#hes been to said cellar before as well heh

[musei-thoughts]

𝘔𝘳. 𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥.

𝙥𝙖𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨: 𝘐𝘬𝘦 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘹 𝘧𝘦𝘮! 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭! 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨: 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘨𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦.

𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘳𝘦: 𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘧𝘧.

𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩: 1492𝘸.

𝙖/𝙣: 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮 𝘴𝘤𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘰 :)

"What's your plan now, Mr. Eveland?" Ike glares at your figure hidden in the shadows. He was tied up to a chair inside a dark cellar.

You didn't even know how things turned out this way. You were just enjoying your evening cuddled up into your comforters while reading angsty fanfics on your phone, next thing you knew, your men informed you of a trespasser in your hideout.

When you saw the greyish blue or pink, or green, or- you know what, whatever his hair color is, when you saw him, you were rather….intrigued.

He was a pretty boi.

Ike kept his mouth shut as he tries to break free from the restraints. He's been trying to rub the ropes together in hopes of wearing it down but it was no use. Your amused chuckle interrupts him, "Oh, those ropes are pretty thick, it'll take you days to pry them off you." You stepped out of the dark, your red stilettos clacking against the cobble floor.

Ike avoided you gaze when he got to look at you. You were….dazzling. Entering the cellar with such an ominous aura and your high and mighty personality gave him the willies.

"This is what you get for trespassing into my lair, Mr. Eveland. You get tied up, get tortured, or worse…be killed." You taunt with an evil glint in your eyes.

He just looked up at you with a troubled face. Heh, you have him wrapped around your finger, all helpless and vulnerable. 'Oh you're so cool and evil, Y/n. With your awesomeness you'll definitely get Nicolas Cage's attention.'

"Oh no, I'm so afraid, whatever will I do." His sarcastic remark cuts you off your little narcissistic monologue. "Well, why don't we start with that "or worse…" that you mentioned. Let's see how bad will you really torture me."

'Cute but sassy? My, my, what an interesting boy we have here…' You thought with an irk mark on your forehead as you smiled at Ike, "Oh, I will….

with this period simulator." Ike's mood for sarcasm immediately disappeared when you brought the device out.

"Wait- oh god, please no! Not that thing!" He screeches, wriggling in his chair. No one, I mean no one looks down at Y/n.

The smirk on your face widens as you placed the patches on his abdomen, watching him struggle before you. "No can do Mr. Eveland, you DID dare me after all."

"I didn't expect you to actually go through with it!"

'Bullsh*t' you turned it on at level 3. "Ahhhhhnnn…"

"So you were looking down on me?" Your fingers played around the controls while Ike quivers on the chair. "Hngggghh…Y-you're insane!"

A fake gasp leaves your lips as you walked up to Ike, "I'M insane?! Who was the one who snuck in a criminal boss lady's hideout?? Pshhh, You're one to talk, Mr. Eveland." You roll your eyes at him.

"I don't have time for this- Gahhhhnnnn~" Ike leans over at the weird sensation being zapped through his body. You stared at him blankly, observing the poor novelist.

'How could he look like this in this situation?'

His flushed cheeks, his long eyelashes adorning his pretty lime eyes, and his disheveled look as he pants in pain. "….hot damn."

His cheeks redden as you admired him, this is so embarrassing; but then another shock was sent and he grunts in pain. "J-Just tell me where Vox is!!!" He yells.

The pain in his abdomen stopped when you turned the device off with a look of disbelief and confusion on your face.

You were like that "…what??" meme when you heard what he said.

"Just…give me Vox…and we'll leave…" He says through each pant.

He was met with silence as he looks up at your unamused face. You sigh, massaging your temples, "Mr. Eveland, If you're going to sneak in to an evil lair make sure you go to the right one."

His face goes pale at your words, "You're not…L/n?"

"I am, but there's two L/ns in the criminal world. I think you're looking for my brother. He's the one who has your monke friend." You showed Ike a cctv footage of Vox tied up in a room, listening to Barney's song.

You checked your wristwatch, "He's been there for five hours. It's impressive that he's not rocking back and forth or convulsing in insanity like the other hostages."

"WE NEED TO GET HIM NOW."

Ike knows Vox, he may not show physicals signs of insanity yet, but boy, when he gets out of there, he'd surely strip himself naked and skip around the park whilst flashing at anything that turns oxygen into carbon dioxide; a.k.a anything that breathes.

Ike looks at you in desperation. To you, you call it: puppy eyes. "What? You want me to help?" He nods cutely. Internally, Ike is cringing, but he needs to take drastic measures to get you on board.

"Fine." Mission accomplished. "I'm doing this just to get B/n back for selling my high school diary at an auction."

That diary was not meant to be read by anything that has a mind that can judge. You're brother majority doesn't use his brain so he has no use for it aside from pranking you by selling it to an auction.

Surprisingly, it sold for ¥69,000. That's like ¥69,000 worth of embarrassing secrets and confessions.

You just have to get him back for this…

"Go grab that cage over there and that sack. There's also some gear in that closet. Prepare yourself Mr. Eveland, we're gonna get your monke friend back."

Prank #1. You sneaked into your brother's bathroom while Ike watch you execute your plan. "Get the bottle in the sack." He hands it to you and you grabbed the shampoo bottle and replaced its contents with the one from your bottle.

"What's that?"

"Hair remover."

Prank #2 You and Ike carried the big cage into your brother's room. Ike felt the strong movement from inside the cage and asks, "Are we seriously going to release the creature inside this into your brother's room?"

"Yes. Don't worry, it's not venomous."

Prank #3 This one is pretty tame (at least to you). Ike watches in horror as you mercilessly pour a whole bottle of powdered laxatives into your brother's coffee grinds.

"I feel bad for that toilet bowl…"

Prank #4 This one is the worst. You took a photo of the collection room before posting it all on ebæ, "Ike, help me pack all these into the box." You snickered to yourself as you imagined your brother's reaction to seeing all his precious My little pony collection sold to an auction.

"Okay. Let's get monke man back."

Ike walks along side you, observing the silly smile on your face. You're actually not that bad. He thought that you were literally a criminal, but recalling all those 'crimes' that you did, they were not entirely harmful or illegal…well some of them may be...

But you never killed someone more or less did anything that threatened somebody's life.

You were just a prankster who got a so called 'criminal hideout' and some followers who probably sided with you about pranking the government.

Ike remembers the 'evil' smile on your face, it wasn't evil at all, it was cute. "I still think that cows work for the government more than birds-" Ike's chuckle cuts you off your rant, making you stop in your tracks.

"Are you laughing at me?"

"No, ma'am." He smiles, stifling his laughter.

"That's what I thought."

You were not evil at all, you're just a cute dork.

Once you got to the room, you kicked the doors open "VSF da!!! BAABBABABABA- eh?"

"I love you, you love me, let's go out and k*ll barney, with a bang, bang, bang, and a slash, slash, slash, no more purple dinosaur."

Vox stared at the purple dinosaur on the TV with killing intent, but continues to sing the wholesome song.

"Vox! Let's get out of here!"

"Give me a second, Michael, let me just finish my song- Hey!" Ike pulls him out of the room and immediately runs out of the house when you heard you brother's shriek.

"OMG GET IT OFF! GET IT OFF!!"

Ike pushed Vox in the car and quickly gets into the driver's seat and quickly drives off. You and Ike shared a look and both bursts out laughing, "He sounded like a valley girl on helium!!"

The three of you enjoyed the car ride back home, enjoying a good laugh and some tunes. Once you arrived at your hideout, he walks you out of his car, "Well, Mr. Eveland, I'll see you around." You saluted at him.

"Why do you always call me Mr. Eveland? Call me Ike."

"I just like the sound of your last name, it's unique."

"Oh…

If you love it that much, then I guess you won't mind being called Mrs. Eveland."

Bonus:

Ike was driving Vox home, a little worried about his companion who was silent the whole ride. Though he didn't question it.

Even if he should've.

Vox just sat there with a smile on his face. Singing a certain song in his mind...

"I love you, you love me, let's go out and k*ll barney, with a bang, bang, bang, and a slash, slash, slash, no more purple dinosaur."

← 𝘗𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 │ 𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 →

[skyward-floored]

Hero of Sages finding his first real sword!

Link rested his head on his arms as he looked out at the grass, taking a moment to look out over his village. The sun was barely risen and most people weren’t up yet, but Link was already dressed and ready to head out, worry and nerves and a tiny bit of excitement clenching in his chest.

“Link?”

Link startled and looked behind him as Russ hobbled up, keeping a hand on the fence as he slowly joined Link’s side.

“Russ! I thought you were asleep,” Link said worriedly, and Russ hummed, leaning heavily on the fence as he looked out at the grass.

“Couldn't sleep. And the healer said I wouldn’t be out of bed for weeks, and I wanted to prove him wrong,” he said with a quiet heh. “‘Sides... I couldn’t keep sitting there replaying everything.”

Link looked down and nodded, and it was quiet between them for a minute. Some birds chirped in a nearby tree, and Link watched them fly around each other before landing on a branch where he couldn’t see them.

“Based on the pouch you have on your belt there, I assume you’re going to find your sisters?” Russ asked finally.

Link nodded determinedly, and Russ sighed, idly rubbing a bandage on his arm.

“I wish I could go with you,” Russ murmured. “...but I can help prepare you a bit at least. C’mon.”

Russ let go of the fence with a groan, and Link moved to support him as they turned back towards the house, Russ directing him around the back.

It wasn’t a long walk, but by the time they got there, Russ had a sheen of sweat on his forehead, and his arm shook where it was slung over Link’s. He didn’t complain though, merely pointed towards the cellar door that was normally locked.

“I’ve got a box in there, in the back. What’s inside should help you with your sisters.”

Link nodded, curiosity piqued, and helped Russ sit down in the grass by the door. Link left him by the wall and went inside, peering around the piles of tools and jars of preserved food. There were a lot of piles of old boxes Link had to figure his way past, and a couple rats that ran by, but he finally reached the back of the cellar.

A simple chest was tucked in the corner, and Link unlatched the lid, burning with curiosity. It opened with a click, and Link gasped as he looked inside.

A sword laid in the chest, carefully wrapped in a cloth.

Link pulled it out in awe, gently pulling the cloth off. It wasn’t very big, but it looked the perfect size for Link, a simple but sturdy hilt, and a nice sharp blade. He admired it for another few moments, then pulled out the sheath that was stored below it, making his way back through the shed. A few rats skittered by his feet again, but Link used his sword to chase them away this time, and made his way outside. Russ opened his eyes as he emerged, and Link held out the sword to show him.

“Oh good, you found it,” Russ said with a faint smile, and Link looked at the sword again.

“This is really for me?” Link asked in disbelief, and Russ nodded, his smile growing a bit.

“I’d been talking to your grandfather about getting you proper sword lessons. I figured you’d need a sword, but... well. Guess you can give it a real test instead,” he said as his smile faded. “I wish I could do more... be careful, Berry.”

“I will. Thank you Russ,” Link said gratefully as he sheathed the blade, and Russ nodded, closing his eyes as Link then helped him up, and back into the house.

“Anything for your sisters.”

[flowerinyourcare]

Reminiscence of the Unfinished Wine - Chapter 10

🍷 September seasonal permanent event; banner characters Shylock, Murr, Bradley; 2022/09/11 - 2022/09/19 JST 🍷

--

Nero: Ahh… It's fantastic… Since this one is so rich, it would pair well with a nice cut of meat.

Faust: It's good, but I usually prefer something a little lighter.

Bacchus: Oh, then I think I have just the thing. Here, a little bit before that year we had…

Shylock: Ah, yes. The wines from that period were delightfully refreshing - I'm quite a fan of them, myself.

Nero: Huh, really? Which one was it? I wanna try a glass too.

Shylock: Here, this is the one.

Nero: Heh. It's the one that's as old as Teach.

Faust: Do you have to keep bringing that up?

Nero: You're the one who said it first…

Shylock: If we look further back, there's most likely some wines that are the same age as Nero. Shall we have it later?

Faust: Oh, good. He won't be left out.

Akira: Drinking wine that's as old as they are… it seems like a nice way to have fun.

Arthur: I agree. I imagine that it's quite a moving experience to taste a wine that has aged alongside you.

Arthur: If it was possible, I would have liked to have found wine from around the time Oz was born…

Akira: (That would make the wine at least 2000 years old…)

Oz: …… This wine is from the year of your birth, Arthur.

Oz: You had asked me to pick out a bottle of wine for you. Even if you cannot drink it now, you can keep it as a souvenir for when the time comes.

Arthur: Yes…! And when that day arrives, I hope you will be there with me, Master Oz.

Murr: Hey, Sage, are you drinking too? I've sampled so many different kinds that I ran out of fingers to count 'em on!

Akira: Um, doesn't that mean you drank a lot? Are you going to be okay?

Murr: It's fiiine! Even if ya run out of fingers, you still have plenty of toes! But isn't the Sage having juice tonight?

Akira: That's right. It's really delicious, so I'm happy I get to have as much as I want. But your drink is wine, right? Which year is it?

Murr: This one! The barrel with the big cross slashed on it!

Akira: Ah.

Immediately, Mr. Bacchus came flying over.

Bacchus: Hey…! Did you drink that wine?! I told you it was a failure!

Murr: How exactly did you fail, though? You won't know until you try it!

Bacchus: Well, yeah, I suppose that's right, but still…!

Murr: Everybody! Have you tried this one yet?

Rutile: Huh? Which one does he have?

Nero: What, is it somethin' super good?

Bacchus: Hey!! Cut it out! Murr, you're unbelievable!!

True to the rumors, Bacchus's wines and juices were all extremely tasty. The wizards all drank heartily, refilling their glasses again and again.

It was fun to compare them and discuss the difference in taste and feeling - even if the opinions only ended up settling on "delicious" and "more delicious".

We were all talking, arguing, and bantering, and before long, the wine cellar had taken on the lively atmosphere of a bar.

Nero: Oi, Brad ...ley. I think you've prob'ly had enough to drink.

Bradley: Don't gimme that. If anythin', go nag at the Southern kid here instead.

Rutile: Bacchus wine is really the best! Every single one is so yummy…! Hey, isn't that right, Mr. Faust?

Arthur: Rutile, you're talking to Master Oz.

Maybe it was because they had been drinking plenty of Bacchus wine, but everyone seemed more cheerful than usual.

At one point, at Arthur's request, Murr and Mr. Bacchus kicked off their shoes and began to demonstrate grape-stomping on the spot.

The two began to sing as they stomped happily on the empty floor. Their voices didn't quite match, and they were making up lyrics on the spot, but just watching it made me feel exhilarated.

Akira: Ahaha, this is so much fun. I think everyone is more drunk than usual.

Shylock: I suppose they are all in the right mood to get pleasantly intoxicated. It must be due to the exceptional taste of today's wine.

As Shylock and I took in the peaceful scene, Bradley approached us with a bottle of wine in hand.

Bradley: Oi, pipe-guy. Yer glass is lookin' way too empty.

Without waiting for Shylock's approval, Bradley took the glass from his hand and poured him some wine. 

Shylock: Are you going to serve me my drink? My, what an honor. …Oh, this wine.

A familiar bottle, with the label removed - Mr. Bacchus had only offered it as an afterthought. Calamity Wine.

Bradley: I still haven't heard your opinion on it.

To be honest, I was curious, too. What would Shylock do with such a troublesome thing - the wine that had fascinated the hearts of many people, and broken the heart of his friend Bacchus?

Shylock brought the glass to his lips and took a sip. Then, he took a few more sips, as though he wanted to be sure. Finally, he opened his mouth.

Shylock: ……It is certainly a beautiful drink.

Shylock: However, I don't think I would like to serve this wine at my own bar.

Akira: …Why not?

Shylock: Because it is too complete. There is no evolution, and no development. 

Shylock: Regardless of the time that has passed, this wine may retain its exact taste.

Shylock: But…

Shylock looked up through the crowd, and watched Bacchus sing.

Shylock: Bacchus wines will change. Every year, without fail, the flavors and aromas will intricately, delicately transform.

Shylock: I love to unravel how his effort, ambition, and affection are reflected in these subtle changes. He doesn't have to say a word, for his wine will do it for him.

Shylock: To allow a life's drama to stain your tongue, though its source is absent… That, I believe, is what it means to taste wine.

Bradley: …I knew you'd say that.

Bradley didn't say anything else, and returned to the group, looking satisfied.

The glass in Shylock's hand was once again empty. This time, he filled it with some sort of Bacchus wine.

Shylock: This is the wine that Bacchus gifted to me earlier.

Shylock: He told me that this was the very first wine he made at this winery. It was one of the few that he stored with magic, preserving it indefinitely.

Akira: That must make it very precious…

Shylock: Indeed, it is a wine to treasure. Bacchus insisted, saying that since I had been willing to give up Bennett wine, he would give me this in return.

