away from Korea a few years later, to Canada. His family wanted him with them so they could see him more.

Kris had never told anyone he was leaving. He didn't think anyone cared enough. He knew Suho and Sehun hung around and spoke to him, but he always thought that they just felt bad for him. Kris could never see any reason for anyone to like him so he was very surprised when two energetic males ran up to him during his second week at work.

They made him smile alot so he didn't want to leave them.

But when he was on the aeroplane he quickly decided that they probably didn't really want him around. Once Suho and Sehun had started talking to him, they quickly stopped being energetic and Kris realised on the plane that it was because he brought their moods down.

Of course this wasn't true. Suho and Sehun didn't think Kris liked their energy so they toned it down around him.

* Backstory over*

* Suho's pov*

Kris hadn't been at work for a while and Sehun and i were worried about him. Kris never gave me his number or told me where he lived so i had no way of contacting him. "Hey, you think i should call Kris?" Sehun asked. I looked at him confused so he continued. "He hasn't been at work, i know you noticed his absence so why do you looked so confused right now?" Did this moron seriously have his number all this time and hasn't thought to give it to me, or call him? "Incase you're wondering, i forgot i had the number," idiot, i thought to myself, "and i would have given it to you if you had asked." Sehun slightly smirked at the last part. I looked at him, blinking with wide eyes and said, irritatedly "call Kris, right now...and give me his number after."

Ring ring. Ring ring. Ring ri- "hello?"

"WHERE YOU AT?!"

"oh ok your shouting umm im off to Canada."

"You comin back? Ever?"

"Sorry, i probably won't."

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US!!" Sehun wasn't shouting out of anger, thats just what he does, shouts.

"I didn't think you cared is all, anyway i have to go now, bye Sehun." With that Kris hung up.

Me and Sehun left work early and we went out to mourn the loss of Kris. But one thing he said stuck with me. Why wouldn't we care? We went and bought food then sat on a park bench as we ate in silence. Occasionally wiping away small tears that escaped our eyes.

We finished eating and Sehun took my phone out of my pocket, entering some digits and handing it back to me. Kris's number. I'll call him later.

* A week later*

"OMG SEHUN COME QUICK!!!" I screamed suddenly. "I'm right next to you, so what is so urgent that you had to hurt my beautiful ears, are you pregnant or something?"

"What the hell. No I'm not pregnant. I just realised something."

"What is it?"

"I LOVE KRIS!" i got happier and shouted as i thought of Kris.

"You *just* noticed, like, just now?"

"Yes. Ah i need to tell him!" I said as i reached for my phone... "Woah woah woah. How long has it been since you've spoken to Kris?"

"5 days 7 hours and 32, wait no, 33 minutes."

"Oh my lord... You know what. Do it. Tell him." Again i reached for my phone and i dialed his number, to facetime him, of course he picked up immediately. "I have something to confess, Kris."

"Really? Me too actually..." I gasped. He really loves me back!

"Really, lets say it together on the count of three. One. Two. Three. I l-"

"Please stop calling me. It's really creepy when you tell me exactly how long it's been since we last spoke. Plus i know you were about to tell me you love me and i should tell you that i have a boyfriend..." My heart smashed to peices. He finds me creepy? Maybe i am kinda obsessive..."oh o-" he hung up on me... Sehun looked at me with a solem expression, as if to say sorry.

"SURPRISE!!!" Kris opened our front door and ran to give me a hug. "I missed you both so much! And Suho, you're the boyfriend i was talking about..." He rubbed the back of his neck and i kissed him on the lips. "Disgusting!" Sehun gagged over dramatically. We pulled away from eachother and stared into eachother's eyes. I knew he loved me.

"Don't pretend you knew Suho." Sehun laughed at me.

[astorytellerforthatgirl]

Dei’s Treasured Trophy

Author’s Note: This is my entry to the English Division and Short Story Category of the 68th Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature. This is a draft story years ago but I cannot proceed with it yet because I am looking for a strong character profile. Until this early 2018, I decided Maine is the fitting inspiration for that character. She knew I will join Palanca as I told her the first time we met. Afterwards in our second meeting, I showed her the receiving copy of my submitted entry. I now wholeheartedly share this story to you after the committee announce the winners. Enjoy reading! - RJ T. Vargas

Synopsis

          To describe Dei, she is a hardworking freelance worker, responsible student, and loving daughter and sister. She balances her time between her all responsibilities no matter how busy she is. Out of all her priorities, taking care of Rionne, her younger sister, is the most important one for her,

           A memory from last year still haunts Dei for the fear it may happen again. She does everything she can to prevent it. She shall do whatever it takes to protect everyone she cares for, most especially her sister.

           Fear is a deceptive emotion Dei has to deal with. Either it may immobilize her from carrying out the things she must accomplish, or it can turn into a driving force for her to gain the strength she needs to overcome the challenges.

          This short story is an attempt to raise more awareness and fight against the stigma about an issue. Dei’s Treasured Trophy shares values about resilience, self-love, friendship, family ties, and faith in God.

Dei’s Treasured Trophy

           “CONGRATS for your great performance in Olympics Ann! Ibang level ka na talaga!!!!THAT’S MY BESTFRIEND!!!!Share your stories about your games and experiences sa bonding natin ha. I miiiiiss youuuu! Let’s catch up soon please!”

           Dei types her message and presses the enter button. Last time she saw her was a week before her month-long training in South Korea then Ann flew to Hong Kong for the competition. Her best friend replies, “As soon as we get back home, promise! See you soon Dei! (^_^)”. It’s amusing how Ann still adds emoticon even when most online users choose emoji nowadays.

           She switches the tab from Facebook to a WordPress login page. She finishes her deadline for one of her regular freelance projects. Her blog posts about the top 10 most romantic Coldplay songs is due tonight. Dei transfers her revised draft and saves it there for pending review of her editor. It was hard for her choosing her top 10, as she loves all their songs. Also, she is a huge fangirl of Chris Martin. ”Iba talaga feels ng mga kanta nila!Oh I hope Coldplay comes back here…” she mutters to herself.

           She then opens Audacity and polishes an audio file by reducing the noise background and adding more echo. No matter how confusing the uploaded files are in the track control panel, she handles everything like a pro. She saves and sends the audio file to a client who hired her as a voice-over talent.

           Her spare time for this month is more than what she scheduled first. Dei wonders if she can do an additional freelance project. She opens her Facebook and scrolls down to see posts in a group of local freelance talents searching for auditions and casting. She finds a workshop offered by an entertainment agency. A director Dei will never forget in her life will conduct it. She has been a talent appearing in commercials and TV shows. Several months has passed but she still remembers his response after she told that director she is just an extra in those projects.

           He asked her experiences because he mentioned her familiarity despite her lack of self-confidence. The director likes her wit and spontaneity in an impromptu comedic act she did for her audition.

           “Anak, support ang tawag sayo, hindi extra.Those scenes need your role as a support to be complete. I see a future phenomenal star in you. We can further improve your talents once you believe more in yourself.”

           He was willing to train her under his talent pool. Dei wanted to say yes and commit that time because it is one of her dreams to enter the showbiz industry. However, she is still an incoming fourth year student in college that time around. She cannot afford to fill her schedule more than what she can do and what her time allows.

            “Well, I cannot get sad over a missed opportunity. Priorities first!”She browses her own YouTube channel. It is one of her so-called happy distraction when she feels down or is about to feel that way.It has been a long time since her last posted video.

             “I miss sharing more videos to my ten supporters.” She laughs loudly.

             Dei positions her camera with the tripod. She acts like a model in front of the mirror. Her full bangs almost covers her expressive dark brown eyes. Her black hair is an inch past her shoulders. She thinks of dropping by a salon to trim her hair next week. Her brown and fair complexion epitomizes a morena Filipina beauty. Her sunshine smile shows her excitement for her next video.

             She tries to mimic first different artists’ voices and body languages. Then, she impersonates Jessa Zaragosa, Shakira, and Jaya as she sings their songs. Next, she records herself dubsmashing to Kris Aquino’s lines. She gets distracted whenever she laughs hard so she pauses first the recording. Dei decides to record everything in one go for each personality. It takes a longer time for her editing the raw videos because she finds herself funny for her all out on-cam performances. Indeed, she loves making people happy and this is one of her unique ways to do so.

             In the middle of uploading her newest video in YouTube, Skype notifies an incoming call.Their parents calling her. Dei expects this call as their parents do it every day.

             She answers the call and she’s thrilled to tell them a good news. Her parents are smiling as she sees them on her laptop screen despite of their tired and drowsy eyes. She kisses and touches them through the screen. “Hello po Ma! Pa! I love you so much! I miss you po!” She wishes to take away their tiredness with her simple gestures.

            “Dei, how is our ever responsible daughter? Do you even have enough hours of sleep? Do you rest between your busy schedule? Sobrang dami mo kasing ginagawa.” Her mother cannot hide her concerns.

             “Of course po Ma! I need my beauty rest so I should not be stressed with school and my freelance projects.Di po ako pwede magmukhang haggard!”

              Her father laughs as if he did not laugh for a long time. “We feel like we are with you whenever we video call. By the way Dei, what is the good news you want share? You chat about it last time.”

              She tells them to wait for a minute. Returning with a small trophy, she exclaims “Here it is Pa, Ma! This is from our college department. I can’t believe I am one of the three President’s Lister! They gave a trophy to each of us. Umaasenso di ba? Di na lang po sila pa-certificate.They said not every semester they have President’s Lister so this is how they celebrate it with us. This is my treasured trophy!”

             “We are so proud of you sweetie! Keep up the good work! This is why we support your freelance projects. You know your priorities well, Dei. You told us before about how difficult are your school works. Here you are now! Your sacrifices are rewarded! Ang galing at sipag mo talaga!” her father beams with much pride.

             “Thank you po, Ma!Pa!Uhmmm…May I…May I ask something?”

           “What is it?”

           “I know I asked this last time but…when will you come back home? If only Dubai is just a tricycle away, I and Rionne will visit you there every day.”

           “Dei…” her mother tries to smile as she holds back her tears. If only they have a choice, the couple will stay with their two daughters. “Dei, we love to be there with you and Rionne but we still need to save more. We used almost all our savings for the medical bill of your sister last year. We want to go home too, believe us…but I hope you will understand.”

           “How is your little sister doing recently? Do not forget her medicines. Ask her if she feels anything wrong and tell us if you need more help. We will do everything to prevent what happened last year, whatever it takes.” Her father gives her assurance.

           “I always take care of Rionne, Ma, Pa. Don’t worry about her. She knows when she must take her medicines. I don’t even need to remind her about it. She is doing well in school. Her grades are within line of nine. Her weekends are filled with either her extra-curricular activities or bonding with her friends or with me. She enjoys doing everything! I’m happy hearing stories of how her day went. If she feels bad about something, she opens up to me. She fulfills her promise of not keeping any secret from me. If only she knows you will call this time, she will not attend her meeting in Student Supreme Council. She misses you too so much! ”She tells them honestly about her sister’s current situation.

