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jennaajoseph · 8 months ago

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ㅤㅤㅤ ❛ Home. ❜ ⸻ Holden Worther x F!Reader.

── ﹙౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ MASTERLIST&INFO.﹚. ☆

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ SUMMARY. ⸻ Holden comes home after a long time at the mental hospital.

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ PAIRING. ⸻ holden worther x fem!reader.

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ CONTENTS. ⸻ fluff, kinda sad if you ask me, bf!holden, generally sensitive topics, mentions of: mental hospital, drinking, rehab, failed suicide attempt, female reader.

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ A/N. ⸻ an universe where Holden got help he deserved tbh. Can y'all write more fics for Holden pls??

This one has quite sensitive topics, feel free to correct me if it's needed! Thank you!

Also it took a longer time for me to upload smth cuz someone requested Holden and I wanted to post it first!

(also I think about doing a part two on that, we'll see.)

౨ৎ ⋆｡˚ CREDITS. ⸻ photo - pinterest (cropped by me) , divider - @/cafekitsune.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ﹙©jennaajoseph﹚

After a failed suicide attempt caused by Holden's drinking problem, he finally agrees to get proffesional help. You were happy that he finally went to the mental hospital, where he was slowly getting better, going to rehab and therapy. Even if that meant not seeing him a lot, you were still happy that he was willing to work to become a better version of himself.

When Holden was in the hospital, he wrote you a lot of different stories. Your desk was always filled with sheets of paper. As time passed, his stories began to be less dark than before, and you took that as a good sign.

Sometimes he wrote you letters, writing about how he's feeling, and asking how you are feeling, how much he missed you, or how much he finally wants to finally see you and "kiss your pretty face". From the letters, you also found out that he started to really enjoy crafting. He sent you his every work; drawings, origami or small paintings made with acrylic paint.

Your room was full of things from him, and every time he sent you something new, you missed him even more.

⭑⭒⭒

Finally, when it was time for Holden to come back home, you couldn't hold your excitement. You were willing to help him with everything he needed, and support him all the time.

You and his parents drove to the hospital to pick him up. Of course, you were way more excited than them, but you were still glad they helped Holden get the help he deserved. They didn't show much emotion to anyone anyway, even themselves.

All of you were in the waiting room. Your leg bounced anxiously as you bit your nails. A bad habit of yours. Holden's parents were reading a magazine, not really caring about the world around them.

"Here for Thomas Worther?" A doctor appeared in the room, looking at some papers. Your head immediately jolted up when you heard his voice. Holden's mom confirmed, the doctor nodded, disappearing from the room the second after.

You let out an anxious sigh, but also a small excitement washed over you, finally being able to see Holden after a long time was something you were looking forward to for a long time. You couldn't visit him because of the policy. Only family members were allowed to, which was also quite limited because of his condition.

The door of the waiting room opened again after a while, Holden and a nurse entered the room.

"Okay Holden, wish you luck!" She smiled at him, and he nodded. The nurse turned to his parents and gave them some papers to sign, also talking about his therapy and rehab that he's still supposed to attend.

Holden quickly dropped his bags on the floor when he saw you. "Oh God, y/n" he quickly rushed in your direction. You stood up from your seat, and he wrapped his arms around you squeezing you tightly. You hugged him back as he hid his face in the crook of your neck. "I missed you so fucking much."

"Oh, Holden." You tried to hold your tears back, it was the first time you held him in almost 4 months. "I missed you too." You whispered, running your hand in his hair.

"I was scared that you won't be here." He gave you a pleading look, and your heart broke even more.

"Holden, I've been waiting for all this time." You cupped his face with both hands.

"I wanna go home..." He whispered, pressing your hands on his face harder. "...with you."

"Okay, we are going home soon, I promise." You reassured him.

"Tom," You both turned your head towards his parents and a nurse. "I think it's time for us to go home."

He quickly nodded grabbing your hand, and picking up his bags, everyone was ready to leave when the nurse spoke again. "Take care of yourself, Holden." She looked at him, then at you. You smiled at her gently.

"I will." He responded softly.

The car ride was filled with Holden's stories from the hospital. He sat very close to you, tightly holding your hand the whole time. He told you everything. What was his routine, his doctor visits, how his therapy looked like, what he learned. You couldn't stop listening. You missed everything about him.

⭑⭒⭒

"Let me grab this." His father said, when Holden wanted to pick his bags up from the car.

"Thanks." He said quietly.

His father carried his stuff into the house. When Holden stepped inside he didn't quite know what he should do with himself now, so his eyes just wandered around the house.

"Do you need something, Tom?" His mom asked from behind.

"No, no, i don't need anything." He replied.

His mother quietly nodded. His father stood next to her and sighed, placing his hands on his hips. "If you need something, we will be downstairs." He said.

"Okay."

There was a quite long silence afterwards that was interrupted by you stepping into the house. "Let me help you with the bags, Holden." You grabbed his backpack.

"Oh, right." He grabbed the rest of his stuff and slowly headed upstairs.

You took the last look at his parents and smiled gently. They returned the smile.

You went upstairs, right after Holden. He placed his bags on the floor and looked around. You quietly placed his backpack in the same spot.

He said turned back to look at you as you stepped closer to him, cupping his face with both of your hands. He gave you a pleading look again, and went silent for a second. "Did you cheat on me when I was away?"

A shocked look appeared on your face. "What? Holden-"

"Please be honest with me, you don't need to lie." His voice was getting cracky as a few tears rolled down his cheeks

You furrowed your eyebrows in sadness. Your heart broke at his words. The thought of cheating on him didn't even cross your mind. "Holden I could never do that to you."

"Please just tell me if you did." He buried his face in the crook of your neck as he broke down crying.

You held him, gently caressing his back, holding back tears. "I swear to God, baby I didn't."

"I was away for almost 4 months, how could you not." He sobbed against your neck.

"Because I promised that I'll be here for you, and I love you with my whole heart." You grabbed his face gently to make him look at you. This time you gave him a pleading look. "You are my home."

His bottom lip quivered as he pulled you closer to him.

"I promise you, I would never do anything like that."

He nodded his head slightly. You two sat on the bed as you helped him calm down a little.

"You promise?" He whispered.

"I promise, my love." You kissed his lips gently, and he held you tightly by your waist.

"I can't express how much I love you." He said, his grip getting harder on you.

"Easy, Holden, you are gonna crush me." You chuckled quietly, wiping his tears.

"I'm sorry, I just need you really really close." He said in almost begging tone.

"We can cuddle for a bit, is that okay?" You brushed your thumbs against his cheeks. He nodded instantly.

You both cuddled on his bed, his face buried in your chest, his hands holding you around your waist, this time not that hard.

"Did you saw the gifts I sent you?" He changed the subject, looking up at you.

"Of course I did!" You smiled.

"Did you like them?"

"I love them, Holden." You caressed his cheek with one of your hands, and he blushed. "You are very talented, you know that?"

"Maybe..." He murmured against your chest.

You rolled your eyes playfully, and placed your head on top of his. "You are."

"Okay" He grinned slightly. "I have something I didn't send you."

"Really?" Your eyes widened.

"Do you want to see what is it?"

"Of course I do!" You sat on the bed excitedly.

He smiled and grabbed his backpack. "I made it in one of my art therapy classes."

"Show me, please."

His hand was searching in his bag, after a second he pulled out two colorful bracelets. "I hope you'll like them." He held them up for you to see.

"You made that?" You took the bracelets from him, smiling. "They look wonderful!"

"They have yours and my name on it." He pointed at the beads with letters.

"Oh, that's right!" Your smile got wider as you saw that one of the bracelets has "Holden" written on it and the second one "y/n". "That's the cutest thing I have ever seen."

"Really?"

"Yeah!" You said, sliding the bracelet on your wrist. "I'll keep the "Holden" one and you'll keep the "y/n" one." You slid the second bracelet on his wrist too. "Now we match!"

He smiled widely, and held your face to give you a kiss. You quickly returned it.

"I'm so lucky to have you." He mumbled between kisses.

You smiled into the kiss. "I love you, Holden."

"I love you too, y/n, so, so, so much."

You giggled as his kisses got all over your face. "Easy baby, I'm not going anywhere."

"I know I just, I missed you so damn much." He pulled you closer to him, panting slightly as he stopped kissing you.

"I missed you too." You gave him a soft smile.

"Do you think you can stay for the night?" He gave you a sad puppy look. Begging you to stay with him. "I know that you have work-" You quickly cut him off.

"I can stay for how long you need." You whispered kissing his forehead. "My home is right there, with you."

⭑⭒⭒

After two weeks, Holden got more comfortable being at home. You drove him to therapy once a week to help him with his mental illness, and after that he went to alcohol rehab, helping with his drinking problems. These days were the most busy, you just sat outside the room he was in, and waited for a couple hours, but it was worth seeing his big smile when it was time to go home.

He also needed to fix himself a new routine, which you helped him with. You always reminded him to take his meds every morning.

He also didn't quit his hobbies. Every day he did something new for you, a drawing, story, poem, painting, bracelet or small origami. You always were excited to see what he did, and he was always excited to give it to you.

Holden was basically glued to you all the time, from the moment you woke up, to the moment you went to sleep. On the days when you had work, he woke up at the same time as you, made you breakfast and helped you get ready. Sometimes, in the morning, you two took a shower together which usually led to heavy make out session before work, or even sex when you had more spare time.

He always told you how much he appreciates that you are still here for him after what happened, and he tried his best to make you feel loved and safe, showering you with kisses, hugs or literally any physical contact — his favourite way of showing affection.

His parents were also glad for your help, even though you didn't really talked to them, you knew they were happy with your presence. They didn't really mind you staying for that long, but to be honest, you wanted Holden to move into your apartment when he finds himself a job. Your money from working at Retail Rodeo wasn't much to cover up for you two, and for safety reasons you wanted Holden to stay with his parents a little longer.

⭑⭒⭒

You finished showering, and dressed in your pajamas, quickly went on tip toes to Holden's room.

"Okay I'm done, you can go now." You closed the door behind you and saw him lying on the bed, smiling sheepishly. "What?" You grinned at him.

"Come here." He opened his arms, suggesting for you to cuddle with him. You quickly jumped into his arms and he rolled you over so now he was straddling you.

You sighed with a smile. "We are not fucking."

"Who said that I want to fuck?" He grinned and started kissing your cheeks.

"I know you Holden, you are a very horny person." You giggled.

"It's hard not to be around you." He looked into your eyes. You gently ran one of your hands through his hair and smiled at him. He stared at you for a good couple minutes before finally speaking. "You are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen."

You rolled your eyes platfully. "C'mon, I'm not that beautiful."

He rolled his eyes, mocking you. "Yes you are, at least for me."

You smiled softly and caressed his cheek. "You are very handsome to me too."

He grinned widely. "Thank you."

"For what? Complements?"

"For simply existing, you helped me a lot." He tucked a lock of your hair behind your ear. "I'm very happy it was you."

You couldn't help but smile. Holden appreciated literally everything you did for him, even if it was something small, he would be head over heels for you, and it's allways been like this. He would always return the favour with something bigger than you usually did for him.

You grabbed his face gently, and pulled him into a kiss. "I'm very happy it was you too." You mumbled into the kiss.

"I'm excited for our future together." He smiled sheepishly when the kiss ended.

"You have no idea how excited I am too."

#holden worther #holden worther x reader #the good girl #jake gyllenhaal #jake gyllenhaal x reader #jake gyllenhaal x you #jake gyllenhaal fanfic #fluff #fanfic #fanfiction

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hyperch1ptune · 4 months ago

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yk i’ve talked about spooky month on here before,,once I think showcasing my first gadgetini art of the year (or since 2022)

it’s actually the webseries that had me reminded of gatg from it having a duo I felt were similar 2 the main robo-twins

THE THIEVES 💪💪

These guys have been my favorite since 2020, and it wasn’t until the beginning of the year where I felt I was improving on both my art & writing skills where I’d interfere without feeling i’m mischaracterizing the 2

(I actually uploaded some of my recent SM thief stuff 2 tumblr one time,,,buut that was before I decided to restart & delete the 5 year old blog entirety)

(cuz my old stuff from them,,,additionally from 2021 & 2022 where I had a really bad “edgy” phase was NOT good i’ll say that)

most of the headcanons I have written for them are archived somewhere in my now fidget-focused rp account, but I can try & paraphrase most of what I have to present other than roleplay

—

Barton “Barry” Gómez (Fat Thief), and Eugene “Euan” Gómez (Thin Thief) are the duo thieves of the neighborhood; Barry being 32 and Eugene being 34. They’re both brothers, close ones at that. Even with the 2 year difference it’s always been as if they were the closest friends they could have.

They both were the previous son’s of Richard, 20 years before Roy came along (more than likely in his 50’s now). Richard had another partner before Carmen, but they never got along as well as he hoped..he took it upon himself to take care of both of the boys whenever him & his old girlfriend partner. Barton doesn’t remember much of his mother besides playing with her whenever he was young; Euan only remembers her consistent fighting with Richard most of the time now.

The thieves are unaware of Richard’s new life, having both moving out for collage (and independency mostly) at that early adult age (18/20 respectively for the both of them) they’re both been they’re only source of family sense, being roomies for as long as they can remember with each house/area they move/hide into. The only thing that is known is that Richard’s been having a better life with his new wife..additionally with them not knowing it’s Carmen (more than likely they’ve tried robbing her before) AND not knowing that makes them related to some kid named “Roy” in some way.

It was Eugene who first got into the habit of thievery; with him thinking it would be good financial help for the 2 of them, and just liking the thrill in general. With Barry being the youngest, he ended up picking up that habit alongside him. With how long they’ve been doing it around the neighborhood, it was surprising to hear them both getting relatively popular under local news reports..only having full realization after someone deliberately order a heist for them to hit off. AKA: the RUMORED CULT hiring them to rummage through the attic of a house they’ve already failed stealing from. They already had good enough of a grip of how dangerous the group could be; given how they escaped jail in the first place with help from famous Bob Velseb; the reanimated cannibal that was ALIVE because of the cult (they didn’t have that great of a relationship with him in-and-out of the prison..) Barry was more unsure on the deal, not wanting to be wrapped deep under more garbage for the future. Eugene? They were paying good, he couldn’t let go of that offer (it would’ve payed off they’re apartment bills🎉🎉) Alongside the duo they were hired with the Candydealer, him acting more as some information giver-mentor hybrid for the two. Trying to keep them in order from fear or hesitation so they don’t “run out of luck”

Barton is a Gay man, & Euan is Bisexual as well btw 🫡🫡

ADDITIONALLY THEYRE BOTH MEXICAN WHICH MAKES RICHARD MEXICAN WHICH MAKES ROY MIXED HEHEJAHAHAHA I LOVE SELF INDULGENT HEADCANONS 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽

—

thank u 4 ur time I just wanted 2 get on here & say i’ve loved these guys 4 so long & they mean so much 2 me and with the power of tumblr & how much words u can write on here I can announce that 2 everyone else

anyways here’s the full art dump I have w them ur welcome chat

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webnovel-deluxe · 1 year ago

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Isn't Being A Wicked Woman Much Better? Side Story Chapter 11

I also upload this chapter in my YouTube channel, read there if you want to support my effort, to read click here👉Link

-Sh*t. Where else I am? Why did this happen again!

I certainly didn't say it out loud, but my thoughts echoed through the space.

-Is it the unconscious world?

As if I did an echo setting, my thoughts echo in the air again.

- Rosary, weren't you on my side? That's a lot of power from my long past life!

While feeling absurd, Lock Visconti came into my sight, and I shut my mouth and held my breath. To see it in a dream and to feel it vividly like a 4D screen is a different feeling.

… He looks just like the real Isidor. Although his personality over there seems a little more sassy.

It also felt like a preview of Isidor's 30s.

-Isn't this the level where you have to pay a fee?

I followed him as he strode down the hallway, as if possessed.

Standing still, Lock Visconti, clutching the doorknob, closed his eyes, took a long deep breath, and slowly opened the door.

He clenched his teeth until his chin bulged out. He seemed to be holding back his tears.

In the room, there was Naila, who was running out of time.

On the day of the decisive battle when the red moon rose, the great demon came down to the ground with his corps, and many people were killed and injured.

Amidst the abyss, Nyla managed to defeat the demon, but it was not a real victory. I used my body full of strong divine power as a vessel to absorb and neutralize the power of the devil.

And as a result of the aftermath, Nyla lived a limited life. She said that the magic that had entered her body began to contaminate her organs as well.

“Come.”

Naila smiles at the man with a pale face. I felt so desperate for how to smile, so if I had tear glands now, I would have cried unintentionally.

“It snowed today. It's cold, it's terribly cold.”

Locke Visconti said bluntly, wiping the snow from my shoulder.

“Still, it was bleeding.”

He held the folded flower in open purple paper in his thin hand.

as if to be strong.

“It’s your favorite lavender.”

“thank you.”

Her fingertips, which were stained black by the magic, trembled finely.

“Don’t say that like a habit. Tell me what starts with 'sa'. It's the best thing you've ever heard To be honest, I can't hear any other words.”

“Hey.”

“Uh, there it is.”

“… I remember?”

“What.”

“The story of the next life.”

Nyla had a firm belief that there would be a next life. It was also a premonition of a saint who was most closely connected with God.

“Remember, you said you were going to be a bad girl next time? good luck I will stick by your side and support you. It would be nice if the flies didn’t get entangled.”

“… Hehe.”

“Even if you laugh like a fool, it's annoying because it's cute.”

“… I love you.”

“me too.”

Lock Visconti's voice settles low.

The two took a deep breath while holding each other's presence.

how much time has passed

The man's breath was rough with sorrow, and thinned like a soft hidden gift of a woman.

And by the end of it, she was so weak that he could no longer feel her presence.

Then came the deep darkness. It was an abyss without a single light.

Even though it was definitely the last in my memory, I was silent for a while, engulfed in deep emotions.

That was then.

- Deborah... .

-Oh, that voice!

The wet voice that flowed from the rosary illuminates the darkness and spreads like ripples. Thump thump, the constriction of the blood vessels and the sensation of the whole body trembling shook the detonator again.

-what is your identity? It doesn't seem like I'm going to teach you anything.

An unidentified voice answered my words.

-I know you well, now you're Deborah, you were once Yoon Do-hee, you used to be Na-ila.

- How the hell do you... ?

- Because I watched.

- Did you watch? Could it be your ancestor?

- anc, your ancestors... !? If I had to define it in human language, I'm a 'body of thought'. Although it does not actually exist, it can be said that it is a form created by the gathering of aspirations.

He didn't like the title of ancestor god, so he hastily started introducing himself.

-desire?

-Yes. You in the past... I put the divine power into a pure white rosary with the desire to share the next life with the person you love.

- I remember that.

-So did Locke Visconti. The white beads hanging from the rosary were made by processing the fangs of the golden dragon that Locke loved.

-Oh My God. It was really precious.

The bones of dragons, which existed only in ancient times, are now very small.

-okay. A man I knew only hand carved the one and only heirloom and presented it to you. With the desire to share the future with you for a long time.

-Then, it means that you are a thought-form created by the meeting of the two's aspirations... ?

-right. It was always nestled in that rosary.

-So your voice sounds familiar.

Although her voice was neutral, there was a similarity to Naila's docile Han Woollim. So, as soon as the rosary was called, I may have stretched out my hand without realizing it.

-Yes. I have a lot to show you.

Once again, the past is vividly unfolding before your eyes.

Against the backdrop of a blood-red full moon, an evil voice resounded through the space, causing a terrifying chill.

- I'm up! House, damn you cheeky bastard, dare!Do you think it will end like this? You won't die pretty! You will suffocate as you struggle in the excruciating pain of rotting your organs! In the abyss, under the bridle of torment, I will struggle forever!

The voice of Lucifer, who has now disappeared.

The devil poured a curse with all his might on Naila, who used her body as a vessel to absorb magic.

- Oh, you bad bastard... . Guess who's not the devil?

The thought body sympathized with my words. a ripple.

- Because of the curse of Lucifer, who is attached to you like a demon, your soul falls into the abyss, out of the reach of the god. After wandering in the deep darkness for a while, he reincarnated in a different dimension, not where he was originally arranged.

“.....”

- Under unhappy circumstances.

- That was Yoon Do-hee.

-yes… .

Thought-form's voice subsided melancholy.

-And the body of Deborah, where your soul was originally supposed to go, will be occupied by an evil spirit.

- That demon, Deborah Seymour, who was doing all kinds of evil before I possessed it, right... ?

-Yes. Being an evil spirit from under Lucifer, he was selfish, violent, and was always vicious in seeing others do better than me.

The thought body spoke in a cold tone.

- And I was attracted to Pilaf, a soul with a color similar to mine.

- Where is the demon now?

-You, the original owner of the body, bounced back as you came back.

-Is she still here?

-The memories of being human were shattered, so she must have lost herself and returned to the form of resentment. Perhaps, when her master, Lucifer, perished, they perished together.

It was fortunate out of misfortune that the evil spirit was thrown away and left behind fragments of memories. Fortunately, it took less time to adjust to when I was possessed.

- You have to be precise! You didn't possess the character in the novel, but you returned to your place. to the place originally assigned to you.

The thought-body made waves in succession.

- Now everything is back in place. The journey has never been smooth, but... hell you did it.

The guy muttered.

-You don't know how much that damn evil spirit choked me when she pretended to be the soul of Mirju's daughter.

In fact, at the time of possession, Deborah was just one step away from the real family register.

-Oh, by the way, Mirju Seymour is the previous life of your father, Georges A Seymour. Mirju was the invitation of the Seymour family, and he was a great wizard who cared for you like his daughter. He is famous for his filthy personality, so if you had any welfare, you wanted to resemble that snake-like human.

-ah. I remember that... .

-Hmm, anyway, it was the worst situation, you destroyed Lucifer with divine magic. That's great.

It's strange to hear that someone has been watching me struggle, even empathizing with me, and telling me that I'm amazing. It wasn't a bad feeling. A little shy though.

- When your wish comes true, I wanted to meet you like this. Because I was a thought-form created by your soul, I was able to keep you up and running.

-Aha. So I pretended there was a problem. To call you back instead of me.

I was worried that the color of the sacred object had changed, but it turned out that this was a ruse devised by this guy.

- Hmmmm! I also mix with Lock's thoughts, so I'm not as kind as you.

The guy said as if making excuses.

- Are you that kind? I liquidated my hogu life. I don't know because I've been watching for a long time.

- That doesn't change the essence of your soul, but... Honestly, it's been an hour.

The thought body seemed to be truly relieved. It's true that it's hard to live in this tough world if you're just too kind.

-By the way, proverbs are great. Remember what Locke Visconti said, Deborah?

“ha. You'll have to be reborn twice to become a bit more toxic.”

To the question of the thought body, I answered yes, recalling what he had said in the past.

-Thanks to that proverb, you did not disappear in the abyss, but were reborn in the dimension that was nearby.

The guy added admiringly.

-I was half serious and half joking, I told you that you will have to be reborn twice to become toxic. I really hoped that you were reborn twice, and your soft personality became so poisonous.

- Yoon Do-hee's life was so spicy that I couldn't help but get excited.

Although Nyla had a harsh fate of being the savior of a dystopian world where demons run rampant, she still had a passionate love affair with the most handsome man in the world.

On the other hand, Yoon Do-hee... .

- It seems that you only studied for your family, a part-time job, an entrance exam, and a job hunting.

-By the way… Aren't you curious?

-What?

-Since Yoon Do-hee, who was born before you, left.

I was startled. This is because, suddenly, the previous life that the thought body was watching began to flow in a fast-forward way before my eyes.

Support me with your like, comments & share. Your support will encourage me to upload next chapter faster.

#novel #light novel #villainess #isekai #isn't Being A Wicked Woman Much Better novel #isn't Being A Wicked Woman Much Better novel side Story Chapter 11 #side Story Chapter 11 #side Story 11 #isn't Being A Wicked Woman Much Better side Story 11

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cosmo-lexies · 1 year ago

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Midnight Rituals - 2. Do it right or don't do it at all

Atticus:

I was looking through the car window. The sun was almost sunset, fortunately. I hadn't drunk enough blood today to be able to walk under the sun for a long time.

"Rosemary is always getting us into trouble, I need to upload a new photo or my followers will be disappointed," Lucas complained while driving.

"I'm sure they can wait until we finish it. This could happen to anybody, it's bad luck," I sighed.

My heart wouldn't stop beating. I wanted to see her, but at the same time, I didn't want. Too many unprocessed feelings between us.

"By the way, can you repeat for which you have broken up?" he said looking at me, taking his eyes off the road which made the car do an S and we almost got off the road.

"Do you want to kill us?" I said the sentence so worried that we both laughed; as if a minor road accident could kill a lord vampire and a shapeshifter. "Okay, you park on this side of the road, we'll walk the rest. They are a few kilometers inside the forest."

I outed the car rapidly when he parked. I wasn't in the mood to speak about my breakup with Rose and Lucas had been trying for a few days to get me to open up. He's my best friend but this's something that I want to share with others.

"Dude, you don't answer me about Rose," he said while he closed the car.

"It's not your business..." a scream interrupted me.

The birds began to fly frenetically in the opposite direction of the scream. Lucas and I looked at each other with decidedly. He turned into a shape half human half bear and we started to run at full speed.

Fenix:

I was very dizzy. It was like getting out of bed fast and then you feel like your room would be a Mario Kart racing. It wasn't yet night although the sun had almost set, my trick had worked enough.

Strong winds that lashed around caught my attention. The witches were making the stupid ritual and the magic forces were collapsing. The girls and Kevin were in the second circle in black tunics while Rosemary was in the center in a white tunic with golden embroideries. All of them sang together a strange canticle. The aesthetics of a satanic cult from a bad terror movie were achieved, point for them.

I tried to get up and a snake head started to hiss. Well, a cord with a very bad spell of illusion started to hiss. Most people would think this an animatronic or a toy before a real snake; amateurs.

Suddenly, they began to scream in unison. They were four people but they were so synchronized that seemed like one. The birds flew away. I began to push with my body trying to untie me. It wasn't complicated, who tied me needed to learn about knots.

They were in silence after that strange scream. I approach Kevin. "oh, shit" I yelled. They had their eyes rolled and cried blood, very disgusting. The rest of them were the same. The magic was getting more chaotic by the second.

I should balance this shit, shouldn't I? I thought.

I checked the makeup case searching for something useful. Lapislazuli not, Himalayan salt not, little iron bars, maybe. I took the iron bars and a compass. The corner was orienting to the magnetic north as I had supposed, a rookie mistake on their part.

I began to stick the bars into the ground, the magic surrounding me was overwhelming. I was having a horrible headache. But I could put the bars without problems until I need to stick the last bar in the center, near Rose.

I approach the center slowly, the magic was stronger and I felt worse with every step. I fell to the ground and was dragging myself to get to my objective. I used my last strength to stick the bar in front of Rose's knee. The wing stopped and I felt calm for a sec until I saw a black shadow coming out of one crack in the sky.

We are screwed was the last thing I could think before I passed out.

Lucas:

I had left Atticus behind, although both of us are faster than normal people, he don't even come close to me. I followed the smell, it was complicated to distinguish the people's smell because of the sulfur odor which spread throughout the forest.