The color was rich and beautiful, like liquid rubies. It swirled leisurely against the rounded bottom of the glass.

The depth of its color was astonishing and vivid - although it should have been made a long time ago, it appeared fresh, as if it had just been born.

I could tell, now, that it harbored the single-minded and devoted passion that the creator had for his work.

Shylock: No matter how much time has passed, and how much the world around him has changed, he will continue to make wine. And I will continue to eagerly await it…

Shylock: I'm looking forward to finding out what it will taste like this year. Just the thought of it makes my heart dance.

Shylock lowered his arm, his voice barely a murmur. As if harboring a deep love for a yet-unseen future. As if soaking in the imagined flavor of a treasured fantasy.

After a moment, his long eyelashes fluttered, and he opened his eyes with a smile. He stared at me with eyes more deeply red than even the wine.

Shylock: Sage. Please, toast with me - to celebrate our continued fortune and happiness.

Akira: Yes, of course…!

What will the next wine produced by Mr. Bacchus taste like? What kind of dramatic tale will it tell?

We raised our glasses, each filled with new hope for the old wine.

That shared moment was warm and luxurious. Smiling at each other, we took a sip.

--

Chapter 1 - Chapter 2 - Chapter 3 - Chapter 4 - Chapter 5 - Chapter 6 - Chapter 7 - Chapter 8 - Chapter 9 - Chapter 10

[cloversdreams]

chuuya would, in fact, be interested in seeing poe’s wine cellar

[coweggomelet]

volume 6 lads

from what i remember this one is similar to 4 in that it gives us a bit of an emotional break

don’t get me wrong i know there’s some stuff but i think overall it’s a little less intense

- ahhhh they’re all fighting together againnn it feels so right

- hey. hey yang and blake. i’m gonna need you to stop. cause my little heart can’t take it

- this dude really was challenged once and had a full blown murder tantrum. that’s fragility my guy

- ruby is SO CUTE look at her little happy face

- oh yeah. take a train. you guys have a great track record with trains

- i also keep getting like three versions of the same ad about getting vaccinated and it’s got all these workers from tv & movie sets and it’s so awkward this one guy looks so annoyed during his whole part

- it’s not just the turrets y’all oz is withholding shit once again

- don’t fuckin shove my boy!!

- i love that qrow immediately steps back when ruby comes forward. like he 100% respects not only her authority as a team leader but also her ability to solve situations and talk to people. he knows man. he knows his niece is something else

- MARIAAAAA MY GIRLL YES

- uh oh the train crashed. who could’ve seen that coming

- cinder really is just too angry and spite filled to die isn’t she

- hehe maria you’re funny

- it’s so funny that oz is still refusing to tell them everything knowing that everything is revealed in the next episode

- oh oz. i know he was your friend. but all these kids saw was the insane amount of harm and death he caused. trying to defend him to them is not gonna go well

- oscaarrr i love you!! you’re so good!!

- oooo chills

- uuugghh i love jinn she’s so cool

- oz. my dude. the ship has sailed. you can’t stop this anymore

- this, my friends, is what we call a lore episode

- this whole sequence gives me chills it’s so gooood

- eurgh i hate how the god of darkness moves like i get it it’s part of the aesthetic but you really don’t need to do that it’s creepy

- salem was so smart to use a super powerful sibling rivalry to get what she wanted

- she really didn’t deserve to watch the love of her live just get revived and killed over and over again

- jeez the gods are assholes. they’re all oooohh maintain balance and then they torture a woman who just wanted her husband back by making her live forever. for what??? for daring to be smart?? ugh

- c’mon gods you gotta respect the hustle

- you think that making someone immortal will make them realize the importance of life and death?? idiots

- god her face

- she’s so smart what the FUCK

- “the hearts of men are easily swayed” really reminds me of galadriel’s “the hearts of men are easily corrupted” in lotr

- a couple hundred humans attack them and the god of darkness decides “you know what? i’m gonna eliminate all of humanity. that feels like the right choice. yeah. i feel good about this.”

- the fact that salem wasn’t even like… a real villain until she tried to kill herself in order to escape her torture and suffering and the grimm juice made her Big Mad

- like it wasn’t even her, it was the grimm juice. i really do believe that without that she wouldn’t have become salem the Villain

- i’m sorry i don’t know a ‘deathly hallows’ i only know the relics

- ohhh fuck i forgot about this!!! oh rwby’s totally gonna end with the gods judging humanity when the relics are brought together. maybe not end end but it’s definitely gonna be close to the end and it’ll be a Big Thing where they strategize about how to convince the gods that humanity is good

- obviously the first maidens weren’t their kids but boy is there a theme going on here. and maybe even something plot relevant cause their kids could do magic

- all the main characters being able to witness this and us seeing their reactions is such a good touch like god, the impact of this reality is so much heavier because we get to see the characters actually affected by it react to watching it unfold before them

- ohhh my boy. you didn’t deserve this burden before but now that you know fully what it means you really don’t deserve it. i mean look at him!!!

- oh qrow!!! you are doing good! i mean i get it, your whole world’s been shattered and the man you gave your life to lied to you about a lot of important shit but you are doing good i promise!!

- fuck yeah maria use your sassy wise old lady authority

- oh god emerald you poor thing you’re just a babey— oh god i felt salem’s hand on emerald’s shoulder fuck dude this show is so effective

- truly, this is a master class in manipulation

- uh oh salem your ex is back

- UH OH ITS THE FARM RUN YALL

- i like that weiss is wearing what looks like very thin tights, a strapless dress, a lil jacket thing, and the animators said “here she’s got a scarf she’s warm now”

- ruby didn’t kill torchwood y’all, he got chomped. like a lil bitch

- oh god this episode

- yaaaayyy

- before this episode my friend went “you ready for some horror?” and was grinning

- oh yeeeaaah the corpses. lovely

- god as soon as they opened the door to where the cellar entrance is it immediately started affecting weiss

- oh the DOOR nope no thank you get the fuck OUT

- watching this show with my friend was also the origin of me being sad cause this shit is sad and her going “oh i’m having a great time” and this episode in particular she was enjoying herself WAY TOO MUCH if you ask me

- little jump scares kept getting me and she LAUGHED and said “that got you?!?” YES it DID i’m a WUSS

- oh the journals!!! the way they incorporated that was so interesting and added SUCH good creepiness and suspense without giving it all away or ramping it up too fast

- ruby’s so good i love her!!

- uuugghh it’s getting them already how haven’t they noticed???

- the eyes got me good the first time

- their weird fuckin attitudes were the creepiest part of this episode

- ruby said not my friends you bitches

- mariaaaa i love you you’re so smart

- god when they’re reading from the journal at the very end…

- neo’s so tiny!!

- talk about some girlbosses 

- MARIAAAAA YOURE SUCH A BADASS i love her backstory

- love her outfit too

- OOOO THE FUCKIN CROCODILE CLOCK LADY ooooo this is so cooooool

- the ticking!!!!

- oh maria you poor thing. but also you’re so smart like that was such a good move

- aww haha qrow’s a fan. awww he based his weapon off hers!! we love a fanboy

- “i wanted to be as good as the grimm reaper.” “well, im nothing but a disappointment, so you’re well on your way” DAMN MARIA SAVAGE

- oh nice they made to argus! NOW SHOW ME THE BABY

- “CUTE BOY OZ” me too nora

- THE BAAAABBYYYY

- and jaune’s sister and her wife!! I LOVE THEIR GAY LIL FAMILY

- yang is good with kids. marry me

- YOURE GODDAMN RIGHT THATS A BABY AND I LOVE HIM

- HUN!! god i love saph and terra

- “shut up there’s food!” heh me too ruby

- aahhh cordo

- she and maria are totally exes who had a bad breakup and now they hate each other. a tenzin/lin situation if you will

- jaune… my boy… i know you’re angry but oscar is really trying his best

- “i don’t know anything” me neither ruby

- wait cinder didn’t have her grimm arm yet so how did ruby’s ability trigger?

- uh oh my boy’s missing

- remember when you were having fun being the bad guy emerald. remember that. it’s almost like… it was only fun for you cause cinder was there

- it makes me so sad that not only did emerald actually believe that cinder cared about her, but she actually considered cinder family and her emotional health was so connected to cinder being there

- “all you ever learned was pain and violence and now you’re too afraid to leave it” tyrian excuse me i’m the one with the commentary and analysis that’s rude stay in your lane

- oh god oh fuck. the pyrrha statue is comin up isn’t it

- AH FUCK THE LEAF

- oh there she is. my love

- i still wanna know who this lady is. like she’s even the same voice actor as pyrrha. and she’s got red hair. i don’t think pyrrha ever talked about family members, but my money’s on her mom

- this moment fuckin got me dude. i was doing the full tearing up, lil sniffles, choked up thing. uuuuggghh

- god they love each other so much

- i am NOT gonna cry again

- oh qrow. you poor thing

- THE BABYYYY HI ADRIAN DO YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU

- young man!! you scared us half to death! do you know what time it is??

- his lil outfit i i looovveee hiiimm

- oscarrr!! you’re so sweet!!

- THE CASSEROLE

- FUCK YEAH RUBY TELL HIM

- qrow’s like… damn. ruby’s right

- here we goooo infiltration time

- oh FUCK yeah they kill adam soon

- adrian what a smart babyyyy i love youu

- hehehehehe maria is luggage

- honestly this is such a good plan it just goes to shit cause these kids can’t catch a fuckin break

- y’all need. to stop. looking. at each other. like that.

- qrow stop being emo

- mariaaaa i love youuuu you’re such a great old lady

- uh ohhhh problems with blake

- i would love it if they used qrow’s semblance strategically. like in some sort of heist/infiltration situation, sending him behind enemy lines to fuck up their luck

- ruby’s so good at speeches

- depressed? feeling bad about yourself? feeling emo and riddled with guilt? just get a Ruby Speech(TM) and you'll be cured!

- qrow’s face

- oh yeaaaahhh big metal guy

- cordo

- hey cordo

- are you uh

- maybe takin it a lil too far

- why are so many atlas military people so fuckin intense with maintaining order and big shows of power and controlling other people???

- ADAM YOU BITCH YOURE GONNA DIE

- yeah you’re a source of trauma for her but GUESS WHAT SHE HAS A SUPPORT SYSTEM

- at this point dude it’s real pathetic how obsessed with blake you are

- thank god for auras or falling damage would be a much bigger problem

- cordo can you maybe chill

- weiss earthbended!!

- jaune you’re so smart

- ren said things may be complicated but boy oh boy do i care about that strong lightning lady

- “rightfully in charge??” shut up cordo and go be gay with maria

- noooo her fun coat!!

- oooo Dramatic waterfalls

- YES BITCH IM SO PROUD OF YOU YOUVE LEARNED SO MUCH

- adam i’ll kill you

- YEEEAHHHH WHAT AN ENTRANCE YANG MARRY MEEEE

- aaaaggghh the music holy shit

- i love how the fight scenes progress through the volumes it’s so cool

- the parallels between yang and adam are also really interesting. like their semblances, their tendency to lead with strong emotions. interesting

- ooooo he doesn’t like when they look at each other hehehehehe SHE HAS A GIRLFRIEND NOW BITCH HAHA

- HOLDING HAANDSSS THEYRE SO GAY

- he’s so basic too. like he looks like a frat boy.

- y’all do your jobs. there’s a big water boy coming but you don’t know cause you’re too busy being goddamn bootlickers

- oscar is so smart and ruby is so brave i love themmm

- uh oh cordo it’s a ruby speech watch out

- ya she is nuts

- THEYRE GONNA WIN CAUSE THEYRE IN LOVE

- ya but you’re a bitch adam and yang is fuckin amazing

- I LOVE THIS FIGHTTTT

- yeet the blake

- FUCK YEAH YANG GET HIM

- i fucking love that they killl him with the pieces of blake’s weapon. like there’s something to that. they kill him with the pieces of a thing he destroyed

- if he wasn’t dead enough he got crunched too

- I LOVE THEM

- hahahahaaaaa cordo they got you

- yeah cordo!!! argus is danger cause you were more worried about fucking “proving the might of atlas” or whatever against some teenagers you fool

- ohhhh shiiiittt cinder’s atlas outfit!! they’re going to a super cold snowy place and cinder said you know what i should wear short shorts and a sleeveless top with super tall boots and a lil cape. that’ll work. and she’s right. it does. have i mentioned i love cinder?

- uh oh big boy swims watch out

- cordo shut up this your own fuckin hubris

- god cordo’s desperation is so heartbreaking

- when are people gonna learn to trust ruby and her friends man

- their willingness to keep fighting and risk their lives and also a Ruby Speech(TM) made cordo believe in them which i love

- i love jinn she likes lil ruby and her friends

- hi summerrrr

- cordoooo i’m so proud of you. she gave up part of this insane symbol of atlas’s power to help ruby and her friends. like she put aside her own ego and i’m so proud of her

- fuck yeah!!!

- awww such a good uncle

- damnnn atlas is gorgeous

- even mercury is terrified by salem’s weird grimm shit

- the fuckin wicked witch with her flying gorillas

[dragonrajafanfiction]

Dragon Song

The 3E exam was Toyama’s most difficult day. Afterwards, he always had to do a difficult counseling and comfort session with all the students about their visions. And for some who didn’t make the cut, his sessions would include brainwashing and memory wiping to make them forget everything about Cassell so they could go home and continue their lives, ignorant of everything they experienced here. 

He made his way back to his office and sat behind the desk.

He sighed and cleaned his glasses while he waited. No one ever knew what was going on in there. Only those who were monitoring with the cameras namely EVA. Whatever happened, the medical team was ready to take care of it.

But he felt the muscles in his neck were tense and his heart was beating faster than normal. His analytical brain told him he was worried about Tigre. Even though he told himself it was pointless to worry about him, that his fate was with the College now, he couldn’t stop.

So he spoke to himself in casual calm language. “I think its time to admit, that your care for that boy has gone beyond what is professional.” He slid the glasses onto his nose. 

“You could barely leave him there properly without tears coming right? That’s why you left so abruptly. Right now the test is starting and his dragonblood is waking up. He might attack the students inside once he realizes what he is. And then he has no future. You tried. You did all you could. But it’s possible he was doomed from the start.”

“But the heart will do what it will do. Heh... you’re not immune, Toyoma-kun.” He chuckled to himself. “But you cannot drink. Your students will need you now more than ever. You can go drink later.”

The phone, a traditional rotary, rang loudly in the silence. He picked up. “Toyama speaking.”

The raspy inhale told him who was speaking. Schneider’s voice came over the earpiece, “I can patch you into the feed. I would like you to watch.”

“Watch the boy turn into a monster? I don’t think so...”

“That’s not what’s happening. I’ll send the link to your cell.”

Toyama’s cellphone let up and he cradled the landline against his ear while he clicked the link provided.

The video feed showed the classroom. 

Normally the 3 E was absolute mayhem as each of the students’ minds were lost in the sound, like listening to a favorite song, the mind wandered and the body followed and they were compelled to write down their visionary inscriptions on the paper or on whatever other surface they could find. But what Toyama saw made his jaw drop in shock.

Tigre was singing.

He wasn’t just singing, he was singing with a smile of rapturous joy, tears pouring down his face. He wasn’t writing down his answers, he was singing them, speaking each dragon word in turn. As the dragon verses shifted, he would listen briefly and his eyes closed and he would hold in hands to his chest, his face beaming with joy before belting out a full throated perfect rendition of that Yanling.

Toyama felt his eyes burn and quickly blinked away tears for a moment. Relief washed over him like a flood and his smile started to echo Tigre’s. He felt proud that Tigre was succeeding. He wasn’t just performing well on the test, but he wasn't being violent. Quite the opposite. He was joyous, happier than Toyama had ever seen him.

But then in the next moment Toyama’s blood ran cold.

Dragon language wasn’t just words. They were commands. They could impose a rule upon an area to control the elements. They could command a forest to burn. They could command a storm, a drought, a flood, an earthquake, or lightning. Some abilities were so strong, they would destroy the user. If it wasn’t for the restriction placed on the use of this sacred speech by the College’s alchemical array, Tigre would have joyfully sang out and destroyed the entire college and possibly all of Chicago.

“Dear... God...” Toyama whispered. “Is he a Dragon King?”

“No. If he was, we would have erased him and shoved his body in the Ice Cellar. But he is a hybrid of Dragon King level resonance. He’s different from the other hybrids in other ways too. We’ve run other tests. Nothing about this man is natural... and yet everything is.”

“Is this why you have brought him here? Why you were interested?”

“I’m afraid that’s all I can tell you. We’re still studying. In the meantime, you should probably go out to meet him. He doesn’t have anyone else to talk to.”

Schneider hung up the phone. Toyama was brought back to reality. Yes he did feel fond of Tigre... but he was still a doctor and Tigre was his patient. He would have to carefully maintain his mind so he didn’t go berserk and bring ruin to the college. He stood up and made his way back to the library. When he came back outside, the thunderstorm had intensified. Lightning cut across the sky and thunder roared, as thought the sky itself were cracking apart. The trees swayed heavy in the wind.

