#i am a responsible parent i am teaching him to handle sharp things

[gailyinthedark]

[theplushmaker]

Oki since someone asked for the Silver headcannons I'll post them, there's quite a few so I hope you enjoy!

Please let me know if I should put a warning

• Silver loves to look at the night sky to see the stars since he came from an apocalyptic future where ash and smog covered the sky

• Silver was originally part of Sonic's time but was transported 200 years into the future by Mephiles to insure the (rewritten) events of Sonic 06

• Silver enjoys botany

• Silver was taught English by Mephiles

• Silver knows seconds and days but has trouble when it comes to hours, weeks, months, and years

• Silver at first had trouble understanding how birthdays worked

• Silver was a lot shorter when he first met Sonic due to malnourishment, making him look like a 10-year-old (despite being 14)

• only Silver remembers the events of Sonic 06 due to Mephiles' interference

• Silver had to ask Sonic what certain words meant ex: parents, mom and dad, sister/brother, etc, etc, the first time he asked Sonic what family was, Sonic was, understandably, confused then worried, afterward, Silver had asked Shadow instead only to get the same results (albeit less obvious) so now he only asks if he can't figure it out on his own

• Silver is used to hot temperatures due to the lava and fire in the apocalyptic future

• Silver gained the ability of foresight, albeit weak, (after Sonic 06) and is only able to use it when meditating (this is so that Silver doesn't have to appear JUST because "oh the future's in danger and he has to prevent it" like in the games)

• Silver can not time travel, that was all Mephiles' doing (^)

• Silver has a fear of fire (pyrophobia)

• Silver can not tell when someone is being sarcastic and will take everything someone says literally, Charmy learned this the hard way when he told Silver to "throw the bucket of water at Sonic" Sonic was knocked unconscious with Tails panicking, safe to say Charmy learned his lesson and was later grounded by Espio when he found out

• Silver's first "food" when Mephiles sent him back was ham sandwiches

• when Shadow had to keep an eye on Silver, (along with Rouge and Omega, due to him getting a head injury because Shadow "accidentally" kicked him and Rouge felt it was their mostly his responsibility to take care of him till he recovers) he saw Silver laying on the ground outside, when Shadow walked over Silver looked at him with big eyes saying "it's so small" with the tone of an amazed child, upon closer inspection Shadow found out that he was referring to a caterpillar he found eating a leaf, Rouge was there recording the whole thing

• Silver managed to make Shadow smile when he first saw snow and started acting like a child on his first snow day

• Silver never told anyone about the events of 06 after the "time-line reset" thinking it was best left forgotten (that and he's afraid of what everyone will think should he tell them that he helped a man, who no longer exists, almost end the world)

• Silver sleeps at 12:40 but will wake up at 4:00 IN THE MORNING just because he's still not used to the concept of time, the only reason why everyone knows this is because one-time Sonic let Silver stay the night at his and Tails place, and Tails ended up finishing a project at 4:33 AM the boy walked out of his lab expecting for Sonic and Silver to be asleep, only to get the absolute daylights scared out of him when he finds Silver (trying to but shh!) Reading a book at the kitchen table, Silver fell out of his chair and Sonic came down running (but not without falling off his bed and hitting his head hard) to check on them, after that they told everyone of Silver's "messed up" sleep schedule

• Silver is illiterate but is trying his best to learn how to read without anyone knowing, so far no one suspects a thing

• Silver has quite a bit of pain tolerance given the fact that Knuckles dislocated his shoulder once and Silver didn't even flinch, even after they fixed it by taking him to a doctor

• Silver can not stay in one place for too long, given the fact that he traveled all over the place in the apocalyptic future, it was only a given that the habit never died, of course, Sonic and co can keep him from leaving by simply keeping him busy, this has helped greatly with surprise party's

• Silver's first "language" was just a mix-mash of 40 other languages

• if Silver doesn't use his psychokinesis he can end up building up too much energy for his body to handle, so what happens if he can no longer handle it you may ask? Chaos, absolute chaos, he ends up acting like Charmy on a sauger rush and Sonic when he has coffee, his abilities go haywire and he doesn't even know it, the worse part is, the only reason he did stop using his psychokinesis is because he made a bet with Shadow to see who can go the longest without using their abilities, Rouge, of course, recorded the whole thing, along with Omega, no one has let him live it down since

• the gold bracelet things (what are they even called?) Silver has can store excess energy and it can store a lot, (so combine that with energy build-up)

• Silver has nightmares of when his primary caretakers were killed, (PTSD?) Though sometimes it would be about Blaze, Amy, Sonic, Shadow, or all of them, sometimes it's them getting killed or them leaving him once they remember or find out about the events of 06, which is why he tries his best to act as normal as everyone else, though sometimes it's about Mephiles telling him things, he tries to bury those memories

• Silver didn't know it at the time but he and Mephiles had a father-son relationship before he realized Mephiles was using him, it saddens him knowing that he might never have that type of relationship again

• Silver sometimes reminds Shadow of Maria with how he acts when he sees/ learns something new

• Silver, Shadow and Sonic have a brotherly relationship, Silver being the young oblivious brother, Sonic being the carefree middle brother, and Shadow being the strict older brother

• Silver may act like a child most of the time but if someone gets in his way of survival, he will go stone cold

• Silver's boots are made of metal so they weigh quite a bit, of course, the only reason why everyone knows this is because when Shadow "accidentally" knocked him unconscious, he, along with Rouge, tried to drag him inside only to find out his boots weighed him down and had to be removed, this lead to the discovery that Silver was underweight, (they left his boots outside, covered by a box because they didn't want to bother trying to move them inside)

• Amy and Vanille were the first to find out that Silver had quite the sweet tooth, he likes marshmallows best

• Silver gets vocabulary lessons from Amy while taking cooking and health lessons

• Vanille makes sure that Silver eats whenever she gets the chance, like a worried mother

• Silver's teeth are surprisingly healthy, just not the cleanest... with a little bit of red staining (though people assume that it's because his gums bleed and not because he ate something he shouldn't have) Amy had to teach him how to brush and had to remind him to brush every night until it became a good habit of his, his teeth are also pretty sharp for a hedgehog (I wonder why)

• due to multiple reasons, (take a guess) most of Sonic Co think that Silver didn't have a great upbringing, with most of them assuming that he had strict parents and lived during a famine in a dry/hot area that was prone to violence, which they aren't wrong but they are?

• with Silver's fear of fire, one would think that he and Blaze didn't get along, but the opposite is true, Blaze keeps using fire at a minimum when he's around and if she did use it then she'd give ample warning time and space before she does it, in return Silver stays close to the ground so he doesn't "trigger" her fear of heights

• Silver does not know anything about romance, so when he starts to suddenly feel odd around Blaze, ex: abnormal heart rate, weird feeling in his stomach, warm cheeks, etc, he asks Amy about it, (mostly because she's been teaching him about health) and she gets excited and tells him about love (she's secretly cupid, fight me)

[alj4890]

All Through the Night

A Choices: The Royal Romance Dark AU

@gkittylove99​ ​​ @krsnlove​ ​ @kingliam2019​ ​ @texaskitten30​ ​ @yourmajesty09​ ​ @mom2000aggie​ ​ @ofpixelsandscribbles​ ​ @twinkleallnight​ ​ @lodberg​ ​ @twinkleallnight​ ​ @amandablink​ ​ @neotericthemis​ ​  @mm2305​ ​ @sfb123​ ​ @iufilms​​​ ​ ​ @tessa-liam​ @busywoman​​

Masterlist

Catch up here with Prologue and Part 1

Part 2

Fydelia...

"Madeleine dear, have you seen the lost book of Aurelia?" Regina called out when she noticed the countess passing by. "There were some notes in there that I think can be useful for Maxwell."

"No mam." Madeleine stepped into their library.

The walls were covered with a variety of the history of the five kingdoms and the mysterious sixth. Madeleine had spent years studying every single myth in the hopes of finding hints of cures and such for the ailments of her people. Her usually sharp gaze softened at the faded leather spines. They had been her source of comfort long before Regina arrived.

When her parents were alive they rarely spared their daughter a single glance. As long as she was quiet, well behaved, and properly attired; they expected little else from her. She had been their disappointment. Her father had hoped for a son while her mother hoped to never have a child.

She did not feel grief when they died. In fact, she had rarely felt any emotion until Regina took over her care. Through her cousin's encouragement and treating her with kindness, Madeleine began to understand happiness and contentment.

She also began to long for love.

The stories she read about the great love Queen Kenna shared with Dominic had made her begin to daydream about her finding someone of her own. She rather liked the idea that the creatures of the Dark Kingdom fell in love instantly. It certainly took all the guess work out of he loves me, he loves me not.

Though Regina was a kind and nurturing soul, Madeleine wanted something more.

And she had found it one afternoon with the banished prince of the Dark Kingdom.

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

A year ago, the capital of Cordonia...

Madeleine ran down the sidewalk as a torrential downpour began. Being lost in thought, she had wandered away from the market place without paying attention. Townhomes with small parks and cottages with flower gardens dotted the quiet neighborhood.

"Oh!" Madeleine slid down, landing not only upon her left ankle, but also in a puddle.

She closed her eyes at the painful throbbing. Tears began to intermingled with the rain falling upon her face. She tried to standup but ended right back in the puddle.

For the life of her, she couldn't think of a single spell that she could use to help herself. It was part curse and actually a blessing to others that a witch could rarely use magic to improve their own circumstances. Other than being able to take potions to improve their physical health, most spells could only be used for someone else.

If she had asked Regina to come with her for a visit to the capital, then she could have healed Madeleine easily. She probably knew a spell offhand to immediately dry her clothes. But then again, Regina was the most powerful out of their coven.

She attempted to stand once more, only for a cry of frustration mixed with agony to slip out.

She could hear footsteps rushing towards her from behind.

She turned her head and saw a man. Her lips parted at how handsome he was. His drenched clothing revealed what was a definite muscular body. His blonde hair had darkened from the rain. But his eyes...they were the most intense blue she had ever seen.

"Are you badly hurt?" He asked.

She nodded. "It's my ankle. Either a bolt of lightening struck when I fell or I definitely heard a definite pop."

Without another word, he scooped her up in his arms as if she weighed no more than a feather.

He kicked open the wrought iron gate and ran with her into his townhome.

"There's a light switch behind you." He waited for her to find it then continued on into his living room. "Here." He set her down on the couch. I'll try to find you something dry to put on and then we'll have a look at that ankle."

Her lips parted then closed as he dashed upstairs. She took advantage of her solitude to study what was clearly the home of a bachelor. Her eyes touched on the masculine décor of oversized leather furniture and no pictures on the walls. There no trinkets of any sort nor any type of color to add to the brandy colored leather and beige walls.

She turned her attention back to her ankle and winced when she tried to rotate her foot.

"That will teach you not to do that again."

Madeleine jumped at the sound of his voice tinged with amusement.

He handed her a towel then knelt beside her. Using another towel, he dried her foot and leg after removing her shoe.

"Thank you, um..." She bit down on her bottom lip when his fingers gently pressed around the swollen area.

"Leo." He looked up at her. "And who might you be?"

"Madeleine." She sucked in a painful gasp when he lifted her foot.

"Madeleine," he shook his head, "I believe it is just a bad sprain."

She slumped back in relief at that news. "I think so too."

He took off his shirt off and pulled a dry one on.

Her parted lips at the sight brought a grin to his face.

"If we're going to get you an x-ray just to make sure nothing is broken, then you'll have to stay in your dress." His eyes roamed over her petite figure. "I don't have anything that will work for you out in public."

"Yes, of course." She lowered her eyes. "Thank you for your assistance. I'm certain I would still be sitting in the puddle if you hadn't come by."

"I saw you slip down from my bedroom window." He scooped her up once more and carried her out to his garage. "Don't worry Lady Madeleine, we'll have you fixed up in no time."

Her head jerked up. "How do you know I'm a noble?"

He paused then shrugged. "With your beauty and the way you speak, it seemed likely that you were one." He set her in the passenger seat of his car. "Then again," he winked at her, "perhaps I was hoping to be your knight in shining armor."

Her pale skin flared with color from his flirting.

Leo chuckled at the sight then patted her hand.

After taking her to a nearby emergency care clinic, he then drove her back to her hotel.

He carried her and her crutches to her room despite her arguments that she could manage now that she had something to lean on.

"You shouldn't trouble yourself, Mr.--"

"Leo." He insisted. "And it is no trouble at all, I assure you." He set her down on a chair. "So, what brings you to the capital?"

"Nothing in particular." She lowered her eyes. "I had a few council meetings to attend and then I decided to stay over for a few days."

Leo nodded. "Wanted to get away?"

"Yes." Madeleine twisted the hem of her skirt. "I shouldn't feel this way. My life is filled with responsibilities that I actually enjoy handling." She lowered her eyes. "But sometimes..."

"It isn't enough." He smiled at her. "I've been there."

"You have?"

"Of course." He stretched his legs out and took a deep breath. "Though, I think the worst thing that can happen to someone is to have those very responsibilities that they thrive on taken away."

He bent down when he saw her struggle to prop her foot up on a small table. Before she could utter the words that he needn't feel like he had to keep helping her, he had slid it over closer.

"Thank you." She smiled shyly at him. "If you don't mind my prying, what responsibilities do you have?"

His easy smile dimmed. "Ah, none."

Her eyes widened. "But you seem to understand --"

"Like I said," he got up and went to stand at her window. "Nothing is worse than being denied what you are made for."

"What were you made for?" She prodded.

He glanced at her from over his shoulder with a smirk. "Me? To be king."

Her eyes widened with realization. The infamous handsome looks. The chivalry. The recognition of her nobility.

"You're the Dark King's son." She whispered in disbelief.

He turned to fully face her. "And you're The Guardian's ward, the very one she gave up being queen for."

Madeleine swallowed nervously. "I--I'm sorry you lost your kingdom." She gripped her hands together in her lap. "I heard about your father naming Liam as heir."

A brief flash of anger appeared in his blue eyes. "Yes, it seems that my embarrassment of not being a vampire extends to all areas of Cordonia."

"No!" She lifted her hand toward him as if to try and comfort him. "It isn't anything you could control." Her brow furrowed. "I'm certain you would have been an excellent king."

He returned to his chair. "Do you?"

She nodded. "I've always had a gift of, well...of sensing a person's true nature."

"Sounds impressive." Leo reached for her hand. "And what do you sense with me?"

Madeleine bit down on her bottom lip. "I can't quite find the words, but I sense great things in your future." A blush formed on her cheeks as she locked eyes with him. "And that I am somehow tied to your destiny."

He lifted her hand to his lips. "I think you're right."

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

It had to have been fate for their paths to cross. The young man had been wandering Europe in search for a place he could belong.

"Once I saw you," Leo told her late one night, "I knew I had finally found the right place."

She had lost her heart to him. His stories of not being loved by his father matched her own, especially in being considered a great disappointment. She had not been born a boy and he had not been born a vampire.

There was little either could do about it.

Leo admitted that he had gone in search of a vampire in Sweden to try and turn him. Something though went wrong when he was given the Vampire's kiss. He did not change. He had remained in his mortal form even after completing the procedure by drinking from the Chalice.

There was no increase of strength. There was no vulnerability to the sun. There was nothing new or different about him.

Only further frustration and heartache.

Madeleine kept their encounters to herself. It wasn't that she didn't trust Regina. She simply didn't trust what she might say to Constantine.

The King continued to invite Regina to visit. He understood her reasons for refusing his marriage proposal but he refused to never see her again. Since she was in love with him too, she went each time he called for her.

Madeleine didn't approve of their relationship, yet she also kept this thought to herself. She had seen as a child the effect speaking one's mind had on others and she never wanted anyone to know her plans or opinions.

But then she began to sneak away to see Leo.

He had been the first person she had actually opened up to. His charm and confidence seemed to spill over and infect her with an openness she never knew she possessed.

Leo was interested in everything about her, especially her knowledge of spells and potions. For nearly a year, he marveled at her intelligence and encouraged her to dig further to find ways to push magic to its very limit.

Then one night, he shared a dream he had recently had.

"You and I were the King and Queen of the Dark Kingdom." His blue eyes flashed with emotion as he gazed off into the distance. "The people were overjoyed to have the true heir back within the fold."

"We were married?" She asked.

"We were." He squeezed her tight, drawing a startled gasp from her lips. "Everything was how it was meant to be for me. I had claimed the black crown for my own."

"What about your father and Liam?"

He turned toward her. Images from his dream of their ashes floating about his feet brought a slight smile to his lips.

"They weren't there."

"Did you feel in the dream that they approved?"

"Of course." He replied. "I have no doubt they finally saw my true strength."

"You would be an excellent ruler, my love." She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "No one has as big a heart like you."

With her head pressed to his chest, he softly agreed. "Yes, I believe I would be just the ruler this country needs."

As the months passed, he fed her little by little tidbits of stories he claimed he had heard. The creatures of the Dark Kingdom were miserable. They were being ill treated by their once beloved monarch.

"I can't stand the thought of any of them suffering." He paced back and forth before her.

"Of course you can't." She replied. "I wish there was something we could do."

His steps faltered. Turning toward her, his sharp eyes filled with tears.

"Do you truly wish you could help them, Maddie?"

"I do." She reached for his hands. "It seems so wrong to be given these magical powers and not use them in some way to help your people."

He smiled warmly at her. She had stopped referring to the people of the Dark Kingdom as monsters. It had taken a long time to get her to do so, but he knew it would all be well worth it in the end.

Leo sat down before her. "If anyone can find a way for us to take our rightful place, it is you," he pressed a kiss to her hands, "my love."

Madeleine blushed at his faith in her. She loved that he saw her as no one else did. How could she not spend every single spare moment she had in pursuit of a way for him?

"I'll try, darling." She vowed. "I'll do everything within my power to return what is rightfully yours."

He captured her lips in a ravenous kiss.

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

Now...

"I received your message." Leo climbed the trellis to Madeleine's balcony. "Did you find something?"

"I think I have." She showed him the lost book of Aurelia. "It is taking me a while to decipher, but I believe that what you need will be in here."

He stared at the book that might possibly hold his future.

"For instance," she opened it to the third chapter, "a witch held a vampire hostage to discover where their super strength and mind powers originate from."

His eyes narrowed on the crude symbols meant to be letters of the ancient Aurelian language.

"And you believe you will find a way to destroy Father's powers?" He asked.

"No." She gently placed her arm around his waist. "I believe I will find a way to give you those same powers without the vampiric nature."

His eyes widened. "Are you serious?"

"I am." She smiled up at him. "What will your first act as king be?"

He returned her smile. "After naming you queen, it will be to heal our fractured kingdom once and for all."

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

That same evening, near a bustling market place in the capital...

"Lady Hana?"

Hana spun around and smiled. "Lord Beaumont?"

"Maxwell, please." He grinned at her. "It's nice to meet you."

She shook his hand then gestured to the lady beside her. "This my best friend and business partner, Riley Brooks."

"Hi." Riley shook his hand. "Hana said that you would be our tour guide."

"Well," he slipped his hands in his pockets while summoning his charming façade, "I don't like to brag but I do know all the best places to see in Cordonia."

"Great!" Hana relaxed some. "We have quite the list prepared of what we want to see most."

"Oh?" His eyes widened when she handed him a notebook. "Wow. You, uh, you weren't kidding."

"We're vloggers." Riley explained. "Our subscribers depend on us to be thorough with the places we travel to."

"Then you've got the right kind of tour guide." He hesitated when he came to Riley's section. "Interested in the supernatural?"

"Yep." Riley laughed. "You wouldn't think it of us," she nudged a giggle out of Hana, "but we have a lot of fun exploring the creepy."

"Not that we have ever come across a ghost or creature of the night." Hana added. "But we refuse to give up."

"I see." Maxwell mumbled. He looked up at them with a grin. "I'm a fraidy cat myself."

"That's okay." Riley shrugged. "It won't be the first time Hana and I have to venture into the unknown alone."

"She means supposed haunted houses and woods." Hana added with a chuckle.

"But that's not all I want to see." Riley pointed at another section of her list. "Night clubs and historical spots are another part I want to spend time on."

Maxwell shut the binder. "How about for your first venture into Cordonia's nightlife we go dancing?" He flashed another dimpled grin. "No need to spook you on the first night here."

"Sounds good to me." Riley replied when Hana tilted her head in agreement. "Lead the way."

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

"Why did we come here of all places?" Drake grumbled.

"I sent Leo a message to meet us here for a drink." Liam sat down at one of the bar's balcony chairs. "He hasn't replied but I am still hopeful he will show up."

He had always enjoyed this particular bar simply for its view. The bustling marketplace of Cordonia's capital was the perfect place to people watch.

It was one of his favorite past times and he usually came by himself. Tonight though, he had dragged Drake and Sherry along while forcing Rashad to promise to meet up with them once he concluded a business dinner.

"Here we go." Sherry set some glasses down. "One whiskey for Mr. Grumpypants."

"Hey!"

"Sorry, I meant Sir Grumpypants." She teased. "One scotch for Liam." She sat down between them, "...and one--" her eyes began to glow as she zeroed in on an all too familiar figure down in the crowd.

"Sherry?" Drake poked her when she stilled.

"What is it?" Liam became alarmed by her fury forming.

Her eyes narrowed to mere slits. "He wouldn't dare!"

Sparks shot off from her hands as she shoved her chair back.

"Sherry!" Liam grasped her arm to try to calm her down before her emotions gave away what she was. He believed though that he should be able to alter the few patron’s memory here yet he hoped it wouldn't come to that."

"Who are you--" Drake's jaw spasmed as he tried to remain under control. He finally saw what she had seen. "It's that damn Beaumont!"

Liam turned to scan the crowd. He noticed the hunter walking with a lady on each arm. His brow furrowed at the strange sight. He knew Sherry had secured for the most part a future with him, and yet he was out with two--

Liam sucked in a strangled breath. The lady on his left had lifted her face to look at the upper level bars and restaurants. Her deep brown eyes met his and she smiled before continuing on her study of her surroundings.

Sherry jerked her arm out of his grasp. "I'm going to burn off some pieces of his body for this!"

Drake didn't bother to help stop her, hoping she would indeed hurt the man.

Liam shook himself out of the haze seeing the strange woman had caused. "Wait!" He took off after his relative. "Sherry!"

Drake heaved a groan, downed his drink, and begrudgingly followed in their wake.

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

"...and if you are looking for the latest fashions, Hana, this store has a direct from Paris line--"

Maxwell took a step back when Sherry appeared before them.

Hana and Riley looked first at the furious woman then at his shocked face in curiosity.

"What do you think you're doing?" Sherry hissed.

Maxwell swallowed uneasily. "Will, uh, will you ladies excuse me a moment?"

"Sure." Riley replied as he grasped the mystery woman's hand.

He released it with a yelp as if touching her had hurt.

"Is something wrong?" Hana asked.

Maxwell shook his scalded hand. "No."

"That's what you deserve." Sherry muttered for his ears only. "How could you--

"Ladies, allow me to introduce Lady Sherry Alcantar." Maxwell bit out. His blue eyes seemed to spark with a fire of his own as he gazed upon the woman. "My love, this is Lady Hana Lee and Ms. Riley Brooks of New York. Lady Hana's mother is an old friend of my family who asked me to show them around."

Sherry's eyes narrowed somewhat. She was slightly mollified in hearing him call her his love, but that still gave him no right to escort two disgustingly beautiful women around Cordonia at night.

"It's nice to meet you." Riley held her hand out. "Maxwell told us all about you on the way here. I'm so glad we have a face to put to the name he says in every other sentence."

Sherry took a deep breath to cool her fiery temper. She shook her hand with a sincere smile. "It's nice to meet you both."

Hana smiled warmly at her while describing their work. "Lady Sherry, perhaps we could question you about some of the places we hope to capture on film.

The two friends shared a significant glance when Maxwell and Sherry merely stared at one another.

"If you don't mind, I would love to go in there and look around." Hana gestured toward the shop. "I can already see some dresses that I think would be perfect for our videos."

"We'll be back in a few." Riley added, winking at Sherry on her way inside. “I’m sure Maxwell would prefer staying out here with you than be stuck shopping with us.”

Sherry took a deep breath once they were gone. "Why are you really out with them?"

"I received a call the other night from Hana's mother." He explained. "She heard about Liam's search for a bride."

"Her mother knows about the Dark Kingdom?" Sherry couldn't hide her surprise. It was rare to find anyone today who actually believed that the stories were true.

"Yes, she is from one of Cordonia's minor houses." Maxwell sighed. "She doesn't want her daughter to be the next Dark Queen."

Sherry tried to control her temper. Nothing sparked it like someone denying the sweetest, most gentle man she knew a chance at happiness. She clinched her fists when she felt the heat move over her body.

"Sherry?" Maxwell took a cautious step forward. "You're overheating." He tried to take her in his arms, wincing at how hot she felt.

Her eyes flashed as she glared at him. "I know."

He let her go. "I'm sorry, honey."

The unexpected apology and endearment was what instantly cooled her. "You're what?"

"I know how important Liam is to you." He added, running his hands down his face. "But, I doubt this will be then only lady I'm tasked with protecting from him."

"Liam deserves a chance at finding his mate as much as anyone else. Maybe even more so." Sherry argued. She raised her eyes to his. "If you would spend time with him, then you would see what kind of man he is." She looked back into the shop at the two new ladies. "Maybe then you wouldn't take on jobs like this."

Maxwell hated seeing her so down and knowing he was partly responsible. He reached out and took her in his arms, cuddling her close. He dropped a kiss on top of her head.

“I know you want me to meet him. I’ll try to do so one day.” He tried to fight how wrong that felt saying aloud. “But for the moment, I can’t take a chance on Liam meeting Hana.”

