#i do love this brush but i am fairly certain it’s the most expensive one that i own

[pallanophblargh]

A true champion has entered the fray: my trusty Winsor & Newton series 7 kolinsky brush, veteran of 12 years of reliable service. It hasn’t seen consistent action, mostly because I am always afraid I’ll wear it out, but it’s been a champ when I need it to be and an honest true friend. It may not form the finest points anymore, but it doesn’t need to. But damn it sure does hold a load of pigment, I always forget when I haven’t used it for a little while.

It’s probably in my best interest to buy a few more out of this line, but it’s best if I can inspect them in person. Faulty sables are everywhere!

Aequis custom coming along more surely now. (For those curious, this one is based on sabino coloration in horses!)

[talpup]

I just found read your crossroads fic over on Ao3, and damn sweetheart, I am in LOVE with this classy mob styled version of Overhaul you have going on. The smut in that last chapter was abso-fucking-lutely to die for! But I really need to know something about his character in this story. He was obviously a virgin, but r there any specific kinks he’s been thinking about or planning on trying with her?

*blush* THANK YOU!!!  You can blame my good friend and favorite Kai fanfic author @inorganicone2230 They’re the one that spurred me into having the idea for this fic and then (like they’ve done with all my bnha fics) encouraged me to write it and brainstormed with me.

Yes, Kai was a virgin. Though his skill level might test some folks suspension of disbelief (something I try not to do too much in my fics, even though I write mostly fantasy).

Kai’s kinks in this fic might be fairly tame by our standards.  But it is a 1920′s era au fic.  Don’t really know if they’re kinks; but Kai would love to spank Maya then bend her over his desk and…

...so I don’t know if you saw my post.  But I decided to do a short smutty scenario thanks/inspired by this ask.  So here you go.  Sorry it’s so short.  Between having my ‘poison juice’ (aka infusion) last Friday and unexpected visitors yesterday and the day before I’ve been kinda wiped.

FYI this little scene would take place after things settled a bit from the last and (eventual) upcoming chapter.

WARNINGS: spanking, non-con, creampie, cockwarming;  Please remember, this fic is rated explicit and has warnings of sex, violence, and other possible triggers.  For a full list of story tags please check the fics AO3 (link to that at the top of my tumblrs homepage).

Promised Pleasure

Removing his dust mask as Maya entered his office, Kai frowned at her attire. “That’s not what I told you to wear today.”

Maya’s shoulders tensed.  She foolishly hadn’t expected her choice of clothes to be an issue.  She should've known better.  Still, her pride wouldn’t let her apologize.  And she knew Kai would sniff out any lie.

Deciding a gently put truth was best, she stepped further in his office.  “I felt like wearing this.”

Kai’s golden eyes narrowed.  She was testing boundaries again.  And her testing was trying his temper.  “Close the door please, my Dear.”

Despite the politeness of the ask, a shiver ran up Maya’s spine.  Mouth suddenly dry, she turned and closed the door with a shaky hand.

“Lock it.”  Kai ordered, voice taking on a twinge of sharpness.  He had called her in here hoping for a nice diversion.  But with his beautiful girl acting so spiteful he would have to resign himself to giving her a lesson.

Maya’s hand paused on the door.  The hair on the back of her neck prickled.

“Maya. Lock the door, Darling.  You know how I dislike repeating myself.”

The slow scrape of the lock setting in place deafened Maya to everything but her ragged breathing and thundering heart.  She didn’t hear Kai’s next words.  So when she turned back around, it was to find him looking more annoyed then ever.

Smothering her nerves, Maya met Kai’s piercing gaze head on.  “I’m sorry. Did you say something?”

Unlacing his fingers, Kai sat back.  “I told you to come here.  This is the second time I’ve had to repeat myself.  I won’t do so again.”

Maya shuffled hesitantly toward Kai’s desk.

Kai pushed back and slightly turned the chair he was sitting in.  “This side.  Come around near me.”

She moved around the desk, stopping a couple paces from his spread legs. Skin prickling under the caress of his roving gaze, her breath caught glimpsing the bulge in his pants.

At least Kai always brought her pleasure.  Unlike the disgusting landlord who had used her and left without care or glance after.  Kai always made her feel special.  Beautiful.  Loved.  In those moments of heated bliss she lost herself and forgot she was doing this solely for justice for her brother.  Basking in Kai’s twisted affection and the delightful pleasure he gave she’d start to believe she truly cared for him in return.  That they could make something of this.  Possibly enter a real relationship that wouldn’t end when he did as he promised and saw those who killed her brother put down.

Maya stared at the tailored suit jacket hanging over the back of Kai’s chair.  Anything to avoid seeing the twitching cock in his pants.

“Why don’t you serve me some water and unbutton my vest for me, Sweetheart.”

It wasn’t a question, or even a suggestion.  Maya knew well enough it was an order.  But with Kai’s honeyed tone and adoring gaze it was easy to trick her mind into believing there would be no consequences for disobedience.

Turning over a heavy tumbler that sat on a silver tray at the end of his desk, she took up the crystal carafe and poured.  Setting the glass in front of him, her fidgeting hands fell to her side, smoothing her skirt.

Her delay in following his second commend had Kai rising to his feet. Maya stepped back even as she hurriedly reached for his vest, seeking to rectify the offense.  Kai grabbed her wrist before she touched him.

Maya grimaced at the too tight grip.  “I’m sorry.  I--”

Kai pulled her roughly against him.  Maya stumbled, heels catching on the plush area rug.  She fell against his chest.  His expensive cologne assaulted her nose.  She loved the smell but hated smelling it as she only got a whiff when Kai had her in his space.

Suddenly gentle, Kai’s strong arms steadied her.  “Careful, Sweetheart. We don’t want you hurting yourself.”  He caressed her cheek, brushing the hair out of her face with a tenderness that didn’t match the blazing fire in his amber eyes.

Maya held perfectly still, struggling not to flinch. The way Kai flipped from loving and sweet to caustic and hurtful on a penny dime was what frightened her most about him.

Smiling, Kai’s head dipped.  “You’re so beautiful, Darling.  So soft and beautiful.”

His tender lips graced hers in a chaste kiss.  Maya’s lashes fluttered closed accepting the kiss, thinking she had escaped his anger.  Her body jerked at a sudden tug.  The sound of something ripping rang out in the room.  A sudden cold strike of air hit her front torso pebbling her nipples.

Maya’s eyes shot open with a gasping cry.  Kai had rent her blouse and camisole open.

“If you refuse to wear what I tell you to.  Maybe you should be left with nothing to wear at all.”

“Kai… I’m--”

Kai cupped her cheek.  “I don’t want to hear it, Sweetheart.  You apologize and apologize but keep on going astray from the clear, defined rules I’ve set.  My love for you has seen me be more than patient.  But I’m afraid my patience has come to an end.”

Maya stumbled again, her world spinning as she was quickly turned and shoved down against the desk.  The glass of water she served slid off the surface and fell to the floor.  It’s crash accentuated Maya’s surprised cry.  Mind reeling, she didn’t feel the splash of water soak her hose.

“Ka—ah!” She broke off with a scream, senses assaulted by the sound of her tearing skirt.  The cold hard desk against her breast and torso and Kai’s painful grip on the back of her neck.  Her nose burned, eyes watering from the lingering smell cleaner that clung to the polished surface.

Hand still holding her down, Kai dropped her ruined skirt.  His freed hand slid over the silky slip she worn.  So soft, he mused.  But not anywhere as soft as the flesh beneath.  That covering was pulled down along with her panties.

“Kai! What are you--”  Maya broke off with another shouted cry.

The crack of his hand hitting her ass echoed about the room.  Maya’s back arched at the blooming fire but was roughly pushed back down against the desk.

“Stay, my Love.  You wouldn’t want to upset me further and earn yourself another lesson after this.”

Wiping tears from her eyes, Maya tried to look back at him.  For a moment she swore she saw a horrid bird-like beast in place of her handsome tormentor.  But the monstrous vision was gone quicker than she could blink.

“Le—le—lesson?” She stammered.

“For continually testing your bounds.”  Kai leaned forward, low rasp tickling her ear.  “I’m afraid this will hurt, my Dear.  But know, that it will hurt me to do it more than it’ll hurt you.”

Ass still stinging from the first spank Maya doubted that.  By the third strike she was certain Kai enjoyed it and was glad for the chance to discipline her supposed disobedience.  Confirmation of his delight came when he paused after the fourth hit and ran a hand over her blazing butt-cheeks.

Kai’s fingers traced the red marks, trailing over the rising welts.  He loved Maya’s perfect, soft skin.  But there was a possessive pride in seeing her flesh temporarily marred by the work of his hand.  It sparked something primal in him, turning his tender caress into a rough, digging grope.  She was beautiful, his beloved.  A perfect little darling that would fit so well beside him in the new wholesome world he was working to usher in.  Or at least she would be once she learned to listen and obey without hesitance or question.

No one but him could touch her.  Certainly no one else was allowed to see her in such a weakened and debauched state.  Kai growled at the thought, fingers digging into the meat of her ass.  He would gouge the persons eyes out.  Cut out their tongue, and break their knees and fingers.  Then grant them a slow, painful death for having seen his darling like this.  Because this…  His other hand loosened and trailed down her neck, slinking around her side to cup her breast, reveling in the weight as she lifted a bit thinking they were done.   ...this was for him, and him alone.   His throbbing dick ground against her raw ass.

Maya’s lips pressed together between clenched teeth, biting back a cry at the burning pain.  Halfway into righting herself her back bumped Kai’s chest.

Weight rested on his hand planted to her side on the desk, Kai’s chin hooked over her shoulder.  “Think you’ve learned your lesson, Beautiful?”

Breast heaving with a shuddering breath, Maya nodded.

“Doesn’t appear so.  You know how I prefer worded responses.”

“Yes!” Maya expelled.  “Yes.  I’ve learned my lesson.  Please, Kai. I’m sorry.  So very sorry.  It won’t ever happen again.”

Kai’s knuckles glided down her back.  Other hand gripping her hip he pulled her blistered ass against his leaking erection.  “Why don’t we test that?  Bend over, Sweetheart.”  Annoyed as he was by her hesitance, he smiled lightly.  “Either you haven’t learned your lesson.  Or liked it so much you want another.”

Before Maya could respond she was pushed and held down on the desk.  Her eyes shot wide at the resounding spank.  Fresh tears sprang from her eyes as they squeezed shut at the sharp boiling pain.  “Kai! Please!  I’m--”

Another hit landed.  Then another.

Kai stopped after the tenth.  Staring down at her trembling frame he had a moments regret.  He should have made her count.  Next time, he told himself.

He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his vest.  Amber eyes skimmed over his handy work.  Just when he thought she couldn’t be more beautiful…  Even her mix of drool and tears puddled on the desk were lovely.

Lost in the consuming tumble of dull thudding pain accentuated by sharp stinging bursts, Maya didn’t hear the jangle of Kai’s belt being undone.  She jolted at his hand slipping between her legs. Whimpering as his prodding fingers dragging through her folds.

Kai frowned at the minimal moisture.  Usually Maya got so wet for him. It wounded and upset him.  But before those emotions could take root his eyes drifted back to the pool of saliva on his desk.  His heart lightened.  Even with her punishment his darling had thought of him and his needs.  Proving she loved him as much as he loved her.

He leaned over her and kissed her tear-stained cheek.  “Thank you, my Dear.  You’re so sweet and good for me.”

Maya’s lashes fluttered.  She watched Kai’s hand trail through her drool, gathering it.

Bringing his wet hand to his freed length, Kai slathered her saliva over his shaft.  He grimaced, skin prickling with the beginnings of a inch. But soothed himself that was Maya.  She was clean.  Worthy.  His.

It’s like indirect oral, he thought with a steadying breath.  The prickling itch diminished then fully disappeared as he focused on Maya, pumping his fist to fully wet his cock.

Lining up his cock he leaned back over her and kissed her shoulder.  “You’ve had you’re punishment, Darling.  And you took it so well.  Now, let me remind you of my love and the pleasure I can give.”

Maya’s shining eyes flicked to Kai’s.  Her brow furrowed.  Was it the light?  Or was there a dim otherworldly glow in those honeyed depths? The image of the demon Dabi’s bright burning eyes flashed through her mind.  But it vanished in an instant from the breach of Kai’s fat cock head.  She would've cried out at the burning stretch if her breath hadn’t seized in her lungs.

Kai hissed at the pull of his sensitive skin.  Maya’s drool helped. But it didn’t provide the smooth silky glide her delicious arousal did.  Wanting the discomfort over with he snapped his hips flush against her, driving his length in her tight hole.

Fully sheathed, Kai slowly exhaled.  His eyes closed, head rolling back. Taking a moment to simply feel, he basked in her velvety embrace.  This would never get old. Slipping his aching cock into Maya’s perfect, tight pussy.  Feeling her walls stretch to make room for him then flutter as they adjusted to his penetrating presence was something that consumed his thoughts; just like everything else about her.

Maya mewled the most pitiful whine beneath him and Kai lost it.  His darling was just so sweet.  So beautiful.  So helpless.

His hips pulled back and slammed right back against her.

If asked, Maya wouldn’t have been able to say if her scream was from the hard thrust or Kai’s pelvis pounding into her blazing red backside.

Her back arched, lifting her off the desk.

One hand gripping her hip, Kai’s other hand grabbed the back of Maya’s neck and shoved her back down.  Never once did his ramming thrusts stop.

The once dulling pain of Maya’s welted ass sharpened again.  Fresh tears seeped from her eyes.  Kai had lied.  He had said she had her punishment.  The pain was suppose to be over.  But every thrust was just another spank.  Until…

Kai’s feet shifted.  Angling his hips he hit that spot in her that had her seeing stars.

Pleasure mixed with the pain.  The rough scrape of his trousers zipper didn’t hurt as badly.  Even the occasional jab of his belts buckle didn’t make her want to crawl up and die.

Kai almost reached around to finger her clit.  But an idea struck him. It was scandalous.  But so was fucking his darling over his desk.  He groaned, cock twitching at the thought.  His pace sped seeking his own release without a care for hers.

Maya rocked against the desk.  Her hips started to push back against him despite the blazing pain to her ass.  A different kind of heat pooled in her belly.  But just as the coil started to tighten another warmth filled her.

Kai thrust deep inside Maya, cock coming alive.  He grunted, pushing his hips firmly against her, driving her against the desk, seeking to get even deeper as hot ropes of cum spit from his pulsing cock.

Building orgasm lost, Maya deflated atop the desk.  Her nails clawed at the polished surface, hands balling into weak fists.  Though grateful it was over, she couldn’t help but be bit bitter about Kai’s second lie.  ‘...let me remind you of my love and the pleasure I can give.’ Yes, she had felt some pleasure.  But she hadn’t gotten her full pleasure.

She waited for Kai to pull out.  When he didn’t she looked back at him.

Kai greeted her with a smug smile.  “You didn’t cum.  Did you?”

Maya’s mouth fell open.

Before she could respond, her torso was pulled up off the desk.  Heated as his skin was through his button-up shirt, Maya shivered the instant her back touched his chest.

Kai’s arms wrapped around her.  He held her firmly against him, keeping his cock snugly inside her.   His lips brushed the shell of her ear. “Did you think I forgot about my promise, Sweetheart?  I said I was going to remind you of the pleasure I can give.”

Keeping her glued against him, Kai retook his seat.  Head a whirl of confusion, Maya barely grimaced at the discomfort of his softening cock shifting inside her.  The heated pain of her abused butt numbed by her racing mind trying to figure out what Kai was doing.

Soon enough she got her answer and wished she never had.

“I’m a man of man word, my Love.  What do you say you keep me warm while I do some work?  Then I can give you that promised pleasure.”

After this, Kai might develop a breeding kink to go with spanking, rough office sex, and cokwarming.

Comments and reblogs are always appreciated.

Thank you all for being so patient with me and the posting of this fic.  Special thanks to Anon for the ask and inspiring this one shot.  And as always, an extra special thank you to @inorganicone2230​ for being the best fellow writer friend (and friend in general) and encouraging and brainstorming with me.  I mean it when I say I would’ve given up posting long ago if it wasn’t for your support.

[jenomark]

Secrets- Part 1

○Pairing: Office!Mark x Reader (Female) x Jungwoo ○Other Members/ Characters: brief mention of a character named Doyoung. ○Genre: smut  ○Warnings: no smut in part 1 ○Word count: 6,007

→Summary: Who says office workers can’t have a little fun? There’s a secret sex party that your whole office can’t stop talking about. At first, you’re not sure if you’re someone that could have sex in front of strangers, but there is something that keeps drawing you in. Trying to face your fears, you get dressed up in your prettiest dress and attend the masquerade ball without fully committing, telling yourself that you can just bail if you can’t do it. When you arrive, a mystery man takes your hand, and pulls you deep into a world you never dreamed you could be a part of.

→Notes:

An anon requested a Jungwoo, Reader, Mark threesome & this is the result of that. 

This was only meant to a one shot, but it was so long that I had to divide it into three parts.

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Friday

  You’d never heard of anything like it. There was something naive about how you perceived the world, your wide-eyed stare, and your metaphorical pearls clutched in your good-girl fists. You liked to think you were beyond being a prude since you kissed Kim Doyoung at your middle school’s playground, your tongue jammed halfway down his throat, but there was much to the world you still didn’t know about. You had liked the way he made you feel, a bit like you were on top of the world. It was the last time you had taken control like that, the last time you had felt any passion. Since then, you’d entered relationship after relationship, having sex with men quietly, all while letting them come and go as they pleased.

  Word traveled fast through the people at your office, their excitement dribbling down their chins, and into their coffee cups. It wasn’t a company affair, but it felt like everyone was attending. You thought a sex party was only for a certain type of person, and you definitely didn’t think Janet from accounting was one of those people. At first, your co-workers mentioning the word ‘sex’ so casually in a workplace setting threw you off. Your cheeks grew red, and it took everything in you not to cover your face with a stack of papers. After trying to escape the talk for weeks, it followed you everywhere until you decided to give in. You were a sex positive person, and you could take a little of the heat.

    You cornered your office bestie one afternoon, and asked her what exactly the party was about, and how many people would be attending. She was a wife, a mother of newborn twins who sneaked off into the bathroom to breast pump when she could. You knew it was a long shot asking her, but she was also the nosiest person you knew. 

“How would I know?” she asked. “It does sound like a lot of fun. I’m kind of sad that I won’t be able to go. Do you think there is a kink for mothers who--actually, you know what, I don’t want to know.”

“It’s for single people?” you asked.

“It’s for anyone who likes and wants to fuck.”

  The word ‘fuck�� always made you wince; it felt harsh coming from peoples mouths, especially yours. You smoothed your pencil skirt and tried a different tactic.

“Do you think someone like me could attend?” you said, adding “hypothetically” at the last moment.

  At that, she laughed. She wasn’t pitying you, just wasn’t taking you seriously enough. When you didn’t smile, her mouth fell into a frown. She looked around her and leaned in so that no one could hear your conversation. Your work floor was full of like-minded people who eavesdropped, and with the latest news, everyone was trying to find out who was attending the party. You didn’t love the thought of Monday arriving, and finding out which of your co-workers liked to be spanked. 

“Do you think you could handle something like that?” she asked. “You don’t seem the type.”

  You sat on the edge of a desk and tried to look like you were a relaxed person that wasn’t fazed by much. You pushed your hair to the side and stuck your chest out, but stopped when her mouth started to break out into a smile. There was a con to having a young face, and you were sure that was part of it.

“I’m sorry, “ she said. “I don’t want to offend you, babe, but this hardly seems like something you would do. Maybe I don’t know you that well. We all have our secrets.”

  You hunched over and looked all around the room. It was Friday, and people were gearing up for the weekend. You tried to imagine what everyone would look like in full Masquerade formal wear, the masks on their faces hiding their true selves. Everyone knew the masks didn’t hide much, but you thought the thrill was in pretending that it did.

“I’m not sure what happens at those things,” you said. “Does everyone meet up and decide who they want to be with? Do they date? Is it just sex and no dating at all?”

“Oh, you poor misguided child.”

“I’m not a child. Don’t patronize me.”

“I’m sorry, again,” she said. “Look, you can go and check it out. You don’t have to sleep with anyone if you don’t want to.”

“Won’t people be angry if I don’t participate?”

“Consent is important at things like that,” she said. “Ask Regina from sales. She’s been to a lot of sex parties. I think she met her boyfriend at one.”

  Your office bestie left you soon after to go home. You felt just as confused as before you talked to her, your mind pulling you in all different directions. You were very curious about the party, but in a way that you didn’t want to be involved, you just wanted to see how everything went down. Your thoughts made you feel aimless, so until you were dismissed, you walked around the office trying to overhear conversations you weren’t a part of. 

   “The girls don’t get to choose who they fuck,” someone said. “That is where the fun is.”

Another chimed in, “No, it’s the men who don’t. It’s ladies choice.” 

  You tilted so far into their cubicle that someone's calendar fell to the floor. Everyone looked at you, waiting for you to say something.  You acted like you were just shuffling through papers in your hand, oblivious to everything. Luckily, Mark, the copy boy, came by and grabbed your elbow, spinning you around.

“Hey!” he said, “How are you? I haven’t seen you all week.”

 Mark led you through a back hallway, his fingers still on your elbow. You liked being around Mark. He was fairly new to the office, but he brought an interesting vibe to the place. He was only a copy boy, but everyone adored him like he was the most important man on the floor. There was always a smile on his face, and he brought in pastries for people without asking. Word around the office was that everyone had a crush on him.

“I’m okay!” you said, matching his excitement.

“Happy for the weekend?”