----

When Tigre came out of his trance, his throat hurt, his jaw hurt and his face was sticky with tears. He was shaking and exhausted. He wasn’t at his desk any more but standing in the middle of the room. He wanted to see Toyama and tell him that he wasn’t mad at him for leaving him alone. So when he found him waiting outside, he ran up to him and hugged him, babbling uncontrollably all sorts of silly things while Toyama told him to get some rest while stroking his hair. 

He suddenly realized after that that other students were filing out. All the other students looked exhausted and limp. He turned to them with a joyous face, but they all just flinched away from him, looking at him with tear streaked faces. Even Porsche, who seemed vibrant and sassy before, hugged her two sisters while crying uncontrollably. Celeste glared at him accusingly and Tigre flinched away. 

“Don’t mind them. Most people don’t experience joy like yours.” Toyama pulled him away from the other students. “I will have to go help them with their feelings.”

Tigre was confused. Why would anyone be sad about what he’d just heard? “Toyama-san, I saw something amazing. You knew right? You knew what I was!”

“I had no idea exactly what you were.” Toyama said patiently. “No one did. Your vision is one that’s personal to you, something deep in your heart.”

Tigre reached up and touched his chest. “But... I don’t have anything there.”

“Maybe that’s...” Toyama wanted to say ‘for the best’ but he didn’t finish his sentence. “I have to go. You’re a student now, so you’re free to roam about as you like. Stay out of trouble. Okay?”

“Okay...” Tigre said meekly and watched Toyama walk towards the three sisters. Only Celeste wasn’t crying, she only looked extremely angry.

No one was happy, except for him.

He walked out to stare at the pouring rain in the entrance. He looked up at the sky that also seemed to be sad. But why? Those voices in his head were still ringing. He could recite every single word. But he whispered them, staying quiet. He continued to whisper those sacred words into the grey. They were still beautiful in his ears.

“Do you not have an umbrella?” 

His dampened mood rose again! “Chu Zihang!”

Without thinking he hugged the flinching man who just tolerated it. 

Tigre released him quickly. “Oh... I’m sorry.”

“It’s normal to be emotional after this. I’m happy you made it. The results will take a few hours to process, but Schneider sent me to congratulate you. He’s my mentor.” Chu Zihang’s eyes were dark and not the yellow he remembered.

“You wear contacts too.” Tigre realized.

“Yes. Toyama explained?” Chu Zihang raised his umbrella. It was large enough for both of them as they walked. He was calm like a granite stone. Tigre was a raw nerve of emotion.

“Yes. I remembered looking into your eyes and feeling something through them like what I heard today. No wonder I recognized you! You  really are my brother! But for the other students, they were very sad. I don’t... understand why...” He looked back at the Library that was shrouded in the rain.

“You’d have to ask them personally. I can’t speak for them. When my dragonblood awoke, I saw a very disturbing image myself. And then something tragic happened. So that memory is sad for me too.”

“Is that why its raining?” Tigre mumbled.

Zihang tilted his head. “I don’t think emotions can effect the weather. Though many people associate rain with sadness. In truth a tropical wave has been pushed up from the gulf by the jet stream.”

“Oh.” Was all Tigre should say, understanding nothing.

“You’re still shaken up. Let me get you something to eat. You’ll be hungry.” 

"Ah! You’re right! My stomach is growling a lot!” Tigre said in shock.

“You must have resonated very strongly. You were just standing there in the entrance to the library staring into space and now you didn’t realize you were hungry...”

“It was wonderful.” He breathed. “I wish I could listen to it again. I’ll listen to it forever.”

Chu Zihang glanced down at him and didn’t comment.

“Have you been out of the hospital long? Why didn’t you visit me?” Tigre bounced along deliberately splashing in the puddles.

“I was recovering still and then after that, Schneider kept me updated on your progress. I couldn’t visit you because visits were not permitted while you adjusted to life outside of prison.”

“Oh... we’re going to your dorm?” He asked recognizing the residential building. 

“Yes. I want to introduce you to a few of my friends. One of them, Lu Mingfei is also looking forward to seeing you.”

“Oh Okay... neat.”

Chu Zihang opened the door to the dorm and there were many people there! It was like a party! When he saw all these people. He was moved to tears again! He covered his eyes with his arm. “Sorry!”

One of them, a dark haired Chinese boy chuckled. “Don’t worry. Everyone cried at my 3E. You’re fine.”

Chu Zihang introduced him. “This is Lu Mingfei. He’s the president of the Student Union...”

“Kinda sorta... really I just kinda hang out here while other people do things for me.” He said bashfully.

A tall muscular blond grinned. “I’m Finger Von Frings.”

“And I’m Susie. Congratulations. Sounds like you passed.” She was a petite Chinese girl, making her the third Chinese in the group.

“I’m Zero. Pleasure.” Said a soft spoken blond girl with a Russian accent, who looked bored to be there.

“This is for you.” Chu Zihang handed him a small box covered in paper and a ribbon, like one of those Christmas gifts he’d seen in pictures.

“Thank you... can I open it?”

“If you want.” Chu Zihang mumbled.

Tigre pulled the ribbon and then opened the box after carefully shredding the paper. Inside was a brand new tablet computer. “It will be useful for studying.”

“Wow... thank you!” He laughed. Then he paused. “What is it?”

[crystalwillow]

Trouble Follows Me (Promoted as The Principal’s Office)

It was the first day of senior year and the campus of Duke university was bustling with activity as students made their ways to their first lesson of the day. Amongst the thousands of students were 3 people who had stuck together since they were kids, they chatted excitedly as they headed towards class.

“So, Naveen.. you still haven’t told us what you, done over your break.

“Because there is nothing to tell.”

“Come on! You must have done something. Ethan studied and I went on a short road trip with my family. There must have been something you, done outside of meet us last week.”

“Not really.”

“WOW. He’s more boring than me!”

“You’re not boring Ethan.”

The three chuckled as they turned into class, taking three seats at the back. As usual, Ethan sat in the middle and they set their things up on the desk, silencing their phones before putting them in their bags. That was the thing with these 3. They were rebellious in some ways, but they always followed the rules in school about phones. As their lesson dragged on Casey and Naveen started losing concentration, so they started passing notes back and forth behind Ethan’s chair, looking at each other and suppressing their laughter by raising eyebrows at each other. The teacher caught them this time though, and it was Naveen’s fault for snorting loudly at Casey’s response.

“Naveen Banerji and Casey Valentine! Something.. you would like to share with the class. Perhaps?”

“No ma’am. Sorry ma’am.” They said in unison as they flushed bright red. Casey lent down to pick up her pen as she dropped it from getting startled when the teacher shouted their names, Ethan between them, subtly shaking his head as he tried not to laugh at his friends for getting into trouble not even halfway into the first day of senior year. The bell ringing to signal the end of this class couldn’t have come soon enough, Casey packing her things away in a rush and bolting out of the door and towards the girls bathroom. As Naveen walked the hallways, Ethan sighed beside him, muttering something under his breath with a deep frown etched onto his face.

“What’s wrong?”

“Huh? Oh, nothing..”

“I know that look on your face. Something’s bothering you.”

“.... Okay.. I’ll tell you. But you can’t tell anyone about this. Especially the person I’m about to mention.”

Ethan looked around and then moved closer to his friend, pulling him aside to whisper in his ear.

“I kinda like Casey.”

“Kinda? Coulda fooled me.” Naveen said with a raised brow

“Okay fine. I like her. Super like her. But she can’t know! I don’t think she feels the same and I’d rather not have to fear rejection of hearing those words and potentially ruining our friendship.”

“I’m not keeping this a secret from her. Are you crazy?”

“Naveen, please” Ethan pleaded

“Fine. But you owe me a lunch for this.”

“Whatever. Look just please don’t tell her, that’s the worst that could happen.”

“Like I said. I’ll keep your secret, but you owe me a lunch.”

“Thank you, Naveen.”

As the weeks passed by, Ethan told Naveen everything he liked about Casey when she wasn’t around, asking for advice on what he should do. Of course Naveen’s response was always just to ask her on a date, but Ethan was far too nervous for that. One afternoon they were gathered in the campus library, studying for an upcoming test when Ethan excused himself to use the bathroom. As soon as he was gone Casey let out a deep exhale that she wasn’t aware she had been holding in, causing Naveen to frown at her.

“Are you okay Casey?”

“Yeah.. I just have a hard time keeping my cool around Ethan, that’s all.”

“Did something happen whilst I wasn’t present?! You two haven’t had a fight have you?”

“No.. no, nothing like that.”

Casey zoned out and bit her bottom lip with a small smile playing on the corner of her mouth. Naveen give her a look of understanding as things clicked together in his brain. “You like him, don’t you.” he stated, “.. Yeah.. A lot.” She confessed blushing a little, but they didn’t continue the conversation as Ethan re-entered the library, striding confidently back to their table.

“You didn’t carry on without me did you?”

“No. course not. Did we Naveen?”

“N-No. We totally waited for you.”

The three laughed together before carrying on with their studying before heading back to their off-campus apartment to order more takeout for dinner, when they discovered that the had nothing in to cook an actual meal. Once it arrived they settled on the couch with their bowls to watch a movie, Casey naturally cuddled on Ethan’s chest to get comfy. “Is my chest not good enough?” Naveen teased with a small eye roll and Casey just stuck her tongue out at him. A little while later, soft snores sounded from the other side of the couch, glancing over Naveen clocked Ethan and Casey had fallen asleep in each other’s arms, both snoring softly. Retrieving a blanket and pillow for Ethan, Naveen made sure they were comfortable and warm before heading to bed himself.

The next day when they woke up, Casey and Ethan flew apart when they saw they were cuddled up on the couch. Both blushed furiously and they stammered there words for a while before Casey finally calmed herself with a deep breath so she could talk.

“uhh. Sorry I didn’t mean to fall asleep on you. I Uh...”

“No. Um, it’s.. it’s fine. Completely fine in fact. Don’t apologise..”

“No, I should have gone to bed as soon as my eyes started to cl-“

“Oh, good morning you two. We have to leave for class in 10 minutes, um I’d-”

“10 MINUTES? NAVEEN!” Casey and Ethan exclaimed, fighting over the shower and rushing to get their things together. But it didn’t matter that they were rushing, they both took way longer than 10 minutes to get ready and when they arrived they were both written up for their lateness. They were both in a mood with Naveen for the whole day. As they walked home the mood was tense and they walked several paces ahead of their friend, not wanting to talk at all. Even with each other.

“Come on guys! You can’t stay mad at me forever!”

But the two just shared a glance and rolled their eyes as they turned down the street that their apartment block was on. When they walked inside, they immediately headed to their own rooms, shutting their doors, leaving Naveen on the couch alone. As he sat there he started to feel bad for what he had done and decided the only way to make it up to them, and get them all talking again, was to cook them food and try his hardest to get their punishment taken away. The table at dinner carried the same quiet and tense atmosphere as the walk home did. Until finally Naveen spoke up.

“Look. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have just let you two sleep this morning. I should have woken you up in time. But I didn’t want to. You looked peaceful.”

“Peaceful or not Naveen we were LATE. Ethan has never been late to a class ever. You know that!”

“Casey. Leave it.”

“No Ethan, I’m sorry. But I want to know what was going through his head. Truthfully.”

“Well if you want me to lay it out straight. You both like each other so I wanted to see if one of you would wake up before the other and risk giving the one still asleep a kiss.”

“What?!”

“Naveen. You promised not to-”

“...Ethan? Y-You like.. me?”

“I ah.. yes. I suppose I can’t deny it now hey?”

“Awkward....”

“Shut it Naveen.”

After Casey and Ethan had snapped that at their friend and roommate, the rest of dinner passed in silence and Casey took the dishes to wash up in the kitchen. “Okay. If I’m needed I’ll be in my room.” Naveen stated, excusing himself from the table and dining area. Ethan now sat alone with his own thoughts as he chewed on his bottom lip. He was so deep in thought that he didn’t notice Casey pass by and head to the living room, so it startled him when he focused in on her on the couch, reading a book as he passed through to go to his room.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you jump.”

“It’s fine. I was the one zoned out.”

“Yeah..”

“Okay.. I’m going to go and rel-”

“Ethan wait. Could you come and sit with me?”

“I.. ... okay”

Casey placed her bookmark between the pages she was reading and got herself comfy, hugging a pillow as Ethan sat down.

“Do you really... l-like me?”

“I do. Yes. Do you honestly like.. m-me?”

“Mhm. A lot. I have for a while now...”

They sat in an awkward silence for a few seconds fiddling with pillows or their fingers as they each waited for the other to speak up again first.

“Did you w-“

“Will you let me ta-“

“Heh. You go first.”

“Could I take you on a date Casey?”

“I... Yeah. Okay.”

“Cool! .... I mean um. Thank you. Erm, awesome! Uhhhh... Frozen yogurt?”

“uuuhhhh.. sure. Sounds great. When?”

“Tomorrow? After our last class. Or are you busy then?”

“I’m not busy. No”

Casey giggled with a blush and Ethan smiled at her before heading to his room for the night. The next day, which was a Friday, felt like the time was creeping by too slowly as Ethan and Casey waited in their last classes, watching the clock and waiting for the bell to ring so they could leave. They were eager to go on their date. It was all they could talk about the whole way to campus and it sort of drove Naveen insane. Their date went well, and they walked out of the shop holding hands and smiling at each other. Casey ordered a passionfruit and mango flavored froyo, whilst Ethan was boring and stuck with the classic strawberry flavor. They had been dating for two weeks before people actually started to believe it and backed away from Ethan, meaning Casey could let her guard down a bit more on campus grounds.

Currently they were sat in a mathematics class, once again Casey and Naveen lost interest so they started talking about the summer Ethan ended up at the ER with a crab pinching his dick, and sure that was funny, but then Casey started talking about the time they successfully snuck a bottle of alcohol from Naveen’s parents cellar, and the trouble he got in when they found out. As Casey recalled what was said to Naveen that day, Ethan struggled to hold in his laughter. Suddenly Naveen stopped paying attention as the teacher looked in their direction but turned to face Ethan just as he burst out laughing, choking and slamming his fist on the desk at the mental image in his brain. He tried to talk but he couldn’t catch his breath. Unimpressed with the three of them, Their teacher sat at her desk and wrote them each a slip to go and see the principal whilst Ethan collected himself and got up from rolling around on the floor. “Because you three think it’s such a great idea to interrupt my class and other students learning. You can take your things and report to the principal immediately.” their teacher said sternly with annoyance to her tone. Still snickering and talking amongst themselves, they packed their things and then stumbled out of class with their slips in hand.

“Did you see how red this guy went?!”

“Well what did you expect Naveen?! She was imitating what was said to you that day perfectly, but I was trying to focus!”

“Well, hate to break it to ya but, you lost your focus babe.”

“Only because of you.”

“AH! ME?!” Casey shrieked and mocked offence, Ethan grinned at her, wrapping an arm around her waist and kissing her cheek. They reached the principal’s office expecting to get shouted at, but they got off with a warning instead. As Ethan put his hand on the door handle to walk out, the principal cleared his throat.

“I don’t want to see you three here again. You’re bright students. Don’t waste your potential.”

“No sir. We won’t.” Ethan stated.

“We, meaning myself and Casey, will focus more and distract Ethan less.”

“Very well. You may leave.”  

The principal dismissed them with a wave of his hand in the direction of the door, and they left walking the halls to their next classes, which thankfully, were all separate from each other so they would have a chance to collect themselves. The rest of senior year passed by in a blur and soon Naveen, Ethan and Casey stood in their living room wearing their caps and gowns. Casey was helping Ethan with his tie whilst Naveen fussed over his hair and how his hat was going to sit.

“Naveen? You know it’s just a cap right? You’ll probably throw it in the air anyway.”

“Ethan, when will you learn not everyone just runs a brush through their hair and accepts how it sits. Some put time in to styling it.”

Casey chuckled as the two bickered. “There. All done.”

She smoothed Ethan’s tie over and smiled up at him, he lent down and kissed her passionately, smudging her lipstick.

“Alright you two. Get a room!”

“You���re just jealous I’ve bagged the most beautiful woman on the school’s campus.”

“Aw babe.”

They smiled at each other and Naveen made gagging noises jokingly in the background. After a few more smooches, Casey went back to her room and fixed her lipstick, then came back with a makeup wipe to clean it off Ethan’s face, but her jaw dropped, and she scrubbed harder when it seemed as though it wouldn’t budge. “Ouch. That hurts.” He frowned “oh nooo. Ethan... Ethan, it’s stained you!” she gasped with a giggle as she scrubbed trying to get some of it off. A hearty chuckle escaped Ethan’s lips as he covered Casey’s hand with his own, pulling the wipe away from his face. “Just leave it. Everyone will know that I’ve been kissing a pretty girl this morning. There’s no shame here.” Ethan grinned at her and she threw the wipe away, hugging him tight. Naveen finally had his hair and cap sorted and soon it was time for them to head out. At the ceremony, the spirits of every student, teacher and parent in attendance was high. Naveen scanned the field, his eyes landing on his family, they spotted him and waved for him to come over.