“Why did you accept this?” She asked. “You've never taken on bodyguard duty before.”

"Hana's family offered incentives that I needed to help with Bertrand's healing." He rested his cheek against her head when he felt her arms wrap around him. "I didn't think about how it would affect Liam or you. I just knew I couldn't pass up this opportunity for my brother.”

Sherry lifted her head and gently kissed him. "I understand." A rueful smile formed on her lips. "And I apologize for blowing up at you earlier. When I saw you with two highly attractive women and clearly having the time of your life, something in me just snapped."

"You know, you ruined me for anyone else." His dimpled grin appeared. "I could be out with a dozen so called gorgeous women and all I would notice is that they aren't you."

She beamed at him. "Really?"

"Really."

When silence fell between them again, Maxwell exaggerated clearing his throat. He cocked an eyebrow when Sherry looked up at him.

"You ruined me too." She admitted.

"I better have." He grinned once more when he heard her laugh. "Just so there is no misunderstanding, I have to spend the next few weeks with Hana and Riley." He nudged Sherry's chin up. "I want you to come with us as much as you would like."

"You do?"

He nodded.

"I suppose I could find the time." She teased. With a sigh she looked up at the bar. "I should probably head back up there."

"Where?"

"I was up there having a drink with Liam and Drake." She pointed toward the empty balcony. "I wonder where they went."

"Liam's here?!" Maxwell let her go and rushed over to the shop window. He breathed a touch easier when he saw Hana critically studying a dress Riley had tried on.

He then scanned the crowd. His hand immediately went to his side, causing him to curse aloud when he remembered he had not brought his sword. He had left it behind to keep the illusion of a fun, party lord intact.

He really needed to start carrying a hidden dagger like Olivia kept insisting.

Sherry folded her arms while watching him revert into hunter mode. "Max? You know Liam would never harm them."

He narrowed his eyes as he searched for the Dark Prince and his right hand man.

He glanced at the lady beside him when he heard her deep sigh.

"Let me see where he disappeared to and I'll try and get him out of here."

"What was he doing down here anyway?" He asked.

"Oh." Sherry bit down on her bottom lip. "He recently found out that Leo is back in Cordonia and invited him to meet us for a drink."

"Leo's here too?!" Maxwell briefly closed his eyes. "I've got both of Constantine's sons converging on the very spot where I bring the woman I'm supposed to protect from that family."

Sherry rolled her eyes. "Stop panicking. I don't think Leo will show."

Maxwell noticed the bitterness in her tone. "He’s still not speaking to any of you?"

"Nope." Sherry wrapped her arms around his waist when he placed his arm back around her shoulders to try and comfort her. "No one in our kingdom has heard a word from him since Liam was named heir."

Maxwell pressed a kiss to the side of her head. "I'm sorry--"

She jumped when her phone vibrated. 

"What's wrong?" Maxwell asked when her brow furrowed.

"Liam has gone to the palace. He said he needs to talk to Olivia." She sighed. "I guess Leo really is going to ignore us." She looked up at Maxwell. "You can rest easy in your job this evening, Lord Beaumont."

He hugged her close against his side. "You want to come with us? Riley wants to check out the nightlife here and I offered to take them to one of the clubs."

"A night club, huh?" She laughed. "It might actually seem like a date if I did come along."

Her heart melted at how bashful he suddenly seemed over the reminder that they had yet to have an actual date.

"I guess I have dropped the ball on that."

"It's hard to find the time when you're guarding the border nearly every night." She reminded him.

"We'll have our date one day." He promised.

"I'm fine with our nights at the border."

"You deserve better." Maxwell kissed her once more. "I'll make it up to you."

Sherry's lips parted to reassure him, only to pause when Riley and Hana came out of the store.

"Ready?" He asked them, summoning his fun loving persona once more.

"Please get us out of here." Riley pleaded playfully. "I think I actually heard my bank account cry after buying these." She held up the garment bags.

Hana laughed while keeping her own purchases off the ground. "Perhaps we should call it a night since we ended up buying so much. Is there any chance you can show us more tomorrow?"

Sherry could feel the tension in his body ease completely at the notion of putting these two safely away from the night.

"Sure." He looked down at the lady in his arms. "Sherry and I were just deciding on the places to show you these next few weeks."

"That's wonderful!" Hana beamed at the new lady. "We are grateful for all the help we can get."

While Riley and Hana began to eagerly question Sherry on her favorite restaurants and things to do, Maxwell guided them out of the market place, all while keeping a lookout for any sign of Liam.

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

"Why are we going to see her again?" Drake grumbled. "Isn't it bad enough we had to see a Beaumont tonight? Now you want to add a Nevarkis to the evening's entertainment."

Liam ignored him as his jumbled thoughts focused in on one fact: he had actually seen the woman he knew to be his mate.

When he chased after Sherry, he had decided to hang back in the shadows. Knowing that the hunter his relative had lost her heart to would not be comfortable with his presence, he decided to remain far enough that he could intercede if Sherry's temper caused any problems.

Plus he hoped to hear more about the woman Maxwell was escorting.

Ms. Riley Brooks of New York. 

He not only had overheard her name but also where she was from. He was able to see her more clearly in the lights from the nearby shops. Her beauty and the sound of her voice stirred something he had never felt when looking upon any other person.

She had to be the one. There was no other explanation to his reaction to just the sight of her.

Then he heard the reason Maxwell was with them.

The Dark Prince could not have cared less about the lady named Hana. But his job to protect her was going to make Liam's courtship of Riley difficult. He knew he would need some help if he was to get her away from her friend and Maxwell.

He couldn't ask Sherry to manipulate Maxwell into time alone with Riley. It didn't seem right to use the love between them in such a manner.

While frustration grew, he overheard the fact that Hana's mother was a Cordonian noble.

And he finally knew who could help him.

"Wait here." Liam ordered when they reached the palace gates. "I want Olivia in a good mood when I ask for her help. Seeing you, sadly, will not accomplish that."

"You're asking for her help?���  Drake asked. “In what?"

"I'll tell you everything once the plan is in motion." He promised.

"But--" Drake rolled his eyes when Liam vanished. Within a second, he saw him climbing into the queen's window of her study.

"Good luck." He mumbled as he settled in for a long wait.

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

"Hold on." Olivia raised her hands. "You want me to invite you and these Americans to my masquerade ball?" Her eyes widened. "Are you insane?!" She got up from her desk and began to pace. "Liam, my guards are trained to find and destroy any vampire who dares to enter the palace during such events!"

"I won't touch a single drop of blood that night and my manners will fit right in with the rest of the nobility." He explained. "Plus with wearing a mask, no one will recognize me."

"Why here?" Olivia asked. "Can't you do whatever you vampires do when you find your mate without involving me or my home?"

Liam leaned against the edge of her desk. "Because of Maxwell and Sherry."

"Maxwell and Sherry? What does my most trusted monster hunter and one of your dragons have to do with this?"

Liam's brow furrowed. "Hasn't he told you that he is Sherry's recognized mate?"

"Maxwell is a dragon's mate? Maxwell Beaumont?!" Oliva sat down in a chair completely stunned by this news.

"I can't believe he didn't tell you." Liam hoped he hadn't ruined anything by revealing this.

"Maxwell owes me nothing, especially when it concerns his private life." Olivia quickly explained. "If anything, it is me and Cordonia that owe him for all his years of service." A wiry smile flirted about her lips at the irony of it all. "A renowned monster hunter and a monster in love and destined for one another. Poor Maxwell. That had to be a shock."

"You know, you really are a nice person." Liam grinned and sat across from her. "That's why I knew as a little boy that we were destined to be friends."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "Back to your request. Why will my ball not only help you but also keep Sherry and Maxwell out of it?"

"Because Maxwell will be forced to come along once you invite Lady Hana and Riley. And if I'm here--"

"Yes, but my head of security knows your name and what you are." Olivia stressed again. "I can't have him see your name on the guest list and--"

"But I will simply be company with the Duke of Domvallier." Liam explained. "Rashad's duchy is technically Cordonian, as you well know. Since only a rare handful know that Rashad and Sherry are dragons, I assumed your head of security would think it was a myth too."

Olivia nodded. "That's true. Bastien believes that the only creatures of the Dark Kingdom are vampires."

Liam's smile grew. "I can be a business associate of Rashad's. While Maxwell is keeping an eye on Hana and distracted with Sherry, I can then meet Riley under easier circumstances."

Seeing his excitement, she knew she couldn't refuse him.

"You're the only one who can do this for me." Liam added. "Plus, you're one of the few I can trust with this."

"Geez. Why not whip out those mind powers of yours while you're at it?" She grumbled.

Shaking her head over how easily she was ready to help him, she couldn't help but return his smile. "Fine. I'll send invitations to Rashad for the three of you and for Lady Hana and company."

Liam scooped her up out of her chair before she could blink and hugged her tight.

"Thank you!" He bowed and kissed her hand. "I knew I could count on you."

"Uh huh." She waved towards her window. "Now get out of here before I change my mind."

He winked at her and did as she said. "I'll see you at the Masquerade Ball, your majesty."

She walked over to the window and watched him disappear through the gate. Her smile dimmed as she thought of the report she had been reviewing when he appeared in her private study.

Olivia wondered if she should have told Liam about his brother's secret meetings with the Countess of Fydelia. There could only be one reason he had recently become so close to the witch. Leo must be searching for a way to gain the power he had been denied since birth.

Deciding to keep a close eye on the banished prince, she planned on telling Liam once she had more information. He was so happy with finding his mate that she couldn't stand the thought of taking that away from him with this news.

"Damn it." Olivia muttered. "Liam really is my best friend."

Somehow a Nevarkis had developed a love for a Rhys.

*Character moodboard for Madeleine and Leo*

[sellina-skyfall]

Dream SMP - We don´t talk about it

Summary: It’s no secret that Tommy believes he’s the greatess person to exist, the ego on that child is bigger then everyone elses in the Dream smp combined. Even thou he can handle his own pretty well in battle, maybe he should think twice before picking fights with gods.

In other words, problem child tries to fight the literal goddess of chaos to try and prove to everyone else that he is strong.

Warning: This work is a work of fiction and in no way should be taken as gospel.This was done with entertainment proposes, and involves the Dream smp characters, and the characters only. It is not my intention to make anyone uncomfortable, or cross any bonderies.

This work contains, a fighting scene, mentions of child abandonment, bad parenting and some violence.

I apologize if there are any mistakes, or if there are some sentences that don’t make much sense. English is not my first language.

This can be read as an Xreader, or as an Xcharacter!

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

-I am not a kid!-

-Yes you are Tommy, I'm not teaching you how to murder someone just because you think you're a grown up-

-You're just afraid I'll beat you in a battle!-

I couldn't lie, it was hard not to listen to Techno's and Tommy's querrels. As loud and as annoying as they could get, the two always managed to light up everyones mood. Accuratly, this didn't always work, but for the most part, their little arguments were light hearted and fun. A change of scenery for the usually calm and honestly, quite boring winter empire.

-Ten minutes max until they are at eachothers throats-

The hushed comment made me snicker slightly, a small smile breaking out as I carefully adjusted the tea cup on my hands, making sure to not spill it over the beautifully decored table me and Philza were sitting by. The winged man gave me a knowing look, smile crooking slightly as he gestured back to the fighting pair with a simple nod of his head. My eyes immediatly snapped over, teeth suddently digging into my lips as I held back a laugh. Philza was more then right, those two would be at eachother sooner rather then later. Not that we were too worried, if anything escaled we would simply step in.

Like we always did.

The bird-hybrid more then me, I simply did not have the mental strenght to argue with both Tommy and Techno, they were already hot-headed when alone.

Oh but when they were toguether?

A living time-bomb that could go off over the smallest and dumbest things.

-It really does run in the family, uh Phil?-

It wasn't really a question, if anything, it was more of a little jab to the mans raising methodes. Not that I could really talk, it had been centurys since I had last held a baby, even longer since I had to take care of one. If I had been in Philzas place I would probably have been a worst parent then he ever was.

In response to my teasing, the bird-hybrid simply rolled his eyes, smile softening as he leaned somewhat closer to me. Immediatly catching onto his antics, I decided to play along, quietly suffling forward in my chair before bringging up the cup of tea up to my lips, the smile I had only widening as the childish behavior.

-Mighty words coming from someone who abandoned their child-

-I did no such thing, do you really believe I would be able to abandone a baby? Scar was a follower of mine-

-A very dedicate one if I might add-

Phil's sentence was abruptly interruted by Tommy's voice, the teenager had somehow approached us without any of us noticing. His hands slamed down onto the table, the impact making the glasses and plates shake slightly. It didn't take five seconds before the hybrid was scolding his youngest soon, eyes Sharp as he told Tommy to apolegize.

The teen, however had other plans. His Bright blue eyes were focused on me as his smile praticly occupied half of his face. His next words had be chocking on the tea I had been drinking.

-Well! If Techno won't teach me how to fight then Sellina will! Right!?-

I looked over to Philza in disbelief, eyes widened at the bluntness his child possessed. Tommy really had no manners in conversation, especially when it came to woman. The blond man simply stared back at me, his expression mirrowing mine as his mouth opened and closed several times. We were both at a lost for words. The silence that took over was quite unconfortable, and the intense stare Tommy kept giving me did nothing to make me feel better about the hole situation.

After breathing in slowly I found myself forcing a smile at the teen, hands coming down to rest the partly now spilled tea on the table.

-I don't think that's a good idea Tommy-

-What, you think I can't handle my own?! I'll have you known I'm the strongest in this house hole!-

Techno's snicker was loud enough to catch our attention, so much so that Tommy turned over in his direction to curse him out. Talk about na big ego.

Really, where were this childs manners...

-C'mon Sellina! I'm sure I can beat you in a fight!-

-I don't think so T, but the intention is what counts..-

-Well! If you are so sure of yourself why won't you fight me? At least teach me some cool moves so I can use them agaisnt Techno!-

-You'd have to have blue blood for that buddy. Maybe when you're older Tommy-

The frustation was evidente in Tommys face, his cheeks had redden up and his mouth had dropped into a frown. Without another word the teenager simply stormed off, bangging the door loudly behind him.

I couldn't help but feel slightly bad, a tired sigh escaping me as my shoulders dropped slightly at the teens mood swing.

Humans were way too emotional.

But in the end, there was nothing I could really do, teaching Tommy how to fight was out of the question, and fighting him was na even worst idea. I was not about to train a sixteen year old kid to be a soldier.

My train of thoughts was broken by Philza, who at this point had gotten up and was grabbing the dishes up from the table to put them in the kitchen's sink. Before he did so thou, he gave my shoulder a tight squeeze, eyes soft and understanding. The smile on lips lips was small, but welcoming all the same.

I found myself smilling back with ease.

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

-Are you sure you don't need me to accompain you home Sellina?-

-With all the due respect dadza, I can take care of myself. You should be more worried for Techno, he seems...-

-I know. The fight with tommy lefy him in a sower mood. He'll be back to normal before you know it-

-If you say so... Alright, take care then. Give the boys kisses for me!-

Quietness.

That's the only real way I could describe the winter florest, apart from breathtaking and beautifull view. Honestly, the scenery looked like it had been straight out ripped from an old fairytail book, the kind of book kids swore held magic.

And maybe, they did.

The snowed covered trees almost touched eachother a the top, the casted shadows creating this welcoming sense of protection. Their frozen leafs shook slightly in the welcoming breeze of the night, even the animals seemed to have gone silent. I found myself slowly coming to a stop in the middle of it all, eyes locked onto the brightly illuminated moon. It had been hard to spot her, after all the threes were rather large, but the sight that welcomed me had made it all worth it.

Nights like this were what made me remember why I was so found of earth. So found of these people that slowly destryed everything they touched. So found of their interactions and relations.

It was never this peacefull and serene out there.

My shoulders relaxed quite quickly, and before I knew it I was calmly enjoying the presence of the cold winter spirt. The wind had started to pick up, but it didn't bother me in the slightless, in reality it made me smile harder.

The small moment of bliss was cut short by the sounds of foot steps fastly approching. For a moment I thought it might have been Techno or maybe even Philza but none of them had any reason to follow me into the florest. I forced myself to stay quiet, holding my breath in as a way to hear the steps better.

They had broken out onto a full blown sprint.

My reaction was pretty much immediate, right hand coming down fast to to summoning my battle axe. I turned on my feet as fast as I could, cape flowing behind me as my eyes fell on the tip of the sword that had barelly missed my face. Instinctively my arm came up, axe in hand as I swung it down with so much force that it sliced right through the dimond sword that once had been held up to me. A squeek left my attackers mouth, but before he could do anything I brought my left leg up, swiftly quicking his leg before swingging once again. The blade barelly missed his face as he fell to the ground with a muffled "thud", the snow aiding in his fall. His breathing was much faster then it should have been, teary blue eyes widened in shock and in terror as he stared up at me like I was some kind of monster. The gripo n my axe flaterred as soon as I recognized who was on the other side of my blade.

-Tommy?-

His name came out in a whisper, arms shaking as I realized how close I had just been to hurting the small teenager. The axe slipped past my fingers and onto the snow as I stared down at Tommy, the frightened look he had inprinting itself into my memory.

Calls of both our names echoed through out the florest, not that I could hear them clearly, everything had started to turn into white noise. That is until Techno stepped into view, rough hands carefully grasping at my face as he tried to gain my attention back. Still, my eyes stayed focussed on Tommy, even when Philza started scolding himw hile checking over for injuries.

-I could have killed him-

-Hey. Hey, c'mon it's it's not your fault. Tommy shouldn't have sneaked up on you-

-Oh my god I could have killed him. Techno I could have killed him-

-It's fine. It's going to be fine-

I don't remember exacly how that night ended, nor' how the next day started.

One thing had been certain thou, Tommy made sure to never ask me to fight him again.

[cardinaldaughter]

Okay so I got a reply to my most recent post about Essek but my response is too long to fit in a reply there, so I’m making a new post because it’s 4:30 am and I have insomnia and I am over people’a bullshit.

The response was this: “When they last saw Essek he didn't want to take responsibility for his actions and wanted to continue reaping the fruits of his crime. That probably didn't do much to endear to the M9 and they had things to do. It's not the M9's job to babysit Essek. Caleb was pretty much forced to stay with the Nein for lack of better options. Essek doesn't have that problem, redemption needs to be in his own hands”

So okay. Let’s address this.

Fine, sure. They can’t babysit Essek. That’s fair. But I take issue with “Caleb was pretty much forced to stay with them” because, no he wasn’t. In fact Liam has said multiple times that CLeb was ready to run at any moment and wanted to a few times. Only reason he didn’t? Liam would have to make a new character. So, Caleb stayed. No one forced Caleb to stay, nor Liam to keep him around.

As for Essek not wanting to “take responsibility”. Essek helped negotiate the peace talks. He didn’t want to be turned in for his crimes, but he actively helped end the war alongside the Mighty Nein. Did he still do bad things? Yep. Not gonna deny that. They were pretty shady.

But if we’re gonna talk about “taking responsibility” for bullshit, then let’s fucking talk.

Beau is an established criminal and within the first couple episodes committed mail fraud, which is played for laughs.

Jester is only in this campaign because, after humiliating a paying customer of her mother’s, rather than take responsibility for her actions, ran away from home. Yes, Sharpe’s demands for her punishment were unreasonable, but she still avoided taking any responsibility and had to disguise herself for a while when going home so as not to be caught.

Plus, the Nein do the exact same thing to that same man later on, playing it for laughs, for no reason other than they can.

Not to mention, they spend hours in some of the most boring and frustrating parts of the entire campaign, figuring out some stupid elaborate scheme for Artagan- who begs Jester to lie for him rather than Take Responsibility for his deceit. She could have said “hey the traveler lied I was deceived too he’s not a god sorry everyone” but no they invoke another god and lie to everyone at traveler con and when the moonweaver sends a messenger to teach artagan a lesson, rather than let him face some consequence, jester pleads for him to be spared, thus allowing him to basically learn nothing.

They were cruel to Celia, for no other reason than she was a bit snooty and conceited.

Caleb is a fucking murderer and yes he has extreme trauma and has suffered unjustly at the hands of his abusers but he also committed murder and i know he is Very Sorry and full of regret but if we wanna talk about Taking Responsibility, the best thing he could do is turn himself in and go to prison for it.

Oh and never mind the fact that the empire kids and Veth committed treason against the empire by handing the beacon over to the enemy of the state. Which Caleb only did as a last resort to avoid going to prison for them killing dynasty scouts. Like, the empire sucks but treason is still treason. They were at war. The authorities in the empire wanted the beacon. They gave it to the “enemy”. I don’t see anyone offering to own up to that.

Remember when they stole a boat and changed the name of it and lied to the dock master guy to keep from getting in trouble?

Remember when a member of the assembly was murdered on their watch and rather than report it to the authorities and let them handle it they stole the corpse, put it in the bag of holding, and dragged it along with them? (Yes bigger things are going on and “proper authorities” would be unequipped to handle the Truth of it all, but this is about Taking Responsibility, and not reporting the murder of a high ranking government official is pretty irresponsible.)

Yasha killed members of the colbalt soul, and yeah she was mind controlled and that’s awful and tragic, but people are still dead by her hands.

They ignore the fact that the gentleman is tied, either directly or indirectly, to trafficking, bc it’s more fun to joke about parent-trapping him and Marion than stopping whatever illegal activities he’s doing.

Nott-and I cannot stress this enough- knowing full well how devastating the war was on people, including her own family, was willing to Let. The. War. Continue. to break her curse.

None of the above truly bother me. It’s D&D. It’s supposed to be ridiculous and fantastical and fun and removed somewhat from reality. I don’t care about any of the Nein’s crimes. But if they are going to hold Essek to some unreasonably high moral standard while ignoring their own moral failings, then I’m going to call bullshit on them, and bullshit on the people saying he needs to Take Responsibility when the same can be said for nearly all of them. I don’t care how much they’ve changed or grown or felt remorse. If the issue here is a lack of Taking Responsibility for shitty actions, then the Nein have absolutely no room to judge anyone.

[bookandcranny]

Beatrice - Chapter Two

“We parted on difficult terms. He had some ideas that… challenged my sense of professional integrity. I told him I was out and, well, men like that don't tend to handle rejection too gracefully.

All I know of him after that point is that he ran into some health problems and was forced to step down from his position. It may seem cruel but I think the world is better off for it. Rappaccini is no more qualified to treat the human body than I am to teach a dance class.”

Students filed into the corridor, too busy rushing to their next destination to take note of the visitor as she slipped into the lecture hall. Branching off from the main room itself was a small office, and inside, a lone professor plugging attendance data and homework grades into a blocky desktop computer. Gianna waited until the last lingering students dispersed before announcing herself with a knock on the doorframe.

The professor looked up. “Well look who it is.” She adjusted her glasses and squinted at the figure before her, taking all of her in from the spots of dribbled varnish on her shoes upward. “And who is it who stands before me? Not Virgil’s little girl.”

“I actually go by Gianna these days. Or Ms Alexander if you’re feeling formal,” she said wryly, though not without affection. 

Her face broke out in a grin that deepened the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. She unhooked her cane from the arm of her chair and stood. “The last time I saw you, Gianna, you were half-- no, a quarter of your height and missing your front teeth. Time is a funny thing, isn’t it.”

“You’re telling me, Dr Bagnol.”

“Call me Petra. Or Professor if you’re feeling formal.” She winked and patted her arm. “We are colleagues of a kind now, aren’t we? I think you��ve earned the privilege.”

“I don’t know about that. You’re a biochemistry teacher and I fuss around with cotton swabs.”

“Technicalities! Don’t sell yourself short. You know, your father called just recently and when he told me you were going to be working here, I thought he was going to burst a lung the way he wouldn’t stop singing your praises.”

Gianna blushed at that.

“Frankly, I’m surprised you didn’t set your sights higher than our humble university. I heard you were studying in Naples for a while.”

“I guess I was feeling homesick. Then I moved back in with my parents for a while and soon it was the opposite feeling.”

“Sick of home,” she supplied. “I know the feeling. I remember being your age, never wanting to be still for a moment. I was only surprised to hear you weren’t seduced away by foreign shores.”

She shrugged. “It was never about distance, I just needed to find a place where I felt like my life could really begin. And for right now I think that’s here.” Wanting to move the subject away from herself she added, “Dad says hi, by the way. He also says you need to start answering your email more than once a year.”

“Email. A man of literature like your father should give more respect to the written word. You tell him I won’t settle for less than a hand-scribed letter, like they did in the old days. I want to smell that clean valley air he goes on about etched into the paper.”

Gianna laughed. It was reassuring to find some things never changed. Although the silver in her hair had grown more prominent, Dr Bagnol was in many ways just the same as she remembered her. She never knew exactly how she and her father had met, only that it was while they were both still students, and that Petra had been a firecracker from the start, determined to surpass the role that had been imposed on her as a disabled woman in a field that was often unwelcoming to her. Though Gianna couldn’t say she knew her very well personally, the mythos that had been handed down to her had definitely played a part in her decision to become more independent. 

“I’m glad you’re here,” Petra said. “Virgil dropped some hints that I should track you down once you started working here but I told him I wouldn’t have that kind of attitude. You’re a grown woman and you don’t need nannying. However,” She picked up a tote from her desk and slung it around her shoulder. “Since you came to me, I’m free to invite you to lunch.”

“Dad wanted you to check up on me?”

“Don’t take it for a lack of faith in you. Parents worry. It’s what they do. I’m sure he just wanted you to have a familiar face to turn to, should you need it. Come to lunch with me, Gianna. We’ll catch up.”

“Oh, that’s okay. You don’t have to--”

“I’m just going to keep asking until you give in. You know that, right?”

