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grogusmum · 9 months ago

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Please Mister Please

JOEL MILLER X F!READER (nicknamed)

SUMMARY: You can't seem to escape that one song even after the apocalypse. Joel and Ellies friendship brings you some comfort, and maybe Joel is interested in more.

WORD COUNT: 1700ish

WARNINGS: None to speak of. Unless you need one for soft Joel. As always, if you see something I've missed, let me know in my DMs, and I'll add it.

A/N: Just a little something inspired by the Olivia Newton-John's song of the same name. (She was in her country music era) It's hardly edited, written on my phone, and Imma just yeetin' it out there. Oops. It's just the usual fluffy hurt comfort. But it IS my first go round with Joel. I hope you enjoy it! 💚

The jukebox was found on a supply run at some honky tonk out Fort Collins way called Sundance something or other. You laughed at your first thought, which was it's wasn't one of those new ones with CDs, realizing "those new ones" were now 40 years old... but this one was truly an antique, with vinyl in it and everything.

A Wurlitzer in all its chrome, brightly colored bakelite, and satisfying push button glory.

You shake your head now, thinking you should have known the moment you heard. Everyone was so excited. Because, of course, they were! How fun is an old timey jukebox full of country-western ballads, anthems, and line dance classics?

It brought an energy into Jackson, the likes you hadn't seen before it. You'd gotten in early on, and watched its evolution from place where people were merely surviving to an industrious hive of busy bees, creating abundance but there wasn't much room for joy and then out of the clear blue sky - line dancing. At first they couldnt keep it plugged in all the time, it was turned on for a half an hour at the end of the day, until they had a good handle on the dam and the power plant was working consistently. You're sure it was the inspiration for Maria's attention to holidays and socials after seeing the excitement and morale lift from it. Suddenly, y'all were living, not just staying alive. So it seems silly, with so much real life and death shit to deal with, to get so hung up on one song, but it carried so much weight for you, you just couldn't shake it. If only it wasn't so sweet, if only it wasn't so catchy… Maybe people wouldn't have noticed it among all the other tracks. But it was sweet and it was catchy, and about making it after all the shit they'd been through...

So naturally, at five songs for a quarter, it ends up in the mix at some point. (It's the only reason the town has any coins. Paying it could have been bypassed, but dropping the 25¢ seemed to be part of the fun.) So when you least expected it, it would start to play, and so far, it continued to flip your stomach and make your eyes glass. And think about how he and you didn't actually make it.

Joel and Ellie have been in Jackson several months now. Ellie dove right in, school, taking care of the horses afterward, trying to socialize. She's a little guarded sure but mostly funny and eager. Joel started helping Tommy right away, but it seemed to you more to keep busy than to join the community. He's wary and taciturn. When they weren't in those organized work times, they stuck close. When Ellie ventured into social activities, Joel let her go, but he was ever watchful, with Ellie checking in often even just a look over her shoulder, just to see if he was still there. He always was. They reminded you of a bonded pair of strays.

You liked your place, Catnip's Apothecary. They'd come in twice so far, once when Joel brought Ellie in for a poison ivy rash and once when Ellie brought a very grumpy Joel for inflammation in his knees Ellie found all your jars of tinctures, teas, herbs, and powders fascinating. Asking what everything did, looking at drying plants hanging from rafters in wonder, pspspsing the cats.

“Are you a witch?”

“Ellie!” Joel admonished, but looking at you for a tell. Were you? You could see him wondering.

You only laughed. Sure you were, but what they were seeing here was hardly witchcraft, just herbalism, mostly. Joel and Ellie are both bright and observant - you're pretty sure they both noticed you didn't answer.

Tonight, Ellie is at the rec center, a movie theater for the evening, awaiting the start of none other than Star Wars.

Where did they find all these 70s flicks? Nevertheless, A New Hope's a great find. You can't resist going, even though you know it by heart, and you'll have to force yourself not to recite all the dialogue. Sitting smack dab in the middle, surrounded by all these kids and young adults, seeing it for the first time, you munch your popcorn and smile.

You don't see Joel, but it's not like you are actively looking for him… just curious, given their penchant to stay together and you figured he will know the movie too, maybe he's more of a Trekkie. When you catch Ellie's eye, she waves animatedly and moves to sit beside you.

“Sssoooo, you're like one of the only grown ups here.” there is a gremlin glint in Ellie’s eye.

“Yeah, I thought there'd be more nostalgia watchers-” you say a little sheepishly. “ But it's okay, I'll see it with a soon-to-be New Generation of Star Wars Fans. Bear Witness!”

“And what if it sucks?”

The noise you make is somewhere between an indignant scoff and a gasp of purest offense. But you rally.

“Oh just you wait padawan-”

"What's a pada-"

As quickly as the lights go down the attention commanding drums of the 20th Century Fox fanfare begin.

“Oop here we go! Buckle up, buttercup!!”

You live vicariously through the new audience for the next two hours, and it is a pure joy.

The young people of Jackson laugh at the Laurel and Hardy comedy stylings of Threepio and Artoo, they eat up the “though she be little she is fierce” snarky spirit of Princess Leia, gasp at Alderaan's fate and Obi Wan's sacrifice, cheer at Hans return, hold their collective breath when Luke turns off his targeting device to use the force, and burst into applause when he makes the one in a million shot, womp rats in Beggars Canyon take heed.

“Aw man I really hope we can see Empire some day,” you say as the credits roll.

Ellie is elated, peppering you with questions about the sequel and then Return of the Jedi as you walk out of the rec center, and everyone begins to head home. You do you best answering, not wanting to spoil too much if she actually gets to watch it.

“I'm this way,” she says suddenly, as she peels off from the town center, “see ya!”

You head toward the Tipsy Bison, to join the adults, most of which took advantage of the kids being off at the movie to do a little drinking and dancing.

The spring has brought high spirits, and with it bright chatter and the stomp of line dancing in progress. Grabbing a spot to watch, you order yourself a drink. When the song ends, there's hoots and applause, and the next one is slow and sweet, and it only takes the first note for you to feel the drop in your belly.

Joel saw you come in, he had seen you from the street actually, when the community center emptied after the film, he had his eye out for Ellie and saw her come out with you, talking animatedly and laughing. He smiled. You were his age, or close enough, he guesses, not only from both the smile and worry lines but your points of reference when talking, only missing references that are local to growing up in Texas. It's comforting, you remember Before. You also have a light he can't get enough of. You didn't confirm nor deny it, but he is sure you've enchanted him witch or not. He's just been too, 'shy' isn't the right word... he just hasn't been able to make any sort of move.

Then he does his best to saunter over to your little table, drink in hand. He's pretty sure his sauntering days are over.

Now you sit alone, a moment ago smiling, tapping to the music. He had been taking in some liquid courage, in the form of whiskey, to ask you to dance. But the light in your eyes is replaced with a shine, not in the way he loves. He's seen this a couple times, he realizes. Times when your eyes go far away and a sadness descends on you.

He gets up and checks the jukebox, taking note of the song. He's pretty sure he's right. He can't bypass a song on a jukebox, nor can he tell a DJ to change it. But he's gonna talk to Walt the barkeeper, first chance he gets.

“Hey Catnip, can I sit?”

You look up wiping your wide eyes.

“Oh, sure, Joel, please,” your smile tries to reach your eyes, but it flickers and can't stay.

“So," Joel starts, he's not good at this. He's gotten better but, “You're Still the One, huh? For me, it's Vince Gill- When I Call Your Name ”

You just look at him, and he starts to think maybe he hasn't improved at all.

“I don't know that one, it was kind of a fluke that our song, his song was a country song. It's not my usual genre.”

“Well it wasn't my lady and my song, it was the song that I listened to after she left. Sarah was so little. I felt so lost in those early days. Now I can't even hear the open-”

“Opening chords,” you finish with a chuckle, “yeah, I can't- and now of course it all wrapped up in the Before Times, too. But here it is, in a jukebox of less than 200 songs, the one song that represents my husband walking out on me before the shit hit the fan.”

“I can't even picture anyone leaving you with nothing but a song.”

“Yeah, well, I can picture it quite clearly. I can't imagine someone leaving you with a little baby girl to raise.”

“We are in the same boat, darlin’ until it happened I would have been with you on that. We were very young, 22, she panicked.”

“Aren't we a pair?”

“Why don't this pair go for a walk then?”

Joel holds his breath, looking into your lovely face.

“I'd like that.”

Standing, Joel holds out a hand to guide you up and out of the bar, it settles comfortably on your lower back, the song long over. His hand tingles and theres a flutter in his chest at being allowed to touch you this way.

It smells like petrichor, though the skies are clear. Joel's hand leaves your back to your chagrin, but he gently holds out his elbow, and with a crooked smile you slip your hand in the crux of it.

“Such a gentleman.”

He smiles and brings you to the newly constructed, yet to be painted, gazebo.

You climb the handful of steps and look at the town from this new vantage point.

Behind you, Joel comes close, his hand casually on your hip, like you did this everyday. His mouth close to the shell of your ear and a quiet hum floats in, the controlled breath tickling, you smile knowing the very apt song choice,

“Are you making fun of me Joel Miller?”

He chuckles, then the words over take the hum -

“Please mister, please, don't play B-17

It was our song, it was his song but it's over

Please Mr. please, if you know what I mean

I don't ever wanna hear that song again…”

Joel turns you, arm around your waist, his other hand sliding into yours -

" I'd sound a bit better with my guitar, but when we couldnt dance, so-"

He starts a simple box step, as he sings quiet and low, just for you, while turning you around the gazebo.

You join in singing, whispering in his ear the chorus when it comes again. It feels cathartic. Then you step back - who is this man? Not the guy who came in with a little girl, a gut wound that should have killed him, poorly healed knuckles, and the wary eye of someone who is always waiting for the other shoe to come down on him like it's made of lead. But looking at him now, those brown eyes wide but the little crease between his eyes holding his concern. His jaw soft, making you take more note of his natural pout and the salt and pepper scruff, the little spot that just won't fill in, it looks like a heart… you wonder if it's as soft and smooth as it looks and if he'd let you touch it to find out.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR READING 💚

Please consider commenting and reblogging. If you are interested in reading more of my writing, you can find my masterlist here. If you would like to be notified when i post more work, you can find my taglist form here.

#joel miller #joel miller x f!reader #the last of us #tlou #pedro pascal character fics #pedro pascal characters

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yustea · 1 year ago

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Paring: Wooyoung x afab reader (she/her pronouns)

Summary: You and Wooyoung have been best friends every since you could remember, however, when that friendship is trialed by the temptation of lust, desire, and seduction, how will it play out?

Genre: +18 content so MDNI, friends to lovers, friends to fwb!, crack, heavy smut!, tooth-rotting fluff at the end

Word Count: 2k+

Warnings: mean!dom!Woo, switch(?)brat!reader, unprotected!sex! (Woo uses pull out method; wrap it before you tap it), brat!taming!, spanking!, hair!pulling!, heavy degrading!, praising!, manhandling!, orgasm!denial!, pet!names! (baby, sugar, kitten, pretty, princess, slut!, whore!, sir!, good!girl!, sweet!girl!, etc.), mentions of breeding!, sub!space!, possession!, dumbification!, dacryphilia! and free!use!

Please let me know if I’ve missed anything <33

“YAH YOU BITCH GIVE ME BACK MY CHIPS,” Wooyoung screeched from across the room, clambering up from the makeshift pillow fort he created for tonight’s movie marathon as he stampeded after you in a seething, determined rage. “NEVER,” you hollered back, clutching the fluorescent green packet closer to your chest as you ducked and evaded his attacks, leaping behind the kitchen island and situating it between the two of you, adrenaline pumping through your veins. “I SWEAR TO GOD Y/N, I WILL BEAT YOUR ASS IF YOU DON’T GIVE IT BACK,” he lunged forward in an attempt to grab the snacks. You twisted it out of reach, causing him narrowly miss it by a centimetre. You snickered at his pitiful effort as you turned your back to make your grand escape, already basking in your victorious thievery.

Suddenly, you felt a strong grip reef you back, forcing a gasped cry to escape your lips and causing you to collide against the kitchen bench as muscular arms imprisoned you between the counter and Wooyoung’s clothed abdomen. At your disoriented state, he seized the opportunity to snatch his snack back and, to your despite, dangled them in the air with his left hand as a winning smirk graced his face. Well shit, you grimaced, thrashing and wriggling around in a miserable attempt to escape. “Naw.. poor baby can’t free herself?” Wooyoung cooed as a sadistic chuckle erupted from his throat at your pathetic endeavour.

“Shut up,” you hiss as a venomous stare morphed your face, a searing rouge blooming across your neck and cheeks. Eventually, you managed to wrangle your arm free, rising on your tippy toes to reach the chip packet, only for him to raise it higher, acquiring a pleasurable delight at your humiliating suffering. “Hmph,” you huffed as you crossed your arms at your inevitable defeat, a pout forming upon your lips. You had to think of a way to obtain the snacks without further embarrassing yourself. You had to think of something smart… something clever… something unexpected…

Ding💡

A sly grin spread across your face as you gazed up at him with a sultry glance, a hint of deviance and mischief within your eyes. Wooyoung quirked an eyebrow, already suspicious of your sudden mood change. Gingerly, you delicately placed your hands across his chest, pressing yourself against his shirt as you leant upward towards his face, eyes flickering down at his lips momentarily. “W-what are you doing?” he stammered, unsure how to respond. You let out a soft giggle, reaching up to caress his face. “I don’t know what you mean Woo,” you murmured sensually in his ear, leaving a peck against his lobe and peering at the lowering chip packet as he slowly began to let his guard down. This may have been one of the stupidest ideas I’ve ever had yet, you thought as he further lulled into your teasing actions. But hey, it’s working.

His right arm snaked around your waist, tightening his grip like a vice as he pressed you closer to his chest. A smirk adorned your face as you continued to trail soft kisses down along his nape and collarbone. Wooyoung’s breath hitched at a particular spot, closing his eyes and automatically tilting his head, allowing more mobility to your antics. You began to snuck and nip on that area, earning a choked gasp from his parted lips, the snack almost within reach. C’mon… just a little closer. “Does it feel good?” you whispered, further maintaining your facade as you received an eager nod, the chip packet lowering further. A smirk adorned your face. Gotcha.

Instantly, you lurched forward, the packet almost within reach, when suddenly, you were spun around, your face smushing against the cool marble countertop as the snack was flung to the side. Your wrists were pinned by Wooyoung’s hand, his hips pressing against your ass and your eyes widening in surprise as you took note of the very evident boner protruding between your upper thighs. He leant down, using his free hand to brush aside your hair, his hot breath tickling the side of your neck, sending shivers down your spin. “Did you really think I wouldn’t notice your stupid plan, sugar?” He let out a breathy chuckle. “Such a needy, little slut, willing to throw herself at me to get what she wants.”

He bucked his hips, a sharp gasp escaping from you. You began to struggle against his grasp in an attempt to set yourself free when a searing crack whipped against your ass. A startled cry echoed the room as you subconsciously rubbed your legs together to ease the lapping arousal. “Tut, tut, tut,” he scorned. “Don’t be a brat now, you’re already in deep shit for teasing me before.” You scoffed, feeling your defiant inner whore emerging from within. “Look at you, acting so prestigious and authoritative. What happened to the whiny, submissive, breedable, little bitch that was being so obedient earlier?”

Your hair was reefed back, a stinging pain sizzling across your skull. “Watch your tongue, kitten. Unless you want to be punished right here, right now, I suggest you keep that pretty little mouth shut,” Wooyoung seethed, twisting his grip in your hair, causing you to shut your eyes at the discomfort. You gritted your teeth as you knuckled the countertop. “I’d like to see you try, sub,” you spat, snapping your eyes open as you stared directly into his, a brewing sinister lust swirling within them at your snarky comment. A dark snigger rumbled within his throat as he yanked you closer. “You asked for it, slut,” he whispered.

You were thrusted to the ground as Wooyoung manhandled your limbs on all fours in doggy-style, tightening his hold on your hair. “Now listen here, slut,” he tugged for emphasis as he forced your legs apart, pressing his hard cock against your throbbing heat. “We are going to use the traffic light system; green for go, yellow for slow down, red for stop. You can say these words at any time, but if I determine you are only saying them to be a brat,” he smacked your ass once again as you bit your lip at the sting. “your punishment will be worse. Am I understood?” You gave no response, a rebellious grin gracing your lips as you took pleasure in challenging his authority.

Wooyoung poked the inside of his cheek, displeased with you disobedient behaviour. Suddenly, your pyjama pants were yanked down to your knees. His hand whipped against your ass in one swift motion. You gasped, mouth agape as tears prickled your eyes. You rocked your hips against his before he stilled your antics with another slap. “I said am I understood, kitten?” His words were venom, his grip tightening against your hair as his other dug his fingers into the side of your hip. You winced slightly as you nodded, bitting your tongue to resist the urge of snapping back. “Words please princess,” Wooyoung pulled against you hair once more. “Yes. Sir,” you forced out.

A sly grin twisted across his face at the nickname, releasing your hair and brushing it to the side in an affectionate manner. “See that wasn’t so hard, was it?” He cooed, earning a sarcastic eye roll from you. “Now when I ask for your colour, you’re going to respond to me loud and clear. Am I understood?” “Yes Woo,” you spoke disinterestedly, beginning to admire your nails in boredom to further rile him up. He clicked his tongue. He gave you one last chance. “Now what colour are you princess?” “What does it matter if you’re too much of a pussy to fuck me?” You snarled. His grip tightened against your hip. So much for being able to walk tomorrow.

Wooyoung sighed, faux disappointment smothering his face. “And here I thought you would be my good girl..,” his voice deepened an octave, the atmosphere becoming dark and thick with lust. Suddenly, you didn’t feel as confident anymore. Your arms began to quiver, your heartbeat racing. “I guess you’ll just always be a filthy,“ *spank* “no-good,” *spank* “bratty whore who just wants her dirty cunt to be filled,” *spank* “used,” *spank* “and abused,” he degraded as he gave your ass a final crack, forcing a choked moan from your throat. Oh, you were in deep shit. “I bet you’re already soaking, kitten. I can smell your pungent arousal from here,” he seethed, tugging down your damp panties and taking a deep inhale of your scent. Quickly, he plunged two fingers into your wet cunt, pumping in and out at a fast pace. “WOO,” you yelped in surprise. “You’re dripping like a fucking bitch in heat,” he spat.

“Such a dirty, needy, little slut, acting naughty just so she can be disciplined and get her fucking cunt used and filled with my seed,” he mocked, already probing your entrance with a third finger. “You’d like that wouldn’t you? Just to be my personal fuck toy; too dumb and stupid to think of anything else other than beg for my cock and to be bred.” Your legs began to tremble as your desperate whines increased, reverberating across the room. Your inner brat was finally beginning to conform. “P-please s-sir,” you begged, “s-slow d-down.” “Hmm…” he pondered tauntingly, gradually increasing his pace just to spite you. You cried out, bucking your hips to synchronise with his antics as a dirty smile graced his lips. “I don’t think I will,” he snickered. “Filthy whores like you are only here to be used as a set of holes; ready for anyone to slip their cock in and milk them dry.”

Your walls clamped around his fingers, his vile degrading further fuelling your humiliation and arousal, the approach of your orgasm becoming evident. “Pretty thing‘s gonna come?” He teasingly cooed, his thumb snaking his way to your clit, rubbing it in harsh circular motions as your pussy twitched at his rough antics. You frantically nodded, biting your bottom lip in anticipation of the euphoric feeling. “A-almost th-ere!!” you cried out. You were teetering on the edge of your peak, a dazed sheen glossing over your eyes. Just as you were teetering on the edge of tranquility, he pulled out and wiped his fingers against your reddened ass in mock disgust, taking satisfaction in your displeasure.

“WOOOO,” you whined as hot tears began to prickle the corners of your eyes. “W-why’d you do t-that?” you sniffled, your mind beginning to fog. “Poor baby,” he taunted. “This was your punishment, remember? Disobedient brats don’t get to cum.” You hit the ground with your fists in frustration as searing streams of tears raced down your cheeks. You felt cheated. How could he be this cruel? He softly cupped your chin, catching the stray droplets as he cooed at your anger. “Naw.. sweet girl’s having a tanty because she didn’t get to cum?” Faux sympathy crossed his features as he formed a fake pout, taunting you further. “S-sir,” You whimpered in desperation, your eyes glassing over at his condescending words as your mind began to cloud further.