“I best go. I’ll meet up with you after?”

“Yeah sure. No worries.” Ethan smiled then stopped Naveen and whispered in his ear. “I need to talk to Casey about something anyway.” Naveen looked at him briefly before catching on and nodding, leaving towards his family with a wave. Ethan took Casey’s hand and they walked for a little while before having to line up.

“I’m sorry your dad couldn’t make it. I know how much both he and this day mean to you.”

“... it’s okay. I have you and Naveen.”

“But that’s not the same as a parents support E.”

“.... Yeah. I know.”

They smiled sadly at each other and stopped walking, Ethan pulled Casey into a hug, resting his chin on her head as he rubbed her back soothingly. “I love you Cass. I love you so much.” Ethan said with a strain of emotion in his voice, and he blinked back some tears. Detecting his sadness, Casey squeezed him tighter in the hug and he returned it and pecked her forehead. Pulling back a little, Casey looked up into his eyes that were still glossed over with tears, and he smiled at her trying to convince her he was okay. But she knew him better than that. He was far from fine. He was hurting. His mother had abandoned the family, his father had got called to an emergency job that paid well so couldn’t afford to turn it down. He had no family there to see him walk and graduate. Of course he had Casey and Naveen, even Naveen’s family was there. Casey’s mom was in the crowd somewhere as well. But none of them were his parents. The people he wanted more than anyone in the world to see him walk, weren’t there and it was killing him. As they neared the stage Casey stopped walking.

“Hey babe?”

“Mmm?”

“How about after this I take you to that diner you like? You can order whatever you like. My treat.”

“... Casey. You’re too good to me. I’d love that. Thank you.”

He smiled at her and squeezed her hand in a grateful gesture. As the ceremony was going on Casey stood waiting to be called when she suddenly came over feeling nauseous. She closed her eyes and breathed in the cool, fresh air to try and calm herself enough to walk across the stage and off again, but it was no use. Opening her eyes she darted for the nearest toilet, flinging the door open and kneeling down just as she puked up her breakfast from this morning. She hadn’t told anyone, but she was extremely nervous about today. After she was sure she was okay, she flushed the toilet, washed her mouth out with some water, and slipped some gum from her pocket, popping a couple of pieces in her mouth to get rid of the smell of throw up from her breath. When Ethan’s name was called, Casey cheered for him with so much love, he couldn’t help the smile that broke out on his face.

“WOOOOO! ETHAN! THAT’S MY BOYFRIEND Y’ALL! I’M PROUD OF YOU BABY! WOOOOO!”

Her clapping was just as enthusiastic as her cheering and suddenly she didn’t feel nervous anymore. If Naveen could walk with confidence, If Ethan could be so happy, then nothing was going to stop her. She had her mother there and Ethan too. Not to forget Naveen. Soon her heart swelled with love and she was close to tears which she blinked back as her name was called. After the ceremony was over, Ethan and Casey hugged Naveen and his family goodbye, then walked to the parking lot with Casey’s mom.

“Oh. I’m so proud of you both!”

“Thanks mom.”

“Yes. Thank you Mrs. Valentine”

“Now sweetie. I’ve told you. Call me Linda, you’re part of the family.”

“I couldn’t disresp-“

“uhp bab bab. That’s far enough young man. I will have none of that talk. I have given you permission to call me by my name.”

“Yes ma’am. I mean.. uh, Linda.”

“There we go. Now, what are you two doing with your spare time?”

“I’m taking Ethan to his favourite diner, to try and cheer him up.”

“Oh? Is something the matter? There hasn’t been a death in your family has there?”

“No! no. .. It’s... It’s stupid.”

“Babe. It’s not stupid. I told you it’s okay to be upset that your father couldn’t make today.”

“I know. But I still feel stupid being upset over it. I’m a grown man.”

“Honey.” Casey pouted up at him.

Silence hung in the air for a few moments after Casey’s mom had left to go home. Casey and Ethan walking on the school field hand in hand. Ethan was thinking over the perfect time to tell her the news he had been sitting on for a few weeks. He could finally tell her where he’s been sneaking off to and see the reaction on her face. Now he was the one who was suddenly nervous. He stopped walking and when Casey looked at him with curiosity, motioned for her to sit on the grass with him. They sat down and Casey cuddled Ethan’s head close to her chest, running her fingers gently through his smooth hair. He was getting ready to speak when a shadow cast over them where it blocked the sun and a high-pitched voice sounded.

“Aww look how cute! Casey’s cuddling Ethan. I didn’t know you were such a bottom, I always saw you as a dominant top myself.”

Casey rolled her eyes and continued stroking Ethan’s hair as he closed his eyes, choosing to ignore the woman standing over them as well.

“Uh hello? I’m talking to you sad sacks.”

“Did you hear something babe?”

“hm? What was that? I’m enjoying you stroking my hair and giving me warm hugs.”

“HELLO LOSER AND THE HOTTIE WHO CHOSE TO DATE THE LOSER WHEN HE COULD HAVE HAD ME. I’M TALKING.”

“I said did you hear something?”

“Oh. I heard a screech. I just assumed it was the birds. I’m enjoying your heartbeat better though. So if they could shoo, It’d be great.”

Ethan opened an eye and grinned at Casey who grinned back then lent forwards and kissed his lips

“Love you.”

“Love you too, honey bunch.”

Rolling her eyes, the girl who stood over them stomped off angrily mumbling to herself about how losers always get the hot guys, and people like her get stuck with not hot guys and it isn’t fair. As they sat on the grass they couldn’t help but laugh at the woman as she stalked off further and further, but you could still hear her shrill voice as she shouted at people to get out of her way. Ethan was so relaxed by Casey’s touch that he fell asleep in her lap, and even though the ceremony was well and truly over by now, Casey stayed sitting still for about another hour before she gently started to wake him up.

“Hey... Ethan.. honey?”

“mmm. just a little longer.”

“Baby... we need to go now. I promised you that diner and we’re still on the campus field”

Groaning and opening his eyes groggily, Ethan’s eyes found Casey’s looking at him with happiness and love, he managed a small, tired smile as she interlocked their fingers. Once he was fully awake, Ethan sat up and stretched, Casey doing the same. He then got up and held a hand out for her to take. She held it with a smile and pulled herself up and hugged him. “Let’s go.” Casey smiled and Ethan nodded in agreement. Together they made their way back to the apartment they shared with Naveen to change. But once they reached the door they didn’t need to open it to know that Naveen had returned before them and had someone in there with him as they heard raised voices come from inside.

“NO. BECAUSE I TOLD YOU JESSICA. ETHAN ISN’T YOURS AND NEVER WILL BE.”

“BUT HE DESERVES BETTER THAN THAT STUPID BLONDE BARBIE BITCH, YOU CALL YOUR FRIEND!”

“STUPI- THAT’S IT. YOU’VE CROSSED A LINE. GET OUT!”

“NO. YOU PROMISED ME YOU’D BREAK THEM UP AND ETHAN WOULD BE MINE BY TODAY. BUT HE’S NOT.”

“I NEVER PROMISED YOU ANYTHING. I IGNORED YOU FOR WEEKS. MONTHS EVEN. YOU’VE BEEN WANTING TO SINK YOUR POORLY MANICURED HANDS IN HIM SINCE FRESHMAN YEAR AND I WON’T ALLOW IT TO HAPPEN. HE LOVES CASEY AND CASEY LOVES HIM BACK JUST AS MUCH. SO GET OUT OF MY APARTMENT AND NEVER COME BACK!”

“NO! AND YOU KNOW WHY? BECAUSE INNOCENT LITTLE ETHAN RAMSEY IS SITTING ON A SECRET.”

“W-WHAT?”

“OH YES. HE KISSED ME THREE WEEKS AGO. RIGHT BY HIS LOCKER AS HE WAS GETTING SOME BOOKS! I WAS PASSING BY AND HE GRABBED MY SHIRT AND KISSED ME.”

“Y-YOU.. YOU’RE LYING. HE WOULD NEVER DO THAT TO CASEY.”

The shouting continued but Casey had heard enough, she pulled her hand out of Ethan’s and ran from the apartment. She ran as far as her legs would carry her before stopping and sitting on a park bench, breathing deeply and crying from what she had just heard. She was heartbroken, the man she had loved for years, the man she had been dating for only a few short months... he’d cheated on her. She didn’t know if they had done more because she ran off before she could hear anything else. Meanwhile back at the apartment, Ethan had took his key out and angrily slammed the front door open and stormed through to the kitchen. He glared daggers at Jessica before grabbing her arm and throwing her outside and slamming the door in her face. As he stormed back through the kitchen and into the living room, Naveen followed him.

“Ethan I-“

“Forget it, Naveen. I’m pretty sure the damage is done. I’ve probably just lost the greatest thing to have ever happened to me.”

“Didi you actually..”

“What?! No! Are you stupid? Do you actually think I would even go anywhere near a plastic, fake ass, basic bitch like her?!”

“Of course not. It’s just-”

“It’s just nothing Naveen. Casey’s run off. Jessica won’t fix anything. I’ve got an apartment near the hospital me and Casey were going to be doing our intern years at that I’m probably moving into alone now. And... and a broken fucking heart.”

Ethan breathed heavily as he spoke before eventually breaking down and covering his face with a pillow, to hide his tears from Naveen. “Ethan... you don’t have to hide your tears from me. You’re my best mate, and you’re hurt... Let me be here for you okay?” Naveen said softly as he sat next to him. Ethan removed the pillow and looked at Naveen, he was beyond broken and his eyes were full of pain. Naveen scooped Ethan into a hug, and together the two men cried until Ethan fell asleep from exhaustion. Naveen laid him on the couch, giving him a blanket before going to clear up the kitchen, and write down a takeout order for dinner. By the time Casey returned to the apartment it was dark out, and she wasn’t her usual self. She stumbled through the door, way too “happy” for Naveen’s liking.

“Casey? Is that you?”

“Oh look! It’s lil Navvy boy! Yo! Wassup homeboy!”

“Uhhh, Case...”

“Huuuuussshhhh. It’s okay. It’s okaaaaaaaaaaay. You’re a strong womaaaaannn. You don’t neeeeeeed a man.”

“Um Casey... I’m a man. And I don’t have a girlfriend. Nor a boyfriend. So what they hell are you on about”

“Of course you do! You’re hella att-traaactive. You could have... aaaanyone.”

By now it was becoming clear to Naveen that Casey was drunk, he sighed and continued talking to her, trying to get her to sit down and drink some water, but she wasn’t having any of it and started to move towards her bedroom.

“You’re noooooo fuuuuun Nav. You need to-”

“Casey!”

...

[bastardsonofday]

Hello! acourtofliarsandexiles’ main here. If you’re still taking fic requests, I’d love to see your take on the band of exiles dynamic— maybe them spending solstice together in ACOFAS? I love your writing so much!

Heya! Sorry this is a little late, I had to reread ACoFaS (cuz I yknow blocked it out of my mind, so i reread and was completely horrified all over again at how everyone treats Lucien so this is me fucking venting, sorry. If you like my other vent fics go read my Bingo Prompts series, I fucking Go Off in some of those)

no editing we die lik emen

its gonna be sad, fair warning, also i couldn’t not write it after you asked so nicely :D

___________________________________

“Are you drunk?” Jurian asked, eyes narrowed as Lucien stumbled into his arms.

What a sorry state Lucien was in. Lucien snorted. Jurian’s arms were warm and strong. He smelled of apples and cardamon. Flavors of Lucien’s home.

His first home. Before he was run out, and then there had been his second home, and then the place he’d stayed for a little bit that one might call his third. But none of them had really been home, not really. Not since Jes had died, but with Jurian and Vassa, two people displaced from their homes and times… perhaps he might have one.

And now they were seeing him drunk and depressed. Lucien giggled against Jurian’s chest. He’d better close off his heart now before they decided he wasn’t good enough for them either. “I like you a lot,” his mouth mumbled before he could stop it. Fuck, screwed it up already.

“Ohhhkay… Vassa? A little help here?” Jurian shouted over his shoulder. He stumbled under Lucien’s weight.

“What?” Vassa called as she thudded down the stairs to the entrance of their manor. Vassa never walked, she always stomped. Everywhere she went, you always knew, no matter how happy or sad she was. Lucien loved that about her. How frankly honest she was. It was such a nice reprieve from all the lies. Vassa appeared in a whirl of bright red fabric. She always appeared like a cyclone, blurring everything in her path. A haze of red, a gorgeous cleansing red that burned every pain of Amarantha from Lucien’s mind. Every tiny feeling of hatred he felt when he looked at himself in the mirror, watching those strands of red fall into his gaze. “What fucking happened?”

He loved them so much, it was going to hurt when they kicked him out.

“You’re so nice…” Lucien mumbled to Jurian. Because he was. Now that he wasn’t still the reason Lucien was being tortured for years. He patted Jurian’s face, smiling. “And you have soft skin… and warm...”

“Vassa!” Jurian shouted again. Vassa stormed down the steps.

Lucien winced. “Why’re you so loud?” he grumbled.

“What the fuck, Lucien?” Vassa snarled. Heh, he liked when she was mad. She was fun when she was fiery. Her swearing up a storm made him grin.

“Vassa! You’re so mean! Thank you!”

Vassa coughed and waved a hand in front of her face. She swore and Lucien smiled. “Did he drink a distillery?”

“No,” Lucien said defensively before thinking about it for a moment. Did it count? “Well,” Lucien burped. “Excuuse me. I drank Tammy’s wine cellar. Very di-hic!-different.”

Jurian rolled his eyes. “So, your meeting at the Night Court didn’t go well?”

“Of course it went well! That’s why I’m fucking wasted and all alone.” Lucien snorted. He should just clean his things out now, after Tamlin dropped them all over the fucking threshold.

“You’re not alone,” Vassa snapped. She shifted her weight, and hiked Lucien up on her shoulder. “The couch.” Vassa said to Jurian. Jurian nodded and together they got over to couch and huffed as they dropped Lucien onto the couch. “Did you at least save any for us?” Vassa grumbled.

Lucien sighed sadly. “No, all gone.”

Jurian snorted and Vassa kicked him. “What happened, Lucien?”

“You know, they want me to work for them?” Lucien slurred, spitting at he did.

“You already do work for the Night Court.”

“That’s what I said! But, noooo Lucien, doesn’t count Lucien, why don’t you give up on Elain Lucien? Where have you been, Lucien? Fucking-” Lucien let out a few swear words he’d learned from Vassa.

Jurian leaned over Lucien’s head and whispered to Vassa, “you’re a terrible influence,” to which Vassa grinned.

“After all I’ve done for them! Sometimes I can’t tell if they want me to mate Elain or not! I’m giving her space. I have an apartment. I spend a fourth of my time in the gods-damned Night Court. I’m fucking sorry I’m busy making sure my best-” Lucien’s voice cut off before he could start crying. Something caught in his throat and he coughed until he could breathe again without tears streaming down his face.

“Hey, Lucien, hey. Look at me, everything’s going to be okay. They’re pricks, okay? But we’re here for you.” Vassa’s voice was low but riddled with sharp consonants and tense vowels. Lucien kept her hands intertwined with his. Her hands were so soft. With her curse she was a prize, a toy. She spent all day sleeping and doing nothing, and her hands had become soft for it. Her whole body had gone soft. Lucien closed his eyes and smelled her. She smelled like petrichor and smoke. Mother above he loved that smell.

When the hammer fell, where would he go? Who would he go to? Maybe Kallias. Kallias liked him enough, Lucien supposed. He’d have to find someone who liked him enough to let him stay one day.

“Please don’t send me away,” Lucien whispered. Tears welled up behind his eyes.

“Hey, hey. Never! Okay?” Vassa whispered back, holding him close. Tears dripped down Lucien’s face. She brushed them away with her beautiful soft hands. Everything beautiful that Lucien ever had always disappeared, was stolen, burned away.

Jurian was on his other side, kissing his forehead. “Band of Exiles, right? Together forever, even when no one else wants us.”

“I just want… I want someone who wants me because they like me,” Lucien mumbled through his tears.

“I can’t have this conversation sober,” Vassa snapped. She stood, turned in her flurry of skirts, pressed a peck to Lucien’s cheek and promised: “I’ll be right back,” before going off in search of some booze.

“So,” Jurian said softly as he rubbed Lucien’s back. Once Lucien got all of his tears out, Vassa had returned with more to drink. “Didn’t go well?”