She felt herself soften under her insistence. It wasn’t as if she had other plans anyway. “Yeah, alright. That sounds nice.”

Petra led the way to a little sandwich shop not far off campus and, despite Gianna’s protests, insisted on treating her. The weather was kind to them that day so they took their lunch on the patio watching the cars crawl by to the rhythm of the neverending traffic. They sat and ate and spoke of nothing in particular until, without warning, Dr Bagnol’s gaze caught on something in the distance that put a troubled frown on her face.

“What is it?” She started to turn in her seat.

“Nothing,” she said quickly. Too quickly. Her voice had taken on a sharp quality that startled the young woman, but she caught herself and when she spoke again her voice was even and deliberate. “I thought I saw someone I knew. That’s all.”

Not satisfied with her answer, Gianna glanced over her shoulder. Across the street, standing motionless in front of the crosswalk, was the withered old man she had seen in the garden that first day: Beatrice’s father.

Ever since she had met her that one evening on the fire escape, Gianna had come into the habit of chatting with her almost every day. She couldn’t always guarantee she’d be home from work when Beatrice went out to tend the garden, but on the days she spied her from her window she never hesitated to climb down and visit. 

Their chats together weren’t anything especially profound; she got the impression Beatrice really just wanted a friend to keep her company while she worked and Gianna was happy to provide. Often they kept the conversation light and simple. One would ask about the other’s day, or an interesting book they read, or something they heard in the news. Then Beatrice would eventually be summoned by her father or the memory of some other chore she had to attend to inside, and they would part ways.

On the occasions Beatrice wasn’t in such a pleasant mood however, no matter the initial topic the conversation would eventually find its way back to her father. Apparently he was, as Gianna had predicted, in a bad state and sick more often than not, and while Beatrice wasn’t his sole caretaker he trusted her more than the average nurse. The old man had been a doctor before being reduced to the role of patient, and a somewhat renowned one at that. He had homeschooled his daughter and taught her everything he knew. Now she was expected to apply that knowledge by taking on the bulk of responsibility for his care.

He was frail, she said, and the state of his health could be unpredictable, so she was on constant vigil. The only time she really had to herself was when he was asleep or on a rare errand, and she spent that time for the most part in the garden, the place that gave her the greatest sense of peace. It must have been hard on her, Gianna often thought, to be in the prime of her life and chained to his bedside. She understood though. If it had been either of her parents she was sure she would have done the same. 

Knowing this also gave her some more sympathy for the old man. It painted him in a more human light, and she berated herself for ever being afraid of him in the first place. But seeing him here now, staring at her again with those scrutinous sunken eyes, resurfaced some of that initial dread. Dr Bagnol seemed to sense it too.

At the moment Beatrice’s father was wearing an unseasonal gray overcoat and carrying an old-fashioned black carpet bag. He lifted his free hand and slowly waved at Gianna, his stony features cracking with the barest attempt at a smile, which did nothing to soften his appearance. In fact, the more she looked at him the more leering the grin appeared to be.

“Don’t acknowledge him, Gianna,” said Dr Bagnol coldly.

“No, no, it’s fine. That’s just my neighbor.” She forced herself to give a friendly wave in return. 

Petra reached across the table and grabbed her hand back. “What do you mean he’s your neighbor?”

“His building is next to mine. Why?” 

She sighed shakily and gave another glance across the street. The man was beginning to shuffle away now, the retreating shape of him becoming swallowed up by the crowd of fellow pedestrians. Petra released her hand and drew in a tense breath. She steepled her fingers together over the table.

“His name is Giacoma Rappaccini. He was… I knew him, for a time. Not well. He came to me for some insight on a project of his years ago.”

“I heard he was a doctor,” Gianna offered. “You worked together?”

The professor chose her next words carefully. “Officially, he was a 'doctor of holistic and alternative medicines', before he retired that is. But he liked to dabble. Botany, chemistry, anthropology, philosophy. I knew when I met him that he was the sort of man who could spend a hundred years studying and still feel he hadn't learned enough.” She smiled ruefully. “It was a quality we shared, so I agreed to assist him.”

“Doesn't seem like you like the guy much.”

“We parted on difficult terms. He had some ideas that… challenged my sense of professional integrity. I told him I was out and, well, men like that don't tend to handle rejection too gracefully. All I know of him after that point is that he ran into some health problems and was forced to step down from his position. It may seem cruel but I think the world is better off for it. Rappaccini is no more qualified to treat the human body than I am to teach a dance class. 

"He's a brilliant intellectual, sure, but he lacks any compassion, any consideration for the value of human life outside of points of data on a chart. He never cared about helping people with his medicine; he only ever cared about pushing his own limits. I think, in the end, he must have pushed himself too far."

Gianna sat and processed that. The man did give her the creeps but in the scant few times she’d witnessed him he’d never come across as malevolent, and Beatrice clearly loved him. Even on the bad days, she only ever spoke well of him, and it was hard to believe a girl like Beatrice could exist without having had a loving upbringing. Whoever her mother was or had been surely was loved by him as well. That was enough evidence for Gianna that he couldn’t be everything Petra claimed him to be.

“You said he’s your neighbor. Has he ever spoken to you? Invited you over?”

She shook her head. “Rumor has it he’s a pretty private person, and I’m not exactly going over to borrow a cup of sugar or anything.”

Gianna opted not to mention her afternoons with his daughter.

She relaxed at that reassurance. “Good. Take my advice and stay far away from Rappaccini. Nothing good ever came from getting too chummy with that man. Now, where were we?”

They changed topics and the conversation gradually returned to safer, more pleasant territory, but Gianna couldn't stop thinking about what she had said, about the old man and about the sweet but melancholy girl who was left alone with him.

-----

Against the professor’s advice, Gianna did continue meeting with Beatrice. It hadn’t even been a question in her mind whether she would. If anything, knowing about Petra’s history with Dr Rappaccini made her all the more curious about the young woman. 

She reasoned that she was still technically acting in line with Dr Bagnol’s wishes; she hadn’t so much as glimpsed the shadow of the man since their lunch outing, and the more she spoke with Beatrice the more certain she felt that the daughter was nothing like the boogieman father Petra had described to her, however much of her telling was even accurate.

Beatrice was a sweetheart, bookish and reserved. She smothered laughs behind her hand and averted her eyes when she found herself caught in Gianna’s warm gaze. She was smart, happily listing off the latin genuses of her favorite plants and reciting lessons on phytochemicals she suddenly remembered (she might as well have been speaking latin here too, for as much as Gianna understood her) but at the same time strangely naive. 

She had a boundless love for the world, yet Gianna got the impression she’d seen very little of it. Her eyes always went wide with interest when Gianna spoke of the traveling she’d done. Gianna never thought it was all that impressive but she would gladly talk about it, would say just about anything in fact, if it would get her to pay more attention to her than her flowers for a moment. 

One time, Gianna playfully inserted a flirtatious Italian phrase into their conversation and was flustered to find Beatrice spoke it near fluently, as well as Spanish, Portuguese, Romanian…

“How many languages do you know?” she asked, stunned.

“Six,” she replied. “Not counting English. I’m thinking about trying Mandarin next, and I can read Arabic but can’t speak it. Honestly, I’m not great with the conversational stuff. I’m just good at memorizing new vocabulary and being able to understand multiple languages gives me a much wider variety of reading material.”

She spoke about her talent with words like it was a card trick she’d picked up in her spare time.

“What do you like to read about?”

That got her excited. When Beatrice got excited she found it harder to play coy or smother her emotions under a layer of cool composure, so of course Gianna tried to get her excited as often as possible.

“Everything. Anything. Father’s library is huge but it’s mostly textbooks and old scientific journals and stuff like that. Which is fine,” she added hurriedly. “I like to read those too, but what I really like to read is… romance novels.”

She confessed it like it was some deep dark secret, grinning and turning berry red beneath the brown of her skin. It occurred to Gianna quite suddenly that she was falling in love with her. 

The panic set in right away. She had been happy to have Beatrice as a friend, tamping down her attraction in order to keep spending time with her, but now it was becoming clear that the dam wouldn’t hold forever. She needed to say something, if only to keep from leading her on, if only to keep her from getting the wrong idea or, heaven forbid, the right one. 

What if she was straight? Did gay girls read romance too? Did gay girls wear their dresses long and their hair short like her? Gianna had crushed on butches, on femmes, on lipstick, chapstick, snapback, every kind of sapphic on the vast spectrum of preference and presentation, and she still couldn’t get a read on her. Beatrice seemed to be from another world, another time, somehow out of step with the rest of humanity. If she started dropping hints, she couldn’t predict if she would follow her lead or recoil in disgust and never speak to her again.

That night, Gianna had a strange dream. She might have expected she would, given how wound up she’d felt since their last discussion. The ghost of her had followed her up, back through the window of her apartment, and as she tossed and turned in bed that night she was dizzy with it.

In her dream, she found herself walking in a cathedral. As was the way with dreams, her sight was blurry and visions danced and flickered in front of her eyes before vanishing in the same instant. However even as the edges of her surroundings blurred like a bad photograph, she heard the echoing of her footsteps clearly, and felt the largeness of the air around her. There wasn’t another way to describe it, she thought, just a strange sensation of vast emptiness surrounding her, rendering her infinitely smaller by comparison. 

She was a child now, and she was at a wedding. Or could it have been a funeral? There were flowers everywhere, but dark ones with big thorns and a smell that clung to the back of her throat and watered her eyes. She reached out to touch one and.

--

next chapter

[denotday]

Maybel Rhodes: Protectress

Itchy arms. My armbumps bumps take over life and chew my head off like a black mother. Even the sleeves of this sweater craddle these potholes as an english muffin craddles butter. But I'm more than my bumps and I'd make a quip on Fergie, but I'm no Joan Rivers. I'm small, meager. At eighteen, trying to find myself, live my own life. Typical teen drama, boring narrative, sob story. bored already. But know what isn't boring? I like strawberry shortcake and cheeseless pizzas. I have hopes of becoming a journalist and actually leading a career as moreof a Clark Kent than a Mary Jane or whatever the fuck that bitch's name is. Mary Anne? That used to be the name of one of my teachers. Going off; just thinking these thoughts while skateboarding to highschool.

Stay on the sides, away from cars, on the sidewalk, not too close to the white kids. White kids mean white mess, white messes mean cops who sweep the streets and take all the black kids with them in the process. I'm not a racist, just a black kid trying to stay alive in white america. Thank god I'm a weak bitch, one who cries for black men, one who doesn't face real issues like projected aggression. I'm a butterfly, something that men swat away and don't care about until MeToo movements. Gotta be careful but not too careful, kind but not too kind, firm but not a bitch, bitch but not a faggot. faggots suck.

No one thinks to ask these questions, here this thoughts. They see a black woman, better yet, a black female child. Worse thing to live in a ghetto. Sike; I say that I'm black and in a ghetto and get sob points. Fucking racist. I'm skating to one of those Fresh Prince schools. Didn't move on up, I'm simply moving; parents are mid class well grounded and guess what? My parents are still together. Probably breaking up soon but still breaking barriors of broke baby daddies and black slutty whore mothers who don't believe in abortion.

That's humor in of itself. A black kid skates into a white neighborhood with white sidewalks and doesn't have a nigger daddy and nigger mommy. What can be said by those PTA suburban soccer moms who want to demonise me and my own? Or am I palatable and a token black?

Making good grades, going to class on time. Only thing is, I don't have any friends to call. Even if I had one of those top quality iPhone 411s, I still wouldn't want to burden myself with filling up those high-techy contact lists. It's all bullshit after all, just capitalistic bilge. Something to fill the void without actually trying to let the public know that the void they're filling chalks up to capitalism. But again, those little tangents? "What does this have to do with having friends?" Everything. I don't give a shit, I accept shit. I tell things like it is, speak with lisps or change it up by sounding like an oxford professor.Not going to just abandon stream of consciousness 'cause class just started. This aint sims 4 and life ain't something that can be controlled; sped up or slowed down for the sake of an other's pleasure. I'm learning about shit that I'll never use like economics. That's shit that the government gives the state to teach, a little but not enough for highschoolers to overwhelm the system and decide "fuck student loans".

Not too bad here, though. Not all just "fuck hyschool" and teenaged angst. I go to the library, read books, go on my computer, listening to some Biggie and MFDoom and Tribe. Guess I am a nigger. Nigger-me and my nigger music. Even tththough it's they inspiration for they cracker music. Hate on us enough to keep us down but keep us up enough to steal from us. Today I'm reading some teen dystopian fantasy novel that I don't feel inclined to share with you guys. And no, it's not Hunger Games. It's Gunger Hames, the cousin of the franchise. Whoops just gave ya'll the name sorry. Either way I'm into that. Idea of a not-so-distant-future; humans making mistakes that fuck up the planet---disregarding that fact long enough so that the white main character can get it on with someone from the other side. Modern day Romeo and Juliett.

End of lunch, going back to class. It's back to back all day; boring teen shit that nobody cares about. Raising hands, answering questions, not understanding anything by the end of the day. Getting by is my motto. Long enough to get an A in the class and be on those ivy league watchlists. Even if I have to bust my ass to pay for student loans. Leaving highschool after all that non-work---no friends to lie to, no one to walk with, just me and my skateboard. These white paths not dirtied by brown except for my dirt body moving at the speed that a skateboard will go. Shift right here and there. Move away from rocks so that I don't fall headfirst. It's good shit. Here and there there are stone pebbles, blunts from---ironically enough--- the white kids and sharp object that I can't identify. FUCK. I don't have time to move around it and I can't just run offf. My leg'll get cut by it. Gotta just build up enough speed to roll over. Rolling...rolling...here it comes. Crouch down, focus, focus, pump speed anddddd....it stops my speed and loosens one of my bearings. Now I gotta walk the rest of the way back to my white little house with a white picket fence. Man screw--haha pun---this object. I have to use my 20/20 vision to find some small silver bolt that'll practically blend in with this bright ass sidewalk. Fuck white America.

In a little patch of weeds growing like black fists raising in the air I see the bolt and the responsible party for tossing me off the board. I raise my foot to crush this sonnofabiscuit like a bug so that some white kid's bike tire doesn't get licked---mind you this should be considered community service---and I figure that I won't ruin my rubber soles on the glass, so I'll just pick it up and toss it into the sewer. I put the bolt in my sweatpants pocket to keep it safe. I bend over again to peer at the crack in the sidewalk that I'll punt to the other side of the street where the other half of the street lives. It has tribal markings on it and must be, gasp, an ancient arcane ruin that'll give me superpowers. Kidding, you dumb bitch. "Why am I talking to myself this way? Jeez, some self-improvement classes would be nice". It's a bracelet made of some sort of beads. Kindof pretty but caked up with dirt and sand like no-one's business. I'm no Rocket Racoon so I just leave it. Even if I felt that it was interesting enough, I'd have to clean it off and disinfect it. It would just ruin the material underneath. Hm. Hm. Hm. Hm. Hm. Hm. Lemme stop; for real, in this white bread neighborhood, I might be able to get it appraised and pawn it off for some money or at the very least, see if it's worth keeping. I know; "this is the start of every horror movie", every tv show. I get it, but I'll cleanse the jewelry before wearing it. It's fine. It's fine. Hope it's fine. Jeez.

I put the bracelet in my other pocket away from the bolt and walk back home. The soles of my feet hit the white pavement and my feet move in the fashion of jubillee ferris wheels. Slowly rise in a circle, fall in perfect arch. Walking is divine poetry in of itself. Not too long now. A little further. Feels like the day is stretching. Still light outside and the summer-brink of fall--air is warming my rectum. "Oh god, what's with gays and their rectums". You know your g-spot is in your ass, men. It feels good for us too you know. Nice coolness for the butthole----rectum is for men, butthole is for women. I think. See? Not a Cliff Huxtable type; don't know everything. Not an Urkle. Conversations with myself like this are truly golden (ponyboy).

Fondle the silver piece, twist it in lock, get somewhere new. Novel design, simple concept. My rubber soles give me cat-walking abilities and I edge up the stairs. Hear shuffling downstairs in the kitchen. But the smell of musky forest wood with a hint of olive tells me that it's just my father. I'd announce my presence but this isn't a sitcom and I have a phone that I can use to text. Who talks nowadays?

On the table near the keyrack, I scoop into my pockets in search of the goods. The warm cotton touches the cool silver bolt. Set it aside to attach it to the skateboard later. "Why not now?" That'll be a problem for me to solve tomorrow. "Procrastination isn't good" Yeah I know. I've read the same 1990's health pamphlet that the health teachers give out. I hug my side to reach around for the other pocket. Same warmth, same feeling of comfort except...it's a new sensation. Hollow and porous. It's either bone carved into beads or plastic. Hope to...Well, not God, maybe I hope to goodness? Goodness? What am I? A preacher? Maybe that's why I like 16 year old boys. Anyway. It's too white over here for it to be bone. Unless it's some cracker who brought over some hoodoo shit and dropped it somewere. Great. Gonna burn some incense to cleanse it. Then gonna toss it somewhere so that it can't hurt anyone. Wait. It doesn't FEEL menacing. No darkness, no coldness, there's a comfort to be had. I don't see any visible engravings, no bite marks no arcane symbols. It may be safe. Just to be sure, I'm keeping it downstairs for it to curse someone else in the house. I rise up the stairs into the wide landing. Step, rise, step, rise, step, rise. Before I get to the top, I feel funny. Not sick funny or CURSED funny, but someone-is-in-my-presence funny. Strech my neck to look over my shoulder. Not too far to show interest but far enough to see what's going on---it's my dad handling the bracelet.

I whip my body around and I suppose this gives him a start.

"Hey, just got back from school. I'm pretty tired which is why I didn't want to talk. Found that bracelet in the sidewalk cracks before my skateboard broke. I wouldn't touch it if I were you. Don't know if it's cursed or not."

"Cursed? Bee, this is a genuine Sudanese artifact."

"Huh? When'd you turn into a archeologist? Or are you just nerding out about a 'special interest'"

"Har har. Nothing like that. This area used to be an auction town for slaves shipped from Sudan. Martinsville, Pennsylvania wasn't necessarily known for it's 'clean hands' you know. Gentrification made the area look nicer but its history is still pretty shit-covered."

"Ah, I remember now. I heard about this in history class" No I haven't. I don't even have history. Just want to stop talking to him about some dumb bracelet. "Can it sell for big bucks at a pawnshop?"

"I mean, sure if you'd like to get rid of it. Better to give it to the local museum though! It looks to me like it's made out of elephant tusks. Pretty well preserved too! The wearer must've been some warrior. They only wear these types of jewelry if they're the village's protectors. That's what I've read online anyway. You know how the interweb is though. Could be false."

"Oh wow. Ivory? That's a pretty dirty trade. Don't want to give something like that up to white people who continue to promote the trade. This'll just make the ivory market worse. I may keep it; I just wonder if it's cursed or something. I'll ask a local witchcraft practitioner to check it out tomorrow. Can I have thirty bucks for an appraisal along with an after-school snack?"

"Thirty? What're you going to buy? A salmon dinner with asparagus and steak? I'm not giving you Carabbas money. I can do 18. Enough for some street food."

"Not enough for the appraisal!"

"I'm sure the person will be able to work something out for you. You look twelve. You can play the 'Uwu I'm a baby who has no money, please help me out adult!' card. Or, how about this: pretend to be doing a research project for school on Sudanese slaves in the area. Just act like the school lent you the bracelet for the project"

"So lie?"

"I call it embellishment."

"I see"

I reached into his calloused palm and stole its contents, As a thief, I ran upstairs away from the site of the crime, away from the demons that lurked beneath the stairs. That's customary practice when going up stairs, right? To haul ass like there's no tomorrow like we're that black chick from Scary Movie? Sounds about right. I heaved and ho'd swinging my body back and forth up the stairs. Snaking my way into my room where I burrow for my after-school nap. That's what I tell my parents anyway. What I really do is blaze up in my room and turn on the fan. Gotta keep the smoke minimal. "Such a typical teen". Yeah, whatever. Like your generation wasn't popping ass and drinking bathtub wine when ya'll were young, Get outta here.

It's a good high. Kind where you'd listen to lofi and eat peanuts just for the fun of it. Another bong hit. Satisfying. I'm just leaning back on my sofa; it's firm and uncomfy but when I'm blazed, don't none of it matter. I could lose all of my words...give up....let....go.....

"...."

"What is this energy I'm feeling? So warm and electric. Is this love? Am I so sexually frustrated that I'm in love with a bong? Shit, I fuck with that. That's pretty words. 'I'm in love with my bong'. Such nice love. haha."

I'm hungry and it's four am. The weed has worn off. So tired man. Gotta go downstairs for some chips or something. Hungry to the max. Munchies munchies munchies for the weed monster. What a drug.

I creep down the stairs and up once more. My bare footpads cling to the hardwood and leave sweat prints in the shape of my stompers. During my ascent I leave crumbs. Have the house feeling like a Brother's Grimm story. I satisfy my snack desires as I prepare for school in the next hour.

Running water on my arms. Three passes of lotion on arms and legs. Can't be the ashy black kid that look like they an African living in a dirt house. Ain't able to help the rough patches that coat my body but I can help keep my skin moisturized.

A'ight. Got my fit got my board. Just have to screw the bolt back on and find the bracelet. Shit. Left it upstairs. I'm already late as hell. Rushing up the stairs. Search for the bracelet, find it, get out house. Objectives objectives. I spot it from afar and gravitating toward it, put it gingerly in my pocket. Kindof like someone would with a used tissue. Aren't humans gross? I mean, snot? Bacteria-filled snot? Nasty. Thoughts gone, make brain go from thinking to doing. descending now. Board in arm, door opens with the flick of the wrist and just like that, I'm outty. Deck on ground I put my best foot forward and ram it onto the hard cement to push myself forward. Sorry foot, betrayals sure do suck.

School begins, in class siting in a chair. All day, several hours. Ah, the beloved system at work. Great to know that there are adults who "work" all day by keeping kids seated in a chair. Very progressive, America. Library break? I think so. On my laptop, I pull out webpages on the pocketed---the word reminds me of 'closeted---bracelet. NOW I'm imagining a gay bracelet. hilarious. Great. Typing 'Gay Bracelet' into the search bar and am getting rainbow plastic bands. Ya know, the ones that they sell at Hot Topic during pride month.

"Damn, I'm getting sidetracked" She mutters to herself. Imagine if life were a story being told by some omnipotent force? omnipresent? Think that's the word.

With a bit of typing and a bit of focus. Swift movement of hunched fingers. All is complete, then some. Ogdle: "common of the Azande warriors were pieces to signify their status such as septum tusks, mouth disks, necklaces and other adornments. Bones and tusks were common materials of such articles."

Crazy how this history is hidden. Power was taken from us and buried so deep. We're the originals but every piece of history buried underground. Hidden, secretive Big Bad America. Tale fit for young people all over. Democracy, boo yah.

Train whistle blowing through the air. No train nearby, just the sound of a change in the block. I put it all away, sweep it into my bag. Everything is so messy, so fast. On schooldays like this, it feels hard to even take time to breathe. But I get by since the system wants me to. Think I'm going to skip. Not that the next two classes even matter in the long run. "Such a poor black baby, representing her race so poorly". Yeah yeah. Not the black chick that highschools would put on a recruiting card.

Just another push....door after door falling at my fingertips. The same once that touch the coarse sandpaper of my board. Foot on, foot off. kick once, twice, thrice, now we surf the cement. Now it's time to visit good the kind old black woman who practices witchcraft on dolls. That's what you'd think right? No, they're native and keep old customs within the community. Everyone calls them---agender--- Sage. Nonbinary native americans are actually more common than people think.

Before selling the bracelet to some old rich white drudge of society, I wanna be sure that the bracelet can be cleansed first. I mean. To give away black history to the white man? Hellll no with multiple "l's". It is a pretty long ride there, even on a board. Rumbly road. Pebbles everywhere. Thousands of little rocks acting as smaller wheels vying to fling me off. It's too much.

Mumbling of my own. "Where's gentrification when you need it?" Alright, yes I get it. It's a bad joke. Of course gentrification is bad. Blah blah. Time to pick up my skateboard I guess. Walking on this ground feels just as bad as suicide. Feaful of getting my ass flung into the afterlife. Few yards left....or at least fifty feet. Forty eight, forty five, forty-however-long.

Ended up reaching it after twenty minutes. This trip better be worth it.

"Hi there, Miss Sage. Mind checking out this bracelet for me? I need to check it for a curse or evil energy. My cheap father didn't give me enough for a full appraisal but what can you do with nine dollars?"

"For nine? Not much, doll? What was your name again? You look young, do you have an adult's approval for this?"

"Oh, right. You've got me. It's for a school project. School each student a historical object to research. I figured you'd be able to help me get an 'A' on the project, you know?"

"Your manners are lacking but you seem young, so I'll let you pass. Allow me to take a look at it, if you please?"

God. Full-fledged adults really are something else. I'm only eighteen, not eight. Guess I look younger than I am----

Sage starts burning this wood that's tied with string. Incense maybe?

"That incense?"

"It's a closed practice really, so I don't want to expose anything. But it is a form of incense that I prefer to use to cleanse the spirit of objects and areas."

"Ah, didn't mean to intrude. I'm glad that there are still practices that you keep to yourself. Nothing like the White Man stripping us of our culture."

I got a soft chuckle out of them. Glad that they're able to lighten up a bit.

"..."

"OK, so here's what I've found. There's immense energy here; the power coming off of this thing is tremendous. There's nothing negative about this piece. How'd you ever come across it, again? School, you said? Shame that you'll have to give it back. Something like this would provide a large power surge to spirituals. I'd pay a pretty penny for this."

"Mhm"

"Wonder how the school even came across this. I tell you what. Ask your school where I can find something like this and perhaps I'll give you a little something for your intel, huh?"