           “Thank you for taking care of her Dei no matter how busy you are. You always make time for people you love. We are so blessed to have you and Rionne as our daughters.”

           They talk for hours until she did not notice her video is uploaded in YouTube.

                                                          ***

           “Every time you look at that trophy, Ate, you’re very proud of that achievement and clean the dusts off every week. Ang cute mo! Hahahaha!” She teases her Ate Dei when she sees her cleaning in their living room. She offers to help her but her older sister just requested her to wash the dishes, into which she follows. Rionne enters her room after her sister cleaned their entire house. She wants to finish her school works and other tasks in her extra-curricular activities.

           After Dei cleaned, she knocks at her sister’s room. Rionne says she can come in. She sees her sister with her books, handouts, and other paperwork while she keeps away the seven book-series about themagical journey of the chosen boy to defeat a dark lord. Her Ate Dei gave that book set.

           Rionne sits down and focuses on her laptop. Maybe she is finishing a schoolwork, as Dei thought. She bought the book set last week and her sister already told her the summary of every book this morning. Her sister even delivered lines, word by word, from her favorite scenes and characters.

            “How did she finish it all? Didn’t she just prepared and competed for her inter-school general knowledge quiz bee last week?” Dei cannot imagine how her sister, a junior highschool student, balances her time as if she is a working adult.  Then, she recalls Rionne’s doctor told her before it is normal for her to excel in multitasking, a common ground of those with her medical condition. Dr. Mejia even emphasized they are natural achievers and majority of them have high IQ but they need to improve more their EQ.

             Suddenly, A loud hit distracts Dei.

             Rionne hits her table hard with her first that it surprises them both. She is used seeing her sister blaming herself with her mistakes but the pains never lessen every time it happens. When things do not go well according to what she expects, she do things impulsively which she regrets later on. Dei wishes her words and hugs are more than enough to remind her sister that her worth is more than all her achievements combined and every setbacks she encountered. Deiloves Rionne so much for who her sister is.

             Dei puts away her other books. Her sister’s collection includes fictions from contemporary Filipino writers like Grace Chong, Merlinda Bobis, Miguel Syjuco, Cristina Pantoja-Hidalgo, Dean Francis Alfar and from Filipino classic writers such as Jose Garcia Villa, Nick Joaquin, Liwayway Arceo, and Lualhati Bautista. She also has non-fiction books about self-help and financial literacy from Bro. Bo Sanchez and Chinkee Tan, respectively.

           Dei scans her sister’s laptop and notices she just posted a question in a Facebook group about photography and another opened tab is Venus Raj’s testimonial about her Christian faith. Her sister is very open to her after what happened last year. It was her doctor’s advice to read her online posts. It was their parents’ request to see her browsing history given if her sister shows unusual behavior. She opens a recently closed tab, sees an email, asks permission if she can read it. Her sister nods. The email is a short notice of thanking Rionne for her participation but they regret to say her sister did not make it in the cut-off for their school’s final selection of their debate team. Now she understands what made her hit her fist so hard on the table.

            Dei looks over the room trying to find anything, which can help her, to make her sister feel better. She stops at the books she bought for Rionne. It is her sister’s first set of books from a foreign author. Her sister placed them at the center space of the cabinet turned to a mini-library. She can’t forget how much her sister loves to have it but the complete set is too expensive for her. It was just like yesterday when her sister jumped out of joy when she gave it on her birthday.

             For Rionne, she saw again how generous and thoughtful her Ate Dei is. For Dei, she bought the books not only because her sister wants it but because she always sees the magic in her as she excels in things she does because of her passion. She sees the magic in her heart because she never loses her sincerity, goodness, and faith in God…despite of everything that happened last year. 

             “Last year? Why am I still thinking about it Wala na yun! Rionne is okay now. We are happy now...”she tries to pacify her own fears.

              She approaches her sister slowly. She needs to make sure first her sister wants to be hugged. At times, Rionne pushes her away not because her sister likes to do it but because it is one of the impulsive reactions of her extreme mood swings brought by her medical condition.

              Dei shakes her head and reminds herself,“I must pull myself together! This is not the time to be scared! Rionne needs me more now!”

               She needs to be strong for her because they do not have anyone with them. She needs to be strong because the situation will get worse if she gives up. She needs to be strong because she loves her so much, she cannot bear to see her sister getting more hurt and angry.

              She pats her sister’s head gently. Her sister looks at her and hugs her so tight. Rionne cries on her older sister’s shoulder. That is her haven and refuge. It is and always her Ate Dei who comforts her immediately in times she crashes down in her own thoughts and feelings. She keeps on reminding her sister she is doing her best. She is very gentle to Rionne. Slowly, her sister calms down and stops overthinking.

              Unexpectedly, her sister breaks the silence and changes her tone. “You are so sweet and kind Ate! Whoever you choose among those guys who tries to win your heart, he’s such a lucky one!”

              Dei laughs and pinches her sister’s cheek. “Dear, your Ate Dei has a lot of priorities and lovelife is not included in it! Hahahaha! Pinapamigay mo na ba ako? I am happy with my life now and I do not need a guy to complete me. Bonus na lang pag may ibigay si Lord.I am happy chasing my dreams. I am happy with our family. I am happy you are here with me, Rionne.”

              “The way you call my name is my favorite unlike how everyone else calls me, Ate. It rhymes with lion and your pronunciation feels like I am a royalty.” her sister chuckles.

              “Out of everything I said, that’s the only thing you heard? Hahaha!” Dei giggles and hugs her sister. She loves her so much. She realizes she loves her more after she wasn’t home last year for two months. Her giggles and smiles turned to a neutral expression. Fear crawls in her heart. If only it was that easy to forget why Rionne was away from them for two months... She will make sure it will not happen again. She will cross all the oceans just for her sister. 

              “Lord, please make that the last time…Do not ever let it happen again…”Dei prays as she pleads in her deepest thoughts.

                                                        ****

           “That is the end of my report. Do you have questions? Any clarification?” Dei tries to stand confidently in front of their class. Her blockmates do not have a single clue about her cold and uneasy hands. She prepared enough for this report but she is not sure if she did well. She believes she gave her best but this report is different because their professor has a higher standard compared to what she was used to with her other subjects.

           Dei feels awkward with the deafening silence in their room that she can hear the AC unit and ticking of the room’s clock. Her blockmates are active participants but she feels they are too timid now to share their ideas. She clears her throat and asks instead about their personal goal in relation to self-actualization according to Abraham Maslow’s theory, which was about her report. One of them raises his hand and shares his ultimate dream to serve his hometown by becoming a successful businessman. She nods and smiles as he answers because she admires his generosity.

           ”Parang autistic talaga yang nagmamarunong na yan. Ang bipolar ng mood.”Dei hears someone from the front row whispers to his seatmate. It gets into her nerve but she maintains her composure. She says thank you to her classmate who shared his personal goal.

           “Guys, I want to share you one of my personal goals. I want to be a vocal and active mental health advocate with my own foundation to raise awareness about this issue and fight the stigma in our country. I dream that one day, no one will be scared to consult experts as people might say they are going crazy. I want to see that day we will validate everyone’s feelings to prevent triggering them. We may start doing this by avoid using words like autistic and bipolar to mock and insult those we don’t like.Please, let’s be more sensible in our words.” She says it all firmly without mentioning about her blockmates whom she heard those words from.

           “Ms. Dei Archangel, I like how you delivered your report even if you did not discuss further the other details. Nevertheless, what I like most from what I heard today is your mental health advocacy. Make that dream of having your own foundation into a reality.”their professor commends Dei.

                                                        ****

              Rionne storms in their living room as soon as she comes home from school. Dei hears her ranting about the periodical exam she failed in the subject she struggles most after her adviser talks to her privately. Her sister expects a low score but not below the passing mark. In her entire student life, that is her first time to fail an exam. It shocks Rionne because she did not see it coming.

              She sees her sister’s eyes turn berserk, as if this is another person and not her sister at all.She recalls all the painful words she heard long before. Her sister curses her classmates and yells angrily how insensitive they are for smart-shaming her and calling her names.

               Rionne becomes hysterical and impulsive. Dei sees how she grabs that trophy and flower vase. She tries to stop her but her sister throws both on the wall. Its sharp pieces scratches and wounds her. She runs toward her sister to prevent hurting herself more. Her sister shouts the words she is scared to hear the most.

              “I AM A FAILURE!!!! I AM USELESS!!!!! I WANT TO DIE!!!!!”

              Rionne becomes uncontrollable. Dei did not feel her tears flowing when she sees her sister gets hurt, scared, confused, and mad at herself.She wipes her tears and tries to calm down her sister in her arms. She hugs her tightly even if her sister pushes her away. She remains strong even if she is hurting, physically, emotionally, and mentally. She endures it all rather than not to see her sister again in their home for two months.This is the non-negotiable promise she plants in her heart and she will never compromise it no matter what happens.

              In the middle of pacifying Rionne, painful memories last year floods back in Dei’s mind. It was as if everything happened yesterday. She remembers clearly how her sister broke down because a friend she trusts backstabbed her. They cannot calm her down easily.

              She started to hurt herself. Minutes later, she punches her parents and Dei. For the next hours, she tried to rush out of their front door. She keeps on shouting she wants to die. She wanted to end it all by running towards a fast moving car. Their father hugged her tight despite all the struggles she is doing to fight against him.

              For Dei, it felt like an eternal torture to see her family that way until her sister tires herself. Their mother caresses her hair and hugs her until she calms down. Dei kisses her on the forehead and says, “Everything will be alright dear Rionne. Sleep and rest first.”

              Their parents contacted her psychiatrist. Dei saw how her parents cried and hugged each other as if the world turned its back on them. She asked why and what did he said, but they did not answer her.

              “Dei, we will go to Dr. Mejia. He wants to see Rionne as soon as possible.” Endless questions and thoughts run across Dei’s mind but she cannot do anything except to oblige to her parents’ instruction.They waited for her to wake up and give her the first aid medication the psychiatrist recommended to help stabilize her mood in a breakdown episode.

              Inside the clinic of Dr. Mejia, he talked first to her sister. It went for more than 30 minutes perhaps, as Dei estimated. She was outside and became more impatient while waiting. She stood up and walked back and forth in the hallway. She got more anxious because the regular check-ups with Rionne’s psychiatrist do not usually take this long.He then asked for their parents in the clinic. Dei wanted to barge in that door separating her and her sister whom she feels is terrified silently. She wanted to know everything. What treatment will the psychiatrist give her this time around?

              At last, after more than an hour of waiting, Dr. Mejia asked Dei to be inside the clinic and sit beside Rionne. Her sister hugged her, turned to her doctor, and said, “Can my Ate be with me there? If she is not allowed to stay with me, then please let her visit me at least every week…” Tears formed in her sister’s eyes.