Finally, I smelled Rosemary perfume, the magic rose scent is very unique; the twins who always accompany her; someone I don't know; and a familiar smell but I couldn't realize who.

I arrived in the small glade. The twins were helping to get up at each other, while Rose tried to flip a guy who was in the ground. The guy didn't smell like a witch but maybe he was using a spell.

"What the hell happened here?" I asked.

A black guy who was trying to get up started to yell when he noticed me, my bestial form usually has this effect, even in witches.

"Shut up, Kevin!" Rosemary yelled with an angry look. "It's a friend of mine."

"Well more like a friend of a friend," I said turning into my normal form.

I had broken my sneakers again. I never remember taking off my shoes when I change. My father was going to kill me. I took off my shoes and threw them away because they were a rag after my run through the woods.

"Where is Atticus?" Rose asked me when I approached her.

"He was following my tail, but I'm faster," I helped her to move the guy, then I realize why there was a familiar smell. "Shit, why is Fenix here?"

"He followed us, for this reason, we called Atticus. Then the summoning got out of hand, and..." She stayed staring at a bar stuck in the ground. "Who made this?" Everyone shook their heads. "It's impossible that it made him," she whispered.

I give a soft slap to Fenix, but he was totally unconscious. Then Atticus arrived with his red iris and black veins. This guy, Kevin, almost started to yell again, but Rosemary made an angry face which was more terrifying than a vampire or any other creature.

Atticus approach us, "Thanks for coming," Rose said in a sweet tone, I felt a chill down my spine.

"Always," Atticus answered with a smile.

I cleared my throat because this began to fill annoyance and we had an unconscious human in our hands.

"We need to do something with him," I said.

She moved her hands trying to make a spell "I have used too much power, I'm dry for two hours at least,"

Atti approached his ear at Fenix's chest "His heart sounds well. Although I could try to erase his memories when he wakes up, a witch has to check him. We should go to the foundation," he said.

Rosemary only nodded and I took Fenix in my back. He was still a featherweight.

Rosemary:

I changed my clothes rapidly and gave orders to pick up and go home. Atticus, Lucas, and I started to walk toward Luca's car. I would go pick mine up in another moment.

This has been a total disaster, Mother will be so disappointed, I thought.

Atticus round me with an arm and smile at me. "Don't worry, everything will be alright."

I felt more myself when we are together. I missed him more than I could admit.

"You're a bad liar for someone who can manipulate people's minds," I joked.

"Not really, I think that Fenix is well. We only need to erase his memories.."

"And find out what happened," I interrupted him

"What do you mean?"

"I think he broke the spell," Atticus looked at me confused. "The spell was wrong. I don't know what happened, but the energies were so chaotic that we all went into a trance. These iron bars weren't our thing."

"I don't understand, he's human, isn't he? He cannot make magic."

"He didn't make magic, but he balanced the forces in a way that I don't quite understand. However, I'll get my answers before the end of the day or my name isn't Rosemary Booth."

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thewolfwarriors · 2 years ago

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15 Years of HTTYD! ANNIVERSARY POST!

tl;dr: Ive been in the fandom since the far off ancient year of 2007 so this is a brief reflection of all that

Posting this today on the Winter Solstice, an important day for the Vikings, seemed fitting. Expand for the full text (there's pictures too!)

In the Winter of 2007, my middle school English teacher took us to our weekly Thursday trip to the library. I'd check out any book with the word 'dragon' in the title. I came across How to Train your Dragon by Cressida Cowell and immediately checked it out. I became so obsessed with the book that I learned the hard way that you can only recheck out a book so many times. Thankfully, my parents had given me some money for Christmas and took me to Books-A-Million after the new year! I think the specific date was Jan 8th.

To my ecstatic delight, there was not one, but THREE BOOKS now! After buying them, we went to Cici's Pizza and I had to convince my parents to let me bring them inside. I promised them I would be careful not to get any pizza on them.

I carried those books around with me daily! They were always with me at school. They got scratches all over the covers but they were my friends so I always had them around. I made so many stories of my own through them.

I have this memory of my dad walking into my room while I was reading How to Speak Dragonese.

"You're reading that again?" he asked.

"Ye...."

"We need to get you some new books." was all he said.

It used to say Mew on the inside of the cover before I decided to put the date down instead. That was my first internet name from my ye olde Neopets days. I named myself and all my characters that because I was so bad with naming.

I came up with Mew (now Mewgull) as my first HTTYD OC! She was the an heir to a large kingdom and she turned into a wolf ( I was obsessed with Wolf's Rain and nu-metal AMVS ok? )Then came along her brothers, the Dreadful Drones and the Wolf Warriors as a whole, my first LGBT+ characters (that I can remember at least) and many many more. Mew became my first mascot for my art and eventually I made my own "fursona" (before I knew what that was) based off her.

Annnnnd of course, tons of fan art, animations and even a Doomfang fursuit head. Most of this stuff was lost to time but some I was able to keep! I'll be uploading what's left of my old artwork here soon! I plan to do some redraws as well! ^_^ Some are already on my ancient sarcophagus of a deviantART account

For memories and funnies: here's my Fishlegs cosplay for "Dress up as your favorite book character day" at school! I don't know if it's embarrassing or endearing but hey, man, it was 2012.

I made the helmet and the necklace myself! I kept the luck lobster claws for a long time but I guess I got rid of them. :( Maybe in the future I'll make another pair! And yes, that's my Horrowcow I'm holding! Thanks mom for takin the picture!

Anyway, if you stuck around this long, I sure do appreciate it. These were all some of the many core memories I had and I love talking about them. I'll probably have many more sentimental ramblings like this in the future (... Sure hope "the Dreadful Drone" doesn't take on a new meaning) and of course, my old art. I'm really happy with how well of a reception my art was got on here so far. Thank you all.

Until next time, Peace.

Signed,

Mr.Hatman aka Mew -Dragonologist, Wolf Rain's AMV lover, System of a Down/KoRn fan, Poke'mon Master, Cosplayer, Irken Invader, the most Random Epicest Artist xDDDD :3

#httyd #httyd fandom #httyd books #how to train your dragon #httyd how to train your dragon #how to train your dragon books #childhood #fishlegs #httyd fishlegs #httyd nostalgia

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angel-riki · 4 years ago

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Dazed & Dreaming {Ch. 1}

summary: Y/N's life was always quite normal, some may even consider it boring. However, Y/N enjoyed her simple life and the little pleasures it brought. Unfortunately, that all changed the day she found out her best friend's biggest secret. Her discovery leads her down a rabbit hole of a new and confusing world she never knew existed. She must now navigate this new life filled with love, fear, and the supernatural. What awaits her down this path?

pairing: enhypen x reader (vampire au)