"Oh. Sure. I'll just--uh---"

"Right, right, right. The bracelet, I'm sorry. Really, it's more an anklet truly, but--ya know what? I'm sorry. Here ya go"

"...take it from ya. Thanks."

"No problem. Come back with more info on the anklet. That'll be your payment for my time"

Got 'caught in a lie it seems. Don't know how I'll snake my way out of this one.

"Brrrrrzzzzz"

Shit, it's five. My dad's probably looking for me.

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

Chapter two:

" You skipped class? Bee, I know that you're better than this."

God moms bitch too much. Must be the nursing job coupled with her daily acting gigs that make her so aggro.

"I hear ya, mom. I just had some research to conduct after school..."

"Research? Which kind---?"

"The school kind. I don't know what else you want me to say. I'm sorry for skipping lasses. I got too overzealous and went in over my head. It won't happen again."

"Tskk. Better not. I know that I'm gone almost every hour of the day, but please give me a break, baby. Please just listen to your father and follow the rules. All I ask."

"Mhm, even though he-----you know what, nevermind. Am I dismissed? I have to write up today's school report to type"

Phew. Gonna hit the bong now to calm down from this encounter.

Fuck homework. .... ..... Mhm.

Five minutes passs. Fifteen, twenty. Maybe not minutes. hours? seconds? Time is too funny. With LEDs on, the vibe is fatallll. Still have to open a window to let out the smoke but gosh is this magical.

Mhm magic. Does it even exist? Doubt it. It's all science, right? ....

.....

Right. Like, this anklet. Not real power. Not real magic. Just something people believe in. Like God. It's all faith.

"So, theoretically, I could even put it on my person and nothing would even happen"

"And, so it begins"

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT VOICE" and why am I screaming?

Get off, get off, get off! Something's dripping on me.

"Tears, they're tears"

Oh god, I fucked up. I knew that I shouldn't have smoked that much. Knew it'd bite me in the ass one day. Now I'm fear-crying. I NEVER FEAR CRY.

It's all a dream maybe. Go to sleep, Bee. Just take a weed nap.

"Ba ba bang"

A booming voice raspy from coffee withdrawal.

"Everything OK in there Bee? You're about to be late for school."

Shit!

No time for conversation. Move it move it move it.

"'Cmon Bee. I'll drop you off at school on my way to the college".

Bookbag? Check. Board? Check.

I feel the rush of air against my cheeks as I fly out the door and jump into the getaway car. Fast, but atleast I'm not Furious. Dad and I chat it up all the way until the tires cross the smooth pavement of school grounds. Departing words are exchanged along with "I love you's" and "knock 'em deads".

That familiar sound. Principal as the school conductor. "Chooo". Just as it drones, my body moves to the steps of teens dragging their feet toward their dreaded first classes of the day. The light of morning cradles the marble arches of the school entrance until the sun starts to suck in the morning cold to blow out midday warmth.

"So, who are you, voice? What's your angle? Typing ensues. The screen watches my fleeting pupils; left, right, side, side. Wouldn't be surprised if the computer got whiplash from me. One scroll, two, three. Read a page. Nothing. Another website. Up and down; my fingers are cramped now. Nada. New Oogdle search: "Can I hear voices with weed smoking." Now I have a hit; "yes weed can have you seeing voices. Many aren't even your own. Maybe lay off the TV for a while."

"Thanks 'BouncyNina29'. Quora is one hell of a place." Guess it must've just been the drugs then. Hilarious, me hearing some voice. "Gotta lay off the bong smoking".

"Shhh!!" Some nerd in a striped beanie raised a finger to pursed lips.

Sorry, sorry....Jeez. "My bad" You know what? Maybe I can visit----

the train whistle interrupts my 11pm "ball" with myself. "Dammit". OK. Maybe I can bribe one of the delinquents behind the school to take my place in English. Teacher's not there anyway; the sub won't know the difference. Time to go pay someone off.

"..."

"Here ya go, five dollars."

"A'ight and you said what room that English class in?"

"301 B man. It's at the end of the third floor, right wing. Hard to miss and---remember---my name is Maybel Rhodes. Just fake like you're doing some work and no one will even notice that you're not me. I'm a loner, so, that'll work."

"Mhm hmm. I hear ya Maple"

"MayBEL"

"Yeah, that's what I said"

Scoff. In a smooth curvular motion, I plant my feet on the board and race to Sage's before their store closes.

As I approach, they're putting a silver key in a lock. Gah! The store closed.

"Miss Sage---"

"Gah! Don't do that!! Scaring me and sh--I mean, 'crap'. Scaring me and crap. Look kid, I'm closed right now but we open tomorrow. By then, I'll have the energy to discuss your school's anklet with you. Actually, about that. Do you have intel on where the-----"

"Yes, yes. About that, see...I lied. I didn't really get it from the school. I found it on the ground somewhere."

"'Found it on the ground somewhere' is code for 'I don't have money to pay nor do I have anything else to provide'? Am I getting warmer?"

"Look Miss Sage, I'm really sorry. Hey---look at it this way. I'm in debt to you. If you'll just help me with one teensy little thing, I'll ask my dad for some food money and will give you every cent he gives, alright?"

"Kid, that's not how an adult runs a business. Call what I gave you yesterday a 'freebie'. You're banned from the store. Good night."

Wait. "Wait" Their stride is aimed toward their silver camry. Yeah, I know a camry. Did you expect them to be riding a horse? Racist. Sage acts as though they don't hear and gets into their seat, key in ignition. One twist away before exiting the rocky parking area.

"IT SPOKE TO ME" Yup. That is how I yelled it. All caps, woke some birds up even. Just like in those Loony Toon cartoons. Is that why they're called "Loony Toons" 'cause they're loony cart----

Now they exit their car, slamming the heavy metal door. "What did you say? It...SPOKE...to you? What do you mean 'it'?"

Mhm Mhm. Just prepping my throat. "I wore it on my ankle and I heard a voice that has never existed before in the chasms----"

"Stop the theatrics"

"....Chasms of my mind. It was a male. Around your age in old-timey-ness."

"Har har."

"But it's the truth!" Why won't they believe a magical voice but insist that sage, a random plant, purifies the air?

Their chest contracts and expands in a sigh. Sage closes their eyes for a second. I could practically smell the gears turning. Need some WD-40, really. "Fine. Come by the store Saturday. That way, no one will be in to eavesdrop."

"Deal!"

"And bring actual MULA this time or else we won't have our little discussion". Crud.

"...."

"What are you thinking Sage?" No response. I paid one hundred fifty dollars for this after BEGGING both my folks (who think I'm using it to enroll in some after school sport) to slide me some cash so that I can 'better myself as an individual and actually do something with my time as well'. Lies are no good.

"Shh! Let me think, please!" Sage subverts their attention from me back onto the tarot cards laid in front of them----exactly where the bone anklet (bonklet) lay in silence

Ten minutes pass before Sage gives me the break down. "So, as I've said before. The anklet carries some heavy energy, something similar to passion and justice. Very potent stuff. That's what the spirit realm is saying, anyway. When you were---ahem--- HIGH----"

At this point I look away

"...You honed into that energy and that's why you heard the voice"

"Hm. So, how do I hone in on that energy now? Is it something I can control conscious?"

"Look, I dunno kid. Just, be safe. Meditate beforehand so that you are actually able to chime into the anklet's power source. Don't want to darken the talisman's power or anything."

"Sure, sure" I am literally out the door before Sage utters the second part of their sentence. I buzz with excitement at the opportunity and the best part is? I'm basically a super! Hoo ho. This is awesome.

There's an empty industrial facility near by Hawesome Li Cosmetics. It went bankrupt several decads ago. I'm pretty much the only one who knows about the place. Excellent ground to skate on---smooth as butter. Either way, it's empty and no harm will come to anything or anyone nearby. Any damage that I do will be to the building nearby, which no one cares about anyway. "So, it's just me and you buddy." Blunt in hand, I blaze it up. "Time for the magic to happen."

It's a slow high. The high takes as long as a flame reaching the wooden stick of an incense rod for the high to hit. Upwards of thirty minutes. So I wait. It feels like time warps. So I meditate. So I clear my thinking and reach out to the anklet.

"Mhm, Anklet, tell me who you are?"

"What?? You can hear me?"

"Yeah man. Who are you, why you speaking to me?"

"Why would I tell you? I don't even know yer name"

Tiring. It's like talking to a wall.

"Hey, I heard that!"

"Maybel. My name's Maybel. What's yours? Let's start there."

"Nat."

"Like Nat Turner? The rebel slave?"

"Don't know who that is, this 'Nat Turner'. Just knew my master gave me the name." How progressive. "So...I suspect that I'm dead."

It's not easy news. I get it. But hey, the north won. That's something, right?

"Well, I guess it is....you know, I had a name before all of this...."

"......"

"......??"

"......."

So, are you going to tell me?

"You may call me 'Asim'."

"I'll call you Ase."

Don't call me 'Ase'. Too late, Ase. Hey, how old are you anyway? 12? 11? My name is ASIM, nothing else. Fine, grumpy. ASIM. I'll call you Asim, Asim. Where'd that name come from anyway? What does it mean?

"Let's find out, shall we?"

"...It feels electric! (Boogy woogy woogy). Such power, this wade in...glory."

Are you a God?

"Blasphemy!" Then what are you? How are you able to lay such energy unto me?

Look, I don't know either, alright? But what I do know is...we're both negr---

Black. We don't say that word anymore.

"Black, then... Perhaps I'm connected with you due to our shared skin?" We stopped being related millenia ago. Millenia? Not familar with that word.

"Long, long ago. We don't share any common ancestors. It was all a lie." A lie? You don't believe in a God? I'm moreso spiritual; creation is a possibility not something I'm invested in. I believe in forces of the universe. "But not a God? So, this can't be some spiritual connection. We're too different." So perhaps a soul connection? A link between our spirits.... What else do we have in common? A slave and a black kid?

"Hatred of the white man? Wanting justice against them?"

"War. Destruction"

"Yes."

"No, I don't want that. I'd prefer peace." There may be no PEACE without WAR.

"A lie. Violence is not the answer. Kindness is."

"'Kindness' doesn't resolve problems. 'Kindness' doesn't end racism. 'KINDNESS' was the one that slept at my feet while I was lashed! "

"..."

Asim?

"..."

Andddd you're gone. Great. Well, I'm going to head back home, then. We can hang out again tomorrow. "Head back" means leave. All right, see you.

[hobbitsetal]

Chapter One: Vexing Problems

When he was nearly seventeen, Vex’s life as a sick nurse came to an end, along with his mother’s life as anything at all. He did not cry. He was too exhausted after months of trying to ease her suffering to cry at all. Instead, he opened her bedroom door and clapped his hands sharply once beside the ear of the servant girl sleeping in the hall, shocking her awake.

“She’s dead,” he said shortly. He closed the door again and resumed his seat by the bed. For some twenty minutes, he sat and regarded his mother’s corpse.

Iraj arrived first, swinging the door open wide and pausing in the hall for a moment before venturing in. He did not seem to see Vex. All his attention was riveted on the emaciated body under its embroidered coverlet, finery Noemi had taken with her into banishment. Iraj stopped halfway into the room and simply stood, contemplating along with his half brother.

Omid and Felistas arrived minutes later. Felistas pushed his younger son to one side and approached the side of the bed. Unlike Vex and Iraj, he wasted no time in regarding the dead, but held a small hand mirror up before her nose and mouth. No fog clouded its surface. Vex watched dully as Felistas drew back.

Felistas turned a narrow-eyed stare on him. “Get up, you mannerless wretch.”

Vex rose, still staring at his mother. He was pale, paler from his long weeks by Noemi’s deathbed than his heritage had made him, and his eyes burned in his face. Nature had patterned him after both his parents, with his mother’s slender frame and his father’s faery grace, but many sleepless nights had changed him from slender to gaunt.

“Will you burn her body with incense?” he asked. His voice was hoarse, whether from tears or from long hours of whispering encouragement and pleas to his dying mother, no one could say.

He asked for the proper rites, of course: burned after sunset so the soul of the dead would rise to the Great Creator, and her pleasing traits would live on in her descendants.

Felistas compressed his lips. He opened them only enough to say, “She’ll be buried.”

All of Noemi’s sons looked aghast at that, but the older two quickly changed their faces to somber acceptance. The jackals would dig her up and eat her within days of her burial, and her soul would dissolve.

Vex looked at his mother’s husband for the first time. “She said you would say that. And she told me to ask you what the priests will say, when you tell them how you will write the corpse orders.”

Felistas wet his lips. What indeed would the priests say to a senior scribe whose wife had not been ailing, but put away? What would they say to a senior priest whose older son, so recently and highly praised, would be revealed to bear the blood of a deceiver? They could be expected to say many things, all of them unpleasant to the Quarse family fortunes.

“She does not deserve any honor,” he said harshly. “They will say it is wise to cut off her spirit now and they will commend me for raising such fine sons in spite of this unimaginable pain.”

The bones of Vex’s jaw showed more starkly for a moment as he clenched his teeth. “They will ask how Omid has done so well in his tests and risen so quickly. They will make him do the tests over again, in a room alone with a priest, and they will suggest sacrifices and payments.”

The sacrifices to dissolve a soul were expensive. The payments to hide these sacrifices from common knowledge were worse.

“I have friends among the priests,” Felistas said. “Omid works hard, and Iraj has won great praise on the front.”

His sons scarcely had time to blush before Vex smiled thinly, as one who sees an opponent misstep. “Why does Iraj fight on the front?” he asked softly. “Why should a scribe’s son seek his own name?”

“Because the wood demons ought to be stamped out,” Iraj said. “Because they seduce our women and threaten our farmers and speak lies and evil things, and their children do likewise.” He bowed toward his father and added, “If you will forgive me for speaking out.”

Felistas nodded in response. “A well spoken answer, my son. However she is disposed of, the priests and the town shall known that the house of Quarse remains trustworthy.”

Vex had grown red at Iraj’s speech. He grew pale again at Felistas’s words. “You can’t bury her,” he said urgently. “She asked to be burned. You can’t do this thing.”

Omid spoke then, and his voice echoed his mother’s soft, elegant cadences. “I wonder that you speak so forthrightly to us, boy. You are, after all, no more than your father was.”

Vex was a slave, Omid meant, and the reminder caused the Quarse men to stand a little stiffer and look at the boy a little harder. But for nearly seventeen years, Vex had been treated with all the care and love of a mother who had given up everything for the sake of her lover’s child, her last child. For nearly seventeen years, he had lived as a beloved son and not as a slave. And those seventeen years shaped his response far more than seven minutes of new status could.

“I am all that my mother was also,” he retorted. “She was your mother too, Omid. By all accounts, your skill on the lute and the flattering words you used to win your bride have not come from your father. Shall your children’s fingers stutter, or their tongues?”

“Enough,” Omid snapped. “Hold your tongue or we shall teach you your place.”

“Would you have none of her compassion? Her humor? Her wit? Bah, Creator knows Iraj can’t afford to lose any wits!”

Felistas was closest to Vex, and Felistas was the one to strike him across the face. Vex’s head snapped back and he fell back into the chair by Noemi’s deathbed.

“Be silent! By all my grandfathers’ beards, you have your father’s insolence and your mother’s sharp tongue! She will be buried tomorrow, and after that we will see if we can find a buyer who will take an untrained welp such as you.”

He turned and led the way from the room, Omid and then Iraj on his heels. Iraj paused to close the door. For one moment, as he pulled the handle, he looked over his shoulder at Vex sitting slumped, one hand to his stricken cheek. For one moment, the two regarded each other, half brothers and strangers. Then Iraj turned away and the door closed on the slave and his dead mother. When the door had closed, Vex did cry, weeping silently until he fell asleep on the floor.

[imagethat]

Final Goodbye | Vergil x Kitsune!Reader

Alright! So this one reads like an absolute novel lmao I like writing while laying in bed. It helps me relax and fall asleep. I don’t post everything, but I wanted to post this. It’s a part two to my Kitsune!Reader drabble.

Something was festering inside you, as the nights grew longer during the winter, so too did your slumber. Each dream becoming more infatuating than the last, lulling you deeper and deeper into your once home. You knew this realm was not of your own creation, it had echoes of familiarity mixed in with the confusion. You already discerned its owner. Why they felt the need to drag this on was an ever evasive answer. You continued still, trying to reach the heart of this world. Before you could reach your destination, an alarm woke you up and you were pulled aggressively back into reality. An annoyed growl escaped you as you sat up in your bed. You’d have to be more cunning if you wished to speak with your nightly captor. The fact you hadn’t yet only adding more to your irritation. You peeled yourself from under the sheets and went downstairs. Dante puffed some air out of his chest before leaning forwards. “Whoah, someones on the warpath.” He commented. Was your irritability really that visible? “Not today Dante.” You warned while placing a hand on your forehead. Vergil quirked a brow. “You’ve been sleeping in rather late, are you alright?” He asked. The only reply he got was a half baked ‘Fine’ from your back as you went into the kitchen to get some food. Dante's eyes scanned over his brother curiously as he leaned back in his chair with crossed arms. Vergil knew something he didn’t, and wasn’t making any moves to tell him either. You returned from the kitchen, only to march past the twins without a word and return to your room. Once inside, you ate the cereal you had poured for yourself while packing for the day. Once ready you went downstairs. “Where are you going?” To your surprise, Vergil asked rather than Dante. “To attend to some business.” You replied, not giving any more of an explanation before heading out the front door.

It would start snowing soon, the sky was dark enough and a horrible chill dampened your bones. You checked Red Grave, making sure all the hexes you had placed remained in tact. Not only because they marked your territory, but because they acted as a ward. To your disappointment, some were broken. That was to be expected though, since another had come into your space. All at once the world gave way beneath your feet as you tumbled into darkness. The sound of your heart beat heavy in your ears with the depth and percussion of a full orchestra. You hit something on your fall and then once more. Your eyes shot open as you jolted forwards, those hits having been something shaking you. The dreams grasp was becoming so tight that you could not discern reality from it. Your eyes darted all around the park, not remembering the sheet of white that veiled it. Vergil was standing beside you, examining you quietly. “You’ve been gone for a whole day.” He commented. You paused… A whole day? Had the dream taken you for that long? It certainly didn’t feel like it had been that long. You didn’t remember moving to this bench either. Before you could question the man beside you, a sharp stinging burned your head. A loud noise rang and you had to cover your ears. You felt weak as you collapsed to the ground while your vision went blurry. Vergil was saying something, but you couldn’t tell what. “Dream…. Snare….. Run…” You tried to warn, your words almost failing you. When you awoke you realized you had finished your fall. But the world hadn’t gotten any lighter. You couldn’t make anything out in the dark despite your demon blood. There was whispering from all directions. You stood up and cautiously searched through the dark with your hands until you found a wall. Then you followed that until you saw the soft glow of light. You could feel it’s presence more clearly now. As you dashed towards it, you broke from the darkness into a cleaning underneath a beautiful never ending sky. Sitting across the clearing from you was your brother who would be the eldest had you not been born. The clearing was reminiscent of where you fought both Vergil and Nero originally. It was to taunt you. “It has been too long, sister.” He mused quietly. You nodded softly. “That is has been, how disrespectful of you to play such pranks on your sister.” You replied. He seemed displeased with your response and flicked his tail. “I would argue that if anyones been disrespectful, it’s you. Have you forgotten your teachings?” He questioned. “I have not, but father lied to us. Humans aren’t the only source of consumption for us.” You answered with a determined look. “That may be true, but why stay with them? They are beneath us, and to even share the same space with them…” He pierced his lips before glaring at you. “You aren’t suited to be the head of the family, return the key to me.” He demanded. When you came of age and proved your worth to your parents they gave you a key. Every dream realm was attached to an item, and the one handed down in your particular lineage was a gold embellished key. “It is mine, I owe you nothing.” You replied, already feeling the tension surrounding you both. This wasn’t going to end well for one of you.

Vergil had carried you back in the snow to Devil May Cry. Dante didn’t think much of it at first, but when he saw the way your veins seemed to be darkened he knew something was wrong. “There is another.” Vergil said before his brother could ask what happened. “So how do we wake y/n up then?” Dante asked. Vergil and you had grown pretty close during the time you agreed to stay at Devil May Cry. That included sharing your knowledge with him. “Only the one who created the snare can release her. By their will or by death.” He replied. Dante seemed to think for a moment before nodding. “Well, it’s nothing we can’t handle.” He said with a teasing smirk. “As long as I’m gettin paid at the end that is.” He added and Vergil scoffed at his brother quietly. They called Lady and Trish to stay with your resting body then headed off.

The fight was long, your brother enjoying every moment of proving his superiority. The world would glitch, and apparitions of your friends would appear in his place. It took everything in you to keep swinging when it happened. He had only dug so deep into your memory thus far. “They have made you weak! Yield sister! Join us once more!” He yelled at you. For a moment you internally stopped and pondered why you were fighting so hard to stay with your new found company when you had been so eager to never see their faces again just a few months ago. In that moment of weakness, not only did he strike you but he delved deeper into your mind. Summing forth your true feelings and more twisted visions of the people who truly matter to you. Your brother sneered loudly, striking you with force you didn’t know was possible. He looked down at you with hateful eyes. “I thought you’d have more respect for father, if you should walk amongst humans you should at least keep his most basic of rules in mind. But it’s true isn’t it!?” He demanded as you pounced back to avoid an attack. You bared your teeth. “What do you speak of!? Have you gone mad! I know my place! I am the head of this family!” You shot back. “We shall see.” He replied while lunging forwards. The action was so unpredictably sudden that it caught you off guard. He lifted you from the ground by your throat. You tried to claw at his arm and halfway to his face you saw him shift to an aplirition. In that moment, you couldn’t strike. Even if you knew it was your brother inside your head tricking you. You gave into your fate as he plunged a blade through your stomach. You were dropped to the floor unceremoniously afterwords. Vergil, or rather your brother standing above you. His eyes boring into your weekend ones. “So it is true… Such a pitiful heir to the family.” He commented. The next few moments were rushed. You heard yelling and gunfire. You opened your eyes as you felt someone lift you. You were being cradled. Through your blurry vision you could see his white hair. But you couldn’t tell if it was a fake figure meant to torment you or actually him. You let your weight fall dead against him.

When you came to this time around, you were in Devil May Cry. Thick familiar gauze was wrapped around your waist. Lady rushed over when she saw you rise to check your status. “Where…. Vergil…” you forced out in a dazed tone. “Where is Vergil?” You asked. Lady looked up at Trish. “Still in the dream.” The blonde haired woman said. “No…” you whispered, fear overtaking you. “They’re still alive… but…” Trish added. She was unsure of their status. You shifted onto your elbows, finally realizing what heavy fabric rested on you. It was Vergil’s coat. He had wrapped it around you when he carried you back from the park. Even such a simple act of courtesy was odd from him and should be taken to heart. You bit your lip as you pulled it against your chest. “I have to go back!” You urged and the two looked at each other. “L-listen… I care for them just as much as you do, but you’re not in any state to fight… Plus, it’s Dante. I’m sure they’ll be fine.” Lady tried to reassure you, but her efforts were in vain. You pleaded to her with your eyes. She finally gave in with a sigh. “Trish and I will go if it will make you feel better.” She offered and you nodded your head no. “I have to go with.” You demanded. Trish crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. “Why?” She asked. You were taken aback. Assuming the answer would be obvious. But it wasn’t as clear as you initially thought. You took a moment to assess why you so desperately needed to go, seeming somewhat baffled by the answer. So… Your brother was right… You quietly hugged Vergil’s coat to your chest as if doing so would somehow reassure you or make things better. You had grown soft in your time within this realm. Most of all though, you broke the most enforced rule your parents taught you. Warm tears spilled down your cheeks. You didn’t know if he’d ever return your feelings or if it was possible to go on being friends after coming to this realization. Worry overtook you, wondering if you would even get the chance to see him again. You had always known he was more comfortable in your presence, never seeming bothered by your antics. He enjoyed when you two would visit your realm so he could borrow books or discuss your kinds traditions. You squeezed his coat in your hands, never having realized all these things until now. You had been willfully ignorant of them. Lady did her best to comfort you, but her condolences fell on deaf ears. They did nothing to help you from your thoughts. All at once, you could feel the heavyweight in your pocket. The one thing in this situation you had. The source of all your pride, the prize of all those hard years spent in training. You couldn’t bare the thought of letting it go. It meant more than anything else in this world. But so too did your friends. Perhaps you were a glutton, one of the cardinal sins. And this would be your punishment. You rose up so quickly that it startled Lady. You knew what had to be done, even if it felt as though someone was crushing your heart.

You returned to the moonlit grove. The battle had taken its toll on the surrounding flora. All three seemed roughed up to a certain extent, but Dante and Vergil were worse for wear. When you entered the clearing, all fighting stopped. A force pushing the twins to the ground as you brother seathed his blade. “It is good to see you’ve returned sister. While I doubt you’ve come to your senses. It is not too late for you to return to us, though your former status can never be repaired.” He offered his hand out to you but could see the hesitation in your eyes. You pulled the key out of your pocket with a somber look on your face. Flipping it in your hands a few times. You had to breath in deeply just to speak. “I see… if you will not honor your ancestors then give me the key.” He said. Dante didn’t know what the key was or the significance of it, but he could tell you were attached to it. “Don’t listen to him.” Vergil spoke out, leaning against his blade. “Yeah, we got this.” Dante added. The one thing the twins shared was their stubbornness. Another wave forced them down and Dante groaned in pain. You sniffled softly, squeezing the key in your hand softly. Knowing it would be the last time you ever held it. You internally said your farewells to your family before chucking the key across the clearing to your brother. He caught it without the slightest bit of hesitation and looked it over before turning his attention to you. He nodded softly. “Thank you… I’m glad you came to your senses, but after the decision you have made… You cannot return here.” He said his voice got softer at the end. It was possible he felt bad for you, but he held his pride higher than you did yours. “Should you foolishly return here, you will be killed on sight. A heavy bounty is now placed on your head.” He added. Your eyes dropped to the ground, understanding the ramifications of the events that just occurred. You didn’t need his reperminds to know of your exile. Once he could tell you knew the extent of your punishment, he left. You fell to your knees, forgetting of Dante and Vergil as all the plants in the clearing started to wither. The tree leaves ashened and fell from their branches. The moon slowly faded from sight and you were left in the dark. Even the world was rejecting you.