“Tamlin hates me, but what’s new about that?” Lucien said. Vassa tossed a bottle to Jurian and upended hers into her mouth as they listened. Lucien wiped at his nose. A good cry always did him some good. “Its fucking because of Rhys. The asshole. He went to Tamlin. Fucking lit a spark, fucked with his pride, you know? Do they understand what he is? What he could do?” Lucien rubbed at his face tiredly.  “With him not on the Spring throne, the Mortal Lands will be open to anyone. Tamlin is the second most powerful fucking High Lord in all of Prythian, even if he’s suicidal.” Lucien took the bottle from Jurian’s hands (because Vassa would have bitten off his if he’d tried). “And they fucking want him dead. They’ll need him.”

“They’ll need you, too,” Jurian said.

“No they won’t. They have Az-”

“And who’s telling Azriel about the discontent in the Mortal Lands?” Vassa snarled, managing not to slip a single ‘fuck’ into her sentences.

“Yeah, well. Not fucking enough, apparently.”

“Or didn’t you know?” Jurian said sarcastically, “you owe everything to Feyre Archeron.”

“Ex-fucking-actly.” Lucien rolled his eyes, leaning more into Jurian’s side. He closed them. “I’m sorry, this isn’t festive,” he mumbled.

“Hey, it’s your holiday, love,” Vassa said, stretching.

“Why don’t we make a new tradition, huh? We’re practically our own… what do you call them, Lucien? Court? We’re practically our own Court these days, let’s give ourselves our own tradition.” Jurian said, passing his bottle to Vassa when she snapped her fingers.

“Of what?” Lucien asked, taking another swing. “Getting absolutely fucking hammered?”

“Not a bad fucking tradition to me,” Vassa mumbled. “’Sides, as long as I’m cursed, getting drunk, setting things on fire, and looking pretty is about all I can do.”

“What a trio we make,” Jurian said.

Lucien burbled out a laugh. “I don’t know you two. I like getting drunk.”

Jurian rolled his eyes. “Oh, is this the company I’ve fallen into?” He said to the skies. Then, before Lucien could take it the wrong way he added, “Not that it isn’t lovely.”

Vassa laughed. “That’s what everyone says about us. Lovely.”

“Lovely,” Lucien agreed, snickering.

“The Lovely Band of fucking Exiles,” Jurian said.

They clinked bottles.

“Lucien?” Vassa asked.

“Yeah?” Lucien asked. Their voices like honey in his ears.

“Please don’t leave us,” Jurian whispered.

“Never.” Lucien’s tongue felt heavy. He yawned. “Never, ever, ever.”

Lucien must have been drunk. Wasted. Shnockered. He hadn’t believed that anyone would want him to stay, not in years. So, he had to have not heard them correctly when they whispered, their breaths thick with alcohol, tickling the little hairs on his neck: “Lucien, we love you.”

He loved them too. Their bodies were warm, and he could feel himself drifting off to sleep. His hold on wakefulness tenuous. His last coherent thought before disappearing into the nothingness of sleep, was that despite all of the shitty things he’d gone through in the past two days, between Spring Court and Night Court, there was nowhere he’d rather be than between two people who loved him for him, who wanted him to stay. He was warm, loved, and asleep. Maybe not such a bad new tradition, after all.

[scaryscarecrows]

Melt

Dove hates this house. It’s big and old and she’s getting flashbacks to every scary movie she saw as a little girl. Doesn’t help that a shit-ton of people have died in it. And she’s willing to swear, on a stack of bibles, that the painting at the foot of the stairs is one of those Scooby-Doo ones that watches you when you’re not looking.

BONG! BONG! BONG!

Yeah, and the big-ass clock downstairs is noisy as hell. That’s not conducive to sleeping, which means she has to pile on the makeup because the mayor’s paperwork girl can’t look anything less than flawless.

She rolls over on the too-soft bed and shudders when her leg hits a cold spot. God, it’s three in the morning and she hasn’t even dozed…

She needs a glass of water, that’s why. She’s needed it for hours now, but she’s too scared to go downstairs. Which is silly, because one, there’s no such things as ghosts and two, it’s the mayor’s house. And Gotham’s crime boss’s house. This is probably one of the most well-protected houses in the city.

Okay. She’ll go, she’ll go, she’ll go. She can do this.

She turns on the lamp, shuffles her feet into her slippers and pulls her robe around her shoulders. Straight downstairs, get a water, and then to bed.

Because her life is either a Gothic novel or a soap opera, the first really nasty thunderstorm of the fall is here, lightning illuminating the hall at random intervals. Cobblepot lined this hall with plush carpeting, because they all sleep up here, and now she wishes he hadn’t. She’d never hear someone coming up behind her oh god there’s someone there now she can feel it--

She whirls, flashlight beam swinging wildly, and sees nothing but an old suit of armor. Right. Heh.

The stairs are no better. They creak, yes, but they also curve heavily. One could look up and see someone above them. Not to mention that at some point in this house’s history, one of the servant girls was hurled to her death from here. Olga says you can hear a reenactment of the murder some nights, but Dove’s like ninety percent certain Olga’s just fucking with them.

Okay, eighty-five percent certain.

She scurries down the stairs a little faster than is probably safe and flips off the Scooby-Doo picture, just in case. Ah! Kitchen.

She knows what went down in here, what exactly has been cooked in that oven, but as horrid as that is, it’s Gotham. Weird shit happens in Gotham. Which is why no band in their right mind ever comes here on tour.

She’s filling a glass when a flash of lightning hits and for a second-just a second-she sees someone.

Her first thought is that it’s Cobblepot. He doesn’t sleep much anymore, not since Ed went away. But Cobblepot’s got a hunch to him now, even without his cane, and whoever was there didn’t.

One of her co-workers?

She turns her light over and sees nothing. Probably not, then. In this house, you greet. It’s a safety thing.

The one night I get brave is the one night we get a burglar!

The rain suddenly seems very loud, more than loud enough to drown out footsteps.

Silently thanking Cobblepot’s paranoia, she reaches under the butcher’s block and slides the gun out of its holster. She is not going to be murdered for coming down for a glass of water!

After checking the gun for bullets and finishing her water, she inches over to the doorway and pokes her head out. Cobblepot must be down here, anyway-the light’s on in his study. Maybe it was one of her co-workers and they just didn’t see her. It happens.

Yeah, that’s all it was. She’ll just go check.

She tiptoes towards the light and pokes her head in. No one. Well, Cobblepot; he’s conked out on the sofa, cell phone clutched in his hand. She’ll just leave him there. It’s safer than startling him and getting stabbed by accident. Or on purpose. Who knows.

She turns around and comes face-to-face with-HOLY SHIT.

That’s van Dahl, that’s Cobblepot’s long-murdered dad, shit-shit-shit--

Okay, so she doesn’t mean to shoot him in the face. But it doesn’t hurt him. Doesn’t go through him like smoke, either; it goes through him like clay and for a second his face flickers before reforming.

“Oh my God--”

He hisses at her and staggers forward before…melting. Literally, just drips down through the floorboards.

“What is going on?” Cobblepot sounds tired and pissed. That’s bad. “Miss Marquis, what are you doing down here?”

“Th-there was a man, or a…a thing, anyway, it was there, I shot it-” It’s best not to mention that it looked like his father. Shooting his dad is not getting her brownie points. “And it…it went through the floorboards.”

Cobblepot raises an eyebrow and hobbles towards her.

“Are you sleepwalking.”

“No! Look.” She points the flashlight at the bullet, embedded as it is in the floorboards with…

Huh. That actually does look like clay stuck to the tip. What the fuck is in the house?

“What is that.”

“He went through the floorboards, he just--”

“So he’s in the wine cellar.”

“Maybe?”

“Then let’s go down there.”

“I don’t want to.”

“I didn’t ask.”

The shot’s brought Gabe downstairs, shotgun in hand.

“Boss! Boss, you okay?”

“We may or may not have an intruder,” Cobblepot says drolly. “Miss Marquis swears someone went through the floorboards. We’re going down to see.”

“He did--”

“Come along.”

Oh, it’s all very well for him to be brave. He didn’t see it.

Fuck him…fuck this…I JUST WANTED WATER.

They shuffle towards the door that leads to the wine cellar. It’s probably gone now. If it can go through floorboards, it can get out through a vent or something. And back in through a vent or something, it’s probably going to come after her for shooting it shit--

Gabe opens the door. It creaks and Cobblepot mutters something about oiling the damn hinges.

It’s dark down there. And cold. And it smells like cold stones. She wonders how far she can run before Gabe catches her and brings her back to Cobblepot.

“Boss?”

“Down we go.”

The stairs creak something awful, but that’s the only sound. She can barely hear the rain down here. Gabe flicks the light switch and the room is bathed in soft light. Dove hates it down here; a little too Cask of Amontillado for her liking. And she’s not at all sure that new-ish looking wall doesn’t have a skeleton behind it.

“There’s no one here,” Cobblepot says smugly. “I suspect you were sleepwalking--”

Then the power goes out.

There’s a panicked rush (Cobblepot will insist it’s not panic, but she calls bullshit) to get out of the cellar, but the lights don’t stay out for long.

“See--”

“Did you not notice the thunderstorm, Miss Marquis?” Cobblepot snaps. “There was a surge. Now kindly try not to shoot my floor again--”

SLAM!

They all jump and Gabe books it to the front door. Dove glances at the open cellar door and nudges it shut. No need for someone to trip and fall down the stairs, after all.

Gabe returns soon enough, shaking his head and looking decidedly unnerved.

“No one, boss, but the door was unlocked.”

Hah! She said so! She said there was someone here!

“Wake everyone up. I want a thorough search of the house and grounds. Miss Marquis, come with me.”

Gabe runs upstairs and she follows Cobblepot back to his study. He settles back onto the couch and checks his phone. Judging by his expression, no one’s called.

“Tell me what happened. Leave nothing out.”

She didn’t get a good look at the thing’s face, she decides. It was dark. That’s her story and she’s sticking to it.

“I came down for a glass of water…”

THE END

[tournesolia]

Chaos Lineage Yuma Chapter 14 Translation

Place : Dungeon

Reiji : You're trapped like a rat. This escape game is over

Yuma : Guh... Reiji... !

Yui : (Reiji-san and the others are right at the entrance of the dungeon. We can't escape...!)

Reiji : It seems you were instigating the other houses' escape, as expected. Are you aiming for my neck ?

Yuma : You're wrong ! I'm not gonna compete with anyone. It has nothing to do with that supreme ruler stuff !

Reiji : Then do you mind explaining why you abducted Eve and hid ? As well as why you tried to help the other families escape just now ?

If it wasn't to oppose me, what on earth is your purpose ?

Yui : There's no point in turning against each other in the first place ! Your memories went all over the place...

We just want all of you to return back to your original selves !

Shu : … Don't speak

Yui : But... !

(My words won't reach them after all...!)

Reiji : Yuma, I will give you one last chance

Confess everything you have done until now. What kind of agreement did you make with the other houses ?

Yuma : We haven't made any agreements ! I just wanted to save Ruki and the others !

Ruki : … !

Yuma : I'll make you guys wake up and remember who you really are !

Reiji : … What a pity. You only say nonsense at the last moment

It seems I have no choice but to discard the unusable piece. Prepare yourself, Yuma

Yui : (Ruki-kun, Reiji-san, Shu-san... We won't reach them with only words)

(Then what should we do ? What will shake everyone's memories...!?)

Kino : You know, Reiji, Yuma just had a sudden impulse. How about forgiving him ?

Yui : Kino-san... ?

(For him to say such a thing... Is he planning to do something this time !?)

Reiji : Forgiving a traitor ? I can't afford to make such a foolish decision

Kino : But even you don't want to lose one of your brothers, right ?

Reiji : …

Kino : Then it's decided. Let us just give Yuma punishment in order to urge him to reflect on his past conduct

Yuma is the type to master something through experience so he will understand if we give him a painful time. For example... Like this !

*Kino throws a knife at Yuma

Yuma : Guh... !?

Yui : Yuma-kun !

(He threw a knife at him !? His arm is bleeding...!)

Kino : Don't move. Because if you avoid, it will hit the prisoners

Yuma : … Kino, you bastard... !

Kino : I'm saying this for your sake, you know ? If you come back to us, you won't end up dead

If you properly say sorry and swear your loyalty, you will be forgiven

Yui : That's unreasonable !

Kino : … How noisy. Be quiet. If you scream so much, I will hurt you without killing you, no matter if you're Eve or not

Yuma : Stop ! Don't hurt her !

Yui : Yuma-kun...

Yuma : I get it. I accept my punishment. So don't lay a hand on the others

Kino : Hmm... You'll obey ?

Yuma : Yeah. But I don't believe any of my choices were wrong

I'm absolutely not gonna bend over

Yui : Yuma-kun, no ! If you do that... !

Yuma : Don't worry. Step back since it's gonna be dangerous

Yui : (No way...)

Choice 1 : Watch (white roses)

Yui : … I understand. But don't do anything reckless, please

Yuma : Alright. I won't make you worry anymore

Just watch. As long as you're here, I won't die

'Cause I can't show you my miserable state

Yui : … Okay

Choice 2 : Object (black roses)

Yui : That's dangerous ! Kino-san may seriously intend to kill you !

Yuma : There are still times where I have to do it... You have to understand

I'm not gonna drop dead easily. I want you to not act foolish and just watch

Because I'll definitely figure something out

Yui : … Alright...

– End of choices

Kino : It seems we came to an agreement. You don't have any complaints either, Reiji ?

Reiji : … I don't think he will feel any remorse no matter the degree of punishment

Kino : It will be fine, I'll properly make Yuma reconsider. Okay ?

Reiji : … Understood. Do as you please

Kino : Hehe, I'm glad you gave me permission, big brother Reiji

Well then, let's start. But don't move, okay ? Or else I may hit your vital spots !

*Kino throws a knife at Yuma

Yuma : Guh... !

Kino : Aiming only at your arms is boring, shall I go for the legs next ?

*Kino throws another knife at Yuma

Yuma : … ! Kch... Uh... !

Yui : Yuma-kun... !

Kou : H-Hey... wait... It started ?

Azusa : Y-Yeah... But we can't... do anything... but just watch...

Shin : For a show, that's of bad taste. That's why those guys from the lower house are disgusting. Right, big brother ?

… Big brother ? What's the matter ?

*Kino keeps throwing knifes at Yuma

Yuma : Gaaaah... !

Kino : You still haven't reflected on your actions, huh ? You're firmly resistant, Yuma

Azusa : … Ah... No, no more... !

Yuma : Shut up... !

*Kino throws a knife at Yuma

Yuma : Guuh !?

Yui : Yuma-kun !!

(At this rate, Yuma-kun will...!)

Ruki : … Hey

Yui : Eh... ? Ruki-k--

(!? He covered my mouth ? He's pulling me, I can't move...!)

Ruki : Don't speak. Listen quietly to what I say

Yui : (…!)

Yuma : Guh... Uuh...

*Yuma falls

Kino : You collapsed. Have you reflected on your actions ? It was a mistake to steal Eve from Reiji in the first place

If you haven’t done that, you wouldn't have ended up suffering

Yuma : … up...

Kino : Hm ? What ?

Yuma : I said shut up... I haven't done anything weird...

I won't hand Yui over to anyone ! Even at the risk of my life !!

Kino : … Are you still saying that ? How boring

Yuma : Hey, Reiji... Are you satisfied with that... ?

You wanna drop everything just to become the supreme ruler... ? You wanna stand above people that much ?

Reiji : As the eldest son, I have to reign above everything, regardless of my will

That is my mission. Nothing more, nothing less

Yuma : Hah... What's that ? Aren't you just manipulated by your own position... ?

I've seen a lot of rotten guys... They all weren't any good !

Reiji : … !

Yuma : Same to you, Shu... ! Are you gonna be carried away ? That's not like the real you !

Shu : … Yuma

Yuma : Every last one of you can't get out of that thing implanted in you

You weren't those kind of guys, you know !? Cut it out and remember yourselves !

Reiji : … Myself...

Kino : There's no need to listen to him. He's far from feeling remorse, he's only talking nonsense. It seems he's already broken

He's pitiful, so... I'll dispose of him right here

Yuma : Why you... !

Reiji : … ! Please wait !

Kino : Goodbye, Yuma

*blackscreen

Yuma : … !!

… Hah ? It doesn't hurt... ?

Reiji : … How did you... ?

Kino : Wha... You're supposed to be in jail, how did you... !?

*Yuma opens his eyes

Yuma : … Ruki... ?

… ! Your hand... !

Ruki : This is nothing compared to your amount of pain

I always said you were too excessive... Yuma

Yuma : … Ha... ? Hey, don't tell me you... ?

Ruki : It seems you have given my brother a horrid discipline. Allow me to return the favor

Kino : Tch... !

Yuma : You regained your memories... ? But how... ?

Yui : Yuma-kun !

I'm sorry, it took me time to unlock the cellars... I'll treat your wounds immediately !

