#he'll point to violet and say 'look at her'

[roosterforme]

Yours Truly, Bradley Bradshaw Part 21 | Rooster x Reader

Summary: Bradley is learning firsthand just how lonely a deployment can be when he's gotten used to talking to you all the time. You are more than happy to record your daily adventures for him, including your steamy ones.

Warnings: Fluff, angst, masturbation, adult language, romantic Bradley, 18+

Length: 3700 words

Pairing: Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw x Female teacher!Reader

Check out my masterlist for more! Yours Truly, Bradley Bradshaw masterlist

Your original plan to commute to work from your apartment in Mira Mesa went out the window after the box from Bradley arrived. Suddenly his place seemed cozier now that there were tidy rows of envelopes from him covering the table in the living room. You sipped a mug of coffee and looked at all of them, selecting the one that said Open me with your class.

"Whatever you say, Bradley," you murmured with a smile, tucking it into your tote bag for work. You missed your kids almost as much as you missed him, but at least you'd finally get to see them today. You just hoped there was something upbeat in the note, because you were going to have to inform them that he'd be gone until Career Day. Or maybe longer.

Opening the note that was meant for you and your class before digging into all the others just felt right. Really, he was a faithful pen pal to all nineteen of you, even if his current letters were pre-written. As you drove to work, you wondered how long it would take your students to ask about Bradley. Turns out, it didn't take too long at all.

You were standing behind your desk, getting hugs from some of the kids as they got reacquainted with each other and the classroom for the first time in almost two weeks when Jayden asked, "What did you get Lieutenant Bradshaw for Christmas?"

Images of lingerie danced in your head as you cleared your throat. "Stationery," you replied. "So he can write us letters while he's deployed."

"He's deployed?" asked Nia, face lighting up. "With Marty?"

"Can we do another drawing contest with him?" shouted Oliver, already getting colored pencils out of his desk.

"Will you ask if he's allowed to take a video while he's flying this time?" Violet asked calmly.

"Actually," you replied, walking slowly to the front of the room with a single envelope in your hands, "we can't do any of those things. He's not allowed to communicate with anyone who isn't on the aircraft carrier this time around. If he writes to us, he'll have to save the letters until he returns."

Everyone stared blankly at you. 

Jackie raised her hand. When you pointed to her, she said, "But we're not like random people. We're students of aviation. We're his pen pals."

"Yeah!" came a chorus of voices, and you were half tempted to write up a petition to the Navy for all of them to sign.

You had to clap your hands and wait for them to clap in response after they all quieted down again. "I have a note that he wants me to open with you. Should we do that now?"

After literally everyone agreed that was a good idea, you opened it and found a handwritten link to a YouTube video followed by a short note that you read out loud.

"Greetings, Fourth Graders,

By the time you read this, it will be January, and I'll be on an aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Ocean for a seven week deployment. I'm sure your lovely teacher has explained that sending and receiving letters is sadly not a possibility for me right now. I'm going to need you to keep track of all your questions about aviation until I get back for Career Day next month. I'll bring some of my friends along, and we can answer them for you then. Sound good?

Make sure you listen to your teacher, and I'll see you all in February.

Yours Truly,

Lieutenant Bradshaw"

You looked up from the notecard and added, "He also included a link to a YouTube video. Should we check it out now?"

It was actually amazing how quietly they all sat in anticipation while you set up your projector and typed out the link. When you turned out the lights, you had to grab onto the edge of your desk as Bradley's face and voice filled your classroom, even though he wasn't actually there. The twenty minute video began with him sitting on his living room couch in his worn out jeans and the Top Gun shirt you wore to bed last night, and you realized he must have filmed this on Christmas Eve when you were out with Natasha.

"Hi, everyone," said video Bradley as he waved to his phone camera. "I thought I would try my hand at a little lesson on aviation so your teacher could get a break. Make sure you take notes. There will be a quiz the next time I see you."

All of your students were watching him with rapt attention and pencils poised over their notebooks. Bradley kept them engaged and entertained while you fell even more in love.

-----------------------------

"What the fuck?" Bradley groaned as he sank down into an empty spot on one of the long benches in the mess hall. The spaghetti looked like mush, but his stomach was growling so aggressively, he decided to take a bite anyway. It tasted just as bad as it looked, and he grimaced as he started to shovel it into his mouth anyway.

What he wouldn't give for dinner at Salvatore's. Mouthwatering pasta. Expensive as hell wine. You in a short little dress with his hands all over your thighs. Maybe Bronco parking lot sex.

Instead he got another USS Gerald R. Ford meal which was barely edible, and a view of a very hairy Atlantic Fleet aviator with the call sign Curly. Fantastic. Even the garlic bread was so stale it was hard to chew, but if he didn't eat, he would start losing weight. And if he started losing weight, it would make working out harder, which would suck, because going to the gym was his main source of entertainment.

Other than writing letters he couldn't send.

"Are you gonna finish that?" Curly asked, pointing at the roll Bradley only bit the corner of.

"It's all yours, man," he replied, watching the other aviator pick it up and crunch on it with a smile. 

Bradley picked up his tray with the intention of heading to his bunk to change into gym clothes, but when he got there, he collapsed onto the twin sized bed instead. It was clear that he'd only been brought along for this deployment to fly one very specific mission, because as a whole, the Atlantic Fleet pilots were young and green. But as a result of the current political climate, he had internet access completely taken away from him, and he was stuck here for five more weeks with nothing to keep him sane. He didn't even have Marty this time around. Just the pretty stationery set you gave him and the holiday cards from your students.

So he would do what he always did now. He would write. To all nineteen of you. But mostly to you. He realized, like he always did, that this was probably the most boring shit that anyone would ever read. How many times could you really read about your boyfriend telling you that he loved you and missed you. It wasn't like he was writing elegant poetry here.

Gorgeous, I miss you so much. You'd cry if you saw the spaghetti I had to eat for dinner. First thing I'm doing when I get home (besides you) is driving us to Salvatore's, and I won't stop eating until I pass out. The Atlantic Fleet food makes the Pacific Fleet cabbage rolls seem like a delicacy, and the US fucking Navy can quote me on that. 

I love you. I wish you knew I was coming back to you instead of Norfolk. I wish I could ask you to use the credit card in my sock drawer to fully stock the refrigerator before I get home. The only things I want to do for three solid days after I arrive back in San Diego are eat, sleep, and fuck my girlfriend.

Definitely not poetry. "Was my writing this shitty last time around?" he murmured to himself with a laugh. It couldn't have been if you kept responding to him for the duration of that deployment. Just thinking about your letters, both professional and personal, made him ache right now. Your emails and your sassy selfies and the sunset photos were things he didn't even know he had been taking for granted.

One letter from you now would have made everything so much better. With a deep sigh, Bradley changed to head to the gym.

------------------------------

Time passed slowly. Packing up and moving boxes of your things from Mira Mesa to Coronado helped, but you were a little too nervous to unpack too much other than the necessities. You didn't even want to think about that right now. All you wanted to do was plan your next visit to the wine bar with Natasha so you felt a little less lonely. 

As you hung the framed blueprint of the Super Hornet Bradley gave you in the living room, you realized he would have to be lonelier than you were. At least you had Jayden's tales of Vanessa the dog to make you laugh during the work day. And you went out to dinner with some of your friends you hadn't seen recently. And you had a never ending text thread with Natasha now. 

There was a pretty good chance Bradley didn't know anyone on this deployment, and you wondered if he was spending a lot of time in the gym. What you wouldn't give for a gym selfie. You collapsed onto the couch and scrolled through the images of your boyfriend that you had saved to your phone.

"God," you moaned. He was so hot. Especially in front of a sunset. Especially with your lipgloss smudged on his cheek. Especially when he was looking at you in his arms instead of at the camera. "Fuck."

When someone knocked on the door, you nearly fell off the couch. Your eyes caught on the envelopes from Bradley that you hadn't yet opened lined up on the coffee table as you walked across the room. The last time you had an unexpected visitor, it was Natasha. The time before that, it was Vanessa. You didn't know who to expect, but you squared your shoulders and pulled the door open with an abundance of attitude only to find a slightly hunched over older woman standing there.

"Oh!" you said, immediately softening your stance. "What can I do for you?"

She looked from you to the Bronco in the driveway and then back again. "Is Bradley home?"

"No, he's not," you told her, unsure about how much information to give. "Is there something you need?"

She eyed you carefully. "Are you his girlfriend? The teacher he fell in love with?" This stranger knew who you were. When you gave her a concerned look and took a step away from her, she said, "I'm Edith. I live next door. Sometimes Bradley helps me with yard work and repairs around my property." She smiled and added, "He only lets me pay him in piano lessons."

"Edith!" You told her your name with a smile. You knew exactly who she was, because the first time Bradley wrote to you about getting piano lessons from his retired neighbor, you fell halfway in love with him on the spot. "Right, of course! Bradley is actually deployed for a few more weeks." She looked immediately dejected, so you asked, "Did you need help with something?"

"I don't want to bother you with it," she said immediately.

"Please," you replied, already reaching for your shoes. "I'm so bored without Bradley around. I would absolutely love a distraction, Edith."

She wrung her hands and then held them up. "Well, I can't change my light bulbs, because my arthritis is bad this time of year when it gets chilly out. And my back patio is so dark at night, I can't see anything."

"Say no more," you told her, joining her on the porch and closing the door behind you.

It only took you a few minutes to change the exterior light bulbs and rearrange her patio furniture. Then you cocked your head to the side and asked, "Is something beeping?"

Edith sighed. "My smoke detector needs new batteries."

"I'm on it."

She led you inside the sliding glass door, into her kitchen where the beeping was annoying enough that you didn't know how this woman could have slept in the house unless her hearing was starting to slip. Edith told you where you could find a step ladder and new batteries, and once you finished that chore, she started digging around in her purse, pulling out five dollars.

"Thank you for your help," she said, trying to hand it to you as you walked past the piano with the step ladder.

"I am absolutely not accepting your money, Edith. This was the most entertaining part of my day. As long as your arthritis allows it, you can pay Bradley in extra piano lessons when he returns." 

The idea of Norfolk suddenly made you feel anxious, but Edith smiled. "Oh, he's an advanced student. He mostly just plays from memory. I only point out when he's flat instead of sharp."

You weren't sure how long it had been since Bradley checked in with her, but as long as he was allowed to come back to San Diego, you'd make sure he did it more often. "I'll send him over as soon as he gets back."

Edith smiled knowingly. "Something tells me he's not going to want to leave your side right when he gets back. But maybe after a day or two, you could send him over?"

"I'll do that," you told her with a chuckle.

After you walked back across the yard and let yourself inside, you kicked off your shoes and decided to treat yourself with one of Bradley's notes. You'd been trying to ration them, but they were all so tempting. The ones you had already opened were stacked up on the kitchen counter where you could easily find them to read them again and again. You took a few seconds to decide which one felt right, and you settled on Open me when you need a laugh.

Inside the envelope, you found no note at all. There was just one photo, and when you pulled it out, you burst into laughter. Natasha was right; twenty-two year old Bradley was endearingly skinny and mustache-less. He still wore that same grin today, but he really grew into his frame. You marveled over how fresh his scars looked in the picture, deciding to hang it up in the bedroom for now. 

And when you woke up on Sunday, the photo was the first thing you saw.

You reached for your phone thinking you could text Bradley before tossing it aside in frustration. You were frustrated in every way. Mentally and emotionally, but also physically. You missed sleeping next to him most nights. You missed his warmth and the way he kissed you. His strong body and attentive hands.

When you tried to burrow down under the covers in just his sweatshirt to go back to sleep, your skin felt like it was charged. Like there was an undercurrent of need that nothing would soothe except for Bradley.

Open me when you're in bed

That's what one of the envelopes said. You bit your lip before burying your face in Bradley's pillow and moaning. The need was still there, more palpable by the second. You had about an hour before Natasha was supposed to pick you up for brunch and the wine bar; it was the perfect time to read that note.

You ran down the hallway to the coffee table, grabbed the envelope, and took it straight back to bed. Your curiosity had been gnawing away at your mind over what could be in the note meant for the quiet solitude of the bedroom, and now was your chance to find out as you slipped back under the covers.

Gorgeous,

You better be in our bed right now. Maybe you just got home from work. Maybe you're still waking up for the day. Maybe you're ready to fall asleep soon, but you just need something to take the edge off. It doesn't matter, as long as you're thinking about me and my hands all over your body. I hope you're ready to read about how I would take care of you right now.... in an abundance of detail.

You moaned as you looked around the room, wide-eyed like someone was going to catch on to what he had written to you. Desire flared inside you as you squeezed your thighs together and took a few deep breaths before continuing to read.

You're beautiful inside and out. It's no surprise that you really get me going. One thought about the soft swell of your ass or the way you taste when you cum is enough to get me seriously hard. Jerking off while thinking about you is fantastic, but nothing compares to the real thing. Next time I see you, we're taking our time to get reacquainted, but right now, if I could have you, it would be fast and dirty.

"Oh god," you groaned, closing your eyes as you pushed his sweatshirt up, letting cool air meet your warm skin. Then your hand slid down to the apex of your thighs, and you weren't at all surprised to find you were wet.

You look sinful in that bed. I just know it. I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off you. My lips would find your breasts before sampling my way down your belly to that soaking wet pussy. When I say every inch of your body is Gorgeous, I mean it. You've got such a tight, pretty little pussy, and I would love to tease you until you're so worked up, you're practically crying. Just my mouth and fingers until you're begging for my cock, Gorgeous. Go ahead. Beg for it.