Devil May Cry slowly came into view as you were returned to reality. Trish and Lady instantly rushed over to Dante and Vergil. Vergil shrugged them off, asking for your assistance upstairs. You agreed with a soft nod of your head. Lady could tell that you two both needed to be alone. Vergil knew best how to comfort you. Once upstairs, Vergil removed his vest and took a seat while you grabbed a first aid kit from the bathroom. You carefully started applying disinfectant to his cuts, a particularly bad slice cutting across his shoulders and back. You knew he wasn’t careless, he must have been taken by surprise when he rushed in to check on you. It made you feel guilty. “How does that feel?” You asked as you started to wrap soms gauze around his shoulder. “Fine.” He replied, seeming preoccupied with thoughts of his own. “You should have told us originally what was going on. We could have helped.” He said in an authoritative tone. You muttered I know quitely, not in the mood to be even further punished. He quietly acknowledged that with a nod. “…I'm… I’m sorry.” He said softly once you were finished patching him up. “I know… that key meant a lot to you.” He admitted. If he was honest, he felt somewhat at fault since he rushed in. When he saw you on the ground he disregarded his care for the enemy. He had to question why he did that. Vergil was usually so calm and composed. “It’s fine, I’m just glad you and Dante are both okay.” You mused in a somber tone while taking a seat across from him. “Would it be possible to retrieve the key? Or possible to make a world of your own?” He asked, trying to find a solution. His brain always functioned on the basis of logic. You shifted so your back faced him and pulled up your shirt so it showed your back. A mark had started appearing in the center, and was growing darker. It was such a hideous thing. “It marks my fate… I am forsworn…” You replied. Vergil reached out his hand and placed it on top of your new mark. You didn’t flinch or make a move to pull away as he traced its delicate lines. “Now that I’m branded with it everyone in that realm, realms like it, and the realm itself will know of my exile.” You added, breathing out slowly. As if even the thought if it was painful. When he pulled away you let your shirt drop. You turned to face him again, noticing Vergil had picked up the Yamato and was carefully untying the decorative string that garnered the seath. He took one of your hands and began wrapping the ornamental leather around it. After a few more moments he was finished. It started on your upper arm, crossed down in a x formation, wrapped around your wrist, then connected to a design he had made around your fingers. He let his hands rest against yours. “Perhaps if you cannot return, consider this as a key to this realm then.” He said. He wasn’t the best at being emotionally sensitive, but you could tell he was trying his best. “I will.” You nodded softly before scotting in closer so you could wrap your arms gently around his shoulders. There was a brief moment between Vergil hugging you back where he hesitated. Things like this were new to him, even if he had been in the human world for awhile. More so than the physical contact, he was coming to terms with something inside himself. You felt his arms get a little bit tighter around you, but you didn’t mind. This moment was nice, and was what you needed after all that had happened. You couldn’t return home, but you would never forget where you came from. Now this was your home. “If you would join me tomorrow, that would be greatly appreciated. I have something I’d like to show you.” His voice was barely above a whisper, but you could hear him loud as day because of how close you two were. You nodded before hiding your face in his shoulder. You didn’t know it, but he was smiling.

[imababblekat]

Hirl, Child of Whirl

I had a wonderful dream last night which I turned into a fic, that I’m compelled to share this with you. Warning its long and gets a bit angsty at the end.

I was the only human aboard the Lost Light. My job was a simple one, report to Earth about Megatron at least once a month. Earth wanted to know EVERYTHING about Megatron since the end of the war, from his physical and mental health to any new hobbies he’s acquired. My job was made easy thanks to Ultra Magnus, Rodimus and Megatron himself helping me which left me with a lot of time to hang out with the rest of the crew. Which is how I came to be an acquaintance to the mech named Whirl.

I hadn’t really interacted with Whirl before so it’s safe to say that I was incredibly surprised when he crashed into my hubsuite one morning. We locked eyes for a second before he scooped me up and exclaimed that I am now “Hirl”, his child. This was the day Whirl had unofficially adopted me. He then proceed to show me to the rest of the crew as his child.

From what I heard, Whirl had been binge watching Swerves family sitcoms and overheard some of the crew talking about the potential of starting families of their own. All of this must have flipped a switch in Whirl as he grow a desire to how a child of his own, but as he didn’t have a partner, adoption seemed to be the best option and being several years his junior made me the best candidate. The crew had mixed reactions when Whirl approached them with me, Skids teasingly congratulated us while Ratchet scolded him for messing around. I was generally wondering how long this would last and was starting to get annoyed with how he would tell others off if they didn’t referred to me by the new name he gave me.

The next day, Whirl crashed into my hubsuite again with breakfast. It was weird, he started helping me pack out a outfit for the day and comb my hair. It didn’t occur to me at  that he was trying to be a parental figure to me until he desperately started trying to teach me the basics of the Cybertronian alphabet as if I was a sparkling. I decided to humor him, seeing how unpredictable he could be, I figured he would get bored of this idea.

After a month of Whirl parenting me, Rung asked to discuss this with me inprivate. Rung explained how Whirl was in general before I join the crew, after i joined the crew and finally, how he had be the last month. I was shocked for 2 reasons: firstly, Rung never talks about his patients to other crew members and secondly, how Whirl has changed in attitude relates to me.

Rung explained how most of the mechs literally see me as a child despite being a young adult. Rung explained how Whirl was happy that I never questioned his past, tolerated his pranks and humored his ideas. Rung explained this to me because Whirl was serious about being me sire and it would be cruel to lead him on.

I don’t know why I decided to embrace this new life but I did. I became Hirl (which Whirl explained meant ‘Human-Whirl’ as ‘Whirl Jr.’ wasn’t very original}. Everyday, Whirl would proper me breakfast, lunch and dinner. He took time teach me how to cook, how to read and write in Cybertronian. Whirl would make request to land on safe planets, simply to teach me to catch a ball or to fish. He even started to collect sketches I would absentmindedly make and pin them on hubsuite walls.

After 2 years, Whirl began to teach me how to handle weapons. I was surprised with how responsible he was being, after all this was the mech known running into a fight with reckless abandon. He sent a request to Ultra Magnus and took extra safety measures. He was a proud sire, happy that I embraced him and he’s interested. I left out that was a fully trained marksman because I was enjoying this change of life. Even without a mouth, I could tell he was smiling.

The rest of the crew was also pleased with Whirl and my decision. While Whirl was still a bit of a jerk and unpredictable, he wasn’t as violent in his attacks, he was willing to make appointments with Rung and was doing his work on time. The crew had gotten used to me being Hirl and despite being a human, accepted that I was Whirls child.

But all good things come to an end. It had been over 5 years and this was one of the many times that the ships was attacked, Whirl first tried to hide me but was was injured in the process. It pained me to see him like this, he wasn’t my father, he was may SIRE and he was risking his spark to save me.

We were corner is one of the many corridor, not knowing where anyone else was. Whirl sat me down before collapsing, he rolled over to look at me. He said he was happy that he choose to take me in and how he was proud of how I turned out. I couldn’t stop the tears rolling down my cheeks as he took the autobot insignia of his cockpit and put it on my chest before turning rigid.

Grief, sickness and anger ran through my veins. I was overwhelmed with negativity but vengeance shined through them all. I sharp feeling pierced through me spark with a scream, I looked down at my new claws and picked my sire gun. I raised on my peds and caught my reflection in hallway window, I was looking at a familiar helm but lacked paint and its single single optic shone the same colour of my original eyes.

  I adjusted the insignia on my cockpit and readyed my gun.

I am Hirl, Child of Whirl. And I have a sire to avenge and a crew to save.

Submitted By Kraken

~xXx~

(A/N): This both makes me laugh, and cry! Let Whirl be a happy dad dang it!! I need him to crack dad jokes!!

[nshah2]

First Part of Story Lolz: The first step into the cavern isn’t that dark. People believe it is but they’re just intimidated by the dark green moss that grows around it along with the spiky vines. Marie Jane? The Marie who likes to switch between Mary because it makes her feel chic? Oh she was just flabbergasted to the even proposition of stepping one Louis Vuitton, red high-heel in there. Even so, she was curious about the bright side of the cavern, as much of an oxymoron of that statement is. Everyone is.

Alex Lyres, skinny jeans and long sleeves, brown skin or hairy arms, one of the two, that is unsuspecting of outside analyzing, and depressed green eyes. They  fell silent in front of the cavern, walked in slowly in a trance of the great things that awaited, pushing away the wispy spider webs and teething bats. I hope she doesn’t get lost.

Kamila Civet, she ran. She ran straight in, we hardly saw her anymore. She’s addicted to the cavern, she likes to run through all of it. She can’t handle the darkness though, it pushes her out with sharp black nails, sometimes it only used two, sometimes it used all.

The cavern does terrible things, it made me lose what was alread lost.

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

Chapter 1:

A tip of a black word that could have meant to be blue grazes me everytime I step out of my house. Ten thousand words clutter the pages of others' mother tongues, so you can imagine the scars that yielded me weak to the eye of the majority. Fading away into the deepest shadow of Oaktown High seemed to cloak me with the power of moving through the halls without being at a sword's end, or at least at one I could see. I had grown comfortable with this lifestyle because it’s all I knew along with the wrappers of mistakes in my closet. But please do not play the chorus of slow violin notes because I am not my paragraph, I am my essay. 

I couldn’t say the same about Mary Jane.

Gaggles of laughter follow her tall figure, swaying with her long blonde hair. Skinny arms wrapped around the shoulders of her companions whose skin is as unblemished as their reputation.  Longing stares from the girls and boys who smile for status. An idolized individual that excelled at whatever you did not. “Okay, okay, listen!” Samia Davenport tries to reason, “Ignore the fact he’s a ginger. He’s cute.” Mary squeezes Samia’s face and squeals, “My little babushka is growing up. She likes men who aren’t on reality T.V too!” Samia swats her arm away, trying not to laugh. “Oh shut up, don’t deny that Dave Hansen is absolutely my soulmate.” Dave Hansen? Interesting, stupid choice. The boy who spread a rumor about you being homeless in eighth grade? The boy who chopped your hair off in ninth! The boy who smirks and everything feels like a blissful high, a serenity of happiness flooding through your brain. Too bad he likes Maya, who dismissed half of his heart with a slur that demolished him into succumbing to a camp which told him, be Christian, not you. 

They’re idiots for craving such expensive baggage because they know they can’t have it, though I can’t fault them. I’ve -however- learned to push my credit card back into my pocket and tame my legs to walk out of the store. 

Mary nods with disinterest as she eyes Ms. Alejandras classroom. “Wait up, okay?” She grinned at Samia  and rushed in the door. “Ms! Ms. Alehandra, I was wondering if I could obtain some extra credit?” 

“Mary, just turn in your missing assignments . I’ll give you 50% for each.” 

“I lost all the papers.” 

“I can print new ones.” 

I watch the exchange with dancing pupils, careful to not let my shadow get into the light. Mary has fists furrowed into small pockets with inching frustration poking out of them.

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

Tapping on the linoleum floor, 1, 2, 3, 4…

“It’s uneven. It has to be 0-5, 5-10, 15-20. Right now if I do an extra credit assignment it’ll finally be 0-5.”

“Does it have to be in 5s?”

“More satisfying in 5s ma’am.”

Ms. Alejandra adjusts her long brown pencil skirt and touches Mary’s shoulder. “Read a book after you complete your missing assignments and then talk to Dr. Vienna.”

 

Mary sighs, she nods a quiet thank you and walks away with red fists and a crippling smile. “Did you get the extra credit?” Samia asks. Mary laughs , “No, that idiot was like ‘oh just talk to Dr. Vienna after you do it. Like oh cause he always helps, blah, blah.”

Dr. Vienna, the man who thought if you met him or his staff every night at 8:00 pm to get your daily fix of yellow, blue, pink, or green you could be cured from your worries. I mean, he’s not wrong. But yellow turns to blue and blue to pink and pink to green and then thousands of green clutter a controlled mind.  

“What did you say?” Samia asks.

“I was just like ‘Yeah, sure, whatever haha.”

“I would have just cleaned her room right then and there, just ignore her and start cleaning.”

“Oh, if only.”

A familiar buzz sounds through the halls. A calling for lost luggage, they want to keep alive. Too bad our owners aren’t coming to pick us up any time soon. Airport security was a hassle enough the first time.

Most of us groan and walk to  the assigned seats and watch the numbers. Dr. Vienna sits with the ones who watch too carefully. “Don’t you wish you were like them?” Says the blonde girl next to me, tapping my shoulder. “No Kamila, I don’t.” She rolls her eyes, “Well then you're crazy, imagine how easy it is for them. I can’t believe some of these girls came voluntarily. It’s like being Albert Einstein and then going to a camp that teaches you to be dumb.” Kamila eyes her cheesy potato cubes and boiled egg on veggies. She stuffs all of it in her pocket, one egg slice, one cube, one veggie at a time. Staring, being mesmerized by the girls who grasp control over uncontrollable behaviors. I want to tap her shoulder like she did to me but I know she’s so much more cluttered than me, she would trip over all her the mess in her brain to think that’s pretty. Mary walks to our table with her plate of food, a lunch of one cookie, one apple, two pieces of lean fish, a salad, and a baked potato. “Just be balanced.” Mary said, smiling shiny white teeth. “Do you really want to go into the cavern just to look like that? They’re miserable.” Kamila glared back, “Oh please Mary. All 5’8 of you would want to sit there and look like that. Everyone does.” Mary sits down, “Of course everyone does. But it’s not worth it. Besides, the cavern is so gross and if you go the wrong way you are done forever. You don’t even get to be them. “

Kamila scowled in disgust, “Ugh you know nothing! I already did, I got lost too but I’m going to go back and find my way in.” Mary laughed, “Kamila, you're going to go in there and never get out. You're going to want to keep going. But you won’t be able to. It’s like a cigarette, you’ll be addicted.” 

“What’s the cavern?” I popped in. They looked at me with shock.

 “You don’t know what the cavern is? It’s literally why almost everyone is in here. What are you in for then?” 

“My parents got sick of having a kid who doesn’t know how to love them.” My flat response. It didn’t even feel like I spoke, I just opened my mouth and the words fell into place. The ones I was hoping would never come out. 

“Oh.” They said in unison, eyes wary of the girl they once thought was innocent. Would it be better if I had gone into the cavern first? Got addicted to it, whatever ‘it’ may be.” Uneasily Mary explained, “If you haven’t gone into the cavern, it’s best you only know it by its code name. It’s not actually a cavern.” 

Kamila joined in, “I came in here for other reasons too, then I learned about it and started. You need something to distract you here. I mean but if you haven’t started it, find something else.”

“Just tell me what it is.”

They both looked at eachother, they seemed indecisive. Should we tell her? I could practically hear the words they looked at each other with. It couldn’t be that problematic, could it? “I’m sure I’ve heard of worse.” They both shook their heads. “It’s not that you haven’t.”

Kamila tried to explain.

“It’s just that you can’t try it once and be done. If you try it, you're done for. It’s not murder obviously, it’s...it’s like everything bad on this world is labeled in colors. Blue for normal, green for normal but you're slipping, orange for hey this is getting bad, and red for you messed up. The cavern pushes you to orange right? But then you like it so you keep going and slip down to red. Then it's like...it takes all of it’s rocks and barricades you with them. The oxygen is slowly slipping away, you know you will die. But in your mind that's worth it so you either die or someone pulls you out.  Hardly ever does anyone pull you out though.”

  

Chapter 2:

All week I had been curious to what the cavern was, jumping at any chance to pull the answer out of unsuspecting victims. Yet they always hushed me and pointed at a staff member or harshly whispered something along the lines of “if you don’t know you don’t need to. I shouldn’t be talking about this here.” Yet in every location I could find with every set of people available, the answer was always the same. Actually that's a false statement, as time went on the answers became more general and specific at the same time. The cavern was so wide, it had such an in depth storyline but from physical appearances it was normal and forgettable. The cavern came off as a stranger to me, a human I did not know who has a story that would make me cry if I read it.

 “Mama used to say that my eyes were a gift from the desert, that they were a sandy brown drought. “

That’s cute.” Commented Kamila. “My Mom used to call me a little bird. Since my legs used to be really skinny and I liked to wear my halloween costume wings like almost every day.”

“Did I say that out loud?” I ask.

“Yeah, you do that a lot, ponder quietly with a mysterious look on your face and then randomly drop in the crumble of words in your head.”

“Oh.”

           I’m pretty sure Mom used to say something like that. That my eyes seemed to get lost in the colourful realm, speechless to the greenery of new ideas and scenarios. I guess the cavern was a new scenario. I had spent two years at Oakwood, never once did the word cavern actually mean anything to me than the base definition. I suspected it was a hangout for teens to maybe drink or smoke, that’s why they called it addicting. But Mom also used to say “Your never far off from the truth once you make an assumption, your penny isn’t in the fairy’s hand but it’s going down the well, it’s getting closer.” It could be about smoking or drinking, but then they would have used another example to compare it to.  Reverse psychology? No, in the span of a few seconds they wouldn’t have been intellectual enough to corroborate such an intricate plan, unless they did... But they aren’t exactly top of the chain in terms of intelligence.

No, they certainly weren’t. One blank page could hold wiser knowledge than their  brains could ever learn in their lifetime. Maybe the way they mindlessly transferred their thoughts onto a piece of a paper got them an A, but they have no street smarts. A ratio that didn’t match Mary's agenda would throw her off her high horse into the dirt. If Kamila spoke a word everyone didn’t agree with she would resort back to the deep depths of her mind, not caring about the cobwebs and dirty floor. Everyone in this school is like this, stubborn, selfish brats who didn’t realise that sticking your nose in a book doesn’t make you a genius. It makes you an average person who gets a teacher's signature on her report card with a happy face sticker. Wow, good on you, a happy face, that’s going to get you through life? A happy face? 

“Little Madam, the one in the blue dress? Oh where is she, is she sticking out because of her oh so obvious dress? Or the fact that she isn’t hearing anything I’m saying?”

Everyone laughs with pasted smiles for an objective. Everyone knows Ms. Alejandra picks favorites. It’s all objective. Even her damn joke is objective, a power move, calling everyone out and making them laugh about it. Keep laughing, I’m not a clone.

Definitely not a clone of her favorites right now.

“Yes, Ma’am?” I speak, keeping my dignity upheld.

She sighs with annoyance, “Can you tell me what I was just explaining about chain rules?”

Chain rules, chain rules, chain rules...She must have just been covering it today, that fatuous fool Kamila was correct. The cavern was good for distracting you.

“I’m not sure.” I say, my voice felt like a particularly bad day on the ground near the Pacific Ocean in the Philippines.

Another sigh, this time with actual disappointed eyes. Did she expect me to know the complications of a couple of Xs and numbers labeled under-

“The derivative of f(g(x)) . g’(x) will always be f'(g(x))⋅g'(x).”

Everyone turned around to the raised hand and straight face of Alex Lyres. A matty mess of short, dirty blonde hair, bangs almost cocealing the never turned off glare in her green eyes.  Her limbs were long and skinny and danced in the wind every Friday where administrators let her be `recreational”.  

Alex Lyres who sits at the table with Dr. Vienna every day and goes to him personally for three green ones every night. She speaks seldom but when she does her words dive into your mind and almost as quickly as they come in, evaporate. She would know about the cavern, she was at the table Kamila admired specifically because people who were there  went in the cavern. Or should I say, went in too deep. But I’d have to rephrase my wording into a more casual conversation. You don’t just light a candle in a monster accompanied by darkness, you wait for the perfect time. 

Tick, Tock.

Tick, Tock.

Tick, Tock.

One-Forty. Two-a clock.

The bell dings its warning signs and Alex lifts her legs off the seat. In quick movements she makes her way to her bedroom. The teacher gives her that stern ‘what do you think you're doing’ look and she starts to slow down, hanging her head a little lower. 

“Alex! Hey!”

She looks around, uncomfortable that her name has been brought into the spotlight. Don’t worry Alex, give me the answers and the switch gets clicked off.

It gives her a chance though, a chance to slide her feet across the marble floor, static building in her soft teddy bear socks. 

“Alex, hey can I ask you something?”

“Sure, um…?”

I disregard her blank stare, notioning me to give out my name. My name has never been uttered in the walls of this wretched place and it never will. I won’t give it that power. 

“How do you do it?”

It’s like her facial features immediately morphed into a sweaty recognition about what I’m about to say.

“How do I do what?”

“Y’know…” I push, “How do you do the...cavern?”

She looks at me for a couple of seconds before shaking her head and storming away. I chase after her which isn’t hard because she speeds with caution. Why? We aren’t allowed to run in the halls but we can speed walk. She’s not going to get in trouble for speed walking.

“Yeah, I am.”

“I said that aloud?” I really need to stop doing that.

“No, I can just see it in your face. You're confused on why  I look so cautious. Yeah, I will get in trouble if I’m going ‘above average speed’ or whatever.”

My hand instinctively goes to grab my chin, I pause indecisively. It’s extra but it’s what you're supposed to do when you're confused. “Why?”

“Why do you think?” She snaps.

“I don’t know, why are you specific?”

“Not just me, everyone else in the cavern.”

My mind jumps back to the main objective and I robotically  move myself into a more sympathetic position. Arms crossed with pouty eyes, “Why wouldn’t they let you run just because you’ve been in the cavern?”

“Again, why do you think?”

“I don’t know?”

She looks at me up and down with quizzing eyes, her disbelief is obvious. I’m not sure what I did wrong, I guess I really need more information. 

Her eyes widened with shock, “Oh my god, are you that one girl who's trying to find the cavern? Oh, my friends told me you would try to find me, just forget about it!” 

I don’t care about much at all. The world is a blank page I’d like to keep clean, showing interesting written words I can not erase. If I try, the eraser marks will clutter what could have been a precise story of nothing. If I don’t care, nothing happens which is easier than risking your life for a second of happiness that will wash away. Yet, now, there are no warm arms to welcome me into a hug. No one is waiting for the three special words from me anymore. My desire from others has faded away to a past sentence no one will ever flip a page back to again. No one wants me, I have no purpose. It would make the three years pass a little bit faster, maybe once I’m out I can prove I am still deserving of those arms.

I’m not playing by a script anymore, the stage has disappeared. Emotions come rushing back as the dam has broken with that one phrase. I can’t forget about it, I can’t be denied again. Just give me something to latch onto, please.

My voice cracks and eyes water, alien sobs escape my cracked lips. Alex watches as I fall to the ground. I can’t understand why I’m crying. I don’t know what’s going on. I just know that I still feel no matter how much I want to deny. Suddenly I feel those warm arms I’ve been longing for since the first day I stepped foot into Oakwood. Alex cloaks me in kindness while I stare blankly at the dizzy walls. “Are you okay?” Alex asks.

“No.” I reply.

Alex sighs and pulls me up, “I...do you consider yourself-like...doomed? Do you think of yourself as a time bomb?”

“No, that’s idiotic.”

She looks at me with eyes that are confused, “When you get out of here, you have hope?”

I’m about to say yes, yes of course I do. I don’t even deserve to be here, I didn’t do anything. I’m fine, I-

The strong glass walls reinforced with thick creamy clay blocks  show me a reflection of a stranger. I can’t speak for her.

“I don’t know.”

“Ok.”

Alex starts walking down the hall so I follow, feeling sheepish and insecure. What just happened? Her dorm room  is void of decoration and sound, an echoless big room. 

She motions for me to go in, so I do. 

“You want to know what the cavern is?”

“Yes, obviously.”

“Ok, choose.”

She lays out three items on her bed, “Choose one.”

There is a toothbrush, a jug, and a box with cloth inside.

“How did you get this all? The toothbrush isn’t used right?”

“On my rare free days, I collect what I can.”

“You hid this? I’ve heard of smuggling phones, but a humongous jug?”

“You’d be surprised what siblings can smuggle in for you when they're giving you ‘clothes’?”

I look at the random items, “What is the point of these? What are you trying to prove, just tell me!”

She looks at me with annoyance, “Do you want to do this my way or get someone else's help. Trust me, if you really want to know you're going to do it my way. No one is as sadistic as I am to help you.”

Chapter 3:

I took the toothbrush, unsure of the faith that comes with it. I already have one so it just lies in my cabinet drawer, waiting for it’s mysterious day to arrive. I’m not sure really what or how this will lead me to the cavern. I’ve been trying it out though, in every situation I can’t really find a way to use it. So, again, my only choice is to hint a subtle lie, a little dancing shadow among the white imperial clouds. I hinder my speed from each class so Kamila’s wistful, disorganized eyes can zero in on me. Her being, well her, she’s obviously going to ‘casually’ speed up to me so she can initiate a conversation about her busy schedule. I’ll listen, or at least pretend to, while she goes on about being so tired her eyes nearly popped out from studying so she couldn’t get that one math page done and can she copy mine? 

That’s boring and I don’t have time though.

“Hey! Were you waiting up for me?” Kamila asks, tapping my shoulder.

“You can copy my math page Kamila.” I say dryly, she's not the only one who's tired from studying. 