warnings: light swearing

word count: 1,435

chapters: [Ch.2] [Ch.3] [Ch.4]

~~~~~~~~~~

The brisk autumn air pricked at your cheeks, making you shiver as you clutched your coat tighter around your body. You picked up your pace as your shoes tapped lightly against the pavement. Walking to school was nice this time of year, you loved the autumn scenery which was full of rich colors and leaves dancing in the wind. Winter on the other hand, was another story. It was also quite pretty, yet much more inconvenient and impractical. However, right now it was a pleasant walk.

Before you know it, you're at the entrance of your school, trudging up the stairs. Oh how you longed to be back in your warm, soft bed, asleep. You begrudgingly continued on your way when you heard a familiar voice ring out,

"Y/N! Wait up!"

You recognize the voice without even needing to turn around, it was Jake. Jake had been your best friend since he had moved here from Australia way back in middle school. He meant the world to you. You've grown so close over the years, he practically knows everything about you at this point. And you know all about him as well. You smiled and waved at the cheerful boy as he jogged to catch up with you. Slightly out of breath and with flushed cheeks, he greeted you,

"Good morninggg!" He drew out the last syllable with a dorky grin on his face. You giggled, he was always so cute without even trying.

"Good morning," you replied, happily.

"Kind of chilly this morning, huh? Did you walk to school again?" He asked.

"Yeah, I did. I always walk to school, you know that," you chuckled at his silly question.

"You knowww," he began,

Oh boy here we go, you thought.

"Heeseung would totally give you a ride to school if you'd like," he stated. Jake had made this offer to you a few times, however, you always declined. Heeseung was a close friend of Jake's yet he was merely an acquaintance to you at best, you would feel bad having him drive you around. Especially since he already gave Jake rides every morning.

Also not to mention, you found Heeseung incredibly attractive and you don't think your heart could handle that...

"No that's okay, I wouldn't want to impose," you politely declined like always. Jake sighed. You were always so considerate, almost to a fault.

"Y/N, Heeseung totally wouldn't mind, he isn't like that, you know." He smiled, trying to convince you to accept the offer. Especially, knowing that winter was just around the corner.

"I know...I just would rather not," you said trying to escape the topic as your cheeks began to heat up. Jake sighed defeatedly and decided to let it go as you both continued your way into the building.

*****

The end of the day couldn't come soon enough as you headed towards your final class; physics. Yay. You've always hated physics and although you were a straight A student, your grades suffered in that class. Thankfully, Jake was quite good at physics and was always happy to help. Over time, he basically became your tutor. You scanned the front board to see what the topic of the lesson was today. Like usual, you couldn't make sense of any of it. God, I wish I had Jake's brain, you thought to yourself.

As much as you tried not to, you ended up tuning out the teacher and his lecture as your mind wandered to anything but physics. Before you knew it, class was over and students began gathering their books and shuffling out of the classroom. Shit. I didn't pay attention to any of that. You mentally kicked yourself for slacking off. Well, at least the school day is over. You headed back to your locker where you saw Jake waiting for you.

"Hey Y/N, how was physics? I know it's your favorite class," he said sarcastically.

"Shut up," you slapped him playfully on the arm, "I actually totally zoned out the whole period. Therefore, I'm lost and you really have your work cut out for you as my tutor," you retorted.

He laughed and shook his head, "Y/N, you're killing me!" He said while jokingly clutching his chest in imaginary pain.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry I should honestly be paying you at this point," you laughed.

"Nah don't worry about it, I'm happy to help," he said. Gosh he's so sweet, you thought. Sometimes you felt like you didn't deserve him. But if you ever dared to say that out loud, you know you would receive an immediate rebuttal from him. Because that's just how Jake is.

*****

*BZZZ* *BZZZ* * BZZZ*

You rolled over and groaned. Ughhh, it's already time to get up? You had stayed up later than usual the night before. You had been facetiming with Jake as he tried to explain your physics homework to you. Unfortunately, it took you quite a while to understand it since you hadn't paid attention in class earlier that day.

Just 5 more minutes...you thought as you lazily snoozed your alarm.

*****

Your eyes fluttered open as you awoke for the second time. Hm, that's weird. Why didn't my alarm go off yet? You grabbed your phone to check the time. You squinted as your eyes adjusted to the bright screen. Oh shit. You had overslept for 45 minutes. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. You mentally cursed at yourself as you scrambled to get ready in half the time you usually do. You frantically threw on your school uniform and hurried to the bathroom to brush you teeth. You gasped as you saw your reflection. You had the worst bed head you had EVER seen. Just my luck. You quickly threw your hair up into a half updo. Guess I'm going for the messy look today. You hurried downstairs and grabbed a granola bar on your way out. You headed down your driveway only to see a car parked on the side of the road right in front of your house. You were a bit confused but as you got closer you were met with two familiar faces. Oh no. This is Heeseung's car. Your stomach did a backflip. Heeseung smiled and gave a small wave as Jake greeted you from the passenger seat,

"Hey, Y/N! Sorry for the surprise, I knew you would never accept the ride but the weather's getting colder and I don't want you to get sick," Jake rambled.

"Jake told me that you walk to school every morning, but I don't mind giving you a ride, it's no problem at all," Heeseung added with a kind smile.

You appreciated the kind gesture, however, you were mortified. Here you were, looking like the hottest mess of the century in front of the hottest boy of the century. This can't be happening. Of all days, why today?!

You smiled meekly, "Wow, uh, thank you that's very kind of you! I guess I'll take you up on that offer since you already went out of your way to come here," you said apologetically. The two boys smiled at you as you opened the car door and climbed into the back seat.

*****

So far, the ride had been fairly quiet until Jake suddenly broke the silence,

"Y/N, did you do something different with your hair?" Jake asked as he turned around to face you.

God, why did he have to bring that up??

"Uh, yeah, I actually woke up late and my hair was a mess so I just tried to make the best of it," you laughed nervously.

"Ohh, well it looks nice!" he complimented.

"Yeah, you look cute." Heeseung added with his eyes still on the road.

You froze. Your brain began malfunctioning as you tried to compute what Heeseung just said. He called me cute. You chuckled anxiously as you felt your cheeks burning up.

"Thank you," you said shyly.

Jake had noticed your abrupt change in body language, which confused him. But then, it all clicked. Oh...She has a crush on Heeseung. He didn't know how he hadn't noticed it sooner. He grinned to himself, amused by his realization. Suddenly, it made sense why you never accepted a ride.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hi, guys! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter! I know it was a bit slow, but once the introductory part is out of the way, hopefully things will pick up the pace. Regardless, thank you for reading! I am also uploading this series on wattpad, so if you’d like to support it over there, that would mean a lot! I'm hoping to publish new chapters a couple times a week so keep your eyes peeled hehehe

~Elle <3

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writingsfromhome · 4 years ago

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Bad Timing II

A/N: I’m just about finished the whole series and I’m excited for you to read this! <3 Sorry for the late upload, I started a new semester and had zero time to write but I worked on this all weekend. I’m curious to know if your opinions on Harry change after this part, the next part’s going to be packed but this is an in-between. Thanks as always for reading <333

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4

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

I lay awake in bed, staring at the blank ceiling before my phone’s constant buzzing forces me up. A couple voicemails, and a single text from Harry: GM, call me if you need anything.

I stare at it longer than I should, the audacity to think we were fine enough to text me so casually. But there was some small solace in knowing he took the extra step to let me know. Ugh; my head injury was more serious than the medic diagnosed. I throw my phone on the bed and head downstairs where I’m surprised to see him gone. It was only 8am and I needed a coffee, otherwise I would not make it through the day. When I see the pot of coffee half full, I stop in my tracks. Harry made coffee before he left. I touch the pot and it’s still warm, he couldn’t have left that long ago.

I open the dishwasher that I’d loaded last night only to find it empty. I stand straight, hand on my hips--had he unloaded the dishes too? How did I not wake up to the noise? How did he even know where everything went?!

Maybe he wasn’t such a dense detective after all, the thought makes me smile. I look around the room and notice he’d tidied up from last night, and folded everything away on the couch he slept on. I take my coffee to the couch and without thinking, hug the pillow to my face and inhale. The strong scent of his aftershave sends a sharp and painful jolt to my memories. What the hell was I doing?

I drop the pillow and settle on my kitchen table, responding to some emails while I make a game plan for the day, shaking off the claustrophobic feeling I got thinking about going back to work. I finish the last of the coffee and start moving, shower, dress appropriately, pack my laptop...I just had to keep busy so I wouldn’t have time to think about it.

***

“We’re here for you, whatever you need,” the regional manager lets me know during the meeting. I’d learned post-trauma policies the bank had. I was sorry to know them, I really just wanted to put the whole thing behind me. I tell her that. “Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. We do require you to go to at least one counseling session, your employees have got to go to a group meet with a licensed therapist so you can all discuss this and get over the awful event.”

“I see,” I chew my lower lip. I didn’t want to talk to anyone about the way I jumped at every little thing and stared down each and every stranger on the tube on my way in today. I felt crazy. Maybe I did need a shrink. “I’ll include that in the memo I guess. Thanks again for all the support and the resources-”

“That’s my job, our job.” She motions to the man sitting beside her who hadn’t actually said much the whole time. We talk for a little while longer, and by the time they leave I’m exhausted. But I make the trek to the hospital to visit Cole like I told him I would.

***

The weekend flies by: I take the train to visit my dad up north and let him take care of me like I was a kid again. It was nice to unwind, I thought, I should visit my dad more often.

But come Monday, I’m back in my pantsuit ready to get on with my life. I try not to think about Thursday too hard but it’s difficult when first thing that morning, a therapist shows up for a group session. Most of my employees look anxious to be here, but I watch their shoulders relax as they discuss what happened. Watching everyone bond brings a lightness to the heaviness that sat in my chest: it was good.

“Ms. Y/L/N? When can we schedule a one-on-one?” The therapist stops me at the end of the session.

“I think this session helped a lot,” I put on a big smile. “I don’t think that will be necessary.”

She smiles politely, as if she expected this, “It’s a requirement for back-to-work. I have time right now if you’d like, I’m not seeing another employee until lunch.”

“Um,” I look to where everyone mingles, comforting each other and breaking off into groups. If I had to talk about it in order to work, and work is the only thing to help me get my mind off of it...I guess I had no choice. “Let’s do it now.”

But an hour later and I’ve mostly just talked her ear off about Harry showing up, how awful my luck was that he would be the lead detective on the case, how much damage he’d done to me. How he appeared on one of the worst days of my life again.

“It’s almost a sign,” I ramble. “Like...what are the odds?!”

“Do you still have feelings for him?” She asks, looking like she knew the answer.

“No,” I scoff. “I hate him. He broke my trust!” And my heart.

“Those are feelings,” she says wisely.

“Well sure, yeah, I have negative feelings towards him. Why wouldn’t I?”

She pauses, a very pregnant pause. “It’s been almost 4 years right? Usually, those feelings start to...dissolve into a more neutral ground when you...receive closure. You take time to grieve, to sit in the wound in your heart, but then you pick yourself up and try to heal. It seems like you’ve just told yourself you were healed and got on.”

“I am healed,” I insist.

“Just like you started this sessions by letting me know you were over the trauma that happened to you a few days ago?” She asks. I avoid her gaze. “When I asked about Thursday, you said you were ‘over it’ and you just wanted to focus on work but you’re not giving yourself closure. Likewise, with Harry. You haven’t found closure even after all these years.”

I stare at her, she’d sliced right into a vulnerable part of me--I’d led her there, I realise. It was something I knew all along, I just didn’t want to point at it alone.

“You’re right...I feel like I never got closure.” I confess. “How? I just want to know h-how he could’ve left me for another woman after all those years together--as lovers and as friends? He was there when mum...he was there through hell. And then he put me through hell.”

“I’d like to believe Harry showing up on a...hellish day is a sign like you say. But maybe a sign you need closure. Talk to him, ask him what you need to know in order to close that chapter of your life.”

I exhale, the idea of it making me feel claustrophobic. She wanted me to open myself up to him again and invite him to hurt my feelings? I try to ask her more but she looks at her watch. We’d gone over.

I thank her and walk out with a weight on my back that feels bigger than the one I went in with. I thought therapy was supposed to make me feel lighter.

***

I’m hiding behind my desk as the footsteps get closer and closer to the door. I clutch the knife in my hand and-

“Y/N!”

I jump up out of sleep, and open my eyes to my office. I stare at the table in front of me where the papers I used as a pillow are rumpled.

“Y/N? You have a call on-”

“Adam,” I look at my assistant. He’d been really quiet today and I was worried about him but there was so much to catch up on I hadn’t had the chance to talk to him. “Sorry I...haven’t been sleeping well.”

“I’m sorry Y/N...the detective’s on the line he insisted he talk-”

I roll my eyes and answer the phone, motioning for Adam I’d be okay. He hesitates at the door before closing it tightly behind him.

“Y/N?” Harry’s breathless voice answers irritably on the other line.

“Harry? Why are you calling me at work?” I ask, still sleepy from the nap. Is this about the case?”

“No it’s about your things at the station, it was processed--we couldn’t find anything useful so we’re returning this batch. And I think some of it belongs to your staff? Did you want to pick it up or should I drop it off to yo-”

“I’ll pick it up,” I wanted to make it clear that Harry in my space wasn’t going to be a normal thing. “I’ll head out in a bit, can I just collect it at reception?”

“They’ll buzz you through to me, I’ve gotta go-”

“Just leave it with reception...” I say to dead air. He’d already hung up. Damn.

***

“I’m here for some things, it was taken for evidence?” I say to the woman at reception.

“You’ll have to be more specific love,” she raises an eyebrow. “A lot happens here.”

“The bank rob-”

“Ah, Harry’s case. I’ll buzz you through-”

“No I thought maybe I could collect it here uh-” I look for a nameplate. “Serena, listen, I’m in a rush so is there any way for you to get it-”

The phone ringing cuts me off. She holds up her finger and I stand tapping my foot. She rolls her eyes at whoever was on the other line, motions that they were chatty and points to the glass doors. I sigh, I guess I was seeing Harry. I think about my therapist and cringe, I couldn’t.

When I walk in, I scan the room for Harry but I don’t spot him anywhere. I walk awkwardly until someone asks if they could help but they point to his desk and tell me I could wait there.

“I’m actually here to pick up some evidence, couldn’t you just give it to me?”

“He’s the lead officer, he’s got to sign off--”

“Fine,” I hated the bloody bureaucracy around here. I go to where he points and sit in Harry’s chair, ignoring the looks from people around me. I toy with the pen and doodle on an empty paper. Y/N was here I write and smile, it was juvenile.

“Y/N! Sorry! Nobody told me you were here.” Harry shows up a few minutes later. He opens the bottom drawer and takes out a nondescript cardboard box. If I knew if was down there I would’ve left a long time ago. “Just need you to sign this.”

“Okay,” I sign where he points and reach for the box. “I’ll grab that, thank you.”

“Can I walk you out?” He fiddles with his phone.

“Will you take no for an answer?”

“Nope,” he’s all teeth when he smiles. I sigh and walk in front of him. It’s weirdly silent but I notice he was typing on his phone when I look over.

“Well...g’night then.” I say at the door but he pushes it open and walks out with me.

He finally puts his phone away and asks. “Are you alright? Have you gone back to work?”

“Yeah,” I chew at my bottom lip, nervous. “We’re really sticking together, trying to get through it.”

“That’s good. That’s how it should be.” He waits a beat. “We’ve been trying to catch the robbers, they hit up another bank so it’s hell inside. That’s why I was so busy.”

“Another?” My heart plummets, and my palms feel slick.

“Yeah but we’re working as fast as we can. So...uh, did you need anything from me before you go?”

“I...” I think about the therapist’s words and chew my lower lip. I try to work up the courage. Fuck it, I realise. I had nothing to lose. “I do...actually.”

“Oh,” he looks surprised. “Good, what’s that?”

“I want to talk, about us. I...I need like, closure Harry. I think I deserve an explanation about...” I trail off as I notice him staring at me blankly. “What?”

His blank expression settles into confusion. “What’s more to explain Y/N. I’ve told you everything, I-I dunno. I thought one day we could get together like old friends, but it’s obvious you’re still upset with everything and I don’t know what more I can say? I said everything in that letter but if-”

“The letter?” I ask sharply, cutting off his chatter.

“Yeah, the one I wrote you after we...after you moved out?” When I don’t react he continues: “I dropped it off at your sister’s the week after you cleaned out your things? You didn’t...read it?” He looks hurt, if that was possible all these years later.

“I...did. Obviously I just...had some questions.” My heart races; what letter? He wrote me a letter?

“So what do you want to ask?” He looks at me curiously, concern etched in his brows. “I would like to talk actually-”

“Now’s not a good time,” I cut him off again. I had to know about this letter first. I can’t believe I walked into this blind. “I’ve actually had a long day, this is--we can do this another time, okay? Thanks for...walking me out.”

***

The first thing I do when I get home is call my sister. I can sniff her guilt a whole country away.

“Y/N, you were heartbroken! Y-you didn’t need to have it broken all over again reading his stupid letter! I was looking out for you!”

“That wasn’t your call!” I raise my voice. “I’ve been...I haven’t had closure all this time! I thought he didn’t even care enough to try to explain it to me and you knew he sent a letter this whole time?”

“Well when he showed up to the flat I wasn’t about to-”

“When did he come to the flat?” I wanted to strangle my sisters and her protective instincts.

“After you moved your things out. He wanted to see you and I knew you were a mess, I told him you never wanted to speak to him. I was looking out for you babe I-I didn’t even realise I was keeping you from closure I just...I didn’t want you hurting. Don’t be mad.”

I swallow the lump in my throat, she was right. It was Harry who hurt me, and I shouldn’t take it out on her. “I know. I know. I’m sorry for yelling I just-I wish I could read that letter.”

“I’m sorry,” she sniffs. “I should’ve given it to you once you moved out...I still have it though. I think I tucked it into my old yearbook. D’you want me to...”

“Mail it? Yes, as soon as possible please. I need to know what he wrote.”

“What if you just get hurt all over again?” she asks.

“I’ve been hurting, I don’t think his outdated explanation will hurt any more. Just please mail it the first chance you get okay?”

I was so close to it, I think. I had to get that letter. I needed closure. I deserved it. And just knowing I could get it, it’s almost like I was waking up in a dark tunnel I hadn’t realised I was in this whole time. I knew where I was, and I could see light on the horizon.

H POV:

The last time I had a full night’s sleep was on Y/N’s couch, this case was a lot bigger than we thought. It wasn’t just a robbery at one branch, these same people have hit up two other places in the last few days and they were good. The worst part was they weren’t afraid to use a gun.

“Chief,” one of the constables comes up to my desk, where I’d been staring at footage for the last hour. “There’s been um, there’s a problem-”

“Spit it out,” I say, eyes still on the screen.

“The evidence you released on Monday...blokes down in evidence can’t find the SIM from the scene...we think they accidentally left it with that batch.”

I look up from my screen and I can practically see the sweat breaking out on his brow as I stare. If that was important evidence, we’d misplaced it at the height of an investigation. My arse would be on the line too--it was my name on the authorization letter.

“Don’t panic until we’re sure it’s not with the evidence we gave out,” I get up and put my hand on his shoulder. “I’m looking into it right now, don’t let anybody know it’s happened.”

I grab my jacket from my chair and root in the pocket for my phone but Y/N’s number goes to voicemail. I curse. I look at the time, it was 6 already. I had a feeling she might kill me but I would have to drive to her place, I hoped she didn’t leave the evidence at work...after all I did tell her to return it to her employees...I have the brief thought of asking her in the morning but I remember my arse on the line and walk quicker.

“Woah, someone’s in a hurry,” Detective Cole comments as I rush past her. “Not even a hello.”

“Sorry,” I flash her a smile. “Urgent!”

“Need any help?”

I pause long enough to turn around and answer. “Normally I would say yes but I’ve got to do this.”

“Don’t let me keep ya,” she smiles, I notice Serena eyeing the both of us suspiciously as she packs up for the day. She was always trying to convince me to ask her on a date, but I was done with dating coworkers after I made the mistake of marrying one and breaking up quickly thereafter in the past. I’d changed careers quickly after that.

Y/N’s POV:

“Oh my god,” I stop in the middle of my bedroom as my sister reveals her big news over Facetime, an ultrasound held up to the camera. “Oh my god!”

“I know!” She squeals.

“I-I-you’re pregnant!” I was shocked, I didn’t even know my sister was trying for a third kid. “You better give me a bloody niece this time!”

My sister laughs, one hand on her belly. I should’ve known, I realise, she’d been cryptic the last few times we talked, dropping clue, but I’d been so wrapped up in other things I didn’t pick up on them. “It wasn’t even planned but Y/N, it feels right. The boys are stoked--they want a sister too.”

“I am so happy for you and Stu,” I let out a whoop. “I wish I could hug you! I’m going to book some time next month and come see you--this is big! Did you tell dad?”

“Not yet, don’t say anything--oh,” a cry bursts out from somewhere on her end. She rolls her eyes and tells me she would call me back. But I get a text to say there was an accident with a toy truck and a jug of OJ, she would call me back later in the evening when everything was settled.

I throw my phone down on my bed and sit on the edge in my robe, I’d just come out of the shower to my sister’s call. I was over the moon for her, but it was times like these I felt like an awful person. Because as I think about her happy news, I put my hand to my own belly and imagine what it would’ve been like to be the one calling family with good news. The familiar ache in my chest comes back, once upon a time I did have good news for a short period of time.

It was a few months before Harry and I split, I’d skipped a period and went immediately to the pharmacy. I’d decided to wait for a week before I would tell Harry because he was stressed from work. He was always stressed at that job, but I wanted it to be perfect. I’d spent the whole week stopping by nursery stores, browsing baby books, even buying a few onesies and the cutest booties I couldn’t put down. I picture the baby--mine and Harry’s, wearing them.

But the day I’d planned to tell him, I’d woken up and knew instantly something was wrong. I never told him, I fought with him that day instead...I couldn’t even remember over what. I held the awful burden on my own, packed the future I couldn’t have into a little box and shoved it under the bed. A few months later, Harry and I were over. That future was as fragile as the paper-thin wings of a butterfly, one that would never take flight.

I do what I did on my darkest days, I root underneath my bed and pull out the box.

I still had it; it was morbid, holding on to a future that was deader than dead. But I hold it in my lap, and run my hands over each piece of clothing. I imagine just for a moment what I could have had, they would’ve been 3 and I would’ve been a mum. My chest tightens, and I squeeze the items closer.

H’s POV:

By the time I get to Y/N’s, I’d stress-sang so many 90s hits that most of my nervous energy had streamed out the car window. I gather myself, clear my hoarse throat, and knock; ready to be beheaded. When there’s no answer, my nerves return. I knock louder, and try to peer through the frosty window.

“Harry?” Y/N opens the door in a flourish, looking fresh from a shower. I try to block the visuals that spring to mind, my mind blanking as I try to remember what I had to say. “Hello? Harry? Why are you here?”

“Uhm,” I shake my head. “Urgent business--the evidence I gave you on Monday, please tell me you still have it?”

Her eyebrows furrow, “You’re knocking on my door at nearly 7 for evidence you returned to me?”

“It’s urgent,” I look around out of habit. “Y/N, we may have accidentally given you something with the evidence we were meant to keep--please I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important. I’m not messing with you, this is my head on the chopping block--I need to know if you have it.”

“For fuck’s sake Harry,” she opens the door wider. “Just...come in.”

“You have it?” I step in eagerly and close the door behind me, basking in the warmth inside. It was a chilly spring evening.

“I haven’t touched it since I brought it home, I threw it somewhere in my room.”

“Didn’t it...have your employees’ personal items in it?” I ask cautiously.

“It’s not like they’re eager to have reminders of that day!” she snaps and I back down. She turns in a flourish of her robes and walks upstairs. She doesn’t say anything so I follow her up, drinking in every detail I can about her new life as we pass through.

She’s headed into her bedroom when her phone buzzes. I recognize her sister from the contact photo that takes up the screen. She glances at me, and back at the phone, making a decision.

“It’s beside the dresser, don’t make a sound or my sister will come here in record time to rip your head off.”

“I take it she doesn’t like me,” I try to joke.

“She’s not the only Y/L/N sister that doesn’t like you,” she puts a finger to her mouth and takes the call into the other room.

Maybe I should stop cracking jokes with Y/N, I think. It was clear she still hadn’t forgiven me. I was surprised she still held on as vehemently all these years later.

I head into her bedroom, a tidy and plain room. Compared to what I’d seen of her main floor, her bedroom looked like it belonged in a hotel. I spot the box almost immediately resting between a laundry hamper and her dresser. I pick it up but on the way back, the box on her bed catches my attention. The lid is half on, and I know I shouldn’t but something almost possesses my hand to nudge the lid aside. I stare and what’s inside the box sends me reeling; like I was seasick, but with both feet firmly on the ground. The feeling punches me directly into a past I’d abandoned. A future I abandoned too.

When Y/N finds me a few minutes later, I’m holding the shoes from the box in my hands. She stops beside me. I look to her and her face is frozen in fear, before it shuts down into anger--no, fury.

“What the fuck are you doing going through that?” she snatches the shoes out of my hand and picks the box up.

“Y/N,” I say gently. “What...what is all this?”

“Did you find your stupid box? Just--” her eyes search the room frantically and settles on the evidence box on the bed. She picks it up and shoves it into my chest. “Take it and go Harry, I don’t want t-to talk. To you. Please just--” her voice breaks.

“Okay I’ll go I just...” my heart feels heavier than lead and I want to say the perfect thing to her but nothing comes out. When she shoves me I scuttle out. I hear the sob that escapes her as soon as I exit into the hallway, I almost turn to go back in and offer comfort. But I couldn’t comfort her, not since the day I gave up on her. I walk to my car, not even relieved to have the evidence. I don’t know how long I sit in the car and think about the contents of that box: folded in neat piles were baby onesies, bibs, and a pair of tiny shoes. Remnants from a broken past, a broken promise.

I wasn’t an idiot, and I wasn’t heartless despite what Y/N thought. I know what my selfish actions did to her, I know how I’d fucked her up without meaning to. But it’s only now that the weight of it settles entirely on my shoulders. How many years has it been, and that small box of new onesies stayed under her bed. Her room might’ve looked sterile and fresh but its corners held heavier burdens than I thought were possible. A new feeling of shame blooms from within me, and it stays like a bad aftertaste.

***Y/N POV:

I was going to read that letter, find my closure, and burn everything from my past ceremonially in a bonfire, I think as I watch the trees in my backyard rustle with the morning wind. It had been a few days but I couldn’t even focus on him finding that box, the humiliation of watching him look up at me with confusion and pity...it was enough he’d broken my heart, but now he felt sorry for me too. I focus back on the greenery while my fingers toy with the letter that’d come in the mail, a few years late.

The envelope looked worse for wear but it was still as sealed as the day Harry had written it. I hesitate, trace my fingers over my name on the front. A memory comes rushing to me, Harry in my dorm writing silly things on my post-its and sticking it in places I wouldn’t find until he’d left. Like under my covers, or inside my closet door. They would be silly like

Y/N smells like farts

or cheesy like

have a terrific day

. I usually tossed them, other I’d tucked between classroom textbooks. I wonder what happened to them.

Finally, I work up the courage to slide my finger under the seal and break it open. Two pages fall out, his distinct writing halfway between cursive and chicken scratch covers both pages. I read:

Y/N

You’re probably wondering why you’re reading this--I don’t think I deserve your consideration for even a moment let alone for enough time it will take for you to read this. Yet I want so badly for you to read this, to just know I didn’t mean for this to happen to us. And I know you think I’m the one who did it to us, but I need to explain.

You always told me I was good with my words, that maybe I was an artist in another life--a poet you liked to say. But every time I try to find the right words to say to you, English may as well not be my first language. I should have tried harder, should have found the right words for months but I kept putting it off until it was too late.

You are and will always be my best friend first, Y/N, I know I’ve broken your trust but I care about you deeply. I just wasn’t happy. And that had to do with the road we were going down together, not you. I’m deeply sorry for the words I said that day, for how I’ve made you feel these last few months. I guess, ultimately, I was being selfish. And I don’t have an excuse for that. I fucked this up but I wasn’t happy and I was taking it out on you, and on us. I used the things we couldn’t have as an excuse, but I’m not happy where I am in my life. And that’s something I need to find; I need to figure out what I really want.

I can only hope we’ll circle back to each other one day, in the future, when we’re in better places. But I don’t think we were right like this, maybe it’s bad timing, or maybe there’s a blanket over us much too heavy for us to find comfort under. I’m sorry for leaving us like this and for breaking your trust but I need to do this.

Know you’re perfect as you are, right now, there’s absolutely nothing about you I would ever change. I, on the other hand, have a lot of changing to do.

I wish you nothing but the best, you deserve the whole bloody world Y/N, but I don’t think I can give that to you. I hope one day, you can find it in your heart to forgive me. For now, know I love you and I’m truly sorry.

Harry, xx

My finger brushes over the last line, I take myself back to the Y/N and Harry four years ago--and it’s not so hard to do. I lived there more often than I’d like to admit. But I picture us, I picture Harry sitting down to write this. How might I have taken this if I read it all those years ago? I picture myself dissolving into tears--maybe my sister was right in not showing me.

I also imagine I would have known why, and maybe I wouldn’t be where I was right now if I’d had that closure.

But even all these years later, the tears stream down my face as if it were just yesterday Harry handed the letter over to my protective sister. There was so much hurt and heaviness, looking at it from the perspective I had now...I see a glimmer of truth in Harry’s letter. We’d worked wonderfully as best friends, and our intimacy was comforting. But we were also two people being pulled in two directions while clinging onto what we thought would keep us happy. It didn’t mean I forgave him for what he did, how he did it. But I finally understood why.

All this time, I asked why--I wondered if there was something I could’ve done to have fixed it before he left. I see now, he’d wanted an out the whole time. Nothing would have fixed us except time apart. I still felt like shit, but this epiphany made me feel closer to the closure I needed. The light on the horizon grows a little brighter. We’d just had bad timing.

***

I feel bright and chipper Monday morning; a sunny morning and a weekend of closure could do that to a woman. I bring along with me a box of treats; it had been a week since the horrible robbery. We’d put some precautions in since, had the therapist stay a few more days, a few of the employees decided to transfer and as sad as I was to see them go I knew it was the right thing for them to do to feel better. As for myself, I forgot about it most of the time. But it would creep in every so often and freeze me up.

I spoke to the company’s therapist once more after Monday, she’d asked about Harry and I had told her about the letter. She was intrigued but quickly changed the topic to how I was feeling after the events of last Thursday.

“Y/N?” Adam walks into the staff room as I finish the note to accompany the treats. “What’s all this?”

“Treats to cheer everyone up! Not that sweet fried dough is going to erase everyone’s PTSD...” I try to make a joke but Adam’s face is tense like it’d been since that day. “Adam I’m teasing...have you um, have you talked to someone one-on-one?”