              Confusion, shock, fear, and betrayal---Dei does not know what exactly she feels at that moment or if she feels everything at once.She loses her temper and firmly said, “Where will you bring her??!! What is going here??!! CAN YOU JUST PLEASE TELL ME EVERYTHING RIGHT NOW??!!” Her emotions took its toll on Dei. If there is something worst to happen, then she needs to know it right at that moment.

              Dr. Mejia waited for her to calm down. When she came back to her senses, he explained in details. “Dei, we need to treat Rionne in a psychiatric facility. Her bipolar disorder becomes full blown with the recent event that triggered her. I cannot guarantee how long she must stay there because it will depend if she responds better to the treatments we will give. We need to do this to observe her round the clock to provide her immediate attention. Do not worry, the facility has trained and kind staffs. They have different worthwhile activities on a daily, weekly, and monthly routine. Your family can visit her regularly within the hours they allow. If you have questions and concerns, you may ask now or contact me in the mobile number I gave your parents.”

              Dei’s heart sank. The thought of not seeing Rionne for a day already worried and scared her to death. Who will take care of her? Can they handle her if she has her episodes of breaking down and impulsiveness? Will they know if she is depressed like how she feels her sister just by looking at her in one glance? Do they have the patience to comfort her in her worst and darkest days? She wanted to refuse. She wanted to shout and say they will just bring her home.

              However, the harsh reality slapped her in that moment---their family cannot take care of Rionne’s worsening mental health condition. That was why her psychiatrist recommended admitting her there as the best or probably the only option left for them.

              Dr. Mejia continued, “People with bipolar disorder are a gift for everyone but they see themselves as a curse for themselves. Their extreme mood swings can affect their normal lives which is why we need to balance it. They love sharing their time and efforts doing things they love and for the people they love.” He looked at her sister and smiled, “In most cases, those diagnosed like Rionne are achievers. They want to aim high every time and make people happy. Failing on that exam hurts her so much and triggers her condition, so she feels it is the end for her. The bright side though is even if there is no known and proven cure yet for bipolar disorder, treatments are available for them to live a normal and productive life. Stories of successful personalities with bipolar disorder such as Demi Lovato inspires her.

              “Dei, Rionne aims to have a balance life. She believes she will overcome her mental health challenges. Let us give your sister a fighting chance.” Dr. Mejia said those words as if it was so easy for her to just let go of her sister and allow other people to take care of her. It did not sit well with her. She wants to refuse but she cannot think of a better way to treat her sister.

              Rionne hits her chest lighty with her fist. “Ako pa! I can do that Ate Dei! Don’t worry about me. I will behave there so I can go home soon and we can bond again!”

              Dei did not hold back her tears anymore. She cried while smiling and hugged her sister. She feels ashamed of herself for not trusting Rionne enough. If her sister is this strong, then she needs to be stronger too for her. She agreed to the option after seeing the courage in her sister’s eyes.

              For the following days, it has been a regular routine for their family to visit her every day. On weekdays, they went there together in the psychiatric facility. Their parents wanted to see her every single day but their free time is only after their office hours. The visiting hours in the psychiatric facility only allow from morning to afternoon.

              On weekdays, Dei went there after her classes. On other days, she was too busy with her school works but she still found ways to visit even if she needs to leave earlier from the psychiatric facility.

              Rionne shared different stories based on what happened that day. She told Dei excitedly how it was easy to be friends with most of the patients in the psychiatric facility. She hated how she must drink her medicines every morning, lunch, and night. She enjoyed the activities too like outdoor and board games, arts and crafts sessions, acting workshop, dancing lessons. On some days, she ran towards Dei crying because she said other patients inside shouted at her and they want to pick a fight against her. There are times too when she apologized to her Ate Dei for not behaving well that is why the staff need to isolate her from the other patients until she calms down.

              “When will I come home Ate? I miss papa, mama, and of course, I miss you so much!” Not a single day that passed whenever Dei visits, Rionne asked this question with much longing and impatience.

              “Soon…just promise me you are behaving every day here so Dr. Mejia can see you are ready to come home soon.” Dei smiled at her with much love and assurance.

              In all her visits to Rionne, she was all smiles in listening to her story. She was thrilled too sharing her own experiences, as if catching up with a friend she did not see for years even if she visits her sister every day. Whenever the staff reminded them visiting hours is over, her sister always asked for just few seconds to hug her and tell her she loves her Ate Dei so much. She hugs her back and sees her going inside. A thick metal door closed wherein she feels the patients are like are prisoners. One of the staff explained to her psychiatric facilities need that design for the doors in case anyone breaks down and tries to escape. The staff lets visitors watch the patients through the CCTV monitor. Dei refused to look at it because she does not want to have a memory of her sister inside the psychiatric facility.

              As soon as she left the main gate of the psychiatric facility, she cried silently. She failed containing those overwhelming emotions even if she was already used to that exhausting set-up. She did not know anymore at that moment if those tears are out of longing, pain, regret, or hatred at herself for not protecting her sister enough. What she was sure of is she will never give up because Rionne herself is fighting with all she got. Indeed, Dei is the greatest pretender whenever she visits her sister.

              This routine went on for days, weeks, and two months.

              Finally, Dr. Mejia called them. He called them every week to give update about their youngest daughter’s progress and lapses. That time though, was a different phone call. “Mr. and Mrs. Archangel, Rionne responded positively to the treatments we gave her. In fact, I earlier estimated she might stay for at least six months. Her determination to be well and desire to come back home sped up her treatment. You may settle her bill in the psychiatric facility so she will be discharged within this day.”

              Their family went hurriedly to the psychiatric facility to tell the good news to Rionne. Their parents went to the billing department. Few minutes later, they came out with worried look on their faces. The bill cost nearly half a million pesos. They can pay for the amount but that means they have to sell their hard-earned property in the province of their parents and use their savings. Without any hesitation, they started calling their friends who said before they wanted to buy that property.

              “Dei, please stay here first. We will find means to get Rionne out and bring her home within this day.” Their parents gave her assurance.

              Dei went to her sister first while waiting for their parents. “Uuwi na tayo mamaya! You are brave and strong Rionne! Dr. Mejia said many good things about you. Ate is so proud of you, dear!”

              “What did I tell you Ate! Ako pa! At last, I can come home!! Yaaaay!! We will watch movies, cook meals, bike around the village, or just sleep all day long! Hahaha!” Her sister hugged her so tight she felt she was about to be squeezed.

              “I promise you Ate Dei, I won’t come back here again as patient. If I will return here, I want to help others enduring bipolar disorder too like me.” Rionne beamed with much confidence.

              “Yes, you will not come back in a psychiatric facility again…”

              The medical bill almost left their family with nothing in their finances. This pushed her parents to accept the offer to work in Dubai so they won’t struggle in their everyday needs. This is also the same reason Dei works as a freelancer in her spare time from school. Despite all the challenges they experienced last year, it made their family ties closer. She loves the improvements from her sister after the treatments inside the psychiatric facility.

              Never did Dei anticipate her sister might have another breakdown.

              She continues to pacify her sister after she shakes off those memories she do not want to happen again.“Sssshhhh, everything will be alright dear Rionne. You promised me something last year…You will not come back there again. You can cry. You can tell me everything. Just ple--- just please don’t hurt yourself. I love you…Ate Dei loves you so much and I will do everything to take care and protect you…even from yourself.” She whispered lovingly to her while her voice cracks.

              Dei starts humming Rionne’s favorite song. It was from a popular animated movie about a Greek demigod’s journey as he believes he can go far in reaching his dreams.Few minutes later, her sister stops struggling. She gives her the medicine into which she takes in. She sings the lyrics and she looks at her.Her sister hugs her and cries in her shoulder. She is too tired so they sat on the couch as she continues to singing. After the song, Rionne sleeps comfortably in her Ate Dei’s caring hug. She wraps her sister’s right arm on her shoulder and supports her upper body. She brings her sister to her room in that position and tucks her to bed.

              “I love you talaga Ate Dei...”Rionne murmurs in her sleep.

              Dei brushes her hair and sings her a lullaby. “Thank God she calms down.”She thought. She treats her sister’s scratches and tiny wounds from breaking the vase and trophy with their first aid kit. Her mother reminds her to prepare that in case something happens. She wishes before she will only use it on herself, and not on her sister.She is too tired as well so she tucks herself beside her sister in bed, hugs Rionne gently, and closes her eyes to rest.

              It has been a long day for Dei.

                                                           *****

              “I always need to be strong enough for them but I feel like I am about to give up soon…” Dei types these words and clicks the tweet button.

              21 people follows her private account. All of them are her close friends. She trust them with her life. Although, most of them are inactive in Twitter so Dei finds it more comfortable releasing her thoughts in that social media platform.

              What Dei doesn’t know is Ann sees that tweet after 5 hours. Her bestfriend replies to her tweet and sends her a direct message in Twitter. Ann feels anxious just waiting for her to reply to she calls her through mobile phone. Dei stares blankly at her phone. Her athletic best friend has fast reflexes in sports and sharp intuition in connecting to friends. She knows at that point Ann would want to ask if she is okay and what is happening. She wants to pick up her phone and talk to her but she does not know what to say at all. She just turns off her phone and stares blankly at the ceiling of her room, contemplating about her thoughts and emotions.

              Suddenly, she feels her tears flowing but she is not sobbing. Her neutral expression seems to show her mind and heart made her numb.

              Did she become too strong that she did not notice her tears anymore? She doesn’t know but she is certain she wants to fight more.

              She needs this time all alone for herself, even just for while. She does not track of the time because at this moment, she wants to clear her mind to gather her strength and focus again.

              When her emotions subside a bit, Dei comes out of her room to prepare their dinner. She likes cooking more than Rionne does. Even though her sister does not cook much, she always help her in kitchen. She checks the ingredients. Some are not enough so she sends her sister to an errand to buy some ingredients for their meal.

              Not long after her sister went out, she hears repeated doorbells. She thinks may be Rionne gets confuse with the list she gave and will ask about it.

              She opens the gate and sees Ann. “We are supposed to meet next week with our catch-up lunch but you made me so worried today! You aren’t replying to my texts and chats. You didn’t answer my calls until your phone becomes attended. I called your landline and it was Rionne who answered. She said you were in your room this whole afternoon. I told her not to mention to you I will visit tonight.” Ann catches her breath after talking too fast.“We’re best friends! Why did you not tell it to me? Since when did you start feeling that way…I mean like what you tweeted?” Ann motions they enter their home to talk about it. Her best friend lets her sit on the couch first.

              Ann softens her voice and with a more gentle tone, she says, “Ano bang nangyari? How can I help you? I know there is something wrong the moment I saw your tweet…If you are not yet ready to share it now, we can watch movies here with these DVD copies I bought.”