“Are you ready to be a good girl now?” He softly asked, becoming conscious of your emerging sub space. “Y-ye-yes sir, p-please. Just wa-nna make you feel good. U-use me please,” you begged, willing to do anything to relieve your aching cunt. He smiled amorously, gently caressing your damp cheek with his thumb, his demeanour flipping. “Only because you asked so nicely,” he lightly teased, undoing the string of his pyjama pants before slowly tugging them down. His hard member sprung free, knocking against your weeping pussy and causing you to release a jolted whimper.

Carefully, he guided himself in, your mouths hanging agape at the sensation. Inch by inch, he sunk further in, resisting the urge to cum from the way your walls were squeezing him like a vice. Finally, he bottomed out inside, a breath of relief escaping both your lips. “O-oh my god,” he whined, never imagining you felt this good. He stayed still so you could adjust to his size, despite the primal yearn to rail you senseless. After a moment, he began to slowly buck his hips, your walls clamping around his dick as you felt every vein that etched his pretty length through his languid and sensual motions. Quiet moans escaped your throat as you dug your nails into your palms, your body rocking back and forth at his gentle thrusts. “F-faster,” you pleaded, sensing the quick approach of your orgasm. At your command, he began to piston his hips as the sudden sound of skin slapping echoed across the room. Your head flung back as a loud whine erupted from your throat, your back arching and your limbs quivering as he continued to pound inside of you.

“Does my pretty feel good?” He cooed, placing gentle kisses across your bare shoulders. “Y-YES SIR,” you cried, the edges of your eyes becoming a searing white as his hand snaked underneath to rub your clit. “Who does this pussy belong to?” he smacked your ass as a carnal possessiveness pooled in his lustful eyes, taking great delight at the sight of you falling apart on his hard cock. “Y-YOU,” you howled. Your sopping cunt began to rapidly pulsate as you felt the oncoming arrival of your orgasm. “Hold it,” he hissed, thrusting into you faster as he chased his own high, desperate to cum with you. You whined loudly, straining every muscle in your body to try and fulfil his demand. “C-can’t hold it for much l-longer, sir,” you gasped as your ears began to ring and your body ached in need of release. “Okay pretty, cum for me.”

That was all you needed before a high pitched moan resonated around the room as you squirted on him, your juices seeping into your discarded clothes and swamping across the kitchen floor. Swiftly, Wooyoung pulled out, hurriedly jacking himself off before spilling his seed across the expanse of your back as the warm substance pooled against your sweaty skin. You collapsed, your body shaking from exhaustion and your mind on the verge of passing out. The room stood still, only the sounds of your heavy pants and palpitating hearts could be heard as you both slowly ebbed away from your tranquil bliss.

After he composed himself, Wooyoung clambered up, retrieving a couple of tissues and a cool bottle of water from the fridge. He sat back down, carefully dabbing away both your cum, being cautious as to not drip anymore onto the floor. He threw them aside once he was done and gently manoeuvred you onto his lap, cracking the bottle open and tilting your head upwards. You swallowed the soothing liquid in hasty gulps as he patiently waited for you to finish. “T-thanks-s” you croaked, wincing as you spoke, your throat feeling coarse like sand paper. He let out a quiet giggle before taking a swig himself. “Do you wanna have a bath?” He queried, screwing the cap back on and setting the bottle on the counter. You frantically nodded, in desperate need for a calming, relaxing soak after the wild abuse your limbs experienced. He picked you up bridal-style, making his way to the bathroom as he affectionately pecked the bridge of your nose.

When the temperature was right, he placed you into the warm tub, joining you soon after. Grabbing a loofah, he gently scrubbed your back, his demeanour now attentive and loving. You guys basked in comfortable silence, sharing endearing pecks here and there and playfully splashing one another as you both bathed in the lulling water. Once you were done, Wooyoung carefully placed you on the counter, taking his sweet time to dry you off, a tender affection invading his presence. After you were dried, he carried you back to the abandoned pillow fort, placing you on top of his chest as you both shared a passionate kiss, taking in the sweet bliss of the pure love for one another. Gently, he pulled back as an adoring smile graced his lips. “I love you,” he whispered as he caressed your face, his eyes swirling with fondness and love. “I know,” you teased as your received a jesting eye roll in response. You leant back down to peck his lips. “I love you too.” An amorous warmth kindled within both your chests as you snuggled into one another, slipping into a peaceful sleep.

A/N: Hi guys, thank you so much for reading my fic :)) Please feel free to reblog on tumblr, give me any feedback (all is welcome), and if you have any fic ideas/thoughts please comment them and I’ll make sure to tag you in the post. Have a wonderful day/night and I hope to see y’all soon <33

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thatbanditqueen · 1 year ago

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Basic Training Chapter 7

Mad love to my alpha @whositmcwhatsit seriously your editing and feedback make this so much better. Also love and special thanks to my lovely elvis coven, @vintageshanny @ellie-24 @be-my-ally @peskybedtime @from-memphis-with-love @missmaywemeetagain @powerofelvis @be-my-ally @shakerattlescroll @lookingforrainbows and to @ab4eva for her sweetness, you were the only person to ask me about Bess on tumblr between now and the last chapter and I was like oh, I guess someone is still reading this. Which is good. Because I am still writing it. ;)

Thanks to everyone who reads this, shares, reblogs, leaves a comment or whatever. I write for myself, but I publish for community, and I don't think I could write with out your support and friendship.

Summary: Bess resigns to get over Elvis and move on, but he has other plans.

Warnings: Not much, depictions of mental illness/delusion.

WC: 6.5 K

If you need to catch up Chapter Six: Guided Missiles or the masterlist here Basic Training

Click here if you prefer to read on A03

Chapter 7: The Minefield

12:15 p.m., Friday, April 24th, 1958

Commissioned Officer’s Mess

Army Intelligence Training Unit, Fort Hood, TX

“I thought you were applying to law school?”

Bess let her straw drop out of her mouth to meet James’ concerned stare across the mahogany table.

“Um, I changed my mind.” Her eyes dropped back to her chocolate egg cream and she paused for a moment. The sound of glasses clinking and hushed conversations reverberated through the Army Intelligence officer’s club. “I kinda dropped the ball on writing my sample essay. And,ugh, I haven't been able to focus at all on studying for the entrance exam.” Bess trailed her shoe anxiously across the burgundy carpet, she hated admitting that she had given up on lawyer school. “It’s just temporary, a temporary pause. No, for now, I think a year or two working for the state department is the best next step. I’ve always wanted to spend time in Europe..”

“But Helsinki, Bess?” James reached over to comfort her with a hand squeeze, but she pulled loose and went back to eating her pot roast lunch.

“Finland is a stepping stone.I could be working in Berlin next summer. And Helsinki has a lot of international action. It’s right next to St. Petersburg.”

“This sudden need to go to the coldest burg in Europe wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain tall, dark soldier who’s been doing extra laps around the barracks every day, would it?”

Bess lifted her thick, white cotton napkin to obscure the blush spreading up her cheeks. “I saw that he’s had extra PT, I’ve been wondering what happened.”

“Oh? I thought for sure that was all you and your front office connections, getting back at Presley — “

“Jameson, I would never abuse my position in the Front Office for revenge. You know how basic training is. Drill sergeants use any excuse to tear you apart just so they can build you back up again. He probably was late to inspection, or maybe he tried to protest extra push ups, and now it’s marathon time everyday til he’s learned his lesson.”

“Hmmm, must be. Though I don’t feel even the teensiest twinge of sympathy for him after that stunt he pulled on you? Think it would look suspicious if he got run over by a jeep? In his barracks?” James winked at Bess/

“Ha, just say you made a wrong turn.” Bess chuckled, but her smile quickly faded into a sigh.

She speared a potato with her fork, looking at it as if it had the answer to life’s secrets like a magic eight ball. Maybe all she needed to do was turn potato over and around until it revealed her fate. Sadly, no messages turned up, and she laid it back on her plate.

“Thing is, I knew he had other girlfriends. I just wished he’d called and canceled our plans instead of leaving me hanging to find out another way. The most humiliating way.”

“Maybe he couldn’t get away to call? Or forgot your number? Have you seen him at all?”

Bess shook her head, sipping her drink again. “Uh uh. But I’ve been avoiding him. What am I supposed to say? It hurt my feelings that you put the kibosh on our night together for a pajama party with one of your steady girlfriends?“ Her eyes met James. “But, uh, he knows my number, though. He called that Monday, after she left town. And several other times.”

“What did he say?”

“I don’t know, I have Kay on switchboard duty. She has strict instructions to inform male callers that I’m not home.”

“You oughta talk to him, honey, let him have it.”

“I’d rather not, I - I, it was, uh. The whole thing felt so icky, I never want to feel that way again. It took me back to last summer and Be. Except, this time, I’m the other woman and I know all about his girlfriend back in Memphis.” Bess put down her fork, unable to eat anymore. “I think my picker is broken, James. I’m destined to be alone.”

“But are you supposed to be alone in Helsinki?”

“I’m actually excited to be single in Helsinki.” James raised his eyebrows. “What? The city is is pretty hip!They just hosted the Olympics. Lots of people live there from all over the world. After Berlin, it is one of the top hubs for working with the Ruskies.”

“Ok, ok, I get it, you hussy, you’ll probably be able to play patty cake with an assortment of good looking European men. I just can’t believe you are abandoning me, it’s so selfish. I’m almost ready to swear I’ll never buy another Presley record.”

“I’m not leaving because of him!” Bess huffed at the way James arched his eyebrow higher and straightened her napkin over her skirt. Aggressively. “I swear, how many times do I have to tell you, he’s just helped me get the perspective I needed. The straw that broke the camel’s back. I gotta get out of this place before I wind up like Mabel.”

James sniffed as he motioned to the waiter. “Mabel seems happy, could be worse.”

“Yeah, well, I’m not. But you might be out of here before me. I only just sent in my application materials, you know how these civilian posts can be. If I make the first cut, I still have to do a round of phone interviews,an in-person one, a thorough background check. Why, I probably won’t head out until the summer. If I get it.”

James quirked his mouth and whistled when they stood to leave and shook his head.

“Seems like such a waste to store all your resources behind a desk. Should be out, serving our country at USO shows.”

Bess slapped James shoulder, then straightened his jacket, smoothing her hand over his medals.

“Jameson, stop. Do you talk to the debutantes back in Rhode Island like this? You know, half the officers in here are probably my father’s spies. Keep whistling at me like that, they’ll convince him we’re an item.” She grabbed her purse and put her gloves back on. “Besides, I am not exactly the type who likes performing or attention.:

He looked her over once again, making an exaggerated show of appreciation for the way that Bess’ smart tweed pencil skirt hugged her hips.

“Oh, but that’s what makes you such a knockout, Bessie Girl. Why don’t we get married, huh? We could travel the world together, life would never be boring. We’d have great looking, smart kids.”

Bess put her finger to James’ lips, looking into the hazel eyes that glimmered below his perfectly coiffed honey blonde hair.

“I wish I could. I can’t marry someone I don’t love, not in the way I love you anyway.It’s no good, we’d end up ruining our friendship.”

James slid his arm through Bess’ as he led them out of the officer’s club. “I suppose you’re right, Schwartz, but if you ever get desperate and want to be married to a dashing officer who’d never leave you for another woman, the offer stands.”

“This is no time to be getting married, Jameson. I’m sure you’ll want to enjoy the local flavor in Heidelberg.”

“Hmm, yeah, no matter the gene pool, it’s gotta be better than this dump.”

Bess smoothed her hair once they were outside and turned to James. He looked so handsome in his dashing officer’s uniform, cap under his arm. He was probably the best looking, wealthiest man to ever propose to her, even in jest. She really would miss him once they left Fort Hood. Bess gripped James arm tighter before they parted, and smiled.

“No kidding, I can’t wait to put Fort Hood and Elvis and everything in my rear view mirror. Get a fresh start in gorgeous, romantic Helsinki-town, city of dreams.”

“I thought that was Paris?”

“Nope, pretty sure it’s Helsinki. Though I understand why you’re confused, Helsinki is the Paris of the Baltic Sea.”

“No one calls it that.”

“Sure they do, I’m starting it now.”

James smiled, fixing his uniform cap back on his head. “Ha, ok. Well, as they say in Helsinki, au revoir.”

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

Bess’ fresh start suddenly seemed a million miles away when she glimpsed Elvis Presley running round the base. It had only taken a few minutes after she got into her father’s Oldsmobile before she recognized Elvis’ tall, perspiring figure jogging around the circular track behind the PX. There he was, in his sweat-soaked tee-shirt, dog tags jingling over his chest, running towards them in the dusk of sunset.

It struck her for a moment how odd it was for the drill sergeants to have him do laps out here on the road near the gate instead of closer to the 37th tank division. They must be making a public example of him, she thought, having him do laps out here as people drive past on a main road out of the base.

It was working, he looked absolutely miserable and exhausted. The cold grimace he had fixed on his face pulled on Bess’ heartstrings, and she felt a compulsory urge to go comfort him. But then she remembered why she’d cut him loose, and nodded to herself, reaffirming how wise she was protecting herself from further heartache. It wasn’t easy.

She got so captivated watching him take off his cap and wipe his forehead as they got closer, that she suddenly realized he was about to run by her car and had to quickly duck down flat against the bench seat to avoid being seen.

“Ilsa, whatever are you doing?”

Bess popped up with a squeak, looking over her shoulder at Elvis’ figure running away behind them, then stuttered to her father. “I, um, I dropped my lipstick on the floor is all, Papa.”

Dinner was pleasant enough. Mama served tuna noodle casserole and followed it with a cherry cream cheese jello mold. It was comforting to Bess to think these were recipes any other family on the block might be eating tonight. Though she doubted whether the other mothers were wearing a matching red dress and explaining the deep meaning behind the color red, and how powerful color it is, one that can provide all the strength and nourishment they needed. Bess did concede that cherry Jell-O tasted like what she thought the color red might taste like.

And if a lecture on the spiritual nature of red Jell-o was the most occult Mama got tonight, then tonight was a good night.

After eating, Bess changed into a more comfortable, simple light blue house dress, and was trying to calculate how long it had been since Mama had one of her episodes as she walked downstairs, when she heard Kay on the phone.

“Well, no Rex, I guess I’m not doing anything. Well, sure, gee whiz, yeah, I know a few friends who’d flip their lids at the chance. You bet, meet you there at 8!”

Bess turned the corner at the bottom of the landing, and gripped the polished circular handrail as Kay spun around with a wide, beaming grin. Her sister halted suddenly and tripped forward with a gasp when she caught Bess’s stare.

“Was that Elvis’ bunk mate, Rex?”

Kay gulped. “Mhmmm, I did like you told me, and said you - you weren’t home.”

Bess crossed her arms. “So what, now you’re going out with them?”

“Well, I - he - I heard Elvis tell him to invite me and any other friends to meet them at the movie theatre on post. It’s, it’s, not a date, it’s a group-like thing.”

Bess took a deep sigh. Miles Davis wafted out from behind the closed door of their father’s office at the back of the house, and she could hear her mother doing the dishes. Bess had come down to help clean up, and had planned to spend her Friday evening at home. She thought she might read or watch TV, play a game of gin rummy with Mama. Anything to take her mind off of Elvis. And now here her sister was, running out to go meet him!

“I cannot believe he invited you out.”

“And why is that? You’re not the only charming, good looking girl around here, Bess.”

“That’s not what I was saying, Kay. What kind of guy invites out the sister of a girl - a girl - a girl he’d been riding around with? You aren’t seriously thinking of going? What about Dickie?”

“It’s not like that. Cuz, - it’s - it’s not a date. Why, they’re getting a gang together. Rex said I should bring some other girls. I’m about to call Carol and Tracy. If you think I’m gonna deprive them of the chance to meet Elvis Presley, you got another thing coming. Why, you always keep him all to yourself.” Kay huffed, and put her hands on her hips. “It’s not a date. You could come if you wanted, you know.”

Bess squeezed her hands into tight fists, squelching her sudden intense desire to slap her sister.

“You know exactly why I won’t be doing that, I told you how things went with him and you are smart enough to know he is probably doing this to upset me. And you’re helping him! My own sister. Kay Brutus Schwartz.”

Kay’s face fell, and she met Bess in the middle of the hallway. “It’s not like that at all. Please don’t be mad, Bess, but me and my friends, we have all his albums. You can’t hold it against me for wanting to go. It’s not like I asked, he - ”

Bess brushed Kay’s hand from her shoulder and stomped off in a huff, her anger powered her through an incredibly fast cleaning session in the kitchen.

Mama dried the last plate Bess handed her, then put her arms around Bess at the sink. “See, Bessie baby, all that red Jell-o gave you the energy and focus you needed. I’ll get you some red silk underwear for your new job, I saw some in the Montgomery Ward catalog. Or were they red flannel long johns? Well, you’ll need both in Helsinki.”

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

Bess had frowned as Kay traipsed out the door to meet her friends when Carol pulled up in her mother’s yellow DeSoto. At first she took her book upstairs and sat at the window, watching for Kay’s return around 10 p.m.

By 10:30, she had moved to the porch, where she sat up on the bench hugging her knees and trying to read while she waited to catch her sister and pump her for information outside where their parents wouldn’t hear them.

Yawning, she was just straightening the bows on her white house slippers when she turned to see a car pulling up in front of the house. But this was not Carol’s mother’s yellow DeSoto. It was a white Cadillac. And she made the mistake of looking up long enough to note the row of guys in the back seat and make eye contact with Elvis as he parked.

Fuck, Bess muttered to herself staring back into her book, unable to focus her eyes on any of the words. In her periphery, she watched Elvis jump out and race around the front of his car, loosely putting his arm around a giddy, smiling Kay as he walked her up the path to the front porch.

Bess took a deep breath, accepting that there was nothing she could do, that she was stuck out here with her hair in a messy bun wearing a house dress and slippers. So, she braced herself and stood to confront the most famous man in the world.

The cool night air was no comfort to the heated temper rising in her chest as Elvis walked up the stairs in front of her, his fingers now spread over Kay’s shoulder. His eyes narrowed, and a smirk played over his face.

“Hellooooo there Bess, ain’t you sweet, coming out here to greet me.”

“Hmmmm.” Bess nodded, curtly, exhaling at Kay’s sheepish grin.

“Well, I enjoyed our date tonight, Kitty Kat, didju?” He gave Kay’s shoulder a rub and Kay laughed nervously at his nickname, glancing back at Bess as she untangled herself from Elvis’ grip.

“Oh, well, it was a gas to meet you and the whole gang,” Kay made a show of waving at the car, “Tell Rex thanks for the Coke and candy.”

Elvis ran his hand through his hair.“Uh, well, I wudda bought you all the Cokes you wanted, I just -”

Bess interrupted him. “Let me guess, you forgot your wallet?”

“Yeah, guess that’s happened before.” Elvis chuckled.

“Ahem, Kitty Kat is it?” Bess raised her eyes at her sister. “Probably time you were in bed, little girl. I have a few words I need to have with your date, here.”

Kay coughed and avoided Bess’ intense look of death as she thanked Elvis for a fun night. He grabbed her hand, making eye contact with Bess over Kay’s shoulder and he hugged her sister and gave her a soft peck on the cheek. Kay hung in his embrace for several beats, then scuttled away to leave Elvis with Bess’s cool stare

“You have some nerve.”

Elvis took a step toward her, “Aw, Bess, now see, when you act like this it makes me think you still like me.”

“Is that ri-ight?” Her voice wavered as he took a step toward her with his shoulders back, head forward, rubbing the back of his neck. She stumbled back a few steps, distracted by the way his eyes pierced her from under his eyebrows.

“See, you actin’ like ya jealous, honey. But you ain’t playin’ fair.“

“Really. I don’t play fair?”

“Uh uh.” Now he was hovering over her, backing her into the front of the house, his lower lip hanging open as he leaned over her. “You play hot one day, then cool the next. Won’t take my calls, but now ya jealous. Playin’ games s’what it is, and I can’t stand chicks who play games.”

“Ha!” Bess had meant her declaration to be a lot more forceful than how it came out as a muffled breath into the dark, red fisherman’s sweater Elvis was wearing. Of course! Of course his sweater was red. It sucked all Bess’ strength right out of her. And her resolve. She tried for dear life to hang on to the painful embarrassment that had punched her in the gut when she met Anita.

“You’re - you’re - you had - you’re the one who -”

Elvis’ hand was at her waist, and his thumb pressed over her belly button.

“Sshhh. I know, I missed our date.”

Bess mumbled toward her shoes. “Well, I wouldn’t call a party in a cheap motel room a date by any me-“

Elvis’ pursed his lips in a grin as he brought his other hand to Bess’ cheek, his eyes gleaming as she shivered in him. He tilted her chin to meet his eyes. Bess tried to shake him off, but couldn’t, she was spellbound by the pair of dark blue eyes above her.