“Me? Why?” He jumps. “I’m fine, I’m alright it’s mostly out of my head anyway.”

“Hm,” I look him up and down. “I don’t believe you but I’ll let it drop...for now.”

He fidgets with his hands, “Anyway I came in here to let you know the detective on the case called first thing about returning some evidence-”

“I can’t pick that up.” I say finitely. “Do you have room today? Maybe take an extended lunch and pick that up?”

“From the station?” he stutters.

“Is that where he said it was?”

“Uh yeah, yes. He wanted you to pick it up.”

“Well DCI Styles won’t get what he wants for once, you’ll pick it up at lunch okay? Just keep me posted.”

I go back to my office with a coffee and get a crack on with my work. I check for any updates on the client from last Thursday but I continue to receive the automated email that their office was closed for the week. It was weird, but I just make a note to follow up later on.

After lunch, Adam appears shaken, with the evidence. I instruct him to leave it in the staff room and send out an email, making sure to remind them that they didn’t have to go through it if they didn’t want to. I would keep it there until it was cleared out, even if that took the month. I think about my scarf in there, the one used to tie my hands. I wanted to burn it, never see it again. I send Adam a quick email to remove it from the box and dispose of it.

H’s POV:

“This just doesn’t make any sense,” I comb my fingers through my hair, as if it might trick my brain into seeing the pattern here. “This same group’s hit four places total, and yet Y/N...the HSBC was the first. There’s got to be a connection there, it’s here but I just can’t see it.”

“Harry,” Detective Cole puts her hand on my shoulder briefly before moving it away. “Maybe you need a break, I don’t think I’ve seen you go home the last few days and your shirt’s a bit...ripe. Maybe take the rest of the day off?”

I sniff myself, she was right. She shrugs with a I had to say it look.

She was right too that I hadn’t gone home. I did almost nothing but focus on this case, not only because it was growing bigger by the day and I had pressure from upstairs. But it was a welcome distraction to the new guilt that seemed to jam every other area of my life.

It was almost like I was reliving a timeline, going back three or so years ago. It felt like Y/N and I were freshly broken up, and I was trying to pick myself back up from it. Except that’s not the way it went all those years ago--I’d moved on, quickly then. But now, time was catching up. Or maybe it was karma.

“Earth to Harry?” Cole waves her hand in front of my face. “You really should go home.”

“Yep,” I scratch my stubble. I should shave too. “I’ll just drop by evidence before I go.”

She looks like she was going to say something but she gets up from the chair beside my desk, and walks back to her own. I sigh, sifting through the files on my desk to take home with me. My notepad underneath shifts and I spot Y/N’s familiar writing: Y/N was here. I run my finger over it and smile, remembering how she had written that on the baseboard of every flat or dorm room we’d left. And just like that, the guilt and shame take the memory’s place. How the fuck was I supposed get past this and focus, I think.

I shove my files into a bag and head out. Evidence tells me there wasn’t a lot on the sim card but they were still trying. I ask for an email if anything comes to light, and go home where I fall asleep before my head hits the pillow.

i meant to take a short nap, but I wake at 4am and my mind’s buzzing with so many thoughts that I have nothing else to do but get up, eat a mashup of breakfast and last night’s dinner. With nothing more to do, and 6am creeping up, I decide to get in my car and drive while the roads were somewhat clear.

Driving helped me think sometimes, on my worst case after my promotion, I’d gotten on the road one night and driven all the way to Leicaster. After a night’s rest in a hotel and the drive back home, I’d cracked the case. But this time, with my thoughts racing, I end up driving to Y/N neighbourhood on autopilot. Maybe because she was on my mind, the guilt a constant companion since that day.

I park on the other side of her street, and watch her front door from the rearview. I don’t know why I was there, it felt ridiculous and creepy. Yet, I couldn’t leave. Maybe I could offer her a ride to work, I think. But I know she would decline because she didn’t even come in herself to collect her evidence. She’d sent her awkward assistant instead.

Her door suddenly opens, and a strange man walks out. She leans on the doorframe and laughs at something he says. He leaves a kiss on her cheek and walks away. She shouts something after him and he turns, saying something back that gets her laughing. My heart races, seeing her face in the distance wrinkle with laughter. I remember all the times I could get her to do that, effortlessly. The guilt returns tenfold.

He adjusts his coat, turning back around and she watches him fondly for a few seconds longer before closing her door. I’m suddenly irritated, immediately suspicious of this bloke. I watch, unblinking, until he turns the corner out of sight. Who was he? Her boyfriend?

I look at the time on the dashboard, 7:08am. I sit, indecisive for another half an hour. My thoughts churn: the robberies, the motives, Y/N, the worn out box with baby clothes, her male guest who’d spent the night, the look on her face when she’d woken up after her concussion and saw me: disbelief, anger, and sadness.

I get out of the stuffy car and walk across the street where I hesitate outside her door. I knew I was crossing a line, pushing a boundary she put up by not picking up the evidence herself. She’d made it clear what she wanted, but I never denied that I was a selfish bastard. I raise my hand, and knock.

#harry styles #harry styles fanfic #harry styles fic #harry styles angst #detective!harry #dci!harry #harry styles imagine #harry styles series #writingsfromhome #fic #au #harry styles x reader #oop this took a while to get out #but i'm so excited for pt3 #:)

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qlala · 4 years ago

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Is it cheating to submit a fic request for the pride post you just made? I neeeed the whole thing (I'm on my laptop, but insert the big gay eyes emoji)

fjskdgjslg "big gay eyes emoji" you know what? just for you. just for you i have written this. i'll clean it up and upload to ao3 later but for now: have 2.7k of len dragging a sunburnt, tipsy, and glitter-covered barry back to his apartment, and happy pride!

Len wasn’t the type to begrudge anyone a good time, especially when the good time involved loud music, leather harnesses, and throwing water bottles at cops. Central City’s annual pride parade came as close as it got to challenging that attitude; families, fellow queers, and queens descended on the city waving more flags than the United Nations after a hurricane, all decked out in color combinations that Len hadn’t been able to keep straight since the ‘80s.

The end result was the kind of crowds that could make a grown man feel claustrophobic in the middle of a city block, and that was without the visible haze of alcohol wafting off the whole event.

But what the parade lacked in personal space, it made up for with one very important commodity: unattended wallets.

The flock of sunburnt twinks in denim cut-offs made Len’s job almost too easy—a hand on a sweat-slicked lower back, a flash of blue eyes, and most of them wouldn’t have noticed their wallets going missing if Len had dangled their IDs in front of their faces afterwards. (While there were plenty of women dressed in just as little clothing whom Len certainly wouldn’t have minded getting within robbing distance of, he’d found queer women as a group to be less enthusiastic about uninvited touching and more enthusiastic about wallet chains, even when three sheets to the wind off of canned rosé.)

He’d taught a dozen visiting suburbanites the importance of not keeping valuables in their back pockets by the time he spotted a familiar profile in the crowd.

His usual red getup wasn’t much more modest than some of the outfits Len had already seen, but even knowing the shape of that body didn’t prepare Len for seeing Barry Allen stripped to the waist, bright-eyed and flushed and shimmering all over with a fine dusting of glitter. Len noted, on auto-pilot, that it didn’t seem like he’d put any of the glitter there himself; he was standing dangerously close to a drag queen throwing handfuls of the stuff on anyone who got within arm’s reach of her. It set the sun refracting off every dip and plane of muscle across Barry’s chest and stomach. Barry’s hair, already wild and dark at the roots with sweat, was full of it.

Len’s feet were carrying him closer before he gave himself permission to move. Barry managed to drag Len into his orbit at the best of times; visibly tipsy and dripping sweat, Len would’ve had better luck resisting the turning of the earth.

Up close, Len could take that Barry had lost his shirt somewhat recently; the slight touch of pink spanning his shoulders and chest had nothing on the serious flush across his cheekbones and the bridge of his nose. He had a spray of new freckles as well. They were barely distinguishable under the haze of glitter stuck to his skin, but Len noticed them at once, the change unmistakable on an otherwise unchanging face (not a scar to be seen, even after three years of running into burning buildings and jumping in front of bullets; Len was equal parts frustrated and relieved).

It looked like someone had painted a few strokes of color across one of his cheeks at some point, but it was smudged to hell and back. The back of one of Barry’s hands was stained a tell-tale matching purple, and Len could only guess at what it had been at the start of the day.

He stepped into Barry’s space as easily as he had the rest, taking care to keep Barry between him and the source of the glitter, and hesitated for the briefest moment with his hand above Barry’s spine. He’d never touched Barry like this, skin to skin; the gloves had never come off between them, metaphorically or literally. Kept things neat.

Nothing about Barry was neat right now. He turned even before Len touched him, and the movement brought Len’s hand into contact with his side instead. It took everything in Len not to pull it back in a flinch, and he met Barry’s curious glance with a tightly-controlled smirk.

He’d expected Barry to step back, maybe add a bit of blush to those already-pink cheeks. Instead, Barry’s eyes took a belated second to focus, and then he gave Len a face-splitting grin.

“Snart!”

That time, Len did have to pull backwards to avoid Barry dragging him in for a hug. To think he’d been concerned about a hand.

Barry didn’t seem the least bit put out, smiling loose and easy like Len hadn’t iced him to the door of a bank vault the last time they’d seen each other. He hadn’t taken Barry for such a cheerful drunk—he seemed inclined toward melodrama on a good day—but Len would take it over any of the alternatives.

“Barry. Fancy seeing you here. And so much of you, at that.” He let his gaze slide down his bare chest and stomach, pulse ticking up at the warm brown of his nipples and the sharp vee of his hipbones that invited his gaze further down.

“You’re overdressed,” Barry disagreed. He wasn’t quite slurring, but there was a careful deliberation in his tone that told Len it was a near thing. He took a step closer and peered at Len, suspicion evident in those pale green eyes. “And… sober.”

“I’m not here to score. Perks include keeping my shirt on.”

For the briefest second, Barry looked almost disappointed. But it was gone in a blink, confusion taking over. He glanced down at himself, puzzled. Then his expression cleared, and he looked up with another easy-going smile. “I got hot.” His gaze dropped again, to Len this time, and he licked his lips. “Aren’t you… you gotta be hot in all that.”

Len was wearing a long-sleeved shirt and thin jacket, and it hadn’t hit eighty degrees all week. But he wasn’t in the mood to argue with drunk logic. And besides, another scan of the nearby revelers had made something unpleasant begin to scratch insistently at the inside of Len’s chest, and he tapped Barry under the chin with one knuckle to bring his attention back up.

The contact startled both of them—Len’s control had slipped, something he could not afford to happen around Barry Allen—but Len recovered first. “Where’s the rest of your team of do-gooders?”

“Lost ‘em.” Judging by the return of Barry’s crooked grin, it was an accomplishment, not a concern. “Cisco said the shot was too strong, but I didn’t wanna go. He’s the d…” He faltered, brows pulling together as he frowned. “S’the designed. Designinated, superhero, anyway. Shh!”

He shot a pointer finger toward Len in a movement that Len clocked, alarmingly, as intending to be pressed to his lips, as if he were the one who’d been chatting about Vibe’s secret identity. Len had three years of dealing with the Flash to thank for being able to catch Barry’s wrist in time to stop him, and he glared at him for the attempt.

But Barry only gave him a crinkle-eyed smile and twisted his hand in Len’s grip to clasp his wrist back. “S’so good to see you here. I didn’t think…”

“Don’t tell me you had me pegged for straight.”

Barry made a frankly insulting noise halfway between a scoff and a hiccup and tilted Len a condescending look.

“Speedster, remember?” he asked, far too loudly, even for a crowd currently screaming along to a pop song that’d been bad enough the first time Len’d heard it in 2000. “I see it when you...” He let go of Len’s wrist to make a gesture with two fingers, parting them in a V and sweeping them up and down Len’s body, the muscles in his forearm shifting distractingly under Len’s hand. God, the kid had to be a hundred degrees. “When you check me out. In the suit.”

Len smirked. “It’s cute you thought I was being subtle.”

“You’re cute,” Barry muttered, childish and sulky, and Len took it for the compliment it wasn’t.

“You had a point, Barry.”

Barry still looked displeased with him, but his brow was furrowed again when he met his gaze. This close, it was impossible to ignore that Barry had an inch or so on him. “About what?”

“You didn’t think…?” Len prompted him.

Barry stared at him blankly, and Len rolled his eyes and let go of his wrist.

“Get out of the sun, Barry,” he said. “Find a park bench. Wait for your little friends to come find you. Shouldn’t be hard—you’re as red as your suit.”

Barry either ignored his last comment or didn’t hear it. “Iris is here somewhere,” he said, possibly to himself. “She’s…” He twirled his finger absently beside his head. “Curly, today. And… bikini.”

Len strongly considered abandoning Barry to his sunburn to go find out for himself. But Barry was beginning to sway a bit, and a man closer to Len’s age than Barry’s was giving Barry’s toned back a speculative look from a few feet away, and Len gave in to the unsettled feeling gnawing at his ribcage. He refused to call it worry. It was annoyance—or, at the very least, the feeling was annoying him, which was close enough.

“As much a sight for sore eyes as that would be,” he said, allowing a magnanimousness he didn’t feel to color his tone, “I doubt Miss West ran away from her group and got heatstroke. Unlike some people”

Barry didn’t look the least bit chastened, lips curving up mischievously in a way that drew another couple interested looks. Len needed to get them both out of the crowd before he started breaking noses.

“Tell you what. Give Cisco a call, tell him you went home. My bike’s on Kingsbridge, away from the parade route.”

Barry’s smirk sharpened. “Trying to get me out of here, Snart? I thought you weren’t here to score.”

Len gave him a flat look, ignoring the decidedly interested way his body was reacting to Barry’s tone.

“You can barely stand.”

Barry’s eyes glittered at the challenge, and Len realized his mistake.

“Barry—”

He hadn’t even finished biting out the second syllable when the world spun out from under him, the noise and the heat and the press of the crowd swallowed up in a hair-raising charge of yellow lightning. Exactly two and a half seconds passed in a blur of movement, just long enough for Len to realize Barry was supporting the back of his head with one too-warm hand. Then the world came skidding to a stop around them. Barry’s momentum carried them both forward several feet even after their new surroundings materialized, and they very nearly went straight through a window again before Barry seemed to remember how to stop.

Len considered pushing him out the window anyway for the stunt. True, he’d been itching to get another taste of that feeling, the ozone snap-drag of Barry’s power like a live wire under his hands, but he’d rather have waited until Barry could pass a breathalizer.

He realized Barry still had an arm around him and shoved him off. It did nothing to dim Barry’s self-satisfied grin, and Len had to look away or risk giving into the interested once-over Barry was skimming over his body again.

“Pretty sure the point of a designated driver is not doing that.”

Barry followed him when he took a step back. Len made a calculated decision, decided the risk of touching Barry again was worth it, and pressed his fingers to the middle of Barry’s chest—right where the Flash insignia would be on his suit, his brain offered unhelpfully—and pushed him backwards, hard.

Barry unbalanced and wheeled back a step. Then the backs of his knees hit the edge of the couch, and he toppled, satisfyingly, back onto the dark leather cushions.

It was a nice couch. The whole apartment was nice, actually. Len could’ve drawn a perimeter of possible locations based on Barry’s speed and how long it had taken them to reach it if he hadn’t already known the address.

“Sit,” he said. And then, with a smirk: “Stay.”

Barry rolled his eyes. “Gonna have to ask nicer than that if you wanna boss me around in bed.”

The way he threw it out there, easy as anything, almost made Len miss a step as he turned away. He wasn’t going to lay a hand on Barry, not when he was drunk on sunlight and skin and whatever concoction Cisco had apparently cooked up for him. But hearing him say it, like they’d already gotten all of the messy parts out of the way—it set off warning bells in Len’s head, flashing past all the possible off-ramps he would’ve taken if Barry had ever tried to have the conversation in a more linear fashion.

“You’re drunk,” Len said, which was a coward’s answer, and behind him, Barry made a vague noise of agreement.

“Probably,” he acknowledged. “You could stick around ‘til I’m not.”

Christ. Len didn’t trust himself to look at Barry again, not when he knew he’d find him sprawled out and shedding glitter all over what had looked like a very expensive couch. “Stay,” he repeated, and went off to find the kitchen.

By the time he got back with two glasses of water, the problem had solved itself; Barry was out cold on the couch, his painting cheek pressed to the throw pillow he’d curled himself half-around. He was shivering faintly in the air conditioning, all cooled sweat and goosebumps, and Len resigned himself to the now-familiar impulse to help him that stirred in his chest. He put one of the glasses down on the table and, not trusting his hands, knocked his knee into one of Barry’s where it was bent close to the edge of the couch.

Barry buried his face into the pillow with a noise of displeasure, and Len said his name again.

“Last warning,” Len said. “Ten seconds, you find out if I put on steel-toed boots today.”

Barry groaned, and if the sound hadn’t made Len’s pulse skip, the easy shift of muscles in Barry’s arm as he pushed himself up to sitting again would’ve done the trick.

“Water,” Len said, unnecessarily, as he passed him the glass.

Barry took it with the tips of his fingers, as if it were something personally offensive to him, and took a single, polite sip before putting it down beside the other with no small amount of distaste. Then he glanced between the glasses, and up at Len, a dirty spark already lighting behind his eyes again.

“Don’t get your hopes up. They’re both for you.”

Barry let out a breath with audible annoyance and dropped back against the couch cushions to glare at him.

Len felt a modicum of sanity return to him. This, at least, was familiar ground: Barry, frustrated, asking for too much, too soon. True, it had always been about the hero business until now, but Len knew a pattern when he saw one. Give Barry an inch, and he always took a mile.

Len gave Barry one last, appraising look. He looked ridiculous, all self-righteousness and bare skin. There was only one break in the otherwise even coat of glitter, there on Barry’s side: faint, but unmistakable, the outline of Len’s hand on his waist. The feeling in Len’s chest coalesced into something pleased and possessive. He met Barry’s glare with a slow curl of his lips, then gave him an inch.

“Call me when you’re sober, Barry,” he said, letting his voice slip into the Cold drawl just to watch Barry’s eyes go dark. “And you can show me how well you sit up and beg.”

He could see the impatience radiating off of Barry’s frame, the effort it was taking him to stay on the couch instead of closing the space between them.

“Call your friends,” he reminded him. “Enough people got a look at your face today without the CCPD splashing it on every milk carton, too.”

In the elevator, Len reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the thin black wallet he’d liberated from Barry during their sprint across the city. Two and a half seconds: child’s play. A little extra incentive for Barry to track him down in the morning, not that Len thought he needed it. He flipped it open, noted the deer-in-the-headlights picture of Barry on his driver’s license with amusement, and then thumbed open the bill compartment.

Len smirked. Barry wouldn’t miss a few dollars; he owed him for the dry-cleaning it was gonna take to get the glitter out of his jacket, anyway.

#coldflash #leonard snart #barry allen #the flash #my fics #is 10 pm on a tuesday peak posting time? no! is it when i finished this? yes!#also this is blatantly nyc pride sorry #write what you know etc

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thorns-and-rosewings · 3 years ago

Text

An Unhappy Tale

After such a long delay here is another story for the Stoneheart AU! Hope you all enjoy it! I will upload this chapter to A03 when I get home from work ^^;

It was when Hunter had reached the age equivalent of a 14-year-old that he was officially introduced as a full member of the Emperor’s Coven.

Of course, he’d been undergoing training for several years at that point directly from both his father and Kikimora. During those years it hadn’t taken long to discover that Hunter was just as bad as his father was when it came to using magic… namely he was oddly terrible at it, even by gargoyle standards. It had been almost physically painful watching the boy try so hard to do any magic at all, only to fail time and time again. This was an observation Belos had even voiced out loud on several occasions.

Words that had cut deep into his son’s heart, even if that had not been his intention.

He had never hidden his disappointment at his son’s lack of abilities, even though this disappointment was more directed towards Hunters bad luck in being his biological son. As Belos himself was the source of the boys blood, and the problems he faced were due to this. Sadly this distinction was never actually made clear to Hunter.

Still, there came a point where it was so profoundly obvious that Hunter would never be able to learn ANY magic... a depressing development, yet it was one that Belos had grown to expect after watching his son struggle for so long. So the dark Emperor of the Boiling Isles pivoted to his backup plan and he crafted a specialized staff for Hunter, one that used the same artificial magic as his own. Once he was given this staff everything changed, and from that point on the boy excelled. Hunter learned quickly, his desire to prove himself to his father quickly becoming the driving force behind everything he accomplished, and once Belos was certain that he was ready, the boy joined the ranks of the Emperors Coven.

Hunters introduction to the Coven was… interesting. Considering that he had never truly interacted with anyone outside of Belos and Kikimora, he still did surprisingly well when it came to talking and working with the members of the Coven. That was not to say his people skills were actually good, no, but they were still considerably better than his fathers. Of course, that being said Belos never made any efforts at all to improve his people skills, whereas Hunter actually tried to get along with others.

Lilith however took a near instantaneous disliking to the young boy. No surprise there, given that she had boasted her status as the ‘only gargoyle’ who was skilled enough to be allowed to join the prestigious Emperors Coven. Lilith loved to use that analogy; she was proud of herself and the hard work she put in to reach her position. But that pride led to arrogance, and Hunters acceptance into the Coven at such an abnormally young age must have been a terrific blow to her oversized ego…

Truth be told, Belos never liked Lilith, although he could not deny she was nothing if not efficient in managing the affairs of his coven. This allowed Kikimora a little bit of a break from her usual micromanaging ways, even if only somewhat. But what had really cemented his disdain for the female gargoyle was when she had approached him and asked him to heal her cursed sister. That request had gotten his attention for obvious reasons, and he had none too gently inquired how her sister had been cursed to begin with. He hadn't accepted Lilith saying she didn’t know, as he could tell instantly that she was lying. Applying only the slightest bit of pressure made the woman relent and explain how she had initially laid the curse on her sister, betraying her own blood… although she had not intended for it to go quite the way it had. She had hastily started to explain away her reasons and how if Eda could ever be healed, she could become an invaluable addition to his Coven. Belos had never been more grateful for the mask hiding his face, because he doubted that he could have hidden the luck of total disgust he shot her at that moment.

It was from that moment on he loathed Lilith…

Still, she was useful to him… and his personal feelings on the subject aside, as long as he could make use of her he would. So the Emperor promised that if she could capture her sister and bring her before him, he would heal her curse and she would join his Coven. It was such a shame that liars couldn’t detect lies as easily as they could spin them, because Lilith was so elated at this promise she couldn’t tell that it was his turn to lie… and he felt no guilt in lying to her whatsoever. She had made her choices, so she could deal with the fallout later. It wasn’t his problem.

He needed Lilith on his side…

For now…

But far more importantly, he needed something that was in the Owl Lady’s possession…

It had been years since he had last heard the Titans voice, since he been given his marching orders… But after succeeding in bringing the Savage Ages to a screeching halt and forging order from the hellish chaos that had covered the land. It was on one dark night when he had been by himself in his workshop, that he had heard the great beings voice again. It was unmistakable as it spoke within his mind, its voice silencing his every thought as it gave him new orders. Explaining in vivid details for something which the Titan referred to as the Day of Unity. The plan was impressive, even incorporating his Coven system and the siphoning away of magic he’d developed when creating it… a side effect with a potent use. The Titan had even praised his ingenuity, sounding so very pleased with his work. But there had been something else… As the Titan spoke it was as though it had stirred something within Belos’s own dark heart. Whatever it was, it had whispered in perfect unison with the voice of the Titan… some part of him that seemed completely separate from the rest of his being.

Something that was filled with an old awful rage.

But returning to far more recent events... It should be noted that for the most part while Hunter interacted well enough with members of the Coven, there was one person in particular whom he got along with moreso than the others. Someone whom the boy had grown to call an actual friend, a Coven Scout by the name of Steve. Indeed, the very same scout who had created the map Belos had used all those years ago on Hunter’s eighth birthday.

Steve had always been one of the most upbeat and jovial members of the normally dignified and reserved group, as he frequently joked around and made his cohorts laugh. But when it came to Hunter, Steve had just sensed that the young gargoyle was in over his head. Being so young and already thrown into an elite Coven and burdened with all of the duties and responsibilities that came with it… not to mention the teenagers obvious subpar people skills… Steve had just wanted to help the kid get adjusted, but over time he and Hunter had become very good friends. Not to mention that he often coached the young gargoyle on how to better interact with people both within and outside of the Coven.

He’d even aided Hunter with pulling a few innocent pranks on Lilith…

Seeing the uptight Clawthorne lose her normally impeccable demeanor was amusing especially to Kikimora, and on a very rare occasion had even gotten a chuckle out of Belos himself. Overall, Steve was the friend that Hunter needed… and getting out and actually talking to others had helped the boy grow and mature as a person. Becoming adept at finishing any tasks he was given and eventually even gaining the respect of the other more senior Coven members. Yet in spite of the teenagers personal growth, there was still no denying that Hunter’s upbringing had been deeply sheltered especially to things related to the outside world… Which had led to the current situation which had come to pass in just this last week.

Frequently when Steve was working with Hunter or just chatting with him during a break, he’d tell the young gargoyle about how he loved the outdoors and relayed tales about his past excursions into the forests and mountains on the innumerable trips he had taken over the years. Not to mention all of the various activities he had planned for his latest trip, one that he would be taking in the coming days. Hunter had been entranced by Steve’s stories, commenting how he had never actually done anything like that before and how it sounded like so much fun. True to his good nature, Steve had promptly invited Hunter to come along with him, provided he had enough time that he could take off from his duties at the Coven. And if it was ok with his family. Hunters ears had twitched a little before drooping as he’d thought about it. As he did technically have enough time off that he could go with Steve… But getting permission from his father would be a different issue altogether. An issue he didn’t expect would ultimately end in his favor.

When Hunter had asked Belos if he could go with Steve, the Emperor had been… hesitant… to put it mildly. Stating how such an outing was frivolous and unproductive and that Hunter should consider different activities to make use of his free time. Visibly crestfallen, the teen had simply nodded before turning and leaving his fathers quarters. But as he was leaving the private wing, he ran into Kikimora, who could immediately pick up on the teenagers’ unhappiness and demanded an explanation.

Needless to say, upon hearing Hunters story she had the polar opposite reaction to Belos.

She had openly encouraged him to go, despite what his father had said. Naturally Hunter considered the subject to be dropped and not be brought up again. Of course, Kiki had other plans… and this had led to an argument between the Emperor and the house demon where Kikimora did what she did best, stated the cold hard truth.

“You can’t control everything he does Belos!” She had growled with a particular stress and irritation in her voice that wasn’t usually there. “Your son needs to be able to actually live a life of his own. Even if it means doing things you don’t agree with!” Belos had growled at her when she said this, a blue glow emanated from his eyes and seemed particularly off-putting... Not at all how a normal gargoyles eyes would glow, as males eyes would normally produce an eerie white shine whereas a females eyes would glow a hellish red. Just another biological anomaly that Belos had which was not seen in any other members of his species. But Kiki did not back down, nor taken this warning to heart… rather in agitation she reacted similarly, as her hand-like hair standing on end and exposing her normally concealed heterochromatic eyes as she glared right back at him. While she was willing to let some of Belos bad decisions go unchallenged, as he’d have to learn the hard way later, this was one hill she wasn’t willing to back off of.

There was a rather tense moment where to an outside spectator it looked like the two would come to blows, but before that could happen, Belos sighed… as Kikimoras words had echoed around in his head long enough to finally ring true… The glow of his eyes receding into blackness before the illuminated blue rings became more evident, as they did from time to time particularly when he became stressed. The house demon relaxed as well, as she always knew that she was never in any kind of physical danger from the Emperor… a flareup from his curse being the only exception… but it was rare that they had an argument that resulted in either of them doing an involuntary threat display, but they did occur. Still, Belos said nothing as he turned and left his chambers and retreated to some other part of the castle.

Kikimora later informed Hunter that he was given permission to go with Steve on the camping trip. The House demoness needed to inform him of this as Belos didn’t approach his son at all following his earlier conversation with him.

On the morning of this trip Kiki produced a heavy camping bag and had filled it with some of the basic necessities Hunter would need. Canteen, sleeping bag, blanket, first-aid kit, emergency granola bar etc. Hunter was out of his uniform, wearing a simple black tee shirt with a red-long sleeved shirt beneath it and black pants. Although he still wore his white cloak which was designed to lay in such a way that the majority of the fabric was on the left side, allowing for the exposure of his only wing on the right. Cleverly making it appear that half of the cloak was normal and the other half was covered in feathers… he hefted the heavy bag Kiki had given him over his shoulder his eyes were shining with excitement and he gave Kiki a hug before running to meet up with Steve who was out of his Coven Scout uniform and waiting for him at the opposite end of the castle’s mechanical walkway.

Physically Steve looked about as harmless as his upbeat voice often indicated he was. His skin was paler than normal, which was not very surprising given that every scout wore clothing that prevented even a drop of sunlight from touching their skin. His eyes were a rich jade color, while his chocolate brown hair always looked to be somewhat disheveled even though he had clearly made an effort to brush it down and he had a bit of stubble on his chin which was clearly a failing attempt at growing a beard. His clothes were average, a nice green tunic shirt with a forest green vest that had tons of pockets, rugged dark grey pants and black hiking boots.

As the two left Hunter spared a glance back at the castle, searching quickly if he could see his fathers form watching him go… which he did not see. He felt a pang at this, although he had doubted his father would be there to see him off as he departed. After all, for appearances sake the Emperor couldn’t be seen giving him more attention than he already did… But in his heart the teenager had an unpleasant feeling that his father not seeing him off surely meant that he still disapproved of him going on the trip. Hunter forced himself return his attention to Steve and following him away from the castle.

What Hunter had not noticed was that Belos had indeed watched him leave; he’d stood as still as statue atop the castle, not immediately distinguishable from the ornamental stonework that was across all of the exterior walkways. To the elder gargoyle the whole situation he was not quite as simple as Kikimora had made it out to be… although a part of him knew it SHOULD have been… It wasn’t as though he didn’t know that Kiki was right, hell she usually was… but it was difficult beyond words for him to let go, even if in some part of his being he knew he had too. Naturally he was worried about Hunters safety, as this trip would be the longest he was on his own. Even if he wasn’t actually alone; prior to this the longest Coven-related business he’d been on had only taken three days and he had gone with Lilith… his personal feelings about the woman aside he knew that she wouldn’t intentionally put another Coven member in danger. But that was not the reason why he had been so reluctant to let his son go… the real reason he could not even bring himself to say out loud should Hunter be close enough to hear him.