              Dei sighs and turns to her. Her best friend sees her gloomy eyes. “I need to fight back. I must be stronger but it feels like I am running out of strength to fight anymore. Nakakapagod pala.It feels like I am about to lose myself even if I still want to fight.” She admits.

              She badly wants to cry but she feels her heart toughened from everything she went through especially in taking care of Rionne. It is nearly a year now since she looks after her sister all by herself. Their parents hesitated to go to Dubai but she assured them she could protect her sister.

              Ann lets her best friend vent out all her thoughts to her. They are childhood friends and they went to the same school until they graduated from high school. Dei’s university gave her a 50% scholarship. Ann chose her current university because the table tennis and other sports programs impressed her. Even if they are not from the same university now in college, their friendship remains strong as ever. They even consider themselves twin sisters by heart. Ann knows something is bothering her best friend even before she posted that tweet. She listens intently to her. Her best friend looks at her as if Dei is waiting to hear an advice or words of encouragement.

              “Before I reached my dream of playing in Olympics, I experienced failures, rejections, disappointments, and setbacks.” Ann clears her throat as she feels her voice becomes shaky.“I even questioned myself that even I love playing table tennis, can I still continue? I realize Dei you cannot really stop from doing what you love. You just need to rest first, gather strength, and pray every day to focus on your goals.”

              Ann sees the photo of their family beside their landline phone. She takes it and shows to her best friend. “I know how much you love you love your family. Let that love become the driving force for you to continue whatever happens. All of us, your friends, are always here to remind you how strong you are but sometimes you need to take a break and rest first. I cannot imagine how difficult your responsibilities are but I know you can do them all.

              “I believe in you. God trusts you so much and He never gives more than what you can bear.” Ann smiles and gives her the photo. Dei hugs her and smiles. No need for her to cry more after she feels lighter in her heart.

              “Thank you Ann for always telling me the words I need to hear at the most crucial times. Para kang si Doc Gia na level kung makapag-advice.” Dei laughs heartily. Thank God, she has Ann as her best friend.

                                                        ****

              Dei is uncomfortable with Rionne’s silence. Her sister seems to be thinking too much again. She calls her attention.

              “Dear, what’s wrong? I know when you are overthinking. I know when you are uncomfortable with anything. What is our promise? No secrets, right?”

              “I can’t really hide anything from you Ate…I am sorry for breaking your favorite trophy when I---“

              Dei is relieved. At least, Rionne worries over a less important thing. She stops what her sister is saying as she pulls her closer and looks into her eyes.

              “That trophy is nothing compared to the treasured trophy I have. Do you know what it is?” Rionne shakes her head gesturing no as a response. Dei smiles widely, pats her head, and hugs her tightly.

              “Seeing you live your life in the best way you can. You accept your flaws and turn it into your strength. That is Ate Dei’s treasured trophy, Rionne. That is my true trophy. I couldn’t be more proud of you!”

              “I will fulfill all my dreams and I will always say thank you for everything Ate Dei. Watch me shine and fly!”

                                                                  ****

[kheprrison-arts]

Paradise (Chapter Three)

part: 3/? Summary: Finally meeting up with an old friend, Shaundre begins to learn some new stuff almost immediately. A/N:-wheeze- Sorry this took a while. I work on one or two chapters for EoG then I work on one or two for this story and it’s actually working out. I’m glad I’ve been so motivated to work on these. Let’s hope it stays this way.

“I am taking the right road right?” I asked, glancing at Alex behind me in the back seat.

“I think so,” he said, holding his phone, “it’s taking a while to load.”

“Lord,” I sighed and continued anyway. I could easily hear the crumbling gravel under the tires of the car.

“We should’ve gotten a truck,” I heard Kris mumble.

“Hey,” I frowned playfully, “I got this car from my previous job before I met you. Be happy. It’s a good car.”

“It’s a tank.”

“Uh-huh,” I snorted.

“Yeah this is the right road. I think it leads straight to Ark’dor if that’s what we’re going for,” Alex said, turning his phone off and setting it in the seat beside him. He hooked his arms around the seat Kris sat in in front of him, receiving an amused look from her.

I pulled on the side of the road, making sure I wasn’t in the way of anyone. I wasn’t entirely expecting having to be held up like this.

“Honk your horn,” Alex said, leaning on Kris’s seat from the back, watching a couple small wyverns hiss and bark at us. I’ve always hated driving in Rak’our for just this reason and I’d rather not get scratches on this damned car.

“I’m getting out,” I said, leaning on Kris’s side and opening the glovebox, taking out my pistol and closing it before opening my door and jumping out. I made sure my pistol was loaded before quickly aiming at the small wyverns and shooting at their feet, the popping of the gun echoed throughout the mountain side along with the squeaking of the gray-blue Beasts. They were barely my height, in fact they only went up to my knees in height but their length was about half the length of my car. The wyvern’s squeaked and hissed, all lifting themselves in the air and spitting on the floors.

At least these ones aren’t as venomous as the ones in Bajiak.

I jumped back in the car, closing my door and putting my pistol back. “I didn’t know you had a gun in here, Dad,” Alex said.

“You can’t be too sure,” I said, “I even have a rifle under your seat.” I smiled when I glanced at Alex and his horrified face. “It’s loaded too,” I sneered playfully and looked at Kris beside me with a smirk. She only shook her head in silence and turned to watch outside her window.

I huffed and put the car back into drive, hitting the gas and driving back up the road. I’m glad no one came up this road and saw me shoot those wyverns. They would’ve killed me if they were native here.

“So what was your previous job?” Alex asked me. I don’t blame him, I hadn’t known him before becoming a detective. In fact I hadn’t known him till I started dating Kris.

“I was a hunter,” I responded, “more like a cop I guess but most of my time was spent hunting monsters and whatnot. I was rewarded with this car and a few guns when I retired.”

“Why’d you retire?” He asked.

“Uh,” I hummed, “more or less because I was better at being a detective than I was a shooter. Then I met your mother.”

“How cute,” Kris smiled.

“I’ve always hated driving up in the mountains,” I groaned, pulling in the driveway. “I didn’t even remember if this is the right place.”

“He sent me a picture,” Kris said, “it looks right.”

“I mean I thought it was pretty cool going up here,” Alex smiled, jumping out of the car. “In fact it was so beautiful on our way up.”

“Of course it was,” I smiled slightly, stepping out and closing the door. I locked it and heard Alex on the other side making sure it was locked.

“It is quite beautiful,” Kris mumbled, turning around to watch Vaemyth hovering just above the horizon. It was quite a beautiful scene; the vastness of Tailnrr shining against Vaemyth, the mountains reflecting its red and orange light while the sky shimmered with purples and oranges.

I walked up to her, wrapping my arms around her and resting my head on hers, watching Vaemyth slowly fall. “Not as beautiful as you.”

“Oh stop,” I heard behind me, a voice I haven’t heard in a long time. I let Kris go to see Platinum, an old friend of mine I met while hunting. I haven’t seen him in so long. “You’ve always made me sick, Shaundre,” he said with a frown, but I knew he was joking by the tone of his voice. Even if it’s extremely subtle.

“Hey, Plat, how’s it going,” I said with a smirk, watching his frown deepen. I faltered slightly when I noticed not only the age in his face but also the cybernetics covering the right half of his face and even his right arm and neck. Looking down I saw his right leg was also the same. The light of Vaemyth reflected off the silvery metal and even his new red eye. “What happened?”

“A war happened. It was quite a long time ago,” he said, moving his leg slightly while looking down at it. “I’m still not used to this.”

“A war? When?” I asked, dropping my smile.

“‘Bout a hundred years ago. If not that then more. I’ve seemed to have lost track of time since then,” he answered, looking back up at me and Kris who moved to stand next to me. Alex stayed by the car. “It’s good to see you’ve been safe since then.”

“Yeah.”

“So what do you need?” He asked, walking closer to me.

Kris grabbed the vial out from her pocket and handed it to him. “We wanted to know what this is. If you know that is.”

Platinum took the vial with his left, the black liquid immediately turning blue. Part of me felt like I knew why it turned that way. He shook the vial slightly, the blue turning even brighter and almost turning white and consuming the blackness of the substance.

“Uh,” he frowned, “where did this come from?”

“A dead body,” Kris said.

“Let’s… go inside. I’ll have a closer look at this,” Platinum said and closed his hand over the vial before turning and walking towards the front entrance of the house. “Selenite isn’t here right now,” he said when we had caught up, “He has a meeting with someone.”

“Who?” I asked.

Platinum only shrugged while he stood to let us in the house. “Make yourself at home. I suspect you’ll be staying for a few days.”

“For a few weeks,” Kris corrected. “If it has to take that long.”

Platinum nodded and led us to the living room after closing the door. He sat on the couch by the end and waved off at the rest of us. We all took our seats while he explained what he believed we discovered.

“It looks like you’ve come across an attack in a civilian in krescent. I assume,” he paused, continuing when Kris and I nodded. “I’m pretty sure a monster did this. Which one would be the question… I think it’s something from Jayle as most creatures from that lake tend to rise up insane.”

“How could something come from the Jayle and move all the way south like that?”

“Not sure.” He shrugged, “there is an island there. If it was a monster it could’ve been a land dweller. You have pictures?”

“Yeah,” I mumbled and turned my phone on, scrolling through my camera roll and handing him the device when I found the picture. “I took a few before we left.”

“That’s… disgusting,” he frowned. “I didn’t expect to see that. That’s definitely a monster.”

“You would know?” I smirked.

“I own a dragon, Shaundre, I think I know what a dragon attack looks like.”

“You… do?” I asked, cocking my head slightly. I would’ve thought he knew what one looked like because of his experience in hunting, not because he was partners with a dragon.

He gave a confirming hum and handing me my phone back. He took out the vial again and examined it. “Although I’ve never think I’ve seen this kind of substance before, but if it’s from a monster in Jayle I’m sure it’s some sort of venom as most of them are venomous.”

“Sounds fun,” I mumbled, turning my head to look at Kris beside me. She looked like she was deep in thought.

“But I doubt it’s something serious,” he shrugged and handed me the vial.

“You say that,” I said, “and it’s going to be something serious.”

He shrugged again and watched as I handed Kris the vial, when she took it the blue in the liquid dimmed and turned black again.

“Intriguing,” he mumbled. “I didn’t expect it to turn from the touch of a god. I thought it was merely a coincidence.”

“Yeah,” I agreed, “I didn’t think it’d turn so bright from your touch, seeing as it turned a slight blue from mine.”

He sat for a second, staring at me. I assume he was thinking as he stared blankly with his silvery eye. “I see,” he mumbled and stood, walking over to his desk and grabbed his phone that had been sitting there. “Excuse me for a second,” he said as he walked over to the front door and left, closing it after him.