She reminded herself that there was an audience of grown men watching them from his back seat. Then she thought she saw the curtain at the front window ripple and realized Kay was probably leaning against the wall inside, spying on them. She thought about how Elvis had invited her sister out, at the very least to get her attention, or at worst, to make her jealous. She thought about how she had sworn to her best friend hours ago that she never wanted to see Elvis Presley again. She tried to grasp at all these things and more as Elvis stepped closer to her, and shifted his arm over her against the wall. But suddenly thinking was very difficult. Elvis’ thumb circled the button at the waist of her cotton house dress.

“OK, ok,well, when you say it like that, sounds awful. Definitely weren’t no date. Still, Kitty Kat told me how upset you’ve been. And I know I shudda called you.” Elvis took a deep breath, and coughed. “ And, well, that gal came down and surprised the hell outta me, is what happened. I didn’t invite her, now that’s the god’s honest truth. But, well, put me in an awful bind and I couldn’t get away to call you. Wudda much rather spent the weekend with you, Moo Moo.”

His breath was warm on her neck, and the way he murmured her nickname was like a sultry saxophone solo. Bess closed her eyes as it rolled over her body, giving her goosebumps. His whisper was full of vulnerable need and Bess couldn’t believe that she actually felt bad for him, as if she were to blame for everything.

“I - I - I’m sorry.”

“Nah, honey, I reckon, if I’m honest with ma self, you have every right to be sore at me. But you havta give a man the chance to defend hisself. Tell me now, don’t a man deserve a chance to splain?”

There was his thumb, gliding over the front of her stomach, rubbing back and forth.

“Really, I wasn’t trying to play games.”

“I know, Moo Moo. I know’d you weren’t really like that, else I wouldn’t be here.” He leaned in, pressing his open lips to the corner of her jaw, soft and delicate as he continued his whispers. “Though I don’t know if I could stay away even if you were the devil, baby. Ain’t been able to stop thinking about you.” His mouth was warm on her neck. “You, and only you.”

His touch sent a wave of feverish heat through her body, and Bess didn’t care if he was lying, all she knew was that she would willingly go back to his motel room with him right now in her flimsy white house slippers and all. However, before she could make that suggestion, she heard the front door open and she jumped up instantly, pushing Elvis away at the sight of her father’s silhouette in the dim porch light.

“Elizabeth, it’s cold out tonight. Why don’t you invite your guest inside?”

Bess swallowed hard, glancing up at Elvis, whose cool demeanor and friendly smile belied the fingers she could see tapping against his thigh through his pocket. She looked out at the car, then up at the dark sky, shaking her head to herself.

“ Hi Papa, this is, uh - ”

Elvis stood up straight and jerked his hand out as he strode to shake her father’s hand.

“Uh, good evening, Sir, I’m Elvis, Elvis Presley.”

“Yes, I’ve been expecting to meet you for some time now.” Bess’ mouth dropped open. Before she could find the words to protest, her father was putting his arm around Elvis and guiding him inside. “I understand you and Ilsa have been spending a lot of time together, jah?”

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

“Can I pour you a whiskey?” The table lamp flickered as Bess’ father walked by, his calm words trailed behind him on his way to the bar.

Elvis sat at the edge of the couch patting his hand to a silent rhythm and then bouncing up again to pace over to the hi-fi set.

“Naw, jus a Pepsi - or a Big Red, honey.” Bess glared at him as he looked up at her from where he perched in front of the record player. “Bessie. I mean, Eliz-a-bess.”

Bess frowned as Elvis popped open the concealed door in the sound system’s speakers and proceeded to rifle through her father’s LP collection. Her father arched his eyebrow, muttering in German that the boy seemed to know his way around and feel quite at home, jah? Bess was asking Rex and Lamar what they wanted when Mama floated into the living room, swaying the skirt of her red dress back and forth, a dreamy look in her face. Bess froze, looking around the room, then scuttling over to her mother and latching her arm around Mama’s waist, whispering in her ear.

“Mama - Hi Mama, I thought you went upstairs to relax?”

The boys all stood up as Mama patted Bess on the shoulder. “Bess, you’re making the lamps all buzzy, stop buzzing around and introduce me to your friends.”

Bess sighed and then froze when Elvis walked over and took her mother’s hand, kissing the top.

“Evening, ma’am, I’m Elvis, Elvis Presley, s’a pleasure to meet you, I can see where your daughters get their good looks from, if you don’t mind me saying so.”

Mama giggled and blushed. “Ha, well, you are charming. The faeries told me Bessie had a new beau, but they didn’t say he was handsome.” Bess’ face went white as she tried to guide her mother to the big orange leather chair in the corner, but Mama swatted her hands away. “Bess, I said to quit fussin’. Go get our guests something to drink.”

Every cell in Bess’ body was on high alert, and she rubbed at her throat trying quell the nauseous, tight feeling that now plagued her stomach. Bess had not brought Ben, her former fiancee, home to meet her family until he had asked her to marry him. At that point, they had already been going steady for two months, she had trusted Ben completely and had given him a thorough debriefing on Mama and the family dynamics. She had known Elvis a month. ANd spent the last two weeks hating him.

Elvis returned her mother’s hand and flashed Bess a warm, crooked reassuring smile. Rex and Lamar gathered next to him making their awkward introductions, before Papa walked over and offered Mama his hand, tilting his head at Kay.

“Come sit with me, Emily, let the boys relax. Katherine, you get the drinks.”

Bess followed Kay into the hall. “I’ll get it, Kay, I -uh - I was gonna make Mama a special cup of tea - “

“I got it, I know how to do it. You go back in there.” Kay winked, and left Bess to sigh as she took a deep breath and resigned herself to face whatever was waiting for her in the living room.

Elvis sat on the edge of the couch trying to stop his knee from bopping up and down with the palm of his hand, already in conversation with Bess’ father.

“Jah, I started off in the German division, but now I oversee all intelligence training.”

Elvis’ eyes widened and he seemed grateful to see Bess walk back into the room and hit Lamar to clear the seat next to him on the couch. Bess shook her head and sat at the piano bench, trying to think of how to change the subject.

“Papa, I imagine the boys are tired after a long week and - “

“Oh Bessie, don’t send them away!” Mama waved her off as she got up and happily plopped into the clear spot next to Lamar, shooting Bess a playful frown. “You never bring friends over any more, it’s a breath of fresh air having young people over. Want any leftover tuna noodle casserole?”

A momentary grimace passed over Elvis’ face as he declined, and Bess' father coughed.

“Too bad we don’t have any meatloaf, perhaps zat would have suited you better.”

“Actually, mister, I’m bout plumb fed up with meatloaf, EP’s been ordering - “ Lamar stopped talking at the sight of Elvis’ eyebrow, arched in warning.

“Well, Bess makes a great meatloaf, you boys will have to come back for dinner sometime. I’ll get her to cook it up for you.” Mama bowed her head with certainty as she spoke, turning Elvis’ hand over in her lap as if to read his fortune. “Elvis, such an unusual name. What does it mean?”

“Ugh, well, ma’am.” Elvis scooted back against the arm rest, turning in to face Bess’ mother more directly. “I have been told it means someone who is uh, very wise.” He winked over at Bess as she rolled her eyes. Kay returned, and she bounced up to assist in handing out the drinks.

“I’ve never heard the name Elvis before tonight, is it common where you’re from?”

Lamar gasped. “You never heard ‘a Elvis?”

“No, why, should I? Do you all work with Henry in Intel?”

Elvis shook his head. “No, no ma’am, Rexadus here and I, well, we’re new recruits, and Lamar right here is jus’ a ole friend of mine, visiting.”

Mama smiled big. “Oh, well, if you think I would have heard of you from Bess, you have another thing coming. She’s a sphinx, that one, never tells me anything about anything.I have to get all my gossip from the wind.”

“Elvis is a famous performer, mama. They’re surprised you’ve never heard of him because he is on the radio. And the movies.”

“Oh, is that true? Would I know any of your music?”

Just then, the phone in Papa’s office began to ring and he stood up to excuse himself, muttering in German that he would hardly call it music. Bess exhaled a chuckle at the curious look on Elvis’ face.

“I’m guessing that weren’t a rousin’ endorsement from ya daddy,huh ?”

She shook her head, and Mama clucked.

“Oh, Henry didn’t get enough red food tonight, don’t mind him. You know, you’re not the first song and dance man I’ve met. When I was a girl - “

“-I met Eddie Cantor when he sang at Zeyde’s theatre on Coney Island.” Bess and Kay exclaimed in unison with a grin.

Bess relaxed as the room filled with warm laughter and she almost felt like they were a normal family, teasing and chiding each other as they entertained guests.

“Oy, well, it’s true, you boys have heard of Eddie Cantor, haven’t you?” Mama grinned at their nods, and took it as her cue to keep talking between sips of tea. “Well, I was just a kid when he was first making it big in New York. And my father had this vaudeville theater, and we met all sorts of acts working their way up the circuit. Baby Rose Marie, Bert WIlliams, Jimmy Durante, and, of course, a lot of nobodies trying to be somebodies. Eddie was probably the most successful guy to come through our place. Boy, was he handsome! Tall, dark hair, those big gorgeous eyes, like two rounds of chocolate.”

“Mama, zey ton nisht veln tsu hern vegn deyn shule meydl krashiz.”

“Oh, Bess thinks I shouldn’t share these things. She thinks I’m an old lady, that I don’t have blood pulsing in my veins. But I’ve always appreciated a good looking man.” Mama patted Elvis' knee. “Still do.” Then all of a sudden she swayed into Elvis' shoulder, her eyelids fluttering before she slumped on his shoulder.

“Ma’am? Ya ok? I’ve had girls swoon before, though they usually heard a me.”

Bess jumped up and looked over at her sister. “How much did you put in her tea, Kay?”

“Just a tablespoon.”

“It’s supposed to be a teaspoon!” Bess growled through clenched teeth as she felt her mother’s pulse, and tried to unfurl her mother’s arm from around Elvis’ shoulder.

“I’ll take her up - “

“Aw, honey - s’ok, want me to - “

“ - Well, it was an easy mistake.” Kay hovered behind Bess, and stomped her foot.

Mama’s eyelids fluttered back open for a moment and she looked up into Elvis' face. “You know, you have a beautiful aura, Alvis, I can tell you are a good person - Bess, if you don’t marry him, I will.”

Bess gulped, and looked at Kay. “Help me get her up the stairs?”

Before they could do anything, Elvis lifted Mama and nodded at Bess. “Jus lead the way, ‘k Bess honey? Boys, y’all go on out to the car, and we’ll get outta ya hair ‘fore you say lickety splickety.”

Lamar sighed with relief and could not get through the hallway fast enough, almost knocking the telephone off the little desk as he passed. Rex, however, hung back, gathering up the bottles of pop and taking them to the kitchen behind Kay, looking back to nod at Elvis in a silent offer to help. Elvis shook his head and followed Bess up the stairs.

“Alright, now, Mrs. Schwartz, ma’am, ya gonna be snug as a bug in a rug, jus you wait.”

Elvis set Mama down in her bed carefully, gently taking her hands and placing them at her sides. Mama opened her eyes and trailed her fingers over the sharp edge of Elvis' crew cut, smiling dreamily as she asked “Almond” if he would marry her.

“Ya so sweet and beautiful, I would, I would if I could, ma’am.”

Tears welled up behind Bess’ eyes as she watched the tender way Elvis kissed her mother’s cheek and squeezed her hand before she passed out. They exchanged a long look, and Bess blushed.

“I’m sorry you had to see all this, I’m so embarrassed. You didn’t have to stay and help me - “

Elvis rubbed her shoulder. “Honey, I wanted to help, I like helping folks. Ain’t nuthin to be shamed of. Really Moo Moo, wouldn’t be here if I didn’t want to. An getting to spend my night with the prettiest lil gal in town, why, that’s just the icing on the cake.” His face scrunched into a big grin as he held her, and bess nodded into the comfy wook of his red sweater.

Elvis stood in the doorway, watching curiously as Bess took off her mother’s shoes and tucked her under the large, homemade victory quilt that they had sewn from old clothes during the war. It was the only blanket Mama would sleep with, and for Bess, it evoked that time in her childhood when Papa was overseas doing things he couldn’t talk about and Mama was the strongest woman she could imagine.

Now, as she looked down at her mother and smoothed hair out of her face, it was Mama who resembled a little girl, finally relaxed and at ease as she started to snore. Her sleeping face free from the cares and mysteries of the world. Bess kissed her mother on the forehead, and turned to find Elvis waiting for her in the doorway. His blue eyes seemed to penetrate her soul, as his thumb rubbed the side of her shoulder.

“Holdin’ it all together, ain’t ya Moo Moo. I see you. I really do.”

Bess shuddered at his touch, wiping the side of her eyes.

“I, um, I. Well, you caught us on a bad night, Almond.”

He chuckled, drawing her into his arms and kissing the top of her forehead.

“Nah, ain’t nothing bad about anything.” The sides of his crinkled as he smirked. “Almond, huh. maybe ya mama there is on to sumpin. Might sell more records and movie tickets if I changed my name to Almond instead. Tell you what, wudda made it harder for the Army to find me.”

“Yes.” She took his hand and led him back down the stairs.”Though you would have missed out on your freel vacation here at beautiful Fort Hood.”

They were back on her porch, and Elvis was clasping her hand tight. He looked out at the darkness, and at his car on the street, then over the garden, before turning back to hover over Bess, hands resting at her waist.

“Wudda missed out on meeting you, honey. Ya my silver lining. Tonight, being here with you, I know it now for certain that fate brought us together.”

Bess turned her head to listen to the crickets, wondering if they had any advice on how to defy fate. Especially when fate distracted you from all common sense by nuzzling your forehead.

“Elvis - I - “

His lips were at her ear as he drew her closer. “Aw, Moo Moo, I cain’t bear to think I made you cry. I mean it.” His thumbs rolled up and down Bess’ sides. ”I promise, ain’t ever let that happen again. I swear. Cuz I need ya, honey, been thinking ‘bout you all the time.”

Bess couldn’t resist the way his eyes lit up with hopeful vulnerability, it made her feel like she was the one who had wronged him by withdrawing her company from him.

“I - I think about you too.” She cupped his cheek. “I’ve seen you doing laps every evening, are you doing okay?”

Elvis huffed and pinched her side. “Oh, yeah, you know me. Every morning, those drill sergeants find a reason to be cross at me, makin’ me do extra PT. But ain’t nothin I can’t handle.”

Bess nodded. Then Elvis’ hands tightened all the way around her, constricting her so tight she almost couldn’t breath, before parting with a soft, chaste farewell kiss and a vague promise to call her the next day.

Bess was humming to herself as she turned off the porch light and locked the door behind her, stopping short when she saw her father come out of his office.

“Everything ok, Papa?’

“Jah, jah. That was just the secure line, a call from D.C.” He straightened his sweater, coughing as he took in the dim quiet of their house. “Ze hound dog has run off, I take it?”

“He’s not so bad, you know.” Bess shifted and looked at her feet, unable to stop the smile at the corner of her mouth. “The drill sergeants have really had it out for him this last week. He’s been running extra PT and they put him on latrine duty. Must have pissed off the wrong person.”

Bess stopped talking, noticing that her father’s face had soured into a tight grimace. She had probably been right not to tell her parents that she had been seeing Elvis. This would be tough, now there was nothing she could do now.

“Jah, that boy did piss off the wrong person. Me. You would be wise to cut your ties with him, Elizabeth, he does not respect women. And you have a bright future ahead of you. I might expect Katherine to be dazzled by this flash of Memphis. But you are too smart for all that. I would hate to see you lose focus on your goals to run around with a boy who brings his hoochie coochie girlfriends to town and flaunts them in your face.”

Bess was silent as her father pursed his lips, nodding, then said good night. She listened to the sound of his footsteps as he walked up stairs, her mind racing as she tried to figure out how he had found out about Elvis. About the debacle with Anita. About all of it.

The disappointment she had seen in her father’s eyes crushed her, and Bess tossed and turned in her bed all night trying to figure out how she could make him understand that she could have fun and still go after her goals. It was the thought of Elvis’ long thumbs caressing her body that finally calmed her down. The memory of his touch was like her own personal dose of benzodiazepine, it made her forget all her problems and give herself over to the sandman.

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

Let me know if you wanna be added to the taglist:

@eliseinmemphis @kingdomforapony @everythingelvispresley @richardslady121 @dkayfixates @artlover8992 @freudianslumber @amydarcimarie @toreigh @18lkpeters @yynneessmons @ashtag6887 @waiting4brucewayne2adoptme @returntopresley @rjmartin11 @bigromansgirl @louisejoy86 @notstefaniepresley

or be untagged...

XOXOX norahhhhhhh

#elvis presley #elvis fanfiction #elvis x oc #elvis #elvis presley fanfiction #army elvis fort hood elvis 1958 elvis

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diangeloxs · 11 months ago

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spreading the piper mclean love agenda bc shes my fav girl <3

-- <3 --

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

piper loves affection, it's like her best friend. her top two love languages are gift giving and physical touch. will always greet her s/o with a cheek/forehead kiss and a hug.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

piper is the best friend you could ask for. she's down for anything. when she makes the hangouts though, she typically does a movie night type of thing so the two of you could gossip.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

piper is like a leech in bed, she just wants to take up all the warmth. she'll steal the blankets too. typically likes to curl up next to her partner, no matter their height compared to hers, but will be big spoon if wanted.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

piper has wanted to settle down with the people she loved her whole life. she isn't the best at cooking or cleaning but is willing to learn.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

piper would try her best to keep a relationship going but she also knows when to accept that it's not going to work out. she'll have a nice calm talk with her partner and explain, and try not to leave off on bad terms.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

piper is willing to be loyal and give her commitment to marriage if her partner is ready too. she'll want at least three years of dating before marriage though.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

physically, piper is kind of rough. she really embodies her love, and it can be a lot sometimes so you'll have to remind her calm down and be gentle sometimes. emotionally, she's such a sweet understanding soul who always tries her best to do right by you.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

piper loves hugs, especially bear hugs. like i said, she likes to greet people with hugs. she gives long tight hugs with big squeezes.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

piper isn't shy to say i love you, even if she has to do it first. once she knows she really loves a person, she'll never stop saying it.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

piper gets jealous on the rare occasion, but when she does it's very strong. you have to talk some sense to her and remind her that she's the only person you have eyes for.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

sweet and quick pecks are piper's forte, but if the mood calls for it she can be slow and sensual. she likes to kiss your cheeks and forehead a lot, but she does kiss on the lips quite frequently. and her favorite spot to be kissed is probably her knuckles, like how people kiss royalty. it makes her feel special and respected.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

piper adores children. growing up in a lonely mansion did not help her emotional growth as a kid, so whenever she sees a kid she always plays with them and talks with them to make them feel seen.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

piper enjoys sleeping in, and doesn't usually get up till around eleven. and even then, it's kind of hard to wake her up. she adores morning lazy cuddles though.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

piper's kind of a night owl, and can only fall asleep to some kind of noise (music, tv, etc), so it is something you have to grow used to when sleeping next to her.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

piper trusts you dearly, but it can be hard for her to open up and say the truth after being framed as a liar for such a long period of her life. so, she does open up slowly at first, but once she's done it the first few times she'll just start saying everything.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

out of the seven, i'd say piper's the most patient. she always has to be careful about how she says things, and interprets them due to her charmspeak and how it can occur without her meaning it to when distressed, so she forces herself to be patient. regardless of that though, she's always been super understanding.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

piper has a good memory in the books, able to remember specific little details without problem, so it's no surprise that she's especially attentive to you and remembers a lot. her christmas gifts are amazinggg

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

her favorite memory is taking you out to her grandpa's old cabin for a weekend and having time for just the two of you to relax

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

piper isn't as protective as some of the other members of the seven, mostly because she deeply believes in your capabilities but if she ever thought you were in danger she would have no problem with stepping in. the same goes for how she feels about herself, because she knows she can take down a monster if needed.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

being the daughter of the goddess of love, there's no doubt that piper puts immense amounts of effort into dates and anniversaries. she also loves making home-made gifts for you, so piper is always good about those kinds of things.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

she tends to get low on confidence at times, and might believe that you're too good for her. times like that you kind of just need to bring her back down to earth.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

piper knows she's beautiful, so she's purposefully gone out of her way in the past to make herself look "ugly" to try and get rid of the stereotype that pretty people can't be strong. now though, after discovering she was a demigod, she takes more pride in her appearance and actually enjoys dressing up on the rare occasion.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

once piper loves someone, they become a part of her. she loves everyone in the seven, so if they were to ever leave she'd be deeply upset but you? she'd be devastated and completely heartbroken.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

loves hello kitty, and feminine clothing and things like that but just never has the time to really dress up.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

people who are controlling about their partner's social life but seemingly don't care about any other aspect. gives her the ick.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

piper moves around a lot in her sleep, so expect to be whacked by an arm or a leg at least once.