And it was something he desperately did NOT want Hunter to hear him say…

So with this in mind it wasn’t so surprising that in the following days, Emperor Belos seemed to be in a far worse mood than he usually was. Yet in spite of the tense atmosphere in the castle, Kikimora remained completely unfazed and the small demoness treated each day no differently than the rest. Her dark sense of humor remaining unchanged as business as usual carried on through the rest of castle, seemingly unaware of the fear that gripped the guards and the other Coven members down to their souls as their Emperors anger could be felt like the fire of a thousand suns as he glared at anyone who dared approach him for any reason at all. Disregarding Belos's awful attitude, his house demon advised him to at least attempt to take his mind off of worrying about his son and do something constructive with his time rather than bask in his own misery. Something she pointed out he was becoming far too proficient at…

Admittedly he had attempted to take her advice. Retreating to his workshop where he began trying to craft a second staff for himself… just in case anything ever happened to his primary staff and he was in need of a suitable backup. But try as he might, he was unable to completely focus on his work and not wanting to end up with a staff that would catastrophically fail on him because he didn’t wire the damn thing right, he put it to the side and opted to finish it at a later time.

But it was on the fifth day of Hunter and Steve’s trip that things took a bit of an unexpected turn…

The day had been normal for the most part with Belos continuing to be in a foul mood, although that as was to be expected at this time. Kiki had just entered the throne room holding a golden tray with a steaming teapot and a teacup. Hoping to give his grumpiness some nice calming tea and hopefully force him into being in a better mood. But no sooner had she made her way over to his throne did she notice Belos’s head perk up. His full attention suddenly drawn to the grand doorway at the opposite end of the room. Kiki barely had the time to register that something was wrong, before the doors were blown off their hinges by a massive fireball.

And five Wild Witches stormed into the room ready for battle.

It was actually impressive that they had made it this far. As there was only one point in the entire day where the throne room had no guards present inside of it and that was during a specific shift change towards the evening. This lot must have been working out the plan from months, observing his castle and the guards rotation schedules. Also selecting a day when Lilith and an entourage from his Coven would be out giving a speech on Belos’s behalf, leaving fewer obstacles in the castle overall to complicate their attack strategy. They truly had narrowed everything down to a single opportune moment to strike. The Emperor had to give them credit for how much planning must have gone into this endeavor.

Of course, it was all irrelevant…

Because no sooner had the leader of the group of these five foolish souls started speaking; something along the lines of ‘Your reign of tyranny and he ends now, blah blah blah blah…’ Belos stood from his throne, audibly cracking the bones in his neck and spine as the massive heart above his throne began to rapidly quicken its pace… and from behind the golden mask the blue rings of his eyes suddenly illuminated themselves from the darkness and he smiled a maniacal grin that bore his razor sharp fangs.

And that was when all hell broke loose…

Clearly none of these fools had truly grasped just what kind of opponent they were about to go up against because Belos didn’t wait for the idle chatter to finish before pulling out his staff and unleashing his magic like a plague throughout the entire throne room. A wave of blood red tendrils erupting from the ground as though a damned gateway to hell itself had suddenly been thrown open. The five witches managed to dodge the first wave he unleashed… Using their staves and palismans to go over his initial attack and again their leader was the first one to counterattack with a fireball spell as they fanned out, preparing to hit him from every angle no matter which direction he dodged. But Belos didn’t dodge… and the fireball hit him straight in the chest. Of course it did no damage beyond faintly scorching the fabric of his witch’s wool robes. However, before the other four members of this little group could begin their own attacks, the sea of tendrils suddenly quivered for a moment and went still before exploding open. Unleashing a torrent of scorching hot blood… and thousands of sharpened bones suddenly flew upwards like missiles.

It could be easily surmised that when Belos was in a fight and he wasn’t taking anything seriously, the clawed tendrils and waves of stone were often enough to overwhelm most opponents… Occasionally he’d even throw in a golem, a mindless amalgamation of flesh and bone often bearing some similarities to bug demons. He would do this with no other intention accept to unnerve his adversaries.

But if he was being serious, flesh tendrils were the least of his enemies worries…

So this fight really was over before it started…

Two of the wild witches were immediately impaled by multiple bones shards in their chests, whilst a third caught one right in the forehead. They and their staves fell down into the awaiting gory mess of boiling blood and flesh on the floor below. One of the last remaining two, upon watching his friends die gruesomely, panicked and abandoned whatever plan his leader had come up with. Screaming bloody murder, turning tail and attempting to fly back out through the damaged doorway. Only he was consumed with so much fear he hadn’t noticed the fleshy tendrils climbing up the sides of the destroyed doorway and forming hundreds of razor sharp teeth along the sides as they went. And no sooner had he reached the doorway did these proverbial jaws suddenly clamp closed cutting both him and his staff in half… He made a sound, a disturbing mix between a scream, a whimper and a gurgle as the two halves fell onto the floor with a sickening splat… he lingered for a few moments. Although severed in half at his abdomen his top half had still cleared the doorway and he tried in vain to crawl with his arms away from the nightmare behind him. But Belos clearly could care less he most likely only had a few seconds left, so he willed the jaws to open and then sent a fresh wave of scalding hot blood, erupting out from the throne room and washing the dying witch further down the hallway. Assuring their last moments were as agonizing as possible…

Only one remained, the ringleader and probable mastermind of this ill-conceived endeavor. It took the man a minute to register that all of the friends he had set out with were now dead. But rather than begin to mentally collapse, like so many others before him had, he screamed in rage and dove at the Emperor creating multiple spell circles and undoubtedly unleashed every offensive spell he had in his arsenal.

Not that it really did in much good; Belos seemed to melt out of the way just as the witch leapt off his staff actually attempted to stab him with a knife he pulled from his belt. He barely had time to register that all of his spells had missed their mark before Belos caught him by the neck and held him in a seemingly unbreakable grip. The young man flailed for a moment before he regained himself enough and sank the knife straight into the Emperor’s collarbone… Belos didn’t even flinch as the knife cut through muscle and embedded into the bone. The only thing that happened was that suddenly he growled so deep and low it could be felt more than heard. Now forced to stare into the burning blue rings of the Emperors eyes, the man found himself gripped with so much fear that he may as well have been paralyzed. There was a loud mechanical creaking as Belos is prosthetic wings adjusted themselves as he suddenly adjusted his grip on this witch whilst his staff disappeared… And with a sickening ease he brought his now free hand back and punched it straight through this mans chest and spine. His clawed hand protruding from his back covered in blood, innards and meat.

A long silence fell over the room like a burial shroud. Nothing moved, spare the continual beating of the Titans heart. But even then it almost seemed like the air had stopped moving, allowing for the putrid stench of death to permeate every nook and cranny of the grand room. But throughout this entire ordeal, Kikimora had not moved at all from where she stood next to the Emperor’s throne. Still holding the platter with the teapot and still warm tea as she had watched this entire event take place in under five minutes…

“Feel better?” She questioned finally deciding to break the uncomfortable silence. No doubt it sounded comical, but judging by her tone she was being completely serious.

“Actually… no.” Belos muttered as he pushed the now lifeless corpse of the Wild Witch off of his arm. Leaving a trail of gore across his gauntlet as he did so. “But the distraction was welcome. I cannot remember the last time I had to deal with intruders like this personally.” He was interrupted by a tiny terrified squeak which suddenly snapped both Belos and Kiki’s attention back towards the now open doorway. Where there now stood Lilith and her entourage, having apparently returned early from giving her speech. Only to be greeted with the sight of such overwhelming carnage in the throne room and heaven only knows the disturbing sight they had seen as they had made their way down the blood-flooded halls to check on their leader. Now only to be greeted with the sight of blood and gore dripping from Belos, all while he still had a knife still lodged firmly in his collarbone. One that was rapidly staining his majestic robes crimson with his lifeblood. Clearly Lilith was the one making the squeaks, undoubtedly torn between wanting to ask what had just happened and wanting to comment about the blade still lodged in his torso… Honestly, he had almost forgotten about the knife until the firelight glittering off the ornate handle reminded the Emperor that it was still there. And with all the difficulty of turning the page in a book, Belos gripped it and tore the blade free before letting it letting it clatter to the floor.

“Clean this up… I don’t want to see a trace of blood left in the throne room.” He said before motioning for Kiki to follow him. But not before the house demon shifted the tray into one clawed hand before quickly drawing spell circle. Generously leaving multiple mops and buckets of water for the still bewildered Lilith and company to use during what would undoubtedly be a very, very long night… Still even if it didn’t make him feel better, it appeared to calm Belos’s bad mood down at least somewhat. Not to mention added a few extra palisman to their supply.

That being said, in spite of his still grumpy mood, on the day Hunter would be returning from his trip, he actually found a task that managed to distract him throughout the latter part of the day. Nothing grand, just doing some basic maintenance on his primary set of prosthetic wings. A task he did every now and again to ensure their continued function. All machines require maintenance and his prosthetics were no exception to this rule. This kind of work didn’t require the detailed focus making a new staff would, so if his concentration faltered there was considerably less chance of something going to blow up on him. As he had often joked to Kiki that he could do maintenance work on his machines in his sleep. It would be the ideal way to burn away the last few hours until Hunter would return home. Kikimora in turn, informed Lilith that neither she nor anyone else was to bother the Emperor for the remainder of this day… Even when he finished the maintenance work, he had opted to spend a little bit of time cleaning up his workshop as he rarely got the opportunity to do so. And given all the ash from his forge, small metal pieces and shavings that had a habit of getting everywhere, not to mention the occasional spill of some oil… the place really did need a good cleaning.

It was only when he deemed that it was cleaned to his standards, that he walked up the stairs and returned to his bedroom. Walking over to one of the shelves on a bookcase and picking up a pipe and a jar that contained a small amount of pipe tobacco… Kiki was not a fan of this particular bad habit of his, but fortunately she didn’t have to deal with it often. As tobacco was notoriously difficult to grow on the Isles and what crops there were, were usually not big and thus they were quite expensive. Belos himself could only obtain enough tobacco that he could smoke maybe two or three times in as many months. He chose a pipe because he was never a fan of the cigarettes… and some deep part of him found this to be almost familiar. He didn’t know why, it was just more comfortable for him. Still no sooner had he filled the pipe with the tobacco and struck a match, did he notice the door to his balcony was slightly ajar… And standing outside and looking over the edge of his private balcony was Hunter.

Internally Belos swore as he hastily extinguished the match and put the unlit pipe and matches down on his nightstand, having suddenly lost any interest he had in smoking it. “I didn’t expect you back so quickly.” He said catching his Hunter’s attention and noting how Hunter looked a bit disheveled. His hair was messy, but the dark bags under his eyes that had developed since his initiation into the Coven seemed much less noticeable.

“It’s okay dad, I kinda snuck back in. I also heard Kiki and Lilith having one heck of an argument. So, I don’t think she’s even aware I’m back.” He explained rubbing the back of his head somewhat sheepishly.

“Did you not have a good time?” Belos inquired straightforwardly. “You’re back early… is something wrong?”

“No no no, everything’s fine, I had a really great time.” Hunter said suddenly smiling a huge broad smile up at his father. “It was a lot of fun; we just came back early because it looked like a rainstorm wasn’t too far off. And I figured it was better to be early rather than late.”

The boy wasn’t wrong, looking out over the castle’s walls, it wasn’t hard to see the roiling clouds slowly making their way across the sky. Indeed, a bad storm was going to come, as was evidenced by the low rumbles of thunder and the occasional burst of lightning arcing between the clouds. “A wise decision.” Belos said with a slight nod. “If you had been delayed amidst a boiling rainstorm… I might’ve come looking for you.”

“That’s what I thought…” Hunter admitted. “And I really didn’t want you to worry.”

“Hunter, I will never not worry about you. But may I suggest we move this conversation inside?” Belos stated as he and Hunter left the balcony just as a particularly loud crack of lightning resounded from directly overhead. Back in his room Belos picked up his previously discarded pipe and another match, hastily lighting it before putting it in the side of his mouth and inhaling deeply as he sat down on the side of his bed and indicated for Hunter to sit next to him. “Now tell me all about this trip of yours. I want to hear it all… every detail.” Hunter nodded as he sat down next to his father, just as the first droplets of scalding rain started to make their way down from the heavens.

Admittedly watching how animated Hunter became as he explained how the camping trip had gone brought a calming serenity to the elder gargoyles soul. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen such life and energy shining within his son’s ruby eyes. Listening as he explained the long hike up into the mountains to where Steve’s favorite camping spot was, learning how to fish, roasting marshmallows under clear sky filled with more stars than he could count… Actually getting a few nights of sleep where he didn’t have nightmares… Clearly the boy had enjoyed himself to say the least. Although Belos could not bite his tongue on a singular question that was burning in the back of his mind, one that had certainly contributed a great deal to his concern of his son going on this little trip.

“Hunter… How did-” He paused for a moment trying to find the right way to phrase this… “I know you were wearing your cloak when you left and how you usually keep your wing concealed within it. But did he see that you only had one wing?”

Hunter blinked once in surprise at the question. “Umm, yeah he did. It was kinda warm out when we were fishing so I took it off…” The boy paused as the memory of something he had not given an overabundance of thought to returned to him. “He asked if I lost my wing when I got my scars. You know…” He said while pointing to the cut in his ear and the scar ever present on his cheek. Something which made Belos’s heart painfully throb with guilt for a moment, knowing all too well that he was responsible for those scars. “I told him no, I was just was born without one. After I explained that it didn’t come up again. We just talked about other things… Mostly our families.”

Belos inhaled deeply smoke from his pipe and sighed feeling a knot untangle itself from within his chest. “That’s good.” He commented lowly. “I had been worried that the topic may not have been so easily dismissed.” He was only telling a half-truth but in reality, he had been so concerned about that particular topic… that was the real reason he didn’t want Hunter to go, but he just couldn’t bring himself to say it in front of Hunter or even Kikimora. He couldn’t bring himself to outright say he didn’t want him to go because he didn’t want one of the scouts to see that his Golden Guard, his son, was crippled.

He was so wrapped up in his own thoughts he didn’t notice how Hunter had turned away from him and was now staring straight ahead, as the joy that had been in his face slowly faded away as something else clearly began to occupy the teenagers mind. But after a moment or so Belos did take note of this change in his sons demeanor. “Is something troubling you?”

“Not really, it’s just…” Hunter paused looking back at his father with an equal parts nervous and questioning look. “We talked a lot about our families and Steve explained how his dad had worked for your Coven before him and his mom… Well, she was sickly and he learned how to do some basic healing spells in order to help take care of her. But when he asked about my parents-”

“You did not reveal that I was your father, did you?” Belos inquired, maybe a little sharper than he intended to, but Hunter quickly shook his head.

“No dad, I-I didn’t, I wouldn’t do that! But…” The boy trailed off again no longer looking at his father as he let his eyes lock onto the rain now pelting against the glass of the balcony doors. “Dad… Who was my mom?”

Oh hell…

Belos felt his body go rigid at the question. Just as a wave of memories crashed over him, very few of them pleasant. Yet still Hunter continued on… “I mean you never mention her. I doubt you mentioned her even once when I was growing up. And… I know that I’ve never really thought about it until this last week. But… who was she?”

“Hunter…” Belos said as he took the pipe out of his mouth and he focused his full attention on his son. “I understand why you’re asking me this, and know that I have never lied to you before when you asked me questions about the past. But this is a story you’re not going to like. I don’t want to tell it… unless sure absolutely sure that you want to hear it.”

Hunter looked more than a little unnerved at his fathers words. He swallowed painfully as his ears drooped. “I figured it wouldn’t be a happy story but… I really want to know.”

“As you wish…” Belos said as all of the emotion drained out of his voice. He looked away from his son as the young boy’s eyes locked on him. “Now, I’ve told you some stories about the Skull Clan and what they were like. Do you remember those stories?” Hunter flinched as he no doubt recalled some of the things his father had undoubtedly told him about his long dead adopted clan and how they had treated him. But the boy nodded wordlessly and after a moment Belos continued. “The clan followed the olden ways, the ‘Gargoyle Way’ if you will. Which meant they communally raise their children and tried to stick to a more traditional breeding schedule. With no one allowed to have children outside of what was considered to be the ‘traditional’ 20-year intervals. Although I doubt it had something to do with tradition and had more to do with not wanting the clan’s population to become too numerous to support. But I digress… the time had come for the clan to reproduce. Yet there was a problem, since there were sixty-one mated pairs in the clan, it meant that there would be only sixty-one eggs…”

“Only sixty-one?!” Hunter repeated more than a little stunned. “I mean sixty-one eggs is a lot of kids to be born at once.”

“Yes well, it may have seemed that way… but in this clan’s tradition, and by that I mean true tradition and not their bastardized version of the gargoyle way… They must do everything in their power to have an even number of eggs in the rookery. As foolish as it was, this hoped to assure each child had a potential mate in their own generation.”

“But…” Hunter started but stopped as Belos gave him an annoyed look at his repeated interrupting. Although hesitant, Hunter continued with his question. “But they had no way of knowing what the genders of all those eggs would be… So why did they try so hard to keep an even number?”

“As I said before, it was tradition. And that was all they needed to know, even if it didn’t make sense.” The Emperor explained in a warning tone that indicated he did not want Hunter to interrupt him again. “Still… there were sixty-one pairs, but there were two gargoyles in the clan who didn’t have mates. Myself… and your mother.” He sighed and as he put the pipe back in his mouth and took a particularly deep inhale from it, before breathing it out very slowly.

“Your mothers name was Mera. Her skin was as white as a pearl and her hair the color of gold… She had two curved horns on either side of her head, much like yours. Only hers had a singular point rather than the two prongs you have. And her eyes were as red as blood. You inherited those eyes.” Belos paused for a long moment… long enough to make Hunter wonder if he was going to continue talking. Just as he was about to risk saying something, his father finally continued. “We were told that we were to be mates, at least for this cycle… and there was no questioning it.” He took a moment to cast a glance over to Hunter, whose eyes had not only gone wider, but it appeared that he had paled a bit. Still, not wanting to drag this out for any longer than he had to and really just wanting to get this story over with Belos continued... “I didn’t really know Mera well at all. But I doubt anyone did. She was the clans archivist, in charge of the vast wealth of information that was stored away in the castles library. I don’t think she ever left that place unless she absolutely had to. She chose not to socialize with anyone, and that is why she never found a mate. Mera preferred the company books to the company of the rest of the clan. So… reluctantly… we spent a night together and you were conceived.” He concluded. “I did try to, at the very least, befriend Mera. Perhaps make an attempt to be real mates… only she had no interest in that. But unlike everyone else in the clan who despised me for no reason, she actually explained why… and it was not because of my feathered wings, nor was it even my fault. It was because she simply wanted to be alone, it was just how she was. She also didn’t-”

“She didn’t want me.” Hunter concluded, his voice barely louder than whisper.

“No… no, she did not.” Belos muttered. “She didn’t want to be rookery mother at all. Mera only went along with it because she feared what would happen if she refused. Don’t judge her to harshly Hunter, she was just different.”

A long unpleasant silence fell between the father and son. Hunter looked particularly dejected, as though most of the joy he felt from his trip had just bled out of his body. He stared at the floor and Belos could tell he was doing everything he could to try and force this new knowledge into the back of his mind, to hopefully never think of it again. But that was easier said than done, and Belos knew that all too well. “I warned you that you wouldn’t like this story.” He said solemnly.

Hunter didn’t say anything right away… He just kept his gaze on the floor as something, a particular thought, forced its way to the surface from the darkest reaches of his mind. A thought that Hunter had contemplated many times but he had always pushed it away… only now it came back with a ferocity that rivaled the storm raging just outside the castle’s walls. “Dad… would you have been happier if I was never born?”

Belos’s tail went up and swatted Hunter across the side of the head…

He didn’t hit him particularly hard, just hard enough to get his point across. Hunter yelped in surprise, but before he could say anything Belos reached out and put an arm around his sons shoulders and pulled him close in a loose hug.

“Your mother may have never wanted to be a mother, I never said that I didn’t want to be a father.” He stated firmly. “Hunter, you are my son… whether you had been my child through blood or not, it wouldn’t have changed a thing. I would still love you… Just as I would have loved your rookery brothers and sisters if any of them had survived.” Once again a silence fell between the father and son as Hunter let his head rest against his father’s chest and sighed.

“I’m sorry dad…”

“Don’t be. I’m not…” Belos paused to take the pipe out of his mouth again as he looked down at his son. “Hunter, you know that the Day of Unity is approaching?” He didn’t receive a verbal answer, just felt the boy nod against his chest before looking up at him with those deep crimson eyes. “Did I ever tell you that the Titan has special plans for you?”

“For… for me?”

“Why yes my boy, indeed you.” Belos said with a small smile appearing on his features. “I don’t know what it plans for you. But know that you are special. Not only that, your birth was not a hindrance nor burden upon either me or this world. It was a gift. Never think that I don’t love you or that I would be happier without you. You’re destined for great things… However,” he reached down and plucked the golden stone that was Hunters sun talisman off of the boys collarbone. As it had been recently configured from being attached to a chain, to just attaching like the ornamental gems most witches wore. “I think that you should have one last day of decent sleep before you return to your duties. I will give you your talisman back tomorrow night. For now, you will sleep when the sun comes up.”

Hunter didn’t get a chance to react before he turned to stone right there, still sitting on the side of his father’s bed. Surprising Belos to learn that they had been talking all night. Still, without so much as a word, Belos unsheathed his staff and cloaked the stone form of his son in a red light and carefully levitating him from where he had been sitting on the side of his bed, into a different chair that the room contained. Yet no sooner had he done this, was he suddenly aware of the feeling of a new set of eyes upon him. He groaned a little bit realizing he was not alone in this room.

“How long have you been there Kiki?” Belos grumbled as a slight chuckle escaped the house demon who had been quietly listening to the entire conversation that had played out between the father and son.

“I arrived about midway through Hunter’s story regarding what he did on his trip.” She admitted as she walked over to him and sat next to him on the bed in the same place that Hunter had been previously occupying. “I must admit, I hadn’t expected what I heard…” She said as she glanced up at the Emperor with an inquisitive glitter in her when visible eye. “You didn’t want him to go with Steve because you didn’t want it to get out that he only had one wing… That was your big concern? Why?”

Belos exhaled and annoyed breath before he took the now extinguished pipe out of his mouth and a red glow formed around it and placed it back were Belos had originally taken it from in an ashtray on his bookshelf. “I didn’t want him to be seen as weak… especially not by some lowly scout. I didn’t… I didn’t want anyone to think Hunter was weak because he-”

“Has a disability?” Kikimora finished. “Belos, I fear that you are judging your son more than anyone else will.” Her words earned her an icy glare. But this was normal for Kiki and she didn’t pay it any mind. “He has a staff for artificial magic, and you can always make him a prosthetic wing to allow him to glide. I don’t know what the problem is.”

“I tried Kiki.” He said in a voice surprisingly devoid of emotions. “I’ve tried to create a functional prosthetic wing for Hunter, but it isn’t the same as mine. I already knew how to glide before I lost my real wings. I knew how to feel the subtle differences in the air currents and how to adjust to them. Hunter doesn’t know how to do that. Not to mention that he barely has any bone protruding from his shoulder where the wing should be for me to attach a prosthetic to. It’s a different situation and I can’t seem make one that would function properly. I’ve tried… and even if I was able to make one, Hunter still wouldn’t know how to use it… and I don’t think I can teach him.”

“So? He’s made it this far without it…” The house demon retorted. “He’s actually doing very well in the Coven, considering how sheltered he’s been. And even though you may not like it, that scout is helping him learn to be more social. For Titan’s sake, I think that he’s already got better people skills than you!”

Belos growled a little bit before allowing himself to recline on his bed a little bit more… “So, you think that I’m overthinking it then?”

“I don’t think… I know you’re overthinking it.” She stated flatly. “You’re afraid that Hunter will have to go through the same hell you went through. Clearly that’s not going to happen. Try to give him some space, let him grow on his own. He’s doing okay for now… We’ll address any problem when they actually arise. Needn’t look too far into the future Belos or you will kill yourself with worry before the Day of Unity arrives.”

“Or my curse will.” He said with a roll of his eyes. Belos then shifted to fully lay his head back onto the pillow and stared straight up at the ceiling. Internally hoping that Kikimora would take the hint and leave. As he was feeling more drained than he usually did and while he still had little hope of getting any sleep, he was going to try and at least rest for a few hours before he had to return to his duties as Emperor.

Only Kiki didn’t leave…

In fact she stood on his bed walked up and actually sat on his abdomen causing him to look at her funny. But there was an unusual look in her eye. One that if he had to guess might have been mischievousness; something he rarely saw her display, even rarer was it directed towards him. “Yes?” He asked honestly not sure where this was going to go.

“You know what else occurred to me as I listened to you two talk?” She questioned with almost a singsong tone to her voice. “You never had a true mate.” Belos stared at her like she had just grown an additional head…

“Who are you and what have you done with my Kikimora?!”

“I’m serious.” She said with a slightly restrained laugh. “You have never been in love, nor felt love in return. You’re missing out something terrible.”

“Kiki, listen to yourself… I think you’re finally drunk.” He stated flatly mildly concerned that this wasn’t actually his house demon, rather some imposter. Of course, the unamused glare he received immediately afterwards reaffirmed that it was indeed actually her. Didn’t make the weirdness of this conversation any easier to accept though. “Besides I have no interest in looking for something like that. I accepted a long time ago that there is no such thing as a ‘mate’ for me. Nor am I ever going to look for someone to fill that role… I am happy with my life exactly the way it is.”

“You say that, but it’s not exactly true is it? Come now Belos… Are you meaning to tell me that you wouldn’t like to find someone who would love you? Who you also loved in return?”

“I’m too old for such nonsense Kiki… I really am not interested-”

“You look older than you actually are… your curse has worn you down and you also refuse to use chapstick, which would simply lift years from your exhausted ass.” The house demon huffed. Before all of the mischievousness left her face and instead was replaced by a sadness Belos was far too familiar with seeing. “I just… hearing about you and Hunter’s mother… I already knew that there was no love between you, but hearing that story. You deserve to find a mate who would love you.”

“There are an uncountable number of people who never find someone meant for them Kiki.” Belos said returning his gaze to the ceiling and closing his eyes.

“I’m not their house demon!” She snipped at him. “And I’m aware of that; just as I’m also aware that of the likelihood of you finding someone who can tolerate your obnoxious tush is very very low… But I want you to be open to it in the event that it ever truly becomes an option.”

Without opening his eyes to look at her, Belos shook his head. "I have no interest in it… I am content with just you and Hunter in my life. What more could I possibly need?”

“You say that, but I know for a fact that it’s the people who are not looking for love, that love tends to find…” She paused as she waited for a comeback that never came. It would appear against all odds that Belos had fallen asleep. With a sigh, Kikimora hopped off of his stomach and created a small spell circle which levitated one of the heavier blankets at the foot of the Emperors bed… carefully draping it over his now sleeping form.

“You deserve love… But that doesn’t mean you’ll find it.” She muttered as she walked out the door and quietly closed it behind her. “But not wanting to find it, doesn’t mean it won’t come to you... I just pray to the Titan, that if it does find you…

“You’ll accept it…

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s-creations · 3 years ago

Text

Oh, That Imagination

Kids will always have active imaginations. But how the adult handles it depends on what the child is afraid of.

Fandom: DuckTales 2017 / The Three Caballeros Rating: General Audience Relationships/Pairings: José Carioca/Donald Duck/Panchito Pistoles Additional Tags: Growing up, Uncles with their Nephews, Facing Fears, Worries, hunting a creature, Krampus (character), giving a speech, watching a scary movie, protecting the boys, the passing of time, names OCs.

Part of a Series Called: We’re the Three- Sorry, Six Caballeros!

Author Note: I finished Student Teaching and passed my Content Test, so I’m getting back into writing! I do have a new job lined up for the school year. We’ll see how consistent I stay with uploading. XD

“Unca Donald, Unca Donald, Unca Donald!”

Even with the loud warning call, Donald still staggers when something blue collides against his leg. “Dishes! I’m doing dishes. Go and sit on the counter please.”

6-year-old Dewey gave a quick nod before clamoring up. The older duck impressed by how quickly the duckling could climb.

“Now, what can I help you with?”

“Benny said there’s a-a monster living in the sewage of Duckberg! I wanna go catch it!”

Donald let out a low hum as he washed the soap from the glass. This was twice in two weeks that neighbor Benny had told some story about some ‘creature’ they had seen. Dewey, always on the lookout for new adventures, ate each story up with determination and gusto.

“I see, very interesting. What does this monster look like?”

“Like...Like an alligator. Only bigger!”

“Ooooh, that sounds scary. And you’re going to catch them all by yourself?”

“Yep!”

“Well, aren’t you brave. Are you going to bring them back to be studied for science?”

“I’m gonna do it to rub it in Huey’s face. Cuz he says the creature isn’t real. But I’m gonna prove him wrong!”

“It sounds like your afternoon is full.”

“It sure is! Oh, wait, I wanted to ask you if we have a large net that I could use?”

“I don’t think we have a ‘large’ net. You’ll have your bug catching net.”

Dewey let out a contemplative hum. Hand resting on his cheek while his pointer finger tapped out some unknown tempo. A habit he picked up from José. “That’s not great. But I suppose it’ll have to do.”

“Look at you compromising. What are you going to use as bait?”