“I am. Are you?”

“Yeah,” he said. “It’s nice to rest my hands. I’ve gotten so many paper cuts since I’ve been here.”

  Mark let go of your elbow and showed you his hands. They were small and veined, with a brush of light hair across the top. You smiled, your eyes practically lighting up as if he showed you a pot of gold. It wasn’t odd for you to have a little office crush every once in a while, but Mark made you feel like you were back on that playground again.

“Ouch,” you said. “You have to be careful.”

“I’m always too rough with my hands.”

  You looked down at the floor, the nerves getting to you. Mark bent over and tried to get you to look at him. When you locked eyes, he broke out into a smile.

“You’re still shy around me?” he asked. “That’s sweet.”

“I’m not-”

“-It’s okay,” he said. “I like it. Anyway, I hope you have a good weekend. I’ll see you on Monday.”

“Okay, “ you said. “I’ll see you.”

  You watched Mark walk away, your eyes going straight to his firm ass. He turned back once to give you a little wave, which you returned lamely. When he was gone from view, you banged your head against the wall, keeping it there for a whole minute before you returned to your desk.

Saturday

  You knew the address. You knew the time. You knew how to get there by car. You knew what you would wear, what you wanted your makeup to look like. You knew all it took was a bit of courage, and maybe a dash of tequila.

   You stood in your apartment staring at The Dress. It hung on the back of your door on a hanger, it’s fabric nearly reaching the floor. You were meant to wear it on a fancy date once, but the date had bailed on you last minute. The dress had sat in your closet ever since, just begging to be let out and loved. You tried it on only once, in the store, the sales clerk helping you into it. It was burgundy and made of imitation silk, with a plunging neckline, cinched in waist, and a long slit up the right leg. It was much sexier of a garment than you would usually wear, but it made you feel expensive.

  You planned on going to the party, or rather, the ball, as it was called. You weren’t going to participate, just walk in and see what everything was about. You knew that if you weren’t comfortable, you could easily reverse your decision and everyone there would respect you. Still, even with the safety net in place, you felt fear clawing up your spine like a cold hand.

   You went into your kitchen and took another shot. It didn’t go down smoothly so you scrunched up your face. Before you could fully chicken out, you removed your clothes and bra, and slipped into the dress. Everything seemed to come together from there, your hair falling in loose waves around your shoulders, your makeup dramatic all the way down to the dark red lipstick. You didn’t want to look in the mirror and assess yourself in case you saw the little office girl staring back at you, so you left and caught a cab.

  When you arrived, you couldn’t stop staring up at the building. It loomed overhead like a palace, pretty gold pillars and stained glass windows as far as your eyes could see. There were people milling around, designer bags on their arms, masks on their faces, and their hair adorned with jewels. You couldn’t imagine your average office worker attending, let alone yourself. You looked down at your dress and suddenly felt out of place. You hugged yourself and walked towards the entrance, moving your legs forward like a baby deer learning how to walk for the first time.

  “Name?”

  You stopped behind a line of people trying to get inside the ball. A big burly man stood at the doorway, with a tablet in his hand, and his fingers scanning down a list of names. You tried inching closer to hear what the people at the front were whispering to him, but you were too wobbly in your heels. A few people walked out of line looking dejected, which made you start to sweat. You weren’t aware there was a list to get inside, and you weren’t that great at handling rejection. You looked around you and thought about dipping out, but the line behind you was so long that any movement would make all eyes watch you. Very slowly, you moved to the front of the line, your heart sinking down to your asshole.

“Name?” 

  With one person left to go before the man asked you your name, you felt a hand around your wrist. Before you realized what was happening, you were whisked out of line and through the door. The hand attached to you belonged to a man in a black suit, but all you could see was the back of his head. The man at the door let both of you pass through without looking up from his tablet. You were brought into a dark entryway, and before you could get a better look at the man, you were left in total darkness.

“Oh, you’ve been picked.” a female voice said.

  A woman came walking out of the dark. She was wearing a tight, white dress and heels so high she towered over you. Like everyone else, there was a masquerade mask on her face, its edges decorated with white pearls and lace. Her red hair was scraped up into a neat bun that sat on top of her head. Her voice was higher than any you’ve ever heard before, which could have been annoying to some, but you found it oddly addicting. You felt too googly-eyed around her, too new and too young.

“Picked?” you asked. 

“Is this your first time?” she asked.

   A few women entered behind you. When they opened the door to the main hall, a light so brilliant illuminated everything. If you were that kind of person, you would have believed you were getting ready to walk into heaven, but the door shut as quickly as it had opened, and you were brought back into the dim room, back into the conversation with the mysterious woman.

“Yes.” you said.

  She sat down in a chair and crossed her legs. It was then that you realized you weren’t wearing the mask you brought, and that everyone could see who you were. You rummaged around in your bag and pulled your mask out. You had found a plastic one at a party store, the kind you decorate yourself. You ended up putting a few black feathers and sequins around it just to blend in, but it was clear that your mask looked like a child made it.

“I’m surprised,” she said. “Not a lot of virgins get picked their first time. Darling, don’t take offense to that. We call first timers virgins here. It’s no wonder someone snatched you up so quickly. You do look like a scared little baby.”

“I’m not sure I’m supposed to be here.”

“That’s what they all say,” she said. “Some of them don’t even make it through the second door.”

“Is that why you’re here?” you asked. “To coax virgins who want to run?”

  She laughed, her laugh like the cracking of glass. “Me? What makes you think I have the patience. I don’t work here. I’m just a surveyor. I like to watch the fun.”

 You looked back towards the first door and thought about leaving. No one had come through the door since the last group of girls. Everything was feeling too quiet, too still. You looked back at the woman and opened your mouth to speak, but closed it just as soon as you did.

“Go ahead,” she said. “What do you want to know? Better yet, what do you know?”

“My work,” you started. “They said it was a sex club, a sex party.”

“Office work?”

“Yes.”

“We get a lot of those types,” she said. “They’re lazy and don’t put in the work. A lot of them go through rooms acting like idiots who have never seen a tit in their lives. The thing about these kinds of..what did you call it? A sex party? Is that it always attracts the wrong people. “

“Am I the wrong person?”

“That’s not for me to judge,” she said. “You were picked before you even made it inside, so that tells me that someone thinks you’re the right person.”

  A loud bell interrupted your thought process. It rang three times before the woman raised her eyebrows and stood up. She went to the door and put her hands on a handle that looked like a stemmed rose. Before she opened it, she stopped and looked at you, giving your body a once-over.

“They smell fear,” she said. “It’s important to know that.”

  When she opened the door, you were gifted with the light again. She held it open for you and you walked on through, not daring to look behind you.

  The ballroom was gorgeous. At first glance, you felt blinded by the beauty in every corner. A giant marble staircase with lush red carpet running down it stood in the center, it’s steps leading both left and right as if guests were given a choice of which way they wanted to go. The floor you were standing on itself looked so delicate, as if it would crack as soon as you dug your heel into it. The room was set up like a party, with food and drink being served, and round tables everywhere for guests to sit. Music was playing softly, acting more like the soundtrack to the guests chatter. There were so many people mingling on the floor, their outfits perfectly pressed and masks perfectly crafted, that you felt overwhelmed. You looked around for the woman, but she had disappeared into the sea of people.

  “Drink?”

  A man with a tray came over and offered you a flute of champagne. You were getting ready to take it until a man sidled up to you and told you that it would be easier if you just sucked one down. You moved away from him, losing yourself in the black suits and ties, the ball gowns and their satin. You didn’t know where you were going or what you were going to do, but it seemed like the right move to make. You found yourself by a table of food, grabbed a little pig in the blanket and shoved it into your mouth. You chewed nervously, looking all around for a sign of what to do next.

  You still had no idea what would happen at the ball.  As far as you could see, it looked like any normal formal party, with people too rich for their own good talking out of their asses. There wasn’t any talk of sex, no table full of condoms, or people fucking in the middle of the floor, just a bunch of investment talk and showing off.

“You’re supposed to talk to people.”

  The redheaded woman came back. Her voice made you jump and drop your fifth pig in the blanket on the floor. You ignored it as it rolled underneath a table.

“I’m shy.” you said.

“You’re in the wrong place,” she said. “Come on, these people don’t bite, well, unless you want them too.  Aren’t you curious what person chose you?”

“I guess.”

  You tried to remember if you saw any part of his face,  but all you could remember was the back of his head and the way his hand felt: warm and familiar. Everything happened so fast that it was impossible to know who he was. With the masks, it was even more impossible.

“It’s not for everyone, darling.” she said.

  There was something about the way she said ‘Darling’ that made you feel angry. You didn’t want to be someone's first choice, someone's darling, someone's virgin. You could easily belong with these people, even with your shitty mask. 

“Alright, I see some fire behind those eyes,” she said. “I’m just saying, you don’t have to feel guilty if you want to back out. But by all means, go get yourself some sweet cock.”

  With that, she disappeared again. You thought about grabbing another pig in the blanket but thought better of it. You walked to the other end of the room, loving the way the slit on your thigh revealed your smooth leg. You could feel the burn on your skin from the eyes that watched you as you passed, mostly men’s eyes. The embarrassment about the mask washed away, and what was left felt like a steely determination to make the best of things. You scanned the room for your man, but everyone melted into one person.

“You’re beautiful.” a man said.

“Thanks.”

  When you didn’t pay him as much attention as he paid you, he gradually faded away. You kept your eyes on the crowds of people arriving and leaving, arms linked with arms, hands dipping underneath skirts. You didn’t know how long you had to listen to strange men telling you how pretty you were, but there was something about it that began to build onto your confidence. You straightened your posture a little and thought of yourself as the baddest bitch around. It was a little silly, but it really helped ease the nerves.

“Hi,” he said. “Can I stand here?”

  The timidness of the voice coming from your left startled you. You turned and thought you would find someone small, but the man beside you soared over you, his body seemingly going on for miles. He wore a dark blue suit, with a casual white t-shirt tucked into it, and no tie. His ash gray hair was curly and stuck out in all directions. He reminded you a little bit of a dog, which made you instantly feel comfortable.

“Yes,” you said. “I would love that.”

  You were sure he wasn’t your man because he was much too tall, and his hair wasn’t the same color, but that didn’t stop you from talking to him. In that moment, you desperately wanted it to be him. You could tell he felt the same way by the way he let his breath go as if he had been holding it in. He smiled and offered you a sip of his drink, which you accepted.  

“I’m nervous.” he said.

“Me too.”

“I’m a virgin,” he said. “Well, I’m not actually a virgin but…”

“It’s okay, “ you said. “By their standards, I am also a virgin.”

  There was a little bit of awkwardness in the air as you revealed what kind of people you were. You didn’t think you would meet anyone like yourself so early, but it was like the heavens were giving you a chance to interact.

“Do you know what happens at these things?” you asked.

  If he was surprised by the question, he didn’t show it.  Like a manual, he read out a list of rules that made no sense to you. He stated it so matter-of-fact that, after he was done, he looked at you like you would give him a treat.

“Wait,” you said. “The men choose?”

“The women can choose, too,” he said. “It’s whoever gets there first.”

“How does anyone else know who's been chosen?” you asked. “Is there some kind of name tag I was supposed to get?”

“No,” he said, wide-eyed. “Everyone here has been chosen. Well, some just watch.”

   The little bit of information he gave you was blowing your mind. You tried to make sense of it all, tried remembering the rules he told you, but everything felt fuzzy.

“So…,” you began. “Were you chosen?”

“I was.”

  You felt sad at the thought of someone else claiming him. You didn’t want to leave his side. There was something about his presence that made you want to be around him.

“A woman chose you?”

“A man,” he said. “I didn’t get to see his face, but he was shorter than me. He pulled me out of line and brought me inside. I didn’t get to say much to him before he disappeared.”

“Did he say anything to you?”

“My name,” he said. “He said my name like he knew who I was.”

 It occurred to you to ask him what his name was. When he told you he was named Jungwoo, you told him your name back. He blushed when you told him you liked the way he said your name.

“We both have a mystery man and we don’t know who he is,” you said. “How do we find him?”

“We don’t. We wait.”

“We what?”

“Didn’t you read the rule book?” he asked.

You shook your head no. “Coming here was a spur of the moment thing.”

“That’s brave,” he said. “I’ve been talking myself out of it for weeks. I only came tonight because I lost a bet. Is this something you’ve been wanting to do?”

“Have sex with a random stranger? Not exactly.”

“Can I tell you a secret?” he asked.

“Sure.”

 Jungwoo leaned down closer to your ear. “I wish it were you.”

  Before you could respond, the lights went out and mood lighting was set. You looked up at the massive chandeliers and felt the way the excitement buzzed through the air. During this, Jungwoo’s hand reached out instinctively to hold yours. The music got a little louder, the drunkenness a little bit more apparent.  Jungwoo removed his hand from yours and watched you looking from face-to-face.

“We don’t have sex here, do we?”

“No. There are rooms.”

“Can everyone watch?”

“If they pay,” he said. “Typically it’s about 10 people a room, plus the people who put on the show. It’s all done voluntary, and with complete consent. “

“Are there private rooms?”

“Not here on the ground floor ,” Jungwoo said. “But people choose to go upstairs to the hotel rooms for the night.”

  The nerves were coming back. Your heart was pounding in your chest and your hands were sweaty. You felt exposed in your own body, though you were wearing a mask to give your identity some dignity.

“You never have to do anything you don’t want to do.” Jungwoo said. 

“What do you want to do, Jungwoo?”

“I want to participate.”

“I think I do, too,” you said. “If you excuse me, I’m going to find my man.”

  Jungwoo didn’t say anything as you walked away from him. You felt like you glided across the floor, touching shoulders as you went, looking at every mask to find any details of the man who brought you inside. You thought about shouting for him over the noise, but you weren’t sure that would be taken well in a place so organized. Your other choice was to wait. You were deciding what to do when you saw Jungwoo being led somewhere by a woman without a mask. You didn’t have time to wonder where he was going when you felt a body press against yours. Instinctively, you tried turning around, but a hand around your wrist and the other on your waist stilled you.

“Don’t move,” a  deep voice whispered in your ear. “Do you want me?”

  You knew it was him. You didn’t have to look him in the face to know it was the same person who brought you inside. His body was so close to yours that you could feel all of him, the bulge in his pants against your ass, his heart racing against your back.  After you said yes, he snaked his hands down your thigh, his fingers pausing just an inch inside the slit of your dress. With the other hand, he unclasped your wrist and brought it up to your neck.

“I’ve been watching you.” he said.

“Isn’t that kind of creepy?”

  You didn’t care if people were watching you, but of course they were. His hand on your thigh made you feel so good that you struggled to keep your eyes open. You leaned your head back a little, and you let his hand grip your throat lightly. 

“Maybe.” he laughed.

“Why me?”

“First, it was the dress,” he said. “It doesn’t leave much to the imagination, does it?”

  You felt his hand cup your pussy over your underwear. His fingers were feather light against the lace, your pussy lips practically quivering as he drew circles, tracing the pattern with his fingertips. He brought his other hand from your neck and slid it between your breasts. You both swayed in place, dancing to music that no one else could hear.

“And second?” you asked, your breath getting caught in your throat.

  His hand went up your throat again and grabbed your chin. He pulled your chin down so that you could see all of the people looking at you, all the men staring with envy in their eyes. 

“Look at how much they want you,” he said. “Look at how much you’re all mine.”

  His fingers went underneath your underwear. He swiped his hand against you to feel your wetness. His hand came up to show you how you glistened in the light.

“Am I yours?” he asked. “Tell me, and it all begins.”

  He let go of you and you could still feel his touch on your body. You rocked backwards, but were met with air.

“You’re mine.” you said.

  He moved a stray hair from your neck and kissed you. His lips were soft and wet, his kiss sweet. Before leaving, he whispered in your ear and told you someone would be along shortly to collect you.

  Waiting felt like an eternity. You hadn’t felt that excited in a long time, like you would explode from the anticipation alone. Being touched like that in front of all of those people felt thrilling. They knew how your face looked with fingers inside of your pussy, and hands at your throat. They knew how fast you would crumble, and they would pay to see it. Going along with it felt too crazy of a thing for you. People from your work were probably watching your every move, and soon they would see what you looked like spread eagle on whatever surface you would be fucked on.

   About twenty minutes later, a different woman than the one who collected Jungwoo came for you. She was taller than you by a good five inches, and her face was all business and all pleasure. You didn’t know what to say to her, so you just stayed quiet and followed her out through am unmarked door off to the side.

“You need to sign a few forms,” she said. “Nothing too scary, just for legal purposes. You understand?”

“Yes.”

  She brought you into a room that operated as an office. You sat in chair with a yellow light bringing out the worst tones in your skin. You could pick yourself apart in the office and the woman would be none-the-wiser.

“Sign on the dotted line and on the next page,” she said, handing you a clipboard. “You can read it, if you want, but it’s just a guide to understand that all participants safety is our main concern. When you’re done signing, I need to ask you about personal matters such as contraceptives and stuff like that. Do you consent?” 

  After you agreed and signed the papers, she went over a few more things. Hearing her talk was daunting. She was fast and sure, her words spilling out like she had spoken them a million times, but you were struggling to keep up.  

“All set,” she said. “The important thing is to have fun. If you’re not having fun, there is no point.”

“Okay.”

  She stood up and you followed. She opened the door and you walked through. She escorted you down a long hallway with funky colored carpet and brown walls. The sconces on the wall looked like they belonged to a cheap motel, which was a far cry from the main ballroom. At the end of the hallway, was another door, but this one had a key code.

“This is serious.” you whispered.

“Safety is important to us,” she said. “We want our participants and our surveyors to feel safe.  Nothing will be recorded for this purpose. Phones are taken away before they ever reach the room, which reminds me, give me your bag.”

  You handed over the small bag you brought and watched as she tucked it under her arm. When she saw your face, she assured you nothing would happen to your belongings.

“Beyond this point,” she said. “You can choose to keep the mask on, or not. Most people like it on for the slight anonymity, but some do get brave.”

“I want it off.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

  You whipped the mask off and handed it to her before you could change your mind. You’re sure she was used to ridiculous displays of bravado, and judging by the look on her face, you were also sure she didn’t take you seriously.

“Are you ready?”

“You make it sound like I’m being thrown to the wolves.” you said, nervous laughter following behind.

“Well, Mark did choose you,” she said. “And that boy likes to play.”

“Mark?”

  The door swung open, revealing another long hallway with a bunch of rooms. Every room had a door with a number on it. The woman told you only participants can walk through those doors and that once they were all inside, the doors would lock for safety reasons.

“No one tries to get through,” she said. “But it’s an extra protection. This way, no one can just join in if they feel like it, or are too drunk to stop themselves. These rooms are only for surveyors.”

  Where there should have been walls, there was a floor to ceiling sheet of glass so that people could easily see everything going on inside the room.

“It’s like a cage.” you said.

“We were going to do a two-way mirror type of deal but we realized that people find it sexier if they can see the people watching them.” she said.

 The thought of people watching you have sex was finally sinking in. Even though you could opt out at any time, you felt like you were at the point of no return. You had felt him on you, felt his breath on your neck, and there wasn’t much that could tear you away.

“You’re in room four,” she said. “ Before you go in, I’m going to have to blind fold you.”

“What? Why?”

“Virgin rules.”

  She turned you around herself and tied a red sash around your head to cover your eyes. Not being able to see made you feel vulnerable. She told you to stand in place while she opened the door with her keys. She held your hand as she directed you inside, her voice making you feel more anxious as you moved inside.

“Stand right here.” she said.

  She pulled you to a spot and stopped you before you went too far. Standing there felt awkward, so you clasped your arms in front of you and tried to remain calm.

“Things will start shortly,” she said. “Any questions?”

“Am I the only one in this room?” you asked.

“I can’t tell you that,” she said. “Any other questions?”

“No.”

“Good. Remember to have fun, and use protection.”

  You heard the door shut. The silence in the room felt uncomfortable. You could hear yourself breathing too heavily. You shifted your weight from one foot to the other. You thought about removing your blindfold, but you didn’t want to get in trouble. All you could think about were the stacks of papers you signed and what the repercussions were for breaking a rule. After what felt like another eternity, you heard movement. When the door opened, voices poured into the room, which made you feel scared. As soon as the door shut, the voices vanished. 

“Who’s there?” you asked.

  You could hear the footsteps walk across the room, taking their time. They weren’t going to you, but heading further away. You could hear whispering, but couldn’t make out the words. When you put your fingers to the blindfold to tear it off, a voice suggested that was a bad idea.

“Going too fast could ruin the whole thing,” he said. “I like to take my time.”

“It’s you.”

“Of course it’s me,” he said. “Were you expecting someone else?”

“Are there people watching us?”

“They are, but they can’t hear us just yet.”

“Why can’t we hear them?”

“It’s the way things are,” he said. “They hear us, we don’t hear them. It’s just us in our little world.”

  You swallowed. It was so loud that you swore he could hear it. His footsteps moved towards you and your whole body clammed up. He stopped in front of you and skimmed his fingers down your cheek.

“You really shouldn’t be so shy around me.” he said.

  He reached up to untie the red sash around your eyes. It fell like ribbon to the floor, and you got to watch it land at your feet. You looked at his shoes, but couldn’t bring yourself to look up much further than that. He touched your chin and brought your gaze up to meet his.  When you looked into his eyes, the world shifted.

“Mark.” you whispered.

[otome-writer51]

A Ninja’s Kin Part 3

Part 1 Part 2

————————————

Meanwhile, someone a little ways away was struggling to get out of his restraints. Desperate to help his mother, he did not wish for this to be the last way he saw his mother alive.