"Bradley," you moaned softly, a complete mess for your boyfriend even when he wasn't with you.

Good girl. Now touch yourself just how I'd touch you. Rub yourself just right. Use two of those fingers to warm yourself up and then dip them down inside that perfect pussy. So fucking tight, you drive me insane when I can't be with you. I'd be right above you, singing your praises, telling you how much I love you, and pumping my fingers in and out of that pussy while you whine and beg.

This note was absolutely lethal. You were already close. Sweat beaded on your brow as you stroked your fingers along your clit before pumping them inside you. His name was never far from your lips as you kept reading.

You taste so fucking sweet. I'd run my tongue everywhere until you couldn't stand it. I would eat your pussy until you cum in my mouth. I'd keep going until I couldn't handle how badly I needed you. Then I'd fuck you so hard and fast, you'd have tears in your eyes, voice ragged as my body slapped against yours. Tits bouncing as I bottomed out, holding you in place as I came inside you. And then I would let you know that I'm yours.

I'm all yours, Gorgeous. You absolutely own me.

You were panting, grinding the heel of your hand against your clit as you came. Bradley's note fell from your fingers as your back arched off the bed, and you grabbed the sheet as you cried out. You could hear something familiar mingling with your own voice, but it took you a second to realize your phone was ringing as you writhed around in bed, heart pounding fast from your orgasm. You rolled onto your belly and grabbed your phone as you sucked air into your lungs.

Natasha Trace

Shit. Shit. You tried to get your breathing under control as you answered her call, but you even sounded strange to your own ears as you said, "Hello?"

There was a pause before Natasha asked, "I'm leaving now, and I might stop for a fancy coffee on my way to get you. Do you want something?"

"Sure!" you replied, trying your best to sound casual, but pretty sure you were failing.

"I'll be there soon."

You dropped your phone and reached for the journal instead to let Bradley know just how hard you came for him before you got dressed for the day. 

-----------------------------

"Bradshaw!"

It felt like an almost foreign concept for Bradley to hear his name now. Essentially nobody spoke to him outside of his mandatory meetings, and he'd spent so little time in a cockpit over the last few weeks, he spun around in surprise when someone called him.

Of course it was Admiral Walker. Bradley wasn't sure if he was being punished for what Cyclone had done, but he was hardly given any flight tasks to work on. But now that his deployment was starting to wind down, he realized the danger he was going to be flying into for his mission was much more than he originally anticipated.

"Admiral Walker, Sir?" he replied, saluting his superior officer. He wasn't looking to ruffle any more feathers here as long as it meant he'd be going home to you before too long. He felt sick with longing, missing you so much, especially at night, that he hurt until he was finally able to fall asleep. And then he'd wake up to the same choking feeling all over again the following day.

The older man examined him closely for a few beats before saying, "The weather looks ideal for tomorrow. You're team leader. Be ready to go at first light."

"Yes, Sir," he replied, because there was really nothing else to say. The sooner he got this over with, the sooner he could return home to his house in Coronado where you lived now. Where you were waiting for him. He just needed to get through this safely.

--------------------------------

I hate how isolated he feels. He's not thriving. He's not even eating well. He needs a hug. Gorgeous is enjoying the box of letters even is she is missing him terribly. I think I'll send him home soon. Thanks @beyondthesefourwalls

PART 22

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[coffeeghoulie]

Writing prompt, if you're ever feeling up for it:

I desperately need part 2 to that Aether/Dew/Aurora quintessence ficlet. The size difference between everyone has me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure /pos -🌌

Ghostober Day #17: Size Kink

Much thanks to @kroas-adtam for putting Ghostober together <3

Pairing: Aether/Dew/Aurora

Aurora bites off a little more than she can chew, but Aether and Dew work her through it. A direct continuation to this fic.

Explicit, 2k. Contains quintessence use/quintosis, size kink, belly bulge, and praise kink.

Divider by @wrathofrats <3

"Oh, sweetheart," Dew coos, running his blunted claws through Aurora's sweat soaked hair. He glances past her to where the light pools out of the bathroom, waiting for Aether to finish washing up. "You're in for it."

He watches Aurora's eyes go wide, pupils sluggishly dilating big and black as the quintessence makes it harder for her to process. She's floating, and if Dew focuses, he can almost feel the static where he pets her hair.

Dew's laid on his side next to her, pressing soft kisses to the side of her face as her chest heaves, coming down from her first orgasm. How many Aether will wring from her little body is anyone's guess.

He pulls her a little closer, tucking her into the curve of his body and letting his thumb smooth over the ridge of her hipbone. "You thought I felt big, pretty girl?"

Aurora turns her head, the tip of her nose brushing against Dew's. "Mhmm," she hums, drunk on endorphins and Aether's quintessence. Dew smiles, eyes crinkling genuinely. He tucks a strand of bubblegum pink hair behind the feather tuft on the point of her ear.

"Oh, pretty girl, he's gonna wreck you."

Aurora lets out a concerned noise the same moment the bathroom light flicks off.

"Now, darling, what exactly am I going to do?" Aether says, finishing up drying his hands and tossing the towel back on the rack.

Dew props himself up on an elbow, meeting his mate's eye with a mischievous look on his face. "Rory thought I felt big inside her. You're going to wreck her."

Aurora mewls, tucking her face into the crook of Dew's shoulder. But Aether shakes his head, looming over the two of them where they're sprawled out in his and Dew's hearth. "Not going to wreck my mote, sweet girl."

She peers up at him curiously, and Dew gets a good look at the violet quintessence swirling through her dark green eyes. He keeps petting her hip as Aether looms, reaching down and cupping her face in one big palm.

Aurora lolls into it, chirping happily as his thumb smooths over her cheek. "Aeth," she whines, sweet and melodic. "Need you."

Dew chuckles, nosing at her hair and taking a deep breath of sweet strawberries and lavender. "Oh, I wasn't enough for you, Rory? You need my mate to fuck you too?" he teases, spindly fingers finding the soft swell of her breast and toying with the barbell running through her nipple. She lets out a soft noise, body jolting as he plays with the pink gem on the end.

Aether clicks his tongue, softly chiding him. "Don't tease her, darling," he hums, voice a low rumble that rushes through both of them.

Dew turns from mouthing at her gills to stare up at Aether as he looms over the two of them. "Aw, come on, Aeth. You love playing with mine."

He chuckles again before turning back to Aurora. Aether smooths the pad of his thumb over her cheek again, staring into her eyes, irises swirling with magick. "Oh, you're drunk on it, aren't you, mote?"

Aurora's breath hitches, and Dew knows the staticky feeling running through her nerves. He runs the tip of his nose along the shell of her ear. "Color, sweetheart?"

She tears her gaze away from Aether's intense gaze, turning until her nose brushes against his. "So green, Dewey," she says, breath hitching.

"If the magick's too much, he'll ease up on it, all you gotta do is say the word," Dew promises, his hand drifting until it rests on her sternum. "Snap if that's too hard."

Aurora hums, nodding slightly, and Dew watches the violet sworls of quintessence dance around her deep grey-green irises. Her fingers worry at her claws, and Aether steals her attention once more, taking one of her tiny hands in his and pinning it gently to the mattress. Dew groans softly in her ear at how his dwarf hers.

Aether's other hand smooths down Aurora's stomach until he's petting through her curls, damp with her slick and Dew's cum. She lets out a soft little gasp, back arching. Dew kisses at her temple, holding her to the bed gently.

"I got you all ready, pretty girl," he whispers as Aether hitches one of her legs up around his waist. "Aeth's gonna take care of you. You're gonna smell like us for a while, Rory. We've got our claim on you now, fucking you in our bed."

"O-oh," Aurora gasps, stiffening in Dew's arms as he props himself up on one elbow, tucking his arm under her head so she can glance down to where Aether's looming between her legs. The entire room smells of carbon and lavender and caramelized sugar.

Dew watches Aether notch himself at her entrance, her folds puffy and wet with slick and Dew's own cum. He feels more than hears her breath hitch, and Dew cups one of her pert little breasts with spindly fingers. "We've got you, sweet girl. Just feel. He's so much bigger than you," he coos in her ear, ducking down to lick a wet stripe over her gills.

She keens, the sound cut off as Aether pushes inside of her. All three ghouls groan, Dew pressing a kiss to her temple. "Oh, that's it, pretty girl. He's so big, isn't he?"

Aether grunts as her pussy squeezes him, glowing purple eyes darting up from where their bodies had joined. "Good girl, mote, you're doing so good," he groans, digging his fangs into his bottom lip as he holds back. Dew recognizes the tension in his spine, knows he's holding back from just slamming into her warmth.

Dew runs his thumb along the underside of her breast, cooing softly in her ear. "Need you to relax, sweetheart, I know he's big. Just breathe for me, ladybug."

Aurora nods, eyes darting a little slowly from Dew at her side to Aether above her and back. Her narrow chest heaves a little shakily, and both of them whisper soft things, petting at her skin in an effort to get her to relax. She squeezes Aether's hand, lacing their fingers together. "Think 'm ready."

Aether smiles boyishly, leaning down to give her a sweet kiss. "Hold on then, mote," he says, starting to move almost glacier slow inside of her. With his quintessence amplifying absolutely everything, she gasps at even the slightest friction.

Her moans are sweet when Dew tastes them on her lips, Aether's quintessence crackling like static between them on a dry winter day. "Just feel, Aurora," Dew coaxes, hand still warm on her breast. Every so often he flicks at her jewelry just to feel her gasp on his lips.

She listens to Dew. Feeling is about all she can do, stretched thin between the quintessence and the thick cock stretching her open, feeling each barbell that lines the underside press unyielding against her walls. Her entire body trembles with feeling.

Aether's pace doesn't falter, slow, even thrusts into her, with the patience and steadiness of a rhythm section musician that might only be rivaled by Mountain. Dew's always been a little jealous of how much control he has.

But that's not important now. With his hand on her breast, Dew can feel her pulse fluttering like a bird against her ribcage, the hot puffs of breath from her gills and her lips. He kisses her temple, tastes the salt of her sweat. "It feels so good, doesn't it?" he whispers into the shell of her ear. "He fills you up so good, doesn't he?"

Aurora gasps, eyelashes fluttering against her cheeks at his words. Aether hits something sensitive inside of her and it's only amplified by the quintessence coursing through her body. "So fucking good, oh Lucifer," she almost hisses, one hand held to the mattress in Aether's, and the other clinging to Aether's broad shoulders. Later, Dew will lick along the raised red lines she leaves there.

"Yeah?" Dew laughs warmly, squeezing her perky little tit in his hand. "Unholy Master, he fills me up just right," he whispers in her ear, trailing the tip of his crooked nose along the shell. "And you're so much littler, ladybug. Oh, he must feel massive."

She whines sharply, fat, overwhelmed tears rolling down her cheeks, and she must squeeze around Aether because his careful rhythm falters, head dropping down to kiss her. It's more consumption than it is a kiss, and Dew knows his mate well enough to know that all of this is getting to him too.

Aurora's back arches up off of the bed, her sharp fingernails digging into Aether's shoulder, and Dew doesn't have to be quintessence to know she's close. He lets go of her breast, Aurora too distracted with trying to kiss Aether back to protest, Dew lets his hand skate down her sternum, on route to play with the little barbell threaded through the hood of her clit.

But on his way down, he stops suddenly, tensing up against Aurora's side, his soft cock twitching hard against his hip. "Oh, Lucifer, Aether," Dew groans. Next to him, they both break the kiss, panting and lips slick with spit.

"What?" Aether asks, his chest heaving as he catches his breath, Aurora faring no better.

"Gimme, Aeth, give me your hand," Dew says, head spinning so hard he thinks he might black out. Aether raises an eyebrow but complies with his mate. Dew drags his hand down the same path he had taken, and he knows when Aether feels it because his hips jolt forward and he moans long and low in his chest. Aurora lets out a soft cry as he thrusts hard into her, blinking up with confused surprise.

"Fuck, mote," he groans, dropping his head to rest his forehead against hers. "You're so little I can feel my cock inside you."

He presses down on her belly, just above her hips, and Dew watches her eyes roll back into her head. Aurora's orgasm must trigger Aether's, because the little bulge under their palms kicks and his hips stutter, groaning loud in between them.

It takes a while for Aether to come down, Aurora still lost in pleasure and Aether's quintessence, fluttering around him. Dew pets through her hair, his hand leaving her belly to turn her face gently to him. "You took it so well, pretty girl," he whispers, watching the quintessence swirl in her eyes as Aether recovers. "Like a champ."

Her lips quirk up in a tiny smile, and he kisses the tip of her nose before he turns to watch his mate for a moment. Dew's eyes track a bead of sweat rolling down the side of Aether's forehead before dripping off of his cheek.

Aether's grip on Aurora's wrist loosens, shifting until their fingers are intertwined. Her hand is swallowed by his. "So good for us, sweetheart," he murmurs, voice low, the tone of comfort that he uses on Dew's bad nights. "Such a good girl, that's it, float for a little while."

Just for a split moment, Aether turns away from her to kiss Dew, soft and chaste on the lips. He tucks a strand of sweaty copper hair behind Dew's ear. He smiles, leans up to nuzzle at Aether's cheek. There's a little scruff there.

"Starshine, she's not gonna come down until you let her go," Dew says, laughing lightly. He can feel her muscles quivering under her skin. Aether nods, presses gentle fingers to her temple, and unravels his quintessence.