“Is everything okay?” Alex asked quietly. I didn’t answer but instead stood up and walked over to the door and set my hand on the handle. I could just barely hear Platinum speaking on the other side. He seemed to try and conceal his voice and it would working very well if I didn’t have sensitive ears.

“I wouldn’t be expecting to either,” he said, “but I do think it’s something you need to check on… especially with… you know… thank you.”

“What’s up?” Kris asked when I walked back.

“I have no idea who he was talking to,” I mumbled, sitting back down next to her. She wrapped her arms around one of mine and rested her head on my shoulder.

Platinum returned, closing the front door with a click. “Shaundre,” he said. “I need to speak with you for a minute.” He almost had a solemn look on his face, but part of me felt he was determined or relieved. He’s a very confusing man I’d have to say.

He led me to the kitchen and I wondered why he didn’t just bring me outside. “What do you need?” I asked.

He stood close to me, almost close enough to where we’d be breathing the same air. I sharply swallowed on my breath when he spoke in a deep whisper. “I had to call Aeregele, and he will be here to test you. You will be staying with him and I will help Kris with your case.”

“Why did you call him?” I frowned deeply, narrowing my eyes I had no idea who Aeregele was. I’m familiar with the name, in fact the main city of Krescent is named Aergele and I’m sure that’s named after him. But who is he anyways? Why have I never met him if he’s so important to call?

“Because I believe there are certain substances that are able to detect divine blood, but they’re extremely rare,” he explained, “in fact there are blades known to have metal that’s infused with this substance and they are the only materials capable of fatally injuring all gods. I believe you have found such a substance and that it’s reacting to your blood.” He paused, closing his eyes for a minute. “Although because the reaction is weak compared to mine, I believe you are a hybrid.”

“Hybrid?” I repeated, “How?”

“Maybe from heritage,” he said, “a demigod born from heritage isn’t uncommon. But one untested by Aeregele is. Then we will see where you truly belong.”

I took a step back, starting to feel somewhat uncomfortable with him so close to me. His good eye blinked slowly, almost like a feline. I started to become creeped out when I realized that only one eye blinks while the other stays open.

“Each test is different for every god. You might get a brutal fight, or you might have to come up with a strategic solution to certain events. Whatever he’s in the mood for,” he said and stepped back as well.

I hummed.

“He’s here,” Platinum said and walked out of the kitchen. Shortly after I heard him ask, “anyone wanna meet the god of gods?”

When I came into the living room I saw Alex jump up from his seat with a happy yes, his puffy tail wagging excitedly. Kris chuckled and stood up. Platinum lead Alex outside the house with him while Kris waited for me to approach her.

“What’s all this about?” She asked.

“Apparently I need to be tested by Aeregele,” I said, “because I guess I’m part god?”

She cocked her head but shook it off and walked over to the front door. “I knew something was up with you,” she smiled and held the door for me.

“Uh huh,” I hummed and walked out, hearing the click of the door shortly after.

[faithambr]

Cozy

(Author’s Note: So I love the Little House on the Prairie since I was a little girl and I thought why not make a little oneshot about our lovely couple.)

Cozy and comfortable.

Those were the words that Anna had kept on thinking about as her and her husband, Kristoff, were driving along in their small wagon train. She smiled at the thought of them being newly married from Wisconsin and now going on an adventure out West. “For our future.” he would often say to her after she would ask him where they were going. She sighed at the thought of leaving her older sister, Elsa, and her childhood home. She wanted her sister to come along, yet she knew that Elsa wanted to stay in the wilderness, surrounded by their loved ones. “Just be safe, Anna.” Elsa hugged and kissed her sister’s forehead. “take care of her, Kristoff.”

She cried in his arms, on the first night they were all on their own. She told him how much it had hurt to leave their loved ones behind and he held her close to his heart. He mumbled something about he had missed his own family, especially his mother, Bulda. However, he told her that they must continue on West, towards their future. Over time, they made new friends, memories, and had conquered new territory.

“Thinking about something, Anna?” a voice had interrupted her thoughts.

“Oh nothing really,” Anna nestled into her love’s shoulder, “just thinking about us.”

“Oh?” Kristoff smiled as he flicked the reins on their oxen. “That must be interesting then.”

“Yes.” Anna agreed while she adjusted her bluebonnet.

Kristoff simply chuckled and gave her a kiss on her rosy cheek.

“It’s so beautiful out here.” Anna whispered while glancing around at the beautiful terrain. “The sky is so blue, Kristoff.” 

“I know.” Kristoff gave her a knowing glance, making her blush a slight pink on her cheeks.

She was right, both the sky and land were beautiful but not as beautiful as her. To him, nothing compares to her beauty. He looked and smiled at her small frame and how she was fitting perfectly in his arms. He still couldn’t believe that he was now married to the woman in his arms. He had plans on living alone out in the wilderness; however, that all changed when they had met at the local church. Her bright eyes and caring demeanor had changed the way he felt about being a married man. Now he couldn’t wait to spend the rest of his life with her. 

She’s so perfect, he thought as he kept his eye on the wagon train up ahead, and so brave.

He was right, his lovely wife is the bravest woman that he has ever met. He knew that their relationship would be tested on their journey, yet he didn’t expect it to be hard for them. He remembered the times when she cried over not being able to see their family ever again. He held her during those moments, hoping that she would feel the love and comfort that he had for her. He knew that they both would miss their loved ones, yet their family said to go out west. “Just take care of her.” his mother had whispered in his ear. “She’ll be needing you.”

She did and she still needs him right now. 

“Kristoff,” a voice had whispered in his ear, “how much longer?”

“I don’t know.” he shrugged.

“Oh.” Anna mouthed while holding onto his forearm.

He smiled at her.

“Say,” Anna continued, “did you check the wagon’s axle?”

“Yes,” he answered, “it’s fixed and should be fine for our journey.”

“Oh,” Anna gave him a concerned look, “what about our supplies?”

“We should be fine for the next few days.” he reassured her. “Once we get to a town, then we’ll replenish our supplies.”

“I know.” Anna sighed.

“Hey,” Kristoff took her hand into his, “look I’m sorry that we had to lighten the load a while back.”

Anna gave him a comforting look. 

“But, it’s apart of our journey out west.” he added.

“I know,” Anna sighed, “I’m just glad to be on this journey with you.”

He nodded at her response.

“Also the fact that I was able to save a piece of my wedding dress.” Anna smiled warmly.

“Of course.”

“At least we made some new friends along the way.” Anna added, making her love smile even more.

It was almost sundown by the time their wagon train had made a complete stop to rest and regroup. Many of the members knew that they had to continue, yet many of their loved ones were begging to rest for the night. 

“Only for the night,” one woman commented as both she and Anna were busy preparing a large meal for the group, “and then we’ll be heading out west.”

“Of course.” Anna agreed as she watched her beloved repair some damages on another family’s covered wagon.

“So where are you folks planning on making your claim at?” the woman asked as she stirred the stew over the campfire.

“Wherever the Good Lord takes us.” Anna answered while feeling her rosy cheeks blush at her husband’s gaze.

“Oh that’s lovely.” the woman had smiled just before a small child was tugging at Anna’s blue dress.

“Excuse me, Miss.” the little girl gave her an innocent look.

“Yes, my child?” Anna knelt down at the little girl’s eye level.

“Is that your husband?” the little girl asked shyly as she pointed at Kristoff.

“Oh why yes.” Anna blushed.

“He saved my doll.” the little girl stated.

“He did?” Anna beamed.

“Yes.” the little girl smiled. “Can you tell him that I said ‘Thank you.’?”

“I will.” Anna answered as she watched the little girl run on off to her parents nearby.

“Hey,” a strong voice had caressed through her ear from behind, “how are you feeling love?”

“Just wonderful.” Anna gave him a loving look.

“Good.” her love intertwined his hand with her own. “I love you.” 

“And I love you, too.” Anna gushed, making his own heart explode.

“Well,” he looked down at her, “we should probably get some food in our stomachs and rest.”

“Yes.” she agreed as they both walked on to where everyone was, hand-in-hand.

Within the next hour or so, both Anna and Kristoff ate their rabbit stew with some stale bread as a side dish. Kristoff smiled as he watched Anna playfully interact with some of the children around the campfire.

One day. he thought. Just one day. 

“Thinking about having some youngins?” an older gentleman nudge Kristoff in the shoulder.

“Eventually yes.” Kristoff stated as he looked back on over at his wife.

“Well you’ll enjoy having them around.” the older gentleman smiled.

“Yes.” Kristoff agreed as his wife sat right next to him.

“Hello,” Anna whispered in his ear while adjusting her dark purple shawl, “feeling alright over here?”

“Yes, my dear.” Kristoff chuckled a bit, as he pulled her close to his side.

“Oh, my,” his little wife yawned, “you’re so warm and cozy. You’re like a furnace, Kristoff.” 

“Well thank you, Anna.” Kristoff kissed the top of her bluebonnet.

“You’re welcome.” Anna’s eyes began to close.

Slowly, Anna began to softly snore in her sleep, making Kristoff feel right at home.

“Say,” the older gentleman whispered to Kristoff, “we should get some rest. Gonna have an early morning start.”

Kristoff simply nodded in agreement.

“see ya in the morning.” the old man had tipped his hat as he got up and strolled on over to his wagon. 

“C’mon feistypants,” Kristoff murmured to his love, “time for bed.”

“Hmmm....” she stirred in her sleep, making Kristoff smile in adoration. 

Within one swift motion, Kristoff held her and carried her back to their own little-covered wagon. God, she looks so lovely. Kristoff had thought as he laid her down in the makeshift bedding in the back of their wagon.

“Kris.” she whispered while covered her with some blankets and furs.

“Goodnight, my love.” he kissed her forehead as he laid there and gathered her up in his arms. “May you have sweet dreams.”

A few days later 

“Walnut Grove.” Anna read the small town’s sign up ahead. “Oh, this is such a lovely town.”

“Really?” Kristoff smiled at his wife’s excitement while driving the wagon on into Walnut Grove. “You got all that from reading the sign?”

“Oh, you.” Anna playfully rolled her eyes. “I was simply admiring this little town.”

And I was simply admiring you. he thought as they went across the bridge.

“Oh look!” Anna beamed as she pulled Kristoff’s shirt to get his attention. “Over there, a mercantile!” 

“Alrighty, feistypants.” Kristoff quickly moved the wagon towards the mercantile.

“Wonder what we could find in there?” Anna wondered aloud while enjoying the lovely view of the town.

“Well feistypants,” Kristoff began, “I’m sure that we would be able to replenish our supplies here and then continue on our way.”

“I guess so.” Anna sighed as the wagon had stopped at the entrance of the mercantile. 

“Well good morning.” a young man had tipped his hat at the young couple.

“Good morning.” Kristoff returned the favor.

“You staking a claim here or just passing through?” the young man asked as he leaned up against a post at the entrance.