“Takeshi, come on, we have to go help mom,” said Haru in a hurry, “We need to go now!”

Confused at how his little brother got out of his restraints, Takeshi was incoherently stringing together sentences. “Hdsndgd yoihuv ojbb kdhriegrjnfd.”

Shaking his head and laughing Haru mocked, “What? What was that, Takeshi? I can't hear you.” Snickering at his brother's expense, Haru was using this as his revenge on him... for now.

“NABD JXAHDUH ADUDU,” angrily spatting at Haru, Takeshi glared at his brother, demanding he untie him.

Deciding his big brother had had enough, Haru pulled off his gag, and moved behind him to cut him out of his ropes.

“Haru, how did you get out?” Takeshi couldn’t get the words out fast enough, asking his brother questions, almost as if it were a rapid fire.

“Calm down, brother. Does it really matter? I am out and now I am getting you out. But… if you must know, I used my handy shuriken, the one that daddy gave me for my birthday!”

Feeling very proud of himself at freeing his brother Haru stood, puffing out his little chest.

Rubbing his wrists, Takeshi continued to ask questions. “How did he not get that from you? Haru, that man checked us for weapons. Where in the world did you keep that?”

“Nowhere important,” Haru brushed the elder off.

Takeshi gave him a dubious look, but decided to let that one go. There were more important things that needed to be dealt with at the moment, like saving their mother’s life.

Standing up to his full height, Takeshi looked around for a way he could possibly help. Seeing nothing that could potentially help, Takeshi hung his head low, ashamed at not being able to help his mother when she needed it most.

Haru, noticing his brother's sullen expression, began to think up his own ideas. Looking around, he was about to give up as well, when he spotted something that could be useful. “Oh!!!”

Over by the veranda, there were rocks lining the flower beds. Big enough to hurt, but also small enough for the boys to throw.

“Takeshi!!!” The younger one called out, “The ROCKS, Takeshi, the rocks! We can use the rocks.” Gesturing madly to the rocks, Haru grabbed his older brother's hand and started dragging him over to where the rocks lay. “We can use them to distract him, giving mom enough time to gain the advantage.”

Takeshi followed his little brother, feeling very impressed with him. Whenever they were in a pinch, he could always count on Haru, he thought. This fact only made Takeshi feel guilty about the way he had treated his little brother earlier. “Hey, Haru?”

“Hmm, what is it, Takeshi?” Haru looked back at his brother with searching eyes.

“Well… um… I just wanted… to say…” Takeshi trailed off, finding it very hard to apologize; it was a skill he was not very good at.

“Go oooonnnnn!” Haru teasingly urged his brother.

Arriving at the flower beds, Takeshi mustered all the courage he could find. “Haru, I just wanted to say I am very sorry for the way I treated you earlier. I just want to be an amazing ninja, and I want you to be one too. I lost myself,” he sadly admitted.

The younger stared in amazement at what he was hearing. His brother apologizing, and apologizing to him, no less.

“I am extremely proud of myself for how far I have advanced in my training, but that does not give me any right to put you and Sakura down. You two are younger than me, so of course you guys have some more learning to do, but you are both very skilled for your ages. Honestly, you are even better than I was at your age, an-and...”

Punching his brother in the chest, Haru smirked at the pained expression the other wore.

“Ow! What was that for? I was trying to be remorseful, here.” Takeshi rubbed his chest, hoping to ease the ache from six-year-old’s punch.

“Save it for someone that actually wants to hear it, like Sakura. She loves that sappy stuff. I, on the other hand, don’t want an elder brother who’s going to coddle me, and go easy on me all the time,” Haru insisted with an air of cockiness, “After all, I know for a fact that when we grow older, I am going to be a better ninja than you in every way possible.”

Takeshi stared at his brother in shock. The one time in his life he tried to be the better person, they didn't want to hear it. “Haru I… just- uh, please accept my apology.” He looked at his little brother straight in the eyes; he wasn’t going to let him get out of this one.

“Fine, I guess I have no choice,” sighing, Haru relented. “For the record, I do look up to you and I love you, Take-shit.”

Chuckling at the younger’s choice of nickname for him, Takeshi smiled, “I love you too.”

“Great! Now that we got all the mushy stuff out of the way, how about we get back to the plan at hand here, hmm?” Haru said, reminding him that they had something to do, and that they needed to act fast.

Smiling at each other, the brothers started gathering the rocks, ready to aid their mother in battle.

————————————

“Hraaaghh!” He was not letting up and, if anything, his strikes were only getting more forceful. My opponent was high on adrenaline and it was not going to dissipate any time soon.

‘I don’t know how much longer can I keep this up. He will not spare me a moment's opening.’ I couldn't help but think, ‘I can keep this going for a while, but eventually one of us will tire out. I am only me, and I am fairly certain this man knows nothing of what fatigue is.”

He was slashing at me with his blades, which were met with a clang, making contact with mine. “Give it up, you are no match for me,” he growled at me.

“Never will I give up!” I spat at him, “Not after you so rudely invade my home, hurt my children, and so violently attack me. To add to it, you are too pathetic to even tell me your name.” Side-swiping him I spun, bringing my blade down on his head, only for my attempt to be met with another clang from his swords.

He pushed me back with an enormous amount of strength. I staggered, faltering. His cold, sickening voice reached my ears, “I told you, my name is of no importance; you won't live long enough to tell anyone.” Then, using my stumble to his advantage, he pounced on me.

My own blade saved me once again, blocking his attack from slicing right through me. Pushing in close, he glared at me, seething with anger, just mere centimeters away from my face.

‘He even smells like hatred and death.’ I would’ve believed this man to be death himself, if not for the fact that he had not yet managed to send me to hell.

He shoved harder, almost knocking me on my back. He would’ve had me right where he wanted me if not for a saving grace…

“Hey you big, old, stinky man! Get away from our mother!” my six-year-old, Haru, shouted at the imposing man. Throwing a rock at him, he nearly had a hit, but the target ducked at the last minute.

Deciding my children were no threat to him, he turned his focus back on me.

Somehow, they had managed to free themselves. ‘Should I even be surprised? They’re my boys,’ I thought. Bundled in their little arms were the rocks from the flower beds. Although however proud of them I may have been in this moment, this was something far too dangerous for them to take part in. ‘They need to take cover.’

“Takeshi, Haru, run! Get out of here. This is too dangerous,” I spoke to my boys through gritted teeth. It was taking all my energy to fend off this man, but I couldn’t let my boys fall victim to him.

“Mother, we’re here to help you, don’t tell us to leave,” my brave, fierce warrior, Takeshi, chided me. He seemed to have taken it as an insult that I told him to run to safety. “Hey, you evil snake. TAKE THIS!” Throwing an insult at the man, he hurled a rock through the air, hitting this monster at the back of the head, hard.

Swiftly snapping his head around to my boy, he radiated immense anger. His piercing yellow gaze settled sharply on Takeshi.

‘He’s going to kill them,’ I panicked internally. He now viewed my sons as nuisances he needed to deal with, before he could finish me off.

“You boys leave now. Get out of here before it’s too late!” I said, adding an authoritative hint to my voice, warning them not to disobey me. Did my boys listen to me? ‘Of course they wouldn’t listen to me, it always takes a few tries.’

Haru chipped in his two cents as well, “You are no match for our mother, you big, ugly sack of logs.” Hah! These boys and their insults. “Since you so wrongly think you’re a match for her awesomeness and excellence, I’ll give you a little something to knock some sense into your tiny brain.” Taking the largest rock he’d got in hand, Haru chucked it as hard as his little body would let him. “TAKE THAT!” he shouted, after the rock hit its intended target right in the eye.

“Good shot, Haru.” Praising his little brother Takeshi, along with the former, was oblivious to the man that had their absolute, full attention. I was nothing compared to my boys in this ungodly man's eyes now.

He withdrew from me, turned to my boys, and took off. He sped towards them, and it looked like they stood no chance against him. ‘Shit! He is really going to get them now!’ If I didn’t say something now, the next time I hugged my boys would be at their funeral.

Sensing that my sons were in immediate danger, I shouted, “TAKESHI! HARU! Run!! Run as fast as you can, GO, get out of here! NOW!” My boys, hearing the urgency in my tone, finally noticed the man charging at them, ready to end their young lives.

Haru, frozen in fright, did not move on his own, and so Takeshi grabbed his little hand and sped off, with him in tow. But their little legs were no match for the beast chasing after them.

I needed to use my last resort, even at the cost of it leaving me defenseless, for at least my sons would live to see tomorrow. And so, I threw my blade straight at the man's back. At the very last possible second it went straight through him, making him stumble to his knees. “Agggghhh!!” he dropped his weapons, moaning in agony.

My boys were able to safely escape, finding shelter behind a nearby tree.

I was about to stride towards the man, hoping to finish this once and for all, but he did the unthinkable before I could take one step. Reaching behind his back he yanked out my blade, now stained with his blood. He turned towards me, setting that cold glare on me once again.

What seemed like an eternity lasted only a minute. The man was now bounding toward me at full speed, my own weapon was brandished above his head.

Preparing myself to fight a fight that I was clearly now the underdog in, I got ready. ‘Lord if I do not survive to see my boys to safety please give them your protection. They are kind, smart, and brave; do not bring them home to you so early. Please, do not let my beautiful girl shed too many tears over this. Let her be strong, kind, and beautiful until her last breath. Finally, please protect my husband. He is all our children will have left and they will need him. He has so much more love to give this world. Please, to anyone who will listen, please protect my family!’

As soon as I finished my prayers, my attacker reached me. Ducking and rolling out of the way, I was able to give my best roundabout kick right in his fresh wound. He faltered forward, but he was not subdued long enough for me to gain any kind of advantage.

Putting all of his weight into his shoulder, he knocked me to the ground. Now standing over me, he raised my blade once more and spit at me, “Now, time to end this.”

Part 4 Part 5

[effable-ineffability]

Can I ask for some fight & separation followed by decades of Crowley engaging in self destructive behavior and decades of intense loneliness and longing on the angel’s part? Angsty angst being angstified? Or if you already have a similar fic... a link would do lol.

uh oh all right here’s some real angst and i am here for it and i have no apologies

this is gonna be in two parts, because one for crowley, and one for aziraphale, and also because apparently i have no self-control.  but also, if you know anything about me, you know i cannot not do happy endings so don’t worry too much ok

** content warning for implied drugs and sex, and very much not-implied alcohol

–

the place we used to love : part one

[read on ao3]

There was a drink in one hand, and something very hot in his other.  Crowley blinked, and realized that his cigarette had burned down to his fingers and was dutifully trying to turn those to ash as well.  He smothered it in the ashtray - well, near the ashtray at least - and drained the drink. It was refilled a moment later by the attentive bartender.

“Didn’t even - ” he hiccuped slightly, “ - even matter, ‘n th’ end.”  He waved his drink around. “S’not nonsense, I told ‘im. Is, he said.  ‘nd so I left, walked out.” Another hiccup, and he took a swig before he could spill the fresh drink.  “S’idiot. He is. Massive idiot. Massive, big ol’ idiot. Prat.” He pat his pockets with his empty hand.  “Where’re my smokes?” They were sitting in front of him. He pulled one out of the crumpled pack and put it between his lips.  “You ever fall ‘n love witha idiot before?” He tried to light the cigarette, and missed three times before the bartender took pity and lit it for him.  “Thanks. Idiot! Can’t believe… who’s he to say - ” another hiccup, “ - nonsense? He doesn’t even know. Doesn’t know. Can’t possibly know.”

The pub had closed an hour ago, but Crowley had refused to leave.  His head was swimming with the alcohol he had drank in startling excess, he kept seeing the bartender morph into twins and triplets, and he wasn’t even sure if she was real anymore.  No, the only part of his brain that wasn’t completely drowning reminded him, she must be real, because she just lit your cigarette.

“Idiot,” he mumbled, ashing near the ashtray and draining his drink again.

The bartender - her name was Ash, which Crowley was fairly certain he had made a joke about at some point within the last couple hours after his somethingth cigarette - hadn’t said much for the last hour while she had been cleaning up.  Ash had tried to get Crowley to leave when they closed, offering to call him a taxi to get him home safe; but he had laughed and said he had nowhere to go, and didn’t want to go there anyway. So she had allowed him to stay and continue drinking, mostly for fear of what he might do if he went out on his own.  (It had been the last coherent thing Crowley was able to do, miracling up a reason in Ash’s mind to let him stay. Seeing as how he couldn’t even light a cigarette now, he was glad she didn’t seem to think anything was amiss.)

“Husband?” she asked carefully when Crowley finally fell silent.  “Or boyfriend?” As far as she could tell, this redheaded man in sunglasses had stomped into the pub some four hours ago, threw himself onto a stool at the bar, and began a tirade that lasted well past closing time about a man he was in love with who was, if he was to be believed, an idiot; this supposed idiot had disagreed about something nondescript - she wasn’t able to get this answer out of the drunk man; something about work? - and walked out.  Or maybe the redhead had walked out. She wasn’t really clear on the details, despite having listened to the story for hours, because they seemed to keep changing.

Crowley snorted.  “Neither. Jussa idiot.”

“You clearly care about him a lot,” she persisted.

“But he doesn’t, see?  Doesn’t care. Nonsense.  Said nonsense.”

Ash sighed, and leaned on the bar to level a steady glance at him.  “Look, …er, I didn’t catch your name.”

“Crowley,” he said.

“All right.  Look, Crowley.  This idiot of yours, you clearly care about him.  Quite a bit. So don’t you think it would benefit you to talk to him about this?”

Crowley laughed, but was unfortunately halfway through a drag from the cigarette, and ended up coughing the smoke back up.  “Talk to him?” he repeated, gasping for air. “S’stupid! What’m I s’posed to say?”

“Tell him you love him,” Ash said simply.

He slammed his glass down; it shattered, and Ash leapt back with a cry of surprise.  Crowley’s glasses had slipped down his nose, and for the first time, she saw his eyes.  What struck her most wasn’t the slit pupils, or even the inhuman color - it was the overwhelming pain of loss that sliced right to her core.  “Weren’t you listening?” he spat, his anger not directed at her, but instead at everything around him.  “I did! S’what started all this.”

(one year later)

Crowley sat down on his regular stool, already with a cigarette balancing between his lips.  He was wearing a slinky dress the color of an expensive port, and his hair was in slightly frizzy waves around his shoulders.  One of his sleek, black heels was scuffed, but his jewelry was all flawless gold. He made an indistinct wave, and Ash swept over a second later with a glass of his preferred whiskey.  “That’s a nice dress,” she remarked, “looks good with your hair.” Then, gently, she asked, “How’re you feeling tonight?”

He rubbed his head slightly, and drained the glass in one without moving the cigarette.  “High,” he said simply. “Dunno on what. Probably shouldn’t be drinking. Leave the bottle.”

She did so, but didn’t leave.  “Still haven’t heard from him?”

“Am I supposed to?” he snapped.

“Do you want to?” she asked instead.

“Stupid question.”  He poured himself another glass, and drained it as well.  “Wanted to dance tonight,” he said instead. “Rain fucked up my hair.”

“Your make-up’s still flawless,” Ash offered in consolation.

He scoffed.  “Course it is.”  He poured a third glass, but just held this one for the moment.  With a sigh, he motioned with his free hand, and Ash obediently produced a lighter to light his cigarette for him.  “Figured I’d wait it out here,” he said, leaving a trail of smoke behind as he motioned to the front windows.

“I can fix your hair for you, before you leave, if you’d like.”

“How’s that?”

“I’m leaving for the airport after work, so I’ve got my bags here with me.  Hair dryer, hair spray, brushes, all packed up. I can dig ‘em up for you, though.”

Crowley found himself smiling.  “You’re sweet.”

Ash smiled lightly in return.  “Happy to help.”

Two hours later, when the rain had let up, however, Ash found Crowley being chatted up by a rather drunk businessman.  Crowley was playing along, all coy giggles and sidelong glances. Ash gave the two appropriate distance, and watched - a little disappointed - as Crowley took the man’s hand and tugged him through the crowds of people towards the back door.  Just before they both disappeared through it, Crowley caught Ash’s eye and gave her a little wink. Ash sighed.

Ten minutes later, Crowley reentered the building, hair properly mussed up, dress sliding off of one shoulder, and wiping the corner of his mouth ungracefully.  He slipped into an “employees only” back room, where Ash followed a moment later.

“You know,” she said, reaching over to pull his hair back from his face as he retched into a trashcan, “there are nicer ways of coping.”

“Ssh,” he hissed at her, spitting something that she didn’t want to see, then leaning on his arms braced on either side of the trashcan.

“More drugs?” she asked, tying his hair into a messy but effective ponytail with a spare hair tie she had retrieved from her purse fifteen minutes ago.

“Have to ask?”

“Your knees are dirty.”

“So?”

“You’re going to get hurt one of these days.”

Crowley didn’t respond immediately.  In fact, he didn’t respond at all. He straightened, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, and gave Ash a look that said, quite plainly, They can try.

(seven years later)

“How’s the wife?” Crowley asked.

“Pregnant!” Ash said happily.  “Oh, I haven’t seen you all week, we just found out a few days ago.”

“Congrats,” he said, raising his glass in a toast, then emptied it.  “And the boyfriend?”

“Leaving for France in the morning.  Sophie and I are going to miss him, but we’re going to visit next month, so it won’t be so bad.”  She lit his cigarette. “And you? How’s things?”

He shrugged and was quiet for a moment before saying, very softly, “Thought I saw him today.”

Ash had been halfway through rinsing some glasses, but stopped and turned back to Crowley.  “Did you?” she asked carefully. He hadn’t mentioned anything about his lost love in three years.

The hand holding his cigarette was also now tangled in his hair.  “Thought I did. Wasn’t him.” He reached up with his other hand and rubbed at his eyes under his glasses.  Ash caught a glimpse of deep, purple bags.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured.

“Don’t be.  Hasn’t even been a decade.  He’s a stubborn bastard. He’s gonna make me wait.”

(four years later)

“You’re bleeding.”  Ash passed Crowley a rag.  “Another fight?”

He tugged his sleeve up and wrapped the rag around his forearm before Ash could see the wound properly.  “Yeah,” he said.

“You shouldn’t drink when you’re bleeding.”

“Shouldn’t drink when I’m high either, but that never stopped me.”  He took the bottle from her and took a swig directly from it.

“Bad day?” she guessed gently.

He sneered, setting the bottle down.  “What gave it away?”

“Wanna talk about it?”

“Do I ever?”

“Sometimes.”

Crowley sighed, leaning forward until his head hit the bottle.  “I saw him today.”

“Actually him?”

“Actually him.  He was… sitting on our— on the bench.  At the park. Feeding ducks.”

“Oh.”

“S’moved on, hasn’t he.  Doing the things we used to do, but alone.  Moved on.”

“Or he’s missing you.”

“Course he doesn’t miss me.  Twelve bloody years, and not a word.”

“You haven’t talked to him either.”

He swung the bottle at her lightly, with no real threat.  “Get outta here with your logic. Gimme a glass. Don’t need to pass out til I find someone willing to punch me.”

(eight years later)

Crowley stood outside the building, smoking, as the rain cascaded down around him.  He was dressed simply, a sleek V-neck shirt and his favorite leather pants with dark snakeskin boots.  There was a bruise on his neck, and bandages wrapped around his left arm.

“Sorry I’m late,” Ash panted, hurrying up to him and lowering her umbrella as she joined him under the awning.  “Sophie’s appointment ran late, and then we had to get Lily to her friend’s house.”

“S’fine,” he mumbled.  “How’s Sophie?”

Ash mustered up a smile.  “She’s doing all right. Better than she should be, according to the doctor, so we’re being optimistic.”

Crowley looked her up and down.  The years had taken their toll on her, but he could still see the same fresh-out-of-college girl that had let him stay past closing all those years ago.  She was thinner than he thought she should be, but he knew she wasn’t eating much with the stress she was under. “Good,” he said simply.

They stood in silence while Crowley continued smoking.  As he was just about done, Ash cleared her throat. “How are you, then?”

He gave her a brittle smile.  “You don’t want to hear about that.”

“It’s been twenty years, Crowley.  If I didn’t want to hear about that, I would have kicked you out a decade ago.”

Twenty years.  Twenty years since the last time he had spoken to Aziraphale.  He flicked the cigarette butt into the street, and rubbed his head.  “M’not good,” he admitted.

“I know.”  She took him by the arm, and led him into the pub.

It was empty.  It had closed for good sometime last week, and was going to be demolished tomorrow.  But Ash - sentimental thing that she was - had insisted on pouring him one more drink.  She sat him down in his usual, well-worn stool, and slipped behind the bar, shrugging her coat off and setting her bag and umbrella down.  “I brought something special for this evening,” she said, reaching into her bag and pulling out two bottles. “For you, the same whiskey you drank that first night I met you.”  She set it down in front of him, along with a glass. “And for me, the same wine you gave me and Sophie for our wedding. Took me a while to track both of these down, but I thought they’d be appropriate.”

Crowley nodded, the slightest of smiles still tugging at the corners of his mouth.  “Thanks,” he said.

She opened both bottles and poured a drink them each a drink; they sipped in silence.  Ash noted that Crowley looked more exhausted than usual. Twenty years, and he still looked exactly the same, but the exhaustion was something to see in more subtle ways.  The slope of his shoulders. The bruises under his eyes. The shake in his hands. “So,” she said.