Yuma : Unlock... ? What do you mean ?

Yui : I secretly opened all the cellars while everyone were focusing on you

As Ruki-kun instructed me

Yuma : Ruki ? Then you really...

Ruki : Forgive me. I couldn't watch your injured state and I finally remembered

Recently, my dizziness didn't calm down. I lost something but I couldn't reach it

… It seems you gave me a push on my back here

Yuma : … I see... My feelings reached you...

Geez... You've been late, idiot

Ruki : Indeed... I'm sorry

Yuma : Heh... You owe me one

Kou : Hey, stop talking, we have to stop the bleeding quick !

Azusa : There's no bandages... so let's use a piece of cloth...

Yuma : Kou ? Azusa ?

Kou : You did so much things for us... I thought my heart would stop beating

Azusa : I'm sorry, Yuma... It's our fault...

Yuma : You guys remembered as well ?

Azusa : Yeah... We're fine now

Yuma : … ! You... You were too slow, damn it !!

Kou : Let's leave the emotional moment for later ! Maso-kitty took the trouble to gave us this chance !

Yuma : Yeah... Right

Yui : Yuma-kun !

Yuma : I know !

Hey, you all ! Get out ot the prison ! If you run away, it's now !

Shin : W-What's going on ? Why big brother protected that Scarlet guy... ?

Ruki : It doesn't matter, get out of here. I will be your big brother for now. Get out, quick, and remember !

Shin : O-Okay, but... Aaah, geez, what the hell is happening !?

… ! Guh... ! What was that ? My head...

Laito : … Uuuh... My head... I feel dizzy... and sick...

Subaru : What was that... scenery just now... ? Guh...

Azusa : … ! Everyone is... ?

Kou : Hey, all the prisoners are acting weird !

Yui : (Could it be... Since all the Mukamis regained their memories, everyone else is affected ?)

Then, Reiji-san and the others are also... !

Reiji : … What is the meaning of this... ?

Shu : … Guh... That thing again... ?

Yuma : Are they regaining their memories 'cause Ruki, Kou and Azusa were back at once... ?

Kino : Tch... It's becoming a burden. And it was so amusing... I have to escape for now--

Yuma : I'm not gonna let you !

Kino : … !

Yuma : You're so in it now... I'll pay you back for what you did !

*Yuma punches Kino

Kino : Uwaaah !!

*Kino falls

Kino : Uh... Guuh... !

Yuma : Hah, you passed out ? What a slacker

Yui : You shouldn't move, your body is covered with wounds !

Ruki : You're being excessive as usual

But judging from their state, everyone will get back their memories soon

Yui : Yes... !

Yuma : Before, I have to just make those guys remember first

Yui : Eh ? What do you mean ?

*Yuma goes towards Reiji and Shu

Shu : … Yuma... ?

Reiji : You, what are you... ?

Yuma : You caused us a lot of trouble... Hurry and wake up !!

*Yuma punches Reiji

Reiji : Gaah... !

*Yuma punches Shu

Shu : Guh... !!

*Reiji and Shu fall

Yui : (H-He punched the two of them !!)

Yuma : … Hmph !

Yui : H-Hey ! You made both of them faint !?

Yuma : It's fine. I was just making them regain their memories, even if it means beating them up

Yui : I said it was really not necessary to do that...

Kou : Aaahaha, he straight punched two members of the Sakamaki family, that's epic !

Azusa : Hehe, that was... a bit amusing

Ruki : You think it's time to laught ? Hurry up and treat Yuma's wounds

Azusa : Ah... Okay

Yui : Yes !

… Yuma-kun

Yuma : Hm ?

Yui : We got back to our daily lives

(When they laught like that... Just seeing this makes me very happy)

Yuma : … Yeah

Yuma-kun, smiling and covered

with blood, looked more full of

relief than pain.

It's been a while since Yuma-kun exchanged

brotherly words with Ruki-kun, Kou-kun and

Azusa-kun, and I felt my heart warming up.

Chapter 14 : End

[dcbbw]

Wine and Whiskey

This is a one-off request for Drake x MC/Riley. It my version of the conversation that takes place in Olivia’s wine cellar during the social season, where Drake and MC share a drink. This post is NSFW. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Please excuse any typos and/or grammatical errors.

All characters belong to Pixelberry.

Song Inspiration: You Can Keep Your Hat On, Joe Crocker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfgwrdYUQ2A

Word Count: 2340

Tags: @gennesaret @cora-nova @carabeth @hopefulmoonobject @katedrakeohd @aworldoffandoms @lauradowning29

Drake X MC, Drake X Riley, Drake Walker

 Drake Walker waits in the Nervakis wine cellar. He had come across it during his wanderings through the stately mansion as he avoided the pomp and preparation of the formal dinner. Some dinner. Seated at the very back of the room, at a table that was invisible to all servers. If Brooks hadn’t of “fainted”, there would not have even been a bowl of lobster bisque to split three ways: Drake, Brooks, Hana.  Drake felt so bad for Hana…she did not deserve that treatment. Well, none of them did, but he was used to the commoner treatment. Brooks was used to being snubbed and short-changed by the noble ladies. Ladies. Hah. More like pure-bred bitches. The lot of them can go jump off a cliff, if I don’t push them over first. But Hana, she had done nothing except befriend Brooks, and for that, she was being banished to Social Season Siberia.

When he first came across the wine cellar, he ambled around, checking out the vintages of the wines, and was very impressed that Olivia had such exquisite taste in wine. He really had not given it another thought, until he saw Brooks was sitting in exile at the table with him. Hana who? The three of them were sitting at the table waiting for a meal that would never come, and he was telling Brooks and Hana about coming across it. Brooks cracked a joke about drinking at least a bottle of the wine as revenge, and next thing Drake knew, he was blurting out an invitation for Brooks to meet him later that evening in the wine cellar.

Now, he was sitting in the basement, drinking a shot of whiskey, waiting for a woman he could never have to come keep him company. Drake was not sure when or how it happened, but he was completely smitten with Brooks. Sure, she was pretty and smart, and tenacious to hold her own or die trying. She saw through the bullshit. Yet, there was so much more to her than that. Brooks had layers, and he wanted to expose and learn each one.  But she isn’t here for you. Your best friend can offer her an entire kingdom, and she is upstairs right now competing for his attention, his affections. Meanwhile, you are sitting here, with your dick in hand, and pie in the sky dreams.

He turned his head as he heard light footsteps on the stairs, then smiled a little as Brooks came into view. She had a scowl on her face, which caused him to raise an eyebrow. “There you are, Brooks. I was beginning to think you didn’t have the guts to show up. You know, out after and curfew and all that.”

“Oh, please Drake….I have more than enough guts to keep up with you.” She flashed him a smile to take the sting out of her words.  “This has been one pissy evening. No food, Maxwell forgets to teach me the Cordonian Waltz, and then Liam kisses Olivia. In front of everybody.”

“Heh. Liv can be pretty insistent.”

”Doesn’t mean he had to respond. And then takes her outside.”

“Outside? Really?” Liam, what the hell are you doing?

“Yeah, really. Says he talked to her privately so as not to embarrass her. Whatever. He is waiting for me right now, you know.  In the east wing. Says he wants to show me the view from the hot tub.”

“Sounds like you have options. And maybe a decision to make.”

“I’m drinking. What’s on the menu, barkeep?” Drake grinned and inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. For all of Olivia’s shitty ways, Lythikos may be the best stop yet on this social season tour. He had gotten to spend a lot of alone time with Brooks skiing and star gazing, and now….drinks and conversation. Enjoy it while you can.

“So what’ll you have? Pretentious, expensive wine or a real drink?” He held his flask of whiskey up.

“Pretentious and expensive, please.”

“That’s savage, Brooks.” Riley shrugged. Drake poured the drinks, and they clinked glasses. “Cheers.”

Riley took a deep swallow of the wine, and closed her eyes in bliss. “Ahhhhh. So velvety, so smooth. I see why nobles love their wines.” She looked over at Drake. “How are you holding up? I know how you feel about nobles and pageantry.”

Drake shook his head as his eyes held hers. “Okay, I guess. It just seems so pointless and wasteful.” Drake paused as he searched for words. “I know it seems as if I complain all the time when I really don’t have to do anything except show up to support Liam, but it isn’t a free ride by any means. My father gave his life protecting Constantine, and not two weeks later, the Court was ready to put me and my family on the street. Liam was the one who advocated for us, and promised us a home at the Palace for as long as we needed it. He’s the only noble worth a damn, the only reason I stay around.”  

“Oh, Drake.” Riley said softly, putting her hand on his arm.

Drake briefly looked at her hand, and continued. “So yeah, I see past the fake smiles, the false concern, and the glitter and glamour. These nobles don’t care about anyone but themselves, and your usefulness to them. They know nothing about the moments in between.”

“The moments in between?” There was confusion in Riley’s voice.

“They live in these huge ass mansions, but don’t bother to look at the architecture. They sit in fancy chairs, but don’t take the time to appreciate the craftsmanship. The time people took to create these things they collect like stamps. They don’t appreciate the flavors and vintages of the drinks they hold, just the cost. Not a one of them appreciates the art of an honest conversation, they just want to sway you to their ideas, their politics, and one-up each other. They are so busy acquiring, they don’t have time to appreciate the acquisitions.”

Riley nodded in understanding. “The moments in between. There haven’t been many so far. “

Drake looked at Brooks with relief and appreciation. She gets it. He had been a little afraid to bare his soul to her, but if anyone could slip through the cracks in the walls he had built over the years, it was her. She had been slipping in since the plane ride to Cordonia.

“Drake, what do you think of me?” Whoa. Where did that come from?

He poured them each another drink before answering. “I think my best friend is falling in love with you, so what I think of you is irrelevant. You’re here for him. He can offer you the literal world, and me…..I can’t come close to that.”

“Not an answer, Drake. And right now, you are offering me a moment in between. You are giving freely what Liam can only parcel out.”

Drake’s eyes darkened as he let out a deep breath. “I think you are amazing, and beautiful, and you make me want to let down all the walls and guards I have. I feel like I want to kiss you and either kill the dream or fuel the fantasies I have about you.” His eyes met hers over his glass. “Better?”

“It would be better if you kiss me.” Drake whipped his head to look at her. That’s the wine talking.

As if she could read his mind, Riley sat the wine glass on the table. “I’m not drunk Drake, but I am curious.”

Riley came over to Drake, her face mere inches from his. Don’t do it! DO NO DO THIS! Liam really, really, really likes this woman. This could hurt everybody. This will change things! DO NOT KISS HER!

“What the hell”, Drake growled. His mouth crashed onto hers, his hands holding her cheeks. His hands are rougher than Liam’s, Riley thought.  His tongue was demanding and insistent. Riley felt as if she were both floating and drowning from his kiss. She threw her arms around his neck, leaning further into the kiss.

Drake broke the kiss, breathing heavily as he stared into her eyes. “We’d better stop.”

“I don’t want to.” Her tone was both pleading and defiant.

“Liam…” Drake’s voice trailed off.

“I have never been with Liam, and he has nothing to do with this. This is between me and you, Walker.” She kissed him again. Urgently. Passionately. Well, hell.

Drake pulled her tightly to him, wrapping his strong arms around Brooks as his hands explored her back. Kissing her with the desperation of a drowning man trying to come up for air. His fingers fumbled with the zipper of her dress, but soon enough the dress fell to the floor with a soft whoosh. “Take me Drake.” With pleasure.

He undressed hurriedly, never breaking eye contact with Brooks. Riley’s eyes looked him over appreciatively, her eyes widening when she saw his manhood extending from his curly pubic hair. Long, thick, veiny.  Once he was naked, he scooped her up and carried her to the end of the table and sat her down. He leaned in to capture her in another kiss. His tongue was insistent, exploring her mouth. Riley’s hands ran through his hair as his hands unclasped her bra. Riley shrugged out of it. Drake’s calloused hands rubbed and played with her breasts as his kisses trailed down the side of her neck.

He went lower, grabbing an erect nipple in his mouth, gently biting it. Riley gasped. Drake pulled the nipple in his mouth, swirling his tongue around it. He took his hands to push her breasts together, and he pulled both nipples in his mouth, nibbling, licking, sucking. Riley pulled his head closer into her as her breathing became faster.

Drake felt the excitement in his cock, and with a groan, pulled himself away from her perfect breasts. He lifted his head, and let Riley pull him into another kiss as his hand roughly pushed her panties to one side. He inserted a finger inside of her, and almost lost it right then and there. She was so wet, so tight. He began to pump his finger in and out, while Riley thrust her hips against the table. He could feel her getting close, but he wanted to prolong the sensations. He wanted more of her before this all came to an end. He slowly removed his finger, and licked her juices off before putting it in his mouth to suck it clean.

“More, Drake…..I want more.”

He pushed her back on the table, helping her pull her panties off, while pushing her legs apart. His tongue darted out, licking her clit. She sucked in her breath at his touch. His tongue explored her slick folds as his finger began pumping in and out of her again. He ate her like he was starving man, and this was his first meal in days, and his last meal for months. He licked, lapped, sucked as Riley moaned and pulled him by his hair deeper into her center. I can’t hold out much longer.

Without a word, he pulled her from the table, and bent her over the bar stool. Placing his hands on her hips, he plunged his thick cock into her, and groaned. Oh Jesus. He could feel her walls pulsating around him. He pumped in and out of her furiously. He had always imagined being with Brooks being more soft and gentle, but he wanted her so badly. To know that she wanted him too had him wanting to take her quickly, in an almost primal way. It helped knowing Liam had not been with her. That he was the first, after a lifetime of being last.

Their bodies slapped together, Riley’s grunts a sexual duet with his growls. Until he felt her walls convulsing around his cock as she let out controlled yells. She’s a screamer.  He felt himself falling into an abyss of pure pleasure as he let out a yell of his own. He quickly removed his cock from her and released himself all over her asscheeks.

He collapsed on top of her back, wrapping his hands around her waist as they lay there in silence, panting and sweating. Once their breathing became normal again, he grabbed his white tee shirt to clean her up. He avoided her eyes as they dressed.

“Drake, where does this leave us?” I want to be with you forever and ever.

“Seems that is more your call, Brooks. You know I am here for you, but we both know who you are here for.” Riley’s face was unreadable as she considered his answer.

“Hey, we better get out of here. Early day tomorrow and all that.” Riley nodded. She helped him tidy up and leave the wine cellar as they found it, minus one bottle of wine.  He held her hand as he led her upstairs.

They stood in the hall after carefully closing the wine cellar door behind them, both unsure what to do. As they stood at the bottom of the staircase, they both saw the flickering light at the end of the east wing hall.

Liam’s waiting for her.

Drake looked down at Brooks."I can walk you to the east wing if you’d like.” Riley looked at the light for a moment too long, and back at Drake.

Extending her hand to him, she spoke. “Actually, I would like it if you escorted me to my room, please.”

[valiant-noble-soul]

Changeling in my Nightmares

......

He really was an idiot, wasn’t he?

Oh Alphonse, you’re so sweet. Oh Alphonse, you’re such a charming young lad!

Ed, why can’t you be more like your brother, Al?

What a joke. 

He could be just as reckless as Ed at times. More even. As of right now, he still doubted there was ever an Alphonse to begin with. It had to be true. Why wouldn’t Ed have just denied it if it weren’t? No, he had been too stunned by his stupid puppet discovering the truth.

There was no Al. 

There was no missing body. 

And worst of all, there was no brotherly bond. 

Ed had never loved him. It was all just an act. 

He wished he could cry. 

.....

Al once again gave a futile effort to free himself from the chains binding him to the pillar behind him. His arms were tied down to his side, while his wrists were bound behind him and the pillar. On top of that, his feet were restrained, leaving his head as the only movable part of his body. 

How could he be so stupid? How could he have possibly wound up as a captive of these homunculi creatures again? For a brief time, he wondered if they were going to try to use him as leverage against Ed again. The blonde boy had pulled a pretty convincing act of desperation when they had threatened him the first time. But that had to be fake too, right? 

“No, please don’t hurt him! He’s my little brother! Don’t take him away! I’m begging you!”

.....

How could that have not been real? 

Ed’s voice had sounded so desperate, pleading....he had never spoken that way to anyone before, especially not to his enemies. Had he really just said all that to keep the act going? In the end, he wound up not sacrificing the prisoners to save his life. He wasn’t mad about that though. He had been begging Ed not to hurt them anyway. 

But had the real reason for his shortcoming been because he didn’t truly love Al like he claimed he did?

But he had come so close to going through with it....

.....Heh. Heheheh. 

It was only at that moment, sitting captive in a dingy cellar did Al come to a stunning realization. The fact that he wasn’t really human, the fact that he had been tricked, and the fact that there was no body to return to.....all of that information hurt him deeply. 

But what made his heart shatter and mind go blank was the fact that his bond with his brother had been fake. His so-called brother had been pretending to care for him, trust in him, believe in him. That’s what hurt the most. 