#rick riordan #piper mclean #pjo #percy jackson #heroes of olympus #pjo hoo toa #the lost hero #piper mclean x reader #piper x reader #tristan mclean #pjo x reader #alphabet headcanons #diangelouxs

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latibvles · 3 months ago

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Hi friends! So this is a much neater version of this 3am post I made. I was thinking on this for a while (because I like girls & female friendship etc as we all know) and wanted to have more members of the other crews around in the background: I figured to crowdsource it. So for Pasadena Nena I’m looking for eight girls to serve as Anita’s co-pilot, radiowoman, bombardier, engineer, and all four gunners. Also, if you like haunting the narrative or if you trust me that much with a character, all nine spots on Ellie Harris' fort, Sparky, are open. Sparky is the first of the girls' planes to go down, since it happens during the scuffed Bremen Raid right after they get overseas. In any case, my submissions & inbox are open (and also discord, for those who have it). I really just need to know where they're from, a bit of personality, a little backstory (parents? partners? life before all this? why'd they join?) And I'll drop some examples below the cut for those who work better with a solid example to follow:

Eleanor Harris, 24, Pilot, honey-haired and surprisingly shy, has two very sweet parents who sent the girls Christmas Cards, and a New Englander. Responds to "Elle" and "Ellie." Her uncle's a WWI veteran and missing a foot. A pretty good voice of reason for her girls, comes out of her shell more in the cockpit than on the runway. Boyfriend at home, gets shot down over Bremen on the first mission; subsequently haunts the narrative.

Anita Rivera, 25, Pilot, Went to Howard Payne University before all this and comes from Austin, Texas, named her fort after her "best friend" Nina. Stubborn, loud, a proper "tough cookie" if there ever was one. Loves a good card game & doubly so when she wins them, rehashes her mother's old sayings and superstitions like they're bible verses. Joined up because the planes were pretty much in her backyard so it's hard not to be enticed.

Vivian Savorre, 26, Pilot, UMich graduate and willing ringmaster of this circus. Doesn't talk about her family much, can make you feel like her best friend otherwise. Typist before this in the WAC, wanted a transfer. Extremely charismatic, has a short-fuse, and is scrappier than she looks. Prefers "Viv" to Vivian, cut her hair short with the rest of her crew right before they left the states. Cameras love her. Joined to get away from her parents but says it's to keep parents from burying young boys.

Hey if you made it this far I'm giving you a squeeze. Thanks friend!

#*poet writes #masters of the air ocs

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ordinaryschmuck · 1 year ago

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Bob's Burgers Halloween specials ranked

(Because screw it, why not?)

11. Tina and the Real Ghost--This one's more awkward than funny. I honestly feel bad for Tina for falling in love with an empty box...and grow to hate Tammy for being so petty to steal the box away from her. Even the B-Plot of ghost hunters in the restaurant isn't all that funny. Honestly, the funniest bit is when Bob's unexpectedly swarmed with bugs after a brief moment of cockiness. Other than that, pretty weak episode.

10. The Wolf of Wharf Street--PROBABLY the most irresponsible Linda's been with the kids and Bob believing Teddy's a werewolf was a bit of a stretch. Still, some spooky atmosphere carries this one a bit, so I can't hate it THAT much.

9. Apple Gore-chard! (But Not Gory)--There need to be more episodes with Louise and Jessica. Their friendship is easy and cute in a lot of moments. Anyways, as for the episode, it's pretty standard. Some REAL Halloween stuff doesn't happen until half way through and the jokes aren't all that funny. There's barely any attention on the lesson, making it feel more like a waste of time if anything else. It's just Louise and Jessica's friendship that carries things if anything else (Seriously, MORE of that)

8. Pig Trouble in Little Tina--A great episode about peer pressure and with a fun subplot about Bob's gross ear wax. It's just that none of it screams HALLOWEEN to me. There's some spooky imagery, but a lot of this episode feels like something that could happen in ANY episode, especially Bob's subplot. Great episode, but not so great of a Halloween special.

7. Heartbreak Hotel-oween--This one's cute. That's all I can say.

6. Teen-a Witch--Tina trying to be a witch is more cute than it should be, even if the jokes aren't strong with this one. Thankfully the subplot of Bob obsessing over who's stealing his jack-o-lanterns is funny enough to carry it.

5. The Pumpkinening--Weird title, but it's an episode with Gayle. They're naturally weird, and this one's no exception as Linda and Gayle hunting down who knows that they smashed pumpkins from a contest. Add that with a warm ending and a great subplot of Bob dealing with the stress of being a house with GOOD candy, and you got something fun.

4. Nightmare on Ocean Avenue Street--The kids hunting down a candy kidnapper is fun and Bob and Teddy trying to show up an impressive handyman has some good laughs to it. Solid special.

3. Full Bars--It's always fun seeing the Belcher kids use their brand of chaos to do something good. The only thing that drags it down is the guinea pig murder mystery. Some good jokes are there, but I can't help but cringe as Teddy ruins his own party and the payoff isn't all that funny. That credit scene where Bob danced in the fat suit for Linda was cute as shit, though.

2. Fort Night--The introduction to Millie, and a great one at that as she tortures the kids who are in a situation that's...way more dangerous than you think in hindsight. They really were that close to death, huh? Still, a pretty empathetic episode as we all know there's no worse fate for a kid than missing Halloween and you REALLY want them to get out. And I'm sure some parents can relate to Bob and Linda's plight to make a costume for their kids and the payoff for this one is pretty good.

1. The Hauntening--A genuinely creepy and intense special for this show, where the jokes don't take away from the scares but add to them. This really feels like how these characters would react to a horrifying situation, making you fear for their lives even more. And even the big twist in the end doesn't ruin the episode, but adds to it, showing how much this family cares for each other and how much they'll do to make one of them happy. They might have gone a LITTLE far, but it's in that gray area where you can accept it. Being sweet and spooky is no other combination you can get from any other show except for this one, and I love it.

And that's all. Well, for now. Season 14 hasn't had its Halloween special yet. It's probably pulling a Simpsons and waiting until November for some reason. And I'm not waiting until then. This is the Halloween Special on MY blog, so there. Happy Halloween.

#bob's burgers #bob belcher #linda belcher #tina belcher #louise belcher #gene belcher #quick thoughts #what i thought about

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todorroki · 5 months ago

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Love Sea ep 6 thoughts

the way this show loves to go from backstory → sweetness → [fire emoji x10] should be studied fr

this post is gonna be mega scattered thoughts sorry

i did NOT notice until this episode, but tongrak lives by water which is so fitting.

i know we're trauma dumping in the first 10 minutes, but can i just appreciate the lighting in this scene. again, i don't know a single thing about cinematography, but like the warm glow behind mut and the cool tones of rak's shot being hit with a subtle warm light. is it intentional? I DONT KNOW!! i don't even know if what i'm saying makes sense LMAO but i feel Something. also plus points for showing peat's beautiful eyes. i love seeing them in the light.

and the cuddle scene in bed after this is so chef's kiss. I TOO WANT TO LAY ON FORT'S WARM CHEST!!!!!!

tongrak's mannerisms are so cute like the snuggling, the pouting, etc. i think peat accentuates that so well too (or am i being biased again idk idc)

please this part...... UUUUOOOOGGGGHHHH mut holding rak's hands down, the slow build up to kiss, rak with his tongue out ready to go..... fortpeat know how to dial it up!!!!! their tension is crazy

also thank u for the thighs. i love thighs. fort's thighs in those jeans. and peat's are always out in this series thanks to the short shorts.. brain food.

i want khom's green fit so bad like THE PASTEL and my favorite color. i'm wondering if we'll get to see connor at all besides his voice. in the novel, he shows up with khom during this part.

i'm glad we're getting to see more of rak and vi's friendship. i feel like there's been a lack of that so far so this short scene is good to solidify their closeness. also the way peat smushes his face against the pillow here is SOO cute. he plays cute pouty kitten characters so well.

also vimook... THEY'RE SO UNSERIOUS!!!!!!!! PLEASE mame what is ur plan for them bc i am literally the mf crying emoji seeing their progression. the show is already deviating from the novel (they have extra scenes in the series iirc) so i don't know what to expect.

BRING HIM BACK TO THE WATER!!! HE BELONGS ON THE ISLAND. mut in the city but near water... so close yet so far....

also finally we get meena aka we're truly starting the conflict of this story. i really have to praise nina. fortpeat have said before she's good, but i've never watched anything she's in so i didn't know but yes. she is GOOD. kid/young teen characters can be super hit or miss and i think nina hits it out of the ballpark. she's VERY natural and comfortable with her line delivery and expressions.

i think one of peat's strongest points as an actor is his display for yearning. he's so ridiculously good at internal panic.

also how can i NOT mention the face-fucking nc at the end!!! after getting interrupted twice (once last ep and during the mid-way point of this ep) i was like we have to get Something right? AND WE DID RAAAH I LOVE WINNING!!!!! love sea truly does make me feel like im constantly winning in the nc department.

SHOUTOUT TO PEAT ACTING A CUTIE (and leg... i love leg)

anyways i will be gushing abt fp for a second here LIKE OOH MY GOD THEY ARE JUST SOO SOFT TOGETHER LIKE

DOMESTICITY!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROMANCE!!!!!!!!!!!! COMFORT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THEY CAN DO IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CAN SOMEONE PLEASE GET THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

idk if mmy will have anything for them after this (i think they hinted at SOMETHING but it's most likely not a series) but i need some casting person out there to see them and be like "YES FUCK WE'RE HIRING" LIKE IM GONNA NEED MORE AFTER THIS SERIES PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEASE the way they fit together..

#love sea the series #love sea #bl drama ramble #sorry for screaming abt fortpeat at the end i just need them to get more work so bad

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webraciszekbastion · 1 year ago

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Some Headcanons from Rain Code

Yuma Kokohead

Yuma knows how to cook, and when he remembered this, he saw no problem at all in preparing a meal for everyone, which sometimes even equates to making a different dish for everyone. Since, rediscovering his predisposition to be a chef, Yuma has practically never left the kitchen. Cooking has become the only thing at which he is now calm and not once does the thought "who is he ?", "is he really a detective ?" fly through his mind. etc. The kitchen, is his kingdom, a quiet place where inventing new dishes, elegantly serving and decorating plates, gives him joy and where he really helps people, effectively killing hunger.

Shinigami

Since she understood that you and Yuma are just friends and you are not her rival/rival for attentions, she also started treating you as a friend. Of course, you only see each other in Myster Labyrinths, once you remember her existence. In the human world, you have no way to communicate, which makes Shnigami sometimes very disappointed. Watching you near Yuma, she noticed that you have a tendency to make origami when forced to sit still. Shinigami often sneaks them and stores them in Yuma's room. She claims and explains this to Yuma that somehow she has to take care of your friendship when she has no way to show you.

Kurumi Wendy

To say that this girl is sweet is as huge an understatement as considering all creatures living in the ocean to be fish. Kurumi is a walking sugar-fueled machine. She could all meals, eat sweet. For her, buying instead of lunch, for example, a whole cake, a tart, or a box of doughnuts and eating them at lunch, is no problem or feat. Of course, out of respect for her health and her teeth, she tries to eat fairly normally, but her craving for sweet, makes it necessary for her to have something sweet to chew on after every meal. This has gone so far that Kurumi, when a sour apple hits her, she makes a grimace as if it were a revulsion. And when she only has snacks like chips and popcorn at home, she makes herself a chocolate dip to dip those chips in.

Aphex Logan

It is known that the boy reacts impulsively, and tries to distance people as much as possible. However, the detective remembers all the days he considers important and likes to return to those moments with his memories. No one knows, but Aphex used to buy a toy in the lottery machines on the day that was important to him. Whether he draws a figurine, a rubber ball, a bracelet doesn't matter to him, what matters is that he has something to remind him of that day. Each of these items has a special place in his room and he cares about them, more than anything. The day you called Aphex a friend was the day the boy won his most precious treasure. He won a cat key ring, which he wears always pinned to the pants of his detective outfit to keep it with him at all times.

Melami Goldmine

Melami, is a huge magnet for dogs. Melami is very careful about what clothes she wears, as well as their neatness, so it's obvious that she doesn't have a pet of any kind. However, despite this, Melami loves dogs, and with great reciprocity. The girl lives in a friendly neighborhood, and more than once it happened that a dog came up and started to cuddle. Of course, any four-legged dog in this situation, was thoroughly stroked by Melami and petted as " budgie". No matter where Melami is, in the city, in the park, or at the home of friends who have dogs, these just fetch. So it's no surprise, a situation in which Melami calls out to a dog, one of her neighbors, "Hey Budgie," then the dog will come running to her with six others.

Pucci Lavmin

By her forte, Pucci whether she wants to or not witnesses many conversations including not one street argument. Because of this, walking around town or riding public transportation is a real horror and anguish for her. She used to use soundproofing headphones, but she is not used to total silence, also felt bad. She needed to hear something in the background, so everywhere she goes, she carries her MP3 player with her headphones with her favorite playlists. It's been a nice escape from so many voices and silly conversations, and in order not to give up this convenience, she's also learned to lip-read and use sign language. This way she doesn't have to take off her headphones as she talks to someone, and also showing a few gestures is easier than saying a whole sentence.

Zilch Alexander

Everyone knows that Zilch loves nature and animals. This has caused him to acquire several animal traits, one of which is that Zilch outright loves it when you pet him on the head and under the chin. Whenever he feels your touch, he feels muted and relaxed, so much so that you can sometimes catch the boy purring quietly. Zilch is too proud to admit it, but he is very comfortable with this way of showing affection. He will never ask you directly, but when the detective sits down next to you and leans his head against your shoulder, it's a clear sign to you that he craves affection.

Zange Eraser

The nickname "Grandpa" has not stuck to him because of the large age gap between him and the other detectives in the group. Zange really is a grandfather to the rest of the detectives. The stories from Zange's life and his old investigations, you can all listen to for hours and for each at least 10 times. Zange is always ready to listen and comfort anyone who is sad, he even carries candy in his pocket for such circumstances. For that, the weekly tea with Zange is important to many in the agency, especially when it comes to you, Yume, Pucci, Zilcha and Fubuki, for you these teas are sacred. Despite the fact that Zange has never been in a long-term relationship and did not ultimately live to see children, this does not prevent him from showing pictures of you and the rest of the young detectives as his grandchildren when talking about grandchildren. The photos of you and the rest of the team even have a special place in his gallery.

Yakou Furio

He has lived in Kanai Ward since he was born, so it is obvious that he is familiar with all the rumors, legends and gossip circulating on the streets of the rainy city. One urban legend that stuck in his mind said that in underground paths and tunnels, people can dissolve without a trace. Yakou had never witnessed, such a situation, nor did he know anyone who had reported such a disappearance, or knew more about it. Nonetheless, ever since you arrived in Kanai Ward, whenever you go through sewers or other underground tunnels together, he intuitively grabs your hand or puts his arm around you. Sam is not sure whether to consider this a myth or take it completely seriously, but he doesn't want to risk losing you.

Halara Nightmare

Believe it or not, but Halara is the type of person who outright loves festivals. Of course, Halara's motivation isn't to have a good time, to have fun, or for the best street treats. Halara goes to festivals for nothing more than the games they can offer at the festival. Sugar cutouts, target shooting, fishing, prize drawings. In everything, Halara aims for the highest prize and wins it without much effort, as well as with complete grace. The best night to fish legitimately is a sin for Halara to skip this event. Of course, food, too, is provided, and it's completely free, because every time, in the spirit of competition, every competition between Halara and Deshuhiko, ended in a severe defeat for the boy, so that he had to fund food for himself, as well as for Halara.

Fubuki Clockford

To say that Fubuki has the memory of a goldfish would be a big insult to fish. Fubuki often gets names wrong, and she often forgets who she looks like. Because of this, every day, she comes up with nicknames for you. Once, when Fubuki came to the agency, she forgot your name, and since just at that moment, you were eating a puff, for the rest of the day she called you "Puff." And so she changed nicknames every day, as you were lying on the couch when she came in, you were "Sleepy Puff," as you changed a burned-out light bulb because Yakou got knocked out of his chair, you were "Radiant." Even when you remind a girl of your name, she prefers made up nicknames.

Deshuhiko Thunderbolt

Deshuhiko, is a favorite of any party. By this I mean events to celebrate a holiday or a specific day. If in his city, there will be such iventy events, Deshuhiko will be the one, the most charismatic and cheerful elf for Christmas, for St. Patrick's Day, he is the most cheerful and loud lepricon, for Halloween he will be the ghost with lots of fun and stories to tell. Deshuhiko enjoys a good pinyin and is so because of his energetic and flamboyant nature. He can effectively draw attention to himself and encourage those gathered to dance or participate in some games. It is also worth mentioning that he is also a favorite among children, as he always has candy and small gifts for the younger company, depending on the disguise he wears. For example, as an elf, he always has candy canes and fake elf ears for children to enter the ranks of Santa's helpers. As a leprikon, he always has chocolate coins in his pockets and stickers in the shape of a rainbow or clover, etc. Deshuhiko, too, knows many of the songs he teaches the children, so not only does everyone have a good time, but the children are curious, keep busy and parents don't have to worry about them. Of course, all the residents realized this when Deshuhiko was assigned to the affair that took place on Independence Day, they realized that without the energetic favorite, the whole event was not so enjoyable.

Vivia Twilight

Everyone knows about his tendency and strange predilection for sitting in dark, cramped or uncomfortable places. Just as the fireplace and the place under the piano used to be his favorite spots, so now, his favorite place, which he would most happily never leave, as if he didn't have to, is the bed after your dog. The boy often lies with his knees curled up, reading a book, because that's where he feels comfortable, and he spends more time with you. The longing for your four-legged friend has taken its toll on you more than you thought, making you long to have your old dog's bed by your side. Thus, seeing the deterioration of your condition Vivia immediately intervenes and tries to comfort you. An additional advantage for Vivia is that you sometimes start to stroke him on the head, as you used to stroke your dog. However, the detective is fine with this, because he likes any kind of attention you give him.

#master detective archives: rain code #master detective archives x reader #rain code #yuma kokohead #shinigami #yakou furio #halara nightmare #fubuki clockford #desuhiko thunderbolt #vivia twilight #zilch alexander #aphex logan #pucci lavmin #melami goldmine #zange eraser #kurumi wendy

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gelidponies · 1 year ago

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"I can't believe the shopkeeper gave us this blind buy completely free!"

Sunburst whinnied with enthusiasm, practically skipping behind his wife like a foal.

"I'll make sure to have Spike remind me, we have to send them a donation! I guess it's what we get for spending every weekend there!"

"Maybe this was their donation to get us out of their manes for a while!"

He mused in response to his wife, making Twilight chortle and giggle.

Twilight placed the barrel on the tile of their bedroom, splayed out just like they did when the couple played their favorite board games. The top of the barrel opened with ease...albeit covered them in some dust.

In seconds flat there was a war of magic beams as Sunburst and Twilight ravaged the barrel of its sweet sweet antique and vintage books.

Normally, the lack of variety would be disappointing but not for these two. The next half hour was spent passing each book back and forth until they came to a realization. Every single book was one neither had read before! Some even Twilight of all ponies had not heard of before.

"Sunburst look! The Brain Chemistry of Friendship!"

When she went to continue Sunburst joined her, the two exclaiming in unison.

"Like dopamine and serotonin!"

Even princesses and royal advisors needed lazy days sometimes. With Twilight's abilitiy to speed read they could get through all the books in no time.

So they began.

Only, a few minutes into reading when Twilight went to reach for a highlighter she clumsily bumped her leg into the barrel.

It made a strange noise as though there was something still inside.

"Strange."

Sunburst's magic aura rummaged around for a moment before picking up a long slender box.

His wife's eyes lit up as she saw it. He should have known something strange was up when something was able to tear Twilight from a book.

"It sounds like...a game?"

He mused as he shook the box. Loose pieces rattled against the inside, small and many but not fragile.

Upon opening all the tiles scattered in front of them with a loud clattering sound. All that was left was a folded piece of paper.

"It is a game! It's fascinating! There's old ponish on some of these tiles but the instructions are written in modern english!"

"And theres gemstones on some of the others! It's fate if I do say so myself!"

"Although it's more likely statistical coincidence."

Sunburst playfully cleared his throat, urging her to move on.

"There aren't many instructions here, how curious.

The pieces are split in to two, one side has questions the answers to which will have a matching gemstone piece.