“Can’t stay away anymore,” Crowley said; apparently, that was all the prompt he needed.  “S’been torture. Drugs, alcohol, sex, violence… it numbs it all for a while, but then everything just comes back.  How’m I supposed to ignore something when it won’t go away?” He laughed a little. “Pain’s still here, twenty years later.  Figured, if it’s still here now, it really isn’t going anywhere, is it? So fuck it, what else can I lose, right? Gonna get drunk,” he raised his glass in acknowledgement, “and gonna march right up to his stupid shop, and gonna give ‘im a piece of my mind.”

“Good.”  Ash said this firmly with a single nod.  She had waited damn near twenty years for Crowley to get to this point, and was glad he was finally here.  “You’ll let me know how it goes?”

He snorted, and held his glass out towards her.  “Babe, you’re along for the ride, aren’t you?”

She tapped her glass to his with a smile.  “Glad to be here.”

[leera-ozynite]

Happy Birthday, Mr. Dwicky

@vindication-thy-name-is-dwight

Dwight had never thought much about his birthday. Even when he was living on Plookesia, it just wasn’t something that was all that important to him. It was just another day. A day where he just so happened to be reminded that he was another year older. Which, honestly he didn’t need much reminding of with his gray streaked hair and the slight crinkles in the corner of his eyes.

However, it seemed he’d been the only one with that mentality today. Everyone had painstakingly made sure he had not only gifts but some of his favorite foods as well. Even Mr Astral Projection While Comatose had been more pleasant to be around than usual. Dwight also found a bag chips that literally said Hell Chips on his desk. With chopsticks. It had made him snort.

The day was starting to wind down now, and he decided to get a little bit of work done before turning in for the night when the door to his office opened. He smiled softly when he saw Leera there. “Hello, Firefly.”

Leera blushed at her new nickname. She wasn’t sure she would ever get used to that. She returned the smile as she approached his desk. It was incredibly warm, but that was probably just the coat she was wearing. She reminded herself that this was going to be worth it.

“Hello, love,” she said sweetly. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders from behind his office chair, giving him a kiss along the side of his face. She took a quick peek around the office to make sure Hal wasn’t around. It wasn’t that she was worried about the cat, more so about a certain wandering soul of a comatose friend of theirs (and yes, she would say Johnny was their friend until the stars no longer shined and no one would be able to convince her otherwise.) The two of them were going to need...plenty of privacy. “Are you working on anything important?”

Dwight hummed at the gentle affection, turning to lean up and kiss Leera’s jaw. “Not particularly. Just some trivial things I figured I’d take care of before bed. Are you here to drag me away?”

Leera snorted and nuzzled his hair. “Only you would work on your birthday.”

“Just a few last minute things. Besides, I feel like I’ve had...a pretty eventful day, as it is.” He leaned into her nuzzles.

Leera grinned a little. Little did Dwight know, his evening was about to get even more eventful. “What if I told you I had one more present for you?”

Dwight rose a brow. “Careful. You’ll spoil me,” he joked. In truth he was mostly just very overwhelmed at all the attention for his birthday. It was a day he hadn’t thought about in a very long time. Not to mention, he didn’t quite feel like he deserved much of it.

Leera gave him another kiss on the cheek before slipping her arms from his shoulders. She walked around in front of him, leaning against the desk. “Perhaps that is my intention,” she purred as she slowly untied the belt of the coat. She casually let it slide off of her, revealing what she had been hiding underneath.

Dwight watched Leera with confusion for a moment, his eyes suddenly fixating on the belt she was untying. He had been a little confused to see Leera in the coat in the first place. She didn’t like being cold, but the base was kept at a fairly neutral temperature

However, as soon as her coat was off, pooling at her feet on the floor, Dwight had to wonder if someone had suddenly turned the thermostat up several degrees. Now he could see why she’d been wearing it. Leera stood before him in a black, lacy corset, tied just tightly enough to outline her perfect waist. There was also matching panties, though those were almost not even there, leaving the gorgeous swell of her hips pretty much entirely visible. A pair of sheer, black thigh-highs adorned her legs, held up by black garters attached to the corset.

Jesus Christ he wasn’t sure he’d ever gotten so hard so fast.

He swallowed hard, drinking in the sight in front of him. It was taking everything in him not just tackle Leera onto the desk and fuck her until she screamed.

Leera smiled, enjoying her partner’s reaction. She knew he was struggling with himself. He was so careful not to hurt her in any way, so hyper-aware of the harm he was capable of. But she trusted him. And now more than ever she wanted him. Wanted him to have her. All of her.

Her smile curled into a smirk. “Are you going to sit there and gawk all night, Mr. Dwicky?” she asked him, leaning forward to curling her fingers around his tie. She gave it quick tug toward her. “Or are you going to claim your prize?”

There was a sudden flash of movement, Dwight’s office chair clattering to the floor. He still wasn’t used to Leera being so forward, but good God, he was never going to complain about it. His mouth found hers in a frenzy, his fingers digging into her hair. His other hand immediately found her hip as he pressed himself against her, already starting to grind against her

“You mischievous little minx,” he growled, his mouth descending on her neck. He took his hands off of her for only a second to throw his blazer off before they both landed back on her hips. He had meant to pull her panties off just enough to be out of the way, but in his excitement he forgot how strong his metal hand could be, ripping the small, lacy garment right off of Leera’s body.

“Aw, Mr. Dwicky, those were expensive,” Leera teased breathlessly. In reality she didn’t care one bit, already moving her hips to meet his.

Dwight responded with a hard nip to her neck. “I’ll buy you new ones,” he told her as his hand flew to his belt, wanting to get his pants off as soon as possible. He’d give her anything and everything she wanted. He’d make up for so many years of not seeing what was right in front him. Leera Ozynite deserved the world, the universe, all the stars in all of space. And he’d find a way to give it all to her.

“Fuck, I love you,” he breathed, finally managing to get his pants and underwear off, hissing as his cock was brushed with the cool air of the room.

Leera gave a loud aroused chirp at the bite, her legs spreading to make room for Dwight to settle there. She was so happy to see his sense of urgency. Most of the time he liked to take his time, but there was something about watching him so eager for her that turned her on like nothing else.

However, her breath hitched at his next words, feeling the need to pause for a moment. He...he had never said those words to her before. She cupped his face in her hands, taking a moment to study his face. “Did...do you mean that?” Dwight was never one to say something he didn’t mean, but she had to be sure before she jumped to conclusions.

Dwight was confused at the sudden pause. For a moment he worried he was being too aggressive with her, perhaps assuming wrong about what she wanted. Then he realized what she was asking, what he had said. His expression softened in an instant, leaning into the touch of her hands. He even took a moment to kiss one of her palms before leaning forward to press his forehead to hers, keeping his eyes open to meet her gaze.

“I mean it,” he told her, his voice soft and full of promise. He reached up to caress her cheek with his right hand, the one made of flesh and bone. “I love you, Leera. With everything I am.” I don’t deserve you. I never have and I never will.

Leera stared at him, her eye shifting as if to search for some sign that he might be lying, simply indulging in her fantasies. But there was nothing of the sort in those startling blue eyes. Nothing but love and devotion and promises of forever. She was torn between being overwhelmed with emotion and being even more aroused than she was before. She pulled him toward her and kissed him passionately, her hands burying themselves in his hair. “I love you. I love you so much, Dwight.” She said between frantic kisses. “I’m yours, I’m yours please take me.”

Dwight’s chest tightened at the kisses, feeling his own emotions rise to the surface. This woman had seen so many horrors, put up with so much shit. And yet she stayed. He wanted to let her know it was worth it. That he would never put her in that position ever again. He would even the playing field, give and take. “And I’m yours, Firefly,” he told her. 

Then he growled at her breathless pleas, wasting no more time lifting onto his desk. After a quick assessment that nothing on it was terribly important, he knocked everything off in a quick sweep. He nipped at her ear as he laid her down onto the wood, leaning over her, not wanting to get too far from her body. He spread her legs a little more slipping inside her with a grunt. She was so hot and wet. “Fuck, you’re amazing.”

Leera gasped as Dwight entered her, her arms and legs coming to wrap around her mate. She panted, her nails digging into Dwight still clothed shoulders. Her legs quivered. “Dwight. Dwight don’t stop. Take me hard I want it. Please.”

There was no way Dwight could deny such pretty, desperate words. His hand not gripping the desk gripped her hip as he began to move. He focused on making his thrusts powerful and deep, Fuck, she felt like heaven. “You feel so fucking good, Firefly,” he purred in her ear. “You’re so beautiful. You deserve everything . I - fuck - I want to give you everything.”

Leera bounced against the desk with the power of those thrusts, already gasping and moaning rather loudly. She struggled to move her hips to Dwight’s rhythm, chirruping at how much more intense the feelings became. They’re skin slapped against each other loudly and the desk rattled. She found it ridiculous that the thought of them breaking it with their love-making turned her on so much. 

Her abdomen already felt so hot and tight. She knew she wasn’t going to last long the moment Dwight had thrown his chair. She liked slow and steady, yes, but there was something so addicting about being taken in a frenzy, of fucking like you might run out of time at any moment. Not to mention her emotions at Dwight’s love confession had only added to it. “I want it. I want everything.” She told him, cutting off with a high pitch moan in her native language. “Oh, stars, Dwight, please give me everything!”

Dwight didn’t have to be told twice. He removed his hand on Leera’s hip to join his metal in gripping the desk, using it a little as leverage. A couple more nicknacks and papers tumbled down to the floor. Nothing important. Definitely not important enough to distract him from his current task. He dipped down to kiss Leera frantically, his cock pumping in and out of her hard and fast. “I love you,” he told her between fervent kisses. “I love you. I love you - Ah! Fuck! I love you, Leera!”

Leera did her damndest to kiss back, the moves sloppy and feverish. Dwight’s words hit her like lightning shooting through her system, helping fuel the building heat in her belly. She moaned desperately into his mouth. “Oh, stars, yes!” she cried once they pulled away. “Yes, yes, just like that, I’m so close, please!”

Dwight decided perhaps it was time he tried something out. Unbeknownst to Leera, Dwight had been tinkering with a couple things with his metal arm. He removed his left hand from the desk, barely noticing the cracks and splinters he had created under his grip. His hand traveled down the curve of her waist, tracing the line where her hip met her pelvis, before landing right above where their bodies met, his thumb hovering over her clit.

“Anything...anything for you, Firefly,” he told her, his lips barely ghosting over hers as he spoke. Not stuttering in his pace for a moment he pressed his metal thumb to her clit and smirked. A sharp vibration erupted from the appendage, aimed perfectly where it would get the best reaction. His mouth was back on her throat, giving her passionate, open mouth kisses.

Leera was practically sobbing at this point, chest heaving with every breath she took. She was right on that edge, clinging to Dwight like he was the only thing she had left in the whole universe.

At feeling the vibration on her clit she threw her head back and swore loudly in Mefni. It was too much. She couldn’t hold back anymore. “DWIGHT!” She screamed to the ceiling, her orgasm slamming into her violently. It was so powerful that she nearly blacked out, holding onto Dwight for dear life as she rode out the tumultuous waves of pleasure, continuing to moan in just about every language she knew.

Dwight continued to thrust, helping Leera ride out her climax. Between Leera’s body tightening around him in a near vice and the vibrations from his own thumb it wasn’t long until he found his peak. “Shit, Leera!” he exclaimed, his hips stuttering only slightly as he released deep inside his mate’s body. He gave a growl as he continued to pump in and out of her, wanting the feeling to last as long as possible.

Leera gasped as she felt Dwight fill her, not removing her legs from around him just yet. She took a moment to catch her breath, looking up at him. She reached for his tie again and pulled him down for a kiss. “You are incredible, my dearheart.”

Dwight chuckled, continuing to give Leera soft kisses on her nose and cheeks. “I’m just trying to keep up,” he told her, holding her gaze for a moment so she got the message.

Carefully he pulled out of her, running a hand through his sweaty hair. He quickly pulled his pants up before gathering Leera in his arms and carrying her over to the nearby couch, holding her in his lap. “I really don’t deserve you.”

Leera shook her head, nuzzling his face. “Every time you say that I’m very tempted to quote Admiral Denivar.”

Dwight huffed. “You would.” It’s not about deserve. It’s about what you believe. It still sounded like some Disney Channel hogwash. However, he couldn’t help but think about how the girl who wouldn’t stop saying had every right to call for his head. Hell, she hadn’t even done the next expected thing by locking him up and throwing away the key.

He leaned into the woman in his arms, taking one of her hands in his as he kissed her jaw. He’d hold on to it this time. He wouldn’t waste his second chance. He hold on to all of this with everything he had. For some damn reason, even after everything he did, so many people had put their faith in him.

“Happy birthday, dearheart,” Leera murmured, enjoying very much being held in Dwight’s arms like this.

Dwight smiled. “Thank you, Firefly. I look forward to many, many more birthdays with you.”

He would not let it be in vain.

[whetstonefires]

While i was rifling thru your fic tag like a half-starved raccoon in a cake tin I found your clone Damian's fic & i'm in LOVE! And like, do u hav anymore meta on that verse? like how do the rest of the fam find out? how do they REACT?! how does Damian? does the heretic clone still exist? Just reading abt tim with a bunch of tiny dami's gave me heart palpitations. Thank you for this gift.

(In reference to this post.)

Why thank you!

It’s vaguely inspired by some meta @cerusee and @audreycritter did about what if Damian was one of several identical clones, but I’ve been fascinated by the character potential suggested by Damian having been cloned since Talia first revealed it, so.

Let’s see.

I don’t think the Heretic still exists, not in the form we saw. This story fragment sort of assumes Talia went less crazy than they made her for the whole Leviathan storyline; she doesn’t regard the clones as sons the way she does Damian (she totally relied on cloning to get him perfectly matched organ replacements, like that spine) but she’s not “sons are born to die in battle” “let’s grow him big inside a WHALE” levels of whacked out.

She hasn’t fully committed to having them compete to be selected as the official Damian #2, either, because she’s still attached to the original, though the growing prospect of that was a lot of the reason they ran for it. One of them might have wound up as the Heretic, in another timeline? But it was a timeline that diverged long before they fled the League.

So they make it to Tim’s emergency van without being intercepted, and get as far as his secure site on city limits, but they have to fight their way through the last leg of that trip and to make it inside the bunker, and it’s supplied for a siege but not really big enough for eight people, even if seven of them are small, and also staying there and being besieged would draw the attention of the Bats, which defeats the whole purpose of not making for the Cave/calling reinforcements.

So he calls his friends for extraction, and they all wind up in Kansas.

Tim puts off contacting the family until the clones have with his guidance sorted out exactly how they want to present themselves.

Unfortunately, the last stage of the ninja battle was showy enough not to be overlooked, so his absence was noticed much sooner than he expected, and regarded as more worrying. On the second day Dick calls Kon to see if he knows where Tim’s gotten to, and Kon fails to lie adequately.

Dick can’t pressure Kon as easily as he can most people because last time he asked Kon for a favor Kon came to the North Pole and died for him.

Which is the kind of thing even Nightwing isn’t veteran enough not to take seriously.

But he still calls his bluff and asks a bunch of questions, and winds up very suspicious and worried, so at this point Tim and the Damians have to hurry up and figure out how to announce the situation or go on the run from the Bats as well as the League, which would be. Not smart.

Tim explains the situation over videochat with the Cave before having the cloneboys join him on the feed; this spares them the worst of the yelling.

Bruce, Dick, and Damian all respond pretty badly. Bruce because he doesn’t like change and he’s reflexively suspicious, and having eight Damians to raise is a justly horrifying notion. Also anti-clone prejudice. It’s unfortunately an established trait of his, though not like. A strong one.

Dick because he’s really defensive of Damian, and perceives this first and foremost as an emotional threat to his bab’s fragile identity.

Damian because he knows exactly how he was raised to react to someone being in a place he wants, and he knows how many opportunities his father’s household policies gave him to take shots at Tim, and they may be six years old but there are seven of them. He is going to die.

All things considered, Damian’s being the most rational here.

He’s wrong though. The clones were raised as disposable ninjas, not princes; they’re perfectly well aware killing him would gain them nothing, and they have very little sense of entitlement.

Bruce and Dick do try to be nice to the kids once it’s finally settled they will be staying at the Manor at least for a bit, because they need to be somewhere safe and Bruce can’t leave them at Clark’s house forever. Even Ma Kent has her limits.

But Bruce blows bewilderingly hot and cold and Dick kind of makes a point of of not being too warm to them, because he’s loyal to his demon brat. Damian starts staying at his place a lot and consequently working with Nightwing instead of Batman.

Bruce has no idea what to do about this or if he even should do something. Damian’s thirteen, right? Teenagers are supposed to rebel??? This is a pretty harmless way to do that?

But he misses him.

This does lead to making more time for the Seven Identical Six-Year-Olds.

Their sense of morality revolves around having made the breakthrough to valuing on another’s lives; they aren’t as opposed to not-murder as Damian was but they’re also a lot harder to coax into seeing things his way because they don’t need as much from him, emotionally.

This makes them ironically less terrifying for Bruce, even if he’s still having trouble actually bonding with them the way he normally does with his kids.

Barbara meanwhile is cautious. She always takes a while to warm up to new people, and she doesn’t have Tim’s history with clones to get her over that speedbump. She tries very hard to be fair, but she’s not really welcoming. She’s Reserving Judgment.

Jason thinks this is the funniest thing ever and goes out of his way to tease Damian about it. Privately he’s super creeped out, but as that wears off he starts getting mad about Bruce and Dick making the kiddos feel unwelcome and at some point does a rant, and after that is vaguely protective in a useless sort of way.

He enjoys being a bad influence. The septuplets also enjoy this. They think he’s funny, too, and he’s easier to communicate with than most people around here. Achieves a fairly high tier on the Favorite Non-Clone Brother list they aren’t exactly keeping.

Cass is super about these kids. She can relate to them even more than to Damian, because they weren’t raised as heirs to anything and don’t have the sneering put-down form of pride going, and also she’s actually around to meet them at the crucial getting-to-know-you stage.

She thinks sparring one-on-seven is an excellent sibling bonding activity. There are assassin-child puppy piles once they’re all worn out. Many photos are taken.

She’s doing much better than Bruce at getting them to extend their nascent sense of empathy beyond one another, without actually making an effort. It’s not like they’re actually much behind their cohort when it comes to social development, they’ve just got murder conditioning flattening their affective empathy. (And are ahead of cohort intellectually, which contributes a lot to the dissonance.) Cass’ accidental therapy involves butterflies.

Tim continues to be around, a lot more than he has been for a while because he’s kind of obligated to see this through. The septuplets trust him, which is more than they do anybody else for a while, so he winds up with a lot of childcare duties.

Since this amounts to ‘showing them where to find soap’ and ‘being in their vicinity’ rather than i.e. brushing their teeth for them and making sure they don’t steal each others’ snacks, he’s fairly okay with this.

Sizdahum sticks especially close, which is fine because he’s not a big talker; he winds up getting a lot of absent lessons on detective work.

Tim gets yelled at for having murder scene photos open in front of him; both of them and Haftum, who happens to be there at the time, roll their eyes a lot throughout.

Tim’s friends also visit the Manor a few times specifically to visit the kids, since they already met them. At one point the Damian clones, Tim, Kon, Wonder Girl Cassie, and due to rumor mill Anita, Cissie, and Greta all have a picnic in a rare afternoon of sunshine on the Manor grounds.

Alfred packed the picnic so it has ludicrously expensive cheese, a fruit salad featuring freshly pitted cherries, and thermoses of milkshakes in the favorite flavors of everyone who got one, even the ones he’s never met before. In response to this bounty Anita threatens to come to visit every time she can get babysitters for her parents.

Then she considers introducing her parents to the clone kids. They’re turning out almost as weird, even if in theory they don’t remember their previous lives. We’ll see how that turns out.

Bruce got used to how all his sons’ friends know his secret identity over a decade ago, it’s…fine.

Steph thinks they’re creepy but she’s far enough from ground zero to laugh about it, especially about their occasional appearances as Tim’s row of ducklings, and also she trusts Cass’ judgment.

Everyone does, to a certain extent; it helps the septuplets’ cause incredibly over the course of the first few weeks. It wins Alfred off the fence about them after about three days, which is quite a coup; even before that he was fast catching up with Tim in the ‘learning the differences between the septuplets’ sweepstakes.

(Cass is the only one who can even semi-reliably tell them all apart if they’re not wearing their nametags, or catch them switching, but learning things like their individual preferences in weaponry or cake is arguably much more important.)

Speaking of names, it’s a difficult issue. Bruce would (with considerable angst and self-doubt) be willing to name them all if asked, and they’d probably be open to it if he offered, but they’re not quite comfortable naming themselves and he’s too insecure and weirded-out to suggest anything else.

The other members of the family are varying degrees of not okay with the numbering system. Steph’s main issue with it is she has trouble remembering them precisely, because she doesn’t speak Farsi and learning seven unfamiliar similar-sounding words at the same time doesn’t play to her strengths.

Damian has a tendency to call them by their numbers in English, which only some of the clones actually mind but it offends the hell out of Bruce.

The necessity of keeping them secret until they have actual public-ready names and a story has been settled on wears on everyone’s nerves a bit. The issue that there exists no story more believable than the actual extremely weird truth stands in the way.

Barbara actually crafts an entire cover about rescuing the products of an illegal cloning operation by people planning an overly complicated ransom scheme for Damian, and Bruce going ‘well dammit they’re my kids too,’ which doesn’t get deployed for a while because:

1) everyone’s still hunting for something a little less weird and

2) they have to review the entire body of legal precedent relating to clones to make sure this won’t put the kids in jeopardy down the line or undermine Bruce’s chances of getting custody somehow.

Meanwhile, Bruce absolutely forbids the clone squad from getting involved in vigilante fighting. Because they are six. They’re not quite on house arrest but they have strict supervision and a curfew. They mostly accept this; they’re used to discipline and they did come here for refuge.