Clarity slowly comes back to Aurora's eyes, the purple fading out and leaving just a deep grey green. She sucks in a breath like she's just surfaced the water. "Fuck," she gasps. She sounds exhausted and fucked out, but she's grinning.

"Hey, princess," Aether says, petting her cheek. "How're you feeling?"

"Lucifer fucking Below," she laughs, bright and clear like windchimes. "We are so doing that again."

[newtthetranswriter]

One Way to say I love You

Summary: Toge has a weird habit and won’t tell you what it means.

Word count: 797

A/N: Just a little thing I wrote to help with my writer's block. Big thanks to @just-jordie-things for letting me use her idea for this piece. I hope you enjoy and have a good day. MDNI with any of my work even if it’s sfw.

    Dating Toge has been amazing. You might think that his limited vocabulary makes it difficult to communicate but it doesn't. We've come up with our own type of communication. It's a mix of sign language and our own jesters that no one else understands. Though there is one thing he recently started doing that I can't get him to explain.

    At the most random times he sticks his tongue out at me. It's adorable but I don't understand why. He refuses to tell me as well no matter how many times I ask him about it. He'll just shrug, and walk away. If we're in class he'll tap my shoulder and when I look at him he will unzip his collar, and just stick his tongue out at me.

    The weirdest time was we had just finished a small mission we had been sent on. We were both slightly bruised because the curse was stronger than expected and we were waiting for our ride to pick us up. He nudged my shoulder and when I looked at him he was just sticking his tongue out like it was the most normal thing in the world.

    As I opened my mouth to ask again why he kept doing that, a car pulled up and the driver ushered us in. Breaking my train of thought. Toge just smiled at me, zipped his collar and climbed into the car. I sighed climbing in as well, thinking about how I can figure out the meaning behind the seemingly random jester.

    A few weeks have gone by since Toge started sticking his tongue out randomly and it's driving me crazy. I can't figure it out and now our friends have picked up on it as well. I'm now more determined than ever to figure out why he's doing it.

    With today being one of the few days we got off from training and studying I figured I could probably corner him, and make him tell me. After we had breakfast with our friends, we ended up going to his room to relax. When we got to his room he immediately took off his jacket and collar leaving him in just a T-shirt. His adorable markings on full display. Sensing my gaze he looked me dead in the eyes and stuck his tongue out for just a second before laying down on his bed.

    I rolled my eyes, before asking a question that seems almost futile at this point. "Why do you always do that?"

    Toge just smiled at me, said "bonito flakes" meaning he's not going to tell me and then made grabby hands at me. Motioning for me to lay down with him.

    So here we are about thirty minutes later. I was leaning against the head of the bed with his head in my lap. I was just running my fingers through his soft hair. He was so relaxed, slow breathing and his eyes closed so I figured he was sleeping.

    Lost in the thoughts of how much I love this little dork. I realized I wouldn't want to be in this position with anyone else. Without thinking too much about it I let the words slip out. "I love you, Toge." It was quiet so I didn't think he would hear me. But when I looked into my favorite pair of violet eyes I knew he heard me.

    I stumbled over my thoughts trying to think of a good lie to cover it up, not wanting to scare him away. But then I realized he had sat up and had once again stuck his tongue out at me. I was no longer embarrassed but completely confused as to why?

    "Toge, why are you sticking your tongue out at me, I just said I love you, and you stick your..... oh." It finally struck what he meant when he would do that. I blushed as I pieced it together. "Wait have you been saying... this whole time?" I asked, trying to confirm my suspicion.

    He nodded with a bright smile and a quiet whisper of 'yeah'. It was rare for him to stray from his rice ball ingredients but when he did it made me so happy. And in this moment it proved he was telling the truth, as he doesn't do that around anyone else. Not even Yuta one of our closest friends.

    I returned the smile before leaning in and placing a gentle kiss on each cursed seal on his cheeks before giving him a peck on the lips. He smiled and returned the kiss.

    When we separated, we both moved to be laying down silently agreeing that it was time for a nap. We cuddled up to each other and quickly drifted off to a peaceful sleep. 

[soleil-read]

Lots of commentary on Penelope and Colin lately. I thought I'd throw my two cents in (I'm old and have lived the Fandom life before Tumblr existed).

My thoughts? Book wasn't great, but out of the ones I read, their book was the best for me (don't get me started on Benedict's book, oof). I like how the show has made Colin and Penelope true friends, definitely more than what happened in the book.

In the book, I think the world of Penelope. And the fun-loving Colin too, although I was a bit... disturbed at jealous, angry Colin. In the show, I think they gave much of Colin's charms to Benedict but I still like Colin's kind of moral compass. He's young and impulsive and generally a good person. He's a great son to Violet, a great brother and a good friend to Pen. He is also a little clueless about his true emotions. He says things without meaning offense, not necessarily thoughtless or unkind, just lacking insight. So what we interpret is this great guy who unknowingly leads Pen on. I don't think he means to, she's his very close friend. But unfortunately, he does sort of push the boundaries of propriety with her. Holds her hand, takes her into private rooms and closes the door, tells her how special she is. I can only imagine how confused Penelope would be. Everything points to his growing affection. Until she hears him state otherwise. And regardless if he didn't mean for her to hear, it was kind of a cruel, especially the laughter. Ouch!

Now onto Penelope. She's allowed to be upset. She read the signals and unfortunately, she read them wrong. Everything she's ever known about courtship is from her perception of society. She watched Marina take Colin into a private room with the intent to seduce (and to this day, she would be clueless as to what happened in that room). So when Colin grabs her hand and takes her into a private room, well, she's thinking that Colin is into her! Then he dances with her, tells her she's special and he'll always look after her. I mean, she was riding Cloud Nine. So for her to hear him laugh about courting her, well, that's gotta be a tough pill to swallow. So let her have some anger and be upset. She's allowed emotions. Honestly, I'm sure even if she's angry at Colin (and Eloise), she's having just as hard time looking internally and discovering that part of her problems stem from her own issues and fallacy of reading too much into things. I mean, she's done some very questionable things. Things that were not pretty. She has hurt people with her lies. But she also isn't the villain that some people make her out to be. The show clearly shows her expressing remorse for doing awful things. She sobs after delivering the LW about Marina and is seen crying as she writes about Eloise. I'm not sure the show will have her apologize but I don't think they'll show as this selfish manipulator that a lot of people tend to see her as. She's supposed to make errors. She's young and for the first time in her short life has got people talking about something that she created. So she's probably making questionable choices with her skewed sense of importance.

All I want for season 3 is to see them fall in love. Not with an idealized sense of love (Penelope) but truly accepting each other's everything. I love a good Friends to Lovers trope, and I think Luke and Nicola are gonna be incredible. I'm excited (and I'd be more excited if they released a date, a picture, a hint, anything about season 3).

[jacevelaryonswife]

A midnight kiss | Modern headcanons 「AU」

pairing: Aegon Targaryen | Aemond Targaryen | Jacaerys Velaryon and Lucerys Velaryon x Reader

modern headcanons masterlist

Aegon loves celebrations that allow him to drink until he's unconscious. Targaryen’s Christmas is a family tradition that he doesn't dare to miss, especially since he doesn't want his mother's complaint the next day, or the other days it takes for him to answer the call or listen to the 2 minute audio she sent him. New year is his moment. He could be at a big party with his friends or somewhere out in the open filled with people, drinks and fun. The midnight kiss is one of the few traditions that he strictly follows, usually he only needs to approach you with a sideways smile and a seductive look, but sometimes he is more daring and snakes his waist to lure you into the trap of the beautiful violet eyes he sports. He doesn't mind kissing someone unknow — after a few shots of vodka everyone is the same — as long as you smile consciously back it's game over, his lips are on yours in an intense, delicious kiss that knocks the breath out of your eyes. lungs. But if Aegon knows you, he'll let a goofy smile flicker across his handsome face before slowly approaching.

“Happy New Year, baby,” he whispers into your lips.

“Happy New Year, Aeg.”

Aemond is not opposed to family Christmas, even though he is not in the mood to fraternize with his parents he will not be absent from the gathering entirely. It's a tradition, a happy moment, even if he might leave the hall at some point in the evening. Already in the new year he can spend it with his family and bring you with him, or, go to some discreet social with people from his bubble. The midnight kiss is something he likes to do, but it wouldn't happen to a unknow, not on his part, he wouldn't sneak onto a stranger's lips on his own. But if you look at him seductively with a persuasive smile and show interest, it might just happen. If he has feelings for you it will be even easier. Aemond does not like an audience as long as he allows himself such intimacy, but he will not care what his family or the people around him will say, however, if he has the chance to be in a private place he will prefer it. Before kissing you, he will look at you intensely, face to face with you. You know what's about to happen when his hand rests on your cheek and a sweet kiss is shared between you.

“Happy New Year, Aem.”

“Happy New Year, dear.”

Jace loves spending the holidays with his family. His eyes fill up when he sees the house full during Christmas and New Year, it's so good and happy. Much like Aemond, Jace could take you to spend the new year with his family or at some point in the dawn sneak you out to some busy place. Initially he would be a little embarrassed to kiss you in front of his parents if you weren't already an established couple, but he can't get away from tradition and he can't get away from you, so he approaches you slowly but firmly, holding your hands tightly, a sweet look and a closed-lipped smile during the count. You get the message and smile eagerly. He cups your face with one hand and captures your lips at exactly midnight, trying to ignore the emotional sounds his family makes upon seeing the scene. It's nothing over the top or cinematic, maybe it's a little plain, but he's firm and soft throughout the kiss. He smiles cheerfully and leans his forehead against yours.

“Happy New Year, Jace.”

"Happy New Year Love."

Luke is a sweet pup. He spends every holiday with his family and it wouldn't be any different on New Year. He's Rhaenyra's baby and that’s why she can't hide her smile when he considers the possibility of taking a friend to celebrate the arrival of another year with his parents. He doesn't need to tell you how he feels when his big eyes get shy and nervous around you. But there is one barrier, a big and horrible one, that prevents him from kissing you at midnight: his family. Never, ever, under any circumstances would Luke kiss you in front of his parents, that's why the midnight kiss doesn't happen exactly at midnight (only if he sneaks in a place away from the presence of the others). He would invite you outside for a "watch the fun". He would be super nervous, like, nervous as hell and would smile sheepishly at you before taking your hand. He presses his lips to yours briefly at first, before pulling back to watch your reaction. Seeing the sweet smile you flash, Luke feels more confident and kisses you with his hands still in yours.

“Happy new year, Luke.”

“H-happy new year.”

for my lovelies: @damatheirin @faces-ofvenus @madame-fear @missglaskin @valeskafics ✨✨

[rockybloo]

I randomly got hit with this specific ass Licorice AU near the beginning of this month where Sweetheart and Bitterbat are point blank a hero and villain with no prior history together but they wind up hooking up and having a super secret relationship but Sweetheart winds up pregnant and having Angie but Sweetheart and Bitterbat remain on separate sides of justice.

So Angie spends her weeks with Sweetheart and some weekends with Bitterbat with some variations.

She doesn't have any siblings in this AU as, while Sweetheart and Bitterbat don't hate each other and do have deep feelings, they have more restraint on their hearts and are trying to keep a status quo of sorts.

One of the city's best heroes having a child with one of the city's most dangerous and brutal villains is highly taboo and the peak scandal any tabloid would kill over so Angie's parents do their best to keep their emotions down and give her the best childhood they can while keeping appearances.

This leads to a lot of telephone games where Angie is dropped off at Sweetheart's house after Bitterbat time and she tells her that "Dad said you looked really pretty today" and Sweetheart peeks out the door and sees him in the shadows on a nearby rooftop with his eyes glowing in the darkness before he poofs in a cloud of violet smoke.

And Angie is released into the shadows of the night by Sweetheart where she is scooped up by Bitterbat and Angie has a little goodie bag of chocolate covered strawberries courtesy of Sweetheart with a little note attached for Bitterbat's eyes only.

I don't know if Sweetheart and Bitterbat are actually designated as archenemies in this AU (aka her and him being assigned together like in canon) because the concept of her being a hero separate from him and his villainy really scrubs the mind right. Like her just being a free agent of a hero and him picking on various heroes. It hits the spot extra good whenever Sweetheart is taking on some villains at a crime bust and Bitterbat is one of the villains involved so that makes them running into each other more spicy because there is no fake fighting in this AU. They obviously don't aim to kill but they are more serious even if they still flirt.

Angie does ask occasionally why the two don't just get together like normal parents but they keep coming up with excuses even though they both would love to be together.

But in the mean time, they have that "Divorced but not really as they are madly in love but in mild denile but they have a kid together and are on good terms and occasionally while Angie is at school or with her aunties or uncles, they still hook up and make out" energy.

I imagine this AU winds up going down the route of Angie being what fully brings Sweetheart and Bitterbat together and saying "Fuck the world, I love you" and that's when they finally live in a house all together.

But for now, Bitterbat watches from a distance and thinks about how the mother of his child is the most beautiful being he's ever seen as she eats some ice cream with Angie.

And, after making sure Angie is asleep in bed, Sweetheart tunes in to news reports of Bitterbat's reign of terror and gorey battles against heroes with a blush as she admires how handsome and strong the father of her child is while he is covered in the blood of his enemies.

And occasionally Angie texts Bitterbat where she and her mom are when they are out and about because she knows he'll drop everything just to be near them.

It's led to a couple "surprise drop ins" from him that Angie plays dumb about and Sweetheart still hasn't caught on that her child is setting her up with her future husband.