When all the questions are correctly answered and the pieces connected, flip them over to reveal a secret message!"

Putting the instructions down she began to fumble with the pieces. The old ponish text was so small they had to squish their faces together to read it.

"There are only 6 pieces all together, I can't imagine this game has much replayability."

Sunburst chuckled nervously, fearful he would dampen the excitement.

"Oh! Perhaps it's a prototype!"

He perked up with his realization.

"That would explain why it ended up at an antique shop. The old and new ponish present together leads me to believe it's vintage and made to look much older! Isn't that so cool!"

She said, clapping the ground with her hooves.

"Ok ok, the first question, get your gemstones ready!"

Twilight winked.

"This gem was featured as the most expensive ingridient in Cleotrotra's cocktail."

This of course was Twilight's wheelhouse so she quickly connected that question to the piece that displayed a freshwater pearl.

"Long ago, ponies believed this story was true, but now most experts think it is just made up. Stallions who wrote about Cleotrotra would make up all kinds of stories to smear her reputation."

Sunburst nodded knowingly, gemology wasn't Twilight's forte but he was always amazed by the ways their skills intersecting.

Not to mention, seeing her be so right and elucidate on said fact was quite attractive if he did say so himself.

"Let's see if you'll get this one Twi! This gems rarest and most valuable variant is colored black."

Twilight scanned the selection of gemstones in front of her, biting her lip as she wracked her brain for the knowledge.

"Well consider me stumped!"

She beamed from ear to ear.

There was nopony it was safer to make a mistake around than her love.

"Well I know how much you love a chance to learn something new! The answer is Opal."

"Doy! I should have known that one! Rarity would kill me if she was here."

Twilight's sentence trailed off into a nerdy chortle.

"Aw, don't be so hard on yourself! This is one I know you’ll get!"

Sunburst lovingly stroked Twilight's hoof, making her wings flutter like a hummingbirds.

"Let's see, ancient ponies believed this gemstone kept you from becoming intoxi-"

"AMETHYST!-"

She yelped, her cheeks turning a deep magenta.

"-ahem. The answer is amethyst."

The puzzle was almost done with only one more question to go.

This day had turned out to be so much more eventuful than either of them could have hoped. Some magic in the air made it feel like things could only get better.

"Well I know, one amethyst that absolutely intoxicates me so perhaps we've stumbled on another apocryphal tale."~

Sunburst mused, to anypony else it would be a little...cringeworthy but to Twilight...well...

"W-what? I...I, my coat is heather! I have no idea what you're talking about! LETSJUSTREADTHELASTQUESTIONTOGETHERPLEASE!"

With the paper placed on the ground between them Twilight bumped heads with Sunburst in her stupor. When her vision cleared they could both see the last question.

Not a gem but a rock, this brightly colored stone is mottled with white calcite and brassy pyrite.

A short knowing glance saw the purple alicorn pushing the old ponish piece to the final remaining gemstone. Lapis Lazuli.

They took turns flipping over the puzzle pieces until the message they had been waiting for was revealed.

"Foal?"

The word lingered on the air for a second, Twilight silently watched the gears turn in his head.

"Oh! We never considered that this might not just be a prototype but a translated version from another language. If I had to guess it was meant to say fool! A practical joke on the overthinker?”

“Quasi-homophones are easily to fumble for an equish-as-a-second-language speaker….however.”

Twilight stepped away for a moment and pulled out something black and laminated.

“I think it has something to do with something I shared with our close friend, the antique store owner.”

Sunburst didn't understand the convoluted nature of Twilight's theory until he laid eyes on what she handed him.

An ultrasound.

“F….Twilight I don't understand do you mean….?”

She nodded, blushing profusely and hiding her face in her wing.

Sunburst couldn't stop himself from jumping for joy. He was married to the smartest, most beautiful mare he had ever known and they were going to have a foal together. He had to have been dreaming!

“The girls helped come up with the puzzle, Pinkie even had her sisters chip in. It ended up being harder AND simpler than I could have guessed.”

She looked down at the scattered pieces and the image of the unborn foal inside her.

“I suppose the rest of our lives will be like that now.”

“You know what the old ponish ponies say Twi!”

Twilight joined him, answering in unison.

“Reward prefers risk!” For @kindheart525 's https://www.deviantart.com/kindheart525/journal/Thirdverse-Ships-Contest-OPEN-988129888

Twilight's CM by https://www.deviantart.com/blackgryph0n/art/Twilight-Sparkle-Cutie-Mark-204983087

Background by https://www.deviantart.com/rhythms7

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natsuki-bakery · 4 months ago

Text

⁎˚ ఎ Agere Helena Harper ໒ ˚⁎

Hiii!!! I was wndering if I could get some hcs for regressor Helena Harper ... N maybe cg Leon Kennedy :3

•Her life has been filled with traumas, from her experiences in the Secret Service to the horrific events in Resident Evil 6. So, her regression often occurs as an escape from the overwhelming guilt and stress she feels, allowing her to retreat to a time when things were simpler and she felt safe

•Comfort in Routine : Helena finds great comfort in routines when she’s regressed. Simple, predictable activities like having a specific bedtime ritual, a favorite stuffed animal, or a comforting blanket help her

•She often likes to follow the same steps each night, like brushing her teeth, reading a bedtime story, and having a warm drink before snuggling up with her favorite plushie

•Helena is very private about her regression. She tends to hide it from others colleagues, knowing that she needs to appear strong and capable at all times

•Helena enjoys drawing and coloring when regressed. It’s a way for her to express emotions that she finds difficult to share. She loves using soft pastel colors and often draws scenes that bring her peace, like nature or happy memories

•She’s also drawn to creative crafts like making friendship bracelets or decorating photo frames. These activities help her feel calm and focused

•Loud noises can be particularly overwhelming for Harper when she’s regressed. She often seeks out quiet, cozy spaces where she can retreat if things get too noisy or chaotic

•Soft, calming music or white noise helps her relax, and she might enjoy listening to lullabies or nature sounds like ocean waves or rain

•She might drape a blanket over herself to create a small "fort" where she can hide away until she feels ready to face the world again

•Helena get more sensitive to textures when slipping in her little space, finding comfort in soft, plush materials. She loves wearing oversized sweaters, fuzzy socks, and cuddling up in a pile of soft blankets

•She’s also fond of soft toys, often carrying around a favorite stuffed animal that she holds close when she feels anxious or needs reassurance

•When regressed, Harper can be quite shy and may find it difficult to express her needs or desires verbally. She often communicates through gestures or by holding onto something familiar, like a toy or blanket

•Helena feels at peace in nature. She loves going on quiet walks through the woods or spending time in a garden, feeling the grass under her feet and listening to the birds. These moments help her feel grounded and connected to something bigger

•She also enjoys collecting small treasures from nature, like smooth stones, leaves, or flowers, which she keeps in a special box

•Certain foods provide Helena with a deep sense of comfort when she’s regressed. She has a soft spot for simple, warm meals like oatmeal, soup, or mac and cheese. Sweet treats like cookies or fruit slices are also favorites, especially when shared with someone she trusts

•She loves playing with her dolls or plush animals that she can care for, projecting her nurturing instincts onto them

•When it comes to games, she prefers gentle, cooperative ones that don’t involve too much competition or pressure

•Helena is very tactile when regressed, often seeking out physical comfort from those she trusts. She might lean against her caregiver, hold their hand, or enjoy being gently rocked or cuddled

•Hugs and back rubs are especially comforting for her, helping to ease any tension or anxiety she might be feeling

•Stories play a big role in Helena’s regression. She loves being read to, particularly stories with happy endings or tales of bravery and kindness. The sound of a familiar, calming voice telling a story helps her feel safe and loved

•She might have a few favorite books that she returns to again and again, finding comfort in the familiarity of the stories and characters

•Harper likely has a small, inconspicuous item that she clings to during regression, perhaps a locket or a charm that reminds her of happier times with her sister, Deborah

•Her regression usually happens in quiet moments when she’s alone, such as in a safe house or after a mission, where she can let her guard down without fear of judgment

•Although Helena tries to be strong, during regression she craves reassurance and validation from someone she trusts. If Leon or another close ally were to notice her regressed state, she would need them to assure her that everything is going to be okay, even if it’s just for a little while

If you're in the basic criteria , are DSMP fans, vivziep0p fans , h0tel/h3lluva b0ss fans, Owl h0use fans, St4r butterfly fans, Ghibli fans, ddlg/abdl blogs, nsfw/k!nk blogs, anti-agere blogs, or anti Christians/Christianity blogs : just dont interact !

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headfulloflettuce · 2 months ago

Text

The Human Who Fooled All of Prythian

23. I Present Thee With This Muffin of Friendship

Note: The one in which Cosette makes some friends. Maybe. Sort of.

“Why didn’t you tell me we had literal royalty as customers in the perfumery?”

“Cosette, I didn’t know Briar was related to them. She had come in with some other white haired female and requested to see you. Every time they came you were out. They never made a big deal out of it and neither did I.” Ophelia explained, rummaging through a box, trying to find more of the goldenberry perfume.

“I put some of the new bottles on the further shelf.” Cosette pointed, keeping an eye on the pot full of boiling water and teakwood.

“Thanks.” Ophelia grabbed a few of the bottles, rushing back out into the store, where Theo had been holding down the fort.

After paying off his debts Theo looked happier, working in the perfumery with new vigor. The only thing keeping him down was the occasional comment from his father.

Cosette returned her full attention to the lidded pot, adding more ice cubes to the inverted lid, as a liquid slowly formed in the glass bowl inside the pot.

Homemade distillation was my literal savior in this world. The basic mechanism was that herbs, flowers or in this case wood, were boiled and the heat-resistant glass inside the pot caught and condensed the steam thanks to the inverted pot lid and ice.

Cosette prepared the perfume bottles for the mahogany teakwood oil, pulling out a homemade pipette consisting of a straw and a very small bottle.

It wasn’t ideal, but I couldn’t afford a professionally crafted one yet.

Considering the long list of renovations Cosette wanted to make to the perfumery and her investment into the farming project, she wasn’t about to get a pipette with medical precision anytime soon. Not that it was extremely needed at the moment.

After the Winter Solstice we had sold out most of the products I had made, meaning I now have to not only make the goldenberry perfume, which many faeries weren’t able to purchase because there was an extremely limited supply, but I also have to work overtime to restock all other products.

A big flaw in the current system was the low production combined with the long time it took to make everything. Hiring additional would be helpful, if not so costly.

Cosette added another mental note to the growing list of things she would need to spend money on.

She waited for the pot to stop boiling before she carefully squeezed the bottle, taking up some of the liquid and putting it into the prepared smaller perfume vial. After completing that procedure for forty bottles she cleaned the large pot and rinsed the ‘pipette’, setting them and the rest of the equipment to dry.

I need to start thinking about the perfumes for Kallias and Viviane.

Several days had passed and Cosette had written up a list of options, but none of them felt right.

I could play with the teakwood as an undertone for Kallias, but I don’t want to come off as cheap with reusing existing ideas for a literal ruler of a court. He did mention liking the Winter Court forests, maybe a pine scented perfume is a safe bet?

No, too safe; it’s too simple and direct. Again, he’s the ruler of a literal country, his perfume is not only a representation of himself but also his lands. Although, by that logic a simple perfume could be endearing in that it signifies he’s straightforward and easy to approach.

Perhaps I could find some other herb that conveys that smell and feeling? I am sure there must be something in the market, and if not I’ll go into the forests myself to find something.

Viviane was easier as she just wanted a sweet, yet alluring flower based perfume. Boom. Why couldn’t more faes have explicit orders like her?

Cosette sighed.

I can work on this later, it’s best if I help Theo and Ophelia right now.

It was currently rush hour, and faes that were unable to get the goldenberry perfume during the Winter Solstice were showing up to try it now.

We need all hands on deck right now, and knowing Theo's father he wasn’t about to step up.

Cosette stood up from her chair, the floor beneath her creaking.

Forget all other bullet points on the ‘to fix and purchase’ list - these floorboards are moving up to number one.

Cosette shook her head, trying to not get herself down this early in the day, instead focusing on the task at hand - restocking shelves. She quickly began working on the shelves Theo hadn’t gotten to yet as Ophelia masterfully chatted with the customers, directing and entertaining them.

Cosette returned to the backroom, grabbing a box of the perfumes she just finished making.

I am going to need to make more and I just made this batch. Perhaps this really was a sign it was time to hire people

Cosette walked back into the shop, stopping next to the counter as she was greeted by the sounds of an argument.

“Excuse me? Who do you think you’re speaking to?”

Cosette paused in the doorway leading into the front space, staring at the scene before her.

“I-I am sorry sir, but we just don’t have that scent on our shelves.” Theo stuttered, cowering.

“Ha! And here I thought this perfumery was supposed to be this amazing establishment. Stores on the perfumery street have the scent I like.”

“Then perhaps you should shop there sir.” Ophelia intervened, stepping slightly in front of Theo, shielding him from the rude customer.

“You dare tell me, Lord Ryker, where I should spend my money?”

Ophelia smiled pleasantly, “I am simply telling you that we do not have that perfume available in our inventory.”

“And I am telling you that you’re providing a terrible service. How will you compensate me?”

A couple other faes who were in the store exchanged glances, staring at the scene before them. They and Cosette wore similar expressions of shock at the male’s audacity.

“Sir-”

“It’s Lord Ryker to you Autumn shit.”

Cosette saw red, but before she could intervene Ophelia’s voice rang out loud and clear.

“I am afraid we cannot compensate you.”

“Oh and why’s that?”

“Because you haven’t experienced a loss due to our actions.”

“Really, shouldn’t you be treating your customers better?” the fae glanced around, as if trying to get the bystanders' support.

Other customers quickly looked anywhere but him.

“Well due to your negligence my time and emotional stability has been wasted.”

“And you have wasted my patience, how will you compensate me for it?”

“You-”

“If you continue to cause a disturbance I will call in the royal guards patrolling the streets.”

“This is unfair! I demand to see your boss!”

“My boss has given me and Theo permission to kick out any disruptive customers, or to refuse service as we see fit. Also, with all due respect, I do not feel comfortable letting you near her at the moment.”

“And why’s that?” the male smirked.

“You’re unpleasant and have unclear intentions.” Ophelia began walking towards the front door.

“W-Wait, where are you going?”

“To get the royal guards as promised.”

The fae hesitated, put off by Ophelia’s confidence.

“Ugh.” the male shoved her, rushing out the door.

Cosette approached Ophelia who gave Theo a pat on the back and an encouraging word with which he scampered off to continue tidying around the shop.

“You are amazing.” Cosette smiled.

No wonder the Lady of Autumn kept you close.

“I am lucky to have you here.”

“My, you’re making me blush.” Ophelia giggled, shaking her head, “But seriously, it’s just experience. Years of dealing with snobby rich people hardens your skin, and even then, I still mess up. I am sure you very well remember our attempt to enter Winter Court.”

“Well, that’s not fair. You snapped after we had been hiking for literal days and you had just…left a very unfortunate situation.”

Cosette didn’t want to risk talking about Autumn’s prison with random faes around.

“I guess so.” Ophelia shrugged, tension leaving her body a bit as Cosette squeezed her hand, “I am going to get back to work.”

Cosette nodded, letting Ophelia return to her duties. She was about to pick up the box of perfumes she had set down when a familiar voice distracted her.

“That was quite the performance.”

“Sir Amelio.” Cosette looked at the male who approached her, a beautiful, tall, dark skinned fae by his side.

She smelled of citrus, oddly familiar to the bergamot-styles perfume Amelio had purchased from me.

“We meet again.” he smiled brightly.

I still don’t understand how this man was a Winter fae. His extroverted nature was everything but it. Him and Blanche stuck out like sore thumbs in this cold landscape.

Now that I think about it, no wonder Aquilo recommended Forrest’s inn, they were very welcoming regardless of your place of origin.

Cosette didn't think too hard about how accepting Forrest or Blanche would be to humans.

It wouldn't lead to any good thoughts.

“Cosette, please meet my wife, Solene.”

Well the scent she wore made sense now.

“So you’re Cosette.” the fae’s voice was cold, despite her warm appearance, “I must thank you for the perfume you made me. It’s exquisite.”

Cosette could immediately tell, this woman was of High Fae blood. The aura surrounding Solene made her shiver.

“You’re too kind Lady Solene.”

Yet Amelio wasn’t High Fae, not by his lacking aura compared to his wife. However, he had no visible markers and I’d argue held a position of some power and wealth. What gives??

Solene’s face remained stoic as stone.

Amelio…what is your type?

“How was your Winter Solstice sir Amelio?” Cosette continued the conversation.

“It was good and please drop the ‘sir’. What about you Miss Cosette? I heard you managed to get a table at the fair? Quite the accomplishment if I do say so myself.”

“If I don’t call you ‘sir’, you drop the ‘miss’.” Cosette corrected, “Yes we did, all thanks to Ophelia’s quick thinking. The fair was quite hectic but a lot of fun.

He chuckled, “I am happy to hear that. Hectic in that sort of environment usually means profitable. The last thing you would want is a table no one visited.”

“That’s true.” Cosette agreed, eyeing the two faes before her, “So, can I help you two with anything today?”

“Oh no, we were just taking a walk in the neighborhood and decided to stop by. Solene here has been curious about the perfumer who made her new favorite scent so I wanted to introduce you two.”

Solene, in Cosette’s opinion, looked bored out of her mind.

“As I said before, it's a very good perfume.” The female fae reiterated

Cosette wasn't sure but it seemed the woman was almost annoyed by her husband’s excitement.

“One of my favorites.”

“May I ask what your other favorites are?”

“I love ‘iridescent glow’ from Day Court, ‘sea foam’ from Summer and ‘Primrose’ from Spring.” Solene’s dark blue eyes met Cosette’s green ones, “I am proud however, that I can now wear my home court’s perfumes with no shame.”

Cosette nodded, taking note of the perfume names for later.

Always good to be aware of your competitors.

Remembering that they've just been standing in front of the store’s counter Cosette asked, “Would you prefer to go up to my office to continue talking?”

“That would be lovely.” Amelio said.

Cosette quickly put the box of perfumes onto a chair behind the counter, leaving it for Theo.

“Would you like tea?” Cosette set the kettle once they were in her office, giving them the small box of flavors they could choose from.

“That would be lovely.” Solene selected a peach flavored black tea, while Amelio picked out an herbal tea bag.

Cosette poured them all some tea, and sat down across from them, sipping the same blend as Soelene.

Solene is a fae Calypso would be proud of. She had the perfect posture and held her tea cup with grace.

The whole scene made Cosette straighten her back and at least try to sit more elegantly.

No matter how much Ophelia makes me walk in heels I still come off looking like an uneducated peasant compared to these people. It was honestly sad.

Amelio on the other hand didn't bother, sipping his tea casually, leaning back in his chair, and although didn't do anything that would inherently destroy the sense of propriety, certainly wasn't behaving in the most well mannered way.

“I heard that Viviane and Kallias visited you.” Amelio spoke first.

“Yes they did.” Cosette suppressed afrown.

Amelio smiled, “Do you know why?”

Cosette shrugged, “They said they were curious. I believe them, and how did you know they came to visit?”

“The High Lord and Lady like to support the people of their court, especially talented entrepreneurs.” Amelio explained, “Gossip spreads fast, especially if it has to do with the nobility.”

“And here I thought you winter faeries were more tight lipped.” Cosette set down her tea cup.

“Not really, but we do like to act like we’re above such meaningless discussions”. He chucked

“It’s merely harder to tell what we actually think at times.” Solene’s smile was so cold it could make a child cry, “But in reality all of us faeries share one thing in common regardless of our court - a thirst for drama.”

Yeah that checks out considering the way politics were conducted in the books.

Cosette looked at Amelio.

He held her gaze.

“Are you one of the entrepreneurs that they support?”

Now that Cosette thought about it, she didn’t know anything about the politics of Winter Court.

Most of the story took place in either Spring or Night Court. With Autumn, Summer and Day Courts getting notable mentions that gave her an extremely surface level understanding of what they were like. Her mind came up blank for Winter besides the twenty four children that Amarantha killed using an unnamed daemati.

Solene giggled.

Amelio’s smile widened, “We have good relations, yes.”

Cosette tensed.

Did he have other reasons for approaching me then?

“So the real reason you’re visiting me is…?”

“Because I want to grow closer to a fellow business fae.” he answered simply, “I mean, with all the ruckus that you’ve drawn, it’s hard not to be curious.”

Cosette wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or a curse that faes were taking notice of her and the perfumery. On one hand it meant more business, on the other it brought them closer to discovering the truth and ending her journey before it even began.

“I see.” Cosette was trying to find a clue that he was lying.