He tries to take away all their live weapons. Because they are six. This fails to stick. It threatens to become a serious bone of contention.

Cass, Tim, and Damian (somewhat unwillingly) wind up having to broker the issue; explaining to Bruce that the kids think he suspects them of plotting murder, and to the kids that Bruce doesn’t think they can be trusted not to hurt themselves with sharp objects is. Fraught. On all sides.

Why does Bruce never get any kids for whom normal responsible parenting guidelines are fully applicable?

[synthsoup]

see you again (john shelby x reader)

Request : Hi! Could I request a John Shelby x reader where she wants him but she thinks he likes her friend so she's thrown off when he starts to show interest in the reader?

Words :1.3k

A/N : not totally sure if this is good (its bAd and i got carried away), but I tried and this was really fun to write w o w, please enjoy.

***

Sparkling champagne trickles into your mouth as you feel silk cascade down your body. This was probably one of the most luxurious days of your life, you couldn’t even begin to fathom the money everything you were surrounded with would cost you if not already payed for. At the present moment, you were in a fancy dress shop with your best friend, Ruth.

She had told you about her encounter with the eldest Shelby brother, Arthur, telling you of some inconceivable party that she was supposedly invited to. It all sounded like one big fantasy to you– that is until she had informed you that she could bring a guest, and not long after that when a wildly expensive car showed up at her house. You were instructed to follow her, being the chosen guest, and you found yourself in the sort of shop you had only dreamed of since your youth.

“Oh Y/N! You look stunning!” Ruth exclaims as she runs her gaze over the dark maroon dress that hugged your figure in all the right places. She was right, it was as if the dress was made just for you.

“I could say the same about you Ruth. I can’t believe this is happening!” you say, and she gives a breathy sigh. While examining herself in the mirror she talks,

“Me either. But honestly, while all the brothers are easy on the eyes, it’s John that’s really got my attention.”

“Oh really?” you say genuinely curious. “And why’s that?”

“He’s just got a way about him. His face Y/N, and he’s so tall and- I don’t know.” she says while a woman pins her hemline. Ruth seemed to fit into this life perfectly, you think as she smiles at herself in the mirror. You giggle a bit,

“Well who knows Ruthie, in a few hours anything can happen.” you say cheerfully and she squeals back at you.

And indeed the next few hours go by in a blur, and before you know it your hair is all done up, and someone is opening the car door. In front of you is an huge, royal looking building. Though you didn’t know its purpose, you didn’t quite care as you saw the elegant people gliding across floors. It seemed like a million possibilities could be flooding through the windows along with the warm light, contrasting against the night sky. What a life, you thought.

You walked in, and while you’d never believed in fate or anything, when your eyes clicked with another pair across the room, you didn’t know what to think. His tall frame stood, and he stared you down with an incomprehensible look before a small crowd of people moved between you and him, cutting of your line of sight.

You turn to find Ruth, and you walk to the side before she grabs your arm.

“There he is!” she says, and when you look where she’s looking you see the handsome fellow from before walking in your direction, but this time with his gaze on Ruth. Of course, you thought. It was John Shelby.

“Hello there miss. And I suppose you’re the girl Arthur’s been talking about?” he says with a smile.

“That’s me.” She giggles. Oh boy. You could tell she was going to lay it on thick for this man, so you decided to step away and give her space. You wanted so badly to push down what you’d felt when you looked at him. Perhaps fate wasn’t real, but you felt pretty cursed at this moment.

The night was whirling by, and while several men asked you to dance, you tried to accept and enjoy yourself. Hell, you did enjoy yourself, you just couldn’t shake off the feeling in your stomach. While you were dancing, you would occasionally pass Ruth and John. He seemed to enjoy her company, every time she asked him to dance he would politely comply.

People were quickly settling down with the night, passing out drunk on chairs, dancing sloppily and slowly on the dance floor. You were wandering around the gigantic room for a while, simply observing when you saw Ruth, head propped up in her hand gazing at John who was about half way across the room. Her head looked about ready to plop down right on the table however, based on how drunk she looked.

You chuckle to yourself, and as you’re about to make your way to her you hear someone clearing their throat next to you. You turn and automatically feel a slight pink tinge appear on your cheeks. You can’t help it with the way he stares at you, and the corners of his mouth tilt up.

“Hey love, i’m-”

“John Shelby.” you finish in a breath.

“My reputation precedes me.” He chuckles.

“That’s quite the understatement.” you say, quickly warming up to him.

“Well, would you- would you like to dance with me?” he questions, holding his hand out.

You freeze for a bit as the wheels in your head turn rapidly. Was he not just dancing with Ruth all night? Was it just her eagerness? You think as quickly as possible and decide to take his hand. His face breaks in a smile and he takes you slowly in his arms, putting his large hand on your waist and holding your hand with the other. You sway for a bit getting comfortable and eventually leaning into him. He lets out a breath,

“Can I be honest? I’ve been thinkin’ about you all night, ever since you walked through the door.” he says. You look up at him and his eyebrows are slightly pushed together as if he’s in deep thought.

“Really? ”

“Yeah. I mean, sorry if I-”

“No, no it’s fine. I have to admit I've felt the same.” you both release the tension in your bodies at the same time, and continue to dance to the slow song, winding around the room.

“Say, what’s your name anyways? I don’t think iv’e ever seen you before.”

“Well i’m only here because my friend was invited.” You say nodding over at Ruth. He shakes his head,

“She’s certaintly.. persistant.” he says cautiously. This garners a laugh out of you, and the look in Johns eye is priceless, looking so proud as if he had just made the whole world laugh.

“It’s Y/N, by the way.” you say still with a lingering smile. You hadn’t noticed how close the two of you had gotten until you were nose to nose, breaths intermingling.

“Y/N.” he repeats testing it out on his mouth. “Beautiful.” he whispers, and before you know it it’s as if a magnet has been pulling you together the whole night, and finally you were allowed to feel each other. His lips brush yours, and you grab his shirt and pull him closer, pressing your lips to his. He puts one hand on your cheek and the other glides over your hip moving you closer.

You sigh as the kiss grows deeper and you move your hands from his forearms to wound them around his torso. Eventually the two of you reluctantly pull away from the kiss, and a silence follows as you stare at each other with dazed eyes.

“John, I-”

“I have to see you again.” he breathes, and your breath hitches when you realize you feel exactly the same.

“I’m telling you John, i’m not from here. I know nothing about this life, how am I ever going to-”

“Y/N, I will do whatever it takes to be with you. I have to see you again.” he practically pleads with you. It doesn’t take long for you to nod rapidly. You’d never felt like this before, and based on the way Johns slightly unsteady hands gripped yours you were fairly certain he felt the same.  You would see him again, you had to. After all, life is full of change.

***

requests are open!

[raybansandcoffee]

Adventure of a Lifetime: Chapter Four

You can find the first three chapters of Adventure of a Lifetime HERE. Sorry about the cliffhanger in the last chapter, I’m evil. I know.

*****

Fuck. How do I answer this? It's the dreaded moment I've faced doing this whole thing alone since we moved here. It's why I hated the Mommy groups. It's why I got awkward and abandoned the playdates. I didn't know where to even begin when answering this. I could lie, say that he was in LA and he saw the kids when he could. No one here would know. I could tell the truth but then I'd have to deal with all of them making that sad face everyone has been making at me for the last year.

"Umm..."

"You don't have to answer that. I get it. Single parenthood is awkward and people think that they can just ask every inappropriate and awkward question. I was out of line."

"You weren't. It's just a hard question to answer and something that honestly I haven't discussed with a single person since I moved here. We moved here in a really quick manner. And I haven't even felt okay opening up to anyone about it. But it's okay. I need to. It's been 342 days. It's time to feel okay talking about it. The kids had a wonderful Dad. One of the greatest people I've ever met. He was kind and funny and he loved them endlessly." I took a deep breath. "And their Mom. She was my soulmate. We did everything together. She was probably the most incredible human that ever existed. She knew just how to make you feel settled and safe in any situation, which was great because I'm anxious all the time. She loved being a Mom more than anything and she was the happiest I'd ever seen her." I remembered watching them walk out the door of my condo after dropping off the kids with me. They were so in love and ready to go celebrate their anniversary. The image of them kissing as the elevator across from my door closed is burned into my mind. I felt a tear slip down my cheek and quickly tried to brush it away. As he did every morning Axel reached his hands out and put them on my cheeks. "The kids aren't biologically mine. I was Ellie's godmother and just crazy Auntie Charlie with her cats. Until July 1st last year at 2:08 in the morning. My best friend and her husband died. They had been out celebrating their anniversary and surviving the first three weeks of parenting both of these babies. They got home and walked in on a home invasion in progress. The police told me that they died instantly so I at least feel okay that they weren't in pain for long. And honestly, that night was the happiest I'd seen them since their wedding night."

"Holy shit. I'm sorry. That is terrible. You really didn't have to tell me that if you didn't want to."

"It's okay. It's actually a bit of a relief. I haven't talked about Sam with anyone other than my family, our third musketeer Alex, or Sam's parents. They live in Reno, it's why I moved here. I wanted the kids to grow up close to some of their biological family. Sam and her husband Michael were both only children and his parents had both passed away."

"So from no desire to have kids to raising your best friends' two kids in an instant."

"Yup. I was babysitting the kids that night. We didn't want them to go back to the house and I couldn't have them in my one-bedroom condo for long. Alex and I sat down with Sam's Mom and Dad to go through the will and both of the kids came to me. I'd agreed to it offhand at one point when Sam was pregnant with Ellie and was serious about it but never imagined it would actually happen. You don't actually think something will happen to them both at the same time. Like maybe one of them but the other one would still be around. But I lost them both in one night and gained the kids."

"You are an incredible friend. For them to have selected you to be the guardian for the kids is a big deal."

"Yeah, I am constantly afraid I'm failing and that ghost Sam is going to pop up and yell at me for something like not giving her kid enough cake, she had a sweet-tooth. She also would totally haunt my ass if that was a thing. She was my writing partner. We knew the way the other person's brain worked."

"Writing partner?"

"Yeah, we met at USC at orientation. Turns out we had the same major. We went through undergrad and grad school at USC together. We write film scores. Or I guess I write film scores. Or I used to. In the last year, I've done the score for two short films but I'm in the process of doing my first full score without Sam which is weird."

"So how did you get from LA to here?"

"Like I mentioned Sam's Mom and Dad live in Reno. Our house was she and Michael's vacation home. The house we live in was theirs. Their will left a trust for me to take care of the kids, pay for their schooling, and cover our living expenses. With Sam having grown up in Reno they wanted to get a vacation home near her parents. They bought the place here shortly after they got married. The intention was to eventually make it their permanent home. With both of their work, they'd just to go LA whenever they needed to or Michael would be off wherever his current project was. The apartment above the garage was meant for me. Michael was convinced from the moment he met me that I was Peter Pan." I laughed remembering the first time he told me this. He was so serious about it and didn't break until the very end when he threw glitter on me like it was pixie dust and screamed at me to FLY! "I was never growing up and he wanted to make sure I always had a roof over my head if I needed it and a space for Sam and me to work together when we needed it. The house is way too big for the four of us living there right now. Having my little brother here for a while will help the house feel more alive."

"I'm sorry you've had to go through all of this but from what I've observed of Ellie and just today watching you with both of them, you've taken to motherhood well."

"Thank you. It was an awkward start. Never expecting to have kids and suddenly having an infant and a kid getting ready to start school was the biggest life change I could've imagined. Doing it not only alone but without my best friend made it even harder."

"Did they ever find who did it?"

"They did. His trial actually starts this summer. I'm trying to decide if I'm going back for the whole trial or if it's healthier for me to stay here. I've been working with the prosecutor back in LA. They want me there for a victim impact statement to speak on behalf of the kids. They've given me the option of doing it through a pre-recorded video or through a letter. I just worry about taking the kids back to LA because we don't really have anywhere to stay. I still have my place but I don't have anywhere to take them that will fit all of us comfortably."

"Did you sell their house?" I nodded.

"I did. Well, as soon as the LAPD was done with it. The trust they left would've only covered one of the properties. I couldn't imagine living in LA in that house. It was hard enough going in there to get the kids things. I needed to be able to take care of them so I had to go when it was still a crime scene. Honestly, it's an image I'm never going to be able to get out of my head. It was one of the most horrific things I've ever seen. They both worked in the film industry so we are fairly certain it wasn't a random home invasion but that they were targeted. I knew in my heart that Sam and Michael would've wanted the kids to be here and close to Sam's parents."

"That makes complete sense. I don't know that I could imagine living in a house with that kind of history. Especially with the kids. You have to do your best to take care of them. Do you get back to LA often?"

"I've been back to LA on my own when they take the kids for a long weekend or something. We all went to Stanford a couple of weeks ago to see Tony graduate from college. But I haven't taken the kids back to LA. I mean Ellie knows that Mommy and Daddy are gone and never coming back. We told her that a very bad man took them from us but they are safe now. I'll tell her the whole story at some point but at 5 she didn't need that. Axel won't have a single memory of his parents. I'm the only Mom this kid will ever remember." I hugged him tightly to my chest. "Someday I'll take them back there. Show them the places that mean the most. The place where their father proposed to their mother. The studio she and I practically lived in. Where they got married. But for now, this is home. Sam's parents opted to have them cremated so there's not a grave there to go visit which makes it a bit easier. We are having a memorial for them here at the end of the month to spread their ashes. Alex and her family are coming out along with my sister and her family. We are going to do exactly what Sam would want which is celebrate them. The memorial service when they died, she would've fuckin' hated it. I was too much of a mess to do anything for it really and so was Alex. Sam's parents weren't in LA when we needed to start planning it so my mother took over. I love my Mom but she's a mess, she's rarely even in LA anymore so it was weird. She planned something so opposite of Sam that honestly if she'd attended her own funeral she would've laughed her ass off at it. I did manage to get the ability to play a song the two of us wrote together for their wedding. I hadn't sung it since that day. I barely made it through but I did it. Sorry, I'm rambling. Outside of family and Alex, I haven't talked about Sam in a year. You opened the flood gates evidently."

"It's okay. Grief does weird things to us. You're doing a great job. If you want to keep talking about Sam you can."

"No, she'd yell at me for crying about her. Especially when I'm supposed to be making a new friend and playing with the kids. So tell me about you. What do you do for fun? I mean your life can't all be acting."

"It's not, that's for sure. When I bought this place it meant I had some projects to do, I spend time without Eva doing that. I'm also a musician."

"I noticed the baby grand. Living in LA I walked into a LOT of homes where that was purely for show but I figured that wasn't the case here."

"No, it's not. I am actually getting ready to go finish filming the last of stuff for the next Avengers movie before too long and I'm working on a film soundtrack actually."

"A film soundtrack, huh?"

"Yeah, I've voiced a character in an animated film and they are letting me do the music for it," he said. "Finally something all the kids in my life can see."

"That's freaking awesome. I'm just going to tell you, working on music for a film is one of the greatest feelings. I mean I write other music. But crafting the sound and then sitting in a theater and watching how my music gets integrated into a film is just an incredibly special feeling. You're going to have this almost otherworldly experience when you see the finished product with an audience. It's the greatest feeling in the world."

"I'm excited to understand that better." He smiled at me. "Looks like the Axe Man was tired." I looked down to see my little guy asleep with his head on my chest.

"Yeah. Thankfully this kid finally figured out how to sleep for more than a few hours at a time. I occasionally get a full night of sleep these days."

"As much as I want more kids I don't miss the middle of the night feedings, the sleep regression, the teething."

"Fuck it's a nightmare I never prepared for adequately."

"Mom! Are you getting the in the pool with us?" Ellie called.

"I will in a minute Ellie Bellie. I gotta get the Axe Man somewhere that he can sleep."

"I set up the pack and play that's still hanging around here in the bedroom down here. I also grabbed the old baby monitor I had so we can take it outside with us." Jeremy stood up and came over to take Axel from my arms where he was laying on my chest while I laid on a lounger. Once I stood up he led me through the house as I grabbed the bag of stuff for Axel. Jeremy gently laid Axel into the pack and play while I found the things I knew soothed him back to sleep if he woke up mid-nap. I kissed my fingers and pressed them against his forehead. "Ellie calls you Mom."

"She does. That was her choice. We talked about it for a while. I'd always been Auntie Charlie. When she started school she got anxious about the whole 'living with her Aunt thing'. I am their legal guardian and she knows she can still call me Charlie, she does sometimes. But the Mom thing is becoming more common, I think she wants to feel like the girls in school with her. It makes me happy and sad all at once."

"I'd imagine." He turned on the baby monitor and we left the room so Axel could sleep. "Alright, girls are the parents allowed in the pool now?"

"Yes, Daddy," Ava replied. I took my dress off and went to climb in the water. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Jeremy pull his shirt off. I felt the breath catch in my lungs. I needed to remind myself that I was here for Ellie and not to drool over Ava's Dad all day. I headed to the stairs and entered most of the way before going completely under and swimming up right under Ellie picking her up on my shoulders. She squealed with delight. Her hands grabbed onto my head as she bent over to look into my eyes.

"I am having so much fun," she said quietly to me.

"I'm so glad Ellie Bellie. You deserve to have fun." I watched as Jeremy ran and jumped over Ava and into the pool. He splashed all of us and what followed was the sweetest sound in the world. Loud, roaring laughter from the girls. I held my breath and sunk down into the water letting Ellie get off of my shoulders. Jeremy came up underneath Ava lifting her up and throwing her a bit further into the water. Her laughter climbed louder and turned to a scream.

"Ava Berlin Renner, I'm coming to get you," Jeremy declared as he started to swim towards his daughter who was still giggle-screaming and trying to swim away from her dad. It was far too cute to watch. They shared so much joy between them and it was so visible. Even in the brief time I'd spent with them today, I could tell that they loved each other more than anything and that love was the easiest thing they'd ever done. That joy, laughter, and happiness were the tone of this house and their lives. Life wasn't always filled with joy and laughter for us. Most of the time it was filled with laughter that came from tears or lead to tears. I was watching these two beautiful humans that were now mine grow and knowing that the two most important people in their lives were missing out on the first steps, the first day of school, and would miss every other first and major life moment. I felt guilty every day for loving this role I was given because the circumstances were shitty and honestly, I'd never wanted this roll. It felt horrible to enjoy motherhood when it wasn't really mine. It was stolen from my best friend whose entire goal in life had been to be a mother and mine had been to make music that inspired people, set the scene for the greatest shot of a director or actors lifetime and changed the way people looked at female composers. I took a deep breath before hugging Ellery close to me.

"I love you, Ellie Bellie." I kissed her temple.

"I love you too, Mom." The tears that were burning the back of my eyes had clearly become visible. "Please don't cry. Today is going to be the best day ever."

"I know baby girl. I just don't want you to feel like today you have to say, Mom. Ava's Daddy knows."

"You are my Mom." God I hated how grown up this little girl had been forced to be. I kissed her again before looking her deep in the eyes.

"Do you remember that backflip we practiced last summer?" She nodded excitedly. "Want to try it?"

"Yes!!" I grabbed her two little feet in my hands as she put her hands on my shoulders. She bent forward, pressing her forehead against mine.

"Are you ready?" She nodded. "On the count of three. One...two...three." She plugged her nose as I pushed her feet out of the water sending her up into the air and watched as she started to tilt, tucking her knees to her chest and doing a backflip.

"Whoa!" Ava yelled as Ellie came out of the water. "That was so cool. Where did you learn that?"

"My Mom and I practiced last summer at my old house. We don't have a pool here so we haven't tried in a while."

"You did so great!" I said as I high-fived her.

"That was so cool, Ellie," Jeremy said as he also high-fived her. She was pretty proud of herself. The girls started to goof around with Jeremy as I floated on my back for a little while. Their laughter slightly being drowned out by the water. I felt relaxed, weightless, and like if I tried hard enough I could fall asleep like this until I felt my watch buzz on my wrist. I held it up in the air as the little green text bubble appeared with my brother's name below it.

I'm losing my mind. I'm packing my car and leaving today. Is that ok?

"Crap," I said out loud. I flipped over and swam to the edge climbing out of the pool and walking over to my cell phone. I knew texting him back would be useless so I called.

"Hey sis," he answered.

"What's going on, Tony?"

"I just can't take it. They don't understand the pressure they are putting on me. I'm going to crack if I don't leave. I got up this morning to Mom on the patio with one of her 'old friends.' It was that crazy bitch whose husband is on the Board of Trustees at Harvard. I was ambushed with talk of law school and my future and I just can't take it. I haven't really bothered unpacking since I got back from school so I'm just loading everything into my car and coming out. That's okay right?"

"It's fine but are you sure this is what you want? My life isn't what it used to be like, T."

"I know. You have the kids. You're doing the music stuff on your own. You and Savannah could honestly use my help."

"You can stay at my condo if that is a better plan for you."

"It's not," he replied. "I stayed there last weekend. She showed up Sunday morning at 7:30 to pick me up for church. Since when does my mother go to church?"

"I don't know. Probably since I became a mother. Her technically being a grandmother of five terrifies her. I also bet it was just so she could see if you were living in my drug den because you know your mother thinks I'm a drug addict or something."

"You're one of the most responsible people I know. But honestly, I can't do it. I can't be in the same city as her. Especially when Dad is as busy as he is right now. She's everywhere. I need out."

"Just drive careful. It's not a horrible drive but it's long to do alone. I've done it enough to know that. Also, there are a few good places to stop on the road and some to avoid. I'll send you the cheat sheet I have saved on my phone. Oh, and what do you want for dinner?"