Angie takes a lot from her mother in terms of looks (save for her batwing ears) but her personality leans heavily toward her father's mischievous ways.

[theblackdandelion]

my theories for Bridgerton S3 pt2

might be a bit spoiler-y, so don't read if you want to be 100% in the dark (which is fair, i wish i had that kind of self-control)

my guess on what's gonna happen based on the teaser for pt2 and some photos that were released and then deleted from different ig accounts (about which i know thanks to Sammy Bates's videos):

afer Colin announces the engagment, Eloise and Pen have the arguement where El asks "does he know?" - Pen tells her she's gonna stop, that she will write her last column where she will say goodbey, she'll maybe even use a line from the books - "i cannot make heads or tails from a world where Penelope Featherington will marry a Bridgerton" (i'm paraphrasing). Eloise isn't happy but is willing to accept this for the time being

Queen is gonna be displeased with this - one of her few entertainments is going away? no way! we're gonna hunt her down using the ton and 5 grand!

Cressida gets on the train, El refuses to help her (saw this here, sorry, don't remember the user, but their friend from Ireland is a reporter and saw the whole season an told her what happened, apparently; plus one of the photos in Sammy Bates video is of what Cressida has written as LW), and this fake Whistledown is what gets delivered when Colin is looking scared or whatever around the 0:32 mark in the teaser for pt2 (see attached picture). Also, i think this whole scene is happening during their engagement ball or something similar, but also might be on their wedding, but i hope it's before the wedding

Pen gets angry, because no way is she letting Cressida of all people take her work, and decides to publish one more time. Colin finds out (one photo from Sammy's video is of Colin seein Pen in the printer shop with her blue cloak on), que Carriage Scene 2.0 (i heard there might be another one, but i don't recall whether it was just a someone saying "if only" or if it was someone who said they knew it was gonna happen). They fight, they take time apart, they'll make up. Sometimes during this Colin starts to figue oout "shit, i wanna be a writer", and Pen releases her pamphlet about Cressida not being LW

Cressida figures out Pen is LW and starts to blackmail her. Pen freaks out, Colin tells her to chill, he's got it covered (he loves to save Pen, this is basically another of his wet dreams coming true), he plans to tell everyone so Cressida won't be able to hold it above their heads, he tells Anthony and the rest of the family (at this point i'm just following the book's plot)

Pen has no idea wha Colin has planned, is very stressed, faints, everything ends up well. Her faintin was because she's pregnant (another user pointed out that in regency era stories fainting often meant that that chracter is pregnant and she doen't know yet), she's the one to give birth to a boy (her sisters have daughters), and she's the new Lord Featherington's mama

Bridgertons' reaction to who LW is

i also read somewhere that different people will find out who LW is and there's gonna be an array of reactions to the news. So, here are my guesses at he reactions:

Anthony - shock, just shock. He'll be looking at Colin for 5 minutes and just asking what??! with question marks instead of pupils

Benedict - he's gona laugh his ass of

Colin - anger, betrayal, jelaousy, acceptance, pride

Daphne - no Daphn this season, so no reaction. shame

Francesca - calm surprise

Gregory - he won't care that much, he's not that interested in gossip

Hyacinth - she's gona be over the moon. Her new sister is Lady Fucking Whistledown?! Fuck yeah!!! (she won○t be too happy about having to imitate glue, though. IYKYK)

Violet - she'll try not to lose her cool, and will be mostly perplexed. It's a depth of Penelope she never expected to exist, but at the end of the day, Colin loves her and that's all that matters to Mama Bridgerton

Kate - Kate's gonna be probably happy there's another person with more than half a braincell in this family, and won't be angry (there wasn't that many bad things Pen wrote about the Sharmas)

Also, I very much hope for bi!benedict to happen this season. if it doesn't i'll survive it, but it would just make sense if it did

If you read all the way here, congratulatons. Sorry for the typos and me giving up on upper case somewhere in the middle of this. Have a nice day. Get yourself a coockie, you diserve it.

All of those things are just my theories and nothing more. I don't know anything about the production of this or any other TV show. I am just an obssessed 25yo

[sea-owl]

Actually, I wonder, how much does Portia know that Penelope and Colin are constantly alone together?

She knows that they write to each other, and it is weird that she didn't use that as a way to marry a daughter off to a Bridgerton. Portia is an opportunist. So something about that situation didn't sit right with her and she decided to correct the situation in her own way.

Basically she's going "Penelope is going to have a proper courtship."

That's actually a good question because you're right, Portia is an oppturnist. She had no issues setting up Jack getting caught with Prudence, she also used Jack's trust in her to pull the estate out from underneath him.

My guess is that it comes down to two, maybe three things. The first and probably being the biggest reason is that, yes, Portia is an oppturnist, but she's also not dumb. The Bridgertons are a powerful family who always come out on top of any scandal, and she's tried to trap a Bridgerton before, specifically Colin just last year. It's not a good look for her to pick up a fuss with the Bridgertons and cause whispers of scandals. The Bridgertons always bounce back, but she can't say the same grace will be given for her daughter. Even if she was to quietly approach Anthony or Violet, there was no way to make sure rumors wouldn't start. She had the pregnancy on lockdown last year, and in her pov, it still somehow leaked for Whistledown to hear. Not to mention, if she approached this quietly, there was a possibility that the much more powerful family would make it disappear. Would the Bridgertons do that? Most likely not. Anthony would probably wring Colin's neck if Portia brought it to his attention, but she has to think of all possible scenarios and consequences.

The other possible reason is that Portia might know about Penelope's feelings towards Colin even if she refused to say them outloud. Then I imagine the realist part of Portia is coming through that wants Penelope to see things as she does. She's watched them over the years, and at that point, Colin doesn't return Penelope's feelings, or if he does, he's not aware of them or still won't court Penelope for some reason. She loves her daughter and doesn't want to purposely hurt her or to be cruel to just be cruel. I can see her refusing to purposely set up her own daughter's heartbreak. Or she subscribes to the idea that of Penelope won't listen to her she has to learn the lesson on her own.

Third reason is she was probably too distracted by the coming arrival of the new Lord Featherington. He's the new lord, and she has to get on his good side, so he'll support her and her daughters until she can get them secured. Especially since Archibald left them with nothing.

But yeah those are my thoughts. I might he wrong and maybe the new season will show us why Portia never pushed the issue.

[ash5monster01]

Goes On Chapter Thirteen

Pairing: Charlie Dalton x OC!FemReader

Warnings: 18+, depression, mentions of suicide, heavy topics, eventual smut, slow burn romance, fluff, gender themes/stereotypes.

Summary: Against his best efforts Charlie has to start at a new preparatory school after the tragic events that took place at Welton. The very events that led to the loss of his best friend and getting expelled in the first place. He has no plans to make friends let alone get close to anyone ever again. That is until he meets Evelyn and her interesting group of friends. No matter how hard he tries to push them away he finds it to be impossible. So he caves and in the end learns that life can still be enjoyable even if it feels like everyone is against you.

word count: 2.9k

Twelve ←→ Fourteen

Masterlist

Ridge Academy, NY

4/7/60

Thursday track meets were back in full swing. Charlie was not normally a nervous person but today he was rattling with nerves. He still wasn't fully confiendent in his pole vaulting abilities but there wasn't much he could do about it now. He had three events to participate in and no other choice. Next year he'll actually go for the sports he wanted but until then this would just have to suffice. Besides when the blisters and callouses started to hurt it brought him right back to the first night he kissed Evelyn and he wasn't so upset about it anymore. Smiling to himself he finished wrapping his one hand as he waited for his event to be called.

As for the girls they laid in the grass, patiently waiting for the events of each of the boys. It was the first time the three girls had been alone in a while and they were taking complete advantage. Laurie even came prepped with nail polish to do the girls nails as they waited the events between the ones they were there to watch. Evelyn laid completley still as the blonde girl did her fingers first since Violet had already broken into the snacks they also brought. Both of the girls noticed how a smile hadn't left Evelyn's face once, mind on the brunette boy that had completely captured her heart. She was so blissed out the girls used this as an oppurtunity to get all the information out of her they could.

"That is the sweetest story I've ever heard" Laurie cooed after Evelyn had just finished retelling the story of their first kiss. So far Charlie had been a dream boy, being everything she needed and more.

"I know, until Violet ruined it" Evelyn said with a giggle and the raven haired girl gasped and reached out to whack her friend.

"Hey, how was I supposed to know he was in there and you should be thanking me anyways. He never would've snuck into your room if it wasn't for him and Nate catching me on the boys floor" she defended and both the girls giggled at her words. Knowing the truth they held.

"Thank you Violet, next time stay in the boys dorms a little longer" Evelyn finally said around her giggles and Laurie laughed harder, rolling onto the ground beside the brunette. Leaving the nail polish behind. Violet just rolled her eyes but joined into the laughter as well, laying down herself, and enjoying the feeling of the warm sun on her skin.

"What about you Laurie, anything happen with Mr. Eli Johnson?" Evelyn asked, heading tipping to look at her, eyebrows moving up and down suggestively. Laurie just grinned, the soft shake of her head as she looked away from the girl and up to the clouds.

"Not really, I wanted it to but he wasn't a very good kisser. So I let him get to second base and called it a night" this response has Evelyn and Violet erupting in a fit of giggles and Laurie can't help but laugh herself at the memory of it all.

“How disappointing considering you were practically over the moon when he asked you” Violet points out and Evelyn grins wide, remembering how Laurie had barged into their room just to share the good news. Despite her wanting to go with another guy.

“It’s okay, I still haven’t quite given up on the Jay Adam’s dream anyway” she says, sly smile dancing across her lips and neither of the girls can say a word because that was their Laurie. Confident, cool, and queen of the school.

“Hey are we cheering or sleeping?” Marty suddenly lands on top of them all, eliciting shrieks from each of the girls as he laughed. Violet is the first to shove at his weight, nose scrunched up in disgust.

“Gross, you already smell. Please go away” she says which makes all of them laugh as the boy removes his weight from off of them. Once free they sit up, eyes squinting in the brightness of the sun.

“We were sleeping, nothing exciting about watching you throw heavy things around” Laurie says, brushing grass from her sweater and perfectly styled blonde hair.

“Violet never seems to mind” he grins, eyes sparkling with amusement and the girl quickly shoves him as hard as she can. He was good at pushing her buttons.

“Careful there Martin, she’ll stop visiting after hours and that’ll interfere with my plans too” Evelyn tells him, a pointed but joking look on her face, and Marty grins at all three of the girls that he has come to love in very different ways.

“Yeah well those plans are about to launch himself in the air so get ready to watch” he says with a soft pat to her leg before standing up. He doesn’t miss a beat as he bends to offer Violet a chaste kiss and runs off to join the boys in his own event.

“God, is it bad I don’t want to watch?” Evelyn asks, suddenly filled with nerves as she spots Charlie stretching and preparing for his event. The girls giggle beside her and Violet wraps a comforting arm around her shoulder.

“Yes, considering he’s only been doing this for a month” Violet teases and Evelyn can’t bring herself to laugh because the whistle is blowing, indicating the start and Charlie now has the very large pole in his hands. Since when were they that tall? He could fall and break an arm, or worse his leg.

Panic was beginning to flood her but she didn’t have time to acknowledge it because suddenly the boy was running, running so fast it almost hurt her neck to follow him. Even Violet and Laurie held their breaths as the bottom of the pol met ground and the boy was being lifted in the air, feet above his head and guiding him over the pole. A laugh of nerves and pride fell from Evelyn’s lips as he cleared it and she didn’t breathe until he met the mat on the other end and lifted himself up from the ground.

“That was amazing” Laurie said as the crowd began to cheer and Evelyn nodded, still trying to come back to reality as Charlie returned to the other members of the team.

“Wow are you sure he’s never pole vaulted before?” Violet asked and Evelyn nodded, remembering that day in the hallway like yesterday. Yet Charlie had completed the sport with ease and even she had been wondering how he had gotten so good in such a short amount of time.

"Positive" she told her and Violet and Laurie shared equally impressed looks as another student attenmpted his hand at the event. Evelyn's heart had now calmed and she found herself enjoying this much more than she thought. It was fun watching and not only that but cheering on your favorite people in the world, even Charlie who was the most unlikely of her allies lately.

It's not long until the meet is over, the girls cheering where necessary when Marty and Nate were up in their own events as well. The temperature had cooled down quite a bit as the night progressed, the sun barely cast over the horizon now as the teams began to pickup and visiting families started to make their way home. The girls made quick work of collecting their things and starting for the very boys they had attended this for. Violet beat all of them, rushing into Marty’s arms and greeting him with a friendly kiss. Much different then the last interaction they had not that long ago. Evelyn took a much gentler approach, walking slowly into Charlies arms and offering him a sweet kiss. Nate turned away quickly, not wanting to watch.

"What, no running and jumping for me?" he teased once she pulled back and Evelyn just laughed, giving a soft shake of her head. Charlie kept his arm wrapped around her shoulders and she locked her own around his waist. Happy to have someone to belong too.

"I'm not much for theatrics" she told him and Violet glared as Marty set her down and the group began to circle around one another. Laurie and Nate standing awkwardly beside each other being the only two single ones of the group and never once having any interest in the other.

"You did really good Charlie" Laurie praised and Charlie smiled, softly shaking his head as he glanced to the other two boys.

"Thanks Laur" he said, a bit embrassed. He still hated track, despised it, but the praise made it worth it. Only slightly.