Guess getting to know established businessmen in the area isn’t a bad idea.

“It seems like I have more to gain from working with you than the other way around.”

“And why do you say that?” Amelio tilted his head.

“I have little experience with business management and a minimal understanding of the inner workings of the Winter Court.”

Investing in me is a huge risk from a logical perspective.

He hummed, finishing his tea and putting down the empty cup, “I respect your honest assessment of the situation, but I can decide for myself if a business relationship is worth pursuing.”

“So I haven’t changed your mind?”

“Your attempt was cute, but no.”

Solene’s eyes tracked Cosette’s movement as the human tried to stay still.

Well, if he’s going to offer up his partnership, it wouldn’t hurt to use it.

“Say, Amelio, I need some advice.” Cosette set her tea cup down.

“Oh?” His eyes sparkled, “I am listening.”

“I have a project I am working on, but I need space to conduct it. Do you know of any buildings that are available for rent?”

“How big of a space do you need?”

“I require a room large enough to house the production and storage of a farming tool about this big.” Cosette gestured with her hands to show an estimated size.

“I can think of a spot.” Amelio nodded, “I have a building where I receive shipments from farms that I own or collaborate with, as well as other products that my group imports or exports. I happen to have a few spare rooms available for rent if you’re interested.”

“Is it far from here?”

“It's a thirty minute walk as it’s closer to the capital’s gates.”

That would be quite the commute for Theo and his father, but it was the perfect location.

“Can I see the rooms?”

“Of course!” Amelio said, standing up, offering his arm to his wife as he did.

Solene stood up as well, linking her arm with his.

Cosette grabbed the cloak she was gifted, walking after them out of the perfumery.

“Ophelia, I have some things I need to attend to, will you and Theo be alright here by yourselves?”

“Yeah of course.” Ophelia gave her a thumbs up, “When will you be back?”

“I’ll be back within two hours.”

“Better be back before we go get lunch.” Ophelia gave her a playful nudge, returning back to her work.

I really envy faes.

Cosette hated that thought as it repeatedly poked its way to the forefront of her mind. She walked with Amelio and Solene down the street, the two dressed in an elegant suit and dress, with light fur coats draped casually over their shoulders.

“You’re not from around here.” Solene stated.

“No I am not.”

I wonder what gave it away, the giant warm cloak perhaps?

“Where are you from?” Amelio prodded.

“I am from the faerie lands. I grew up in a village in one of the central forests.” Cosette lied.

“Ah, no wonder you’re freezing then.” Amelio nodded, “How are you adjusting to our cold climate here?”

“As well as you can see.” Cosette said.

Amelio laughed, “You’re doing better than most. I once saw a Summer Court emissary almost die from hypothermia because he fell through some snow near one of our farms and couldn’t climb out.”

“Was he okay?”

“Yeah, he was found by some farmers and they rescued him.” Amelio said.

“That’s good to hear.”

Amelio positioned himself between the road where carriages and carts drove and Solene.

Did they have the ‘sidewalk rule’ in Prythian too?

Solene glanced at Cosette expectantly. Cosette tilted her head unsure what she wanted from her.

Solene’s expression remained unchanged as she gestured Cosette over to stand by her side.

Oh.

Cosette joined Solene away from the curb.

“Have you had a chance to explore the capital?” Amelio picked up the conversation again.

“Oh, yes I have. The innkeeper of Forrest’s inn gave me and Ophelia a tour of the city when we first arrived.”

“Ah, Forrest’s inn, nice folk there.”

“You know them?”

“They used to source their food from me for their cooking.”

Cosette felt daring so she decided to ask, “Do they now purchase from a person who doesn’t support the current rulers?”

“Haha, no.” Amelio’s eyes were full of mirth, “No they just moved to another local farmer who supports Kallias. I believe he’s a relative of Forrest.”

Keeping it in the family made sense.

The group stepped out onto a busy street full of carts and faeries who were transporting goods into and from buildings. They passed by buildings that were built from white oak, but were so clean and polished that they looked like they were made more out of ice rather than wood.

It seemed to be emulating the style of the royal palace that looked like it was made from ice and crystals.

Deciding to tempt fate again Cosette asked, “The style of architecture is similar to that of the royal palace. Is that meant to be an indicator of political support or was this just a popular aesthetic?”

Amelio laughed, “You are a clever one, aren’t you?”

Cosette couldn’t help the small blush on her face.

It felt nice to be complemented, okay?

“To answer your question however, yes and no. The style itself is popular within the court. I mean, it is the Winter Court, after all. It would be stranger if people didn’t obsess over glaciers and icicles. However, this type of architecture was popularized with Kallias’s predecessors, so the association is certainly present.”

Amelio led them into one of the large wooden buildings. Inside there was a front area with a secretary behind a small desk, and several hallways leading off into different rooms, as well as a large staircase.

The secretary looked up, “Lord Amelio, welcome back.”

Wait, Lord?! Was I addressing him casually this whole time?

“I am not here for long, just going to go check on the empty rooms we have on the third floor.”

“Of course, Lord Amelio. Oh, by the way, your men told me to let you know that the recent shipment of crops was received.” she handed him a stack of papers, “This is the whole inventory. We’ve already processed it.”

“Perfect.” Amelio took the papers, leading Cosette and Solene upstairs.

The interior looked wellkept, a stair or two creaking as they ascended.

“There it is.” Amelio pushed open a door on the third floor, some crates standing in the corner near the window of the landing.

The door revealed a long room with large windows, tables and shelves. It smelled of dust and wood. Cosette ran a finger along the table, the surface rough with small dents in it.

“So, is it to your liking?” Amelio smirked.

This is actually exactly what I had in mind.

“Yes, it is.” Cosette said calmly, trying to not show her excitement.

Amelio hummed, opening the door at the end of the large room, “This connected room is a package deal with this one. I also have this third room,” Amelio walked back out into the hallway and showed them the room across, “You could use this as additional work space or for storage.”

“How much is the rent?

“30 gold per month if you’re just taking the large room, and 40 if you’re taking this one as well.”

That was a lot of money, but at the moment our sales were decent enough to be able to afford it. Though, that meant it would take a while before I could hire additional help. Custom orders, especially the ones from Kallias and Viviane, will bring in big revenue, but I will also need to get started on working on a perfume or product that’s accessible to the public.

“By the way, do you have workers for the project?” Amelio inquired,

Ahhh, if I decide to hire additional woodworkers I’ll also need to pay them!

“Yes, I have two.”

“I can recommend some of my men if you would like additional experienced workers.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I don’t want to impose.” Cosette answered carefully.

I want to retain power over this project. Handing off more and more to Amelio seemed like a bad idea.

Amelio nodded, his smile not wavering, “Very well. Would you like some recommendations?”

Cosette looked at him hesitantly.

“Free of charge.”

So you just want to help me out of your goodwill?

As if reading her mind he clarified, “I want you to like me Miss Cosette. It would be nice if you permitted me to endear myself to you.”

I thought we agreed to drop the formalities?

“I appreciate your honesty.” she paraphrased his words back at him, “But I think it best if I start learning about Winter Court’s economy and work sources in further detail myself.”

Amelio wore a happy expression despite the rejection. In fact, he almost looked happier at the news.

“Then you have my full support. When would you like to start using the space?”

“Could I have a couple weeks? I want to show the space to the people I wish to hire first.”

“Of course. Just let me know when you wish to use it.” Amelio winked, “If you take too long I might give it away to someone else.”

“I’ll be timely, don’t worry.”

“How much further do we have to walk?” The elder groaned.

“Not far.” Cosette sighed.

This man was grating my nerves.

Theo meanwhile chewed quietly on his sandwich.

Cosette had decided to take the two men to see the building the next day during the perfumery’s downtime, giving Ophelia permission to close down early so that it wasn’t too overwhelming to manage the place by herself.

The only downside of this building was the distance we had to walk to get to it. I am going to have to allocate some funds to pay for carriage rides back and forth.

“Can we get a hint at least for what this surprise is?” Theo asked.

“It has something to do with your gift for the Winter Solstice.” Cosette said.

“Right, the supposed gift that we never got.” the elder grumbled.

“You’ll get to have it soon.” Cosette tried to keep the irritation out of her voice.

They eventually got to the building, the street it was located on was full of carts filled with various manufactured goods, heading to the gates or being unloaded. There were also some wagons with food, wrapped up and stored properly in boxes.

“The Forge District!” Theo perked up, glancing around with interest.

“Forge District?”

“Some of the greatest smiths and creators in Winter Court work here!” Theo couldn’t contain his excitement, barely sticking to the group as he kept trying to get a peak at the carts and the stuff inside them.

I didn’t realize this place was that big of a deal.

Cosette could admit it looked better than the supposed industrial section of the capital they visited. With proper guards and actual commercial activity the street looked alive rather than creepy or abandoned. Although, they had visited the supposed ‘industrial district’ on a day when all the faes stayed home, so Cosette tried to reserve her judgments.

Why didn’t Amelio flaunt the area’s worth though? Wouldn’t it have helped his case in convincing me to rent it?

Stepping inside the building, Cosette approached the front desk. The secretary looked up.

“Lord Amelio warned me you’d be coming in today.”

“I am just here to show my partners the room.”

“Take your time.” the secretary pushed forward a key, returning to her work.

Cosette took the key, leading the group upstairs to the third floor.

“Lord Amelio? You know him?” Theo stared at Cosette with wide eyes.

Even the elder had perked up, his eyes gleaming with interest.

“He ordered a custom perfume from me and came to give his thanks. We got to talking and he offered me a room to rent.” Cosette explained.

“Woah.” Theo whispered.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Well, Lord Amelio is a very well-known business fae due to the farms he runs and his port trading businesses. He is also credited with helping to keep the economy together during Kallias’s absence, along with a couple other important business figures.” Theo continued, “Though, I mostly admire him because he is a Lesser Fae, yet he commands respect amongst the nobility. How many can claim to be able to do that?!”

Cosette hummed, processing this information.

So my gut was right, he’s not High Fae. How did he get this far then?

“Please, the man just married lucky.” the elder kept his voice low as he gossiped, “That wife of his is from a prestigious family. No one will say a word because of her.”

Now Cosette didn’t know what to think.

Was it really just Solene pulling all the strings?

“And why do you need to rent a room?” the elder raised an eyebrow at Cosette.

“I promised you two a gift for the Winter Solstice. I have been working on a side project that will involve a lot of woodworking.” Cosette opened the door, stepping aside so they could see inside, “My gift to you is this project. Working on carving wood rather than perfumery.”

“What is the project?” Theo murmured, walking between the long tables, staring at the workshop in wonder.

“It’s a farming tool that will, in theory, help increase the current harvest.” Cosette explained, “Here is my design for it.”

She showed Theo and the elder her diagrams and sketches of the spirit ‘house’.

“It has a lot of details, and I’ve seen your old works when we were clearing out the perfumery. They’re beautiful. So is the cart you created and the gift you gave Blanche and Forrest. You’re very attentive and are amazing artisans that I would be lucky to have on my team.”

“You know, most faes get each other money or something else if they can't come up with a gift.”

I am sorry, I thought this was a good gift!

“This is perfect!” Theo’s eyes lit up as he stared at the room as if it were a treasury, “The location is great too!”

“How is the location great?” the elder drawled, “Buildings full of construction projects and ruckus.”

“I’ve been searching for a space that we could move into.” Theo said, turning to his father, “This is one of the neighborhoods I was considering because it’s cheap.”

“Wait, move out?!” the elder exclaimed, staring at his son, “But why?”

“Well, Cosette owns the building, and she and Ophelia still live at an inn. It’s only fair ”

Was…was this a moral compass? From a fae?

Cosette couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She wasn’t looking forward to the eventual discussion of asking them to kindly find a different house to live in, or finding a room for herself and Ophelia elsewhere.

Thank you Theo for bringing this up yourself!

“She let us stay there.” the elder grumbled.

“Yes, because Cosette is kind.” Theo frowned at his father, “She let us keep our home despite the fact that she owns it, she helped us pay off our debt, and now she is offering us a job within our field of interest!”

“It’s not what we used to do before.”

“Well, it’s not exactly what we used to do but it’s a starting point.” Theo argued, “We have to restart somewhere, and this seems like a good place.”

The elder grumbled, but Cosette easily ignored him. She felt so proud of the man before her for standing up to his father.

“So,” Theo grinned at Cosette, “When do we start?”

“As soon as possible. I’ll contact Amelio and finalize the payment.”

“I-We look forward to working with you.”

“You really don’t have to move out.” Blanche watched Ophelia and Cosette pack up.

“Blanche we’ve imposed long enough.” Cosette set her bag on the bed, finishing putting clothes away.

“You’re not imposing though…” Blanche grumbled.

“We can’t live in an inn forever.” Ophelia stood up, finishing wrapping her clothes as well, “Besides we’ll visit.”

“You better.” Blanche pulled them into a hug, “Me and Forrest will miss you two.”

“We’re moving just a couple blocks away!” Cosette hugged back.

“Still, I expect you to come here several times a week for dinner.” Blanche ruffled both of their heads, gently messing up their hair.

“We will, don’t worry.” Cosette soothed.

“Yeah! You also better come over to play with me!” Fermin peaked around his mother’s skirts, glaring at Cosette and Ophelia.

“How could we miss out on play time with you?” Ophelia squished Fermin into a hug.

“Ack, on second thought, leave! And take your hugs with you!” Fermin managed to break free from Ophelia’s hold, running away.

Ophelia laughed, teasing the child as Forrest picked up their bags.

“I can carry them.” Cosette insisted.

He shook his head, “I’ll help you take them to the perfumery.”

“Look at my perfect husband.” Blanche kissed Forrest on the cheek, her eyes looking into his with a flirty spark.

Forrest returned the kiss, his expression soft.

The group went downstairs, Blanche putting another bag into Forrest’s arms.

“Here, take some dinner with you.”

“Aw, Blanche. Thank you.” Ophelia hugged the fae again.

Blanche hugged back, holding the younger fae gently. She reluctantly let go as Ophelia took Cosette’s hand and they left the inn with Forrest following behind.

Approaching the perfumery they could see Theo and his father leaving with their own bags. Few words were exchanged as they had to get to their new home and check that all the furniture they requested was moved appropriately.

“Thank you again Forrest.” Cosette said, taking the bags from the burly man.

Forrest nodded, “No problem, don’t forget to lock up for the night.”

“We won’t!” Ophelia and Cosette waved him goodbye as he began the walk back to his inn.

Cosette took a deep breath, smiling as she looked at the perfumery in a new light. The place had always had a cozy charm to it, but now, as the two women stood staring at the tables decorated with perfumes and the clean shelves, it felt different.

“Can’t believe we actually have a home now.”

“I know.” Cosette didn’t like the feeling that settled in her stomach - guilt.

I am not replacing my true home.

Cosette steeled herself.

I am looking for a way back-No, I will find a way back. It just might take some time. This wasn’t a replacement. It was temporary.

Cosette took the bags, carrying them upstairs, followed by Ophelia.

“By the Cauldron, your walk is practically flawless.” Ophelia complimented observing Cosette as she walked up the stairs to the mezzanine.

“I would be disappointed if it weren’t after hiking through the woods in heels.” Cosette answered dryly, “Though I don’t think I compare to the fae quite yet.”

“What are you talking about?! It’s a good walk! My training methods are elite and should not be questioned.” Ophelia giggled, catching up with her friend.

“Yeah, yeah.” Cosette rolled her eyes, “You’re amazing Ophelia. You don’t need to fish for compliments.”

“I am not fishing!” the fae insisted.

Cosette turned back to her Ophelia, her dress spinning elegantly as she maintained her posture, “Just tell me and I’ll shower you in them regardless.”

A beat passed as Ophelia stared at her, before shaking her head and smiling again, “You’re a silly human.”

“And you’re a silly fae.”

Ophelia sighed, her eyes full of pride seeing Cosette’s graceful movements, “My little baby is growing up so fast.”

“Not a baby.” Cosette scowled.

“You are a baby though. You were like twenty one last time I checked!”

“I am twenty three now for your information.” Cosette muttered, Ophelia pinching her cheek playfully, opening the door to her bedroom.

They had agreed Ophelia would take Theo’s room and Cosette the elder’s.

“I am going to go unpack and then warm up the food.”

Cosette nodded, “I’ll join you once I finish up.”

“Sounds good.” Ophelia twirled away dramatically, closing the door behind her.

Cosette could hear happy gasps as the fae explored and settled in. She could only imagine how Ophelia felt having her own room having lived in a prison cell for such a long time.

Cosette walked into her own room, immediately pinching her nose.

That sweet smell again.

She opened the window to air out the bedroom, trying to find the source. Apart from a couple soaps, similar to the ones the elder used to have downstairs, she found nothing.

Sighing, Cosette wiped down the bookshelves and closet, hanging up her clothes. She changed the bedding and mopped down the floors, closing the window soon after as it began getting cold.

The sweet smell was almost gone which allowed Cosette to relax. Deciding she had done enough for the evening she headed downstairs into their back room to set up dinner, Ophelia joining her soon after.

“Hey, did you get settled in?” Cosette warmed up the meat and rice on the small stove they had.

“Yes, the room is wonderful. There’s a window and the bed is so warm. And the closet Cosette, oh the closet! I am going to fill it with so many dresses.” Ophelia rambled, helping to set the plates, “What about you? How’s your room?”

“It’s nice.”

I am happy she’s happy.

Cosette twisted and turned.

Go to sleep dammit.

She had already gone through all the comfortable positions she could think of, leaving her frustrated and staring up at the ceiling. Cosette was tempted to get up and work but it was around two am in the morning, and if she did that she’d be running on no sleep when the perfumery opened.

Cosette scowled, fluffing up her pillow and snuggling into it

Is Ophelia sleeping already?

Deciding she had nothing better to do, Cosette got up, still wrapped up in her blanket, and walked several steps to the second door in the mezzanine, dragging her pillow. She knocked.

“Cosette?” a muffled voice sounded.

Cosette carefully opened the door, peeking inside, “Hey, it’s me.”

The room wasn’t anything amazing. From Ophelia’s compliments one could have thought she had the master bedroom in a manor.

Any room would be impressive compared to a cell.

Ophelia was sitting upright in the bed, her hair a mess.

“Can’t sleep either?”

“No.”

Ophelia sighed, collapsing back into her bed, letting out an annoyed groan, “Seriously, it shouldn’t be this hard.”

Cosette climbed into bed, relaxing with Ophelia’s familiar presence next to her. Ophelia pulled the human closer, snuggling. Cosette gently ran her fingers through the fae’s hair.

“It really shouldn’t be.”

Ophelia hummed in agreement, gazing softly at Cosette, closing her eyes as her friend brushed her hair.

“Ophelia, I have a question about Lesser Fae: how do you know if someone is one, versus a High Fae? I know that Lesser Fae usually have markers that separate them from the more human-like High Fae, but is there any other way? I mean, you and Theo don’t exactly have features that make you look non-human.” Cosette asked, voicing her growing confusion over the past several days.

Ophelia flinched.

“Ophelia?”

“Sorry.” Ophelia pulled away, her eyes a dull brown.

“Did I say something?” Cosette sat up slightly.

“No. No, you didn’t say anything.” Ophelia rubbed the space between her eyes, “I just forget how little you know at times.”

Cosette waited patiently for Ophelia to continue.

“Usually you can tell by the aura and power a fae exudes how high up the food ladder they are. As for physical markers,” Ophelia inhaled sharply, “It’s not always an obvious visual marker. We don't walk around naked you know? Some might hide their Lesser Fae traits if possible, like tails or wings.”

“But why hide them?”

“If you’re in a big city like the capital, where there are many nobles and High Fae, it benefits to fit in. Besides, High Fae are seen as the epitome of beauty and perfection.” Ophelia’s voice turned bitter, “Many will try anything to achieve the same visual standard.”

“Oh.” Cosette whispered.

“The rank of Lesser Fae is technically a spectrum, ranging from fae who might be of mixed blood to those who have never left the forest.” Ophelia moved back closer to Cosette.

“Thank you for explaining.”

“It’s nothing.” Ophelia closed her eyes.

Cosette gazed at the fae next to her, conflicted on what to say.

I clearly hurt her somehow.

“Ophelia-”

“Shh, time for sleep.” Ophelia pulled Cosette into a hug.

Cosette closed her eyes.

Less prying, more hugs. Got it.

Cosette got up quietly, not wanting to disturb Ophelia early in the morning. They had a couple hours before the shop would need to be opened so Cosete decided to get an early start to her day.

Not like I was sleeping anyways.

She had managed to fall asleep initially but a feeling of restlessness woke her up. Cosette was currently blaming that stupid restlessness for her having to change in very cold temperatures.