"Well, I want Grandma's meatballs but I know you can't make that today."

"I can make it tomorrow. How does pizza sound tonight? Your niece and nephew are counting on pizza."

"Sounds perfect."

"Send me updates, be safe, and I'll see you tonight."

"See you tonight, sis. Love you."

"Love you too, T." I hung up the phone and slumped down onto the lounger I'd been sitting on earlier.

"Everything okay?" Jeremy called from the pool.

"Yeah, just not sure we'll be able to stay as long as we planned."

"What's up?" he asked as I walked back towards the pool and sat down on the side so I could text my brother the list I told him I'd send.

"So I was evidently right and my brother had tried staying at my place. His Mom appeared in my condo at 7:30 Sunday morning to take him to church, no one in our family is overtly religious. Then this morning at their house she ambushed him with a friend of hers whose husband is on the Board of Trustees at Harvard about law school and his future. So he's currently throwing everything in his car and leaving LA to come here now. He wasn't supposed to come until next week. The studio apartment above the garage is so not ready for my brother to move in."

"Well how about we stay and have fun for a while longer here and then Ava and I can go to your place with you and I can help. Savannah can watch all of the kids and we can get your brother moved in safely and feed the munchkins pizza for dinner at your place."

"You're serious?" He nodded. "You're amazing. Thank you. I'm not sure what all he's bringing or that he wants the apartment but I feel like the studio apartment above the garage is the best plan. I mean honestly, it's my favorite part of the house." I laughed a little bit.

"It was supposed to be your Peter Pan dream home so I get it. How long do you think it will take?"

"Not long. I just need to essentially clean it a bit as it's probably covered in dust and wash the sheets. I don't even remember the last time someone stayed in it. It was probably me. It was also maybe my sister. Frankie got freaked out when I moved, she thought I should sell both houses and move near her so me moving 8ish hours away didn't go over well. I also now win the war of who has the coolest house and that annoys her to no end."

"That's actually kind of funny. Where does she live?"

"Venice, on a canal. The cutest house ever really. But she is like a 3-minute kayak ride from where our mother lives when she's actually back in town so it would not have worked for me. Living near them both would've made me crazy. My Dad and Step-Mom are in Santa Monica. So my family is all on the beach which is really nice for trips home."

"Sounds like it. I totally had your stepmom pegged for Malibu though." I started to laugh really loudly.

"Funny story, when they sold the house in Beverly Hills that I grew up in my stepmom BEGGED my Dad to move to Malibu. He was not willing to make that commute every day so she got to pick from Santa Monica, Venice or Marina Del Rey if she wanted water. He tried to downsize into a condo in downtown LA but that wasn't gonna happen. So they are right on the beach, have a pool and all of that fun stuff. It's a great house. It truly is and even though it's way too big for the people in our family that live there Mandi has clearly figured out how to make Tony batshit crazy." I pulled up the text message that Tony had just sent me. He'd clearly packed his car in record time to get out of there before he went completely bonkers. I couldn't blame him but I also hoped he didn't get here and in a week hate it because I wasn't going to wait on him hand and foot while making sure he was constantly entertained. I nannied for him a few summers when he was a kid so it's not surprising that he thinks I'm just there to have fun but truly I need to be an adult on occasion and my brother was horrible at encouraging that behavior.

ON THE ROAD!

Be careful. We will see you in a few hours!

"You guys are gonna be okay. If your brother starts to go stir crazy just send him over here. I can put him to work on some of my projects."

"I don't think Tony understands the concept of manual labor. He's never had to have a job. He worked in school at a bar because he could pick up girls that way." I laughed as I rolled my eyes. "His Mom still doesn't know that. He's a genius. By far the smartest one of all of us. Law School has always been what everyone expected from him but I think he'd rather do something completely different. He's an incredible musician, a great writer. When he was in high school he was a giant science nerd and I fully expected him to become a doctor or some shit. I think he wants to work in journalism or politics based on what he studied in school but our Dad definitely thinks he double majored in Communications and Public Policy to go into First Amendment Law. I mean Dad would be proud if someday he ended up in politics but the Law School things would be a requirement first, or at least the smart decision. It's all ridiculous. I mean my sister runs a non-profit and I'm a musician. While we both make a really great living we were allowed to choose our own path. Tony has the pressure of carrying on the family name and legacy."

"Law is the family legacy?" Jeremy asked. He was resting his arms on the side of the pool next to me. I hadn't had this kind of conversation with anyone in a long time.

"It is. Our great-grandfather founded Dad's law firm and Tony would be the fourth generation there. There had been some pressure on Frankie and me for a while. She met her husband in college and thankfully he was headed to law school so Dad got his fix by having his son-in-law as part of the firm. My senior year in high school I thought I'd just buckle under the pressure and follow in his footsteps. But when I had my senior recital for piano my Dad told me he wasn't going to allow me to do anything but follow my heart. I think that the fact that I'd written the score for a short film a few friends did help too. I wasn't going to follow my dreams in the back of a van on tour but follow them through film made him happy. I caught the bug for it young. We had a theater room in the house and I'd spend every weekend watching movies and trying to figure out how to play the music on my piano. Eventually, he had to set rules that I had to spend a certain amount of time outside so I didn't just sit in that theater for days on end, especially during school breaks. I was way too young to be watching most of them but it was the thing that made me happiest."

"That's really cool. I had no idea what I wanted to do, even in college. I loved music and was in a band in high school but I never saw that as an actual future, it was just something fun to do. I was studying computer science and criminology when I took my first drama class and caught the bug. I'm almost jealous that you knew so young what you wanted to do. "

"It's nice but I also never did anything else. I loved swimming. I should've done things like join the swim team but that would've taken me away from music. Being a hyper-focused kid was nice because there was no question of what my future would be but I missed out on so much. I want to make sure that doesn't happen to the babies. I need to start getting my shit together. I'm a year into this now, there are no excuses for this anymore. Like Ellie should've been in dance during the school year but by the time I found a place that didn't seem sketchy I was too late to sign her up. I've been teaching her piano for like 8 months now but she has so much more personality than I have ever had. She's way cooler than me."

"You're pretty cool," Jeremy said through a bit of laughter.

"Her Mom was seriously the coolest though. God, one of my favorite things about Sam was that we had this pretty big premiere for a film we'd done the score for. I sent her the photo of the dress I'd decided to wear. The night of the premiere arrived, the car was picking she and Michael up first and then coming to get me. I had done an entire afternoon with a fucking glam squad, totally out of my element. Get down to the car, there she is, with her head sticking out the sunroof in my dress. She bought the black and gold version of the black and silver dress I had. We walked the red carpet in a matching dress." I pulled up the photo on my phone and turned it to show Jeremy.

"That's amazing." He took the phone from my hand to look at both of the pictures that I'd pulled up for him. "She's very beautiful, I can see her in Ellie."

"Spitting image. It's almost creepy but it's wonderful."

"Well, you both look absolutely beautiful in those photos. You both look so happy. Maybe I'll have to creep your IMDB and watch a few of the films you've done the score for." I laughed.

"Ask first, some of them aren't great and some of them are literally impossible to find...unless you're in my basement theater. I don't have a career that's as accessible as yours."

"Well then maybe we will need to have a movie night. I'd love to be able to see your work."

**********

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Developing the story of how Charlie became a mother was something that was hard for me. I debated back and forth about all of it. Trying to decide the traumatic event that led to the loss she's experienced and the new role in life she has. I had a few ideas that I tossed around but the reality was, for Charlie to become the guardian of both of Sam's children it couldn't be just Sam that was gone. There were so many possibilities, I settled with this version because while it is traumatic it didn't involve any domestic abuse, which was something I wasn't comfortable telling the story of in this setting.

Losing Sam was one of the hardest experiences of Charlie's life for a multitude of reasons. She lost her creative partner, her business partner, her best friend, and became a Mom all in the blink of an eye. She'd never prepared to be a parent and was an insta-mom to a 4-year-old that wanted to know where her Mommy and Daddy were and a baby that wasn't even a month old. Add in that she opted to move the children out of Los Angeles for their own privacy and security even though it wasn't the best option for her personally. She immediately knew to put those babies first.

For Jeremy to allow her to open up about this trauma and let her talk through it shows how kind and good he is. Grief is a different process for everyone who experiences it. For Charlie she still deals with the trauma every day and needed to find someone to talk to about it. Finding that in Jeremy is something she feels so lucky for.

I also can't wait for everyone to meet Tony! I love the idea of him being around the house to help his sister, be part of the kids' lives, and try to find his way in the world all at once. Developing Tony is so fun because he's still fairly bright and shiny, he's not dark and twisty like Charlie.

I hope you are enjoying reading this as much as I am enjoying writing it.

xx. AM

[hollandandi]

“come on, have a bloody heart.” “i do, i’m holding one.”

———

type - angst

tom or peter?

au? - mobster tom (mob!tom)

word count - 3.4k

warnings - swearing, gore (sorry about it! but he is a mobster.)

w/n - honestly, thanks so much for the positive response i received on my first imagine that wasn’t a chapter to a series yesterday. i am so glad people enjoyed it. if you haven’t seen it, feel free to click here.

————

It was a ordinary, simple-minded Thursday. The trees were hit with bursts of hot wind, knocking dying leaves from the branches onto the pavement throughout the city. You gripped the blush pink strap, attached to your bag, and pulled it closer to your neck from your right shoulder as you slowly breathed in the summer air racing past you. After finishing your shift at the local book store, you decided to take the longer route home due to the warmer weather and clearer skies that blossomed above you - you walked swiftly, but made sure you fully appreciated your calm surroundings during the journey; unknown to you, however, that would be that the last peaceful memory for a while.

Even after a week passed from that journey, all you could remember was the feeling of red once you returned home that day. Red was the best colour to associate to the memory; blood, confusion and danger were the best words to use. As you reached your house, which usually oozed love, tranquility and safety, you realised the front door was unlocked, and gently pushed inwards. Though strange and entirely unusual as it was unlikely this was intentional by your parents, your mood was carefree, quiet and absent-minded, so you proceeded to enter the house that was beginning to no longer feel like home. You took slow, careful steps into the main living room - but even with a newly-hesitant outlook on the situation, you could not escape the picture immediately painted into your mind in seconds.

Bursting your eyes back open with a familiar panic, you sat up immediately from your best friend’s sofa-bed, clutching the grey, fabric duvet that covered you strictly in your hands. It had been a week, but you were still having the recurring, yet simple nightmare. It was a straight-forward, complete re-enactment of the moment you desperately tried not to think about throughout the day - though this was often unsuccessful, one thing that was always guaranteed was this reminder as you attempted to gain at least a few hours of sleep.

Across the city, however, it was also not a calm day for many. As the days grew colder, the area’s crime rate was rising - from dodgy drug deals, to manic murders and sickening sexual assaults, it was proving difficult to escape the increasing fear many people were beginning to feel. Like you, many people were no longer feeling at home; instead, many were anxious to return to their houses and apartments that were supposed to be their comfort spot after a stressful day at work. Of course, the situation was not helped by a certain arrival in the city - known to many, but not all, was a quick, but heavy movement into an incredibly expensive building of offices and work-rooms that had been very recently renovated. Though the move-in was widely noticed, only few were aware of those featured in the arrival.

“Tom, she is a family friend. We knew her parents incredibly well, they were very good to us. Always.” A female voice uttered to her stubborn and cocky son, who was sat comfortably behind a large, glass desk at the very top of the skyscraper.

“Mum, I already told you - I don’t care who she is, she could be the fucking reincarnation of Jesus for all I care - she is not staying at our home. You’ve already mentioned that she is staying at a friend’s house; I am sure she is perfectly fine there.” The suited, straight-faced boy responded abruptly, looking up to make contact with his mother’s eyes. In response, there was a gentle scoff from her, before a hard glare met his face. “I didn’t raise you like this.” She hissed, before turning swiftly on her heels and making her way out of the modernised office, as the mobster, named Tom, shook his head and huffed. He couldn’t believe his own mother wanted to bring a stranger into his home - the home he designed and bought, but most importantly the home he made safe for his family.

To his relief, his thoughts were interrupted by a buzzing sound from the delicate desk in front of him. A text had come through his phone, and as he roughly picked up the device, he began to bite his lip while reading the message. Only three words lay on the screen, but that was all it took for a smirk to emerge on his face, his body to rise from the chair he was originally seated in and his legs to start moving towards the exit of his office. “We got him.”

As you wiped back the loose hairs that had fallen onto your face during your panicked wake up, you took a long, breathy sigh as you glanced down to your hands, now in your lap. Your fingers brushed over each other as you closed your eyes carefully, still sat up - and remembered how much scrubbing you were compelled to do on the day of the accident. There was so much blood you started to think it was seeping through the first few layers of your skin, and you could just not feel clean afterwards. Before hot tears took their opportunity to emerge within your eyes, you quickly shot your head up and made your way from the sofa, pulling down the legs of your pyjama pants softly so they were back in the appropriate place on your hips. Beginning the kettle, you saw a lilac-coloured post-it note on the counter, telling you that your friend was at work and would be back tonight after her shift. You smiled softly, but it was still fairly weak, but grew slightly stronger as you poured the hot-water into your favourite mug. It had been a small Christmas gift from your dad in the past; a huge, cream coloured one with “You’re Brilliant!” enscriped onto it in large, skinny letters. Just the memory made you smile truly, but it was accompanied with a sharp, quick jolt to your heart, so you quickly finished your tea and began to walk to the kitchen table that you kept your laptop on.

However, as you walked, you heard a muted shuffle of feet, before a crisp sound of paper sliding underneath your door frame. Slightly alerted, you froze with the mug within your hands, but as the feet underneath quickly ran away, you began to feel a little more at ease. Placing the heavy cup on a cork coaster, you swiftly walked towards the doorframe and carefully picked up the envelope that was resting on the hard-wood floor. Your hands began to shake a little - you didn’t really know why, but I’m sure no-one would blame you for little bursts of worry every now and then. Your fingers moved swiftly underneath the envelope’s opening, before pulling it upwards and revealing the blank card within it. Once slotted out, you anxiously separated the two sides, before glancing upon a scribbled message on the right-hand side.

“Y/N, it’s Nikki and Dom. We heard. Please come stay with us and the boys - you are family to us and we all want to make sure you are safe.

If you take up my our offer, which we hope you do, come to the fourth office of Holland Incorporated any day of the week.”

Well, to say the least, that was definitely not what you were expecting.

While you were taking a breath of relief in the small apartment across the city, Tom was taking a breath of pride. Sitting in a dark, cherry-red pool of blood was an unlucky traitor, that had posed a threat to the business for several weeks - spooled out along the floor, major organs carefully removed or toyed with, sat a clear example of what would happen to those who chose to disrespect a powerful mobster of England. However, the glory did not last long for Tom, as his powerful glee was interrupted by his Dad, Dominic, trying again to convince the boy of an important decision.

“Right, now that’s over with - you need to listen to me, boy. Like your mother has already told you, she is like family to us. And one thing I am sure I have drilled into that stubborn brain of yours is that you help family - always.” The father spoke harshly, standing at the back of the room with a full view of the events which took place minutes before.

Instead of giving an immediate verbal response, Tom simply scoffed, turning around to look at the man that stood before him with dark, cloudy eyes. “The important word you used right there was ‘like’, she is not my family.” He expressed, using his free hand to point at his chest. “She may be yours, and Mum’s, and the other’s for all I care. But she is not mine - family means more to me than words and titles.”

An eye-roll ensued, followed by a head shaking and a raised voice. “Come on Tom, have a bloody heart.” Dom spat - he was in disbelief that his own son would disrespect his wishes like this - right in-front of his own face.

“I do, I’m holding one.” Tom responded in an equal tempo and tone, before dropping the bloody organ that once was beating, to the concrete, tiled basement floor of the building. “At-least I was.” He chuckled to himself, taking out a handkerchief from his front pocket to attempt to wipe some liquid from his bloody, bruised hands. When he glanced up, however, his father Dom was only a metre or so from his son, his eyes slightly softer as he parted his lips to retaliate. “Well, it’s a shame you don’t agree, but your mother has already invited her. So it’s up to Y/N if she wishes to take up the deal.”

“For fucks sake!” Tom yelled, clenching his fists within the silk handkerchief before passing his father and heading for the steel door that marked the difference between beatings, murder and interrogation, and that of business, meetings and phone-calls. “You’re a bunch of bloody cunts, I fucking swear.” This was all Dom heard before his son stormed out of the room, and towards the elevator which opened almost immediately - almost as if an inanimate object could feel the tension within the air.

“Jesus Christ, it’s not like she’s staying in your bed.” Dom uttered to himself, before shaking his head and choosing the stairs instead.

Days passed by quickly, including the weekend separating July and August, and soon enough, it was Monday again. Four days had passed since you received the letter, and it was only until the morning of August 2nd that you finally made up your mind. The choice was concluded from various factors - one, you were beginning to feel like a true burden to your friend, especially when she began to bring guys home at nine o’ clock, which was unfortunately a peak time for your hot, salty tears to begin flowing down your cheeks. Two, you didn’t think that distancing yourself from everyone else was helping, and although you had received a few texts from friends; curious about your wellbeing, you honestly felt a rush of protection when you re-read the letter. It sounds ridiculous, but even through handwriting, the choice was consistently playing on your mind. Two reasons were enough for you - you had always told yourself that if you only had a single excuse for something, it wouldn’t be strong enough to hold you if it went wrong, and as you learnt that the hard way recently, once natural, easy reasons were flowing off your tongue for running across the city, you wasted no time packing back up your chosen belongings, leaving a lilac-coloured post-it note and making your way from the small apartment block you had stayed for almost two weeks.

After a short walk, a long bus ride, and another short walk, you made it to the fairly intimidating building on the other side of town. It must have been at least twenty floors high, and at certain angles, you couldn’t even see the top of the construction. “I wonder who got that unlucky office.” You laughed lightly to yourself - it was the first one in a short while, and perhaps it was because you were actually in an area, standing in front of a building that didn’t trigger deadly memories for elongated periods, that you could. Seeing other people enter through the main doors, you made your way through the first before seeing at least a hundred different guards standing next to numerous security machines. “Brilliant, fucking brilliant.” You sighed to yourself before beginning what was only going to be a tortuous hour or so.

Twelve security measures, three full-body scans and five bag x-rays later, you were finally allowed access to the sacred building that the family, once like family to you, stayed throughout the days of each week. Pulling your cross-body bag strap closer to you, you stood in front of a marbled desk that spread across the entire room. Behind it was a blonde, fairly young girl wearing a fairly revealing uniform, if you can even call it that.

“Hi, my name is Y/N Y/L/N - I was hoping to see Nikki or Dominic?” You bit your lip after expressing the request, before smiling softly to the receptionist who seemed unamused, glancing you up and down with judging eyes. Your hair was down, and you had dark blue jeans with a black blouse tucked into the top of them. A ring hung securely on your middle finger on your right hand, and blue Converse sat underneath your feet. “They’re busy.” She smiled sarcastically back to you, before looking back down to her computer and beginning to type something into the screen. “Oh, erm, do you know when they will be available?” You asked gently, cocking an eyebrow slightly at the hostility expressed to you so quickly from the woman, but all you got in response was a chuckle and continued obnoxious typing. “Am I missing something here? Aren’t you supposed to be a receptioni-,” you began to retaliate, before being interrupted with a cheery welcome from a familiar female voice behind the counter.

“Y/N! I am so glad you came!” Nikki practically yelled, before nodding towards a final security guard by the entrance to the open space behind the counter, causing the receptionist that had ‘greeted’ you to freeze and begin squirming in her seat. “Nikki, it is so good to see you.” You smiled towards her - which although was still weak, warmed Nikki’s heart as she wrapped you in a tight embrace. “I was actually just leaving, come come! We’ll take you straight home.” Your lips parted in surprise, but relief - this building was incredibly intimidating, and you could not wait to get to a house with a comfortable bed again. “Is anyone else coming with us?” You softly exclaimed, nodding in agreement to her previous idea and beginning to exit to a black car towards the side of the metal building. As you climbed into the seat gestured to you, she shook her head gently before uttering, “Not yet, the boys will meet us later once work is finished.”

Although you smiled towards her and nodded once again, clicking in your seatbelt and sitting back against the head-rest, you couldn’t help but gulp at the thought of Tom, Harry and Sam returning home tonight. You were looking forward to seeing Paddy and Dominic, but the others were a little nerve wracking. It had been years since you last properly encountered with the brothers, almost a decade with Tom specifically, and an adult reunitement was replaced with hushes, dangerous whispers and terrifying stories as the power was passed on through the family. You had no idea what to expect - what he looked like, what he sounded like, but more importantly, what he acted like.

Your thoughts, though, were quickly interrupted with eager chit-chat from Nikki about your life. Hobbies, aspirations and friends were a few of the topics quickly brought up, and soon enough, the car stopped and the car door beside you was being opened. As your shoes hit the pebbled floor, your eyes immediately hit the sight before you. A house, a mansion, laid before you, placed behind an extensive arrangement of flowers, plants and a breath-taking fountain. Before you could even fully capture and grasp the beauty of the exterior, Nikki was eagerly pulling you inside to show you the sights behind the entrance. Just when you thought you could not possibly see something prettier, you did. Firstly, the hallway was bigger than your parent’s home, and the bathroom was bigger than your friend’s apartment. The guest room - which Nikki now insisted was your room - took your breath away for the fourth time since arriving. A king-sized bed stood against the back wall, with oak-wood furniture, designer rugs and a dazzling chandelier surrounding it. You could definitely get used to this.