Well, fine then! If Ed’s love had been fake all along, then Al could just as well withdraw his genuine feelings! He didn’t care about what happened to Ed anymore. He didn’t even care about what happened to himself. He didn’t care that Envy had disguised himself as the metal boy before leaving, setting up a TV right in front of him so he could see where the homunculus was at all times. He didn’t care that he was currently looking for Ed, disguised as the younger Elric. Ed wasn’t his problem anymore! Who cared?

.....

Al tugged at his chains again. 

Please don’t hurt him....

“Al! Ed, I see him! He’s over there!” 

Winry’s blue eyes twinkled in delight as she spotted an unmistakable shape sitting on the park bench. He was hunched over, staring at his hands, but he was alive and well! Ugh, she was going to seriously slam him with her wrench the first chance she got, but that could wait until later. It was high time these boys stopped acting like morons and work through their issues!

She giggled in excitement and took Ed’s hand. She ran over to Al, yelling his name repeatedly. “Al! Al, whatever you do, don’t go anywhere!” Much to her surprise and delight, the boy didn’t look like he was going to attempt to charge off at any time. Maybe now that he had some time to cool off, he realized how stupid and unfair he was being to Ed. 

She rushed up to hug the boy, feeling relieved that he was safe. After a moment, she felt him return the embrace. She frowned. There was something....off about the hug. She always felt warm and loved whenever she hugged Al, even if it was cold metal she was touching. The boy inside always shined through whenever he tried to show affection. Just now though, it felt like he had no experience whatsoever doing something like this. It felt....obligated. Was he still mad at her?

She finally pulled away, her frown increasing. “You idiot! We’ve been looking everywhere for you!” She turned to Ed and pushed him forward a bit. “Ed has something he wants to say to you, right Ed?”

@alchemic-elric

[hysterialevi]

When the Devil Cries pt. 21

Fanfic summary: (NO SPOILERS IN THIS STORY) After arriving in Saint Denis, Arthur ends up falling in love with a seemingly innocent pianist, only to find himself in a battle with one of the most notorious outlaws to ever emerge from America. Now, between working for Dutch and robbing money for the gang, Arthur has to also protect the man he loves as the two of them try to find their freedom.

Pairing: Arthur Morgan/Male OC

Previous chapter

This story is also on AO3

From Eddie’s POV

THAT NIGHT

FORT BRENNAND

Struggling in my restraints, I made a futile attempt to shake out of the shackles holding me as the harsh metal scraped against my wrists, causing me to hiss in pain as the cuffs gently clinked throughout the lonely cellar.

It didn’t look like anyone above had noticed what I was doing -- or at least trying to do -- but it didn’t matter much anyways. Without someone to help me, or some sort of tool to break free, I wasn’t going anywhere for a long time. There were far too many guards surrounding me -- as well as some loyal hounds they had trained -- and considering my history with Atticus, I doubted the man was just gonna “forget” about me anytime soon.

If there was any hope of me escaping this place, I’d need help to do it.

I let out a disappointed sigh and allowed my arms to slouch in the shackles, thinking to myself as the night carried on.

What the hell was happening...? How did I end up here? It was only this morning that I was robbing a bank with Dutch, and now, not only was Hosea dead, I had also fallen right back into Atticus Rose’s grasp...after so many years of trying to avoid him.

Part of me almost felt that it’d be best if I just took off on my own, and left the gang behind. I didn’t want to leave Arthur alone, and I loved that man more than anything, but I was putting his life in danger simply just by being around him.

Everything we had gone through, all the people we’d killed -- it was because Arthur was trying to protect me. I was the one thing bringing Atticus’ attention to him and his gang, and I was also the reason that Hosea was now gone.

Perhaps they’d be better off without my company. They had enough to worry about aside from Atticus, and it wasn’t as if I had never been on my own before. Maybe leaving Dutch was the best option. Maybe I could just...disappear somewhere in the country, and never come back. But...I also couldn’t just forget about Arthur either. I couldn’t abandon him.

That man had done so much for me, and shown me a sort of love I’d never experienced before. I had no idea how I didn’t realize it sooner, but Arthur was my freedom. He was the only thing separating Theodore from Eddie, and without him, my life would’ve honestly felt pointless.

I mean, my whole family was already gone. My father, my mother, my sister -- none of them were coming back. And my home was nothing but a distant dream now. Arthur was all I had left, and I’d be damned if I ran away from him too.

Breaking my train of thought, the sound of someone opening the cellar’s door suddenly reached my ears as they pushed it open with a firm thud, strolling inside as if they didn’t have a single care in the world. It was Rodrick.

The deranged man brought a cigar up to his mouth and took a drag, making the smoke dancing around his face in an enigmatic manner as he approached me step by step. He let out a cold chuckle.

“There he is...” Rodrick thought aloud. “...The very last Bishop.”

I was silent in response and simply threw a glare at him, causing the man to walk even closer to me as I turned away.

He crouched down.

“Y’know,” Rodrick began, “when I first told Atticus that you was runnin’ around with Dutch goddamn van der Linde, and falling in love with his right-hand man...heh, he didn’t believe me. Looked me square in the eye and said he thought it was bullshit. Told me he wouldn’t believe it until he saw it with his own, two eyes.”

Rodrick paused for a moment and brought the cigar up to his lips again, afterwards letting out a nonchalant sigh before continuing to speak.

“That’s important, you know?” He pointed out. “If you wanna survive in this beautiful country, you can’t just go around believing every damn thing that everyone tells you. Words ain’t nothin’ but a mask, and it’s a hell of a lot easier to dodge a bullet when you can see it coming.”

I disregarded what he was saying and went straight to the point, eager to get out of here.

“Look, what do you want?” I snapped. “Why hasn’t Atticus killed me yet? I thought that was the whole point of bringing me here.”

Rodrick looked disappointed in my lack of interest in his games and shook his head, but answered me nonetheless.

“Because you clearly ain’t the same little boy we last saw in England,” he replied. “You’ve obviously learned a thing or two since our last encounter. And the truth is: Atticus doesn’t need you dead. He just needs you to be under his control. Besides...with your newfound skills, I’m sure Atticus could find a use for you.”

I instantly rejected the idea. “That bastard’s out of his goddamn mind if he thinks I’m doing anything for him--!”

Rodrick suddenly threw a strong fist at my gut, causing me to cough aggressively as a grin stretched on his pale face.

“Haven’t you noticed, pretty boy?” He taunted with a laugh, leaning dangerously close to me. “We’re all out of our minds. But I wouldn’t worry too much. You’ll come around eventually. It’s just gonna take some...persuasion.”

I scoffed, still slightly dazed from the punch. “...And you’re going to be the one doing the persuading, are you?”

Rodrick rose to his feet and spread his arms out in a proud manner, giving me one last smirk before taking his leave.

“Well...somebody’s gotta do it. And who better than the man with so much...charm?” He fell silent for a second. “I won’t lie to you, Theo. It’s gonna be a long road from here on out. So take care of yourself, you hear? Because Atticus certainly won’t.”

From Arthur’s POV

OUTSIDE FORT BRENNAND

Observing the gang’s hideout from a distant gathering of trees, Dutch, John, Charles, and I all hid among the bushes as we scouted the place out, searchin’ for any signs of a covert entrance or clues that coulda told us where Eddie was.

We had managed to follow Atticus’ tracks back to an abandoned fort not too long after he took the boy, but now that I actually knew what we was dealin’ with exactly, I could already tell that getting Eddie outta there was gonna be a completely different story.

So far, all we could see was a shit ton of Atticus’ men along with a decently-sized group of some O’Driscolls, and from our angle, it looked like they had a number of supply wagons goin’ in and out at all times. Probably sending their people out to raid and bring whatever they stole back to the camp. It was an effective process, if a bit blatant, but now I could certainly see why Atticus’ gang was so strong.

I lowered my binoculars, turnin’ to speak to Dutch.

“It’s a goddamn fortress...!” I whispered. “These fools actually got walls to hide behind, and even more men to guard ‘em. Ain’t no way we can just attack a place like this. We’re gonna have to find another way in.”

Dutch continued searching through his own binoculars, his gaze stuck on the main entrance.

“I’m all up for ideas. Any of you boys see a weak point in their walls? Could be a sloppily patched hole somewhere, or a blind spot we can scale.”

Charles shook his head. “No. If anything, it looks like they’ve reinforced the fort’s protections. If we’re gonna scale the walls, we’ll need to draw their attention elsewhere.”

John offered a suggestion. “Wait, what about the supply wagons?”

Dutch quirked a brow. “What about them?”

Marson thought a for a minute. “Well...maybe a few of us could sneak into them. Enter the fort all nice and quiet-like. Maybe sabotage some o’ their supplies while we’re at it. That’ll draw their attention away from the walls. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang could climb up. Take out the guards up top while they ain’t looking. That way, we’ll have men on the inside and outside.”

The older man almost sounded impressed. “...You know what? That idea ain’t half-bad.”

I chuckled softly, returning to my binoculars as I continued to examine the fort. “I’m tellin’ you, Dutch...we oughta let them wolves have a go at this boy more often.”

John’s expression flattened with annoyance. “Shut up, Arthur.”

“I’m just saying, you’ve been suspiciously clever ever since they ate half your brain.”

He sighed in irritation. “I’m startin’ to wish you woulda let them eat all of it at this point--”

“--Hush, you two,” Dutch jumped in, grabbin’ our attention. “Look who’s entering the fort right now.”

Focusing our sights on the main gate, the four of us watched with a newfound curiosity as we fell completely silent, lookin’ to see who Atticus’ guest was. They appeared to have arrived with an especially large supply wagon as well as a handful of men to guard it while they trotted up to the entrance, all full of themselves.

There was crates of dynamite, food, moonshine, and weapons sittin’ in the back, and the more I examined their mounts, the more I realized they probably stole them from our camp. The bastards. Was there anything Atticus didn’t take?

Bringing my binoculars back to the guest, I zoomed in a few times before studyin’ their appearance, only to realize it was none other than Colm O’Driscoll himself. Of course.

“The hell is Colm doing here?” Charles questioned. I let out a worried breath.

“He and Atticus have some sort of...partnership going on,” I explained. “They’re teamin’ up against us. Though, I hadn’t seen Colm ever since Eddie broke me outta his camp. And I certainly didn’t expect to see him again after that shitstorm. Makes you wonder why he’s suddenly decidin’ to show up now.”

Dutch recommended an idea. “Well, maybe this is our chance to find out. John and Charles, you two stay here a while longer and keep scoutin’ this place out. Tell me everything you find when you get back. And be discreet. Arthur, you and I’ll go back to camp and think of a plan to assault this fort. Maybe we can build off of John’s suggestion. Either way, we need to move quick. Atticus has proven himself to be a man who doesn’t waste time, and we can’t let him get away with Mister Ryan. Lord knows what they’re doin’ to him now.”

I sighed in nervousness. “...If it’s anything like what they did to me, it ain’t good.”

Dutch switched to a more reassuring tone. “Have faith, Arthur. We will get Eddie out of there before it’s too late. Tell him, John.”

Marston gave me a sincere look. “Eddie gave himself up to save Jack. Me and Abigail will do whatever we can to help. That boy’ll be fine.”

I tried to hide how much this situation was truly scarin’ me and kept a straight face, simply staring blankly at the grass below.

“I sure hope so.”

Dutch packed his binoculars and began walking towards his horse, signaling me to follow.

“Anyway, we should get moving. Not only do we have a man to rescue, we also gotta figure out where to move our camp next. Shady Belle ain’t safe for us no more, and I don’t want a repeat of what happened this morning. We’ve got to leave.”

I climbed on top of my own mount which I had switched out with Bullet and gave the big boy a pat on the neck, lightly kicking my spurs into his sides as I rode alongside Dutch.

“And what about...Hosea?” I asked, my voice a bit softer than I intended. “What’re we gonna do about him?”

Dutch’s face sank with sorrow at the thought. “I...I sent Bill and Lenny out to bury him somewhere proper. Somewhere peaceful, and away from this horrible swamp. I’m thinkin’ of paying him a visit later, once we get things settled.”

I nodded in agreement. “I might come with you.”

The older man’s melancholy was suddenly replaced with a sense of anger, and he gazed at me through the night’s darkness, giving me a determined glare.

“He’s the last one, Arthur. No more. We ain’t losing anyone else. Especially not to Mister Rose, or to those goddamned Pinkertons! We are survivors, for God’s sake. We fight to live free, and I will not allow these...sheep to think they can simply kick us around! Hosea said it himself: people like Eddie are the reason we do what we do. People like him are the reason we’re more than just common outlaws and criminals. Because unlike Atticus, and unlike Colm, we have got something to live for. And I’ll be damned if I let them take that from us.”

I picked up my pace and broke into a gallop as Dutch and I entered the more open fields, the two of us ridin’ underneath the moonlight while we headed back home.

“Well, whatever we do next, Dutch...” I said, “I’m with you.”

He glanced over at me, his brown eyes filled with a sense of protection.

“I know, son,” he replied gently. “I know.”

[fluffy-marshmallow-heart]

Drake's Diary ch.6 - The Winter Ball

Words: 2672

Drake was sitting in the very back of the Olivia’s ballroom, waiting on dinner. He’d already been waiting for a while, he had nothing better to do, but he was getting bored. Finally, the nobles were starting to trickle in and he watched as they all greeted each other with their fake smiles and forced small talk. At least he didn’t have to do that. He noticed heads turning towards the door and when he looked over, his breath caught. Emma had just walked in on Maxwell’s arm. She was wearing a simple white satin gown, which was hugging her curves and giving her breasts just a hint of exposure. To top off her ensemble she had a white shawl covering her shoulders. She looked like a winter Goddess and Drake couldn’t tear his eyes off her. He watched Maxwell part ways and start towards the head table with Liam and Olivia. His heart started beating faster as both Emma and Hana headed to the back and joined his table. He grinned at them.

“Welcome to the table of exiles”

Emma gave him a warm smile. “Drake? I’m actually glad to see you. And here I was worried we’d be stuck with some stuffy nobles.”

Hana sighed “It’s probably meant to be an even bigger slight that we’re with a commoner.”

Emma snorted “Well, Olivia really missed the mark this time”

Drake felt his heart flutter at her words. She’s actually happy to be sitting with me? Say something, you idiot! “Thanks Rose. That actually means something, coming from you.”

He noticed her bite her bottom lip. Fuck, stop staring at her lips!

Luckily, Hana started talking “Drake, you don’t seem bothered at all to be seated in the back”

“Heh. What can I say? After enough years of getting treated like this, you build up a thick skin. Besides, back here? Out of the spotlight? At least we can relax”

The three of them watched all the servers carry dish after dish of delicious food to other tables

Hana was practically drooling “That food looks amazing, I hope they serve us soon! I’m starving!”

Drake just shook his head.  “I wouldn’t get your hopes up. Where we’re seated, we’ll be the last to eat. If there’s even any left by the time they get to us”

“But…the lobster bisque…” She started again. “Do you really think we’ll go hungry?”

Emma piped in “Not if I can help it. This can’t be too different from hailing a New York taxi”

Drake saw her target a server walking by and before he knew what was happening, she was out of her chair, reaching for the server.

“Hey…Please, I’m about to faint. I need food.”

The server stopped, unsure of what to do, so she continued “I haven’t eaten all day, I…”

Suddenly he saw her flutter her eyes and she was falling forward.

“Hey!” Drake springs up and barely catches her before she hit the floor.

“Please…food…” she whispered

Bewildered, the server quickly puts out a plate for the table before rushing off

Drake was stunned “I can’t believe that actually worked, Rose. Just…warn me before you take a dive. Next time I might not catch you.”

“Oh Drake. You know I like to keep you on your toes.” She teased

Hana laughed “Well, let’s examine our riches! One piping hot bowl of lobster bisque to split 3 ways?”

“Let’s dig in!” Emma exclaimed

The three of them all took a bite of the soup.

Drake was instantly surprised “This is actually really good.” He looked over at Emma, who was smiling at them.  “Solid work, Rose”

“Yes! Thank you, Emma! We’d be lost without you!” Hana agreed.

Emma blushed and Drake couldn’t help thinking it was the most adorable thing he had ever seen. “Aw, thanks guys, I’m sure the rest of the food will show up soon anyway…”

30 minutes later

“Wow, the service here is terrible” Hana complained

Drake smirked “All by design”

Hana sighed “Even if it’s on purpose, at least it’s not the worst service I’ve had.”

Emma’s mouth fell open “You’ve had worse service than this?”

Hana shrugged “Believe it or not, I’ve been to a wedding where food wasn’t served until midnight. They got hideously behind schedule and decided to do an open call for speeches before dinner. It took hours!”

“Oh, heavens!” Drake said sarcastically, making a grand gesture with his hands”

Emma glared at him “Drake.”