Getting dressed and going downstairs she lit the fireplace and wrapped herself up in a throw blanket.

Why was it always freezing?

Cosette knew the obvious answer, but still chose to be huffy about it. She grabbed a box of some cinnamon perfume and took it out to the front, beginning to put them on their shelves.

Since I have no idea where to start for Kallias’s perfume, let’s consider Viviane’s. She said she wanted a flower based scent, so I have to find out either her favorite flower or a scent that is neutral enough that she could wear it on a daily basis. However, it also needed to be sweet and alluring.

Perhaps roses? They were traditional and sweet. They’re also romantic! Alternatively, I could lean into the fact that she is a Lady of a Court, meaning her scent needs to represent her as a political figure. What are popular Winter Court flowers? I’ll have to go to the market to investigate.

As for Briar…

Cosette rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

Yeah I have no idea about Briar. Maybe something sweet and innocent? She seems quite energetic so perhaps something with an undertone of spice?

Turning around Cosette let out a small yelp of surprise.

Briar was pressed up against the glass of the perfumery. She waved.

Cosette hesitantly waved back.

Aquilo poked his head into view, waving as well.

Please don’t tell me the royal family has decided to visit again. I can’t handle that right now - I’m cold and sleep-deprived!

Cosette opened the front door for them.

“Hi!

“Hello.” Cosette didn’t see Viviane and Kallias behind them.

A good sign.

“Please, come in.” Cosette stepped aside, letting them into the perfumery, locking the door afterwards.

I don’t need people thinking we’re open at seven in the morning.

“Good morning.” Cosette said.

“Good morning! We came to visit!” Briar beamed.

“I can see that.” Cosette was hoping her lack of sleep wasn’t horribly obvious, “Is there a particular purpose to this visit, or…?”

“Oh, well I know I requested you make my perfume by getting to know me, but I thought having you show up to the palace for our first meeting might be too intimidating so we decided to visit you here!” Briar explained.

Cosette blinked, the tiredness making it hard to get the details of Briar’s ramble.

“I appreciate your concern.” Cosette said, gesturing to them to follow her upstairs, “I do apologize for not reaching out or visiting you yet. I have been busy finding a spot for the farming project, and getting everything set up for it.”

“Oh that’s okay, how’s the project coming along? Did you find where you want to produce the farming equipment?” Briar skipped after Cosette to her office upstairs.

Briar, give me your morning energy.

“It’s going well. I found a spot for the production of it thanks to Amelio.”

“Amelio?” Aquilo asked “You know him?”

“Well we met briefly when he ordered a custom perfume from me. He visited recently, which was when I found out that he had extra rooms in a warehouse of his. He happily offered to rent me the place for a fair price.”

“Do you always wake up early to prepare the shop for the day?” Aquilo sat down on one of the chairs after Briar had taken her seat.

“No, I just couldn’t sleep.” Cosette admitted.

“If you’re having trouble sleeping I can recommend this herbal tea, I believe it’s a blend of chamomile and passionflower tea. They sell it at most well respected shops. My soldiers say it works like a charm.”

“I’ll look into it, thank you.” Cosette nodded, setting a teapot to boil, “What kind of tea do you two want?”

“Something sweet.” Briar said.

“I’ll skip the tea.” Aquilo gestured to his cup of what Cossette assumed to be coffee.

“So you walked all the way here from your home?” Briar asked

“Well actually we live here now.”

“We?” Briar clarified.

“Me and Ophelia. Theo and his father moved out, so we moved in.” Cosette noticed how Aquilo stiffened for a second before relaxing again.

“Where did you live before this?” Aquilo sipped his coffee

“We stayed at Forrest’s inn.” Cosette brewed the tea.

“An inn? Isn’t that expensive?”

“We got a discount.” Cosette smiled, setting two tea cups on the table.

Briar perked up as if she remembered something and pulled out a beautiful box labeled ‘Frosted Bakery’. She opened it to reveal various pastries: cranberry scones dusted with powdered sugar, cinnamon muffins and gooseberry danishes. The box was practically overflowing with the quantity and diversity of sweets.

“What’s this?” Cosette’s mouth watered at the spread, her stomach growling.

Briar smiled, “I thought since I am visiting you this early we should have breakfast together so we stopped by one of our favorite bakeries.”

Uh-huh.

“I appreciate it.” Cosette took her seat.

On second thought, if you’re going to feed us for free please come more often.

“Here, try the muffin!”

Cosette obediently tasted the cinnamon muffin, the mixture of the spice and sweetness coating her mouth.

Oh my god my tastebuds.

“This is so good.” Cosette chewed.

“Right?!” Briar bit into a muffin as well, pushing a scone towards Aquilo who gave an appreciative nod.

“I love their peppermint-chocolate chip cookies and danishes, but the muffins will always have a special place in my heart.”

“Any particular reason?” Cosette took a sip of her tea.

“It was one of the first sweets I tried when I came to Winter Court.”

“I see.” Cosette watched Briar as she devoured her treat.

I am going to need to look into the Children of the Blessed. Perhaps knowing more about the group within the actual world of Prythian rather than as some group that showed up a couple times within a romantasy novel will give me insight into Briar’s behavior.

There was a knock on the office door and Ophelia peaked in.

“Good morning.” the fae blinked sleepily.

“Good morning.” Cosette greeted her, “How did you sleep?”

“Well.” she shivered, walking over to the desk and grabbing a blanket from one of the shelves that lined the walls. Ophelia did not ask any questions regarding the two guests, merely casting them a calm glance.

“We’re having breakfast, feel free to take anything.” Briar offered, pushing the box of treats towards the faerie.

“Thank you.” Ophelia set aside a scone and a glazed brioche bun for herself, going to make herself some tea.

“Would either of you like a blanket?” Cosette asked, feeling guilty she didn’t offer immediately.

Aquilo shook his head but Briar happily took one.

Cosette finished her tea and muffin, watching Briar chug the remainder of her tea.

“I was wondering, would it be possible to see how you make perfumes?” Briar asked, “Or at least the equipment you use?”

“Oh? Want to steal my company secrets?” Cosette joked.

“I-No! Never!” Briar looked insulted

“Relax, I am kidding.” Cosette smiled, “I would be happy to show you.”

Briar glanced at Aquilo for approval, who nodded, taking another gulp of his coffee.

Cosette got up, letting Ophelia have her seat, and led Briar downstairs.

In the back room Cosette carefully pulled out vials and pots, setting them up to begin working after her guests would eventually leave.

Briar’s eyes sparkled, “Is this what you use to make the perfumes?”

“Yes, we use this to extract oils from things like wood or flower petals.” Cosette explained, holding out a glass vial for Briar to look at closely.

Briar carefully took the glass, examining it, following Cosette, observing her every action.

“We use these larger bowls to collect condensation and oils.” Cosette decided to entertain Briar, “Over here I mix various scents together to create more complex perfumes. I use this,” Cosette showed the pipette, “To collect smaller or larger quantities of oils to produce the desired, nuanced scent.”

“Woah.” Briar in awe whispered.

It was honestly a bit funny how easy it was to impress a human in this world. Back home people knew what a pipette was, and had maybe even worked with one if their school was well-funded. It just went to show how behind the humans were within Prythian.

“Show me more!” Briar leaned over Cosette’s shoulder.

“My pleasure.”

Next: Chapter 24 - Pointy Stick of Doom

Back: Chapter 22 - A Very Polite Non-political Conversation

Masterlist

Tag list: @rcarbo1

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meltypancake · 1 year ago

Note

hellooo !!

i’m curious how eliane gets along with the rest of the blue lions ? or just any other significant relationships she has with any students at the monastery haha :0

hallo!!! thank you for the ask, it activated so many braincells c:

i'll cover her relationship with the blue lions in the early academy days for now ♪(´▽｀) ranked by friendship level, here we go!!

people she's close to ↓

annette 😊💖💖 precious pal

A+ study buddy and the true reason why eliane hasn't missed the majority of morning classes

she has caught herself removing the pebbles off a road, thinking annette would and could trip on them (´。＿。｀)

there are too many pebbles in this world. she'll just have to settle with catching her friend every time she stumbles

ashe 🥹😊💖 fun to tease

eliane felt an instant kinship with ashe! fellow commoners with a shared interest in herbology make for a great team (^^ゞ

much to his chagrin, she's also way into the spookies. tales of ghosts haunting the monastery really get her going and he would like none of that, thank you very much

she makes him a potpourri pouch filled with ghost-repelling herbs. he ties it to his evil-repelling amulet.

mercedes😊💖💖 provider of snacks and comfort

being around mercedes makes her feel so cared for, she's the older sister she's always dreamed of (´▽｀)

they are both waaay too easy-going for their own good though... empires will rise and fall while they munch on homemade sweets

on friendly terms ↓

ingrid 😋🥔 bonding bites

these two have the most riveting discussions about which tavern offers the juiciest cut of meat. they find time to record a whole tier list of dining hall dishes in a shared journal

ingrid is her best, most faithful taste tester! food truly is the cornerstone of society

dedue 😯🙂 a greenhouse regular she's curious about

she always assumed he was some kind of plant magician. apparently magic isn't his forte, so what the heck is up with that green thumb?

he makes sure to teach her the basics of gardening (before she can ruin the flower bed). the first time her seeds actually end up sprouting, she runs all over the monastery looking to show him

(adding him in the list for completion's sake) dimitri 🙂 nice, but a little uptight

rather distant ↓

felix 🙂 amicable (entirely one-sided)

he's so blunt unlike the whole lot of flowery nobles, there's no second-guessing the meaning of his words which eliane likes. she's pretty fond of him! he finds her rather annoying though (oﾟvﾟ)ノ

eliane will seek out felix for a spar, get obliterated until he's fed up entertaining small fry and he shuffles off as she lays defeated (though not disheartened). rinse and repeat

any verbal abuse goes in through one ear and out the other with her. what a gremlin

sylvain 😐🤨😑 ?????

eliane has incredibly mixed feelings about sylvain which get progressively worse the more she gets to know him

he ping pongs between being genuinely helpful and sensible while also making girls cry on a daily basis... and it would make her life a lot easier if he could just choose one and stick with it !!!

any attempts to flirt with her get shut down. on a different note, she's a little miffed he never trains or studies yet still gets better grades than her

at the end of the academy phase she's become more or less close to everyone in the blue lions, except maybe felix. he's not the type to be all buddy-buddy anyway (‾◡◝)

thank you for reaching the end!!! c:

#eliane #fe3h oc #annette #felix #dedue #dimitri #ingrid #mercedes #ashe #pancake (art tag)#letter (ask tag)

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wildfire317s-oc-box · 6 months ago

Text

A sweet apology

A Master Detectives Archive: Raincode Fanstory

SPOILERS WARNING: spoilers for chapter four, chapter five and chief yakou's dlc!

Trigger warning: mentions death, mentions murder, mentions technical cannibalism, mentions kidnapping (or detective-napping?), mentions alcohol use, mentions ghosts, swearwords.

A.N: This is a PLATONIC friendship-fic between Desuhiko Thunderbolt and Vivia Twilight. After the event's of Dr.Huesca's murder, the chiefs death and being kidnapped and separated from Yuma and Kurumi, Desuhiko realizes that he had been kind of a jerk towards Vivia the day before and decides to raid Makoto's pantry and attempt to make amends while Halara and Fubuki keep an eye on Yuma. While they are apart Vivia makes a few interesting discoveries.

Cast and text colors: Desuhiko Thunderbolt, Vivia Twilight, Halara Nightmare & Fubuki Clockford

Honorable mentions: Yakou Furio, Mrs/Kaguya Furio, Makoto Kagustuchi

The last thing Desuhiko remembered before passing out and waking up in this rather fancy looking apartment that he had to assume was that Makoto guy's was coming back to the agency from the most recent murder case and mourning the chief's death. He remembered Halara answering a call from Number One before a terrorist attack took out the WDO headquarters and Number One with it, and thsn some sort of gas pouring out of that little box Makoto gave Yuma. He sat up and rubbed a sore spot on the back of his head where he presumably hit his head on his chair. Looking around the room Desuhiko found that Halara and Fubuki were already awake and...Where were Kurumi, Yuma and Vivia? "Um...Where are the others?" He asked, finally speaking up and blinking away the fuzziness in his eyes. Unlike Fubuki, Halara did not look up from where they were hunched over what looked like a monitor. Fubuki answered sounding very distressed "Yuma and Kurumi are in danger but Vivia is right here-" She was about to gesture to Halara's other side before seeing that the sleepier detective had vanished and started to panic. "-Huh?!? Oh no Halara, Vivia got taken too!" "Calm down." Halara commanded, finally speaking up. "He said something about feeling tired and wandered off to find somewhere to take a nap about ten minutes ago..." they explained, admittedly they were concerned that Vivia had decided to take another nap so soon after waking up from being knocked out but they supposed he was actually running off to use his forte.

"Okay...Wait what kind of danger?!" Desuhiko asked leaping up from the couch he had been unceremoniously dumped on and bolting over to the monitor, nearly crashing into Halara after half-tripping over the coffee table. The screen was split into a five by five grid of several different camera feeds, almost like a security system and Yuma and Kurumi were running around inside what looked like some kind of factory. "They are fine for now, I'll let you know if anything to concerning happens but for the time being I need you to go check on Vivia" Halara replied before shooing him away. "Why? And why can't Fubuki go check on him?" Desuhiko asked a bit annoyed as he crossed his arms. Admittedly he was still pretty pissed at Vivia because of his behavior during Dr.Huesca's murder case regarding the chief..,granted they had gotten a bit close through talking about their pasts and interests when Yuma or one of the others wasn't dragging them into something and he was used to him being stand-off-ish when it came to emotions but being out right cold and unfeeling about the whole thing was not cool. "Because the last thing we need is for all of us to be spread out across the penthouse without telling everyone where were going incase something dangerous happens and because I need her to be over here incase Yuma gets in over his head so she can turn back time and hopefully he makes a better decision" Halara responded not in the mood for his grouchiness before Fubuki chimed in "Thankfully this place has energy drinks" she explained, simultaneously dissuading his concerns about her getting too worn out and eliminating his excuse of giving her a break. Desuhiko groaned dramatically before sulking off to see where Vivia disappeared to.

After a few minutes and growing concerned as to where exactly Vivia was hiding, Desuhiko finally found him sleeping curled up into a ball at the bottom of a closet. He knelt down and was about to wake him up, but he noticed something he never thought he would see. Vivia's cheeks were wet and judging by the unmistakeable streaks of black mascara and purple eyeliner, he had been crying in his sleep. Desuhiko sat beside him, what was left of his anger and annoyance towards the taller detective dissipating and being replaced with guilt, if he was weak to a woman's tears he was weaker still to the tears of a friend. "I guess I probably shouldn't have gone off on you like that or called you coldhearted back there huh..." he muttered at Vivia's sleeping form. He sat there quietly and wondered what had made Vivia of all people start crying, even if it was in his sleep it wasn't normal for him. Could he have seen something heart-shattering while using his forte? Maybe, but he figured that what he had said earlier also had something to do with it. "I dont know what you're seeing right now but I'm going to try to cheer you up when you wake up" he stated sounding determined before getting up, closing the door until its only open a crack and making his way back to Halara and Fubuki.

"I found him, Apparently he decided to take a nap in a closet back that way" Desuhiko explained, gesturing back the way he came. Now it was time to broach the more difficult subject...He never was good at doing that but it had to be done since neither Halara nor Fubuki seem to have noticed, May as well just come right out and say it. "I think I managed to hurt Vivia's feelings...What should I do?" Desuhiko blurted out without really thinking of how to explain himself. "Huh?" Fubuki asked her confusion as to what the jumble of words that flew from his mouth at mach three even meant evident, "What makes you think that?" Halara asked sounding nonchalant as usual. Now that the hard part was out of the way Desuhiko took a deep breath before explaining himself a bit slower. "I think that I accidentally hurt his feelings yesterday when I exploded on him and especially when I called him coldhearted after the chief...died..." he said, wincing a bit "-And I want to apologize and at-least attempt to make him feel better but I don't know where to start." He continued, as hesitant as he was to ask Halara for help considering he would probably go into debt; this didn't feel like something he could just brush off with a simple "Im sorry for earlier". "Am I to assume this is a request?" Halara asked despite the majority of their focus being on the screen. "No I'm not paying you, jeez what happened to questions between friends?! Princess any idea's?" Desuhiko whined in response. "Well...My parents always had our servants make chocolate chip cookies for me when I was upset" Fubuki suggested helpfully. "...I'm not even going to try to unpack all of that right now, but thanks for the idea" Desuhiko replied a little bit baffled by her response before bounding over to what he correctly assumed to be the kitchen and starting to raid the pantry and cabinets. Assuming that he was a normal person; the least Makoto could do was let him use whatever baking supplies he had to attempt to make cookies.

For some reason he was mildly surprised to find a recipe book for cookies as well as everything to make chocolate chip cookies scattered about the kitchen. "What are you getting into?" Halara questioned from where they remained perched at the monitor after hearing cabinet-doors open and shut as well as various containers and bags being jostled around. "Oh you know, matches and cigarettes...I'm making cookies what did you think I was getting into?" Desuhiko asked sarcastically while depositing what he had found onto the countertop nearest to the oven. After dragging the already open recipe book over to where he had set himself up, Desuhiko started going through the cabinets and drawers he hadn't yet gone through to find some measuring spoons; which he found after a few tries. "I mean it's the least that Makoto, presumably; could do after knocking us out and dragging us here." He continued his thoughts aloud as he found the measuring cups and followed the instructions which he found to be specific to the point of being weird, and started to pre-heat the oven first. "Don't burn yourself or set anything on fire, all of the doors are electronically locked and despite their reformation I doubt the peacekeepers would make their way here in a hurry." Halara warned, finally but momentarily looking away from the screen only to give Desuhiko their most intimidating death-glare yet. "Gotcha, gotcha I will not burn myself or set anything on fire" Desuhiko swore holding up his hand in a mock-oath before continuing to preheat the oven to the specified temperature. As he measured everything out and mixed things together his thoughts wandered to what Vivia was seeing while using his forte.

Vivia floated around what looked like an abandoned laboratory in his ghost form. As cheesy as it sounded it was in fact what they had all come to at-least suspect. Everyone besides themselves and Yuma were semi-immortal creatures known as homunculi. It almost reminded him of something out of one of his sci-fi-horror novels. He was originally planning on following Yuma and Kurumi around to keep an eye on them but while Yuma was distracted talking to the imposter from the Amaterasu express and Kurumi had wandered off, Vivia happened to spot a familiar beige raincoat with those all to familiar patterns of fabric paint and other more colorful sew-on patches. He decided to follow the zombified-homunculus that had once been the chief, and the first person who ever gave a single damn about him. He wondered if Yakou was still in there somewhere or if he was more or less a wandering corpse like most of the others. He didn't really care that this Chief Yakou wasn't the original, he was still his Chief. Then Vivia's thoughts wandered to the day before when he could feel his eyes welling up and wanting so badly to let the tears fall but for some reason he couldn't..."Was it what little pride I had left that stopped me in an attempt to stay strong for Yuma and the others? Or was it shame in my knowledge of what had truly happened that made me feel as though I was not allowed to mourn? Or am I truly as numb to death and coldhearted as some of the others believe and I'm fooling myself?" He wondered to himself, "which is it...?" He wasn't sure but seeing Chief Yakou like this and being more aware of all of the pain he had been through especially during his final hour made the tears well back up and this time Vivia was helpless to stop them from falling. Like a sorrowful child, he wrapped his spectral arms around the chiefs stiff shoulders in an attempt to give him the hug he should have given him while they were all in the mystery labyrinth and to his surprise, Yakou spoke. "Vi-...vi-..a...?" He asked in a broken, crackly voice that sounded like he was struggling to speak even that single word, catching the phantom detective off guard. Could Yakou sense his presence somehow? He was kind of tiptoeing the line between the realms of the living and the dead so Vivia supposed it wouldn't be too far out of the realm of possibility. "Yes Chief it's me...I'm here...." Vivia murmured through sniffles and trying to sound reassuring. But could Chief Yakou even hear him or just sense him? He wondered as he floated around him. Vivia was unsure of his feelings but whatever he was feeling only made the tears fall heavier.