Tom had finally calmed down at the office, and was somewhat civil with his father after the argument earlier that day. However, Dom was yet to confess the sight he would see in the guest room later tonight, but as the brothers were laughing amongst themselves in the car-ride home, he decided against it. “You should have seen his face, Sam. Practically begging me to kill him quickly - they’re hitting a new low I tell you, they don’t even bother begging for their life anymore.” Tom laughed, before resting his hand behind his head and allowing the journey to return him to his safe space. The windows were heavily tinted, so only people who knew the official address to the residence could find the house, but Tom felt the car begin to drive over pebbles, alerting him he was about to reach home. Once he felt the car stop gently, he opened his door and began making his way to the entrance, his brothers and father following behind him, still smiling and joking amongst themselves over several topics. After greeting his Mum, grabbing something quick to eat and washing his hands briefly afterwards, he expressed he was going to change before making his way up the wooden, oak stairs which led to the variety of bedrooms on the upper floor.

As you used the following hours to slowly un-pack your bag; carefully hanging your clothes on silk-covered hangers and slotting them gently into your one, of many, wardrobes, you set out a pair of pyjamas during the process. After arranging the clothes and other essentials you brought with you, you realised how much everyone else in the house must own if they fill the space provided, before slipping on a pair of blush-pink pyjama shorts and a white t-shirt and brushing multiple knots that had formed in your hair during your arrival to the Holland home. As you sat with quiet music playing out of your phone speakers as you performed your nightly routine for sleep, you faced the wall, miming lyrics of your current favourite song, pulling the brush down in several areas.

Tom’s room was the last of all rooms, against the back wall of the floor. In a swift route towards it, he almost walked directly passed the guest room on the left side of the arrangement, but quiet music hit his left ear for a second. As soon as he heard the sounds, his feet halted, as he turned quickly to face the room that should have been empty. His mind immediately flew to the previous conversations he had uttered with his parents, and as his eyebrows raised and jaw tightened, he stepped closer to the doorway to get a better glimpse of the intruder in his home. As you were so in-touch with the song playing, specifically the lyrics being spoken, you initially overlooked the quiet footsteps that were now making their way into your room, one step at a time. After several steps onto the grey carpet, he could finally see the stranger in his home, and as his lips parted, with his fists clenched, ready to yell and shout, he quickly stopped his actions. His grip loosened, his eyebrows softened and his lips curved into a slow smirk.

“Well, shit, love. If I knew you looked like that, I would have carried you in myself.”

[deviswriting]

(1) It’s not that easy...

Chapter 1: Special Name

Genre: Romance / Humor / Angst / Hurt

Rating: T

It was the month of March. The windows of all the buildings were frosted due to the cold weather outside, making the windows translucent. The bustling streets were lit with various vibrant colors, making the “nightlife” of the village glistening. Apart from street vendors selling various toys and food appetizers, there were many bars and strip clubs on the corner of the street. Among the many crowded places, one of the bars was filled with laughter and smell of expensive booze. The bar was one of the recommended places of the village, often visited by the previous Mizukage Mei Temuri. It was about midnight.

A brunette wearing her tactical uniform was in deep thought. Sitting on one of the bar stools, with two empty glasses of the “special vodka” made in the Village of the Mist. Her index finger kept swirling around the corners of the empty glass; her gaze was on the pacing of the finger. The bar was almost full, filled with top businessmen and top shinobi of the allied forces. Her gaze shifted towards the bartender, showing off his skills with the bottles with his water jutsu, making 10 bottles flip and juggle all together. She was amused by the act, realizing that ninja art could be used for acting as a clown. Her gaze went back to the glass, her fingers started to move again. She kept thinking about the memories that were flashing in her mind - About Konoha, her parents, Nanadaime Hokage, her friends and him.

.

Why did I have to be sent on a mission at this time of the year?

.

.

Why did it have to be this very day?

.

.

.

“ You are drifting off a lot Sarada-Chan, “ Said a handsome of a man sitting next to her. “ Are you missing home? “.

“Huh…Sorry, Kagura kun! I think this is the first time I will spend my birthday outside of Konoha. “ Said the tired Kunoichi. Sarada was in the Village Hidden in the Mist for a diplomatic mission. There was some political strife between the daimyos of both lands. , Nanadaime Hokage would have sent Shikamaru to handle something like this, but he wanted his successor to be trained in political matters.

“Don’t worry, Sarada-Chan. I think everyone back at home misses you too.” Kagura said with some encouragement,” And I think I am not that bad of a company, you know?”

“Oh! Please don’t think that way, I am enjoying myself! “Said reassuringly. “ I think it’s very sweet of you to spend some time with me rather than with your friends tonight”.

Kagura blushed a little. “It’s no problem. I think no one should spend their 20th birthday alone.” He says while brushing his hair. Sarada always thought that Kagura was a good-looking guy and that he was the successor for the next Mizukage, made him very easy to connect with. Sarada and Kagura had developed a decent friendship over the years, but they never went together unofficially outside other than their professional environment.

“ I think… that we have never really gone together… like this” Sarada said with a little patch of blush on her cheeks. Her voice trailed off. Looking at the blond silky hair made her wonder,

Do all blonds are this attractive? Or is it just her luck?

, This led her mind to think of the idiot and her idol. She was fairly attracted to the Hokage but his son was just … the eye candy of all the girls of their age group (She was noexception).

“Earth to Sarada-Chan, Did you hear what just I said,” He said while poking her cheek. Sarada was startled and sheepishly apologized.

“Sorry! Again!” Sarada said while waving her hands in the air and making a sorry cuteface.

Looking at a startled Sarada, made Kagura blush even more, he had not seen such a cute side to a very serious and stoic woman. He always thought Sarada was beautiful and he always was very curious about her other expressions. Once, a very long time ago,when he was in Konoha for some business, he had seen how close Boruto was with Sarada. He always had his way with her; he could make her laugh, angry, excited and again a lot angry. He had always believed that Sarada and Boruto were dating until Sarada had made this misunderstanding clear. He was happy that his longtime crush was single. He finally had his chance to show his fun side to the brunette, and the timing was just perfect, a night just before her 20th birthday and no sign of Boruto.

“You know what!! It’s time for another round!” Kagura said with some unexpected enthusiasm.” Another one please.” requested the future Mizukage.

“Umm… Okay.” Sarada wasn’t fond of the drinks Kagura had been ordering. It did not feel right. This made her remember her previous birthday with a certain blond idiot. He always made the right choices when it comes to her. He knows about her more than anyone. Even Chocho and Sakura didn’t know things that Boruto knew.She had her first drink on her last birthday with that idiot - Rice Whisky with soda. Her 19th birthday, if considered a success, was all because of him.

They had their last round and they were fairly drunk. They talked a little about work and then landed a topic Kagura didn’t want talk about.

“Hahaha! Yeah-even Boruto would have loved that game! “ She said with some excitement.

“Yeah…” Kagura was a little disappointed that she kept thinking of him even when he is not here.

“You don’t know that how much he loves to play that stupid video game of his. Once I caught him playing that stupid game during a mission, I had to snatch it away… seriously he is still a child. He has always been one. He always gets on my nerves and he is such a big flirt. I have lost the count on how many fangirls just wait outside our apartment,just to SEE HIM!! Argh, he makes me so mad. I wish he had more sense in him to keep the toilet seat clean while he takes a piss.”

Sarada trialed off about ranting on Boruto and his antics, meanwhile Kagura had gone into a deep state of unrest. Hearing about Boruto and Sarada sharing an apartment made him feel uneasy, very uneasy. “Aa… Sarada-Chan? You live with Boruto?” Kagura asked with a pinch of hurt.

“Oh, yeah we both shifted together last year as we both wanted to be independent and not rely on our parents. And we could share the rent together” said the Kunoichi nonchalantly.

“But don’t you think that a man and a woman sharing an apartment gives the wrong the idea” asked Kagura carefully.

“Yeah maybe but, Chocho was already sharing her an apartment with Sumire and Mitsuki wanted to live alone for his research purposes…Boruto and I don’t care what other people think, it always been like that for us… being judged because of out parents status, regardless of how hard I’m on that idiot, I trust him the most.” Sarada trailed off saying that. She was now deep in her thought. Thinking how long they have come together. How they could fight together with blinds on their eyes. Defeating the strongest of enemies. Supporting each other beyond the fighting and bloodshed. They were the anchors to each other, but these feelings were all subconsciously embedded in both of them, deep within them. But talking with Kagura and comparing Boruto to Kagura, made her realize how important Boruto was to her. He always knew what was best for her, even when she didn’t know.

On the other hand, Kagura also trailed off in his thoughts this time. Thinking about how close Boruto was with Sarada, and how they had special names for each other. It made him fume with jealousy

Hmh, really “Idiot” What the hell? Why can’t I get a special name? We have so much in common and still, she laughs remembering about that idiot. ARGH! No, calm down… I need to try harder.

“Umm Sarada-Chan… I know I have never said this to you, but I think that you have very beautiful…” Kagura said while being embarrassed.

“Sarada-Chan…. Sarada Chan… SARADA!” Kagura shouted enough to get Sarada’sattention.

“Huh! Oh! Sorry hehe! I don’t know what’s happening to me!” Sarada was very sheepish and confused as to why was she thinking of the idiot when she was this handsome blond.

Kagura placed his hands on top of Sarada's,“No problem, I was saying that you have very beautiful eyes.” Now Kagura was very stern with his answer. “Thank you so much Kagura-kun,” Said a blushing Sarada ”I like your hair very much.”

This surprised Kagura and blushed from the neck.” Thank you Sarada-Chan”

“Umm, do you think that we can… you know have special names for each other” Kagura was very nervous by now.

“What special names?”

“Umm you know like you and Boruto have for each other” By now the Sarada slowly pulled her hands back on her laps. Kagura noticed the discomformt from Sarada and frowned.

“Oh, that! Well, I don’t consider that a special name, it comes on its own, I just speak the truth! He is an idiot after all!”

“Haha! Yeah…But still, what would you call me?”

“Umm, what’s wrong with Kagura kun? It’s a nice name you know”

“Thanks, but I still think friends should have special names, like what does Boruto calls you, umm I can’t remember…”

.

.

“Ah, Four Eyes” Sarada said with a little annoying voice.

“YEAH that, four eyes, I think that is a cute name”

“Hahaha, you think so? I think he gave me that name to mock me.”

“Haha yeah but I think it’s nice to be so... so open and carefree with each other.”

“Hmm if you think like that then, yes it’s nice to have special names.”

In between the talk, these two both had forgotten that there was a birthday they had to celebrate.

Kagura’s eyes went onto the wall clock when he realized that he had prepared something special for Sarada – a boat ride under the star with champagne.

“Oh! It’s about to be 12 in about an hour,” Said Kagura, stopping the awkward silence.

“Oh yeah” Sarada wasn’t expecting anything from Kagura for her birthday.

“Well, do you want to…” Kagura was about to ask her to come with him to the docks when he noticed the glasses trailing off to the tip of Sarada’s nose. He moved his hand to slowly push the glasses back to its place. Their eyes met and this made Sarada blush and Kagura bushed even more after realizing what he had done. Kagura had never been this close to Sarada.

Man, this is too close.

They were leaning towards each other, close enough to feel each other’s breath. That was a very intimate moment for both of them.

I think this is the moment, I think I can I do this. Ok now or never. But, this is our first date, and I don’t even know if this is a date… dammit I’m going for it. Kagura thought.

“If this is a staring contest, I would like to join in” a voice came from behind the sitting figures. They both turned to look at a man wearing a black hooded cloak with a sword at his back, very rugged look, like as if he has been traveling for a very long time. His ocean like eyes had a tired look and he was holding a red rose in his hand.

“BORUTO”, Sarada jumped out of excitement when she saw her best friend and jumped in his embrace. After two long months, she saw him. He was out on a mission traveling through many dimensions. He had taken steps to become more like his idol, Sarada’s father - Sasuke. Even though she would not accept this in front of him, but she missed him a lot. His embrace gave her a warm feeling, which was lacking in her tonight. Her head perfectly fitted under the crook of his neck. She felt as if they were complete. Boruto brought his arm around her waist and whispered under her ear,” Missed me?” This made Sarada blush from her neck. Boruto pulled his head away to look at her onyx eyes. Their eyes met and there it was, the longing to see each other for so long was all communicated through that glaze. Boruto pulled away his right hand from the embrace and poked her nose with the red rose. This made Sarada startle a bit and then she snatched the rose and pouted away from him.

“You have some guts coming all the way here,” Sarada said with a strict voice.” You can’t abandon a mission for some trivial birthday”.

“You know I didn’t say that rose was for you,” Sarada felt a little ashamed,” and regarding the mission, I finished it earlier than expected.” Said the blond shinobi.

Sarada turned around and motioned her hand to give the rose back. She didn’t even look at him. Boruto flicked his fingers to use transportation jutsu and a huge bouquet of Sakura daffodils appeared in his left hand. “These are for you.” Sarada took the bouquet and blushed even harder. Damn, he knows which flowers to get for me.

“And what about the rose” moving her hand to give the rose back to Boruto.

“That I got from some girl outside … hehe, I think it doesn’t matter now” Boruto said sheepishly. Brushing his hand through his hair, revealing his blonde hair, which was under the black cloak.

“Idiot! Hmp” Sarada took both the rose and the daffodils and smelled them. Both were so soothing to her.

Meanwhile, Kagura saw the two best friends with absolute disappointment and jealousy.

That idiot destroyed my moment and those flowers aren’t even fresh either. No taste! Sarada-Chan deserves better!

“Um... I’m also here you guys.” Kagura tries to get attention.

“Oh, Kagura! How’s it going?”

“It’s been great…until you came,” Kagura said, saying the last part audible to himself.

“Cool, anyways thanks for taking care of Sarada for me!” Boruto said with thumbs up.

“Yeah, no problem” Kagura replied. He felt as if a thousand kunai’s had stabbed him at that very moment.

“Anyways, we are getting late Sarada! He is about to close his shop!” exclaimed the blond shinobi.

“What are you sayyyiiing…” Sarada was about to finish her sentence when Boruto pulled her out of the bar.

“What are you doing, you IDIOT?” Sarada was furious and confused where Boruto was taking her.

“Squids!” He said while running.

“What?!” She was very confused by now.

“We had our first squids at that shop! I want to relive that with you.”

“Oh” Sarada blushed at the memory when it was the budding ages for their friendship. At that time she had a crush on him but, the times were tough, they had to fight a war, their way of lives was at a risk. They did not have time to think about things like relationships. But now they had time. She had the perfect moment to tell him what she felt for him.

To be continued

AN: Hey guys! I'm new at writing stories itself, so it might have some problems. Feel free to leave a comment. See you in the next one. :)

[still-figuring-me-out]

The Social Worker and the Businesswoman Au - Chapter 6

It was almost 1PM before Alex decided to wake Kara. Partly because as the older sibling it was her job to torture her younger siblings and partly because some was knocking at the door.

“Go away Alex” Kara groaned.

“I beg of you make it stop,” came Jess’ croaking voice from a pile on the living room floor. “I swear I can feel banging inside and outside my head.”

“The banging in your head is most likely from you trying to put the bar out of business and then drinking Kara’s apartment dry. The one outside your head is coming from Kara’s front door,” Maggie quipped.

“Why are you so cheerful so early?” Winn scowled. “You had just as much to drink as the rest of us but you look as fresh as a rose while I feel like I’m dying. That’s just not fair”

“Firstly it’s the afternoon so not so early,” Maggie grinned. “And secondly I can hold my liquor unlike you lightweights.”

“I really could learn to hate you both,” Kara replied to Maggie’s shit-eating grin. At this point Alex is wrestling with Kara who has burrowed into her sleeping bag and seemingly developed superhuman strength because try as she might she couldn’t get her out.

“Dammit Kara, someone is at your door!” Alex exclaimed.

“Make them go away!” Kara shouted back. She immediately regretted raising her voice as it set the jackhammers in her skull pounding.

“This is your house Kara,” Alex replied exasperated. “What if it’s work? What am I supposed to tell them?”

“Why can’t you let me die in peace?” Kara asked dragging the sleeping bag down and revealing her bedhead.

“Because that would ruin my fun,” Alex smiled back.

“You’ve been with the FBI too long,” Jess says sitting up. “It’s making you evil.”

“She’s always been like that,” Winn replied squinting at the bright light streaming in through Kara’s bank of windows. He’d always loved the entire wall of windows that Kara’s apartment boasts because of all the natural light it allowed in but today he’d kill for some darkness.

“Yeah,” Kara quipped struggling to her knees. “I’m pretty sure she’s been teaching evil lessons to the FBI in her spare time since elementary.”

“Hey!” Maggie says immediately coming to her girlfriend’s defense. “It’s actually been since preschool.” Alex shook her head while all they all roared with laughter before Kara, Winn and Jess all held their heads and groaned. Just then there was another knock on the door.

“Seriously Kara get up,” Alex says. “What happens if it really is work?”

“Fine, I’m up!” Kara scowls standing. She begins to weave her way to the door before Alex snags her arm.

“Not so fast you. Bathroom. Brush your teeth no-ne needs to be exposed to your particular brand of morning breath. Also try and comb that mop you call hair and find your glasses so that you can at least SEE whoever is knocking on your door on a Saturday.” Alex gently shoved her in the general direction of the bathroom to get her moving. “Maggie can you make sure she doesn’t walk into something?”

"Sure thing Danvers,” Maggie replied setting down her cup of coffee and grabbing Kara just in time to stop her from running into a wall.

“If that’s a salesman or Jehovah’s Witness you have my permission to shoot them Alex,” Kara says darkly over her shoulder.

“If you do I will arrest you Danvers,” Maggie calls back with turning around.

“Justifiable homicide Alex, go for it” Jess called.

“Hey maybe it’s Kara’s mystery person,” Winn exclaims like an excited puppy. “wouldn’t that make for an interesting morning um afternoon.”

“Shut up Winn!” Kara shouted from the bathroom before groaning.

“Don’t worry Kara,” Alex called while opening the door. “If it’s you green eyed hottie I promise not to shoot them.” She grinned when she heard Kara’s less that child appropriate response. Annoying her younger siblings always seems to brighten her day. She quickly lost her smile and uttered a swear of her own when she found herself staring into the greenest pair of eyes she’d ever seen.

“Who’s at the door Alex? Is it the love of Kara’s life” Winn guffawed.

“Yeah Alex, is it Kara’s raven haired soulmate?” Jess called before dissolving into giggles.

“Both of you shut up!” Alex shouted over her shoulder. She prayed that the woman at the door couldn’t hear them or that she wasn’t the woman Jess had told them about last night. Because if she was Kara would either die of embarrassment or kill them all. “May I help you?”

“I hope so,” the shorter woman replied sticking her hands in her coat pocket and shuffling her feet in her expensive heels and turning a bright shade of red. “I’m trying to locate Kara Danvers.”

“Kara Danvers?” Alex parroted while groaning inside. Please let this not be who I think it is.

“Yes, Kara Danvers, she works as a social worker-“ the brunette began.

“Yes I know where my little sister works,” Alex replied a frown on her face while she attempted to place the face in front her of her. She knew they had never met but she was certain she’d seen the younger woman’s face somewhere.

“Have I offended you in some way?” the shorter woman asked with a cool expression.

“What?” Alex asked after being pulled out of her reverie.

“Have I offended you in some way? You’re currently scowling at me,” she clarified.

“I am?” Alex asked in surprise. Usually she was better at keeping her thoughts off her face. “No, sorry. I’m just trying to place your face; you look oddly familiar.”

“I’m certain we’ve never met,” the woman answered. “I’m fairly new to the city.”

“Then how do you know my sister?” Alex asked out pf curiosity.

“We share an overlapping interest,” was the vague response. “Is she in?”

“Oh! Sorry yes. I’m so sorry where are my manners, please come in,” Alex replied stepping back at opening the door wider to allow her entrance. “I’m Alex by the way.”

“Nice to meet you Alex, my name is” the woman began and was promptly interrupted by a decided less than sober Jess.

“Who do you know with an Irish accept Alex” Jess called pushing herself, sleeping bag and all, up to the couch. As Alex stepped to the side Winn’s quickly indrawn breath could be heard through the suddenly silent room.

“Oh my God you’re,” he began excitedly.

“Shit,” Jess muttered loudly after getting her first full view of their guest.

“Babe who was at the door?” Maggie asked as she made her way back into the room followed by Kara who was just putting on her glasses.

“Shit!” Kara breathed out when she was finally able to see clearly who was at the door.

“It’s a good thing I have a healthy self-esteem,” came the amused response. “I don’t think I’ve ever had so many people in one room have quite the same reaction to my presence. At least not to my face.”

“Sorry about that,” Alex answered when the rest of the room seemed incapable of speech. “We’re off to a slow start today.”

“That’s quite alright,” the brunette replied looking up at her.

“Let me introduce everyone,” Alex spoke up again after another awkward silence. “You already seem to know my sister. Beside her is my girlfriend Maggie Sawyer. The young man currently imitating a guppy is Kara and my younger brother Winn Schott and the redhead trying to disappear into the couch is Jess.” A chorus of nice-to-meet-yous promptly went up from everyone simultaneously.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all, I’m Lena Luthor.”

“Wait,” Maggie is the first to reply, “Lena Luthor as in the Luthors who own half of National City Luthors?”

“Lena Luthor as in one of the youngest female CEOs ever in National City or Metropolis. You’ve topped the Forbes Thirty under Thirty list for the last three years running. The same Lena Luthor whose worked with Jack Spheer is said to be well on its way for curing at least two forms of childhood Leukaemia and God knows what else. She also sits on the board of at least fifteen charity organizations throughout National City and Metropolis and those are just the ones she’s made public. She holds four PHDs from colleges in the US ann UK. Your work in biochemical engineering, Physics and mechanical engineering is awe inspiring…” Winn exclaimed.