“Do we have any old lunch meat?”

“No and you’re not using what we have in the fridge.”

“You’re ruining the search Unca Donald! I need bait.”

“How about you take Tio Panchito with you? He had to help his grandpa search for farm animals when they got out of their pens. Didn’t have to use bait to get those animals back.”

“Tio worked on a farm?” Dewey’s eyes lit up hearing this new piece of information.

“Spent a few childhood Summers there.”

“What did he do?”

“Why don’t you go and ask him? I’m sure he would be more than happy to share stories with you and your brothers.”

“Okay, bye Unca Donald! I’m gonna learn about cows!”

Donald silently laughed as Dewey raced out of the kitchen. Childhood stories continued during dinner and only ended when the triplets were put to bed.

“So...should I question why Dewey furiously ran at me this afternoon? All while screaming his demands for me to tell stories?” The rooster asked as Donald joined him and José on the living room couch.

“Apparently, Benny had seen some ‘creature’ in the sewer system. Dewey determined that he was going to hunt said being down. I told him you would help in the search because you’ve helped with finding lost farm animals. That caught his attention and now you know the outcome.” Donald sighed as he leaned against the other, relaxing.

“Do you think the thrill of the hunt will call out to Dewey tomorrow?”

“We’ll see.” Donald replied back simply.

The hunt did not call out the next day. Dewey focused on creating a backyard zoo, he didn’t have time to worry about some creature. A few days later, a pet iguana was rescued from the neighborhood sewers. It appears Benny had actually seen something. It just wasn’t the towering creature he’d claimed before.

________________

The holidays were busy for all the adults in the household. Donald focused on getting the shopping done and holding down the fort while the ducklings raced around during their school break. Gleefully talking about Santa and what present they’re excited most about. José would be gone for weeks on end leading up to December 25, helping with numerous flights to make sure he had that day off. Starting from October through December, this time saw Panchito with booked weekends of different performances to help get other families into the festive feeling.

Even with having busy and exhausting schedules, they made sure to make time for the triplets. Baking, decorating the house, helping them pick out gifts for the other family members. Every year it was the goal to keep the ducklings as happy as possible.

Which is why Panchito became worried when 7-year-old Louie started acting...strange. Almost what the rooster would call ‘stressed’.

The duckling had started being overly helpful around the house. Doing more tasks than what would be required. Going out of his way to ask if he could help. And, most worriedly, he’d become quiet. Not in his normal way of just relaxing in front of the television. But almost fearful that he was being listened to by some unseen stranger. Eyes even darting around as he moved through the apartment.

Unfortunately, Panchito wasn’t able to approach this possible problem until a weekend late into the duckling’s break.

The rooster let out a sigh as he collapsed onto the couch. Thankful that he was done until the New Year’s celebrations he had the coming weekend. But he was able to relax for the rest of the week to celebrate Christmas. Cautious footsteps drawing closer caused Panchito to open his eyes. Finding Louis standing nervously in the middle of the room.

“Hola Louie, what can I do for you?”

“Um, do you need me to get you anything?”

Panchito raised a brow. “No, I’m fine. Why don’t you join me until dinner’s ready?”

“Oh, um, that’s okay. Maybe I should see if Uncle Donald needs any help.”

“You’re on break. Why don’t you just sit for a while?” The duckling frowned, eyes darting around before settling onto the couch. Still tense. “So, how has school been? I haven’t heard you and your brothers talk about it for a while.”

“Uh...good.”

“Just good? ...Try out any new schemes lately? I know Uncle Donald isn’t so thrilled when you do that. But you always have such clever ideas, makes me laugh.”

“Nope, I’ve been good! No crazy plans from me!”

Panchito sat up a little more when Louie started shouting at the ceiling. “Okay Louie, what’s going on. Are you feeling okay? Did something happen at school?”

The duckling dressed in green wrung his hands as he peered around.

“...Abby told me about the Krampus…” Louie eventually whispered.

“The who?”

“The Krampus! He’s the opposite of Santa Claus! A big creature with long horns and wears a cloak! And he comes after bad boys and girls! He takes them away in his large, greasy bag and they’re never seen again and-”

“Okay, Louie, come here. You’re getting yourself worked up.” Panchito easily and quickly moved the duckling onto his lap. Wrapping arms around the smaller form to help keep Louie grounded. “Breath with me. We’re going to take a few deep breaths, okay?”

Louie gave two quick nods. They remained this way for a few minutes, Panchito holding the duckling close and controlling his breathing for Louie to follow. The rooster only pulled away when Louie had calmed down enough to talk. “Okay, so, you were told a scary story. Why are you worried?”

“Because he goes after bad kids and I know I’m...not good.”

“Why would you say that? You’re a wonderful kid!”

“But I get the most detentions and I’m lazy and I know I don’t do my homework when I need to and-”

‘Louie… Yes, we would like you to work a little harder than what you do now. But you’re not bad. You...take risks. You have a point of view that I’ve never seen before. You’re a clever kid. And, well, between you and me.”

Panchito leaned closer. Louie’s eyes widened with curiosity. “You fight the system and you don’t let them beat you down.”

“...Does that mean I don’t have to wash the dishes?”

“Don’t push your luck. What I’m trying to say is that you’re not bad. You just think differently than others. Plus, if you’re this worried, this might be a sign you should help out more. But I doubt any Krampus will come after you.”

“Really?”

“Really… Also, you know your uncles and I would beat up any creature who dares try to hurt you.”

Louie laughed. Beaming and squirming as Panchito placed a kiss on his cheek. Christmas Day arrived with no mysterious creatures knocking in their front door. Louie was still safely tucked away in his bed. Joining his brothers with running out to the living room and unwrapping presents. Curling next to Panchito as all enjoyed the afternoon glow while watching a marathon of movies.

________________

Huey took to the Junior Woodchucks like a duck to water.

From day one it became a large part of his identity. He carried his handbook around with him everywhere. Writing his own notes and entries to add to the already thick volume. Gleefully patting his knees as he patiently waited for whatever uncle was going to take him to the weekly meetings. Even learning how to iron his uniform to keep it in tip top shape.

Dewey may complain that the eagerness was annoying. But nothing seemed to damper Huey’s spirit.

Until Huey was tasked to write a speech. As he was top ranked among the troop, he was given the honor of addressing the new member that would be joining that year. A banquet being held with the duckling presenting a speech of his own at the beginning of the event. The duckling was absolutely thrilled at first. Telling everyone he could about the great honor bestowed onto him.

All in the family thought he would triumph over this just like many other things in his life.

José was humming softly one evening, making his way to the kitchen when he heard sniffing coming from the bathroom. The door opened a crack and, taking a risk, José peered in. He found 8-year-old Huey, curled up by the tub and far away from the door. A stack of paper was at the duckling’s feet. Red rimmed eyes glaring at said stack.

“Huey?”

Said duckling’s head snapped up hearing José. Wiping his eyes frantically. “T-Tio José…”

“Criança doce, what is wrong?” José entered, leaving the door open in case Huey wanted out.

The duckling sniffed weakly. “...I’m scared.”

“Of what?”

“My speech…”

José frowned, knowing how excited Huey had been only a few days ago. “Can you tell me what you are scared about?”

Huey let out another sniff. His hand starting to hit the side of the tub as time went on. Which José put a stop to by reaching out to take the duckling’s hand. “I’m scared...that people are going to laugh at me. I keep practicing my speech to make it perfect and I read a bunch of tips but… All I can think about is messing up and people mocking me. Then my scout leader will see me as a failure and strip me of my badges and-”

The parrot pulled the duckling closer, humming a lullaby softly. Huey instantly clung to José, burying himself away in his guardian’s chest. It took a few minutes before the duckling finally relaxed, slumped against the older, hand still keeping a good grip on José's shirt.

“Huey, I would like for you to listen to me. Can you do that for me?” José received a nod, “I will help you with your speech. But you have nothing to worry about. Your scout leader seems to be nothing of the kind who would take away what you’ve achieved. And no one will laugh. We all know you will be doing your best.”

“...But what if my best isn’t enough?”

“It always will be Huey. Never doubt that.” José peered up hearing the floorboards creek. Finding Donald standing in the doorway wearing a look of worry. The parrot gave a quick shake of his head. A silent message that he had a handle on the situation. Donald gave a nod of his own before sneaking off. “Feeling better?”

“...A little. I’m still scared.”

“That is fine. How about we make some cookies? I think I saw your Uncle Donald heading that way before. And while we are doing that, you can show me your speech.”

Huey sniffed weakly. Pulling back slightly to look up at José. “Chocolate chip?”

“Of course.”

The duckling smiled weakly and nodded. Donald greeted the two with wide arms and a smile when they walked in. Huey beamed as he was picked up and given a sturdy hug from his other uncle as José started the process. But uncles gave Huey their undivided attention when he gave his speech. The other members of the family joined them as the cookies started to bake. Dewey and Louie keeping their ‘helpful’ comments to themselves and clapping along when Huey finished.

At the night of the banquet, Huey beamed as he gave a flawless speech. His family cheered the loudest.

________________

“This is such a bad idea.”

9-year-old Louie huffed, rolling his eyes as Huey bemoaned at his flawless plan. “If you’re going to be a stick in the mud, then don’t watch.”

“But I want to see it.”

“Then what’s the issue?”

“The movie is PG-13! We need parental guidance to watch.”

“You know they won’t let us watch.” Dewey added.

“But-”

“You get two options here Hubert,” Louie interrupted. One hand holding up a finger to keep Huey quiet. The other holding the latest zombie movie that had just recently been release to DVD, “You either watch with your mouth shut. Or you leave and keep your mouth shut in the bed while you listen to the amazingness that is this movie from the closed doors. What’s it going to be?”

Huey frowned. But he ‘zipped’ his bill closed and crossed his arms. Which the green-hoodied triplet took as keeping his mouth shut. With a nod, Louie popped the movie in and sat next to his brothers. All three were huddled together in the closet. Eyes glued to the small t.v. screen that was crammed in with them as well. The movie menu soon appeared and Dewey pressed play.

Donald let out a content sigh as he relaxed further between his partners. Panchito clinging to him as Donald’s head was tucked under the rooster’s chin. While José was curled up at Donald’s side, using the duck’s chest as a pillow. That night was quiet and calm. There was a weekend ahead of them that was just filled with nothing. A relaxing time with his partners and kids. It was going to be great…

A chorus of screams sounded from the triplet’s room. All adults were up and racing out in only a few seconds. Even hard to wake José was on full alert. Donald reached the door first, flinging it open. Fully expecting to see an intruder standing in the middle of the bedroom. Only to find Huey and Louie, sobbing as they clung to each other on the younger triplet’s bed. Dewey was waving his plastic sword at the open closet. His entire being was shaking as wide, fearful eyes were on the open space.

“What is going on here?” Donald called out over the noise.

“There’s a zombie in the closet!” Louis answered.

“It touched me!” Huey added.

“I’m fighting it off!” Dewey finished.

“What- okay- Dewey stop swinging that around!” Panchito walked over and pulled the sword from the duckling. Collecting the blue cladded triplet as he continued to shake.

Donald gathers the other two. Both of them desperately slings to the protection that was their uncle. José took to the closet, making sure it was empty. The parrot raised a brow, finding the t.v. that was still on and playing a movie.

He reached in to eject the movie and brought it out for the other two to see. “Donald.”

The duck looked it over. Frowning, seeing the topic, letting out a slow breath. It was clear the triplets were in no condition to have a stern talking to. Plus, he was honestly too tired to worry about it at the moment. “Okay...let’s go back to our room.”

The other two adults nodded. José turned off the lights as he was the last to leave the boy’s room. Donald rested himself back into the middle of the bed, only with more bodies pressed around him. Panchito cleverly left the bedside light on before he laid down on the bed, Dewey resting on his chest. The triplets flinched when José walked in.

“It is just me.” The parrot assured.

Donald let out a sigh as he gently preened the top of each head. “You’re safe here. Nothing’s going to get you.”

The bed was pressed further down as José laid down. Huey clamoring over into the parrot’s hold. Donald was free to wrap both arms around Louie. Three voices began to hum a familiar lullaby in hope of calming the triplets further. Even with their comforting presence, it took awhile for the three to fall asleep. It was not the way Donald wanted to start his weekend. But he should have known nothing he plans ever goes his way. Even with this hiccup, he was happy to have his family close. Falling asleep with a smile on his face.

Donald was able to take his pent up frustration on the idiot who had allowed children to rent a horror movie. Panchito coming as back up to make sure the duck didn’t kill anyone.

#donald duck #Jose Carioca #panchito pistoles #jose carioca/donald duck/panchito pistoles #The Three Caballeros #the three gay caballeros #s-creations

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3laxx · 2 years ago

Text

Noble Pursuit - Chapter 7

On a nightly heist, Luz stumbles into a situation that quickly bears an unexpected outcome for her.

I have been away for... A very long time...

Actually, I have some really cool news! I got into my dream job and am moving to Munich for that! And I printed my very first book (which is fanfiction so not available to the public, Breeze) and it felt amazing to hold it ;-; Anyway, I had a lot to do, moving out of my parents' house and coordinating all that...

Truth be told, the bad news is that I haven't written in months because I have a lot of anxiety and some discussions on the internet have made it hard to muster the courage to share my work, or even write at all. The writer's block is still holding me tightly, so I'm not sure when I'll muster the courage again to upload but be at ease - I've already written 90k words for Noble Pursuit. If I can't write at all anymore, there's at least a little more of this story, we're only at half of what's already finished xD

I'd love any and all encouraging comments. And maybe a few tips on how to beat writer's block? If you guys have any suggestions I could try, please do tell me!

I hope I'll find the passion for writing again once I feel less stressed and once the excitement of moving out and the anxiety of the internet has subsided x)

Love, 3laxx

Ao3 / FF.net

---

Eda didn’t come home that night.

Lilith said that it was completely normal, even when her sister didn’t return after dinner. Luz and Gus were sent to their room without anyone tucking them in, and the girl had waited for exactly that. She made sure her brother had changed into the pajamas Lilith’s servants had put on their beds, and tucked him into bed, before pretending to lie down to sleep as well. Little did Gus know that she had kept her clothes on, and waited for him to fall asleep.

Luckily, they had gotten one room for both of them, because if they had two separate rooms, Gus would have come over to sleep with Luz in one bed, as he was used to on their travels.

If that had happened, Luz couldn’t have snuck out without waking him up and having to take him with her.

Upon lying down, the girl sighed, though.

This bed was as heavenly soft as she couldn’t have ever imagined. It was so soft she sunk into the sheets and threatened to fall asleep like Gus. But, the heavenly bed was as much her disadvantage as it was luck.

Gus had fallen asleep immediately when his head had hit the pillows, and Luz didn’t have to wait long until his breaths had evened out and he had been sleeping soundly. Finally, after just a few minutes and just before she would’ve fallen asleep as well, she got up and snuck to the window.

She had prepared to climb out since they were only on the first floor, so climbing down shouldn’t be a big issue. After finding their window this afternoon, she had mapped out a way she could climb out of and back into the room without being seen or heard, and had even tried it out when Lilith and Gus had already gone inside for lunch.

Opening the window, she looked back to Gus and nodded when he kept sleeping, then she feathery climbed atop the windowsill and climbed down until her feet touched the damp grass below. It was her luck that the house was so decorated and full of rims and gargoyles and bars so she could just climb her way down. Sneaking off through the now quiet, dark gardens, she took care that Lilith wasn’t sitting in the glass room, before making her way through the undergrowth and reaching the fence.

She could still turn back now and not steal from their neighbors, but their wealth made her angry. She had nothing as an orphan, and Eda had to struggle to feed them all. She didn’t want Eda to go through such hardships just to keep them.

Determined, she grabbed for the fence and pulled herself up, swinging herself over the fence and taking care to utilize the stone pillar at the corner of Lilith’s grounds, so as not to rip her clothes on the spikes of the iron fence.

Finally, she jumped down and her boots touched the ground in the park of the other mansion. For a second, she hesitated and waited if there was some sort of alarm or guards that would be notified of her trespassing, but nothing happened. Even when she did a few quick steps into the park around the giant mansion, nothing happened, no alarmed voices started up and nothing of the sort came to her ears. There were no demon wolves around nothing that served as an alarm.

She continued through the dark gardens, keeping in the shadows and taking care not to stumble upon any guards or anything of the sort, but there was nothing. She supposed the family living here didn’t fear any robberies because their house was intimidatingly big and any sketchy folks weren’t allowed into these streets anyway. Besides, they probably didn’t anticipate anyone coming from the back, from the garden of another wealthy mansion.

Luz snuck up to the corner after checking that there was nobody on the back porch which was really as big as the theater ruins she had been visiting, maybe even bigger.

Luckily for her, the mansion had big stones on its corner as well, which served as a ladder for her. She could easily climb up to the first-floor window and onto the windowsill, peering inside. There was no light, which was why she had picked this room, and nobody seemed to be inside. From the light shining in from the hallway, she could determine that it was a room of a kid like her, with a bed and some toys, but the bed was empty.

Using a trick Eda showed her, which was to open the locks of the windows with a very thin metal card that she always carried with her, she opened the window and quietly climbed inside, after taking off her boots and leaving them on the windowsill. If she didn’t want to leave behind any traces, she’d better leave the dirt outside, because she doubted that the other kid living here regularly went in here with dirty boots.

Quietly making her way towards the drawer, she kept her eyes open for anything that looked like a jewelry box. If she couldn’t find anything here, she would climb out the window again and try another one, until she would find something she could take with her. It didn’t even have to be as big, it just had to be expensive, so Eda wouldn’t have to struggle anymore.

Luz tried to quietly rummage through the drawer, coming across more toys and some clothes, as well as books and papers and quills, but nothing that looked like a jewelry box.

Moving to the next cabinet, she was just about to open the first drawer, when she suddenly heard voices.

It was the voices of children, a girl that sounded about her age, and two older voices, racing up the stairs and making her freeze.

Her eyes started flickering around the room to search for a hiding place and the best one she could find was next to the cabinet that she had just wanted to open up, cowering in the corner in fear of getting caught.

She pressed herself against the wood of the cabinet, trying not to make a sound, as a girl came running down the hallway directly towards her, seemingly upset, before entering the room.

“You’re so mean!”, she cried and slammed the door, turning something that sounded like a lock, before the voices outside came closer as well, calling through the door.

“Aw, mittens! We just wanted you to relax a little bit!”, a big boy voice sounded, and Luz felt her heart racing in her throat, squinting her eyes.

She never should’ve come here. She never should’ve set foot in here. Just because this room had been dark hadn’t meant she was safe to come in here!

Her breath hitching, she listened to the kids arguing through the door, something about mittens having to relax and loosen up and mittens calling back that she didn’t want to be pranked.

Finally, the siblings let off and the girl with her in the room sighed, walking into the room. Luz tried not to make a sound as she waited for the girl to leave again, but it didn’t seem like she would.

Opening her eyes again, she leaned forwards and peeked around the corner to see a little girl with brown hair sitting in the middle of the bed, pressing a pillow to her face and seemingly sniffling.

Immediately, Luz felt bad for sitting here.

Aside from the fact that she had broken in, the girl seemed upset. Discovering a thief was in her room with her, the room where she felt safe from the other kids, wouldn’t be nice to her.

Slanting her lips, Luz leaned back against the cabinet and tried thinking about what to do now.

The girl could see all of her room except for the little corner where Luz was sitting. She couldn’t cross through the room and go back to the window where she had come from. The girl would hear and see her, and she would begin screaming and Luz would be discovered and caught. She shuddered.

Maybe she should just wait until the girl would go to bed.

The room was already dark, anyways, and children her age would sleep soon. The girl hadn’t bothered igniting a candle and Luz doubted she would, still. Maybe she could just wait it out like she had waited for Gus to fall asleep, and be able to sneak out when the girl was fast asleep. She wouldn’t even take anything with her, she just wanted to go back to Lilith’s mansion again.

Cowering, even more, she tried to keep as still as possible, but when the girl groaned and a little light started flickering, Luz knew she was in deep trouble now.

The light bounced a bit up and down and she heard the girl getting up, jumping off the bed, and walking back to the door. For a moment, Luz couldn’t hear anything anymore and hoped the girl had left, but just before she moved, the girl turned again and walked to the middle of the room, kicking something. The plush toy flew across the room and bounced off the wall, to come to a stop just a few paces away from Luz. She held her breath and squinted her eyes again.

The girl in the middle of the room hesitated, suddenly. She had seen the open window. The open window that Luz could see as well.

The light bopped through the room as it followed the girl to the open window, and she finally came into view for Luz.

She was as old as her and had brown hair that was tied up in a half ponytail. She was wearing a dress in the style that Luz had only seen here in Bonesborough, and was washed and properly styled with a little bow in her hair and ballerina flats with some high socks.

Luz would’ve almost been jealous of that expensive dress if she wasn’t so scared to be discovered now.

Her heart beat up to her throat and she felt her palms getting sweaty and cold as the girl leaned outside, discovering her boots.

“… Hello?”, she timidly called, outside, before scowling, “Ed, Em, if that is a prank again, I will-”

She turned and her golden eyes landed on Luz.

Something inside her sunk low, deeper and deeper, until she hit rock bottom. Her breath stopped, her eyes widened, and suddenly, she felt sick.

She was discovered.

That had never happened before. She had never been discovered before, she had always either stayed hidden or gotten away. She had never felt the gravid feeling of locking eyes with someone who lived where she trespassed and felt everything crumbling.

She couldn’t even describe the feeling. Of course, she had that feeling before, whenever Gus and she played hide and seek and he found her. It had been thrilling, though, and she had giggled and run away. Right now, it was so scary.

Knowing exactly that this was it, she could very well be arrested and punished for her crimes. She had seen other orphans being punished for crimes like these, sitting in metal cages high above the heads of the passing crowds, starving for stealing and getting caught. Eda had always used them as examples to demand the utmost caution from her daughter. Threatening her that she would end up like them if she was caught.

The girl stared at her as if she was a ghost, and Luz felt like one, empty and weirdly light while observing the girl closely.

She needed a moment to come to terms with what she was seeing here, which was a possibly dangerous stranger in her room, and with her breath hitching, she opened her mouth, pointing at Luz, her face whiter than before even.

“Please don’t scream!”, Luz blurted out in a whisper, her voice failing her, but much to her surprise, the girl obliged. She closed her mouth, still in shock, but she didn’t scream and didn’t say anything, just stared at Luz and pointed at her.

Slowly, Luz felt herself getting up and approaching the girl, now seeing that the light source she had been carrying around was actually one of those small light balls Eda liked to make sometimes. Holding out her hands, she tried to keep the girl calm and quiet.

“I-I’ll leave, I promise.”, Luz mumbled and was surprised by her own courage. She hadn’t planned any of this, and she certainly hadn’t planned on talking to the girl.

Her expectation was more like, running like hell, but apparently, she could talk the girl down and maybe just leave. Maybe.

“I’ll leave, I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”, she came to a stop in front of the girl, still two paces away from her, and glanced to the window in front of which she was still standing. She would somehow need to get past the girl, but she didn’t want to come too close to her, the shock could be broken and she could start screaming, then, if Luz came too close.

She bit her lip.

“I-… I just need to get to the window…”, she tried, but finally, the girl found her voice again, and even if it wasn’t more than a whisper, Luz could feel the panic that someone would hear her rising up in her throat.

“… Who-… Who are you?!”, she asked, in an equally hushed tone, probably because Luz was speaking so quietly, and she found herself grimacing.

“I-… I can’t tell, I’m sorry.”, she excused herself, before looking at the window again, “I-… I just gotta get to the window… Can-… Can you step aside?”

The girl still seemed shell-shocked and finally managed to ask another question.

“What are you doing here?!”, she bit out, now a little louder, and Luz shrank, wincing.

“I-… I just wanna leave, I’m sorry. I’m sorry, really! I didn’t take anything!”, she promised and the girl squinted her eyes, before crossing her arms.

“You tell me your name first.”, she demanded and Luz pouted, her heart beating faster. Eda had made her swear to never, ever give people her name if she was at risk to be caught. It was harder to catch a thief without a name.

“I-… If I tell you my name, will you let me go?”, she tried and the girl furrowed her eyebrows, huffing.

“… Maybe.”, she gave the cryptid answer and Luz felt herself pouting.

“Fine, then. If I give you my name, will you give me yours?”, she asked, feeling like that was a justified deal. The girl seemed to ponder at that and finally nodded.

“Deal. Now tell me your name.”, she said and Luz had to grin a little,

“Sorry, mittens, but I already know yours. That breaks the deal.”, she felt herself grinning smugly and the girl in front of her suddenly turned red in her face.

“I’m not. Mittens.”, she pressed out and Luz took a little step back.

“O-Okay, I’m sorry. I’m Luz. What’s your name?”, she asked, trying to keep the girl calm, and as it turned out, apologizing helped.

“… I’m Amity.”, the girl finally answered and squinted her eyes again, eyeing Luz, “If you tell me what you were doing here, I might let you go.”

The pressure was too much for Luz. She finally broke, all the suave behavior Eda had trained her to use when in a situation like this falling off of her.

“I-… I just wanna help my mentor. She took me in as an orphan and now she’s struggling to keep me because she doesn’t have enough money.”, she sniffled, rubbing her palms on her pants, “I-I just don’t wanna go back to the orphanage. I don’t know how else I could-… I just want her to keep me. She said the inn was too expensive and that we had to leave and-…”

That seemed to take Amity off guard. Luz rubbed her eyes and tried to will the tears back, but they just kept coming. Soon, her shoulders began shaking and she felt all the tension of getting caught catching up to her.

“I-I-… I just don’t wanna be an orphan again-… And-… And I don’t wanna take money from people who need it, I-… I just wanna stay with my mom.”, she sniffled, rubbing over her face before hugging herself, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’ll leave, I promise, I didn’t take anything.”

She tried getting to the window, but Amity didn’t move away, making Luz cry harder. She didn’t even know why she was crying right now, she had just started at the thought of being an orphan again and now she couldn’t stop.

“Please, please let me go, I just wanna go back to my mom, I didn’t take anything!”, she sobbed and hiccupped, yet the girl wouldn’t move away. Instead, she began approaching Luz, and she stumbled back, shaking her head, but the girl, Amity, wouldn’t let off, now holding her hands the same way as Luz had when she had done the same just a few minutes ago. That made her stop.

“It’s-… It’s okay.”, she tried speaking lowly, just so Luz would hear her over her sniffling, and eventually put her hands on Luz’s arm. The warmth somewhat made her hesitate, and Amity continued talking, “It’s okay. I-… I was just scared. Usually, I’m alone in my room.”

She tried an experimental chuckle and Luz joined in, albeit still wetly and very pathetically.

“Y-You’re not mad?”, she tried and Amity shrugged, shaking her head.

“I was just scared for a moment, but it’s okay now.”, she caught Luz’s gaze again and pulled her eyebrows together in sympathy, softly squeezing Luz’s arm, “You-… You’re a little young to be a thief, aren’t you?”

Luz sniffled and nodded at that, but managed a small smile.

“I’m really good at it, though.”, she hiccupped, but slowly, the tears subsided and she was able to rub her cheeks dry, “But I have to steal. My mentor can’t feed me otherwise. She barely has enough for herself. And I have a little brother, too.”

The girl softly tugged on her arm and Luz felt safe enough to be guided to the bed, sitting down on the edge and wiping over her eyes a final time, while Amity sat down next to her.

“You don’t have enough to eat?”, she asked in a concerned voice and Luz managed a nod, staring down at her lap.

“We eat some dried meat and bread most of the time. In the orphanage we just had apples and some round bread, so eating with my mentor is better already. Today I had a warm meal for lunch, though, because her sister is caring for us now.”, she explained and Amity seemed troubled by that.

“You-… You don’t have a warm meal every day?”, she asked and Luz looked at her quizzically, almost laughing.

“No, of course not. Do you?”, she asked and shook her head in disbelief at Amity’s ridiculous question, yet the girl didn’t seem like she was willing to laugh about that.

“Yeah.”, she replied and Luz’s head shot up, her stomach grumbling right on cue.

“You have a warm meal every day?!”, she asked disbelievingly and Amity slowly nodded, making both girls look at each other in shock. After they both made sure the other wasn’t joking, Amity smoothed her dress and took a minute before speaking up again, seemingly collecting herself.

“… You need money so your mom can keep you?”, she asked quietly and Luz grimaced, shrugging.

“I-… I don’t know about her being my mom, but-…”, she began and Amity protested that she had called her mentor her mom when crying earlier, before Luz could continue, “Yeah… If she can’t care for me anymore, she has to bring me to an orphanage again and I’ll have to go begging again.”

Amity seemed shell-shocked at that as if she had never thought about that. Luz was actually pretty sure that she hadn’t thought about that before because she had a warm meal every day and had parents that could care for her.

“You went begging before?”, she asked and Luz grimaced.

“Well, yeah, the orphanage was in a pretty small village and they didn’t have enough supplies to feed all of us. We all went begging.”, she said as if it was completely normal, and to her it was, but Amity was hearing about something like that for the first time.

She pondered on that again, before suddenly jumping off the bed and furrowing her eyebrows at that, softly stomping her foot.

“That’s not fair.”, she decided and Luz looked at her surprised, tilting her head, “Come with me. You’ll get food now.”

At the demanding tone, Luz couldn’t help but slip off the bed, perplexed, and take Amity’s hand that she offered to her, letting her unlock the door and drag her along the hallway.

Instead of being scared about being out in the open in a house in which she shouldn’t be, though, Luz merely looked around in awe. It was gigantic. She would’ve lost her way in here pretty quickly, but luckily for her, Amity knew exactly where she was going. Luz couldn’t believe how much stuff people could stash in one single gigantic house. She looked around and saw cabinets, drawers, tables, and statues everywhere. There were big carpets on the floor and the walls were decorated with carved poles and white pillars. There were golden accents everywhere, on corners and sometimes even as the wall decoration, along with polished metal plates for mirrors, reaching from top to bottom and shining with its smooth surface. Luz could see herself in those reflecting walls, and she didn’t think she could remember the last time she had seen herself clearly. Her brown hair stuck out in every direction, short but still wild, and her face was brown as well. She had never thought about the color of her face before, especially not when observing Amity’s white face in front of her.

She had brown eyes and her clothes were simple but she knew they were comfortable. With her jaw hanging open, she let Amity drag her along, down some stairs and through long hallways. There were things everywhere. Goblets standing on tables that weren’t used by anyone, statues that were never looked at twice, some busts of important-looking people, and flower pots. She saw golden carpets that hung in front of windows, and some even on the wall, where they served no purpose at all.

And there were a lot of rooms. She could see at least a handful of rooms that were closed, and she couldn’t imagine what was hidden behind those doors.