“Excuse me?” She asks, tone offended. She walks in front of me and places her hands on her hips. “Why would you think I need that?”

“Why else would you be talking to me?” I ask, did I misread why she always sped up to me in the hallways? I’m not in any clubs, I don’t think I can help her with advice for that.

“What the hell do you mean? ‘Cause you're my friend?” Her structure relaxes a little bit, seeing my face soften into a concerned look. I wrinkled my nose a little more so I look less offensive and more defensive. ‘Slouch a bit, look down. She’s mad.’ I think to myself. It’s working.

Then the words set in and I stop for a second. The definition of a friend is a person you have a bond of mutual affection with.

“‘I’m not affectionate towards you.” I say.

Kamila looks at me with that studying eyes of hers, “Yeah, so?”

“Then we aren’t friends.”

“Yeah, but-”

“There is no “but”, that’s the exact definition of friend.”

She sighs with frustration, “Do you like garlic bread?”

“What does that have to do with-”

“Do you?”

“Yeah, I guess.”

She pulls out a dictionary from her satchel, “The definition of  like is to have love, respect, and admiration for something. Tell me, do you admire garlic bread?”

“To be honest, food is quite neutral as a whole to me-”

Her face looked tired and annoyed so I cut it off.

“No, I don’t admire garlic bread.”

Her face transforms from drowsy monday to a bright sunday morning, “Exactly!” With that, she strided off with her red sneakers bouncing off the marble floor through the endless hallways. I never got to ask her about the toothbrush.

Why are people so complicated? I don’t understand any of them. Why doesn’t anyone want anything from me here?

[rex101111]

Character concept: Aria/Justice

because I can’t get it out of my head here’s some scattered nonsense of ideas that I would like to see if Aria becomes a playable character again in the next Guilty Gear :D just like, a bunch of stuff thrown at the wall because I want these out so they won’t bother me in my head so here you go!

Intro: Shot of a hand holding a remote with a prominent red button on it, the thumb presses down on the button. Camera pans up to see a shine in the sky, followed by a huge shadow dropping swiftly down. Cut to a side view of Aria with her hands crossed as the shadow stops in front of her, a lightly altered recreation of the Gear Justice. She looks aside, at the camera and her opponent, says her opening line, before the suit opens up and she jumps inside. The suit closes around her as lights turn on all at once and the Gear, Aria, turns to her opponent with clenched claws.

opening line ideas:

Sol: “Fredrick, I want to test this thing out, don’t hold back like last time.”

“Don’t give me that look, I know you’re itching for another go.”

“I get antsy too you know, research gets boring sometimes.”

“No, I’m not mad. I am still going to beat you up though, it’s the principle of the matter.”

Dizzy: “Alright, now take a deep breath, and don’t hold back.”

“I know you don’t like fighting, but keeping your skills sharp is important.”

“You can do better then that, I know you can, I’ll drag it out of you if I need to.”

“You can’t hurt me dear, so let Necro have some fun this time, eh?”

Ky: “I need to know for certain if you can stand by her side, your majesty, so get ready.”

“A mother-in-law’s advice is healthy for any marriage, now pay close attention.”

“You never did fight Justice did you? Now’s your chance.”

“Dizzy gets a lot from me; my looks, my eyes, and my fire power.”

Baiken: “Take your anger, your pain, your hatred, and fight me!”

“I remember the feel of your blade against my armor, this time don’t miss.”

“This is your revenge, come and take it!”

“Guilt isn’t weighing me down, but I won’t sit by and let you wallow.”

Generic: “Don’t worry, this won’t hurt you, just think of it as an intense work out.”

“I installed a few new tricks into this baby, keep your guard up!”

“This isn’t the real deal, but it will be more then enough to handle you.”

Instant Kill: Aria lunches out a sort of tether to trap the opponent in place, fires a barrage of lasers, and then charges her Gammy Ray. She charges it up until the glow of it reaches the sky, and then flies towards her target to fire it, at point blank range. DESTROYED. Open to a large canyon in front of the suit, stretching out into the horizon. The suit opens and out comes Aria, grimly satisfied and the wind whipping her hair around while she says her winning line. Aria WIN!

“Asuka really went for overkill with this, didn’t he?”

“And that, is how you win a battle, even if you lose a war.”

“Most strategies fall apart when faced with overwhelming force, bigger stick always wins.”

“It may be a pale imitation, a reproduction, but this lady still packs a mean punch doesn’t she?”

Normal Victory Pose: The suits opens to let Aria step out before kneeling behind her, she leans back to sit, not at all elegantly, on it’s head with a weary sigh, reaches into her pocket to pull out a lollipop with a kind smile as she says her line before she starts eating it. Aria WIN! 

“Yikes, did I overdo it again? Sorry about that.”

“The thrusters still need tuning up, thanks for running around so much that I noticed.”

“You did well back there! A little more practice and I’ll have to work for it next time.”

“Next time, when you think of picking a fight with a laser shooting robot, don’t.”

End match quotes (AKA where I completely indulge in my HCs about Aria post Rev2):

Sol: “Hey Fredrick, remember that time I challenged you and Asuka to an arm wrestling competition? You two complained about sore wrists for weeks! *short chuckle*...brings back memories. doesn’t it?...”

Dizzy: “Very good Dizzy! Literally ever single reader and scanner on this thing burst and broke during that fight! W-wait no don’t look worried! That’s a good thing! I’m proud of you, really.”

Ky: “If I’m being honest, I really don’t get what Dizzy sees in you. Not that I’m questioning her choices, God forbid! You’re just not my type at all, bit too straight laced...though, that short hair look does suit you better, very handsome.”

Leo: “You make an odd King, Leo. But not a bad one at all! Sure, Ky may be more popular among the public, and the press love him more, and he tends to lead things more confidently and thoroughly, but you-you....Leo? Why are you sulking?”

Sin: “Well, deal’s a deal. I beat you so now you need to go back and finish your homework young man. Now don’t frown like that, only kids do that. Tell you what, finish your work quickly, and me and Fredrick’ll treat you to a big dinner, deal?”

Ramlethel: “Excellent work Ram, you’re improving very quickly! You and Sin train hard don’t you? Just try not to overindulge on those burgers after your sessions alright? Gear Biology or no those things are bad for you.”

Elphelt: “El, sweetheart, I know you have your style and all, but is the wedding dress still necessary? A place to hid your weapons sure but doesn’t it get in the way?...was I ever like that? God I hope not..oh! Nothing it’s nothing!”

Slayer: “Every single reader is either broken or glitching on me, armor cracked to hell, engine damn near exploded, exhausted my fuel and my ammunition...and here you are, lounging like it’s a holiday...what are you exactly...?” 

Potemkin: “Well! Zepp technology is certainly...hardy! Nearly overloaded my canons on you! Took me by surprise there...”

Chipp: “You really need to stop playing this silly ninja game of yours and sit down. Politics is boring as dirt but if you call yourself a president that’s your job...*sigh* I pity your secretary, truly.”

Faust: “Sorry about that...outburst, I kind of have this thing with medical procedures and needles and...well, I’m sure you understand, Doctor.”

Jam: “God it’s been ages since I had proper Chinese food, how’s your general Tsao?...why are you giving me that dirty look? Did I say something wrong?” 

May: “You pack a wallop don’t you? I thought that anchor was a toy at first but your swinging that cast iron like it’s nothing! Maybe train with someone who can teach you how to use it more directly? Who knows what kind of damage you could do...”

Zato: “...according to my scanners you don’t have a pulse...did that vampire have something to do with it? Either way, stay away from me, no offence but that shadow of yours is creepy, and coming from me that says something.”

Millia: “There are no chains on you dear, nothing holding you down and no one holding you back. Your freedom is right there, all you have to do is reach for it with both hands.”

Venom: “...you know, you remind me of this baker in downtown Ilyria, he’s a genius with bread and sugar, honestly incredible. I hope his business is doing well, I don’t know if I could make it through the day without one of his cinnamon buns.”

Baiken: “Get up. I know this isn’t all your anger, get up! Gather more hatred and fight me! Pour every ounce of pain you have into your blade and let it out! Get up! I won’t stop until you can live again, until you can let go before you tear yourself to pieces...get. Up.”

Anji Mito: “Now. You are going to behave, sit there, and tell the truth for once. Mind you this suit has a heartbeat monitor so I’ll know if you try to pull a fast one. Now, question one, what do you know?”

I-no: “...sorry for causing you so much trouble as Jack-O, my excitement kind of got away from me. Thanks for putting up with it.”

Raven: “I never did thank you for that wound you healed, did I? Of course I remember, who forgets a friend in this day and age?” 

Extra stuff/Headcannons:

* She’s like mature Jack-O personality wise, though with a rather wry sense of humor. Pokes fun at Sol every chance she gets (only calls him Fredrick, or Freddie if she wants to troll him), but always with a hint of affection. Sometimes blanks out or has her mind wonder off.

* Worked closely with Paradigm to build the suit, though she did most of the heavy work herself. Used schematics from a few of Asuka’s old hideouts and accounts from the Crusades while adding her own spin on the design. No...crotch spike. Constantly improving it and tweaking it whenever she has the time. 

* Nags Ky like a proper mother-in-law mostly just for the sake of poking fun, she trusts him with Dizzy. Wants to make up for lost time with Dizzy, though she knows she can only go so far with her being about a decade late to be a mom.

* Treats the Valentine sisters like, well, sisters almost. Little sisters. Spoils Sin rotten whenever his parents aren’t paying attention. Had a 10 hour long training session with him after he called her “grandma” once. 

* Feels a little guilty about Japan. Doesn’t exactly blame herself entirely, but she still feels some responsibility to fix some of the damage. Baiken makes that guilt double in her gut, wants her to move on because she has a vague memory of Baiken fighting Justice and failing miserably. 

* Has an odd, vague mix of memories from both Jack-O and Justice, she can just manage to keep up and make sense of them, but both at once has her needing to sit down and clutch her head because ow migraines. Also pretty much remembers everything from before she died the first time.

* Wants to punch Asuka in the nose. Also to say she forgives him and she gets why he did what he did, but first she needs to break his nose because seriously Asuka the fuck.

* Her theme would probably be some mix between “Meet Again” (Justice theme) and “Juno” (Jack-O theme), with maybe the “Diva” riff thrown in there for flavor. Slightly manic rock mix but ultimately in control and, near the end, happy. Song title would be something like “Together Again” or “Hera” (Juno’s Greek name) 

[francofogarty]

start of something new || franco && hunter

WHO: Franco Hart @submissivexhart && Hunter Clarington @hunterclaringtonswitch

WHERE: Some field on the grounds with a tree

WHEN: Sunday 2nd June in the morning

KINKS: Knifeplay and some slut shaming

NOTES: Franco goes for a jog and finds Hunter practising some knife throwing. Both boys throw caution to the wind and have a little fun.

Word Count: 3806

Franco had taken to strolling around when he was bored and today was no different. He thrown on his grey sweat pants, grey tanks and zip up jacket and taken a walk across the grounds when he saw someone throwing knives at a target. He was intrigued and walked over, keeping a safe distance as he did. He noticed one of the guys from his TPE class and smiled as a knife hit the target, "Hey Sir" he said, "Impressive" he said with a smirk, nodding his head at the target as he zipped from his bottled water.

Despite finding himself relegated to civilian life, Hunter refused to let his hard won skill stagnate and decay.  Practice was a must, especially considering his lingering injuries.  He had to adjust his stance and release and he scrapped the idea of working on knife skills with his left hand.  No, he just had to be even better with his right now.  Taking a deep breath, he aimed and threw the Perfectpoint PP-28-3BK knife, watching as it pinwheeled through the air and the leathal little point sank into the target.  He had a fondness for the small throwing knives.  Sure, they weren’t the best in close quarters combat (give him a Ari B’Lilah for that any day), but they were brutally effective. When he heard someone speak, he looked over and nodded at the other student.

Franco smirked at the other man and sighed, "Not very talkative are you" he asked. He stepped closer still and bit his lip, "I'm Franco Hart, we have classes together, Sir" he said, hoping to het a conversation going.

Hunter slipped a finger into the ring on the hilt of one of the knives, idly spinning it.  “Hunter Clarington,” he said by way of introductions.  “I don’t normally chat while I practice.  It breaks focus.”

Franco sighed, "And I don't suppose you wanna break focus and actually hold a conversation with someone Sir" he asked, a little bit irritated but trying to not let it show.

Heaving a sigh, Hunter noted the twinge in his side and walked over to the target, pulling free the knives that were already imbedded there.  “It’s all right, I was just finishing up,” he said begrudgingly, knowing that he shouldn’t overtax his injuries.  “Are you interested in knife work?”

Franco smiled and bit his lip, "I mean I'm interested in knife work sure, but not throwing them at a target" he said with a smirk. He wasn't shy and he was forward about his feelings and thoughts, "You seem to know your way around a knife Sir".

Hunter’s eyes tracked the other boy’s movements.  “I was in the Army,” he said, walking over to where the knife roll and whetstone lay.  “They teach you some skills there and I always had an affinity for blades.”  A part of him noted that the other boy was quite attractive, but he tried to ignore that.  “If not throwing, what’s your interest?”

Franco laughed more to himself then anything else, "Army man, impressive Sir" he thought for a moment before answering the next question and bit his lip as he did, "I erm, let's just say me and my boyfriend enjoyed knives sometimes".

Hunter raised a brow at his response, chastising his disco for twitching with interest.  “Knives aren’t toys,” he said gruffly.  “Playing with them sexually can be very dangerous.  Must be a kinky little sub to get off on that kind of thing.”

"Yeah well we didn't play with them often but they sometimes made an appearance" he smirked and then laughed again, "Little? I ain't little sir, people often think I'm a Dom but alas, I feel weak when I'm around an attractive Dom".

Tipping his head to the side, Hunter fingered one of his knives.  “People who think you’re a dom are clearly fools,” he said, then, before he could help it, he asked, “Are you feeling weak now?”

"Fools" he said feigning mock hurt, "This physique can be misleading" he said with a cocky grin. He raised an eyebrow and gulped, "Well, you are an attractive Dom so I'd go with a little".

“Physiques can be misleading,” Hunter said, wetting his lips slightly.  He wanted...something he’d never really allowed himself to acknowledge.  “If I was into guys, I’d say you’re not bad looking yourself.”  It was a lame comeback, but desire was at war with a lifetime of repression and thus his game was impaired.

Franco nodded and then heard the comment, "Not into guys huh?" He said with a smirk before adding, "Well, that is a shame". He sighed, "An army man like yourself, probably really good at the kind of things I like".

Hunter still watched to other young man warily.  “Clarington’s don’t do that.  It’s unacceptable,” he said, good hand tightening on the hilt of his knife.  “Really now?  What kind of things might those be?”  He told himself that scenes did not have to be inherently sexual, but...who was he kidding?

"Claringtons aren't gay?" He said, raising an eyebrow, "Anyone can be gay Sir". He sighed and laughed, "We are both in TPE class right? I think that gives away the kind of thing I'm into". He paused, "I used to have a Dom boyfriend, I know alot about this life".

“My father would express a very different and...forceful opinion,” Hunter told him, then nodded.  “TPE is essential I think.  If one is going to be dominant, it’s important to be able to take control.”  He considered this and said, “So you knew you were a sub before coming to Lima Heights then...or at least strongly suspected.”

Franco shook his head, "My parents were really accepting and considering my dad's a pastor, I was shocked". He paused and thought about the question, "Like I said, I had a Dom boyfriend in school. He ended up going elsewhere. So it would have shocked me to get anything else".

Hunter nodded.  “And you’re looking for some familiar fun.  Nothing serious or emotional...I might be willing to try that,” he said, then coughed and shook himself, running a thumb along the flat of the blade.  “There are, after all, no rules that states all scenes must be sexual in nature.”

Franco shrugged his shoulders, "Yeah maybe that's it" be said, having not thought about it, "I guess familiar is what I'm looking for get over it". He watched as Hunter played with the knife, "No they don't Sir, scenes can be non sexual".

In a swift movement, Hunter spun the knife in his hand and stepped closer, blade grazing Franco’s neck but not so much as drawing blood.  “Limits and safeword then,” Hunter said, eyes dark and serious.

Franco lifted his head, stretching his neck as he felt the knife against it, a desperate energy running through him. He gulped and nodded, "Vore, Scat, Vomit, ageplay and enclosed spaces and safeword is Red".

Turning the blade slightly, Hunter pressed the flat of it against Franco’s throat and dragged it over the skin.  “Easy enough to remember,” he said, pushing Franco back until he was leaning up against the tree.  “Hands on the bark, Pretty Boy,”

Franco felt something in him stir and the actions sent him a little wild. Backed up against the tree, he dropped his hands to his side, keeping his neck flexed so more of it was accessible, and placed his hands on either side of him, his palms flat against the tree bark, “As you wish, Sir” he breathed out, gulping once again.

Tipping his head to the side, Hunter hummed, “Now...what am I going to do with you...anything I want, isn’t that right?”  He turned the blade again, dragging it along Franco’s jaw.  “Look at that, sharp enough to give you a close shave.”

Franco nodded, his confidence still there and only increasing. He was never one to shy away from anything, “Any thing you want, Sir” he breathed, holding off calling himself a slut until he knew Hunter could handle the fact he was a man. He felt the blade against his jaw and bit his lip, hiding the moan desperate to escape him, “Lucky for us I’m clean shaven” he breathed out.

The heat of the moment emboldened Hunter and he stepped closer, pressing his firm body against Franco’s.  He could feel the boy’s cock against his hip and knew his own was pressed against Franco’s abs.  “They say power is an aphrodisiac...is giving it up one for you or are you just a horny boy?”

Franco felt Hunters body against his and it did nothing for helping him keep himself calm. He felt surprised at the move, considering ‘Claringtons didn’t do that’ but he kept his comment to himself, “Giving up power is a complete aphrodisiac” he said, a just audible whisper, “I’m also a completely horny slut” he said, finally letting himself break a little.

Hunter sucked in a breath, feeling his heart pounding.  This was...not quite like any scene he’d allowed himself to imagine but holy shit.... “You are, aren’t you?” Hunter half growled, taking the knife away from Franco’s skin to spin it lazily before gliding it along the other side of the boy’s jaw.  “Bet I could slice through your clothes and bend you over and you’d love it.”

Franco nodded, gulping as he felt the knife against his jaw once again and he raised an eyebrow, "You sure know I would, but I'm pretty sure this place has rules about wandering around naked and I ain't getting punished by them... Maybe you, but not them, Sir".

Hunter snorted.  “You really don’t know what goes on here, do you?  Be prepared to see all kinds of naked people and more than occasional public fucking,” he said, shifting his leg to push a strong thigh between Franco’s.  “Guess we’re both learning something new today.”

Franco felt the movement in between his legs and looked down, still mindful of the knife near his skin, "I guess we both are but it isn't very clear what you are learning, Sir" he said with a smirk. Franco was normally very cocky and this was no different.

The knife sank into the tree bark beside Franco’s ear.  His hips arched, letting the other boy feel his hard cock between their bodies.  “Pretty clear I’m learning The Colonel will have another reason to hate me if he finds out,” Hunter said, his good hand, now free, clasping Franco’s neck, thumb brushing his Adam’s apple.  “Can you keep a secret, Pretty Boy, or should we stick to playing with sharp things?”

Franco felt the knife go into the tree bark and then he felt Hunter's cock and he tried to hide the amused look on his face, "What he doesn't know, can't hurt him right?" he said, turning his head a little. As he felt Hunter's hand on his throat he gulped, letting him feel his Adam's apple move, "I'm the best at keeping secrets... Dirty little secrets".

“Good,” Hunter replies curtly, though inside he was thinking Thank God .   He wrenched the knife free and hooked the tip into the neck of Franco’s shirt.  “Tell me now if you want the shirt in one piece.”

Franco watched as Hunter removed the knife from the tree and smirked, "You know, I have other jogging clothes in my room, do your worst.... Sir".

The sharp knife sliced through the cotton like it was made of tissue paper.  For the first time, Hunter brought his injured hand into play, pushing the shirt back to bare Franco’s chest.  Then the flat of the knife smoothed over the boy’s pectoral, circling the little nipple.

Franco felt the shirt fell away with ease and gave a nod, "Crap material" he breathed out but he was cut of when he felt the knife on his pecs and playing on his nipple, "Mhmm" he moaned out, "Shouldn't feel good... Does feel good".

With a flick of his wrist, the cool, flat metal slapped the bud of Franco’s nipple.  Hunter smirked.  “Someone likes a bit of danger,” he mused before letting the knife play down the other boy’s abs.

Franco flinched but not cause of the knife, cause of the sudden movement on his nipple. He felt the cool blade move down towards his abs and gulped, "Didn't harm no one to live a little dangerously, did it Sir..." he paused before smirking and adding, "You seem to enjoy it too"

“Well of course, I’m the one who enjoys throwing knives and is...was an exceptional knife fighter,” Hunter said, pausing before the knife hit Franco’s pants.  “Either strip or I cut them off too.”

Franco noticed the change in wording but choose to ignore it for the time being. He scoffed and moved his hands down to his trousers, "Don't fancy the trek back to my room completely naked" he breathed out, as he pushed his trousers and pants down, slipping them off as quickly as he could, "Even if I have nothing to be ashamed off".

“No you don’t,” Hunter agreed before carefully pulling off his own shirt and revealing the shrapnel and surgery scars that covered his left shoulder and side.  He wasn’t ashamed of them, though he had really been going shirtless lately.  Shaking his head to banish the thought, he ran his eyes over Franco and, in a bold move, wrapped a hand around the other boy’s dick.

Franco had moved his hands back to the tree when Hunter took his shirt off. He noticed the marks and wanted desperately to touch them but he kept his hands down. As he was about to ask, he felt the hand on his dick and he gasp, "Fuck" he breathed, "Could have warned me Sir" he smirked.

“Where’s the fun in that?” Hunter said, his hand moving along Franco’s cock.  Though he was new to guy on guy action, he wasn’t stupid.  “Wish we had some lube,” he muttered, then smiled.  “Another time.  Don’t think you’d much like me trying to fuck your tight ass dry, slut or no.”

Franco smirked, "Such a shame but you are right... We'll just have to arrange another time". He looked down at Hunter's cock and bit his lip, "Bet you could choke someone with that" he said

Hunter cocked a brow at him.  “I think you should see if that’s the case,” he said, stepping over toward a rock that was used as a bench.  His hand remained on Franco’s cock and he used it almost like a lead to make the other boy follow.  Kicking off his pants, he sat, cock hard and jutting up proudly.  “You want this?”

Franco followed, not running the risk of not doing so, his cock firmly in Hunter's hand. As Hunter sat down, he licked his lip and dropped down to his knees without being told, "Yes Sir, please let me suck your cock. Please let me suck it whilst you fuck my mouth".

“Fuck,” Hunter hissed, his cock twitching at the sub’s words.  “Go ahead then.”  He’d never had a guy’s mouth on him and wondered faintly if it would feel different than a girl’s...but he realized that was silly.  Slightly rougher skin would bump his thigh on occasion, but the inside of Franco’s mouth was hot, warm and wet... A little groan escaped Hunter and he reached out, fingers winding into Franco’s hair as he guided the boy’s mouth up and down.

As soon as he was given permission, Franco started working on Hunter's cock. Moving up and down slowly at first, swirling his tongue as he came up, licking over the head and then going back down again. When he felt Hunter's hands in his hair, he moaned with cock in his mouth and started moving faster, wanting nothing more then to please the man in front of him.

Hunter watched Franco’s dark hair bobbing over his lap and his breathing sped up.  “You’re just gagging for it, aren’t you?”  He hummed, tugging to force Franco to take him deeper.  “Bet you do this a lot, come out looking for someone to choke you on their dick.  Fuck, I can see your on cock leaking...go ahead and play with yourself.  I know you want to.”

Franco groaned at the words but they encouraged him and he forced himself to go as deep as possible, holding until he gagged and coming back up. He reached his hand around to his own cock and started stroking, "Just fucking gagging for it Sir. Such a needy whore" he breathed out before returning his mouth to Hunter's cock

“Should start carrying lube in your pockets,” Hunter teased, then grunted.  “Fuck, I bet you have a nice, tight ass.  Love to stretch you open and fuck you  until you cum.  When I do, you don’t get to touch your dick then.  Gonna make you cum on my cock.”

Franco didn't respond, he just continued to suck Hunters dick. When Hunter talked about what he wanted to do, he showed his interest by switching to deep throating the other man, his nose touching Hunter's chest, holding until he gagged and pulled back, "Fuck I want that so bad" he breathed out, "Fuck your cock is so good".

The praise was nice and Hunter moaned every time he was deepthroated.  “Fuck...you want to be the first guy I fuck, don’t you, Pretty Boy?  All these years and I never cracked...till you came jogging up.”  He didn’t know why today he had just...given in to his desires, but damn did it feel good to let loose.

Franco scoffed around Hunter's dick and brought himself back up, taking a few breathes, "Fuck yeah I want to be the first guy you fuck" he said, nodding his head, "I want to be the first guy to do most things... I'm fucking needy like that" and he went straight back to Hunter's cock, forcing himself down once again as he continued to stroke his cock.

Hunter couldn’t dwell on what that meat at the moment and he chuckled.  “We can have plenty of fun then, Needy Slut,” he said with a snap of his hips, fucking into Franco’s throat.  “Army teaches you how to have stamina to spare.”  He had a feeling he might need it to keep up with Franco.

Franco gagged, drool coating his chin as Hunter fucked into his mouth. He placed one hand on the seat next to Hunter and the other still on his cock, stroking himself, pleasure rushing through him. He didn't take his mouth of Hunter's dick to respond, instead choosing to moan around the cock filling his mouth and throat.