"Yeah, I thought Evelyn said you've never done track before" Violet repeats from earlier and Charlie's brown eyes dropped to gaze into Evelyn’s and she smiled at him, remembering the closed off boy who argued with her in the hallway that day. He was still that boy but at least now he had begun to let her in.

"I haven't, it's just these muscles I have from all those years of rowing" he smirks, free arm lifting to flex for the group and they all laugh as Evelyn pulls his arm down, shaking her head at the cocky boy beside her. Once the laughter calmed he glanced around the group. "But seriously I worked my ass off this last month or so. No chance I was going to risk falling on my ass in front of the entire student body. Especially since I still have the new kid reputation"

“That’s fair” Nate agreed and Laurie smacked him as well, the group comfortably laughing again.

Charlie couldn’t help the slight constriction in his chest. He had come to like this group of people, he really did. It just would never be the same and he figured it never would. Just a few months ago he was the happiest he’d ever been in his life and now he wasn’t sure what he was. He knew he was happy around Evelyn, content even, and he knew he enjoyed the presence of the others but they didn’t offer him what the Dead Poets did. Those were his brothers, his family, the only people he had ever shown his true self too. Then suddenly, all at once, he was sad because today he did something new and none of them were there to see it. Most of all Neil who would’ve been the first person he told about today.

“I gotta run, thanks for coming guys” Charlie suddenly said and before Evelyn could question why, he let go of his grip on her, and rushed off towards the entrance to the dorms. The group looked amongst each other as they spotted Evelyn’s disappointed face.

“What was that about?” Violet questioned and Evelyn shrugged, turning back and trying to hide how much his sudden change in attitude upset her.

“Not sure” she spoke, eyes a bit more dull than they just were. She liked having a boyfriend, she loved even feeling content enough to have one, but when he closed off like that she couldn’t help but feel a little lost. Charlie had always been a mystery but she hoped they had at least moved past that point by now.

“I’m sure it’s nothing” Nate said, seeing entirely through her and Evelyn nodded even though it did nothing to ease her mind. Nate went to walk towards her but she took a step back, sad eyes gazing amongst her friends that she didn't want to pity her.

"I'm going to finish up some homework, I'll see you guys later" and just like that Evelyn was off too, running to hide from her friends who would question her until she was too sad to answer. She may be Charlie's girlfriend but she still couldn't explain him and that hurt more than anything. To be the closest person in his life and still feel like you knew nothing about him. To feel like he didn't entirely trust you yet and that was pain on its own.

The now abandoned group of friends slowly dispersed off into their own things. Nate who couldn't get the image of a sad Evelyn out of his mind started for his dorm, hoping Charlie would be in there so he could give him a piece of his mind. Yet what he didn't expect to find was Charlie sat up on his bed, track clothes still on, as tears streamed down his face. It was the first time Nate had ever seen something as heartbreaking as this. He knew Charlie was broken but he had hid it so well, at least up until now. When Charlie spots him he's quick to wipe at his face and turn to the wall.

"What happened?" Nate can't help but ask, almost shocked by the fact that just moments ago he came here to yell at Charlie for Evelyn being sad when Charlie was the saddest of them all.

"I don't know, it's hard to explain" Charlie muttered, voice hoarse with tears. Nate took his spot on his own bed, watching Charlie who refused to turn from the wall. He hadn't cried in front of anyone since he first found out about Neil. Everyone must reach their breaking point some time.

"Try me" Nate said, getting comfortable and preparing to hear his side of everything. He knew about his friend, knew the turmoil that Chartlie held. He just didn't know anything about it. He was given no story, no context, and it was such a heavy fact to know. Knowing nothing about the story made it consume your mind entirely. He figures because of this Charlie took a moment to respond.

"It's weird, like I can't explain. Just sometimes the memory of what happened is so suffocating I can't breath. It happens randomly too, like the weirdest things could trigger it" Charlie says, slowly turning to face Nate. The one good thing was Nate had a comforting aura to him, probably why him and Evelyn had been friends for so long.

"What triggered it today?" Nate asked, hoping his questions wouldn't scare him off. He had shared a room with Charlie for a while now and he knew he was the only one to know this about him. He just wanted to be there for him if need be.

"I'm not sure, suddenly I was super aware of the fact that all of you were my friends but not really my friends. Because my friends are still at Welton and one of them is dead and then I started feeling guilty for moving on and pretending they don't exist. Guilty that I'd ever be so happy when my friend was so unhappy he didn't survive" Charlie says, tears streaming down his face again and to avoid looking at Nate his eyes find the picture on his night stand. The one of him and the boys outside of the cave. A moment frozen in time where he was his happiest. If only that Charlie could see him now and what a wreck he'd become.

"I hate to say it Charlie but I think you’re experincing panic attacks. Which is normal for people who have endured any type of trauma. It's a coping mechanism for people who still struggle with traumatic events in their life" Nate says, knowing all about this because his own father had them growing up. A side effect of surviving World War 2 and living a life to tell the tale. He'd seen his Dad jump at enough fireworks, and be blinded by anger enough times, to know a piece of his father would always be still at War.

"How do I get rid of them?" Charlie gapes, mind reeling over the idea that the death of his best friend had impacted him in such a way that he may never be normal again. Yet then again, what really is normal? He wasn't so sure anymore.

"You don't. You learn to live with them and when that doesn't work you start to learn what triggers it, and learn to live with that. Whatever happened though Charlie was enough to unease your mind and you should probably figure out how to get some closure" Nate spoke, standing and searching for his shower stuff. After an entire track meet he needed a rinse and he figured Charlie needed the room. Charlie might be the guy who stole his girl but that guy was also very broken and Nate couldn't fix that for him no matter how hard he tried.

"Like face my fears?" he questions and Nate nods, swinging his towel over his shoulder and offering him a tight lipped smile.

"Exactly" he says before opening the door and giving Charlie the space to recognize what had really happened to him. How he had been left to hold in all this trauma to the point his own body had made a chemical reaction to what he had endured. Charlie hated that, it made him feel weak, when not so long ago he felt like a king. When he felt like he had a chance at loving his life.

To indeed be a God.

Taglist: @octaviasdread @eden-punk @linmichea1 @pursuedbyamemoryy @mynameisjxlia

Comment if you want to be added to the taglist :))

[millenniumdueled]

The Day of Judgement: part 3

The wave of pain that accompanies the Seal's activation fades quickly, but the surge of power it brings does not. His skin seems alive with electricity as he drags himself back to his feet, staring down his opponent with a new, intense fire burning in his red violet eyes.

A smirk splits his face as he watches the crystal prison fall from around his Dragon Knight. But that expression quickly fades as the great dragon she rides disappears below her, leaving the Dark Magician Girl standing alone on the field. "What the hell--?!" the Other Yugi gasps in surprise.

Across the mesa, Raphael laughs.

"Didn't you know?" the Musketeer chides. "The Seal of Orichalcos and those Legendary Dragons are polar opposites. Light and dark, oil and water. They can't coexist. But don't you feel freer, Pharaoh?"

The Other Yugi's fierce eyes narrow.

"I can still play up to ten monsters now. You're going to regret giving me that card, Raphael," he growls, in a low, chilling voice that he hasn't used in so, so long. The same cold tone he spoke in before he found himself, when all he knew were Shadow Games.

He plays Hand Control, a card that allows him to bring back four monsters from his graveyard if he can just name a card in his opponent's hand. And of course he can-- he's the one who gave Raphael the Necromancy card he holds now.

This is it, the Other Yugi thinks, wild pride flashing in his eyes. He can win this. He can seal Raphael's soul instead. It'll be all over then, all of the plans of this so called Doma. He'll never have to use the Seal again, but he just has to win this first--

Their Duel resumes, and seems to do so in the Pharoah's favor. He attacks with Kuribabylon and Dark Magician. His second attack is negated, but he doesn't seem to waver. Though Raphael plays Swords of Revealing Light, Ither Yugi is undeterred. Using Catapult Turtle, he doesn't need to attack. He can sacrifice his other monsters to chip away at Raphael's lifepoints directly. One by one, turn after turn, his field is cleared. Monster after monster is hurtled at the enemy, bringing his lifepoints down to a measly 100.

But as his turn begins, Raphael laughs. The Other Yugi scowls.

"I told you that the Seal would reveal the truth," Raphael says. "So look at it! This is the truth of your soul, Nameless Pharaoh. Wicked, greedy, violent, and proud. You're trapped by your need to win, and your fear of losing."

"What did you say?" growls the Other Yugi. "From where I'm standing, you look like the one who's trapped, Raphael."

There's that annoying, condescending look of pity again.

"Look at your field, Pharaoh. Look at your precious monsters. Look at what you've done to your cute Kuribohs. To your Dark Magician Girl. Throwing their lives away for a reckless charge at victory?"

Suddenly, the Other Yugi's intense stare breaks. His stomach drops, and his chest burns.

This isn't right.

This isn't him.

"Your lust for power destroyed the one monster I truly feared. But you sealed your fate the second you chose the Seal over Timaeus."

The Other Yugi, the Nameless Pharaoh, tries to call out inside his heart. To reach the Partner he'd pushed away, to open the door he'd locked to shut him out. But he can't reach him. Can't hear Yugi's voice. Can't feel his love inside their heart.

Raphael draws, then plays two cards.

Lightning cracks overhead as his ace monster, Guardian Eatos, appears on the field, their massive, white wings outstretched. The Guardian raises a hand, and a spectacular Celestial Sword appears.

There's nothing that the Other Yugi can do but watch in horror as every monster he had so recklessly sent to his graveyard emerges now, pulled into that Sword, that glows and grows with every added beast.

"No... No..." the Pharaoh repeats, over and over, as he watches in dread. The Guardian's attack rises with each unfortunate soul it absorbs, until the monster that faces him now stands with 10,000 attack points.

"You did this. You used your monsters and threw them away with no regard."

"I didn't want this-""

"You rushed every turn of this Duel for the sake of what, your pride?""

"Don't LOOK at me like that!!!!"

But Raphael still holds that same look of pity as he stares down at the smaller man.

Then, he attacks.

And it's more than enough to destroy both Other Yugi's Kuribabylon, along with his lifepoints.

------

------

Somewhere deep, deep inside their soul, Yugi screams. The real Yugi, locked out of his own body by the Other Self he's trusted for so long.

This can't happen!

He can't let this happen!!!!

He was supposed to protect the God Cards, and he'd failed.

He could hold his Other Self back from killing Kaiba, but he couldn't stop him this time.

All he could do was watch in horror from the void between their rooms. The little silent duelist, screaming now, over and over, to a locked and heavy vaulted door, sealed in glowing blue light.

His screams turn to choked sobs.

His sobs slow, as the sound of his Other Self echoes through the void.

He can't feel sorry for himself now. He can't let him down again.

Maybe this is another puzzle. Maybe there's some way to break the Seal.

He remembers the last Duel, when Joey faced their old friend Mai. When that other Musketeer interrupted, breaking through the Seal of Orichalcos with that tiny stone he wore. He reaches for his neck, but that stone that his body wears isn't here, inside his Heart.

Desperately, Yugi takes the Puzzle in both hands, and raises it over his head. He screams, summons all the strength in his little body to drive the bottom point into the Seal that keeps him from his Other Half. Over, and over, and over. Relentlessly, as if his heart and soul depend on it.

Even as the heavy, stone door begins to crack.

------

------

On the Mesa, the Hero falls to his knees. His lifepoints at zero, the Duel decided.

The King of Games, undefeated no longer.

[finalgirlkateausten]

bruised like violets

post-4x08 "the first ones". after that utter wreck of a mission, Jack refuses to take up infirmary resources when so many of his men are worse off than some chewed-up wrists. Sam won't let him get away with his silent self-punishment. TW for minor injuries, self-loathing, mentions of minor character death

The white bandages around Carter's wrists keep peeking out from under the sleeves of her BDU jacket. Jack keeps frowning down at them while he watches her, carefully disassembling her weapons and cleaning the rest of her gear. He's working on his own P90 right now, but it's slower going, when every snap of his wrist burns his skin, makes his eyes water a little. He doesn't mind though. The pain he'll sit through while the zip tie burns heal won't be anything compared to the soldiers who lost their lives to Goa'uld and Unas and the fire of friendly semi-automatics. Fraiser and her team have their hands full enough already; he can suffer a little until his cuts scab over.

He's returning his gun to the armory rack when he becomes cognizant of the presence at his shoulder. "Sir. You haven't gotten checked out yet?"

He looks over his shoulder at Carter. Big mistake, her blue eyes are searching and a little worried, and something hurts in his chest. "I got checked out enough to know I'm not a Goa'uld. They're busy down there, I don't need to be in anyone's way."

"You need to get your injuries seen to," Sam retorts, one eyebrow lifting.

Jack pulls back his sleeve from his left wrist, the fabric rough against the irritated skin. It almost feels like he's looking at someone else's arm, despite the fact that he can feel the tightness when he moves his wrist, the sting that's settled under the skin.

"I'll be alright," he mutters absently.

"Not if those cuts get infected," Sam says, her eyes boring into his. "I mean, really, sir, we were crawling around in the dirt on what is likely the home planet of the Goa'uld. D'you really wanna risk it?"

Jack stares at the floor. She can be downright pushy sometimes. "I'll live, Major," he grunts.

Still frowning, Carter turns away, returning to her pack. Jack gets a moment of relief to think she'll finish what she's doing and leave him to his silent self-flagellation, but then she pulls her field first aid kit out, carrying it back over to him. She inclines her head toward the bench, pulling out gauze, medical tape, and some cleanser. "Sit down."

He does. "Since when do you give the orders?"