Staying here. Anna thought while fumbling with one of her loose braids.

“Just passing through,” Kristoff answered, “but first we need to get some new supplies.” 

“Well maybe my parents can help you with that.” the young man suggested. “They own the mercantile.”

“Well thank you.” Anna smiled while Kristoff had gotten on off the wagon. “You are too kind.

“You’re welcome.” the young man smiled as Kristoff was helping Anna off of the wagon.

“Well after you, my dear.” Kristoff held the door for his love to come in.

“Well thank you.” Anna blushed as they both made their way into the mercantile. 

“Ma! Pa!” the young man had called out while looking on over to the counter. “We’ve got some customers.”

“Willie,” a voice could be heard from the pantry, “shouldn’t you be at school with Nancy?”

“Yes, Pa.” Willie kept his head down to the floor.

“Oh Nels,” an older woman snapped as she made her way to the counter from their parlor, “don’t yell at our son like that.”

“Harriet,” her husband had appeared from the pantry, “he needs to be at school.”

The woman simply turned her nose away.

“Um excuse me, Miss.” Kristoff cleared his throat loud enough to get the woman’s attention.

“Oh why hello there.” the woman smiled while she took a glance at the young couple. 

“We’re traveling out west and we’ll be needing some supplies.” Kristoff stated as he handed a small list over to the woman.

“Oh,” the woman took a small glance at the paper then back at him, “well then, we’ll have to see what we have in stock here.”

“Thank you, Missus.” Kristoff nodded.

“Oleson.” the woman finished while going over the list in her hand. “Ah well, it looks like we have everything here.”

“Really?” Anna beamed with such delight.

“Yes,” Mrs. Oleson gave her a somewhat of an annoyed look, “let me help you get those things. Plus, I’m sure that my husband would love to replenish your food supply.”

“Thank you.” Kristoff nodded in appreciation. “You don’t mind if I go and help him put it in our wagon.”

“Well of course,” Mrs. Oleson rolled her eyes and pointed him to the pantry, “he’s in there.”

“Alright.” Kristoff had strolled on his way to where Mr. Oleson was.

“Now where were we?” Mrs. Oleson sighed as she took Anna to where the tools and oil lamps. “Oh yes, here your list says that you need some lamps and tools?”

“Yes ma’am,” Anna answered, feeling a bit uncomfortable around Mrs. Oleson.

While her and Mrs. Oleson were busy getting some of the supplies that were needed, Anna was looking around at the small bustling town. She smiled as she watched many people go on about their day, in a much more friendlier manner. “Such a cozy town.” she whispered while taking a peek at the oil lamp in Mrs. Oleson’s hands.

“So what do you think about this one, Miss...” Mrs. Oleson asked expectantly.

“Bjorgman,” Anna bit her lip, “and the lamp seems to be a bit big and it might be hard for me to carry.”

“Well isn’t that what husbands are for?” Mrs. Oleson remarked, making Anna boil a bit in frustration. “Besides your husband looks like the type of husband that would take care of his wife and family, the proper way.”

“What do you mean, Mrs. Oleson?” Anna tried her best to smile. 

“I mean that your husband would be taking care of everything on the farm, while you tend to him and the children.” Mrs. Oleson stated.

“Well not all marriages are like that, Mrs. Oleson.” Anna remained cool with her temper. 

“I see.” Mrs. Oleson sighed just before the doorbell rang at the store’s entrance. “Just a minute, I’ll be right with you.”

That woman. Anna thought as she watched Mrs. Oleson was interacting with the young couple at the counter. She couldn’t even believe that Mrs. Oleson had said those words to her, especially since she was a newly-married woman. She knew that her marriage to Kristoff was different than most, yet there were some things that he could do for her. So far in their marriage, she had learned that he was good at keeping her safe from harm's way, especially during their journey out west. She smiled at the thought of them staking their claim to the land, settling down, and even raising a family.

“Hello.” a warm voice had interrupted her thoughts.

“Oh hi there.” Anna returned the greeting to the young woman right in front of her.

“You must be new here.” the woman chimed in, making Anna feel more comfortable.

“Yes.” Anna grinned.

“My name is Laura Wilder.” the young woman offered her hand out to Anna. “What is your name?”

“Anna Bjorgman.” Anna answered as she shook Laura’s hand. “May I say your dress looks lovely on you. Did you buy it here?”

“Oh, I only bought the fabric here.” Laura giggled a bit.

“So you made this all by yourself?” Anna looked surprised.

“Well yes.” Laura smiled at her new friend. “Although Mrs. Oleson had insisted that I should wear dark purple instead of the blue.”

“The blue sure does suit you.” Anna commented, feeling like she has made a new friend.

“Thank you.” Laura smiled brightly.

“You’re welcome.” Anna nodded, just as she noticed her husband reappearing with a small bundle in his arms.

“Oh hello,” Kristoff smiled at the two ladies, “how are you?”

“I’m doing wonderful,” Laura grinned, “you must be Anna’s husband.”

“And that indeed I am, Miss.” Kristoff stated, making Anna feel right at home.

“Well it was lovely to meet you both,” Laura smiled as she quickly adjusted her bonnet, “but my husband and I better get going. I’m assuming that he bought the feed that we needed for our chickens.” 

“Ah yes.” Kristoff recalled a bit. “I was able to recommend something different versus the cornmeal.”

“Oh well thank you,” Laura stated as she walked on past the couple and out the front entrance, “and I hope that you have a wonderful day.”

“You too.” Anna chimed in while Mrs. Oleson had returned back with the supplies in her hands.

“Alrighty,” Mrs. Oleson laid out everything on the counter, “her is all of the items that you need for your journey out west.” 

“Thank you.” Kristoff sighed while Anna was leaning against the counter, smiling back at him. “How much would this be?”

“$15.50,” Mrs. Oleson counted at her register, “and it also includes the other supplies on your wagon.”

Kristoff quickly handed Mrs. Oleson the money, gathered up the supplies into his arms, and guided his little wife out the front entrance.

“Well, that was wonderful.” Anna beamed as they walked on back to their wagon. “Especially since that, I made a new friend today.”

“Oh?” her husband quirked an eyebrow while placing the bundle into the wagon.

“Yes.” Anna smiled.

“So,” Kristoff gave her a loving glance, “are you ready to head out?”

“I guess.” Anna looked down at the dusty ground.

“What is it?” Kristoff slowly cupped her head with concern. “Are you alright?”

“I don’t know,” she whispered, feeling a bit uneasy about leaving, “but I think that I like Walnut Grove.” 

“Oh.” he mouthed. “So do you want to stay here forever?”

“I guess so,” she sighed, feeling the love between them, “besides this town looks like a perfect fit for us.”

“Well, then I would have to agree.” Kristoff kissed her forehead and then her lips. “We’ll settle down here, then.”

Anna simply smiled, knowing that they had found a place to call home. 

“Tonight we’ll celebrate and stay at the boarding house over there,” Kristoff pointed at the boarding house across the bridge, “and in the morning, we’ll talk to the county clerk.”

“Yay.” Anna cheered while Kristoff helped her on up into the wagon. She couldn’t wait to see what the future was in store for them.

“So are you ready to build our lives here?” Kristoff whispered as he placed his hand on Anna’s shoulder.

“Oh yes.” Anna smiled while feeling the breeze flow through her bonnet. “I am ready.”

“Well then,” he chuckled, “let’s get to it.”

“Alrighty.” Anna giggled as she followed him on up the hill to where their future house would be. Next to their house is where their barn would be along with the chicken coop and a vegetable garden in between. 

“Kristoff,” Anna huffed as they both had reached the top of the hill, “where would our crops be for this season?”

“It’ll be a few feet away from the creek down there.” Kristoff stated proudly, making Anna smile even more.

“Wonderful.”

“Wanna know something?” Kristoff gave his wife a loving look. 

“What?” Anna looked confused.

“That I’m so glad that I got you as my wife,” Kristoff held her close, “and that I love you.” 

“And I love you, too.” Anna kissed his nose. “Now let’s get to building.”

Kristoff just laughed, knowing that their future was in the making. 

[rosesgonerogue]

Fluff

Daminette December Day Ten

Marinette was used to people being fascinated by her baking technique. She herself remembered the childhood wonder at how her parents were able to turn eggs and flour into ornate cakes and delicate pastries. It was a thing of beauty to watch, after all. She just wasn’t used to this level of enthusiasm from a grown man. 

Marinette had first noticed him because of his dominating presence-- when he walked into a room, everyone noticed. He was massive, almost as tall as Papa, and intimidatingly buff with black hair and a single white streak. But his eyes fixated on her baking, and they hadn’t strayed from her once. It would have been intimidating if it hadn’t been for the sheer childlike wonder in his eyes. 

The man had been in there for at least an hour when the door crashed open to a boy around her age cursing in a variety of languages before spitting, “Todd! We’ve been looking for you for hours! What the--”

“Hush, your foul language will ruin the fluff,” the large one said, putting a hand over the boy’s mouth. 

“I-is everything okay over there?” Marinette asked hesitantly.

“Fine, just keep doing what you’re doing,” the big one said, despite the squirming boy in his arms. 

A little unsettled, Marinette turned back to her baking, yet another tray of meringue shells for a massive order. While she wasn’t looking, the smaller one broke his way free. “We’ve been looking for you for hours, Todd! Father gave you a single job, and instead you come in and harass this poor girl! We’re going, now.” 

Marinette tried not to look at the two as they left, mostly because she didn’t want to be called in as a witness for whatever methods the smaller one was using to get the other man out of the bakery. 

The two were soon forgotten, though, as Marinette and kept preparing for the huge gala her family was catering tonight. Her parents were delivering the less delicate things like the croissants and macarons, while she finished making what couldn’t be made days ago. The rest of the day was a flurry of flour and pastries, until it came time for the actual gala. 

It took everything in her, but Marinette went the entire gala without tripping or spilling anything on anyone, not even herself. She couldn’t remember who she had served or spoken to, but no fiascos had taken place!

Marinette was ready to declare the night a success as she cleaned up. That is, until she tripped over her own feet carrying the large (expensive) punchbowl that was still decidedly full of punch. She prepared herself for the fact that she would be buying a new punchbowl with her commission money when a strong arm snaked around her waist, keeping her and the punchbowl upright. 

“Are you okay, Miss?” A deep voice asked very close to her ear. She shuddered just a bit before daring to look up at her savior. 

Piercing green eyes stared back, surprise bringing a certain light into them. “You’re the girl from the bakery. I meant to apologize earlier for my brother’s behavior.” 

“No, not at all!” Marinette said frantically, a bit of punch sloshing back and forth. “It’s not a problem, he was just fascinated by the meringue shells I was making.” 

“Let me help you with that,” the boy said, finally (dang it) moving his arm from around her waist. He took the punchbowl from her hands with a small smile, and Marinette felt her heart stop for a moment. “I’m Damian Wayne, by the way.”