Some were opened and she could spot a library and a big empty room with nothing inside but a few chandeliers from above and mirrors on one side while there were windows on the other.

She even saw some paintings on walls, some framed and some just on the wall somewhere. For example, a big tree on one wall, made her furrow her eyebrows, because instead of fruits, it grew faces. Disgusted, she continued stumbling after Amity who was now crossing through the gigantic entrance area, leading her to a back door that seemed very inconspicuous.

When she looked up to the ceiling that was so high above that she had to put her head in her neck, she could see a painting on the ceiling as well and asked herself how someone could reach up so high and paint so intricately and with so many details and colors.

Amity led her to a room that looked weird, with long tables to either side, and finally, they entered the kitchen. There, Luz saw the first people during their whole tour through the house, and immediately, she froze up again. The feeling of getting caught bubbled up in her throat and she almost believed Amity had led her right into a trap but the girl did nothing to alert the kitchen staff.

She merely approached a big female demon and smiled sweetly.

“Can I get a little dessert?”, she asked and the demon smiled back, putting one of her four hands on her chest, cooing.

“Oh, the little Miss Blight asks for a dessert? That rarely happens! Of course, child, I will make sure to get you a sweet snack right away.”, she cheerily replied, before her gaze wandered along Amity’s and Luz’s joined hands over to the small demon next to her patron’s daughter, making her pull up her eyebrows.

“But Miss Blight, is that a guest? After bedtime?”, she now sounded slightly chastising and Luz froze up, feeling very cold and hot at the same time. The demon looked at her as if she wasn’t supposed to be here, not even as a guest, and suddenly, Luz knew she was in trouble.

Yet, Amity reacted very sweetly and leaned in, whispering to the big woman.

“Noo, Fina, you can’t know!”, she sang in a conspiratorial way and Luz practically felt the big demon melting, “She’s not even here, you can’t see her.”

The grin of the small witch made the demon chuckle so much her whole body wobbled and Luz saw her waving it off, shrugging.

“I don’t see anyone but you, Miss Blight. But you do seem double hungry, don’t you?”, she conspiratorially asked back and Luz furrowed her eyebrows, staring at Amity in confusion. She seemed like she had the staff wrapped around her finger because even if the demon seemed to not approve before, she was laughing now.

“Very hungry, at least double!”, Amity grinned, before looking back to Luz in thought, “Actually, I’m triple hungry.”

The demon merely laughed and did something on the counter that Luz couldn’t see because she was too small, then the demon leaned down with a tray that showed three treats that Luz had only seen in passing some years ago in Latissa, behind a window. She didn’t know what Eda had called these treats, but they were brown and had pink and blue cream and sprinkles on top. If Luz didn’t know better, she would have believed the treat to be a toy instead.

“There you go, little Miss Blight. I haven’t seen anyone but you.”, she promised with a wink and Amity took one of the treats, before nudging Luz to take the other two, grinning up to the demon.

“Thank you so much, Fina!”, she exclaimed before leading Luz out of the kitchen again and giggling to herself.

“Fina is our nanny, too.”, she explained and Luz gave a nod, furrowing her eyebrows.

“Why… Why did she let me go?”, she asked and Amity gave her a smile, before biting into her treat. The pink and blue cream stuck to her nose and upper lip when she chewed on her bite, and she waited until she had swallowed the portion before answering.

“Because I asked her to.”, she triumphantly beamed, already crossing the entrance area again and walking up the stairs while Luz followed her, holding the treats like two treasures, walking extra slowly because she feared they could break.

“What are you waiting for?”, Amity suddenly asked and Luz looked up to her, furrowing her eyebrows.

“You-… You want me to eat these?”, she asked quizzically and Amity grinned. A shade of violet, a mixture of pink and blue, decorated her teeth.

“One of them. The other is for your little brother.”, she explained and Luz had to blink very fast not to cry. She followed Amity up the stairs and gulped, before speaking up again, concentrating really hard on her voice coming out the right way, but she still sounded forced.

“… Th-Thank you…”, she mumbled and Amity stopped, waiting for Luz to catch up. “I hope you like it.”, the girl softly replied, encouraging her with a nod to take a bite. Luz looked down at her hands, still blinking the moistness away, before choosing one of the treats and biting into the side of it.

A sweet, sugary taste exploded on her tongue and she almost coughed. She had never ever eaten anything as intense or sweet as this. She stared at Amity while the cake dissolved on her tongue and the sugary cream stuck to her teeth. She could have cried.

The taste was so much it short-circuited her brain and she hiccupped, really trying not to show any exaggerated reaction, but she couldn’t help it. A new tear rolled down her cheek and she stared at Amity in bliss and shock, while she tried chewing her bite.

The other girl quickly moved to take Gus’ treat from her and allowed her to wipe the tear away, before grimacing.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I thought you’d like it, you don’t have to eat it!”, Amity tried apologizing but Luz managed to hold the treat away from her to protect it at all cost. She would not give away that heavenly piece of luxury that she had just received.

“No!”, she quietly cried with a full mouth, desperately shaking her head as she managed to swallow the wonderful taste, “I-I like it! I like it a lot, I-…”

Staring back at the colorful treat, she took another bite and almost sunk to her knees at how good it was, humming.

Amity looked at her irritated, before slowly nodding and eating the last bite of her treat so she could lick her fingers clean and guide Luz back to her room, trying not to be too confused at her behavior. She couldn’t understand how someone would start crying because of a cupcake.

The two girls made their way back upstairs unseen and quickly snuck back into Amity’s room. She wouldn’t say why but Luz suspected her siblings that called her mittens had something to do with that.

Amity closed the door behind her and set the cupcake for Luz’s brother on her bedside table, before sitting down on the floor with the other girl, watching her with furrowed eyebrows. Luz loved the treat so much, that she was fully immersed in it and ate as if her life depended on it. When she had finally savored every little crumb of the treat, she was almost disappointed and looked back up to Amity.

“I never knew something could taste so good. Especially bread.”, she mumbled and Amity giggled at her obliviousness.

“It’s not bread, it’s cake!”, she corrected the other girl and Luz grinned as if someone had just told her that it's trees that grow the leaves on the ground.

“Oh! So that’s cake! I only ever heard of that from my mentor. I didn’t know that was cake.”, she giggled along with Amity, then she looked around.

“Woah, you got a big room… And so entirely without tents.”, she remarked and Amity giggled again, shaking her head at Luz, deciding it’d be better to leave that be instead of asking.

“You’re odd.”, she said and Luz grinned at her.

“Eda says that, too.”

They sat for a while and Luz asked all sorts of questions she had about Amity’s life, like if she was used to having so many toys, and if she sometimes rode a hell horse and other things. The girl next to her happily answered all her questions and had just as many to shoot back to Luz, making sure they understood each other’s lives since they were so vastly different.

“Do you have treats like this every day?”, Luz asked and Amity shook her head.

“Only on special occasions.”, she replied and Luz tilted her head.

“Is today a special occasion?”

The girl proudly puffed out her chest and declared the vent of today.

“I made a friend today.”, she importantly stated, and the little demon had to giggle at that, making Amity grin as well, “And that’s why we’re having cupcakes because you’re my friend now. If you wanna be.”

At Amity’s shy question, Luz quickly nodded and they both grinned.

“I made a friend yesterday and today! That means I can have two treats!”, Luz boasted but Amity held her back from stealing the third.

“That one is for your brother. You have to let him have one, too.”, she reminded the girl and she nodded, pouting.

“Right…”, after a moment of sulking, she looked up again, “You have siblings, too, right? What are their names? You said Ed and Em but-…”

While Luz shrugged, Amity rolled her eyes, not exactly liking being reminded of them. Today, they had been especially mean, causing her to cry in front of Fina. She wouldn’t forgive them as easily.

“I have older siblings, yeah… Edric and Emira, they’re twins. And they’re mean.”, she pouted and Luz scooted closer, awkwardly patting her shoulder.

“What do they do that makes them mean?”, she asked timidly, fearing that Amity wouldn’t want to talk about that, but her new friend didn’t even hesitate. She supposed she had needed someone to listen for a long time now.

“They always pull pranks on me!”, she complained and Luz continued patting her shoulder, squeezing comfortingly when she felt it fit, “They make me cry a lot because I get so angry when they do pranks on me. And-… And I don’t wanna be angry at them, because they were my only friends…”

“Until now!”, Luz held up a finger and Amity could smile again, “Because now I can climb over the fence every single day to come play with you!”

Amity really smiled now, a bright, happy smile, and she nodded enthusiastically.

“I’d like that! My parents are rarely home, so you can come over whenever you want.”, she rubbed her hands in pleasant anticipation, until she finally tilted her head and furrowed her eyebrows, “Wait, climb over the fence? Where do you come from?”

Luz grimaced at that.

“Uh, actually, Eda is Lilith’s sister. You know, the knight who came home a few weeks ago, who lives in the Clawthorne mansion just across your garden.”, she pointed her finger in the general direction when Amity got up and peered out the window that pointed to the back of their house. Luz followed her and showed her the ignited windows from where they were, one of the two mansions sitting right in the Blight backyard.

“You actually live in a mansion?”, Amity skeptically asked and Luz shook her head.

“Normally, Eda travels around with us, but she has to complete a special mission for her sister, to get some money. Until then, Lilith cares for us.”, she explained and Amity nodded.

“And why did you wanna steal from us, then, if your mentor is earning money right now?”, she asked, more curious than accusing and Luz shrank.

“She-… She told me that the inn was too expensive yesterday… And, I, I feel guilty about that. I didn’t want her to earn money alone, so I tried to help.”

Amity slowly nodded, looking over to the mansion again, then she got a mischievous gleam in her eyes that Luz had the chance to see once already when she had gotten her that treat.

“I can help you.”, she finally declared and Luz gulped, before following the little witch out of her room, her eyes blown wide.

“W-Wait, how do you wanna help me?”, she asked but Amity shook her head and motioned her to be quiet, before sneaking along the railing while keeping a look out downstairs so no servant would see them. Luz instinctively bent down and kept quiet, until Amity reached a door to her side. It was across the stairwell from her room and she grinned at Luz.

Pushing the door open, they entered the relatively small room, which was really just small for a mansion, not for Luz, and her jaw promptly fell.

They were in a jewelry room of sorts, necklaces and bracelets and earrings as far as Luz could see. There were some pieces presented on open vitrines and in the middle on a table, and she gulped.

“Wow… I’ve never seen that much jewelry in one place.”, she mumbled. Ducking, she followed Amity to a wooden cabinet, a vanity of sorts, and watched her open a door there. Grimacing, she shuffled closer to Amity, very much intimidated by all the wealth around her, while the witch didn’t really mind.

“Are you allowed to be in here?”, the seven-year-old asked and she shushed her, only to rummage around all the boxes in there, making Luz look to the door anxiously, “Can-… Can we go?”

Amity gave her a sign to wait just a little longer, then she finally straightened up again, holding a simple necklace in her hands, grinning. It was made from red pearls, something very valuable, Luz had heard from Eda, and had a big pendant that looked like it was made from glass.

“This should help out a little.”, Amity whispered and nudged Luz to turn around and leave again, following her after making sure that the vanity looked just as it had before, and that nothing was out of place in the room. The two girls snuck back to Amity’s room and she giggled when she closed the door again, encouraging Luz to relax some more.

“Okay, here you go.”, she pushed the necklace with the pendant in Luz’s hands and she looked back at her, shocked.

“W-Wait, you can’t just-… Give this to me! This is really expensive! Won’t your parents find out?!”, she exclaimed in a hushed tone, which made her sound even more panicked than she had felt in this room. Trying to give Amity the necklace back, she shook her head, horrified at taking this from her now friend, “Take it back, take it back! I don’t want your parents finding out and punishing us!”

The girl merely laughed and shook her head, lifting her hands so Luz had to keep the necklace.

“My mom and dad never wear that. They only wear the newest jewelry on the shelves and push everything else into that vanity. I took it from far back, they’ve forgotten it’s there.”, putting on a more serious face, she finally clasped Luz’s hands in hers and caught her panicked gaze, “Luz, you need this more than my parents. You wanna help out your mom to keep you and your brother. I think that makes the necklace worth something, at least.”

Luz had stopped trying to push the necklace back in Amity’s hands and felt tears starting to well up as she listened, then she let her hands sink again, the necklace hanging from her fingers.

“But-… But What if they find out I took it? They would never let us be friends, then.”, she gulped and rubbed her neck, knowing exactly what happened to thieves that were caught, “I don’t think they’ll spare us the punishment, either.”

Again, Amity shook her head and this time, grabbed for Luz’s shoulders.

“Trust me. They won’t find out that thing is missing. They never open these doors, except to shove things they don’t want in there.”, she squeezed Luz’s shoulders, “You should have it. I don’t want you to go back to an orphanage, because we wouldn’t be able to see each other again, then.”

Wiping her eyes, Luz sniffled, before managing a shaky smile.

“O-Okay, thank you…”, she mumbled and stuffed the necklace into her pockets, before pouting, “But I still wanna be your friend. Without stuff like necklaces, too.”

Giddily grinning, Amity nodded at that, before getting an idea.

“Hey, wait! Can you read?”, she asked and Luz nodded wildly, squaring her shoulders in pride.

“Yeah! Eda says I can read better than anyone else!”, she said and Amity giggled, finding the other girl’s antics endearing.

“I want you to read something if you like stories!”, she already ran to her bookshelf and Luz interestedly followed, already having forgotten the weight of the expensive jewelry in her pants, “Because I read a book that I like a lot and I wanna do a book club! But I don’t have anyone else who would want to read that book.”

She climbed the lowest shelf and Luz jumped to hold her waist, looking up to where Amity was grabbing.

“I do like stories a lot! Eda wrote down a few stories for me and I sometimes got to read tales in bookstores when I had some free time!”, she helpfully answered and Amity nodded, finally having reached the book she wanted to find.

Luz let her down to the floor again and Amity handed it to her. On the cover, she could see a witch with green hair, holding up a sword, and another female demon was holding the hilt of the sword a little lower.

“The good witch Azura?”, Luz asked and Amity nodded excitedly, grinning.

“Yeah! Do you wanna read it?”, she excitedly asked and Luz wholeheartedly smiled back.

“I do wanna read it!”, she giggled and Amity clasped her hands around hers holding the book.

“I hope you like it as much as I do because then we can talk about it all the time and play Azura’s and Hecate’s adventures!”

Luz blanked out at that. This was her dream coming true. Reading more stories that she craved, playing pretend with a real friend that she could see every day from now on, and having someone to talk to. She couldn’t help but feel her lips stretch into a big smile, and relished in the feeling of Amity’s warm hands pressed against hers. This was perfect. The sugary sweet treat still lingered in her mouth, she had pockets full of jewelry to help Eda and she had just been given a recommended story by her friend that she made. A friend she made.

Her breath hitching, she finally broke from Amity’s grasp and before the girl could say anything, Luz hugged her tightly. Amity froze at first, but she soon relaxed and melted in her hug, before slinging her arms tightly around her back and nuzzling her face into Luz’s neck.

“Thank you…”, Luz mumbled and Amity nodded, pressing herself against the other girl.

“… Thank you for being my friend…”, the witch mumbled back and Luz gave a little chuckle at that, before hearing a weird noise over the city outside. It almost sounded like a scream, but as if that scream was interrupted again and again, with a slamming noise in between. In an instant, Amity parted from her.

“Oh no, it’s already midnight!”, she exclaimed and Luz tilted her head.

“How did you know?”, she asked and Amity pointed outside, towards the city center.

“That’s the sign the Bonesborough clock gives when it’s midnight. It’s so late already, I should’ve been in bed for so long.”, grimacing, she hugged Luz again, almost too quickly because Luz had no chance to hug her back, “You gotta go now! I’m sure your guardian is already worried!”

Slapping her forehead, Luz stared at Amity and grimaced.

“Oh right! Eda wanted to come back tonight and look after us! What if she already did and sees that I’m missing?!”, moving quickly, she ran to the window and climbed to the windowsill, before pushing the book into her pants’ hem and slipping on her boots again. Amity turned and grabbed the treat from her nightstand, to give it to her.

“Give this to your brother!”, she hurriedly pushed the cupcake into Luz’s hands and smiled at her, “Can we meet at the fence right after lunch?”

Taking a moment to smile, Luz finally nodded and grinned at her newly made friend.

“Yes! I’ll be there after lunch and wait for you. And then we can play!”, she waved to Amity with a quick goodbye, before climbing down the corner of the house, using the protruding stones as a ladder and taking care the treat wouldn’t touch the walls, then she waved to Amity again who was looking after her and ran towards Lilith’s mansion.

She protected the book and the treat from the undergrowth as she made her way back the way she had snuck in here, through the forest and shrubbery until she reached the fence. Climbing over the fence wasn’t as difficult as she would’ve thought, especially since the iron decorations served as steps for her, then she ran back to her room and climbed the mansion the same way as she had done up to Amity’s room. Making her way back into the room proved more difficult since she had to transfer herself to the windowsill and almost squished the treat, but she was able to preserve it and open the window, before slipping inside. Luckily, nobody but a sleeping Gus was in here and she put the treat on his nightstand, before pulling out the necklace.

Looking around, she finally opened her nightstand and was about to put it in there, when she heard a hollow noise when the pendant hit the floor of the drawer. Furrowing her eyebrows, she pressed her nails into the tiny gap by the sides of the drawer, and, to her surprise, she could take the floor out to reveal a secret department. Finally, after stashing away her treasure and taking off her boots and clothes, she cuddled herself into the fluffy bed with her new pajamas, pressing the book to her chest.

Dreamily, she looked up to the ceiling and smiled to herself. This had gone better than she had thought. She had made another friend, two in a row, and had a book now that she could read!

The necklace was safely hidden on a secret floor in her nightstand drawer, something Eda must’ve owned she was sure, and there was no way this night was going to be forgotten.

After putting the book away, she turned to the side and curled up, kind of missing Gus’ and Eda’s warmth since they were used to sleeping together, but soon, she felt herself slipping away to sleep.

Her eyes drooped and she couldn’t remember the last time she had felt so content with herself. She just hoped Amity wouldn’t think she only wanted to be friends with her to get more expensive stuff from her parents.

But she had told her, it would be okay, she believed.

Tomorrow Lilith would give them some lessons again, her in fighting and Gus in magic, and she would be able to see Amity again soon. After dinner, they had agreed, and Luz was already so excited. She would make sure to read a little bit in the book Amity had given her, and maybe she would even be willing to read some with her!

Smiling, Luz cuddled into her sheets. She couldn’t understand why Eda didn’t like being in Bonesborough. For her, it had just begun and she had already made two friends, started knight training, and would get warm meals for now. She felt content here, and maybe she could stay for a little while. She had nothing against their original lifestyle, but she had so many possibilities here!

Since she was already dreaming about her day, it didn’t take her long to slip into a well-deserved sleep, continuing to dream of her achievements and possibilities.

---

If you have any suggestions on how to beat writer's block, please let me know!

#toh #the owl house #luz noceda #amity blight #medieval au #noble pursuit #lumity #aged down #childhood friends #fluff #cute #ive been away for quite a long time #please give me advice #on how to be courageous #thank you

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scummy-writes · 4 years ago

Text

Appraisal

Rating: Explicit

Words: 3771

Pairing: Arthur/Mc/Theo

Tags: Threesome - F/M/M, Biting, Oral Sex, Vaginal Fingering, Double Penetration in Two Holes, Double Penetration, Anal Sex, Vaginal Sex, Blood Drinking, Voyeurism, Friends With Benefits, Multiple Orgasms, Slight Arthur/Theo

Org Ao3 Upload: 05042020

- Commission for @cinnatwisted !

Full fic under cut!

Preview:

“No need for jealousy, Theo. You’re always welcomed to join.” Tearing his eyes away from you, he mumbled into his drink. “A hondje like you couldn’t handle us both at once.” Oh? Despite his gruff attitude, you caught a dusting of blush on his cheeks. Whether from the drink or from watching, you decided to push your luck regardless. “I think I rather could.” Briskly running your hand up his thigh, you leaned closer, encouraged as you felt his forming erection, “I’d like to see how your bite is for once, since you only ever bark.”

———

At this time of night, the tavern wasn’t bustling with drunken patrons. Instead, a few stragglers were scattered throughout, sitting at their own tables and focusing solely on whatever was left in their drink. Normally when with Arthur and Theo for a night in town, the three of you came when it was crowded, especially since Arthur would take the opportunity to find a more personal nightcap. However, ever since you had agreed to allow your friendship with Arthur a few more benefits, coming this late had become a habit.

Especially when Theo seemed gloomy. He disliked drinking alone, nearly as much as he hated when the pub was busy enough with women trying to barter for his attention. Now that Arthur’s focus towards other women had subsided, it was easier to hangout when Theo preferred. “Are you already wanting to go, hondje? We just started drinking.”

At Theo’s voice you turned your attention back to the bar counter, waving off his lazy tease while taking a sip from your glass.

“I’d say I’m good for a few more drinks,” you shot back. “Think you can keep up with me?”

“You’ve yet to outdrink me, mutt.” Theo scoffed, downing the rest of his brandy. The glass made a dull thud as he set it down to be refilled, Arthur letting out a hum.

“Why Theo, if I didn’t know better, I’d say you were in a bad mood! What’s gotten you all stingy?”

Theo merely rolled his eyes, prompting you to join in on the teasing. “Maybe another round will do us all some good?”

“Mm, yeah. Why don’t you be a dear and pay for our drinks?” With a smug grin, Theo watched Arthur dramatically sigh and dig out his wallet.

“Ah, I’m being taken advantage of, I swear. Who knew my friends would be so keen on sucking me dry!”

His stupid joke brought out laughter from all three of you as he flagged the bartender for another round. It wasn’t long before you had drained your glass, feeling the warmth of the alcohol spreading through you.

“Maybe I should have you buy me a few drinks from the top shelf, hm? I think I deserve it,” you playfully mused, grinning when Arthur feigned pouting

“Awh, don’t drink too much,” you felt your knees bump together, Arthur leaning close, “I still want to do what we’ve been prepping for tonight, luv.”

His breath warmed the shell of your ear, a pleasant twinge of electricity running through you as his fingers ghosted under your skirt. You saw Arthur glance towards the bartender as his hand traveled up your thigh, squeezing as an appreciative sigh slipped out.

“Mmm, Arthur…”

Fortunately, the bartender was preoccupied with cleaning. Knowing the rest of the patrons couldn’t care less, Arthur slid a gloved finger along your slit, the fabric of your panties already slickened with arousal.

“Oooh, naughty girl,” Arthur playfully tsked, voice thick, “You’re so excited for me… What have you been thinking about while drinking, hm?”

Wrapping an arm around your waist to keep you steady in your seat, Arthur took your lips in his, brushing your panties aside to rub your clit. He deepened the kiss, stealing the gasp that threatened to spill out- Only briefly, as Theo discreetly coughed. Breaking off with a small hum, Arthur withdrew from under your skirt before the bartender could notice.

Once your drinks were topped, Theo flicked his gaze over the both of you.

“I didn’t invite you two just to watch you fuck around with each other.”

Laughing, you bumped his shoulder. “No need for jealousy, Theo. You’re always welcomed to join.”

Tearing his eyes away from you, he mumbled into his drink. “A hondje like you couldn’t handle us both at once.”

Oh? Despite his gruff attitude, you caught a dusting of blush on his cheeks. Whether from the drink or from watching, you decided to push your luck regardless.

“I think I rather could.” Briskly running your hand up his thigh, you leaned closer, encouraged as you felt his forming erection, “I’d like to see how your bite is for once, since you only ever bark.”

Theo made no movement to brush you away, instead meeting your challenging stare. You saw his gaze drop to your lips momentarily, right before Arthur spoke up.

“You know I don’t mind sharing with you, old chap.” You could hear his grin as he continued, voice lowering. “It’s been a while, hm? Might do you some good.”

Now Theo bristled, shaking his head and returning to his drink.

“Filthy perverts. You were made for each other.”

“Maybe, but notice that you’re not pushing me away…” Giving him a firm squeeze, you saw Theo straighten, a noise catching in his throat.

“She’s great at getting what she wants, Theo.” Arthur propped his elbow on the counter, tipping his head. “I’m game for another round with you, rather enjoyed it last time. Besides, how else are you going to take care of your problem? The boring way?”

Now it was Arthur’s turn to press him, leaning against you and continuing, his voice quiet for only the three of you to hear. “Or would you rather feel how tightly her wet cunt clamps down when-”

“Fuck. Fine!” Theo pushed himself away from the bar with burning cheeks, starting towards the door. “Let’s go.”

With a giddy laugh you took Arthur’s offered hand, stumbling slightly before joining him, rushing after your flustered mutual friend.

Thankfully, the carriage service hadn’t stopped for the night. By the time the two of you had caught up, Theo was already stepping into one he had flagged down. Despite his gruff attitude, he took your hand to help you in, Arthur following behind. The two of you took the seats across Theo, still carelessly chuckling.

Emboldened by the lingering buzz of alcohol, you threw a leg over Arthur’s lap as soon as the door had closed. Cupping his jaw, you crashed your lips together, deliberately drawing out the kisses he was trying to rush through. When the carriage lurched into a start, Arthur hurriedly grabbed your hips to keep you from falling back, prompting both of you to giggle.

“I think that worked in our favor,” Arthur tugged your hips down to meet his, grinding and drawing a groan out. “It’s just us three now, why don’t you let Theo hear those sweet mewls of yours?”

Looking over your shoulder you saw Theo watching intently. His chin was propped in his hand, elbow resting on the carriage windowsill. While his fingers curled lazily and concealed his mouth, the hand creeping towards his crotch fueled your aroused impulses.

“Mm, pay attention to me, luv.” Arthur stole your attention with another roll of his hips, his clothed erection rubbing perfectly against your wet heat. “You’re not the only one wound up here.”

“Maybe you should give me a reason to.” Taking his hands in yours, you guided them further down. Arthur caught on quickly, slipping his hands up your skirt and giving your ass a firm squeeze.

“God, you’re like two dogs in heat.” You didn’t get a chance to comment on the strain Theo’s voice carried, Arthur speaking up before you could.

��You haven’t seen anything yet, she’s positively a wildcat in bed if you get her in the right mood.” Trailing his lips along the pulse of your neck, Arthur continued. “Or against the wall… In the carriages… Behind the pub- Ah!”

You swatted his shoulder with a laugh. “You’re one to talk! I swear you get hard if I just walk past.”

“Can’t help it, thinking about all the naughty nights we’ve shared.” Arthur worked your skirt up, giving Theo the chance to properly watch what was happening. “Truly, you’ve spoiled me.”

Flicking his eyes over to his friend, Arthur gave your ass another squeeze before steadily rolling his hips, helping guide you into a rhythm. Taking your lips, Arthur resumed the hasty make out from earlier, smiling when a moan escaped you.

With no banter, the only sounds in the carriage were you and Arthur’s mixed noises of pants and groans along with the rustling of the fabric between the two of you. You tried to strain your ears to hear any signs of this working Theo up, but your focus kept shifting to the jolts of pleasure you received when Arthur’s bulge wonderfully grinded against your clit.

Breaking the kiss, Arthur groaned hoarsely against your shoulder.“If you keep this up, you’re gonna leave a wet spot, luv.”

“Oh? Are you that excited, Arthur?” You teased, gasping as Arthur nipped your neck.

“I’m not that quick, bird.” He patted your rear, “Let’s give Theo a bit of a show before we reach home.”

Following his nudge, you settled back into your seat and moved to smooth out your skirt. Instead, Arthur stopped you before you could, reaching under your skirt again and tugging on the waistband of your panties. Lifting your hips, you allowed Arthur to slowly pull them off, raising your knees when needed. Once off, Arthur pitched them to Theo.

“A little souvenir for tonight.”

Arthur joked, but you saw Theo glance at the obvious arousal slicking the garment before tucking them into his jacket, giving you a smirk when you bit your lip.

Arthur pulled your leg and hooked it over his knee, spreading you out and hiking your skirt up. You assumed he’d spill another tease, but instead he reached over and brushed a gloved thumb over your clit. All of the grinding from before providing ample lubrication for Arthur to be rough. You panted as he hastily rubbed the sensitive numb, flicking your gaze over to Theo. Lazily, he was toying with the zipper of his pants, running his thumb over the seam as he watched. Not much stimulation, but as the carriage started to slow, you understood why.

Arthur, however, still continued his ministrations. Taking the shell of your ear between his teeth, he kept rubbing until your body started to tense. Overly familiar with the signs of your oncoming orgasm, Arthur knowingly cut short before it could pleasantly wash over you.

“Looks like we made it home faster than I thought.”

Liar.

He caught the glare you shot him with a laugh, smoothing your skirt down before taking your hand as Theo opened the carriage door.

“Can’t have the party over before it’s even begun, can we?” Damn him for that smirk he gave as he helped you out the carriage. Once steady, he wrapped a firm arm around your waist, keeping you close as you all walked through the mansion’s front doors. He tipped his head, murmuring, “It’ll be worth the wait, I promise.”

This late, and everyone was either busy in their rooms or already asleep. It made it easier for Arthur to attempt stealing more gasps from you while following Theo down the hall, his hand on your hip darting to grope your rear. Giving him a swift smack to his arm you laughed, the rebuke forming on your lips disappearing once you realized the three of you were already in front of Arthur’s bedroom. As Theo swung open the door and began to doff his jacket, you hummed.

“Oh? Theo, don’t you need to go get the collar and leash you keep threatening me with?”

“Maybe if you’re a good pup we’ll play with them next time.”

“‘Next time’? Very presumptuous of you, Theo.” As the three of you settled in, you closed the distance between the two of you, running your hand down his torso. “Seeing how you’re still all bark and no bite.”

A shudder ran through him as you cupped his clothed erection, Theo swiftly pulling you flush against him as he tipped your chin.

“There’s a reason Arthur’s letting me play with you, hondje.”

Crashing your lips together Theo began to tug your clothing off, breaking momentarily to work your shirts off. As he guided you towards the bed, Arthur took his time with his own clothes, seemingly used to Theo’s rushing.

It wasn’t long before the two of you were stretched along Arthur’s bed, Theo’s kisses trailing down your neck and quickly turning into lovebites. His calloused hands roamed over your bare body as you reacted to each nip, heart thumping faster as he slotted himself between your legs and let the tip of his cock tease along your slit.

“How do you want to do this?” Arthur undid his belt as he asked, quickly stepping out of his pants and working off his boxers. Noticing how he kept his gloves on made your attention waiver momentarily, until Theo’s voice brought it back.

“Mm, I want to know how our little hondje tastes.” He muttered, maneuvering lower, his teeth grazing along your stomach.

Taste? At first you grew confused, used to Arthur using the pleasure his fangs provided to enhance an orgasm, until Arthur tsked and sat beside your head on the edge of the bed. “I swear, I never get a chance to beat you to it.”

It wasn’t until Theo moved to rest on his forearms, head now between your legs, that you understood what they were talking about. Theo’s tongue dipped between your folds, slowly licking upwards as you groaned. Your fingers quickly threaded themselves through his hair as he chuckled, easily working two fingers inside of you. “Are you sure you’re not in heat, hondje?”

Trailing a gloved finger along your jawline, Arthur guided your mouth to his cock before you could let out a quip of your own. “Can I join in on the fun?”

With all the dry humping from the carriage, you expected Arthur to be far less patient as you ran your tongue underneath his erection. Instead, once you finally took the tip inside your mouth he gently eased more of himself into you, starting a pace that was easy to handle.

Theo, however, wasn’t as gentle. Roughly pumping three fingers inside of you, he alternated between teasing licks to your sensitive bud, to lightly taking it between his lips and sucking. The sensations combined with the plug still inside your rear made your toes curl, excitement budding for what was to come.