Sam doesn't answer, instead pouring the cleanser onto a pad of gauze. He hisses when she begins to dab at the dried blood and barely-healing scabs on his right wrist.

"Daniel is safe," she reminds him quietly.

Jack winces, his stomach knotting at how quickly she's caught on to the storm whirling around his head. "Yeah, well, how about Rothman? Hawkins? The rest of SG-11?"

"SG-11 was dead before we even got there, Sir."

"It was the Goa'uld homeworld." He closes his eyes. Whatever she's doing burns even more now that the wounds are open again. "We got too comfortable. Thinking they'd all moved on to become dictators across the galaxy. I should've been ready for some kinda bullshit to happen."

"And I'm the one who's supposed to be able to sense them," Carter replies, an edge to her voice. "Yeah, we didn't know exactly what we were walking into. We never do. We did what we had to do to get home alive... sir."

He opens his eyes again. Looks at her. By now, he recognizes the blank expression she wears when the other option is folding in on herself and succumbing to tears. Without conscious thought, he turns his hand as she dabs neosporin on his wrist, locking his fingers through hers.

Are you ever going to call me Jack?

But saying that out loud would definitely not be leaving it in the room.

"Hey," he says, his voice rougher than he realizes, "what's the point of me being in command if you're going to beat yourself up too, huh?"

Sam doesn't quite smile. He wonders if she gets lost in his eyes sometimes, like he always does in hers. "At least I let Janet bandage me up instead of running off and hiding." She gently pries his fingers away, delivering a soft pat to the back of his hand before she layers gauze over his skin. His stomach flips.

"Must not've hidden very well, since you found me."

She does the thing where her bottom lip pulls briefly between her teeth. Jack shoves his free hand into his pocket as the idea of brushing his thumb over that lip crosses his mind. "I think sometimes you think you need to be alone when it's maybe not the best idea after all."

"Well." The pain in his chest has turned into a familiar but terrifying warmth, always Carter-induced. "I mean, good ideas are generally your purview. Not mine." He's glad when she wraps the final bandage over his wrist and moves onto his other arm. The gentle precision she's using is doing something to him, to his brain-- he shouldn't be alone in a dark room with her much longer.

"I dunno," she offers, administering the stinging cleanser once again, "honestly, a better idea would probably have been to drag you down to the infirmary instead of doing this here."

"You're more than trained for this," he points out. "It's just band-aids, really." Her fingers along the inside of his arm make him jump more than the ointment on his cuts.

Carter hums. "Not what I meant."

He knows. "I'm glad it's you," he says, even though he shouldn't.

She won't look at him now. "Teal'c would've been rougher. Faster, though."

"Teal'c wouldn't talk, either," he says softly, knowing she knows he doesn't mean that as a good thing. "And he'd leave me here, too. To my own devices."

Sam sighs. "I'm heading back to my lab once we're done here. If you want to listen to me explain quantum physics while I try to distract myself from writing that damn mission report."

"Hey," Jack protests, "Hammond told us all to take the night off." He doesn't wait for her protests about physics being stress relief for her. "We should at least go see if there's blue Jell-o in the commissary."

Finally, a smile. She glances up at him before finishing the layer of gauze and grabbing the roll of bandages again. "Or pie."

"Or pie," he agrees. "I mean, come on, is there anything food doesn't fix?"

"Flesh wounds," Carter says pointedly, tearing the bandage and tucking it into itself.

His hand twitches as he stops himself from taking her hand again. "Well, that's what I have you for." He stands up, bumping his shoulder against hers as she packs away the first aid kit. "Hey, look at that. We match."

Sam brushes her fingers over the bandages, her own more visible since she'd pulled up her sleeves to work. She hums, her fingers moving from bandage to skin. Jack holds himself very still, waiting as her touch ghosts from his palm back up to his forearm. He's surprised when she lets her hand land there, squeezing his arm once. "That's better."

"It is." He lays his hand over hers. "Thank you."

She's staring at him, and his heart is trying to escape his chest, and he wants to close the distance and kiss her but he's just so tired. For the thousandth time, he reminds himself to be content just knowing that she knows. That she maybe even wants to kiss him herself right now.

"Come on." She takes his hand and leads him out of the armory, letting go once they're in the open hallway. "Jell-O time."

They're alive. Daniel's alive. And he still has her, in the ways that really matter.

He looks down at their matching bandages and finally starts to feel a little better.

[karin-gespenst]

CtM CS 2023 first rewatch and further thoughts

early foreshadowing for Mr. Sharma: he says "I can find my own way." he's clearly referring to his navigator skills.

Angela's teacher promised her "house points" for making the scrap book. Can somebody tell me if "house points" is a common thing for teachers to use? I've only encountered the term in fiction books.

Fred calling Angela treacle was very sweet. Now that I think about it, Fred probably sees more of the Turner children than of his own grandchildren, or Violet's. He always organising something for the kids in the neighbourhood, from running the cubs to joining the bus ride to see the Christmas lights and sending his paper boys to the clinic for working children, and now he's the lollipop man. Good on him!

Tim passing his driving test reminded me of the giant bills I've been paying in the last few months for my kid going to driving school. And then I noticed that Shelagh still does not drive. Chummy learned and Sister Winifred and I'm sure by now Delia has taught Patsy as well. On the other hand, Patrick is always using the car, Shelagh would have to get her own vehicle if she wants to drive.

Meanwhile, Miss Higgins is aquiring new premises for the clinic, and shows her best no-nonsense attitude while the badminton match is going on behind her. It's hilarious.

Sister Monica Joan is not impressed by Apollo

her complaint about Patrick is exquisite: "Can you not remove this man? He seems to be pleading the case for eternal life."

Trixie in her hostess gown! Opinions? I like the gown better than her new hairdo.

Matthew cooking a festive dinner for them - good on him!

Geoffrey! So much to unpack there, he'll get his own post. What's his profession again? something with the expat community in Malta?

Brenda and Toni together in the maternity home, being honest but kind and sharing their fears, that is just beautiful. Having family around is lovely, but the kind of support and understanding that young mothers can give each other is really one of a kind.

Mr. Sharma in the hospital deserved more real attention instead of just well-meaning words from the staff, so they could maybe have lessened his fear and avoided his running off out through the snow without understanding why he's feeling so unwell. Without Cyril's patient kindness and the respectful trust he established this could have gone much worse.

Filming in the ambulance must have been exhausting. Birth scenes are always strenuous, but with three or four adults and several babies in the cramped space, I don't fancy being the cameraperson. The only other mother in labour who had Patrick sitting behind her as support was Shelagh, so Brenda is expertly looked after at this point.

What kind of care did the specialist give to Brenda during her pregnancy? apart from that one palpation he's just parading around and celebrating what he sees as his own achievments, when the development of fertility drugs is a joint effort of many people and the mothers are bearing most of the actual load.

I've noticed Nancy is more comfortable now reassuring mothers who share some of her experiences. Having a safe space to live together with Colette has given her calm and happiness.

I've had a two-hour-drive today in the dark and I did not like it. Phyllis driving home in pain through the snow makes me want to reach through the screen and pick up her car like a toy and place it safely in front on Nonnatus house. Glad to see her snapping many, many photos at the Christmas party.

Tim at the church organ made me smile. The entire scene is magical, brimming with detail, and everyone playing their parts proudly. Apart from maybe baby Mark, who was not quite aware of the backstory.

[howlingday]

The Dirge

"That should do it for the fire tonight." Lie Ren said as he swiped his palms together, clearing off the residual sawdust from his hands. It had been a week since Team JNPR, or rather Team JNR joined Ruby Rose in her quest to head east, towards Mistral and Haven Academy. The past few hours have been strenuous to say the least.

"Finally." Nora Valkyrie huffed as she dropped her load next to the pit. "It feels like we've been carrying logs for hours!"

"It was only for ten minutes." Ren assured. A crack from behind alerted him to the sudden presence of his team leader, Jaune Arc, and their friend, Ruby Rose. He turned to find them walking away from the makeshift tent. Looking past, he could see Ruby's uncle, Qrow Branwen, laying inside. "How is he?"

"He doesn't look good." Ruby said, voice full of concern. "That weird guy stabbed him with his tail, and he's been running a fever ever since."

"He'll live, though." Jaune voiced in a very matter-of-fact tone. "He just needs rest and antibiotics."

"The second of which we don't have." Ruby pointed out.

"He'll live." Jaune repeated. "Haven's only a few miles away."

"Can we make it, though?"

"We can," Ren said, though not without a very begrudging tone, "if we cut through Kuro Yuri." Nora flinched at the name. "I'd prefer not to, but it is the fastest way there."

"Anything you want to share, Ren?" Jaune asked.

"No." He shook his head. "There's nothing but ghosts there."

"...Like, real ghosts, or...?" Jaune let the question hang.

"No. Ghosts aren't real."

"Are you sure about that, Ren?" Jaune knelt next to the pit and began scraping flint and sent sparks flying into the dried leaves. Almost instantly, the fire came alive with a crackling snap and pop. Jaune then seated himself on a log. "We've already seen a lot."

"Grimm." Ren clarified. "A ghost is different from a Geist."

"I wonder about that." Jaune said with a smile. It then faded as his blue eyes stared into the contained inferno. He almost looked hypnotized by the dancing flames.

As the others sat down, Jaune began to start humming a tune. It was deep and low, like a bellow from Ursa, yet softer and somehow more wild. Nora opened her ration pack, carelessly tossing half a granola bar to the blaze. Jaune reached across, through the fire itself, to snatch the healthy treat from it's scorched fate.

"What were you singing?" Ren asked, choosing to ignore the self-inflicted burning his leader had placed upon himself.

Jaune smiled. "Just an old song I used to sing for my family." He continued to stare into the fire pit. "I usually sing it to myself when I miss them, or whenever I need to ready myself for the worst possible scenario."

"Like a song of bravery?" Ruby asked, biting into her granola.

"Not quite."

"Can you sing it for us?" Nora asked.

"I don't think you want to hear it." Jaune waved his hand. "It's not very good."

"Come on!" Ruby whined.

"Pleeeeeeease?" Nora pleaded.

"Another time." Jaune said, standing up. "I'll go check on your uncle. Maybe get him to keep some food down."

"Aw! Okay..." Ruby and Nora pouted.

Ren watched as Jaune entered the tent, and noticed something off. In the encroaching twilight, darkness settled in, and the sky dipped from it's orange hue to a more violet and blue shades. Yet Jaune's eyes remained an icy blue, clear to be seen in the approaching dusk.

---------------------------------------------------

This was a dumb idea. Stupid! Idiotic! Hands down the worst idea Ruby ever made in her entire life, and possibly the last she ever made in her life.

Twigs and dried leaves crunched as she hammered her feet through the forest. She could hear the growling Beowolves behind her over the thundering in her chest. She should have stayed at camp, stayed where it was safe. In her excitement, she left behind her precious Crescent Rose; a sin she would never repeat so long as she lived.

As for now, she chose to follow a phantom she caught floating amongst the shadows of the forest. A phantom she recognized from only a month ago. Her curiosity would be paid in full by the Grimm if she slowed down.

She tripped over something, and her body's momentum carried her over the ground. She fell down a hill rolling along the ground until she came to a stop. Her back slammed against the boulder, knocking the air from her lungs. Cornered by two Beowolves and out of aura, Ruby knew it would be where she died.

"I'm sorry, Mom..." Ruby wept a single.

As the cold wind blew, a low hum carried through the air. Beneath the shattered moon, she saw him. His piercing blue eyes the only light within his indistinguishable silhouette. With a click, a red block held by the end shifted and extended into a long-bladed scythe. It was Crescent Rose, and without a care, she flew through the chilling night air, landing at her master's boots.

"Pick it up." The voice growled. Ruby looked confusedly between the shade and her weapon. "Pick. It. Up."

Without a second thought, Ruby scrambled to her feet, gripping her baby tightly in her hands. The ghost began to hum, and the night suddenly grew colder. Especially in Ruby's spine as she noticed the two Beowolves had multiplied into almost two dozen.

"This is it, Little Rose." The shadow called out to her. "This is where you prove to me how bad you want to be a huntress."

Before Ruby could ask what he meant, her battle began as a Beowolf lept for her. With a turn, she twirled her scythe and rended the Grimm in two. Without hesitation, the next one came, swiping it's insidious claw. Ruby ducked, then severed it's legs from it's body. As she spliced it's head apart, two more jumped at her from behind.

On and on, her dance of death continued. Her muscles ached and her breath grew more and more ragged. The air grew colder, and the humming grew louder. She could almost hear words echoing from all around.

She was down to the last Grimm. Her lungs ached as her throat burned. It was the only warmth her body felt as the night air grew colder and colder. She lept for the last remaining Grimm, when her body suddenly seized itself. She watched in horror as the Beowolf stalked closer, pure malice glowing in it's eyes. She choked back a scream as it's fangs drew closer to her eyes.

In a blink, it was all dust. The Beowolf suddenly died, and she uttered a silent prayer of gratitude to whoever it was that saved her.

"I wouldn't start praying yet, Little Rose." The voice came back, and she felt herself being turned over. A hand found it's way to her throat, and her head was forced to turn with bony thumb and index finger. The digits were cold as ice, and the chill bit into her skin. "Oh, there's still some life in you. Too bad about that last one, though. If it was your time, you would have died there, unfulfilled."

"Please, don't kill me." Ruby's eyes welled with hot tears as she stared at the gaunt face in front of her.