This was far more fun than Hunter had ever dared to imagine and he found feel every time Franco choked on his cock.  Fuck, that was hot.  “You getting close, Pretty Boy?”  He asked.  “When you are, I want you to get up.  Want to wrap my hand around both our cocks and jerk us off together.”

Franco continued to suck for a few more minutes and then he nodded and pulled himself of off Hunter, standing as ordered and flexing his neck, "So fucking close" he breathed out, "Please Sir".

Surging to his feet, Hunter stepped in close to Franco and wrapped his right hand around their cocks.  The spit on his dick made the slide easier as he jerked them together, keeping intense eye contact with the sub as he breathed hard, chasing their release.

Franco groaned hard as Hunter started stroking their cocks together and he thrusts his hips into the movement, "Fuck... fuck" he breathed out, "I'm gunna fucking cum" and before he could stop himself, he came all over Hunter's hand, moaning hard as he did.

Seeing the other man fall apart as he came pushed Hunter over the edge and he hissed out a curse as he came hard.  His hand was still working their cock, cum smearing all over the shafts and he pumped.  “Oh, fuck,” he huffed, cheeks pink for exertion.

Franco took deep breathes to ride through his orgasm and looked down at their cocks a smirk creeping on his face as he lent in and whispered into Hunter's ear, "You want me to clean that up?"

Okay, so that made his spent dick twitch and Hunter hissed for a moment before nodding.  “Get down there, Pretty Boy,” he said, then smirked.  “I’ll be out here practicing every other afternoon if you happen to jog by again.”

Franco smirked, "Maybe next time, I'll make sure I have lube in my pocket" he breathed out, dropping back down to his knees. He sucked on Hunter's cock, cleaning up the cum that was there and then he reached for Hunter's hand, licking up what had gotten on there, "Bet you'd like for me to come by again?"

Hunter watched Franco lick his hand, then smirked.  “I think we’d both enjoy the chance to come together again, don’t you?”

Franco rolled his eyes a little at the wording, "I know I would like to see you a little more often but I assume, on your terms Sir? Being that I'm your dirty little secret now?"

“Definitely a dirty secret,” Hunter said, taking a breath.  “I can have friends though.  Nothing stopping us from socializing on occasion.  And No one has to know what goes on behind closed doors, do they?”

Franco smirked as he finished cleaning up what mess he could with his tounge and then stood himself back up, "Oh I like to have friends, especially one as hot as you, Sir" he said with a smirk.

Hunter quirked a brow at him.  “Stop by sometime and I’ll show you my big knives,” he said, spinning the small knife in his hand.

Franco bit down on his lip and looked to the floor, "Sure, when?" he breathed out, walking to his clothes and pulling on his trousers. He picked up the remains of his top and walked back to Hunter, "I can be available to you whenever. Just message me my orders". 

“I will in a few days...heck, maybe you shouldn’t shave and I’ll give you one before I fuck you,” he teased, thinking that definitely sounded like a plan.

Franco didn't even need to think about as he nodded, "I can do that Sir. I can go without shaving" he breathed out, "I'd really enjoy that".

Hunter finished righting his own clothes.  “I’ll look forward to seeing you then,” he said, then stepped away and flung the knife at the target.  It hit wit a thud, dead center in the bullseye

Franco watched the move but didn't say anything and shook is head walking away. He was pretty damn impressed with what he'd done today and he couldn't wait to get that message.

[ravychan]

Storming Hearts Part One: Icy Walls

   Storming Hearts Sweat dripped down her back, pulling back the string focusing once again listening she could hear arrows hitting their targets. “I can do this,” she muttered to herself a few times. Poised, she released her arrow and it hit the center of the target making a thunk sound. Applause erupted throughout the crowd, she bowed towards the crowd with a smile. Despite appearances, the sound barreled against her head like a truck. Her breath became ragged, sweat increased, her mind screamed to run away. Unable to take anymore, she dashed out of the arena. Running until she found a quiet area in the arena's back, she took in deep breaths she felt faint but needed to get control back over her mind, there was still a second part of the competition. Having calmed down, she made her way to the stables where her best friend awaited her. As she entered the stable, she greeted her horse with soft pats,” Shadow are you ready? We’re up soon for the next part,” she told her horse with affection. The black horse reared its head and moved its hoof in the hay as if that were its response. Smiling, she saddled her horse up, shrugged her bow and quiver to her back and walked Shadow out of the stall. She walked to the waiting point and then mounted the horse, after hearing the whistle she nudged Shadow in the side with the tip of her tow and whipped the reins to get him to move. He let out a neigh and galloped back into the arena. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her bow from the quiver and readied it. A whistle blew and she nudged Shadow as she grabbed an arrow from her quiver. Narrowing her eyes at the first target, she drew in a breath and let the first arrow go. Target after target she did this, while her horse galloped, she shot the arrows into the target. Having hit the center of each target she had received a perfect score. Once more, applause filled the arena she bowed to each side of the arena and left. On the way out, she had seen two people she had not expected to see there, her parents. Dismounting her horse, she leaned against him smiling she had done it, she won. Though, with that thought came another, it was what they expected of her. As that thought crossed her mind, she looked at her horse and then the ground and walked him to the stable not wanting to think about her parents' comments upon their return. Dragging her feet, she started on the way back home she knew what to expect once she arrived. Thoughts raced through her mind the entire time she was walking home, she wanted them to be proud and wondered if this time it would be different. Stepping across the threshold of the archery dojo she had grown up in two people waited for her. A small, petite woman with black hair smiled at her as she approached the two of them,” good job, sweetie,” she praised with a kiss to the forehead. However, the man standing to her had his arms crossed with a stern expression,” You didn’t do bad, but you got lazy again,” he sneered at her. Clinching her fist until it was white, she looked to the ground. What was she expecting? Once again, she had not earned his approval. The woman frowned with worry as she looked between the two and ushered her husband into the dojo leaving their daughter standing at the door. Tears threatened to fall but she would not allow it, taking a deep breath she walked forward and made her way to her room. Eyes narrowed she slammed the door and collapsed on her bed hitting the pillow with her fists several times in a row, then she put her face into it letting out a scream. The following day, she rose with the sun as she often did. Stretching as she got out of bed, she gazed out the window seeing her father practicing. She recalled the time when she was small and loved to watch him and declared she would be as good as he was someday. A wry smile spread across her face, she left her room after she got dressed. Approaching him, he turned and looked her way,” Need something?” He asked as he lowered his bow. “I thought we could practice together like we used to when I was a small child,” she told him with a hoping smile. He shook his head,” Luciel you may think you are good because of all of the victories you have won; however, you have forgotten the fundamentals of my teaching,” he informed her with a scowl. Confused, she looked at him not understanding what he was meaning,” I have trained very hard to get to where I am father, I don’t understand what you mean,” she admitted as panic rose. Sighing he looked at her and placed his bow on a table behind him,” You practice archery to win, not because you love it. You expect to win every time, you wish to prove that you are the best, that is not why I taught you the bow,” he explained. “I taught you so you would come to love the sport not show off in front of crowds which you can’t even handle. How many times did you hide today I wonder, hm?” he challenged as he shot a glare at her. Biting down on her lower lip, she looked towards the ground,” I don’t play to win or show off, I want you to admit that I am good at something, that you are proud of me!” she yelled, with that she had run to her room to gather her satchel with a few items she may need at some point. Pencils, some paper, her sewing kit and her phone. On the way out of her room she grabbed her jacket and her case which held her bow and quiver filled with arrows. Not even looking his way, she ran out of the dojo not stopping until she made it to the nearby bus stop. None of them knew those would be the last words they would ever say to each other. A bus approached the stop, she boarded and found a seat. For a half hour she rode the bus until it stopped at the shrine of Honno-Ji. This had been her favorite place to go when she was angry since she was a small child. Despite the cryptic history it held, when she visited, she felt at peace. Once the bus arrived, she got off the bus and left for the main part of the temple, the history of the battle of Honno-Ji. Fascinated with the pictures put up all around her, she was in her own world. A man approached her in a lab coat with brown hair and eyes with glasses. The weather changed for the worst, rain fell, and a strong wind blew around her and this strange man. Alarmed by the sudden change she turned around and was surprised to see him there. Stepping back, she looked at him wide-eyed,” Who are you?” she asked as she gripped the bottom of her shirt, playing with the fabric to calm herself. “I am a physics student from the college- “before he could finish his sentence a hole appeared in the sky between the two of them. His eyes widened and he turned towards Luciel,” watch out, miss” he tried to warn her, but it was too late. The wormhole had sucked the two of them into it. As she stirred, she looked around to see where she was, it was a battlefield filled with the sound of clashing metal. Fear gripped at her once she sat up and saw just where she was, clenching her hand around the case which held her bow she sucked in a breath, slowly she stood moving her silver hair behind her shoulder. She had been wearing her school uniform as she was planning to go to school after her visit to the shrine. This, she was not expecting to happen she wasn’t sure where she was, but it looked nothing like her home. From the distance, a man was watching her curious of how she came to be on the battlefield. It was no place for a girl, he thought to himself. As he made his choice, he nudged his horse with his foot and went to where the girl was standing looking like she would break if pushed too much further. He picked her up and placed her on his horse without a word. She pushed against his chest,” let me go!” she demanded continuing to push against his chest. Her purple eyes darted in every direction as if looking for a way to escape. The man chuckled at her reactions, “You remind me of a kitten, lass. When captured you want to be free,” he told her amused. She looked at the man with a sharp glare, “I’m not a kitten,” she told him as she continued to struggle. She eyed him from head to foot, he was wearing black and blue samurai armor, he had an eyepatch over one eye and the other she saw was blue and his hair was like a coffee color. As she looked at him, she deduced that she was in the past. Despite knowing, she only knew she wanted to get away from him and this battlefield. The only thing that came to mind was to use his blind side against him, so she took the case with her bow and hit it on the other side of his head, causing him to drop her in surprise. Dropping onto her feet, she ran from the battlefield she ran until she was a good distance from the battlefield. Breathing hard she leaned over grabbing her knees and then she leaned against a tree. Sighing realizing that she was no where near her comfort zone, she sunk to the base of the tree and hugged her knees but not releasing her bow. She hadn’t realized she was still near enough to the battlefield so the man she ran from could see her. His eye watched her from his horse though most would be upset if smacked by a bow he let out a laugh,” she is an interesting girl, I only want to know her more,” he muttered as he returned to the battle at hand. The battle raged on until the sun was setting, once it finished the man from earlier came to her and picked her up once again this time not allowing her to hit him. “You are a feisty little kitten, lass,” he told her as he secured her on his horse. Once he was sure she wouldn’t get away he rode off following the rest of the army. The only calm she got was from touching the hair on the horse’s neck, the man watched in interest thinking her behavior odd, yet he let her do as she wished for the time. Once they reached Azuchi castle, he took her off the horse taking her bow’s case from her he escorted her inside to the main hall. In the main hall, a man sat on the dais looking at her and the men that sat on either side of her in two rows. The man behind her pushed her forward causing her to step forward. The man sitting on the dais had black hair with red eyes and he wore a black kimono and was holding a fan in his hand. “The Daimyo of this castle,” she muttered to herself recounting what she had learned in history. The man rose to his feet and stepped closer to her. “A woman on my battlefield, now why were you on the battlefield?” he asked as he looked down at her. She swallowed hard, nerves acted up as they often did when under pressure. She fidgeted with her fingers as she responded,” I don’t know how I go there,” he looked at her in disbelief. “How could you possibly not know how you go there?” he challenged as he stepped even closer to her, as if to intimidate her.” I told you I don’t know. Look, I woke up on your field ok? This man grabbed me, I hit him with my bow case and ran off and then he came and got me again after I had left your battlefield,” she snapped as she grabbed her skirt with both of her hands. He looked over at the other man as if trying not to laugh,” Masamune, she hit you with that case?” he laughed at the man. Grumbling he nodded,” Yes, Lord Nobunaga,” he confirmed. Snickers were heard around the room causing Masamune to glare at them,” She took me by surprise, she hit me on my blind side,” he growled. Nobunaga held up his hand calling for silence, “What a cheeky girl we have on our hands,” he announced with a smirk. Some of the other men agreed with him as they snickered once again. A man wearing a yellow kimono stood, “As fascinating as she may be m'Lord what do you plan to do with her?” he asked his green eyes piercing through her like daggers. Nobunaga thought for a moment,” You make a good point, Ieuasu; we need to think of what to do with her.” Murmurs spread around the room discussing amongst each other what to do with her. The sound getting too loud for her, she covered her ears and she sunk to the floor. She couldn’t run so this was all she could do. As she sunk to the floor the room went silent as they all looked at her. Not realizing it herself, she had been whispering,” They’re just talking, it’s fine the sound will stop,” none of them had seen such behavior before. Masamune reached out to touch her, “Don't!” she snapped causing him to put his hand at his side. A few of the men watched not sure how to react to what they had just seen. A man in a green and red kimono stood, his green eyes looking concerned as he ran his hand through his sandy hair,” Lord Nobunaga, perhaps we should have her stay with us for the time until we learn about how she got here,” the man suggested. Nobunaga looked at him and thought for a moment,” Very well Hideyoshi I will allow this, are there any objections?” he asked as he snapped his fan open and closed as he walked back to the dais. No one spoke up,” Hideyoshi, you will be in charge of her care while she is here, make sure she doesn’t get into trouble,” Nobunaga ordered and Hideyoshi bowed and responded,” understood, m’Lord,” everyone in the room had then been dismissed. He walked over to the girl and held his hand out to her, she looked up at him uncertain but slowly took his hand and stood. “This way to your room,” he told her looking at her waiting for her to follow him. Despite not being asked to, Masamune followed the two of them. In midwalk, Hideyoshi stopped and looked at Masamune,” Why are you following us?” he asked him with an irritated tone. Masamune laughed,” well I can’t hold onto her bow forever, now can I?” he asked as he shrugged. Hideyoshi sighed and continued walking. It looked like a prisoner was being escorted from onlookers, Hideyoshi was in front, Luciel in the middle and Masamune following behind her. Once they reached the room, Hideyoshi showed her in he made it no secret he did not trust her. Masamune left her bow’s case next to the door,” Be smart now, lass don’t use that on anyone, or it will get bad for you,” he warned. He looked at her for a moment muttering to himself, he looked at her from her silver hair down to her school shoes she wore,” This outfit just won’t do, you will have visitors later try not to hit them with your bow,” he advised with a smirk as he left her room. She looked towards the door as he left the room. She looked around the room, it was a beautiful large room. “This is larger than my room was,” she muttered as she walked around the room. Meanwhile, Masamune stopped where some of the maids were chattering,” I need your help lasses, and I want none of this gossip here,” he told the girls as they bowed as he approached. “We apologize Lord Masamune, it won’t happen again. What did you need our help with?” One of the maids asked. “I want you to go to her room, and get her dimensions for clothes, without gossiping about her or making her feel uncomfortable,” he ordered,” I will wait her until you finish to make it quick,” he added as he motioned for the girls to be on their way, they bowed and left for Luciel’s room. Hearing a knock at the door, Luciel slid the door open seeing the maids she had a confused expression,” can I help you?” she asked as she looked between the three of them.” We are here on orders of Lord Masamune to get your sizing for clothes,” one of them said with a smile. Luciel thought for a moment, she looked at them realizing their smiles were fake she reluctantly allowed them in the room. They went to work right away measuring her from head to toe. “Thank you,” one of them said on their way out as they slid the door closed and returned to Lord Masamune, they handed Masamune the written sizes down. “Here you are Lord Masamune, as you ordered her sizing,” they didn’t hide their disdain to the task they had been asked to do. He smiled,” thank you lasses, have a good day now,” he nodded to them as he took the paper and went on his way. With the slip in his hand, Masamune left for the town nearby, entering the bustling market he looked around for a suitable place to make her clothes. The ones she wore just wouldn’t do he thought to himself. As he walked, he was distracted by a store with hairpins, among the collection there was one with a purple lotus and butterflies, “that would match her eyes,” he muttered to himself. Looking at the merchant he pointed to the hairpin,” I’ll take that one,” he told the man. He nodded to him and handed the hairpin to him in a bag and Masamune paid the man and then continued on his way. Finally reaching his destination, he looked at the different kinds of fabrics with the help of the merchant. He paid the merchant,” Now remember I want the red one to be for a formal attire and the other to be for comfort for an archer type, I expect it done within two days,” he told the man. Swallowing hard, the merchant nodded as he accepted the money. Meanwhile back at the castle, Nobunaga had company while he sat on the dais. A man with silver hair and golden eyes, wearing a white and blue kimono stood before him,” There is no information on this girl anywhere, though you also never thought to ask her name either,” the man sneered. The other was a man with silver and purple eyes, with a calm smile on his face,” Her garb doesn’t seem to be from around here Lord Nobunaga,” the man told him. This man unlike the other wore purple and grey colors for his kimono. Nobunaga thought for a moment and stood,” very well, one of you get to know her and learn what you can about her. I don’t care who, just do it politely and without scaring her,” he ordered as he waved the two off. Bowing, the two men left the room and walked outside of the room. “Mitsuhide, this is rather odd for you to not find any information about someone,” the man in purple said with a smile. Mitsuhide looked at the other man with a sideways glance,” Mitsunari, that only means one thing if I have no information, she’s not from here,” he snapped irritably. Mitsunari nodded in agreement,” This is true, and her clothing is odd, perhaps the best one to question her would be Masaune she’s had interactions with him already,” he suggested. Mitsuhide thought for a moment,” Do what you want, I am curious about her so I think I will go tease her,” he told Mitsunari with a fox-like grin causing him to sigh shaking his head. He walked off towards her room acting as if he wasn’t up to something, though anyone who knew him knew there wasn’t a time he wasn’t scheming something. Reaching his door, he knocked, Luciel slid the door open and when she saw who it was, she was about to close it again though he stopped it. “You would close the door on my face, how rude,” he told her with a grin. She shot him a glare,” What do you need?” she asked as she crossed her arms across her chest,” Nothing much, I just want to get to know you better is all,” he told her with that same fox-like grin. “Well, I don’t want to tell you anything about me,” she snapped. His smile turned to a frown,” not even a name?” he asked feigning he had been hurt. She looked over at him,” My name is Lucie Tihomira now get out,” she told him as she shoved him out the door. Stunned he looked back at the now closed door and shrugged,” I got her name at least,” he admitted with a smile as he then walked off. Seeing Mitsunari, he stopped for a moment, “Her name is Luciel Tihomira,” he told him as he approached him. “Did you get any other information?” he asked him with a look of concern,” No, she shoved me out of her door,” he told him laughing about what had happened. Mitsunari sighed as his shoulders drooped,” This may not be as easy as we thought it would be,” he admitted looking down the direction her room was in. As he said that, Masamune was walking towards them seeming in high spirits. “What are you so happy about?” Mitsuhide asked as he saw Masamune. Masamune stopped and looked at each of the other men,” Oh, I just finished going shopping and found some cute things for our guest,” he told the two of them with a smile. The two looked at each other,” Then you wouldn’t mind trying to get her to tell you things about her? Mitsuhide could get her name but was shoved out the door otherwise,” Mitsunari told him. Masamune thought for a moment,” she seems to be defensive with anyone so I can’t make promises, but I will try,” he told the other two. “Oh thank you, Masamune we weren’t getting anywhere and we were ordered to get information from her without making her uncomfortable or fearful,” he informed him. “He said he didn’t care who got the information though,” Mitsuhide added. “Very well, I will do what I can then,” Masamune assured the two men. The two men left to attend to their other responsibilities, smirking Masamune walked to Luciel's room and knocked. Reluctantly, she opened the door and looked to see who it was, “ Did you need something?” she asked peeking out of the corner of the open door. He opened the door more and pulled her out next to him,” Yes, as a matter of a fact I do, but it requires that you come with me, lass,” he informed her as he pulled her down the corridor,” Hey where are you taking me?!” she demanded as she followed his lead. He looked back at her as he walked,” it’s a surprise, lass,” he told her as he continued walking. Unbeknownst to them they were being watched by Nobunaga from his window, smiling he closed the window turning to Mitsunari and Mitsuhide,” It appears you were right to choose him to deal with her, he’s taking her to town. Managed to not get shoved out of her room too,” he told the two as he looked directly at Mitsuhide laughing. He looked to the side embarrassed,” I wasn’t being serious with her, besides I got her name for you,” he all but grumbled. “Regardless, I think this will be good for that girl I only hope that whatever happened here doesn’t happen in town. There is no saying if people will understand why she does that. I still don’t understand it,” he said this more to himself than the two men sitting opposite of him. Mitsunari thought for a moment, “ it seems that it triggers with loud sounds and crowds,” he told them. They looked at him in thought unsure what to think. At the market Masamune was showing Luciel the town, as they went through the town her grip on his hand got tight suddenly. He stopped and looked at her alarmed, what's wrong?” he asked her. It was as if he were talking to her through a tunnel because it sounded so far away to her. The sound all around her was getting to be too much. Her body was shaking as he noticed her trembling, he pulled her close to his body. Clinging to his chest, pulling air in and out she tries to calm down, to her surprise he takes his hand and strokes the back of her head as a mother would a frightened child. “Sound and crowds, “ he muttered to himself as he allowed her the time to calm down.

[beccaraecarter]

In Your Arms- V

☾- Mentions of abuse, both physical and verbal (but not that much)

He was in a meeting when it happened.

He handed his phone to Yoongi, making sure his partner knew what to do if any messages come through.

He didn’t think about her and if she had texted him.

Which lead him to a bit of a standoff between him and his best friend.

“Yoongi hyung… Give me the phone please…” Namjoon says lowly. “What makes you think I should? You lied to me about the girl. Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t call the police and report her and you?” Yoongi states.

He can tell he hurt his friend, but Yoongi Hyung needs to understand his reasoning. “Yoongi Hyung, please, let me explain why I couldn’t tell you-” “It doesn’t matter you lied to me!” Yoongi abruptly cuts him off. “You don’t understand Yoongi, she needs me.” Namjoon tried to explain, but he could tell Yoongi wasn’t having it.

“Hyung please trust me. I need to protect her. I need to be with her. I-” he doesn’t even finish his sentence when he realizes what he was about to say next.

I love her.

Holy shit, I love her.

“Please Namjoon-ah… Why should I believe anything you say? Why would you want to help a helpless hybrid?” Yoongi questioned.

“Because I love her! There! Now give me my phone to see what she said or so help me god, you are going to regret it.” Namjoon says in one breath.

Yoongi just stares at him. As if he is contemplating on what to do. Namjoon has never really felt threatened, but for the sake of Mina and Jimin’s protection… He was willing to hurt his one best friend so that both hybrids would not be harmed.

They stand like that for the longest time. And during that time, Namjoon sees Yoongi’s fist holding the phone lower. Namjoon doesn’t do anything. He doesn’t want to tick off the elder; afraid of what Yoongi might do in case the elder changed his mind.

After minutes just standing there and staring at each other, Yoongi gives up. He walks over to Namjoon slowly, and hands Namjoon the phone.

He watches his friend sit on one of the couches and sigh in defeat. Namjoon looks at the message. His eyes widen at the message and he knew he had to do something.

“Yoongi Hyung, let me ask you something. Why are acting this way? I understand about the whole lying thing, I get it and I’m sorry I lied to you. But I want to protect her. You only know her name, but you don’t know her story. You don’t know what she went through everyday. You don’t understand how dumb and prejudice you look right now. You haven’t walked a mile in her shoes, so why were you so quick to judge somebody like that? She is not a bad hybrid, nor a disease most people call them. Yoongi, you need to do some serious self-evaluating on your life, and your choices. I am really disappointed in you. I thought you were better than that.” Namjoon said.

He hears Yoongi huff out in frustration. He couldn’t really believe he went off on his own best friend like that, but Namjoon had enough.

He wasn’t about to let people just treat hybrids like that. Physically, or verbally.

Namjoon goes over to his desk, and gathers some of his things. Shuffling around his papers, he hears the door slam. When he looks up, he sees that Yoongi left. Namjoon sighs deeply. Yoongi probably will never respect his feelings, despite being friends.

He looks over at his phone and he sees that Hoseok was calling. He answers his phone, “Hey Hoseok-” “What the hell was that kind of message Namjoon? You promised you would protect her.” He hears Hoseok ranting.

“Believe me Hoseok hyung! I am protecting her! I gave my phone to my friend, and I didn’t think she would text me today! I’m heading over to the apartment right now.” Namjoon said.

“Bad idea! The cops are after hybrids! Half Bloods! It’s better to stay away from her and Jimin. It would be the better thing for them. I can’t lose them… And I know you and Mina can’t lose each other.” Hoseok replied. Namjoon huffed. He knew it was a dangerous option, but he had no choice.

He hopes his idea can work.

“What if they stay with me?” Namjoon offered. “Another bad idea! You’re famous! They would easily be caught.” Hoseok sighed.

“I didn’t say it had to be in the city…. I own a small cabin out north of the city…. You could use that to help hold any hybrids that need to hide for a while…. “ Namjoon concluded with his plan.

“That’s….. Not a bad idea. Thank you Namjoon. We can’t move everyone out into your small cabin, but I can guarantee it will help out the center. Thank you Namjoon… I’ll talk with my boss and see if he gives us the ok. It the meantime, Try to work from home. And don’t reveal anything to your friend.” Hoseok said.

“Trust me…. I didn’t say anything to him. I didn’t know how he felt about hybrids so I kept Mina a secret…” Namjoon replied.

“You didn’t? Then the text Mina sent…. Oh no, she literally exposed herself. And she didn’t know who answered the text. Damn this is a mess…” He hears Hoseok sigh.

Namjoon finished packing up, and set everything up for his assistant to help him carry the items out of his office.