“Oh! My Marinette is name!” she said hastily before shaking her head. “No, I mean… ugh, I’m the worst, I can’t even--”

“It’s fine, Marinette. You’ve already had a long evening, I understand. It really is nice to see you again. While you’re here, can I ask you for a favor?” 

“Yes?” she squeaked. 

“Could you maybe show me around Paris sometime in the next few days? If you have time, that is. I want to explore the city a bit.” 

Damian was… Oh lord, was this flirting? It must be SUPER blatant if Marinette was picking up on it. She didn’t think her heart could take it, this would be her end. Goodbye, cruel world. 

She stared at him for slightly too long before finally remembering herself. “Oh yeah, I should have time for that.” 

Behind them, Jason was finally trying one of the meringue shells he had been so fascinated by. “Mmmm, fluffy, just like I thought it would be.” 

Taglist:

@daminette-december2019  @cravethosecrazysquares @krispydefendorpolice @thesunanditsangel @sonif50 @kris-pines04 @persephonebutkore @tbehartoo @corabeth11 @caffeinetheory @drarryismylife101 @bluerosette23 @weird-pale-blonde-person @mystery-5-5 @heaven428 @thethirdwheelfriend @thetinymoonflower @interobanginyourmom @chocolate1721 @akana-sama @skyel0ve @katiegardneriscoolerthanyou

So I’m roughly an hour late on this one, but it’s finals week and I still wrote it, so I’m giving myself a pass. Hopefully the one for tomorrow will happen earlier in the day, but I still have one more paper to write, and it’s my biggest one yet. Wish me luck!

[xxprincessjewelsxx]

The Lunar Mark (Xiumin Werewolf!au fic) Chapter 12

Warnings: Violence, blood

Ch. 1 Ch. 2 Ch. 3 Ch. 4 Ch. 5 Ch. 6 Ch. 7 Ch. 8 Ch. 9 Ch. 10 Ch. 11 Ch. 12 Ch. 13 Ch. 14 Ch. 15(M) Ch. 16

You could hear yelling coming from the manor and the edge of the woods as Baekhyun began to run; they had realized you were missing. When you were a child the sound of the guards knowing you were missing because of other wolves saving you probably wouldn’t have bothered you as much as it did now. But Baekhyun’s and Tao’s safety was in jeopardy because of you...because you needed saving. 

At the same time...your heart wanted to get to Minseok. You wanted to see him; you still had that feeling of selfishness. You were the one that turned him away, and yet after all that, now you wanted to see him when you know that him knowing that you going through pain would cause him pain.

The yelling continued behind you but started to fade as Baekhyun picked up speed. Thankfully, a few hours later when you were just about at your limit, what you assumed was the spring came into view.

“I’ll go ahead and get some help, she needs some water,” Tao said, “She’s not going

“Just hurry,” Baekhyun replied after carefully setting you down and shifting. As Tao left he leaned you up against a tall boulder before going a fetching water and bringing it back to you in his cupped hands.

You gladly took it; the guards gave you water to rehydrate you after your beatings...in a dog dish. The thought it was funny; even more so with the fact that they liked watching your face contort at the taste of the water. Either it had been sitting is a rusty bucket for way too long, or they had gotten it out of a toilet. Either way it was a blessing to have fresh spring water.

After you drank the water he sat in front of you with a concerd look on his face as he looked at your wounds. “I don’t know much about herbs...but...are there any in this part of the forest that help with wounds or pain?”

You looked around, trying to process your surroundings and your knowledge of herbs. “How far in are we?” you questioned, your brain not being able to catch up.

He thought for a moment. “Mmmm pretty far into the woods I guess...light does really get in here often until noon-ish.”

“Nothing helpful grows this far in,” you said, readjusting yourself with a groan, “It was a very...a very good thought though.” Your eyes started to close and he shook you back awake.

“You have to stay awake, Y/N,” he said, “Tao’s going to get some more help.”

“I’m so tired though...”

“I know...but you’ve stayed strong for this long...we just need you to stay strong for just a little longer, it will be a few hours...but once we get some help here, we’ll get to the pack house before you know it.”

You stayed silent for a minute, trying your best to focus on anything but the pain. “Why did he come back?”

“Huh?”

“Minseok...when I was taken by the guards I saw him at the edge of the woods. Why...nah...why did he come back? I was cruel, rejecting him.”

“Well...I mean this was meant to be a surprise,” he started, rubbing the back of his neck, “But he was going to surprise you with something that he would hope would win your affection. He built a garden for you as well as an animal pen. He went to tell you...his actions got you into this mess though.”

“The chicken wire?”

He looked away sadly. “He didn’t mean for this to happen...he just wanted to make you happy.”

“I know Baekhyun...I know.”

The sun was high in the sky by the time that Tao reached the pack house; practically taking down the front door as he shifted mid jump into the house he startled those who sat in the living room.

“I SMELL HER!! IS SHE HERE?! WHY DO I SMELL HER?!” He heard Minseok’s muffled voice from the basement.

“How badly is she hurt?” Yixing questioned, seeing the blood on Tao.

“Bad enough that Baekhyun is waiting at the spring with her...she couldn’t keep her grip for much longer,” he replied, “I’m going to get some rope...I can’t stay and chat, the guards know she’s missing and had been following us.”

“I’ll go too,” Chanyeol said.

“Torching royal guard ass? Sounds good to me...” Sehun added.

“Count me in,” Kyungsoo added.

“Let’s get going...” Tao said.

“Do you think they’ll get to her in time?” Jongdae asked.

“As long as their aren’t any-” Kris started but stopped when there was a giant cracking sound followed by a bang. He looked and saw the basement door was iced over and now laying on the floor.

Minseok walked out in his wolf form scanning those around the room before taking off after the others.

“Well....it took longer than I thought it would, but he managed to get out of there,” Junmyeon stated.

As you sat and waited Baekhyun did the only thing he could think of and at least try and rinse off your arms and legs. 

“You don’t have to do this...” you said.

“I know,” he said with a smile, “But the more the the wounds get rinse out the fast Yixing will be able to get to healing them once we get you to him.”

“Yixing must have healing powers?”

“Yeah...that’s why he doesn’t travel or hunt. If he leaves the land that surrounds the pack house and he’s with Sora and they just go for short walks,” he replied, before continuing on about Yixing.

You let out a chuckle and he stopped causing you to shake your head. “Listening to you describe Yixing, reminds me of my mother. She had healing powers.”

“Is that why you’re so good with the herbs and stuff?” he questioned.

You gave a slight nod. “I was born without any powers...kinda a lame duck if you will. Even for a wolf I’m not that fast. But after my mother taught me about medicinal herbs...I was found to have quite the green thumb.”

“Do you-” he stopped, sitting up straight.

“What is it? You questioned.

“The guards...they caught up,” he growled, “Those idiots normally would’ve given up by now....look, I know you’re tired, but we need to move.” He shifted and pushed his body against you, allowing you to grab and basically just roll onto his back.

As he ran you could hear the voices of the guards drawing nearer. “Don’t worry, we’ll be out of here in no-” he let out a yelp as he got knocked back, you falling to the ground with a thud.

“You wolves aren’t as cleaver as you think you are, hiding at a spring,” a guard said, “So while you think that we’re just coming from the south, our messenger hawk allows us to get gaurds from the next village over involved too...and here we are.”

Baekhyun faught back against the ropes that were being thrown around him, knocking guards to the ground as he yanked back. A guard grabbed for you and he snappped at them only to get pulled back by the guard still standing.

“Baekhyun...” you said, seeing him struggle against the ropes. You tried to push yourself up from the ground, only to pathetically fall back to the dirt.

“Stay down...”

Your eyes snapped open. “Minseok?”

There was yelling and noises of fighting. You saw Baekhyun was able to get back to his feet and join the fight. You let out a yelp as a guard’s body dropped in front of you, clearly not breathing. 

You did your best to roll out of the way; the pain of dirt in your wounds increasing by the second. Once you were safely by a log you watched what was happening; you could see the four wolves fighting the guards and another, in his human form using his fire power.

You watched Minseok, his movements where that of a wolf not in complete control of his emotions. He was not just there to fend off the guards; He was there for the kill.

You continued to watch the fight as some guards retreated and others lay dead on the forest floor. The wolves stood and waited and watched for any other threats for a minute. Minseok took off leaving you very confused before coming back a couple minutes later, face wet from what you assume was him rinsing his face off in the spring. He looked you up and down before letting out a growl and looking over his shoulder.

Reaching out you put your hand on his paw. “No Minseok...you can’t go after Lord Yeongjoon. Please...please just get me somewhere safe.”

He looked down at you, eyes still red. You could tell that he wanted nothing more to just leave and kill Yeongjoon for what he had done, but instead he just gave a nod.

The young wolf with the fire power stepped over to you both and smiled at you. “My name is Sehun,” he said, “I’m just going to lift you onto Minseok’s back and secure you so we can get you back to the pack house...okay?” You gave a small nod before the young wolf picked you up and put you on Minseok’s back before securing you with a rope. “It’s not the most comfortable thing, but you should stay up there.”

“Thank you...”

After he shifted the wolves took off to what you could only guess was their pack house.

To be continued...

[daresplaining]

Defenders Countdown: 28 Days

Power Man and Iron Fist

    The time has come! In less than a month, Luke Cage and Danny Rand will finally be running headfirst (fist first?) into each other in glorious live action. In preparation, here is a quick overview of the history of this most beautiful of friendships.  

    Luke and Danny meet under less-than-ideal circumstances-- though as any longtime reader of superhero comics knows, the best friendships often start with an editorially-mandated Superpowered Showdown(TM). Luke’s loved ones-- Claire Temple and Noah Burstein-- are kidnapped by sleazy mob boss Bushmaster, and threatened with death unless Luke kidnaps one of Bushmaster’s own enemies. The kidnappee in question is Misty Knight-- bionic ex-cop, one half of Nightwing Restorations, and Danny’s girlfriend. Luke, who grudgingly agrees in order to ensure Claire and Burstein’s safety, learns that Misty is at the Rand townhouse and busts in to grab her. 

    Chaos ensues. It just so happens that Misty and Danny are out on a date, and instead, Luke runs into Colleen Wing-- who manages to call for backup just before Luke knocks her unconscious. Misty shows up next, and gets in a few good hits before getting KO’d as well. When Danny arrives and sees what’s happened to his two closest friends, he is... less than forgiving.    

Danny: “Mr. Cage-- turn around.”

Power Man #48 by Chris Claremont, John Byrne, and Francoise Mouly

    As anyone might after getting a building dropped on them, Luke comes up swinging. The fight is as intense as you’d expect, with Danny’s extreme training and chi powers balanced out by Luke’s sheer toughness and strength. They’re both used to winning, and this surprising challenge shocks and impresses them. Seeing at last that the fight can’t go on, and trusting Power Man’s heroic reputation in spite of his current behavior, Danny takes a gamble and lets Luke grab him. 