"Oh, I don't kill people, Little Rose." His hand released from her neck. "I simply watch them die, and then help them move on to their next life."

"Who-" She swallowed as she sat up. "Who are you?"

"I am the last thing you will ever see." His eye seemed to twinkle at her. A flash of blue. Just like that night. "Oh, that wasn't me." He said, as if reading her thoughts. "That was somebody else."

"What?" Ruby wiped her eyes. "I don't understand! Who are you?!"

Taking a deep breath, the figure turned and began to hum. The wind blew again, only it was accompanied by singing once more. However, Ruby then noticed that these voices in the night air weren't singing. They were screaming. Begging. A thousand souls, maybe more, all pleading with agonized voices.

"Please, no!"

"I'll do anything!"

"Take it all!"

"Take me, not her!"

"It's not my time!"

"I DON'T WANT TO DIE!"

Ruby blinked and she was elsewhere, laying on a tree. She clutched her chest, trying to steady her beating heart. The tears poured hotly from her eyes as she panted.

"Ruby?!" She looked up to see a familiar face running towards her. "Are you okay?! Where have you been?!"

"I..." She panted. "I-I-I saw a shadow, and I followed it, and then there was a Beowolf, then another Beowolf, and then I fell, and- and-!"

"Easy, Ruby." Jaune held her hands and rubbed her back. "You're okay. Everything's okay."

"I... I almost died." Ruby gulped.

Jaune didn't say anything. He simply sat next to her and held her. She looked up to see Crocea Mors laying against a tree, next to a scroll. The scroll was powered off, and the tree was dead. Every tree around it was alive, but this one was dead, and being carved into by Jaune.

"Were... Were you training?" Ruby asked.

"Yeah." He looked up. "I found this dead tree earlier, so I thought it would be good practice."

"Wouldn't one of these other trees be a better target?"

"Yeah, they would," Jaune nodded, "but I don't want to cut their lives short. Not before their time."

Ruby looked to the ground and saw a pile of dead leaves laying at the base. For some reason, she felt her soul resonate with the dead, scarred tree.

[unholywriter]

Until Death We Not Part

A Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III Fanficton

i’m going to get married today

the castle is filled flowers and bouquets

he'll lift up my veil and he will say

are you sure that you’d love me?

are you sure you can stay?

Warnings: None.

Chapter One - Dancing to Fate

The castle peeked itself over the ridge line as her families carriage approached in a solemn state. Stiff, unwanted fear creeped its way down the young girls spine. Her family were the Blae’s. A well known, and distinguished noble family from a far away region past Tal’dorei called Qul’forn. A brisk, and cold region during the winters to which the lands barely gain back a single drop of green during the spring. It was winter here, so the nip and the air was felt but tolerated to a high extent considering their homeland. Although, Ophelia was hoping too at least see a change of scenery from the cold, dark and very butchering death she was used too. Placing her hand on the carriage window, the ice warming up too her touch as she peered toward the light of Whitestone Castle; her fate seemed to be decided. Her violet eyes glanced back at her via reflection, that reflection barring the dread that was far from any happiness a young fifteen year old like her could have.

For she was to marry. Arranged marriages were not uncommon, especially with a family like hers. But, now that she was here, all that dread came in tital waves.

The De Rolo’s compensated them well. But, the only ones to make an appearance were Lord Fredrick De Rolo and Lady Johanna De Rolo when they first met. It was going to be an instant wedding the next day, the proposal was set in stone and no way to escape if she were to be the obedient lady she was raised to be. But now, late at night after wondering the halls Ophelia found herself on one of the ledges of the castle. A sort of dance being told as she walked along side back and forth, tittering over the icy edge.

“What are you doing?” A voice from behind Ophelia spoke so softly, it was indeed laced with a bit of concern. She had froze just a tad, but dared not too look behind. “Are you going to jump?”

She shook away that hesitation of fear, and went to pace yet again on the edge of the castle wall. “If you must know, I’m scouring the castles ground for a means to escape.”

“Escape?” The boy rose an eyebrow, still watching this strange girl move from side too side. “Seems a very dangerous means too do so.”

She peered over her shoulder now, catching a glimpse of whom spoke. A taller, lean boy with messy brown hair and glasses peered back at her. His exquisite emerald eyes had a tad bit of splashed curiosity within them. A simple, small smile tugged his lips. He stood straight, his hands behind his back to the point Ophelia would think he could be a noble. But oh, that ragged exterior drove a wedge between that thought. He was a mess, soot of black dust rubbed along his cheeks, dirt caked at his pants. And his clothes, oh how his clothes look like they had gone through an inner turmoil itself. Her heart began a new, calmer rhythm. Turning back too scan the castle grounds again, she spoke.

“Dangerous? I hadn’t come too such a conclusion.” She looks down at the ledge, and uses her foot to draw a circle on a slick piece of ice before her. Finally, she looked back at him. “Dare I ask if such a servant boy like you will breathe a word too your employer’s, that a Lady like me is out this hour dancing along the icy ledges too this beautiful castle?”

The boy played on. His poise never changing. That smile increasing, his interest peaking to the highest curious capability. “If I might speak freely, as a servant boy that is.” He gestured to himself, still not dare breaking that stare between the two.

“Go on.” She cocked her head to the side, a soft narrowing of her eyelids to give a playful glare.

“As a servant belonging to the castle of Whitestone, and under the De Rolo rule. I might just know exactly what you’re looking for.” He paused, and she waited for him to speak. So he did. “A means of perfect escape.”

“Where? How?” It was almost impossibly impatient she nearly stepped toward him in such hope, but she stalled her movement.

“There’s a secret tunnel that runs along the dungeon’s and too the edge of the forest by the castle. I could take you there if your desire is truly to leave this place, my lady.” He gave a short bow and slowly stood back up.

“That be very gracious off you.” She turned back to look out at the mountain range. “Show it to me then.” With a swift pivot she spun around and hopped back to safe ground. Much too the boy’s nerves, calming them.

“Might I ask, why you’re wishing to escape?” His eyes never left her figure, nor did his poise detour.

She hesitated for a moment passing him, but she continued on too the rooftop window she exited from. “Because, I don’t want to marry someone I don’t know. And I didn’t ask to be apart of a family that lives only to marry their children off just because they’re afraid to live like normal people and love like normal people.”

She climbed through the window, he following in tow. “And what of this person you’re too marry. Do you think their a horrible person?”

“We’re nobles, we’re all horrible people one way or another.” She turned to him as he stood up straighter. He was pretty tall for his age, five-ten at most. So, with Ophelia’s short stature she had to look up too him now. It caused a tint of pink to blanket her cheeks but she turned away to continue to walk yet again. “What is your name?”

“Archibald, or Archie if you would rather my lady.” He kept her pace, keeping behind a few paces.

“Well Archie, let me tell you. People like me, with a sense of wonder and the love of arts and the want for travel for this world with freedom do not get so. So I’m going to leave tonight and never come back.” She marched on, her toned honeyed in determination.

“What if you’re killed?”

“I don’t care.”

“What if they go after you?”

“Let them.”

“What if they find you?”

“Then they can pry my dead hands away from that life I find for myself.”

“That’s a bit dramatic.”

“I like dramatics.” It was silent now as they walked down this long, and absolutely looming hallway. She peeked around the corner and then turned back to Archie. “Now lead the way, and be-“

“Discrete as possible, don’t worry my lady.” He nodded toward her and peeked his head around. He took a moment to scour the next hallways before them. Then he went to move. “This way.” He began in hush.

Ophelia followed Archie, passing many wonderful arts that were placed among the halls and on the walls. He made sure the guards passed them without falter, and managed to keep as quiet as a mouse. And soon they were met with the narrow halls of the dungeon’s.

“You don’t have anyone lying in wait down in these cells do you?”

“No, but we’re also near the catacombs, so be weary of De Rolo ghouls. I heard an uncle to your possible betrothed was laid to rest a year ago and is fresh and waiting to snack on any desperate souls with a need of escape.” She couldn’t see it, but he was grinning with a mischievous curl too his lips.

“Funny, Archibald.” She wasn’t going to lie, she was indeed having second thoughts. But in a way, this was absolutely thrilling and she desperately loved it. This is exactly the type of trouble she’d dreamt of getting up too. “How far do we have to go?”

“Not too far my lady, I promise.”

“Promises are for those who make excuses too do something they know they can’t keep.”

“I always keep my promises, so I find that statement rather inaccurate.”

“I gave you too much reign to speak freely my dear Archibald.” She smiled this time, it was a subtle tease.

“Would you like me to stop taking out of turn my lady?” She stopped mid strut. A furrow of her eyebrows, and she watched as he walked a couple more steps and noticed she halted. Turning too her, Archie rose an eyebrow. “What is it my-“

“It’s Ophelia.” She interrupted abruptly. “Just Ophelia.”

“But my-“

“Ophelia.”

“I’ve gone pretty far as of taking someone else’s betrothed down to where she can find away too-“

“That doesn’t matter I’ll be gone by morning. No one will know it was you.” She yet again interrupted. “Now, where is this secret tunnel?”

“This way.” He turned back around and managed to stop at a door.

“That doesn’t seem so secret.”

“Patience.” He opened the door, and walked in. She followed in suit right after. In it was a room filled with boxes, and barrels. Most were caked with cobwebs and dust.

“It’s ran thin ever since my mother and father told me they sold me off.” She sighed, scanning her eyes around.

“So I can imagine.” Archie ventured on to a corner where he found a statue. She looked at this huge cobbled creation, it towered over the both of them. Making them look so small and worthless beneath it’s beauty. “Help me.” He put himself up against the side awaiting for her to join.

“You think I-“

“Are you a lady or are you just Ophelia?” He shot her down quick. Which too her surprise, let a smirk creep upon his face plan as day in front of her. It was an instant mimic, and she placed herself close beside him to begin to follow his lead. Pushing, you’d think it need to take ten men. But, the statue was lighter than it appeared too be. With a near ease, the concrete and rock screeched against one another, and finally it clicked in place allowing a rocky, muddy path too be seen.

“Well, look at that. You aren’t a liar.”

“I keep my promises.” He smiled and continued on. For a moment, Ophelia didn’t even take a step forward; and yet again Archie noticed. Peering back into her eyes, he cocked his head at her hesitation. “Getting cold feet my- Ophelia?”

And a few seconds yet passed before she replied. “Of course not.” She stepped forward past him in a pout. The mud slashing underneath her feet.

“It’s okay too have second thoughts.” He spoke from behind. He observed, for he was always just observing wasn’t he?

“I’m not having second thoughts.” She looked over her shoulder now.

“You hesitated.” He began to catch up, and he was at her side now.

“I was calculating.”

“Sure you were.”

“I don’t like your attitude.”

“I think you actually find it quite intriguing.”

“Shut up.”

“I like to talk.”

“Somehow, I find that hard to believe.”

“I like to talk to people worth my time.”

“Now we’re getting somewhere.”

They both let another twined expression tug their features. But as of now, conversations died as the hall way grew darker. Ophelia stopped, her eyes a daze against the pitch black ahead. “How far do we have?”

“Five minutes at most.” From the vest he had on, in his pocket came a tiny metal contraption. He flicked part of it forward and from it gave a green glow.

“How in the gods did you…?”

“Science.” The haze of green lit up his face. “It’s Whitestone, which was refined into residuum. A powerful consultant activated the glow once I secured the two properties together. It’s quite fascinating.”

“I didn’t know servant’s like you dared to even try to read the science’s.”

“I’m not a servant right now, I’m just-“

“Archie.”

“Right.” He smiled, and she smiled and for a moment she wondered something. Why couldn’t she love a boy like him? Was it such a crime and a betrayal to find someone you love rather then someone you’re destained to destain?

“Well, just Archie. Please lead the way yet again and tell me more about how this residuum works.”

They spent the rest of that time at a slow walk where Ophelia felt a breeze. Archie rambled on about how the residuum could be a power house. And how the De Rolo’s don’t fully comprehend the worth it possesses. 

“If they did, they’d use it for the wrong purposes. And then what will we achieve?”

“Nothing but a vicious cycle I’m afraid.”

“Exactly.” He stoped, and she peered forward yet again. She heard the sounds of a subtle wind, and nip of cold air, and the sight of snow blanketing the exit of this secret tunnel. Tree branches gated the way out, and for the second she went to reach for a branch he spoke yet again. “Did I keep my promise?”

She turned around, snapping her head to yet again peer into his eyes. That glow still lighting the very darkness surrounding them. “Excuse me?”

“Did I keep my promise, I’m simply asking if I changed your mind on the idea of a promise?” He stoped close, keeping one hand behind his back, and the other holding his light sourced contraption.

“I suppose you did, but why would that matter too you what I think?”

“Because, I would simply want to know of the woman I’m to marry; excuse me. Arranged to marry’s mindset.”

Ophelia’s heart skipped a few beats in outright horror. The look was clear as day, and for a moment she knew.

“Your-“

“Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III.” His smile never faded. “But please, just Percy will do.”

“I’m- I’m so sorry.” Ophelia backed away, she gave a sort of bow but he leaned down and grabbed her hand to prevent the gesture any further.

“Please. There is no need for that.” He now frowned, and slowly slipped his hand away as they both stood straighter. “I will not keep you caged here if you wish to be free. You’re not the only one who cares nothing for titles, and all the extreme pleasantries that comes with being a noble.” He looked down at the light that radiated off the stone. “I’m as trapped as you. And all I want to do is be lost in my science’s. To build and create new and wonderful creation’s - to help better shape the world. To give them wonder, and to share that wonder with those I know who care about the same type of passion’s and curiosity as me.” Again that gaze, Ophelia didn’t look away; and for just another moment her heart skipped beats yet again. Only, this was because of a different heart fluctuation. “If we both ran away together, right here. Right now. Would you go?”