He could feel his actual bodies ears perk up slightly. Was someone talking to him? Vivia wondered who would be attempting to talk to him while he was sleeping. As far as he knew Desuhiko was still understandably unconscious considering he had somehow managed to hit both his chair and then the ground head-first when they were knocked out, Halara was busy keeping an eye on Yuma and Kurumi, and Fubuki had most likely forgotten where he disappeared to. It probably didn't matter...if it was anything dangerous they would probably just shake him awake instead, despite his desire to die. Vivia stayed by Yakou's side for a while longer before noticing he was not the only spirit here. There was the ghost of a woman about Yakou's age, with long purple hair watching him with a saddened expression. She actually looked like the woman in the photo that the Chief had on him, perhaps she was the same woman? Vivia glided over to her and asked "Do you happen to know the chief?" With a slight head-tilt. The woman smiled at him softly and nodded, "I do, I'm his wife; Kaguya Furio...and you must be Vivia. I would hear him talking about you and the others to Yuma whenever I went to check on him." She explains. The pair talked for a while as they kept an eye on Yakou, and eventually the topic of Desuhiko calling Vivia out on his lack of visible emotion during the last case and generally chewing him out came up and passed. Evidently Desuhiko's words had stung a bit but it was only really hitting Vivia now so it was amplified.

After a while of trailing after the chief and talking to his wife's spirit, Vivia had a sense that his feelings about the situation were growing clearer and supposed he could understand where Desuhiko was coming from; As far as either of them knew at the time they had all just lost the chief forever and everyone besides him had dropped their facades, even Halara. So thinking about it now Desuhiko's little outburst made sense. "Maybe hearing that the chief is...not completely dead...might help him calm down?...then again it may just rile him up...again...what should i do...?" Vivia wondered aloud before turning to Kaguya to see if she has anything to say. "Well...If you don't say anything about it when you get back to the others, Yuma probably will..." Kaguya states trying to be reassuring. "True...though knowing Desuhiko he would probably suggest trying to break in to get the chief...and judging from what I have seen so far that would not be a smart idea...hopefully he has cooled down enough to take the danger into consideration..." Vivia voiced his concerns but ultimately decided that he would tell the others, He believed that the chief retained just barely enough of his mental faculties to recognize his fellow detectives and refrain from attacking them if they hypothetically were to come looking for him, it was the other zombified homunculi that he as concerned about. "My forte will reach its limit soon...I should head back...So long Chief...please take care of him miss Kaguya..." Vivia explained before turning to leave.

To nobodies surprise, by the time he was done mixing the ingredients and had gotten the dough on the baking pan; Desuhiko had somehow gotten the upper half of the front of his hoodie and the lower half of his face covered in flour and had several small globs of dough and a couple of chocolate chips stuck to his face. "Hey princess can I borrow you for a sec?" He asked around the baking-spatula he had used to scrape the majority of the dough from the sides of the bowl, which was currently crammed into one side of his mouth. After getting a nod from Halara, Fubuki quickly darted over being careful not to trip. "Yes Desuhiko? What's the matter, did you get attacked by some kind of flour monster?" Fubuki gasped looking at his current appearance curiously and slightly alarmed "What? No, I just wanted to get a second opinion on the cookie dough" Desuhiko explained, trying not to harp on her, he was the one who had accidentally dusted himself with the flour by stirring too hard after all and considering all of the weird shit master detectives see on the job especially on this one he's not to certain how far out of the realm of possibility fubuki's weird thoughts might be. Desuhiko handed her the whisk which was resting in the bowl. "Won't eating the dough make us sick with...what was it again? Something about salmon?" Fubuki asked at first concerned but then confused. "Salmonella? No, unless those eggs were brought here straight from the hen that laid them which is already unlikely enough as it is; that is actually extremely unlikely." Halara chimed in before deciding to take a quick break while Yuma was in an area that looked to be just outside of Kanai ward judging by the lack of cloud cover. "Third opinion works too" Desuhiko shrugged as Fubuki eagerly took the whisk from his hand while Halara snagged the bowl which still had some bits of dough in it before returning to the monitor.

"Oh these are very good though i do still think they would be better baked" Fubuki chirped happily narrowly avoiding getting her lip piercing caught in the whisk multiple times. "Not the best but they aren't horrible..." Halara added from where they were once again perched in-front of the monitor they were watching Yuma on. "So they don't taste like Yuma decided to help?" Desuhiko asked jokingly, he had to rag on his man just a little bit because c'mon who messes up cooking fried rice of all things so badly that Chief Yakou who was not only the resident food lover but was also almost always hungry, wouldn't eat it? "Why would it when Yuma isn't here?" Fubuki asked looking at him with a very confused expression, probably having forgotten that contrary to his profile; Yuma sucked at cooking. "Decidedly...Fubuki come back over here please, Yuma looks like he is heading back into the factory..." Halara responds before waving Fubuki over, who rejoins them at the monitor. With that Desuhiko slides the baking pan into the oven, being careful to not accidentally burn himself and set the timer. The last thing he needs is to injure himself while in a situation where he may need to disguise himself and the others. But what to do now? The cookies were baking and there was no use watching them, Halara and Fubuki were hogging the space in-front of the monitor and Vivia was asleep and doing who knows what as usual. After a moment Desuhiko wandered over to where he spotted his bag, opened it and began digging through it in an attempt to find something to entertain himself with. "My "totally normal" and "not at all dirty" magazines perhaps? Nope! Nope, Definitely not! I do NOT want the others to know I had those on me at all times and i do not need to give myself an accidental nosebleed. Again..." Desuhiko mentally scolded himself for not just leaving those magazines back at his hotel room as he shoved them further into the back of his backpack and continued looking through his backpack. "My notebook maybe? Nah I don't really have any ideas to write down or draw out at the moment and I don't really feel like hopping into my bag just to find the pen i accidentally left in my other pants." He sighed and reached for his guitar, pulled it out of his backpack, grabbed the pick from its internal pocket and sat on the floor beside his bag. He strummed a few practice notes before deciding to practice his playing with the song "Sincerely Me" from that one musical that he had seen a while back.

After strumming out a couple of songs, getting bored since he didn't really have an audience, stealing a couple of pastries that looked like they were from that cafe in ginma district to snack on, and checking the oven at-least ten times; Desuhiko FINALLY heard the timer on the oven ding and darted over to the oven and nearly burned himself when he went to grab the pan of cookies without an oven-mitt on but thankfully remembered when Fubuki turned around and asked if he was forgetting something. It took him a moment to realize that she probably just used her forte to make sure he didn't accidentally hurt himself. "Thanks for the save Princess" he calls over to her after removing the pan of cookies from the oven and setting them on the stove. "You're welcome Desuhiko, don't forget to let them cool" Fubuki chirps cheerfully as a bewildered look crosses Desuhiko's face. Did he really mess up that badly last time? Or did he mess up and then either she or Halara messed up? He shook those thoughts from his mind, those screw-ups were in the past...kinda, but either way they weren't important and asking Fubuki to explain any further would either be like listening to a toddler describe a bad dream or like listening to a horror story being told in a voice that would better fit talking about something normal. After about two minutes and deciding he can't wait any longer, Desuhiko digs through a couple drawers, finds a spatula and moves the cookies onto a random, clean plate that he found in one of the cabinets. A couple broke during the transfer but he figured he could save the ones that broke for himself, Fubuki and Halara. Mostly himself though since he did the majority of the work. Desuhiko hummed as he thought, He may as well do a second taste test just to double check. Unsurprisingly the cookies, while not as hot as they were; were still fairly hot, but damn they were good. "How are they?" Halara asked after hearing him muttering swears while picking up the broken cookie pieces. "My fingers are burning but I don't care" Desuhiko replied rather pleased with himself and the fact that he had not accidentally burned anything. He then heard a set of familiar quiet but shuffling footsteps coming from the hallway.

Vivia re-entered his body just in-time before his forte reached its limit and blinked awake. He laid there allowing himself to wake up a little and make his final decision to tell them about the chief's situation after Yuma is safe. He quietly clambers out of the closet, yawns and stretches himself out a little and having taken a nap in a more cramped space than usual he hears his joints and back snap and pop. He then takes notice of the rather sweet scent wafting down the hall from the kitchen area. "How strange..." he muttered to himself before deciding to investigate curious as to what was made and who made it. Vivia shuffled down the hall trying to get his legs to "wake up" and stop feeling like they were made of TV static. "Oops, busted" he heard Desuhiko say followed by that familiar, playfully mischievous laugh that he had heard to many times when the disguise detective decided to use his forte to play a prank on himself or the others and got caught in the act. "Hm?" He hummed curiously before spotting the plate of cookies and the small stack of cookie pieces that remained on a baking tray. "Did you...make these?" Vivia asked looking at Desuhiko with a fairly confused expression. "I..erm..shit..ah..I wanted to apologize for being a huge jerk yesterday...so I made these for you.." he heard Desuhiko struggling as he tried to explain himself, unable to meet Vivia's curious gaze and quickly holding out a cookie for him to grab. Vivia blinked slowly before carefully taking the treat that had been more or less nearly shoved in his face and taking a bite. He all to quickly remembered that he had not eaten since breakfast the day before and practically inhaled the pastry. "Thank you..." he murmured awkwardly as he grabbed a few more from the plate as a peculiar note on the counter caught his eye. "You welcome, just try to actually taste the next one will ya" he heard Desuhiko huff as he grabbed the broken cookies from the pan and went to plop back down on the couch. Vivia nodded, took a large bite of another cookie, swallowed and announced that a note was left for them and he continued to read the note aloud decided to take the plate of cookies with him as he walked:

"To the detectives of the Nocturnal Detective Agency-

I apologize for the rude surprise, However this particular situation is one that Yuma has to take care of without your assistance or at least without the assistance of your forte's but do not worry I have set up a monitor displaying the live security camera feed of the restricted area where Yuma and Kurumi currently are. I do not intend to harm him, Kurumi or any of you, however I am armed incase I need to defend myself. That said my penthouse is yours to use for the time being, I suggest taking a dip in the jacuzzi as some of you may be sore due to rough, unexpected landings and the trip up here, you needed to be stacked on top of each-other so everyone would fit in the elevator. You have most likely already figured this out but the doors and windows are locked so please refrain from anything involving matches, lighters, cigarettes and generally open flames. - Makoto Kagusuchi" Vivia flopped onto the couch beside Desuhiko as he finished reading and set the note down on the side-table beside them. He couldn't see anywhere that would be more comfortable for him to tuck himself away out here and he felt to lazy to wander back to the closet so he stayed flopped across the couch, stealing most of it.

Vivia was about to reach into his coat and start reading one of the handful of books he kept stowed away in his internal pockets when he noticed Desuhiko staring at him incredulously. "Hm?" He hummed toward the disguise detective curious as to why he was being stared at. "I'm just now realizing that this is the first time any of us have actually seen you use a couch or sit on anything besides the floor in general." He listened as Desuhiko explained himself, understanding that this was probably a little weird for all of them considering he usually tucked himself away either under the piano at the hotel or his preferred spot the fireplace back at the agency. Even when they were riding in those rafts for at least an hour during the marunomon bank heist case Vivia was perched on the floor. "I didn't see anywhere more comfortable to place myself and I dont feel like going back in the closet...I'm sorry if this is unusual...". Vivia glanced away to find that while he and Desuhiko were distracted; Fubuki had gotten up from where she was sitting beside Halara and was looking through Desuhiko's bag for something. Moments later, Vivia watched as Desuhiko's gaze followed his own and the sight caused the shorter boy to cry out in alarm "Hey! What are you doing in my bag?!" Before leaping to his feet and dart over nearly tripping over Vivia's long legs. After which Vivia decided to bury himself in one of his books and only caught snippets of the following conversation. "Oh I was hoping you had a swim suit I could borrow Desuhiko" "I might but why?" "The note mentioned a jacuzzi, thats one of those cute little pools right?" "Technically...Wait dont tell me you were actually going to trust the guy who dragged us here to not try something!" "But you trusted the food he had lying around so-?" "Okay fair bu-" Vivia did not catch the rest as he found himself dosing off again.

When Vivia next woke up there was a bright light shining directly into his eyes, a loud siren blaring outside, what sounded like a comedy movie as well as a lot of splashing and laughing from one side of the room and Halara was shouting about something on the other. He covered his eyes and blinked them a few times before realizing that the blindingly bright light had been the light of the sun released from behind the heavy blanket of storm clouds that Kanai ward was notorious for. Looking at his surroundings Vivia quickly deciphered what been going on during his impromptu nap; Halara being the most responsible out of all of them had unsurprisingly remained glued to their spot by the monitor and was grumbling about someone being an idiot and pressing a big red button that "clearly should have been left alone", while Fubuki and Desuhiko had apparently found a wine cabinet or something similar and had decided to get drunk in the jacuzzi. At least Desuhiko was tipsy, Fubuki on the other hand seemed to be handling the alcohol well and was mostly sober. To him it sounded like they were playing a game of sorts with the movie they were watching where if one of them laughed at the movie they would get splashed. Since Halara seemed like they were too stressed to want anyone near them right now and Vivia wanted to get out of the sun, he decided to join Desuhiko and Fubuki in the jacuzzi. He was caught off guard when Desuhiko spotted him walking over and tossed him a pair of black and purple swim-trunks that he had already pulled out of the bag just in case with a drunken smile and cackled out "There ya go Viv-! Go change and come join us!". Vivia nodded before stalking off to find a bathroom to change in after which he heard Desuhiko boldly call out to Halara "hey Halara how about you stop stressin' over somethin' you cant do anything about and come relax for a bit". He soon returned, joined Desuhiko, Fubuki and surprisingly Halara in the jacuzzi and decided to let himself relax. In listening to Halara muttering into their drink he found out that they had decided to join the fun because the last thing they needed was to give themselves an aneurysm and they had changed into a single-piece swimsuit in the apartments bedroom. The movie that Desuhiko had found buried somewhere in his bag was a comedy movie that was more or less watching what its like to play dungeons and dragons from the perspective of the player-characters and was something they could all enjoy, they were at a part about the main group of characters confronting a small castles worth of french knights who were rather creative in their insults. This would be where both Makoto and Yuma would find all of them drunkenly giggling at the movie and cracking jokes while completely soaked and their makeup smeared before Yuma coursed them back into their normal clothes and dragged them back to the hotel mentioning something about Makoto having work to do.

After the whole ordeal with Yuma and Makoto, and all of what was really going on being revealed to all of Kanai ward, it was time for the detectives to pack up and head home. Desuhiko yawned as he opened the door and entered the Nocturnal detective agency for the last time this trip. He figured that since he didn't find Vivia sleeping under the Piano like usual that morning; the phantom detective had decided to stay the night in the agency for the last night there. Desuhiko walked down the stairs being careful not to stumble and found Vivia exactly where he had expected him; back to being curled up in the fireplace, his suitcase wide open and having only one stack of books half as tall as the suitcase itself, a handful of various travel-size toiletries and literally nothing else. Vivia had evidently gotten cold at some point and stole the blanket off the chiefs bed causing Desuhiko to shake his head as a sad smile crossed his face. "Geez did he even finish packing?" He wondered aloud keeping his voice hushed as he glanced around the room, surprised that he found or rather didn't find anything else that looked like it belonged to Vivia and considering that as far as any of them were aware he opted out of getting a room at the hotel and was technically supposed to be sharing a room with Fubuki since she was the only one who could both afford to and would be willing to pay for a room with two beds; Desuhiko shrugged and guessed that he had finished packing before sitting on the floor beside the fireplace setting his bag opposite him. He knew that Halara and Fubuki would join them once they woke up but didn't feel like waiting for them to wake up to head to the agency, he hadn't actually even had breakfast yet and just grabbed some for himself and Vivia. He sighed as he folded his arms behind his head and waited for Vivia to wake up. It had only been a short while and this water-logged city was already on its way to making a ton of big changes, Desuhiko could just kind of sense it and it felt kind of bitter-sweet. The city was finally improving but most of the people who wanted to see it improve the most had died just before the start, the citizens of Kanai Ward wouldn't need a big shot like him around much longer as a detective or otherwise because they would grow to have their own and finally the big secret about the whole place was out to everyone who needed to know it. He sighed as his thoughts drifted to his main man Yuma, He had noticed when he first entered the sub but now that he thought about it he wasn't surprised that Yuma had already left; this whole trip had been a wild ride of mind fuckery for all of them but especially for him however he knows that Yuma is stronger and more stubborn than he realizes...it doesn't stop him from worrying about him though. "Eh he's a tough kid he'll be fine, shit he was Number One before all of this after all" Desuhiko mutters to himself with a shrug.

After a couple minutes of waiting Desuhiko finally acknowledges his quietly growling stomach with an annoyed grumble and digs the breakfast he had grabbed for himself out of his bag. He ate quietly while debating whether or not he should wake Vivia up or let him keep sleeping. He hummed softly before taking a sip from a vending machine boba-tea he had gotten himself when he heard Vivia speak up from just behind him. "Oh you're here already..." Vivia observed, startling Desuhiko and nearly making him snort boba tea out of his nose "Geez!" Desuhiko exclaimed coughing a little until he regained his breath before continuing "yeah I am...I didn't see you under the piano like usual after I woke up so I figured I'd bring you breakfast" he explained as he pulled what he had snagged for Vivia out of his bag and held it out to him. Desuhiko and Vivia stared at each-other for a bit before, much to Desuhiko's relief; Vivia takes what he had brought for him and starts eating. He would be lying to himself if he denied that he was worried about Vivia and had inadvertently taken over the chiefs position of making sure he had eaten and had something to drink at least once a day and was generally taking care of himself, despite definitely being more pushy about it. Desuhiko had even managed to convince Fubuki and Halara to help him help Vivia, and surprisingly Halara was treating this as a favor between friends. But now the chief was on his mind which brought forth a question, one that had been gnawing at his mind for a bit; "Hey Vivia when you were using your forte while we were stuck in Kanai tower, Did you happen to see the chief?" Desuhiko asked before taking another drink of his tea. He waited while Vivia worked out how to respond and after a moment he answered, "I did...He had more control of himself than most of those in the restricted area...and he was in one of the safer areas of the restricted area when I checked...however it is still to dangerous for anyone who is not properly prepared due to anyone else who may be wandering around...". Desuhiko sighed mildly annoyed "I figured as much but I still got my hopes up...D'you think he'll be alright? We all saw that the zombified homunculi with less control of themselves dont seem to care who they're eating as long as they're eating...".

Vivia thought about Desuhiko's question, on one hand he knew that the chief had his wife looking out for him but on the other the chief did have a tendency to accidentally get himself into trouble much like the rest of them. "I think so...as danger prone as he may be...He has someone special to him looking out for him from the other side..." he finally answers. "Who? Is it the lady from the picture?" He heard Desuhiko guess before taking a bite of a pastry he had gotten himself. Vivia chuckled softly "First try...your powers of deduction are getting better" he jokingly teased. Vivia sighed softly as he thought, should he bring up the medicine that miss Kaguya had so emphatically talked with him about before he explained that he was not able to interact with the physical world while using his forte? He could not use the riddles he was so used to speaking in with Desuhiko, he had to be fairly blunt and plain-spoken with his words. Vivia sighed again before deciding to bring it up, "His wife did mention something rather interesting...She mentioned a medicine she was working on before her assassination...She worked in regenerative medicine and was working on a project that would help heal and regenerate damaged and dead braincells...theoretically it could fix zombified braincells...and if I remember correctly she mentioned something about there being a prototype in her lab within the restricted area...". Desuhiko was giving him that look again...that look of shock and confusion that usually comes after saying or doing something absurd before the disguise detective squeaked out an exasperated response, "Why didn't you mention it sooner?!?". "I wanted to be sure that Makoto would actually go through with his promise to make Kanai ward a better place before trusting him with this information..." Vivia explained his fairly sound reasoning, considering Makoto's part in everything that happened. Vivia had his eyes shut in a slow blink as he lazily attempted to blink away the sleep in his eyes, but he heard Desuhiko's defeated sigh. He had a fair point and Desuhiko knew it, he decided to continue. "-And I knew if I mentioned it sooner, You and Yuma would talk yourselves into ""jail-breaking"" him before taking your safety into consideration...and then Halara would insist on going with to keep you both safe, Fubuki would get taken along just incase...and because you are all dear friends of mine I would end up going along as well..." Vivia explained before shifting around in a small stretch before making a suggestion "If I recall correctly Makoto mentioned something about seeing us off, I'll mention it to him then..." he stated before opening and taking a long sip from the vending machine coffee that Desuhiko had grabbed for him.

The pair fell into semi-comfortable silence while they ate and it wasn't too long before they heard the hatch open and heard Halara and Fubuki coming down the stairs. They all knew Kurumi wanted to see them off and it was decided that they would wait for her to say her goodbyes before heading home, besides it would give them more time to make sure that everything was packed and gave them time to (semi-begrudgingly in halara's case) exchange outside of work contact information so they could keep in touch as friends. They soon said their goodbyes, Vivia held true to his promise and they all departed Kanai ward for their respective homes and next mysteries.

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