Danny: “Hands like vise... can’t breathe... But... I... sense at heart... Power Man isn’t... killer. I can try... tiger claw to eyes... last resort... blind him... Then, if that works, if I can summon... strength... pop his eardrums... killing blow, but not yet.”

Luke: “Lord, no-- What am I doin’?”

Power Man #48 by Chris Claremont, John Byrne, and Francoise Mouly

    This near murder shocks Luke out of the fight. Calming down enough to explain himself, he soon earns Danny, Misty, and Colleen’s trust and sympathy. As a team, they rescue Claire and Dr. Burstein from Bushmaster’s headquarters, and then-- with the help of Danny’s attorney Jeryn Hogarth-- free Luke, at last, of the drug charges that originally sent him to jail. 

Danny: “Alone at last. You changed your name, huh? Jeryn says your real, legal identity is now Lucas Cage! [...] Luke, how do you feel?”

Luke: “Kid, if you live a thousand years, you’ll never know [...] how sick I felt when they put me away... an’ how gut-bustin’ good I feel tonight. I ain’t just free, Danny-boy, I been reborn!”

Power Man and Iron Fist vol. 1 #50 by Chris Claremont, John Byrne, Dan Green, et al. 

    Luke and Danny’s friendship progresses quickly after this. They start hanging out (their first one-on-one team-up occurs while Luke is giving Danny a tour of Harlem), and they come to realize that they really enjoy partnering up. At the time, Luke is working on retainer for Misty and Colleen’s P.I. business, but with Danny in the picture he considers revitalizing his own operation-- this time with some key changes.   

Luke: “Y’know, Danny-- we make a pretty good team. If I wasn’t part of Misty’s detective agency...”

Danny: “You got fired, remember? Although I’m sure they’ll take you back. If you really want them to...”

Power Man and Iron Fist vol. 1 #53 by Chris Claremont, Ed Hannigan, Sal Buscema, et al.

    When the offer comes, Danny eagerly agrees to join Luke’s Heroes for Hire business-- for several reasons. Having been born wealthy and then raised in a society without an emphasis on financial gain, Danny has no concept of the value of money. He hopes that joining Luke’s small, low-income business will fix this. It also gives him the sense of purpose and chance to use his skills that he has been desperately searching for since becoming stranded on Earth. But mostly, it allows him to spend more time with Luke. For the 72 issues that Heroes for Hire exists in its original form, Luke, Danny, and friends face down everything from dragons to Daleks (not a joke-- there are actual Daleks in this series)-- while building both a reputation as one of the baddest street-level teams around, and a friendship that is nothing short of legendary.    

Danny: “--It’s me! [...] Are you all right?”

Luke: “Just fine now! Bet you’re the one who saved my hide, right?”

Danny: “Well, I, uh, suppose I did.”

Luke: “I knew that you did!”

Power Man and Iron Fist vol. 1 #85 by Denny O’Neil, Keith Pollard, and Christie Scheele

    All good things must come to an end, however, and the first iteration of Luke and Danny’s partnership ends in the most sudden, shocking way possible. In a freak accident, Danny is beaten to death by another superhero, and Luke is blamed for it. 

Tower: “Fact: Iron Fist was pummeled to death by someone with superhuman strength. Fact: the day before the murder you had an argument with Iron Fist. A very loud, very public argument. Fact: Iron Fist’s will names you as sole beneficiary of the Rand fortune. Fact: your P.I. firm, Heroes for Hire, has been going down the drain from the word go. Fact: you’re an ex-con with a reputation for being a hothead. [...] I may not have an airtight case... but I’ve got enough to hang on to you until I do.”

Luke: “What are you pushin’ for, Tower? District Attorney not good enough for you? You runnin’ for mayor or somethin’?! You’re grasping at straws, man. You got nothin’ and you know it. I loved that man.”

Power Man and Iron Fist vol. 1 #125 by James Owsley, Mark Bright, and Bob Sharen

    Luke manages to avoid a prison sentence, but the experience seriously damages his psyche. He has once more been accused of a crime he didn’t commit, thus proving that in the eyes of the world, he’ll always be a morally suspect ex-con-- one capable of murdering someone he thought of as a brother. In the wake of Danny’s death he moves to Chicago, trades in the yellow v-neck and tiara for a more subdued, darker look, and starts a new solo act as a tough mercenary who’s only in it for the money. When it turns out that Danny didn’t actually die, but had been replaced by a shape-shifting sentient plant from K’un-Lun (er, long story...), it takes Luke a little while to sort out his feelings. 

Danny: “Like the ‘in it for bucks’ attitude you throw in everyone’s face? That’s not you. [...] And it also stops anyone from getting too close, eh? Like I did?”

Luke: “Yeah! Don’t you get it? You proved the only one I could ever count on’s me.”

Cage vol. 1 #12 by Marc McLaurin, Dwayne Turner, and Kris Renkewitz

    ...But he and Danny figure things out. 

Luke: “Got your ticket and... all, Fist?”

Danny: “Yeah, Luke. Look, despite all that’s happened-- all that’s changed-- I want you to know, you’re still my best friend. And I’ll always be there.”

Luke: “Me too, man. Me too.”

Cage vol. 1 #13 by Marc McLaurin, Scott Benefiel, and Frank Turner

    Since then they have remained BFFs and de facto brothers, sticking together through several more iterations of Heroes for Hire, Luke’s own personal Avengers team, and everything in between. When Luke and Jessica Jones have a baby, they name her Danielle-- Dani for short.       

Danny: “That’s really nice, guys.”

Jessica: “You’re her family. You know that, right? (Unless you’re really a Skrull, then you can go @##$ yourself.)”

Luke: “And you got matchin’ booties.” 

Jessica: “Man, he’s been waiting to drop that joke on you.” 

New Avengers vol. 1 #34 by Brian Michael Bendis, Leinil Yu, and Dave McCaig

    ...And in that one alternate universe where Danny and Misty’s baby is real (stay tuned for our Danny and Misty post for more on that...), they name her after her uncle Luke. 

Jessica: “Lucy, how does your dad look?”

Lucy: “Daddy, you look beautiful.”

Danny: “Thank you, Lucy. Man, you look so much like your mom. How’d I get so lucky?”

Secret Wars: Secret Love, “Misty and Danny Forever” by Jeremy Whitley and Gurihiru

   As is often the case with people who have spent years in close proximity, they’ve rubbed off on each other-- to the point where they can anticipate each other’s behavior, occasionally finish each other’s sentences, and (possibly most endearingly) have even picked up each other’s slang and speech patterns.

Guy: “What about the explosives?”

Luke: “Fist’s taken care of that.”

Guy: How do you know?”

Luke: “’Cause I know him!”

Power Man and Iron Fist vol. 1 #89 by Denny O’Neil, Denys Cowan, and Christie Scheele

Danny: “All right, mama, you may be bigger, badder and... a few thousand years more powerful than the last dragon I faced... but then I hadn’t mastered the power of the Iron Fist!”

Immortal Weapons #5 by David Lapham, Arturo Lozzi, and June Chung

    Luke and Danny’s newest H4H venture was recently torpedoed by Diamondback, and they’re both currently working through some major changes in their own lives, but their love is stronger than ever. 

Luke: “It’s gonna be okay, brother. I love you.”

Danny: “Love you, too.”

Power Man and Iron Fist vol. 3 #15 by David Walker, Sanford Greene, and Lee Loughridge

    The teasing and baiting of Luke and Danny’s imminent encounter in The Defenders has been relentless-- from Danny worrying about Claire’s unnamed, bullet-riddled friend in Episode 11 of Iron Fist, to Mike Colter and Finn Jones hugging on stage at NYCC last year. In the interviews they’ve done together so far, the two actors have displayed what we consider to be fantastic chemistry, and when questioned about their characters’ relationship in the show, they’ve both indicated a level of care being taken to their interactions that, for us, is a big relief. After all, they can’t rely on viewers having read the comics-- this friendship needs to be built anew in the MCU.   

Finn: "The dynamic between the characters is working really well. Before we started this, because there was such hype around our characters coming together for the first time, there was a worry that it might be too over- sensationalised or too over-written or too over-anticipated. But the way that it’s written and the way that we’re getting on and working together, it feels really natural.”

Mike: "They’re trying to organically allow our characters to get to know each other, without just going, ‘Hey, I like you, you like me, let’s hang out!’”

Source: SFX

    At this point, we know that Luke and Danny will have their all-important bonding fight-- likely not on the building-destroying scale we’d like (see the beginning of the post), but that’s okay. We also know that both characters are starting from different emotional places than when they met in the comics-- with Luke relatively at peace following his acceptance as Harlem’s hero and the end of his prison sentence, and Danny feeling lost and untrusting in the wake of  all his recent betrayals and the disappearance of K’un-Lun. It will be fascinating to see how these altered mindsets impact the development of their relationship in the show. We also have this little tidbit from Finn, which provides some hints as to the source of their initial tension: 

“There's friction there at the beginning, and it's pretty obvious because we come from two different worlds. Luke Cage is from the streets. And he's trying to do good. He cares about community, he cares about lifting the bottom up... whereas Danny comes from a completely different side of New York, one of privilege, power, and money. And so when they come together, they definitely have a clash of ideals which, throughout The Defenders, they are coming to grips with.”

Source: Den of Geek 

    We have to admit to being nervous about this. The class difference is a notable element of Luke and Danny’s friendship, and something that has been a source of misunderstandings in the comics: 

Luke: “Don’t seem fair, somehow... how some folks gotta hustle all their lives just to get by, and others got it made ‘cause they were born rich. Only thing all that hustling ever got me was a term in Seagate Prison-- ‘Little Alcatraz’-- for something I never even did.”

Danny: “Luke, we’re partners now. You’re my best friend. Anything I have is yours... whatever you want. Just name it.”

Luke: “No way! I got little enough as it is without losin’ my self respect, too.”

Danny: “But I didn’t... I only meant...”

Power Man and Iron Fist vol. 1 #56 by Mary Jo Duffy, Trevor Von Eeden, and George Roussos

    Danny’s utter lack of interest in money jarring with Luke’s desire to make a living is a neat thing, and we would love to see it integrated into the show. However... it shouldn’t lead them to actually fight. Unless handled impeccably, that would feel out-of-character and weird. Danny is the most down-to-earth billionaire ever, who lacks the typical mindset of those born rich, and this needs to remain true since it’s a key component of his character. Even if Rand Enterprises had some direct, negative impact on Harlem that were to come to light in The Defenders (which-- hey-- is possible), we can’t imagine a reason why Danny wouldn’t be completely on Luke’s side. 

    But of course, we’ll reserve our judgement until we’ve actually watched the show. For the moment, we can’t wait to finally see this friendship happen. It’s gonna be beautiful.