“It wouldn’t be an easy world out there.” She said in a hush.

“Not with the world we don’t create, but wouldn’t it be grand to build another? I’m not saying we run away and be lovers. That isn’t a wish I can force anyone to be apart off. But, you gave me something that no one cares to give me ever around here.”

“And what was that?” She furrowed her eyebrows further, this sudden break of news. She was beyond dumbfounded.

“Your time.” His smile dropped back into place, and she gave such a shy one in return.

“You’re certainly different from what I expected Percival De Rolo.” She began to loosen her stiff posture.

“Says the girl who was, how did you put it? Dancing along the icy edges of this beautiful castle?”

A soft laugh escaped from her mouth. “I guess we’re a peculiar pair then aren’t we.” She lingered for a moment before looking back at the brisk cold exit. “I am leaving tonight, and I need to get the things that would at least let me survive until I figure a lucrative way to keep from being in constant squalor.”

“You know, my kitchens have some of the finest cutlery.”

“Percy, are you suggesting I steal from your fine home and family?” She gasped in such a fake tone, over-exaggerating the slap at her chest with her petite hand.

“What?! Why would I, a future Lord too the De Rolo family suggested such an outrageous thing?” He mimicked that over exaggeration. “But dear Ophelia, just know if you decide not too go through with your escapade. I will not be upset for being left at the alter. This is your life, and I wish nothing for you to be able to live that life.”

“You just told me you’d want to come with me.” A look of confusion plagued her expression.

“I have a family here, and I cannot just abandon them whether they do not see me for the man I’d want to be.”

“But you could escape, you could be who you’d want.”

“I could; but I won’t.”

“That’s-“ Ophelia left his gaze to look down with a pause before looking back up. “Very big of you.”

“Just know I won’t think of you any less, nor should you Ophelia. This is your choice as it is mine.” He begins to step closer, slowly and gingerly taking her hand in his. “Whether be by morning and I see or don’t see you looking absolutely ravishing in such beauty you even dare produce before my eyes now - I wish you the best of luck and the best of safety for you future travels.” And with that he leaned down to place a gentle kiss on the top of her hand. “Farewell Ophelia.”

She couldn’t say anything, her tongue was tied. Percy turned away, his poise the same and distinguished as ever. For some reason, there was a ping she couldn’t place in her heart. But soon, she could feel the cold of the wind air creeping around her. It brought her back to reality and she began to follow behind at a distance so she didn’t trip over her own feet the entire way back to the castle. For, both these young souls knew not of what their futures had laid before them.



[ladykailolu]

Remember the Marigold getting murdered Scenerio

Imagine it’s the 3rd day of trial, Phoenix is defending Godot

(bonus is it’s with the help of Maya who managed to spirit channel a particularly determined and bitter Mia)

and Phoenix has finally found out who the real killer is

A older (16) boy who went to the neighboring high school, who Marigold caught dealing drugs before stabbing her

And as Phoenix presses him to get him to confess on the stand the boy finally snaps and says

“It’s that bitch’s own fault she’s dead!”

“All she had to do was shut her mouth!”

“I told her I would let her go with no issues if she kept her mouth shut!”

“But that stupid girl just had to keep going on about how “I had to pay for what I did””

“Going on about “upholding justice” like her stupid whore of a mother did, and like her idiot uncle or something would do, and like her fool of father would want her to do”

“If anything, her father should go to jail for raising her to be a god damn idiot!”

“My parents raised me for success, and I wasn’t about to let some dumb bitch fuck it all up”

How would old Godot, sitting in the defendant’s chair, and Uncle Phoenix at the defense table react to that

(And Ghost Mia for the bonus)

The knowledge that she died trying to make them proud of her

[I’ve been watching a lot of homicide documentaries and things in courtroom outbursts]

Poor Marigold Fey was in the wrong place, wrong time. This reminds me of the Aiden Fucci case--a 14 year old boy who killed 13-year old Tristyn Bailey via 114 stabs.

Mari probably caught the guy meeting up with someone else near a forested area and tried to run away to notify the police, but he caught her by the wrist and dragged her into the woods. Then stabbed her until she stopped talking or make any kind of sounds for good. Mari had died at the scene long before anyone found her body.

Imagine if on day 1 of the trial, it began as a missing person's case. Marigold wasn't found out to be dead yet, but she was missing and hasn't come home in quite some time. She missed classes which was entirely unlike her, and Godot, whom she lives with, hasn't seen her come home. Throughout the trial, Godot is upset, mind racing, trying to think of where she could be and what happened to her. It's tough simply not having answers of what happened to your own child. At this time, the most likely suspect was Godot. He was the closest one to Mari, and Mari wasn't known to have enemies. He must have done something to her, right?

They don't have a body or any signs that there was violence or bloodshed during the investigation, so they don't accuse Godot of murder. Yet.

Then they find Mari's body, cold and lifeless, stuck with several knife wounds all over. It's a bloody, tragic mess. And when Godot hears of the news not just of his daughter's violet death but that the blame was being focused on him, his heart breaks. There's simply no coming back from this. He could never heal from someone so dear being ripped from his heart again.

At first, it's his bitterness and anger that keeps him fighting, but by day three when the truth is revealed, Godot is simply burned out. He has no more energy to fight. Only despair. He lost everything all over again, and when he's found not guilty and allowed to walk as a free man again, he'll never feel free. He'll never feel okay again. The whole point of living, to work his coffee shop, to stay among the living was to support his daughter. It was pointless now.

I imagine that after this trial is over with, after that kid was put away for life, after the funeral for Marigold finally ended, and she was laid to rest, something changed in Godot. He looked older, frailer. Quieter and lived like a shut-in. Feenie tries to check-in with him, but Godot hardly responds. He essentially fades out, and the memory of him stays a memory for Pheonix, Maya, and everyone else who knew him.

Every father's day and every one of Marigold's birthdays and major holidays, Godot visits Marigold's grave to lay flowers at her tombstone and spend some time with her. And he prays. He takes comfort in knowing that Mari is up there with her mother, and someday, he'll be with them too. He hasn't touched her room since her death was announced. Her bed was still unmade, her clothes strewn over her desk chair for days since Godot told her to put it all in a laundry basket. He would never touch any of it as if he was trapped in a delusion that she would come back home someday.

Do you think that if Maya or Pearl channeled Mia and let her speak to Godot that Mia would say that Marigold is doing ok now? Would Mia even know? Or maybe they would channel Marigold and let her talk and describe where she is. Or maybe the ghosts simply don't know where they are and their memories are limited to the physical world.

Either way, it'd be sweet if Godot could talk to Mari from time to time. It might be another reason to live--if he could only hear her daughter's voice. Even now, Godot spends a lot of time sipping coffee and thumbing through Marigold's scrapbook, looking over her baby pictures, her kid pictures, her quinceañera pictures, etc, etc. She was a princess through and through. His princess.

And sometimes...Uncle Feenie and Aunt Maya join Godot in visiting Marigold's grave. She was buried next to her mother, Mia. And they reminisce about Marigold, all the cute stories of her childhood, that time she spilled the coffee beans all over the kitchen floor, the way she looked just like a princess during her quinceañera, her first dance with her father, all those pictures she drew in crayons of everyone close to her, how bright she was.

Her mother would be proud of her. Her father most certainly is.

[rosey100]

Name:

Zoe Marie Z

Age:

16 years old - 27 years old (in Wild Violet au)

DOB:

July 20

Personality :

Preppy,Confident,Vibrant, Smart, Multitasking Architect

Info:

Zoe Marie Z is the first born daughter of Jimmy Z Sr. and Koki Alanna Bammir. She was a Pop up baby around the time JZ and Koki's engagement tho Koki was 2-3 months pregnant when they realized that, by the time (about 6 months pregnant later after the wedding)their were more happier when their daughter Zoe was born. Needless to say Zoe has a great relationship with her family and her friends, she has a vibe that said "A ray of sunshine" and "positivity all year round". Zoe mostly takes alot from her mother basically her hard working will-power and can-do attitude, she (along with the rest of Z siblings) love video games plays a marathons on a Friday night when given the change and TRUST ME THEY DO IT. She always wants to be an architect when she was little girl, she really looks up to her parents and they definitely support her like they do with the other Z siblings. Zoe is also always the first person to know something about anything,anywhere or anyone if there's holding a secret, if they're gonna be a good or bad surprise or if a "person" seeing a "girl"( Lucky for anyone she holds a secret down, secret come out naturally). Zoe is second to breaking up a fight between Jimmy Sr. and Carly at most in the family and sometimes they tag one or the other when needed, though they don't get in fight between whoever get in it with Koki ( she can be scary and intimidate). Also she great at gymnastics and investing like her mom of course. She is an excellent at mathematics and her planning skills are on point (as long as their someone helping in when needed).

💗💗💗💗💗

Name:

Jimmy "JJ" Z Jr.

Age:

12 years old - 17 to 18 in Wild Violet au

DOB:

May 19

Personality :

Introvert,Calm,Honest,Generous Skater Boy

Info:

Jimmy Z Jr. is the first born son of Jimmy Z Sr. and Koki Alanna Bammir. Jimmy Jr. or mostly JJ for short is almost the perfect picture of his father in every way beside him having bit a feisty side from his mom when needed. JJ is a kinda a chill person to be around for most people can tell you from friends point of view though he not popular but he the most well know though he not the most social person but he cool and he also the ability to know when to be honest(he can be brutally honest but doesn't go they mostly not to be mean). He's really good at sports basketball,football,track even at best but he favorite is skateboarding the most. JJ is also a great guitar player basically bass guitar, he even fluent Latin, Sweden and Swahili. Besides JJ one of the sweetest people you can meet, he'll give up the shirt off his back when he needs to,just don't get the wrong thing, him being mad is a challenging understatement if you mess with him shame on you he won't try and let the truth pop but mess with his family,friends or anyone he loves(you're lucky if live standing then ending up in the wall)but JJ knows how to deal with different situations and if trouble he can always get help from the people who he loves to be there.

🛹🛹🛹🛹🛹

Name:

Mazzi Elizabeth Z

Age:

10 years old - 15 years old in Wild Violet au

DOB:

September 18

Personality :

Energetic, Clever, Optimistic, Talented Cheerleader

Info:

Mazzi Elizabeth Z is the second daughter of Jimmy Z Sr. and Koki Alanna Bammir. Mazzi is the family's Happy go lucky kid and like Zoe she's a sunshiny peach at best. She can be a positive ball of sunshine and always try to put a smile on anyone's face. Maz is also very talented, like her siblings she mostly good at piano,acting and baking like her dad as it is both their hobby that and , she even won honor roll a few times and always looked forward to new stuff. You may think she more full of herself but that way far from the truth, she's really a motivator like that small voice in your head that putting you to do something you wanted the most and just she has a big heart. She more clever and capable of being a detective with her question solving and really good looks at details to close a cold case early. Mazzi is hyperactive and the most energetic girl she can always found doing her a hobbies she found taking a nap on somewhere comfy (for Koki, she know that if Jimmy can pass down to their's kids is sleeping/naps).

📣📣📣📣📣

Name:

Carly Jimmina Z

Age:

9 years old - 14 years old in Wild Violet au

DOB:

April 30

Personality :

Bashful,Soft-spoken,Understanding,Helpful Writer

Info:

Carly Jimena Z is the third daughter of Jimmy Z Sr. and Koki Alanna Bammir. Carly here was NCU baby ,at birth she come to early then most babies and had some problems wish a has her to go deaf 50%, but she come out Ok spite of that before she has a hearing aid by the time she was a year. She's also one of those types of kids who stays close to they're mom/dad in the store, as shy as she is basically her nature. Her kindness really knows no bounce, but don't be fool Carly has a wild side on her when anger. She has a excellent writing skills she can make a novel with no hesitation for a imagination she has on her and can also paint as well come up with good music lyrics with a stroke of a finger and it's her favorite hobby. Carly and her JJ are almost alike if she wasn't coming up with excuses not to stand up for herself but JJ knows as does everyone else that she more soft naturally when she not fighting for her family as she is very protective when she to be (and trust she has her motives).

📖📖📖📖📖

Lila Ann and Liam Quincy Z

Age:

2 years old - 5 years old in Wild Violet au

DOB:

June 6

Personality :

Quiet,Fearful,Sweet-hearted,Rambunctious (Lila)

Loud,Active,Daring,Willing (Liam)

Info:

Lila and Liam are the youngest of Jimmy Z Sr. and Koki Alanna Bammir. Lila and Liam can be nothing opposite people, one can be sweet as a lamb while the other can destroy the house if chance given. They would surprise twin to everyone thinking there was one baby girl til birth come a baby boy 13 minutes later, but the twins were showered with love from their family. Liam is an adventurous child since he could crawl making the house more "Liam proof", Lila is a sweet like a sugar cookie she can almost do nothing wrong (but like Liam she can get in trouble too)that the best way to describe them. They mostly seen tagging along together with Lila making sure Liam doesn't hurt himself or others,sometimes one would be with JJ or Mazzi and the other with Zoe or Carly. Liam is most likely the pranker in the family beside Koki where Halloween and April Fool's day is more their holiday and Lila loves bats like almost obsess with them she also has a stuffed bat named Bitie. Even though they have ups and downs they always have each other's backs at the end.

🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