Just as Arthur tangled his fingers through your hair, your legs clamped against Theo’s shoulders, all of the earlier teasing catching up to you in one swift pleasurable wave. Arthur enjoyed some of the moans that rolled through you before pulling out of your mouth with a deep sigh.

As Theo moved to his knees, licking your arousal from his digits, he smirked. “Quick of you, knabbeltje. Were you that excited?”

“Ah, cut her some slack, Theo.” Carefully, Arthur eased the two of you to rest on your knees. “We’ve talked about you joining us for a while, you should have seen how excited she was when I first brought it up. Though, I wish you’d let me have a go this time."

“Mm, you want to taste how she was?” Theo grinned as he tugged Arthur closer to him by his hips, muttering briefly before drawing him into a kiss. “Here."

Arthur’s hand reached for Theo’s side as their lips met, a quiet groan falling from his mouth as Theo nipped between kisses. It wasn’t long until their kisses deepend, his tongue mingling with Arthur’s before the other broke away. Watching as they slowly pulled apart, Arthur’s tongue traced along his bottom lip, his gaze lingering on Theo’s.

“I’ve always loved that taste…”

You took the chance to run your hands up Theo’s inner thighs, bringing the attention back to yourself. “I’m still here, you know.”

“Impossible to forget, bird,” Arthur chuckled, moving to open his nightstand drawer. “Theo, think you’re up for, ah, taking her from the front while I’m behind her? Could probably move to the chair to make it easier.” Taking the jar of lube out, he set it aside before wrapping an arm around your middle, his hand tracing the curve of your ass.

Theo glanced at you, devoid of his usual teasing tone. “Can you handle that?”

“Mhm, she’s been excited all day for it, haven’t you?” Arthur’s fingers dipped lower, carefully grasping the flared base of the buttplug you had been wearing for the past few hours. Nodding, you reached for Theo’s forearm to grasp as Arthur gingerly pulled the toy out of you, a quiet groan slipping out. “We had already planned for this position, so adding you into the mix won’t be too hard.”

Theo let you use him to steady yourself as the three of you moved off the bed. Pulling one glove off with his teeth, Arthur took the jar he had set aside with him before sitting down in his chair, promptly working on slicking his cock with lube. Feeling impatient, you straddled him in his chair, grasping his chin and pulling him into a languid kiss. Arthur’s chuckle broke your lips apart.

“We’re almost there, luv, but I need you to turn around.”

Doing as he asked while he discarded his other glove, you worked along with him to ease yourself into position. Arthur let you brace your back against his chest for support as he swiftly lifted you up by your thighs, the tip of his cock brushing along your ass as he displayed you to Theo.

Mouth at your ear, his voice dipped into a low murmur. “Ready?”

At your nod, Arthur gripped the underside of your thighs tightly as he pushed his tip into you, starting to lower you once he was halfway in. Excitement buzzed through you as Theo watched you squirm at the pleasurable way Arthur’s cock filled you, shallowly stroking himself as he waited. It was easy to make out the bead of precum at the tip, the sight of how far along his arousal was pushing him stoking the heat flaring in your abdomen.

“Gods, you’re so tight,” Arthur hissed, groaning against your neck. “Does it hurt?”

“N-no, it feels good.” Too good. You reached for the man in front of you, his smirk fueling your need. “Th-Theo, you too.”

“Have half a mind to make you beg for it,” Theo slid his hands under your thighs, helping Arthur’s hold you as he positioned his erection against you. “But every mutt deserves a treat…”

Slowly, Theo eased his cock into your cunt, a grunt slipping out as his nails dug into your skin. You wanted to tease him for the lack of noise, but all that came out was a silent gasp as you felt yourself being filled completely. You grasped Theo’s forearm, mouth clamping shut as you adjusted to the rush of stimulation.

“Hey, tell us if it’s too much, alright?” At Arthur’s worried prompting you shook your head, finding your voice.

“It-it’s good, I’m good- God, you’re both so-” Biting your lip, you stressed a moan as Theo brushed his thumb over your clit, rubbing. “Theo!”

Arthur groaned as Theo drew another rough whine, hips thrusting impatiently from the sensation. “Oh gods- Theo, keep doing that.”

Gods, your thoughts were incoherent as they worked with each other to maintain a slow pace, easing you into handling both of them at once. With Arthur’s chin resting on your shoulder, you could hear each noise he let out as he fought against impulsively pounding into you, his strained panting adding another wave of pleasure coursing through you. His silver tongue faltering made it incredibly apparent that he was enjoying this just as much as you.

You threw your head back as Theo stroked your sensitive bud faster, body tensing. As much as you tried to fight against it, you felt another orgasm quickly roll through you, your moan hitching into a whimper as your clenching walls made the way their cocks moved inside you intensify. Theo stopped rubbing just as your clit began feeling overworked, his panting much more noticeable as they both stilled for you.

“I-I still want m-more.” Nearly breathless as you spoke, you kept your hold on Theo to keep him from pulling away.

“Are you sure?”

“Please.”

You felt Arthur nod against your shoulder when Theo glanced at him, muttering in your ear. “Alright, luv, we’re going to be a bit rough, so speak up if you need us to stop.”

Once you agreed, their grip on you tightened as they tested a thrust. When you only gasped out a moan, Theo rolled his hips out of sync with Arthur, the two of them quickly going at their own pace. The best you could manage were incoherent mewls of their names as they pounded into you, seeking their own release.

“A-Almost there, luv- Just, mmh, a little l-longer.” You felt Arthur’s fangs graze across your shoulder before he bit down. Whimpering, you bit your lip as a new wave of pleasure seared through you. Arthur only took enough blood to satiate him before pulling away, groaning as he spilled inside of you.

It wasn’t long before Theo followed suit, curses tumbling out of him before a final thrust pushed him over the edge.

Cleaning up was a blur. Once you had caught your breath, the two of them pulled out, Arthur wasting no time in taking care of the mess they had made of you. It wasn’t long before you were urged into his bed, Arthur letting you borrow his robe.

Now you rested your head on his lap, enjoying the lazy way Arthur ran his fingers through your hair. “Are you sure you’re okay with me sleeping here tonight?”

“Absolutely. I don’t think you’d be able to make it to your room, anyway.” Arthur’s attention turned to Theo, who was already folding his coat over his arm. “Leaving already?”

“I can’t-” Theo sighed, shaking his head. “The scent of her blood is too much.”

“If that’s the only reason, then you could bi-”

“No.” Arthur's voice was uncharacteristically tense, faltering as he quickly explained. “We put you through a lot. It’d be too much for you.”

Theo eyed his friend before starting towards the door. “Mhm. Maybe next time, hondje.”

He didn’t let you get another word in before he left, Arthur sighing as he leaned back against the headboard. “It’s been a while since we’ve…”

Trailing off, he brushed your bangs back gently. From that alone, your eyes began to flutter shut, your exhaustion catching up.

“Mm, don’t fight sleeping, luv. I’ll be here when you wake up, okay?”

All you could manage was a soft hum as he pulled the covers over you, drifting off feeling thoroughly spent.

———

This was really fun to write... TvT

Masterlist | Ikevamp Server | Writing Server

#ikemen vampire #ikevamp #ikevamp arthur #ikevamp theo #ikemen vampire theo #ikemen vampire arthur #smut

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daz4i · 3 years ago

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💜 dnd!

*shows up a month later holding some kids in my arms like they’re ferrets* thank you for the ask!!!!! i’m gonna tell you abt my dnd characters >:3

gonna go by the order i made them, tell you some basic stuff, then how i went about creating them, then their backstory then how they went in the campaign perhaps, if i have any art i’ll upload that too. some will def have more info than others akjddfh but anyway!

this got. ridiculously long i hope tumblr even lets me post it

first character i ever played is em: a changeling sorcerer, he/they, i think i decided he’s 21? anyway. he’s a funky little fella

my dm actually helped me a lot through making him bc i didn’t know shit abt dnd back then (still don’t know much tbh…..) and i just picked whatever seemed cool to me tbh. i joined the campaign in the middle of it and i wanted to play a bard at first but that class was already taken so! sorcerer it is.

soooooo em’s story is surely an interesting one. he grew up with no parents, trying to make a living on the streets, and as a teen he already got involved in the wrong business and to keep it not graphic, used his shapeshifting ability for sex work.

eventually, he got spotted by a bad crowd to say the least, got involved with the mafia, and kinda owes their boss a lot of money. rip em

so he was very down on his luck, life treating them very bad, and then! things got… better? worse? depends on who you ask. he got approached by a demon, promising him the power to break out of his situation. the price? his morality, basically. the more he uses his powers, the more corrupted he gets, the less he can tell apart good and bad, the more he leans towards evil, the more violent he gets with his methods.

so that’s his backstory! in the campaign, he joined in as his persona called jay, who is basically a cowboy. a battle broke out, he attacked one of the party members there bc he attacked em’s (jay’s?) npc friend, then he joined the party, where he started sleeping with the aforementioned bard bc why not but it was very twisted in its use of em’s changeling powers and yeah i won’t elaborate beyond saying “selfcest” lol

as you can tell he is very edgy

a bunch of things happened, and in the last or second to last session in this campaign (it got cut short bc of some issues) the party found some changeling kids and em immediately got attached to them and wanted to help them out, but the party member he attacked in the first session objected to it, and it was a whole Thing and em nearly attacked him again. but uh. this is more or less where things ended with that guy

also, some art:

second one is by my very talented bestie notu, go check her commissions out

and here’s the playlist i made for them

next little guy! is tzel! a wolf shifter ranger! he/him! he’s 15 (but in shifter years that’s like, 30)

my creation process with him was “you know that one skin hanzo overwatch has where he’s a wolf?” so. tzel killed his brother

he was part of a tribe in an area full of shifter tribes divided by animals, him belonging to. well. the wolf tribe, and they were at war with the tiger tribe

however, tzel found a friend in that tribe, called scar. i think they were also a little gay but we haven’t really discussed that. buuuuut scar was using him to get information about the wolf tribe to get the upper hand in the war between the tribes and when tzel found out,,, well,,,, he went feral, literally. the little bit of wolf he has inside him took over and caused him to attack his brother talon, which is what eventually killed him.

the tribe told him to find a way to control the wolf, and tzel, in his shame and guilt, basically exiled himself and told himself he’ll come back only when he can stay calm, when he knows he won’t attack anyone ever again with his bare hands like that (one of the main reasons he’s a ranger is so he can keep distance from the enemy to better control himself) but like. his standards for himself are so high it hasn’t happened yet ofc asdkfjfhg

in the campaign well! a lot has happened!!!! he’s the one who got the furthest out of all my characters and the campaign is still on-going, but a tldr the apocalypse is coming and tzel and his 2 besties (aka the other party members lol) are infiltrating a vampire army to see how they can stop it, it’s a whole thing :P

also in the last session!!!!! after waiting to get revenge for a very long time!!!!! tzel got a chance to kill scar!!!!! buuuuut he let the wolf take over to do that and basically cut scar’s head off with his bare hands so this is def gonna push his personal redemption back for awhile now lol.

fun tidbit abt his name: tzel means shadow in hebrew, and is written like this: צל. however, the source of his name actually comes from the scar he got when his brother tried to fight back, and scar in hebrew is tzaleket or צלקת. so he’s still connected to scar by name, jesus christ.

anyway here’s art my friend made of him, go check their blog out:

next up we’ve got fang!!!! another shifter bc it’s like my favorite race, this time a white tiger and a druid! he/him, 13 years old soooo around his early 20s in human years? idk.

i actually created him without a campaign at first. i just wanted to make a white tiger shifter bc i love white tigers really. anyway

fang also grew up without parents, but in a circus! he started out as a performer, but as he grew older and his body became less fitting for that, so he became the circus’ medic instead. this is how he learned about plants and animals - it was a touring show, so he got to drive all around the land and find different plants and of their use and befriended animals in many different areas.

one day, fang went out to collect plants for medicine, but when he came back the circus was… on fire. when he tried looking for his family, he couldn’t find anyone and hoped they escaped, but he couldn’t be sure, so he went on a journey to go look for them.

it’s been awhile since then, and he’s a bit tired of that, and just wants to find a place to belong, maybe a new family. luckily, he found a man called hillel looking for a group to help him with with various things around this city he came to, and yeah this is where the campaign actually starts hehe.

fang did find a family, buuuut it’s a bit complicated. there’s a man (and pc) named theo who kind of adopted him along with the other party members, and fang works at his shop, but in one of the sessions they had a bit of a falling out where theo become very controlling and was okay with leaving someone to die and this is just very much against fang’s moral code to do so, so he slept in the forest for a few days, and they had a talk, and eventually fang came back but things are a bit Off between those two now

he’s got a sister tho!!!! another pc, called sparkle! they accidentally got drunk together on the first session. they get into shenanigans and wacky hijinks together it’s very cute.

he’s also got a sister called julia who doesn’t want him calling her his sister but shhh she’ll come around to it eventually :P (shira if you’re reading this ily) and he’s counting hillel’s daughter as one too! plus he’s got a funky uncle B)

so he did find a family, even if things are weird right now, and he’s doing his best to help people when he can because he just genuinely wants everyone to be safe and love each other honestly.

some art i made of him + memes:

and art by notu again, fang and sparke after they got drunk together:

next up is tawny! she is an aarakocra monk and she’s like. 5 years old. bc she’s a bird. we love to see it (she/her)

she’s based on a tawny owl bc i’m very original. also original about her backstory bc it’s basically atla aang’s story

basically, tawny grew up in a monastery located on an island, where she was trained in martial arts and studied history and the land etc

one say, the monastery was attacked by bandits who kinda burned most of it and slaughtered everyone in it. tawny’s master asked her to hide - and she did, but when she came out of her hiding place she saw that everyone was either dead or missing, and she was the only one left.

she went back to the mainland and got help from the locals, and through it she met the party members who all signed up to help with restoring what’s left of the monastery and looking for survivors etc. in its remains, tawny found out her master is still alive and had one last talk with him.

later, the party found out why the bandits attacked the monastery in the first place - an ancient artifact stored within it, which they stole.

so, the party went out to look for the artifact, as well as many other ones that are all connected to save the world bc ofc i mean it’s a dnd campaign how can we not save the world in it. tawny is still looking for survivors, hoping maybe others managed to escape or hide like she did, and she did find 2 others in one town but no one beyond them so far.

the funny thing is. before i started playing as her and fang i imagined them to be very similar, i mean their backstories are similar and they both have wholesome savior vibes in my head, but they ended up really different! tawny ended up more anxious, responsible, the one in the party who calms them down and keeps them out of trouble sometimes, while fang ended up as a little shit (affectionate) lol he’s just that one pic of a cat with a knife held to its face sometimes. idk it’s very interesting how even super similar characters in concept end up so different depending on the campaign’s vibes and the party members!!!!!

unfortunately i don’t have any tawny art. just google “tawny owl”, picture one that’s 150 cm tall and also has arms and wears clothes and you’re set tbh.

last character! is my pride and joy, gabby. an aasimar celestial warlock, 18 years old, they/them

gabby was born into a cult that worships a group of angels called the watchers (which are a real group of angels lol. horny angels squad). called “the order of the golden eye”. they don’t know who their parents are, they were kinda raised by the elders there.

the order is based in its own… village? town? idk the right word, but basically they’re separated from the rest of the world, and most members aren’t allowed to leave it or interact with other people.

gabby, being there since they were born and being a very diligent student, managed to go up some ranks and gain more rights through that, so they got access to places most members couldn’t. in one such place, they got a revelation from the prince of the watchers, satanael (again basing on actual angel lore askjdkfh i promise i picked him for reasons beyond “haha persona 5”)

satanael gave them magic powers, and promised them even more power, more than they can imagine, practically godly levels of power if they reach him in his realm. and gabby, of course, wants that.

so they left the cult, went on a journey where satanael guides them towards him. this is why i chose him as THE angel that helps them btw, bc he symbolizes rebellion and leadership and also he’s the least horny out of the horny angels so he def felt most fitting when i wanted to pick an existing angel for them to worship lol.

what gabby doesn’t know however! is that satanael isn’t actually an angel, but a fae, and he’s absolutely manipulating them into coming into the fae realm for reasons i myself don’t know yet but my god are they gonna get slapped in the face when they find out about it.

so far in the actual campaign though, they started a fire and stabbed a guy because they weren't sure how to proceed with things and this is what came naturally to them asdjfgh (well, the arson came naturally, then when a cop told them to stop it they stabbed him. naturally)

they also woke up one morning in a prison cell and kinda just intimated a guard into opening it and basically walked out. they had no memory of the day before tho, so they don’t know why they were even locked up, and honestly a lot of shit went down that i don’t even know most details of as a player which makes me become the eyes emoji irl.

here’s art i made of them:

and the playlist i made for them

AND THAT'S IT!!!! if anyone read this whole thing i'm kidding you on the lips as we speak (or if you'd prefer i don't, i'm shaking your hand/patting your head/blowing you many kisses instead)

#dan rambles #my ocs #if anyone wants to draw any of them..... you are always welcomed to...... (i still need tawny art 👀)

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monofpoke4life · 3 years ago

Text

Datr Week 2020 Day One: Missing You

(Totally forgot yo upload this last year. I think I was unhappy with it, but I can’t remember why. Anyway, please enjoy)!

"So how'd you know to do that thing to Chunk earlier?" His young voice squeaked, echoing into the dark, shapeless abyss.

"Any enemy can be felled with the right jab. It's just a matter of knowing where to hit. Most are susceptible to major and vulnerable organs like the kidneys or liver. I am particularly fond of throat punches. They're ideal for stunning an opponent while leaving them alive for questioning." Replied a feminine and distinctly accented voice.

A frown tugged at the corner of his lips, yet all it did was morph a frown briefly into a pout and back.

He felt his brow furrow, as the world suddenly came into view. It was like turning on your phone in the middle of the night. Blinding and full of color at its sudden appearance, but it didn't strain his eyes as they continued on their walk. A set path expanding in front of them far beyond their view, but materializing in front of them with each new step. One he walked what felt like a million times before. No different than all of the other times he walked it. Just the same old sidewalk with the same old cracks that were on his way from the school to his house.

Certainly nothing looked out of the ordinary, and yet, this walk was entirely different. It would be one thing if it were just the electrified thrum in his veins or the ecstatic beat of his heart from the idea of catching Zim in one of his alien schemes or running home to watch a new episode of Mysterious Mysteries. However, it was neither of those things, and had everything to do with the young lady walking beside him.

There was a tingle in his leg, but he paid it no mind as he chuckled, "I'll keep that in mind the next time those bullies try to stuff me in the trash again." He shook his head at the memory from earlier that day, before he pointed out, "But you still never answered my question." Her steely gaze of rare, purple eyes flicked over to meet his own bespectacled gaze as he elaborated, "I know you're British, but come on, "keep them alive for questioning?" You sound like you're from MI6 or something. I mean, where do you learn techniques like that?"

"Girly Rangers," came her little too clipped reply as she turned her head, giving him her full, narrow eyed attention.

At that, his heart suddenly jumped into throat. He could easily get lost in her eyes. His breath quickened just a tad as a wave of nerves crashed into him. Both the expected good kind, and unexpectedly bad kind, settling sourly in his stomach.

They stared a moment later before he called her bluff, and she quipped, "If I didn't find the idea ludicrous myself I'd have swatted at you." She shook her head as a genuine smile graced her lips, before she looked up to the bare branches of the trees that lined their walk, as she continued, "My mother was in the military. You pick up a thing or two with those you live with."

He felt the pin prickling feeling of a chill run down his spine, starting at his neck, yet his body lacked the telltale twitch as he excitedly murmured, "That's so cool!" At that remark, the corner of her lips twitched into a proud smirk at his unsubtle praise. Realizing she heard him, his face grew hot. He wanted to turn away, crawl into a hole, but the sight of her amused, gentle smile kept his eyes riveted to hers.

"S-so what else did she teach you? Anything useful I could use on my paranormal investigations?"

The anxiety in his gut increased, and a familiar dread set in, waiting patiently for his world to shatter. The kind of dread that makes somebody want to hide under a blanket from the world. Yet he heeded it no mind as his lips parted into a shy yet ecstatic smile.

"Sure, one more tip couldn't hurt," she said, murmuring the last part more to herself. "Well, body language is always telling. When someone is lying their eyes will look up and to the right because they’re tapping into the imaginative part of the brain.”

“Wow, so you’re like a walking, talking lie detector?”

“You can if you train yourself enough,” she said nonchalantly.

“Could you teach me?” He inquired as a fluttery feeling in his gut returned. His arm nervously rubbed the back of his neck as he continued, a little too quickly, “Maybe you come over my house some time and-”

“I beg your pardon?” She inquired quizzically, yet something in her voice had an edge to it. Ice filled his veins at that, and he stammered and scrambled to recover, “I mean or your place is fine. Of course, only if you wanted to, but nobody ever usually wants to. Actually, no place is fine then. Look let’s just pretend this never happened and-”

His heart dropped from his chest only to roar within his ears as he felt a delicate finger lightly touch his lips. He froze. He didn’t dare to breathe let alone talk; meanwhile his eyes fixated upon the dainty appendage touching him. If he didn’t know better, a spark spread from her to him, electrifying him from the inside out. His whole body grew hot, and he felt like his brain would melt from the radiant blush that was surely upon his cheeks.

“Hm, so that’s where you’re off button is,” she mused aloud as she pulled her hand away. Her eyes shined with silent mirth. He gulped and could practically hear himself audibly swallow. Gawd she had to have known what that clever smile did to him! Forget his brain melting, he was going to melt into a puddle at her feet.

Dazed, he saw her lips move, yet didn’t hear a word she said.

“Sorry, I spaced out. What was that?”

“You shouldn’t apologize. It’s a sign of weakness,” she chided. He felt confused and opened his mouth to reply, but before he could, she continued, “I said that’s very kind of you, but unfortunately my parents and I are still adjusting from the move; however, once we’re settled, I’d love to come over.”

He blinked owlishly behind his round glasses. His flushed face cooling down within the time it took to sink in. However, when it did finally sink in, he grinned so hard his face felt like it could split in half.

“That’s great! I can’t wait until then! How long do you think that will take? Maybe a week? Oh I need time to prepare and clean my room-er-not that it’s not clean, I-” He abruptly cut off his ramble as he saw her finger raise once more. He skittered backwards with his trench coat flapping with his rapid movements. The usually heavy yet oddly light feeling backpack nearly threw him off balance, but he managed not to fall.

She snickered. His heart skipped a beat, and a warmth coalesced in his chest, emboldening him.

“How does this Saturday sound,” He asked with all of the courage and grace a socially outcast boy, like himself, could with his first real friend. The first person who made him feel secure and supported since...gawd, he couldn’t remember! He couldn’t think!

By that point they started walking again, and that dread came back tenfold. His untrained eyes followed her right hand as she tucked a dark blue strand of hair behind her ear. A gust of forceless wind slammed into them, and it appeared as though she turned her head to shield it from the winter wind. She was always honest with him up until that point, so he had no reason to doubt her. No reason to notice how the motion drew his attention away from her eyes.

But he knew to look for it now, and all of the other times his mind replayed it over and over again within his head. On this night, as it had so many times before, that dread feeling his gut finally crashed to the forefront as everything went dark, and squealing, victorious laughter surrounded him like a stereo system.

He went to scream, to shout, warn her, anything! Yet nothing came out. In fact, she was gone. He whipped around in an attempt to find her. As he looked behind himself, he went to turn back around, and there she was in all of her green, alien, Irken glory as she rushed at him with pak leg raised. When she was so close he could see the darker, barely discernible, purple of her pupils did he finally gasp and rocket himself into an upright position. Eyes shooting open as he nearly fell out of bed.

His stomach roiled as a brief wave of vertigo hit him from moving too quickly, especially without his glasses. With the grace of a lean yet gangly teen, he leaned on his side towards the edge of the bed. His arm flopped onto the end table beside his bed, and he hung his head between the space that separated the two as he let the wave pass. He also took the time to catch his breath.

Once recovered, he raised his head to blearily look for his glasses in the dark. After a few near misses of lightly brushing against them, Dib finally managed to snag them. As he placed them upon his face, he frowned at the sight of the slight tremble of his hand.

At the reminder of his memory, that nightmare, Dib growled at himself as he flopped onto his back. He yelped and flinched as a sharp pain shot up his leg, having hit his ankle off of a bedpost.

The pain quickly went away as swiftly as it came, and Dib huffed and sighed. His forearm falling back to rest upon his forehead. Barely awake and he was already exhausted. Of course, the fact that he had that blasted dream again didn't help at all.

At the thought of the dream again, Dib growled and rolled over onto his side, facing the wall and his open window. He knocked his glasses up towards his forehead as he rubbed his clenched shut eyes with the heel of his palms. If only he could forget and move on. That would make his life so much easier.

And yet...the thought of forgetting Tak or how she made him feel...he could never do it. Just the idea made his heart race into a panic and sent his mind into a whirlwind. His childhood crush aside, Tak was his first friend. A real friend, or so he thought.

Pfft, just his luck that his first friend turned out to be an alien who only talked to him for his information on Zim. The thought triggered a dull, painful ache to grow within Dib's chest. One more powerful than the pain of her trying to destroy the earth. With him on it.

Dib shifted his right arm under his pillow to further support his head while he opened his eyes to pensively glare at his drumming fingers.

"Four freaking years and I still can't get you out of my head," he grumbled to one person in particular. Not that she'd ever hear him, being flung into space in her ship's escape pod and all.

The pod. Possibly drifting aimlessly in the vacuum of space. Cold and lifeless as the metal shell encasing Ta-

He shook his head to dispel the direction of his thoughts. However, he didn't do it fast enough as he felt the slight burning tingle of his eyes welling up with tears only for one to slide down his cheek.

He grumbled some more as he wiped it away and gazed up at the midnight blue sky. The busy tizzy of his mind slowed down to a crawl as he closed his eyes and tried to focus on his breathing. In and out. Find his happy place and think happy thoughts, or at least ones different from those that woke him up.

It almost worked too, as the angry tension in his muscles slowly evaporated from his body. His limbs became noodle-like and his facial muscles relaxed. The drumming stopped, and his mind drifted into a hazy fog of nothingness. He liked the nature of the nothingness. By definition, there was nothing there. Nothing that could potentially hurt him physically or mentally.

In and out. He pondered the nothingness, and how something so endless in area and possibilities could give him a sense of security, like being wrapped within a warm blanket.

Then, Dib's mind drifted to the thought of security, as it always did. The lack of it, how he could hold onto it, how he could find it within himself or others, and then finally when was the last time he felt it.

"Ya know they're wrong, right?" Tak's voice echoed from a memory that felt like decades ago.

His younger self jumped at that, looking over at her from where she sat beside him in the library. She'd broken him out of a very important task...which was to stare morosely at his unopened book.

"Hm, what was that," He inquired, trying to sound tired to hide the sadness in his tone.

Her purple eyes narrowed at him suspiciously. As per usual her penetrating gaze felt like she could see right inside him, reading him like an open book. However, she chose to ignore it in favor of the topic at hand.

"I said, ya know they're wrong, right? About you?"

His eyes widened in surprise at that.

"O-oh?" He paused a moment, before his brow furrowed and he inquired further, "About what exactly?" It wasn't like he didn't believe Tak. Dib had no reason to doubt her, but years had cautioned him to not get his hopes up.

He watched her frown a moment as she paused. The question caught her off guard as she clearly thought it would be a one and done statement. However, ever the perfectionist, she persisted to speak her opinion of him.

Glaring at the pencil she twisted between her fingers, she elaborated, "Well, a lot of things. The most prominent, though, is that you're not crazy for being different, for believing in the paranormal."

He sat up straighter at that as he continued to stare in astonishment, watching her wearily for any sign of a lie. He found none, but still felt the need to ask, "Really, you mean that?"

"Of course! There's nothing wrong with being different. It-" She trailed off at that. He ignored the part of his brain that thought her brow furrowed pensively was cute. This was a serious, heartfelt situation, and it wasn't the time to make googly eyes at someone who probably didn't like him that way.

He opened his mouth to offer a word, in order to help her along, but she continued before he could.

"It doesn't make you wrong. You- you're not- you're not defective." At the word "defective," it came out of Tak's mouth with as much disdain as one would use when talking about the city's cesspool, and her gaze immediately snapped up to look him in the eye.

A part of Dib felt like she wasn't just talking to him at that moment, especially as shortly after she said it, she unconsciously snapped the pencil in half. It made him wonder who hurt her or called her that in the past, what was their address, and could he beat them up. Well, maybe die trying, but preferably not.

The other part of Dib felt like she meant every single word. Even after everything that would happen later, he still felt she meant it. The way her determined stare carved into his very soul, refusing to look away until he agreed with her. How those amethyst orbs tenaciously glared and willed him to take to heart her words of wisdom, but most importantly; the earnest, raw edge of emotion that slipped into her voice.

No matter how brilliant of an actor she was, she couldn't fake that.

The full meaning of her words combined with her body language finally sank in and a blissful warmth settled in his chest. It quickly spread to every neuron and nerve until it felt like pure happiness, contentment, and safety was going to erupt from his mouth in the form of the widest grin he'd ever make.

However, he had enough sense to not grin at her like a fool or madman. His entire body thrummed with energy and oddly a sense of calm.

For once in his life he felt relaxed, safe, peaceful even. Relaxed to just let things play out, and to have faith in her as his friend, as he did for her. He could say or do anything, and she'd have his back, always giving her 110 percent. It felt...blissful.

However, that bliss couldn't last, just like the nothingness as the memory faded in exchange with his conscious state. Before it fully faded, he remembered he got her to laugh

Not a laugh at someone's misfortune, like Zim, or being victorious against those bullies, like Chunk, but a genuine, gentle laugh with a small smile to match.

The memory faded, and he opened his tear filled eyes once more. As they dripped onto his pillow, he curled in on himself. His heart was as erratic as his breathing. Trying not to sob aloud kind of does that to you.

Gawd how he missed that feeling of security, of being supported, of someone having his back, and boy did he miss the one who made him feel that way.

Ironic how an alien could act more and treat him like a human than the real humans. And there's a high chance that all of that was fake. If it wasn't, well, it was four years too late to think about that.

A choked sob escaped his lips as he angrily sighed out the window, "I hate that I miss you."

#Datr week 2020 #Datr #Dib #Dib Membrane #Tak #Invader Tak #Missing you #Invader Zim #How in the world did I forget to post this #datf

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