“I can tell you a real horror story, Rose. Let’s set the scene. Casual get-together. Lots of people I don’t know, but that’s fine. There’s a bar, man’s true best friend. So, I figure I’ll grab a drink. I got up to the bar…” He paused for dramatic effect. “And they’re out of whiskey!”

Emma chuckled “I could use some whiskey now.”

Drake grinned at her “Now you’re speaking my language. But these dinners usually only come with some fancy wine and champagne.”

Hana looked forlorn “I have a feeling that we’d be lucky to even get water at this point”

Drake nodded “It’s too bad we probably won’t see a real drink at dinner. From what I’ve seen, Olivia’s got quite a stash.”

“From what you’ve seen?” Hana asked

Drake leaned forward  “I did some exploring, and I happened to stumble across her wine cellar. It’s pretty impressive, actually, and not a bad place to get away from all of this for a while.” After a moment’s hesitation, he found himself saying “Why don’t you join me there for a drink tonight, Rose? If you’re not afraid of sneaking out after hours…”

He trailed off, immediately regretting the words. He shouldn’t have said that, they shouldn’t be alone together, especially since he’s been…imagining things lately.

Before Emma can reply, a server brings two more bowls of lobster bisque to the table

Hana frowned “There’s no lobster in my bowl…it’s just…bisque. This is the saddest soup I’ve ever seen.”

Drake shook his head sadly “I’m not usually one to complain about free food, but this is ice cold compared to what we had earlier. Which means Olivia did this on purpose.”

Hana turned towards Emma “At least we got to have a taste of the real meal, thanks to Emma’s quick thinking!”

Drake noticed Emma looked mad “And we know that Olivia’s intentionally screwing us.”

Music begins to fill the room and the group looked up as Olivia took the stage

"Hello, dear guests, and welcome to the Nevrakis family’s chateau. It means so much to me that you would join me in this place that’s so dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy the festivities tonight as much as I will. Now, everyone, please join me up front to begin the Cordonian Waltz.”

“But we haven’t finished eating!” Hana exclaimed

Drake gave her a look “I don’t think she cares”

Emma sighed “Well…let’s do this”

Drake hung back, completely uncomfortable.

Hana paused “Aren’t you joining us, Drake?”

“Waltzing isn’t my thing. I’ll be here with the…food.” Drake grimaced.

He watched as they left for the dance floor and saw Maxwell hold his hand out to Emma with flourish. She giggled, and he led her to the dance floor. Drake’s stomach turned as Maxwell put one hand on her waist and raised her hand in a classic ballroom pose. He watched as Maxwell spun her around and she relaxed into it. She looked like a natural. Then he twirled her facing out, her back to him as he draws her close. His arms go around her, and they swayed together for several beats before he let go and gently pushes her forward.

Drake felt a pang of something deep inside him.  Was it…jealousy? He was unfamiliar with this emotion but as he watched Maxwell hold her flush against him he had never before wanted to be in the younger Beaumont’s shoes. His brow furrowed. He didn’t like this feeling.

Now she was with Liam, both of them smiling. He led her into the twirl and held her against him. Drake watched him lower his mouth to her ear, whispering something. Then he spun her back out and Olivia cut in.

Drake turned away, about to leave the ballroom when he heard a collective gasp from the crowd. He looked back…and saw Olivia kissing Liam. Now he was pissed. As he strode out of the ballroom he couldn’t believe that Liam kissed her! He kept talking about Emma, and how much he likes her, and now he’s kissing someone else in front of her. Who the hell does he think he is? He knew this would happen. Emma was going to get hurt and it killed him to think of it.

Drake found himself in wine cellar, nervous as all hell that Emma would show up. Although, he thought he might be more nervous if she didn’t. Suddenly he heard the click of heels descending the spiraling staircase. He had butterflies in his stomach as he glanced at her, an empty glass in his hand.

Drake gave her a small smile “There you are, Rose. I was beginning to think you didn’t have the guts to show. Y’know, breaking the rules, out after curfew and all that”

Emma shrugged “Actually, I couldn’t wait to see you again.”

Drake’s heart soared “Aw, come on Rose. You’re gonna make me blush”

She flashed him a smile “Now that I’d like to see”

They both stood there a moment, unsure what to do. Drake cleared his throat. “So, what are you drinking?”

“What’ve you got?” she asked

“Nothing yet.” He gestured to his empty glass. “It seems like Olivia has a very extensive collection of fine Cordonian wines. I’m no expert, but from the names I recognize, nothing in here’s under a thousand dollars!”

Emma gasped  “You want to drink Olivia’s wine? Pass me a bottle! She’s got so many bottles here, she’ll probably never even notice!”

Drake paused “Before you pop something open, I also brought a bottle of whiskey down for myself…but I’d share it with you. So, pick your poison”

Smiling slyly she pointed to the whiskey.

Drake grins. It secretly thrills him that she likes whiskey. My kind of girl. He hands her a glass and she sips it. “So. You came down to the wine cellar to drink whiskey? Doesn’t that seem a little silly?”

Drake chuckled “I came down here to get a little commoner time by myself where I don’t have to bow and kiss hands for a few minutes”

Emma raised an eyebrow “Drake, if you hate the nobility so much, why do you stick around?”

He searched her eyes but she seemed genuine. “It must seem ridiculous to you.”

She nodded “To be honest, I don’t understand why you put yourself through it.”

Drake took a deep breath. “It’s Liam. It’s always been for him. I would’ve left a long time ago, but Liam needs me. I know he’s got nobles and courtiers all around him, but most of them would stab him in the back if they thought they could profit from it. I’ve seen so many underhanded moves that I don’t trust any of them anymore. And these are from our friends! And the latest one…” He trailed off

She looked at him curiously “What happened?”

Guiltily he said “I…I’m not sure I should tell you. It’s still being resolved.”

He saw Emma roll her eyes “You’re always saying I need to watch out…it’d be nice to actually know what for.”

Drake nodded slowly “You remember Liam’s bachelor party? We found out that someone close to us that night was trying to sell pictures to the tabloids.”

"But who? Who would do that?”

“We haven’t tracking down the source yet, but I just got a message from Bastien that we were able to buy the photos back before they were printed”

Her brows furrowed “Call me crazy but I don’t remember anything that scandalous happening…”

Drake just looked at her “You know how the tabloids are, A picture with a drink in his hand, and suddenly the crown prince of Cordonia is on a drunken rager. And then there’s the pictures of the two of you together”

Her mouth dropped “What? But we weren’t…”

“The two of you were talking and he was clearly interested in you. That’s enough for them to speculate on. What was the headline the tabloid was going to run? ‘Prince Liam’s Drunken Fling Before the Ring!”

Emma looked stunned “And you have no idea who would do this?

“Not really. There are a lot of people who would be desperate for those photos…I just hope it wasn’t one of the guys. The pictures they had…those would’ve been hard to take unless that person were someone close to us”

Emma placed a hand on Drake’s shoulder “Thanks, I’ll watch out.”

He inhaled sharply at her touch “Good. Money and power make people do crazy things, Rose. I just don’t want to see you get hurt because of it”

She was looking at him and stepping closer “Drake…”

He stammered “I mean, sometimes I look at you…and I see this wide-eyed baby deer who just stumbled into the hunter’s campsite.”

Emma looked at him mischievously “A baby deer? So, you think I’m cute?”

Drake felt his jaw drop “That’s not what I…er…”

She smirked “My, my, seems like for once you’re speechless”

He shook his head, smiling “Your unique talent, Rose, seems to be putting me in my place.”

She shrugged and stepped even closer “Someone’s gotta do it”

He stared at her “What is it about you? You’re so frustrating, but…”

“But?”

Drake took a minute to just breathe. She was right next to him now, and he was having trouble standing so close to her “Forget it. How about a toast, instead?”

What’re we toasting to?

He thought for a brief second “To the moments in between”

She looked at him quizzically “Huh?”

He started to explain “All the nobles think about are the big events. The grand balls, the press appearances, the banquets…they don’t even realize that the moments that matter the most are all the ones they’re missing. Moments like right now, just the two of us and some cheap whiskey. The ones that really mean something.” He looked away from her and murmured “At least, it means something to me, anyway”

“Drake…It means something to me too” she whispered

Fuuuuuck she looks like she wants to kiss me. But that can’t be, I must be imagining it. I’m projecting my feelings onto her. Wait, my feelings? What?

Drake raises his glass “To the moments in between”

They toasted their glasses and downed the rest of their drinks.

Drake decided he needed to leave or he was going to do something he was sure would get him slapped. “Now it’s getting late, and I don’t want to get you in any trouble.”

Emma gazed into his eyes “That’s so thoughtful of you”

He saw her bite her bottom lip again and had an overwhelming desire to take it between his own teeth and bite it for her. He swallowed. “I’m a gentleman, even if not one by birth” He smiled before heading off to his room. “G’night, Rose.”

“Good night Drake”

He thought he detected a note of sadness in her voice and when he looked back he saw her staring dejectedly into her empty glass.

Should I turn around? Maybe she wants to drink more? No, no. You’re reading too much into it. Keep walking and don’t turn around again.

He arrived in his room, his thoughts consumed once again by Emma. He couldn’t get her out of his head. He could have sworn she wanted to kiss him. But there’s just no way that could be right. Drake really didn’t want to, he tried to push those thoughts away, but once again he couldn’t help himself from pulling his cock out and picturing her, this time naked down in the wine cellar with him. He was picking her up and setting her on the bar, spreading her legs.

I’m in so much trouble.

    @blackwidow2721 @sleepwalkingelite @flowerpowell @imaketerriblechoices @agent-bossypants @annekebbphotography @carabeth @imaketerriblechoices @notoriouscs

[mewnimessages]

Intentions 12

“I’m gonna take a shower guys. Oh, and we are down to the last gallon of VO5!” Star said as she carried her toiletries into the bathroom adjacent to the living room. The bathroom in the bedroom had busted a pipe the week before so everyone was using the guest bath. It was still nice, nicer than the cabins outward look would allude to but a bit smaller and fewer upgrades.

“Ok, hey don’t take too long. We are getting low on gas as well. Less than half a tank as of this morning.”

“Marco, let a girl have a shower. Besides, what are ya gonna do, run in there and yank her out if she takes too long?”

Marcos face turned red.

“Janna…...don’t encourage her…..”

Janna laughed. “Enjoy a nice long hot shower Star.” And in a whisper, “We need to talk, let her take the long shower….”

Marco sighed.

“Take however long you want, Star.” He said to a closed door.

“You know she wasn’t listening to begin with, right?”

“Yeah….so what do you need to talk about without her nearby?”

“Everything…...um…...so I’m gonna go ahead and guess that Star is the reason for the….uh….season. Of winter. That doesn’t seem to end….”

“Uh, look, I’ll let her tell you about it when she’s comfortable. I’m not here to talk behind her back ya know?”

“I’ll just guess and you tell me if I’m wrong. She did something which led to the end of earth as we know it. She got into some sort of trouble back home. Now you both are banished, although I have my doubts about you being banished, you probably volunteered due to some dumb sense of duty to her. This world got cut off permanently from Mewni. Oh, and Star is harboring a lot of guilt which is why she cries in the bathroom and in the cellar. Oh, and I haven’t seen Star use magic once.”

“She cries in the cellar?”

“No, but now I know that’s the only thing you questioned so the rest is probably pretty spot on Marco, I’ve been able to read you like a book since kindergarten……..so…...fuck, I don’t know how to bring this up but guess nows…….”

Janna stared at the floor. She...she wasn’t mad. Not anymore. She was just sad. This world, as terrible as it was made her feel more alive than anything she ever experienced. She loved the adventure. The fight for survival, although she had to admit they had it pretty well made here. Well, as long as the fuel held out. There was over four feet of snow on the ground now and going anywhere without a snowcat would be impossible. And that what was leading to this conversation. She thought they could be on the road by May. but with the snow falling almost daily and a strong storm at least once every other week they could be trapped well into summer.

“Well……” Marco inquired. He wasn’t sure he wanted a answer but he could tell Janna wanted to tell him something.

“Well…..I’m gonna die Marco. Heh. I mean we all are, but if I can’t find my meds by summer I’m gonna be out. And, well, when I run out of meds I run out of Janna. So…… I hate that I have burdened you guys with this. If I had known how….shit. I’m sorry Marco. I just….” Janna started crying. Marco leaned over and held her tightly. He didn’t know what to say. He put his hand on the back of her head and and felt himself start to tear up as well. They had lost a lot of friends. Family. Everything on earth. And when someone familiar from here showed up Marco was overjoyed. But now, no. He couldn’t lose someone else.

From the bathroom the door sat open about 2 inches. The light inside off to not give away the intrusion. The shower still ran. The two on the sofa were not alone in providing tears that evening.

“I’ve lost him…..’ Star whispered.

A storm was building.

[cephalo-trio]

Welcome Home, Eimie

((There’s to another birthday to my favorite RP partner, @marchant-girls. I hope you keep being awesome. That goes to Eimie and Eika Marchant. Now, onto the drabble.))

Fynn decided to make preparations for tonight's birthday dinner until Eimie returns home from her job at the maid cafe. Before he ran off to buy ingredients, one of the producers in the Off The Hook gave him a day off from working in the cubicle. He'll get back to work, once the next Splatfest starts in a couple of weeks.

"Eimie won't be home until 10 pm. So, I better start cooking.." Fynn throws on his favorite apron and bring out the ingredients out if his bag. He's planning on making a fresh batch of curry with a side of meat, potatoes, and their personal favorite, shrimp.

Fynn brought out the rice as well. That way, he'll use his rice cooker to cook some white rice. Before he starts up the stove, he peels off the skin from the potatoes. "Time to get you guys smoothed up and ready.." Once he was finished peeling the potatoes, he sets the potatoes on the cutting board. He gets out his cutting knife and starts cutting the meat and potatoes into small pieces.

Fynn started humming while chopping away in the kitchen. A couple of minutes later, he placed the ingredients including the shrimp in the cooking pot. He stirred the pot with a spoon until the meat is well-cooked and then, pour some water in to boil.

Fynn looks at the time and back to his food. The food will be boiled up within 5-10 minutes. He pulls out the curry mix from his grocery bag. It's been a while since he helped his mother cook curry for dinner night. "I hope she can hand a little spiciness.." He shrugged and put the mix down. He walked out of the kitchen to set up the dinner tablet for a bit.

20 minutes later...

Eimie unlocked the door to their apartment and noticed an exotic smell in the kitchen. "Fynny, I'm home! Are you cooking in there?" She stepped inside with a bag in her hand.

When his girlfriend called him from the living room, he quickly turned off the stove and left the kitchen. "Welcome home, Eimie." He said as he pulled her in for a hug.

"You actually made dinner for us? How sweet of you!" She returned the hug and smiled. "So, what did you cook?" Eimie got a better whiff from the kitchen.

Fynn walked back into the kitchen to bring two plates of curry to the table. "I made some curry with meat, potatoes, and shrimp. Our personal favorite." The appearance looks as great as it tastes.

"Heh, don't mind if I do!" She was eager to try out Fynn's own cooking. She grabbed a clean spoon and scooped a sample of curry sauce with white rice in it. She slowly takes one bite and savor the flavor. "W-Wow..! Babe, it's delicious!!" She happily ate more of the curry.

Feeling relieved, Fynn sat down to join her. "At first, I was a bit nervous since I rarely cook at all." He chuckled a bit and dug right in. The flavor of the curry sauce was just right to him.

"Well, I think you're still great cook. Maybe give some pointers for next time, eh?" She continued eating until there was nothing left on the plate.

"W-Well, I might cook food more often.. Thanks, hun." He was extremely flattered.

After dinner, Fynn and Eimie were both snuggling on the couch. They decided to watch a rom-com movie marathon for this special occasion. Then, Fynn excused himself to bring in a couple of glasses and bottle of liquor. "Let's enjoy this night with some white wine. It's in the wine cellar in my own beach house. Dad has a collection of it for a while." Fynn poured both glasses of wine on the clear table.

"I also have some dessert with me from work. Hope you like cheesecake, babe~" Inside the bag was two boxes of cheesecake. Her manager must've gave those to her before she clocked out.

"That's one way to spice up this evening." Fynn raised his glass. "Here's to another year. Happy 21st birthday, babe.." He made a toast with Eimie. Their future is going to be a bright one.

She clinked glasses with Fynn and smiled. "I love you, Fynny.. Thanks for everything.." Eimie leaned in to kiss him. Their lips met and her body was close to his.

The kiss lasted for a few seconds and they both pulled back. "Love you lots, Eim.." They both enjoyed their white wine as the movie starts rolling.

Fynn thinks back to when he first met Eimie, 3 years ago. Ever since he found her in the alleyway, searching for something valuable, he agreed to stay by her side. Now, he's spending the night with his girlfriend while watching a movie and having wine and cheesecake. Maybe, he'll plan something even bigger on their 3rd anniversary this year.

END