“Listen, just take care of Mina since I won’t be able to see her, ok?” Namjoon asked. The last thing he needed right now was anymore bad news from Mina. “I’ve taken care of her. She’s like my little sister. She’ll be fine I promise.” Hoseok responded.

They both ended the call, and Namjoon called for his assistant to help him with his belongings. A young man walked into Namjoons office and he smiled.

“Jungkook, I need you to help me with these. Help me carry them to the car out front, ok?” Namjoon asked, while grabbing his briefcase and a few items in his arms.

“Mr. Kim, is there a reason why you practically packed your office?” Jungkook asked. Namjoon smiled. The young kid was always curious about things, hence why he made a great assistant. He may be young, but he was sharp as a tack. Could spot anything wrong, if he really put his mind to it.

“I’m going to be working from home for a while. You are in charge until I get back. You can handle that, right?” Namjoon asked the younger. “U-uh wow M-mr. Kim it’s a big r-responsibility…” Jungkook stuttered while Namjoon laughed. “It sure is kid. But I know you can do it… You’ve got potential.” Namjoon said.

He saw the adoration in Jungkook’s eyes. He knows Jungkook looks up to him like a brother. He knows Jungkook would do good as the companies boss.

“Now help carry these things, yeah?”

~

After he settles his things in his apartment, he headed back out to his cabin. He bought it in case he ever wanted to get away from the big city and the job and the fame. If it wasn’t used for that, he would have used it for his future wife and child.

He never expected any other use for the the cabin. Except for now, when he’s driving out there to help hybrids.

Nonetheless, he was happy to help. He hadn’t been there in so long, he might as well have other people use it for now.

Well… other hybrids to say the least.

The drive wasn’t too bad. At least it was only about 45 minutes from the city and into the northside of Seoul, where his cabin is located. He made sure to text the details to Hoseok beforehand, that way when they make their way to his cabin, he’d be prepared.

He finally reaches his destination, and pulls his car in front of his cabin. It wasn’t that small, but it can hold a lot of people…. Well, hybrids.

He has got to get used to that.

Namjoon get out of his car and he makes his way into the house. He unlocks the front door, and he takes in the sight of the cabin. The living room is was he sees first, and then he’s reminded of why he doesn’t use the cabin. He sees dust that builds up on the surface of the table, and he knows that it needs some serious cleaning.

He may have grown up with everything handed to him, but his parents were never around, and so the maids would teach him how he could take care of himself.

“You never know what could happen to your parents. One day, you’re living the luxurious life and the next you’re having to scrape for food. Don’t take advantage of everything you’ve been given, cause it can be taken from you in a matter of seconds.”  

He remembers one of the older maids that raised him saying that to him most days when he complained about something stupid. He’s got to give them credit for raising him to be selfless, instead of being selfish.

Namjoon sighed out loud. He figured he’d make the place look nice before Hoseok gets there. He makes his way towards the laundry room, where he knows there would be cleaning supplies. He grabs a couple of them, and he makes his way to the main area of the cabin, and begins to clean.

Namjoon works diligently to make sure everything looks nice. And if Mina shows up, it would surely impress her.

Since Namjoon now knows that his feelings about her have reached the surface, he might as well start to show her.

It was almost two hours when Namjoon finished cleaning and tidying up the cabin when He feels his phone go off in his phone.

He grabs the small device and he sees that Hoseok was calling. Namjoon answers the phone quickly.

“Hey Hoseok, I’m just finishing up the cabin right now.” Namjoon said.

“That’s awesome to hear. Mina and Jimin are here with me, but I’m also bringing another co-worker and my boss to oversee this idea. We both hope it works Namjoon.” Hoseok replies.

Namjoon suddenly feels nervous. “So, are you guys on your way, or…?” Namjoon asked, and Hoseok responded with a ‘Yeah we are pretty close, we just need to find the actual cabin- Oh! We found it, we are pulling up right now, see you in a bit.’

Namjoon hangs up and he gets up to open the door. He watches a car pull up in front of the cabin. He walks towards the car, eager to have Mina in his arms.

As soon as he hears the engine turn off, he sees a car door open and the next thing he knows, he’s being engulfed in a giant hug. “I was really scared, I thought something horrible had happened to you.” He hears Mina’s voice speak and it sounded so broken.

“It’s ok. I’d do anything to protect you.” He whispered softly into her ear.

They pull back from each other; Namjoon getting a real good look at Mina. He could tell it had been an emotional day for her, but she still looked stunning in his eyes.

“Namjoon hyung!” He hears Jimin’s voice pipe up. Namjoon opened his arms for the younger to hug him with. Jimin accepted it, and hugged Namjoon. “Thank you for this. You truly are a hero in my eyes.” Jimin says, as soon as he pulls back from Namjoon.

“He’s right, You truly are a savior for these hybrids.” A different voice speaks up. Namjoon looks up to see a tall man, with dark hair and a dashing smile. He was incredibly handsome as well.

“Kim Seokjin, I run the Hybrid Scouts.” The man introduced himself. Namjoon stood there shocked, “Wow, Mr. Kim… It’s an honor to meet you.” Namjoon said. He knows who Kim Seokjin is, and he knows how much dirty work he has done for the hybrids.

“Oh please, cut the formalities. Call me Seokjin, as I will call you Namjoon. You are doing us a wonderful favor by offering your place.” Seokjin replied, with a bright smile.

Namjoon sighed greatly, “Well then Seokjin, the pleasure is all mine. I’ve made sure the place looks nice for them.”    

“That’s wonderful to hear.” Seokjin said. Another figure appeared right by his side. Namjoon noticed he was also handsome and tall. What’s with these hybrid scouts and their tall and handsome workers?

“Oh! Namjoon, this is Kim Taehyung, he’s one of my co-workers. He specializes in therapy and rehabilitation for hybrids who have had horrific experiences, and makes sure they get back on their feet.” Namjoon hear’s Hoseok say.

“Oh my God! I’ve heard so much about you, Mina Noona and Jiminie Hyung talked my ear off about you!” Taehyung says enthusiastically. Namjoon smiles at his actions. “It is certainly great to meet you Taehyung. Why don’t we all go inside and have some dinner?” Namjoon asked out loud.

“Sounds good to all of us we are starving here.” Jimin said.

Together, they all headed inside, hungry and tired.

~

After a wonderful meal made Seokjin, (he insisted, as payback for Namjoon’s help,) Everyone settled in the living room. Namjoon and Mina cuddled together, while Jimin sat on the opposite side of them on the couch. Taehyung sat in the chair next to Jimin and Hoseok and Seokjin sat across from them.

“Namjoon… When I sent you that text…. Who responded?” Mina asked quietly. Namjoon looked at her, but before he could answer her, someone else asks out loud “Not to sound rude, but I am also quite curious about the message…” Seokjin replies.

“I had a meeting today… I always give my phone to my best friend, Min Yoongi he always take care of any messages that come through my phone…. I didn’t think Yoongi would be answering Mina’s message, which let him to get really mad at me.” Namjoon said.

“Did you tell him about Mina…” Hoseok asked. Namjoon quickly shook his head, “No, I didn’t tell anybody about Mina. I needed her to trust me, so I never said a word.”

He heard both Mina and Jimin gasp quietly. “I yelled at my friend for responding… It wasn’t for him to answer, and he was mad at me for keeping this secret from him, but I went off on him for disrespecting both Mina and Jimin.” Namjoon said, remembering everything that happened between his best friend and him hours ago.

“So, we just need to keep an eye out for this ‘Yoongi’ character.” Seokjin spoke up. “Most definitely.” Hoseok replied.

It was silent for a while. With all of the information that Namjoon used, it seemed like Seokjin, Hoseok and Taehyung were working on a plan.

“Are we ever going to be safe?” Namjoon hears Mina ask. He looks at her; Her eyes were a bit glossy, and he could tell she just wanted all of this to end.

“I’ll make sure they don’t hurt you, Jimin or any other Hybrid. I can make sure of it.” Namjoon replied. He had really hoped the world had been different. It seems that discrimination and a bit of racism don’t want to disappear. No matter how hard you try to fit in, society always has some sort of fucked up way of saying no. Even if you are the most beautiful person, there is still some sort of flaw that exists.

Whatever happened to Mina and Jimin, Namjoon wanted to destroy the idea that Hybrids can’t coexist with humans.

“It’s getting late, we should all get some rest. It was a very long day.” Seokjin said out loud. They all silently agreed and made their way into the guest rooms that were available. Taehyung and Jimin walked into a room down the hallway and onto the right side. Hoseok took the room next to it, and Seokjin took the room across from theirs.

They all said their good nights and sweet dreams when they all departed for bed. Namjoon took Mina’s hand and he lead her to the master bedroom. He opened the door, and lead her right into the large room. She gasped as she took in her surroundings. Namjoon smiled at her. He knew he found the right person he wants to share everything with.

Right, hybrid…

“This is incredible…. Thank you Namjoon.” Mina said. Namjoon smiled and muffled a tiny ‘you’re welcome.’

The two began to get ready for bed. Namjoon let Mina wash up first, while he set up everything on the bed. When he was finished, Mina stepped back into the room, completely changed, and….

Showing off her ears?

And tail?

Namjoon stood there shocked. “What?” Mina asks him, but all he does is stare. Once he snaps himself out of it, he spoke up. “I’ve never seen you without your hoodie. So this is different for me. But it’s a good different. I love your cute small black ears…” Namjoon says while walking closer to where Mina was standing.

“And I finally get to see your tail…” He trails off while looking at the long, black furry thing that Mina has on her. “Thank you… “ She responses. He smiled down at her. “So how do you know Seokjin and Taehyung?” Namjoon asked her.

Mina smiled fondly, while moving to take a seat on the bed. “Well as you know Seokjin Oppa is the leader of the Hybrid Scouts. He takes care of all Hybrids that are abandoned or mistreated. It’s like a hospital only it’s judgement free.” Mina says. Namjoon sits beside her, and waits for her to continue.

“He made sure all of our cuts are healed. But he really couldn’t help us with our mental health. And that's where Taehyungie comes in. He’s a psychiatrist for Hybrids and he helps them with any depression, anxiety, PTSD, and anything that Hybrids had gone through. I got special treatment for the physical and verbal abuse even though verbal was tougher to break. Jiminie was the one that had the longest with treatment. His abuse was way more intense. It took taehyung nearly two years to get his mental health to be ok. And during that time, they became really close. One could say they are soulmates.” Mina laughed a little bit at that. Namjoon smiled at that.

“But Jimin trusted Hoseok Oppa more. He’s the one who saved our lives that night. Jimin always found comfort in Hoseok Oppa, and he has opened up to him more than anything. So yeah, Seokjin Oppa, Hoseok Oppa and Taehyung have helped me and Jimin a lot.” Mina said.

“And now we have you. I can’t thank you enough for doing this.” Mina says lowly. Namjoon looks at her and take in the features of her face. “I’d be happy to do anything risky if it means that you’re safe.” Namjoon replied.

He finds himself leaning closer to her. He doesn’t see her pull away, and takes that chance to crash his lips softly onto hers. He feels her kissing him back and they can both feel the fireworks going off in between them.

They both pull away and lean their heads against each other.

“I... liked that…” He hears Mina whisper.

He smiles at that. “Me too.” He responded while leaning down for another kiss.

He couldn’t tell if they would be kissing, or if it lead to something else throughout the night, but one thing’s for sure in Namjoon’s head:

He definitely fighting the system for all Hybrids. So that he and Mina could live a peaceful life together.

~By: Becca<3

[thelionshoarde]

Obi is trying to teach shirayuki how to ice skate. zen is watching and accidentally laughs a little too loudly to escape lessons himself. clutching obi’s arms, sweet sweet shirayuki hand holding, and everyone falling all over each other please:)

Haa, I had to go with your second prompt because no matter how I thought about it your first would have gotten STUPID LONG, omg. I have a v difficult time doing short ot3 things, but I tried. Hope you enjoy this fluffy, silly thing!

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS PROMPT-A-THON, DAY 5

It’s up on ao3 here. :3

The entire area was lit up with lights, sparkling white strands that glittered like a river of stars. Massive snowflakes were strung above cross-walks, and little kiosks had been set up selling hot chocolate out of styrofoam cups for fifty cents, the cold front everyone had been waiting for kicking the holiday festivities into full gear. As evening set in, the world turned golden and glorious, the dark disrupted. Everyone crowded the walkways, the storefronts open later than usual, scarves trailing the air like a giddy exclamation.

Shirayuki sighed happily. “I love this season. Something about the cold just makes everything...”

“Seem like new?” Obi asked, humming.

“Yeah,” Shirayuki agreed. “It’s so crisp, and bright, and -- I mean, we were here just last week, but now it looks completely different, right? A winter wonderland.”

Zen squeezed her hand, teasing, “I think you’re just excited at the prospect of presents.”

On Shirayuki’s other side, Obi tilted his head back and laughed. “True! I’ve seen that list you’re working on, you know. Even Santa would be hard pressed to get you everything you want, Shirayuki. Good thing you have a rich boyfriend.”

“Excuse you,” Zen said, voice dry. “Don’t forget that you have a rich boyfriend, too, Obi. Where’s your list?”

As Obi’s face did a complicated spasm of emotion, Shirayuki fake-whispered, “He’s got an amazon wish list, I saw it. Don’t let him pretend like he doesn’t want anything.”

“Hey!” Obi cried, “Don’t give away all my secrets.”

“Too late. We already figured out the big one, after all. The rest are bound to follow!” Swinging their hands between her own, Shirayuki sighed again, the sound so sweet and content that Zen felt it curl around his heart, and settle there, warm and bright.

Luckily, the night was lit up just enough for Zen to see the way Obi’s ears burned red, embarrassed. “Where’s some mistletoe when you need it,” Zen grinned, laughing softly when Obi’s head whipped around to meet his gaze. “‘Cause that’s an expression I definitely need to kiss.”

“Honestly,” Obi muttered, blush growing. “Where is the delicacy to this romance? My heart is tender and new, you guys. Maidenly. I will swoon, I tell you. Swoon.”

Nudging into Shirayuki, who giggled and obligingly pulled Obi close, Zen leaned over her head, the top of her hat’s pompom tickling the underside of his chin, and gave a glancing kiss along Obi’s jaw, before the other man could sway out of reach. “Don’t worry,” Zen assured him. “If you swoon, Shirayuki will catch you.”

“Leave it to me!” she grinned. “I’ll always catch you, Obi.”

A strangled noise came out of Obi’s throat, and in the next instant Zen and Shirayuki were being towed along at a fast, embarrassed clip, toward one of the kiosks. “Hot chocolate,” Obi managed. “If they have boozed up hot chocolate even better, you guys are too much, I can’t even.”

* * *

“Oh! Ice skating!”

They had set up a big white pavilion in an empty stretch of park, lit up with arches of light leading to the entrance. Music and laughter spilled out, the lights bright within, and Shirayuki was nearly quivering with excitement.

Zen asked, “Have you ever tried it before?”

“No! But I’ve always wanted to! Shall we try?”

Obi hummed, arm circling Shirayuki’s shoulder, his hand wedging comfortably in between where Shirayuki and Zen’s arms were pressed together, elbows interlocked. “I could teach you,” he said, mouth quirking. “If you want. But you’re going to have bruises tomorrow, just so you know. Ice is unforgiving, no matter how cute you are.”

“I can take it,” Shirayuki said, grimly determined. “Bring on the bruises! I am going to learn how to ice skate. It’s going to be great.”

Curious, Zen asked, “You know how to ice skate, Obi?”

“I dabbled,” came his smug response, and Zen knew instantly that he had done more than dabble. “What about you? Can I look forward to watching you fall on your ass?”

Oh, hell no.

“Please,” Zen scoffed. “I took lessons. I can ice skate.”

Shirayuki peered up at him, green eyes wide and shining. “Did you really? Amazing! Then I can rely on you both to take care of me, right?” Over her head, Zen was just vaguely aware of Obi’s gleeful expression as Zen shifted uncomfortably, unable to pretend under the full force of Shirayuki’s charm.

“Well. Uh,” he coughed, awkward. “It was, hm, quite a while ago. When I was a kid. Not that amazing, you know. Though I’m sure I still could skate, but -- who would take photos of your first time skating, hm? I’ll leave it to Obi. He’s dabbled. I’m sure he can handle it.”

“Aw,” Obi cooed. “Such flattery and sincerity, be still my heart!”

* * *

“He... definitely knows how to skate,” Shriayuki said, sounding breathless.

Seated next to her, Zen blinked rapidly, unable to tear his gaze away from Obi on the ice, moving faster than most of the crowd, weaving in and out in a shower of ice, tucking into the center where a few of the more advanced figure skaters were.

He tucked into a tight spin, something simple but still showy as his body dipped low and then rose back up, spine a devastating arch.

“What the hell,” Zen managed, heart pounding. Shirayuki’s hand found his, fingers sliding between, and she squeezed, making a noise that Zen took as agreement, because what the hell, Obi was stupidly attractive when he was being graceful and athletic.

“That’s our boyfriend,” Shirayuki said faintly, voice soft with wonder. “Wow.”

As Obi’s pace slowed, his hands tucked behind his back as he glided around the rink, grinning at toddlers who teetered between their parents, Zen and Shirayuki glanced at each other with impish grins.

“We can’t let him know how star-struck we are,” he whispered, nose nudging against hers. “It would go to his head and he’d become impossible to deal with.”

“You may have a point,” Shirayuki laughed, breathless, before Zen pressed his lips to hers in a quick, delighted kiss.

Then he bounded up, standing before her and reaching down to grasp her hands in his. She looked up at him, bundled in winter gear, cheeks flushed pink and the tip of her nose red with the cold. Zen’s heart ached, overcome at how much he loved her, cute and bright and brilliant. With a heave, he hauled her to standing, steadying her when she swayed on her rented skates.

“Now,” Zen teased, “let’s see if we can get you onto the ice in one piece, hm?”

* * *

“There,” Obi said, breathless with laughter. “Almost -- got it!”

The rink was crowded, but the two of them were keeping close to where Zen leaned against the barrier, phone out. Close enough to hear the way Shirayuki went “Eep!” as she over-balanced on the thin blades, feet going out from under her in a way that almost took Obi’s leg off at the shin.

“Oh, shit!” Obi’s yelp was perhaps too loud, if the disapproving looks were anything to go by. A small five year old girl looked up at him as she passed by, little mittened hand clutched firmly in her fathers, and gaped in awe at the adult’s bad word, eyes shining with adoration.

“I am so sorry. Are you okay?!”

Obi had done an awkward little jump to avoid being maimed, landing hard on the ice but managing to stay more or less upright, hunched over with his forearms still clutched in Shirayuki’s grasp. Zen was delighted he’d caught it on video. It was rare that Obi ever looked awkward.

Switching to his camera, Zen zoomed in, annoyed as a scattering of teenagers tripped their way between Zen and his partners, but --

He hurriedly tapped his thumb down on the capture button, just in time to catch Obi’s look of startled shock as Shirayuki stretched up onto her knees to kiss the corner of his mouth. Best of all, Zen managed to capture the moment Obi tipped forward into Shirayuki’s arms, all bashful surprise.

“Caught you!” Shirayuki crowed, looking toward Zen with an expression of utter satisfaction as Obi’s ears went red once more, face buried in the crook of Shirayuki’s neck.

Zen whooped, and switched back to video to capture the hysterical, adorably clumsy way they used each other’s bodies to clamber upright once more.

* * *

Within twenty minutes Shirayuki had managed to fall more than a dozen times, Obi’s attempt to catch her becoming more and more ridiculous, as was the hesitant way that Obi brushed ice off of Shirayuki’s thigh, gaze flitting about the rink as though he were about to get in trouble for something scandalous, despite the thick, fleece lined leggings she wore beneath her skirt.

Any pictures after that were probably entirely too shaky to come out correctly. Zen was laughing too hard, face buried against his arms while he still tried to keep his phone up, trained on them. Shirayuki twisted about to give him an unimpressed look, her face red with cold, embarrassment, exertion -- the pout she sent him was meant to be stern, but just looked petulant, and Zen could not deal.

He slipped slowly down to the floor against the barrier wall, hunched between his knees and trying not to wheeze.

“Hey,” came Obi’s voice from directly above him, low and dangerous. Zen’s breath hitched mid-laugh, and he peered up warily to find the other man leaning over the barrier, sharp eyes glittering.

Zen said, “Yo,” and cursed himself for the way it came out quivering with amusement.

Obi’s expression grew sharper, mouth a lazy curl. Shirayuki knocked into the barrier a moment later, coming to a stop by gliding unsteadily right into it. She flung her arms around one of Obi’s, gasping, and Obi didn’t even budge beneath her weight, stare unflinching.

Shit, Zen was in so much trouble, now.

“I think,” Shirayuki decided, “that it’s about time you joined us.”

“Unless you’re too scared,” Obi drawled. “Not all of us can have an intrepid spirit, after all.”

“I know how to ice skate,” Zen grumbled, rising to his full, dignified height.

Shirayuki blinked innocently at him. “Ah. You knew how to ice skate. I’m not sure I believe you can still do it, I mean, it’s been, what --?”

“Years?” Obi asked, leaning back to meet Shirayuki’s impish gaze. “Decades? An eternity? Probably safer he doesn’t even try, he’ll probably hurt himself.”

Nodding sadly, Shirayuki said, “You’re right. He’s probably worse than me, and this is my first time. Probably best not to risk it.”

“Seriously?” Zen asked, torn between frustration and tenderness at how charming they were when they did this, ganging up on him so seamlessly, until Zen was helpless to do anything but let them direct him exactly how they liked. “Seriously, you’re going to regret this. I’m going to skate circles around you both, just you wait.”

* * *

Of course, they were right. It had been a long time.

He laced up his rented skates near the entrance, so it was only about two feet of wobbling to reach the ice, and it was enough to send alarm spiraling through him. It wasn’t that he had expected to remember his childhood lessons immediately, let alone perfectly -- he’d only done it for one awful year because Izana had made him -- but still, this was going to go far more terribly than he’d anticipated.

“Zen! Look! I can do it, now!” Shirayuki cheered, skating toward him. It was a touch wobbly, uncertain of herself, but under her own power. She held up her gloved hands in the air, delighted, with Obi skating leisurely behind her, a look of smug amusement already seated on his face.

“Wonderful,” Zen said, voice terse, because --

“Oh,” Shirayuki gasped.

“Oh, shit,” Zen grunted, as the ice immediately defied him, and sent him skittering straight into Shirayuki.

“Oh, yes!” Obi crowed, gliding toward where Shirayuki and Zen barely kept themselves standing with their hands desperately gripping each other. “Absolutely you know how to skate. You’re a pro, babe, a natural.”

Zen muttered, “If I’m going down, I’m taking you with me,” and, squeezing Shirayuki’s hands once for good luck, threw himself toward Obi. With a sharp exhale, Obi caught him with an arm under his, Zen’s face buried in the scratchy wool of his scarf. Somehow, they remained standing.

“Help,” Shirayuki wailed. “Assistance required!”

“Oh, my god,” Obi whispered, breath ruffling Zen’s hair. “You are both ridiculous.”

* * *

Eventually, they managed a full circuit of the rink. Obi was in front of them, skating backwards, a hand each supporting Shirayuki and Zen as he led them. Zen had Shirayuki’s other hand in a firm grip between them, the two of them pushing and pulling on each other to try and rectify their balance any time they started to sway. More than once they’d all started stumbling into each other, breathless cries of laughter cutting through the cheery holiday music crackling on the speakers.

Somehow, no one was bleeding. Yet.

“Not bad,” Obi decided, voice warm. “Think you want to try it without cutting off my circulation, this time?”

“Sorry,” Shirayuki squeaked, immediately letting go of Obi’s hand.

Which -- bad idea.

Obi snatched her hand back in his, long fingers tight around her wrist, but the damage was already done. Shirayuki had over balanced, jerking backward, eyes wide and hair flying, tugging hard on Zen to instinctively try and save herself. He didn’t even have a chance to prepare before he went down, breath knocked out of him at the sudden impact of hard, mercilessly cold ice beneath his ass.

“Ouch,” he winced. Then, “Oof!” as Shirayuki tripped against his thigh, toppling down as well with zero grace, all flailing limbs and sharp elbows, even through her winter coat, to land mostly on Zen.

“How,” Obi wheezed, standing before them with his fists on his cocked hips. “How are you guys so bad at this?”

Zen narrowed his eyes. “Shirayuki, we can do this. Ignore the jerk laughing so rudely at his girlfriend and boyfriend. We got this.”

“Yes,” Shirayuki agreed, “but, uh. In a moment. Let me catch my breath, first. Then, yeah -- to victory!”

Chuckling, Obi went to his knees, adding his mass to the pile Zen and Shirayuki had already made, keeping a wary eye out for any wayward skaters who might trip over them. “Take your time,” he grinned. “We’ve got all winter long, after all. I’m sure if you try you can probably manage to skate in a straight line by Christmas. Maybe.”

Shirayuki made a growling noise, propping herself up on her elbows. “All right,” she declared. “Break’s over. Obi, help us up! Zen, are you ready! Let’s go!”

* * *

For some reason, Obi didn’t seem to have any problem brushing the ice off Zen’s ass every time he fell on it. “Oh, dear me,” he’d cry, clucking. “Let me get this for you.”

“Obi,” Zen hissed after the third grope. “We are in a family friendly environment.”

Shirayuki skated carefully up beside him, hands held out for balance, and said, sounding distracted, “Don’t blame him. It’s just really hard to resist touching your butt, okay?”

The chill of the rink evaporated in a second, replaced by a mortified blush. Zen flapped his hands at Obi, who was sniggering, and cried after Shirayuki, who was continuing her slow, careful circuit of the rink, “Family friendly environment, damn it!”