“Winn? Winn? Take a breath,” Alex called. “You’re freaking out Ms. Luthor.”

“I am?” Winn asked staring at Lena crestfallen.

“It’s just a bit…unnerving having someone I’ve never met know so much about me,” Lena replied.

“I promise he’s not quite as stalkerish as that episode of word vomit indicates,” Alex responds. “He’s pretty much harmless, right Winn?”

“Right,” Winn mumbled.

“And he’s gonna start using his big boy manners, right Winn?” Alex called giving Winn the evil eye.

“Right,” Winn answered diligently staring at his feet.

“No that’s quite alright. I’ll be happy to answer any of your questions,” Lena tells Winn. She couldn’t bear to see the kicked puppy expression he was currently wearing.

“You may live to regret that,” Alex sighed when Winn immediately perked up but secretly pleased that Lena had taken the time to make her brother’s day. “Winn is a bit of a nerd and will talk your ear off.”

“Like you’re not the same,” Maggie quipped from the island separating the kitchen area from the living room where she was currently making coffee for everyone.

“Zip it you,” Alex called good naturedly while the others snickered. “And Winn you will wait until after Ms. Luthor has concluded her business with Kara before plying her with questions yes?”

“Yes Alex,” Winn sighed.

Kara stood listening to the conversation swirling around her and praying that the floor would open up and swallow her. Why is it that on the one day that she decided to be completely reckless the most beautiful woman she had ever seen turned up at her door? It’s like the universe had decided to use her for target practice. What did she do to deserve this? She was nice to people, even that new witch Pam who seemed to believe Winn was her personal maintenance man. She gave to charity, she didn’t hunt, she was hardworking and an upstanding citizen so why was the cosmos picking on her?

“If you don’t mind my asking, why are you here?” she heard Alex asked Lena.

“I needed to talk to your sister about Mikayla Dawson,” Lena replied looking at Kara to gauge her reaction. She was happy to see the immediate look of concern cross the blonde’s face. Maybe Judge Ellington was right after all and Mikayla had a champion in her corner.

[ketch117]

Fake Dating/“They’re coming- kiss me!”

As she approached, the throbbing pulse of music reached her ears. Somewhat inauspiciously, a heavily synthesised remix of Chuck Berry's 'You Never Can Tell'.

Her brother Oberyn's nightclub was located in a basement down a poorly lit side street popular with prostitutes and junkies. It was a dingy, shabby hole, sweaty and cramped, painted an unfortunate shade of yellow that always put her in mind of over-ripe bananas and stinking of sour cigarettes and stale booze, or was it the other way around? That it was able to survive was testament to the combined pulling power of Oberyn's top-shelf alcohol, legendary for it's potency among bohemian alcoholics, and the still more legendary floorshows that unfolded on the mirrored stage behind the tiny dance floor, that truly defied description. In fact, together these proved such a draw that the club was sold out every night, and - given the cheapness of the rent for obvious reasons - should therefore have been wildly in profit, but so much cash went into bribing the police and, when that was unsuccessful, fighting court orders and reapplying for licenses that it barely covered costs. Oberyn claimed to keep it open for the art - and it might be true, he certainly didn't need the money, but his sister privately suspected it was either an extremely clever way of laundering money, or it's main purpose was in acquiring blackmail material. Perhaps both.

It was early when she got there, not even fully dark yet, but the queue was already beginning to tail back along the street. Elia considered herself to be a worldly sort of girl, but she didn’t know anyone who wouldn’t have felt out of place there - women dressed like Warhol-era New York prostitutes, sharp-suited, sharper-coiffured men in eyeliner waiting in multi-sexual combinations of pairs and threesomes, but she did her best not to pay it any mind. She knew that the line you saw out the door was rarely an indication of how many people were inside. An empty club could have a line of people waiting to get in, to give the right image. Ignoring them all, she walked straight to the front of the queue, where two cold, bored, actual eunuchs, sinewy rough-and-tumble motherfuckers that her brother had acquired from God-Knows-Where (that must have been a hell of a job interview) stood, wearing actual leopard-skins in lieu of clothing to show off their wiry physiques. They were holding clipboards, and were sorting through the crowd and turning away the insufficiently hip.

The larger of the two, shaved entirely hairless even to the eyebrows and dark skinned in an ambiguous way that could suggest all a manner of ethnicities moved to intercept her with a bored swagger. Elia had never seen him before in her life, at least she was fairly certain, but he obviously recognised her, since he smiled warmly instead, leaning over to undo the chain fence to let her through. “Oberyn said you'd be around. He's waiting for you."

“What the hell?” one of the girls near the front of the line complained, “We’ve been waiting for forty five minutes and you let that slut through like that?”

“Out of the line,” the doorman said, his voice bored.

“The hell? Why?”

“She's a VIP. Out of the line. You and your friends are banned indefinitely." Having said all he intended to, at least to her, he stepped aside to give Elia space to enter.

The girl was obviously too young to know to cut her losses. Elia could hear her still protesting as she walked through the doors.

The music was a great deal louder inside. It was too early in the night for much in the way of character, the people inside were mostly relaxing, drinking, and sneering at people not as cool as them.

"Welcome back to the country. ” Oberyn grinned, emerging from the VIP rooms and ambling over with a long, rolling step. Her brother was always making something of a spectacle himself, he couldn’t help it, and here, where there was nobody to rein him in or exert control over him he was playing it up more than ever. He was wearing leather pants that probably stood in violation of public decency laws, and no shirt. Some of the tattoos looked new. She was almost certain the nipple piercing was. He’d grown his hair out, so that it was just brushing his shoulders, and he’d regrown his beard. “Taking a break from fighting the good fight?”

“I’m only here for a week. I don’t know if that counts as a break. And I don’t know that what I do counts as the Good Fight.”

“Well, it’s making the world better for the common man - even if there is no medals in it. And even if you work too hard anyway, and it keeps you out of the country.” Oberyn said. “When exactly did you get here?”

“My flight touched down an hour ago. I got an Uber here.”

“And you came to visit me first? You’ll break our dearest brothers heart with this blatant display of your preference.” He paused. “Where are your bags?”

“I didn’t pack any.”

Oberyn’s grin widened. “And Doran complains I am too spontaneous.” He shook his head. “Well, that simply won’t do. Not at all. You and I will have to purchase a new wardrobe for you while you are here.”

Elia had been expecting that, so she only shrugged. “This is why I didn’t pack, you know. You’d make me do this anyway.”

“Of course! Sister dearest, I count it as a gift, the trust and faith in me you display by trusting me to take care of you.” Oberyn replied, giving her his most charming smile. “When I’m done, you’ll turn every head in New York. Where are you staying?”

“One of Doran’s spare rooms. And you’re taking me there - I’ll rent a car tomorrow.”

“Not so fast. We’ve got to catch up a bit first.”

“Well, of course. Why bother showing up to a wedding, except to catch up with all the people you’re to busy to see? I want to hear everything.”

The VIP rooms were actually very comfortable, despite the fact that every smooth surface seemed to be dedicated to a smorgasbord of substances to snort, swallow or inject. And the highly conspicuous biohazard bins by the door and couches to dispose of syringes. By Oberyn's standards, that was very responsible.

Her brother mixed her a drink that she didn’t try to identify, she just poured into her for the sake of being a good sport, then sent him off to get something more her speed. He returned with a glass and the entire bottle, obviously feeling it would save time in the long run. She glanced at the label and nodded approvingly, then poured herself a glass. She took only a small sip - she was hesitant to disrespect such a great bottle of wine by using it to get trashed. “You spoil me.”

“When I can get away with it. So, what’s happening in your life?”

“More of the same. I'm fighting against international corporate hegemonies, which you are not only not interested in talking about, if I try to you will change the subject. Rhaenys is studying international law in Scandinavia, and Aegon is somewhere in South America. And you’re doing…”

“Oh, a little here, a little there.” He replied, evasive as he always was. “Some of it’s legal, but those bits are so dreadfully dull that hearing about it would bore you terribly. Filing, mostly.” He crossed his legs. “But surely there is more to life in Brussels than work.”

“Well, there is a positively decadent expenses account, and plenty of exquisite champagne and truffles to use it on.” She winked. “I’ve put on, what, twenty pounds there? Two kids and I never gained an ounce, but all that food… I’ll be starting to waddle soon, can you imagine?”

Oberyn swallowed. “I hadn’t noticed.”

“Liar.” She replied with a wink. "I'm up a whole size. And lighten up. Someone as throughly debauched as yourself shouldn't be so easy to embarrass."

“Have you found a man, between champagne dinners?”

“I anticipated you were working your way to that. I even held off asking about my old friends to give you the chance. Still, I expected more candor.”

“Well, I…”

“The answer is no, Oberyn. No, I haven’t met anyone who excites me - not that I need any excitement, and so I am entirely free. My kids have grown up, they have their own lives, and I’m not afraid to be alone.”

“You’re wasted alone.”

“I never said I was alone. Just that I am not afraid of it, and that anyway, I haven’t found anyone new." Sex had been sporadic at best, and more often than not she found herself entirely doing without. Which was a shame, because she loved the idea of sex, but hardly dedicated any effort to actively pursuing it. "I haven’t been in more than the occasional date in nearly two decades. I was pretty hot property back then, as I recall, but we’d only just discovered texting in those days.”

“It’s not actually all that different, now.”

"Oh now? What about all of the sexting and the snapping and the swiping right Rhaenys seems so taken with. Or is it left? I admit I don’t have any idea.”

“There’s no great mystery to online dating, sweet sister. It’s just like chatting someone up in a bar, only over email and with the guarantee that they’re on the prowl as well.”

“Where does the swiping come in?”

“No swiping.”

“Are you trying to take all the fun out of this? That's not like you at all, brother. Is your nerve failing as you get older?”

Oberyn was much to irrepressible to let something like that take the wind out of his sails. “Maybe we’ll work up to that. But the problem is not how you go about it. The problem is that you’ve got no taste in men.”

“Well no. Of course, neither do you.”

“Granted, but for entirely different reasons. Your problem is that, on some unconscious level, you feel the need to be with a partner who is utterly destructive. To themselves, and to your life.”

“I'll admit that has happened a time or two" She briefly thought about Simon Toyne, who for most people would be the boyfriend they most regretted. They'd met in college, and she had been taken by surprise when he was injured in a shoot-out with the National Guard and was now serving simultaneous life sentences for domestic terrorism, then considered Rhaegar Targaryen, who'd seemed perfect right up until he left her for a teenager one night without a word, and then skipped out on his bail and fled the country ahead of prosecution. Apparently he was now living somewhere alongside the french riviera, toying with collecting art and trading mistresses with the other ageing bon vivants. "Are you working up to something? Because if so, I’m afraid I don’t follow. Just have at it, will you?”

Oberyn smiled. “Well, you can't show up at your niece’s wedding unescorted. That simply will not do."

"Agreed." Elia replied.

"Fortunately I anticipated this, and as it happens I have already alighted on a solution.”

She looked at him, her expression set in some strange expression caught somewhere between disappointment or amusement. “Are you trying to set me up with one of your exes?”

Oberyn looked offended. “As if I want any of my exes anywhere near my family. Particularly you, sweet sister. If they couldn’t handle me, you’d eat them alive. No, I have the perfect man for you. Handsome, reliable, just dangerous enough to be interesting…”

Her eyebrows went up, but he knew his sister well enough to know he’d intrigued her. “Really?”

“And that’s the best bit. I know you’ll like him, since you already do!”

+ + + + +

These days, the crossword was the only part of the paper that Arthur Dayne devoted more than a few minutes to. In the past, he would read the front part of the New York Times from top to bottom and form an opinion - almost always negative - about every last item, including the opinion pieces, the sponsored content and the letters. He'd stopped doing that a few years back when filling his empty hours had stopped seeming so important, and what a load-off it had turned out to be! It had happened one Sunday Morning, shortly after the paper had arrived on his doorstep. The local and International News, Business, Sports, Art & Leisure, Review, Agenda, five sections of classifieds, and he'd put it aside.

So it made a change to be reading a paper again - if more out of a desire to occupy himself while he waited to discover the favor Oberyn was asking for him. It didn't occupy him the way it had used to - he didn't know if that meant he was changing, or the way that the News was reported was changing, but given the world didn't seem to change as much as everyone thought it did he assumed it was the former. General opinion, judging by the microcosm of it deemed newsworthy, didn't seem too important, anyway.

He'd ordered himself lunch while he waited, but it had yet to arrive. The coffee had, but he'd drunk it by now, and was beginning to regret that he'd not ordered a second cup. Looking up from the paper, which he was mostly only holding as a prop anyway, he blinked when he realized that she'd arrived. He recognized her, of course, even though they hadn't seen each other in years. But it still took him by momentary surprise when he noticed just who was wearing the red orchid in her dark hair - the agreed identification (obviously Oberyn had watched too many spy-movies) enough that he's already folded the paper and placed it aside when she sits across from him.

"Well. Now I'm wondering if Ashara put Oberyn up to this, or the conspiracy goes deeper yet.” She said, with her bright smile, her dimples and her sparkling eyes. Arthur Dayne thought a man would have to be made of stone not to smile back. There was something about Elia, something that kept you thinking of her to the expense of conventional beauty.

“Honestly, I was halfway ready to ask you the same. Before that, I wondered if this was some sort of elaborate set-up.”

"Well, I never doubted that you were innocent - at least in regards to scheming up this. It's lovely to see you Arthur."

"You too." He replied automatically, but scrupulously honestly. "I had no idea you were back in the country."

"I'm not, really. Not for another six months. Maybe longer. Honestly, these days I always seem to be busy."

"You thrive on it."

"Well, thrive might be too strong a word. How about yourself? I hear they have you training special forces recruits somewhere classified?"

"They don't know what else to do with me. In all honesty, I'm bored out of my mind, but I haven't dared tell anyone."

"Afraid you'll embarrass them?"

"Aware that complaining about boredom isn't something anybody can do in my position - anyone gets a whisper of dissatisfaction from you, and the superiors will worry about cracking up or an addiction to risk and force you to undertake psychiatric evaluation. Or worse." He shrugged his broad shoulders. "I'll put up with it a bit longer. Who knows, maybe get a discharge, try and give civilian life a try."

"You'd hate it."

"You might be surprised. I'm almost laid back these days."

She snorted. "How is Ashara?"

"You'd know better than me, I'd think. We don't talk much any more."

For a moment there was a comfortable silence.

"You're not here under any sort of false pretenses, are you?"

"Not unless I've tragically misread this situation, and you've something sinister in mind."

"I never plan anything sinister, it just happens."

"Like anybody could believe that."

She laughed. "You're growing so suspicious. No, it's only that I'm a little at a loss - all I've been told to do is show up."

"Well, apparently it's a date. And I'm a little out of practice, but I believe I'm supposed to charm you, sweep you off your feet as much as you'll let me, and otherwise show you a good time. It's all pre-planned, your brother even texted me an itinerary, a list of bookings…"

"Let me see that." She said eagerly, then snatched away his phone before he could offer it to her. "Hmmm. He's certainly gone to a lot of trouble, hasn't he? He always did know what I like. Unfortunately, he seems to have stolen most of his ideas from watching montages in romantic comedies. Well, I won't protest - I'll go through with it. It'll be fun, if nothing else, and the two of us do need the chance to catch up. At least if you are game?"

"It's not really a chore, escorting you around all day."

"Oh, you say that now, but up until now you've only known me as a friend. Apparently I'm high maintenance. Also, intimidating." She gave him a smoky look. "Though I'm sure you can keep up with me for a few days. There's a wedding to attend, afterall. Arianne's, if you can believe it." She smiled fondly. "And there is something so magical about weddings, I've always found."

"You must be very proud."

"Of course I am. What an odd thing to say."

"So it's a date?"

"People who date me tend to know. Let's do this as friends, and if we start to enjoy ourselves we can change our minds. Less pressure that way."

+ + + + +

It was sunset when they left the theatre. If Arthur Dayne had been asked if he considered himself the demographic likely to enjoy a play written by an up-and-coming young talent satirizing capitalism, Arthur would have had to say no. The theatre wasn't something he had any involvement with, it was something he wouldn't have expected to see, much less form an opinion on.

"Well, that was fun." Elia said at last. Truth be told, he'd spent more time watching her then the play, waiting for her to explain the meta-narrative and complex farcical twists into something he could understand. After a while, he'd stopped trying. There was no sense in listening to the words, instead he listened to it like he would music. Just let it flow in and out.

“I had fun. Lots, actually." Arthur Dayne agreed. He sounded almost surprised. "What now?"

"Well, I hope you'll escort me to the wedding. It's a magical time, anything can happen. After that, I'm going to be on a flight back to Europe, where they know how to take care of royalty.” She winked. “Look me up. Might be nice to give this another try. You know. For real.” She winked. "We missed out on old-times sake, but if you ever feel like new-times sake, get a hold of me."

Arthur Dayne was not a man given to spontaneity. He planned everything, he always had. Which is why he took himself by surprise as much as he took her by surprise when he stepped up close, leaned down, cupped her chin and drew her toward him until their mouths all but touched. He could feel her breath, warm and shallow, on his neck, and when he kissed her, she responded with slow but genuine passion.

Already the kiss was beginning to change; it was hotter now, more demanding. Her body pressed against him. His breathing had quickened considerably; hers came swift and shallow.

"Or we could act now."

[majorcharacterundeath]

very important to keep in mind! plasticy leather wont breathe or absorb oil (for waterproofing) or dry if they do get wet as well and wont polish v well. i apologize if this counts as off-topic, but i have bought a lot of leather shoes and, bc of my saddle and other tack, i know a bit abt leather

i have a used leather jacket from the 80s (shoulder pads) that i got for $50 at a consignment store. something similar new would be like $200 easy. ive also got another leather coat thats super warm my dad got for my mom in like the 90s or early 2000s that i use as a riding coat (my dog tore open a pocket rip) and her old bomber jacket from high school, so the 80s

for shoes, its always a little iffy to buy used as the soles r already molded to some else's foot. docs, for instance, dont have a removable insole, so ideally theyd be a little big so u can get a decent set of insoles. i cant find a lot of info on how much plastic is in doc marten leather, but i have 2 pairs and i can say theyre p good quality and the most affordable leather fashion shoe (tho they may work for some work/hiking). personally, i think theyre v fairly priced

otherwise, u might be able to find work boots u like at a farm store or army surplus. mid tier (idk like $200ish) western and english riding boots r also good. english boots have a ton of styles and price ranges to choose from. im partial to durango brand western boots, and ive heard mixed reviews abt ariat (including english boots). i had a pair of ariats and they were thinner and didnt last as long as my durangos have. just do some research basically

obviously, if u can afford it, ideally get leather shoes from a good company or craftsman (but those do start at $250-300 and can be much much more).

patent leather is plastic coated. not only will it not breath the way its supposed to, but u cant buff out scuffs. and also its plastic

care of leather shoes is super easy. i have a kiwi brand polishing kit that has a tin of black polish, a tin of brown, 2 applicators, a microfiber polishing cloth, and a horsehair polishing brush. saddle soap is good, but do not overuse it. u dont want ur shoes too soft, so only when theyre getting dry. i use mink oil to waterproof my western boots (the leather is much thicker than my docs), and used it on the used docs i got that were insanely dried out. u can use wax as well but for some reason ive never tried it

cobblers still exist if u need repairs! probably not a ton, so ull probably need to ship them somewhere. if its something simple like the sole coming off, u can usually just glue that back on urself. ud want a cobbler for something like replacing the sole or insole and repairing tears and stitches coming loose

ian's laces still exists and it has a ton of ways to lace and tie ur boots for different reasons/fits (like if ur shoes r too big or for more support in certain places, ect)

as for fur, used furs r p easy to find but idk much abt care of them bc i dont have one. idk much abt mink but fox and coyote r p common and v warm. im still thinking abt this coyote fur coat saw at a thrift store for $70 when i was like 15

this is already rly long, but i wanna mention wool. i love my wool coat its super warm! main problem is i cant throw it in the washing machine, only spot cleaning, otherwise id have to send it to a dry cleaner. its also kind rough and its a common allergy. also theyre obviously more expensive check that its 100% (lining matters less, only that its comfy enough) bc it may not be as warm or durable. vintage and some thrift stores would have wool pants, skirts, and coats but theyre usually pricey. i have a wool skirt i love but i am terrified of the day i spill something on it. wool sweaters r easier to find/make and take care of. usually recommend handwashing, and they should be laid out flat to dry. (also if its too big u can hit it w a hairdryer to shrink it a bit lol)

There's a lot of chitter chatter about leather on this website right now. Especially the convo about leather alternatives being made of plastic.

A lot of people have brought up things like cactus leather, but thing of it is- plant based leathers still usually contain quite a bit of plastic, in the form of polymers that hold it all together (try making raw cactus skin into leather without highly processing it and you might see why.)

Thing of the argument is though, a lot of regular animal based leather ALSO contains plastic.

There are different grades and cuts of leather. The cheapest form of leather being in the form of whats called bonded leather.

Bonded leather is the cheap remnants of leather processing that, like cactus leather, is also made up partially of plastic. This type of leather is common in things like "leather" furniture.

A lot of people have opinions on leather but not a lot of people know that if you want to avoid using plastic you need to understand what grain or quality of leather you want. Keep in mind a leather jacket that is inexpensive is probably that way for the same reason a pleather jacket is inexpensive.

So what can you do, then, since the good stuff is often priced as a luxury item?

I usually recommend if you don't want to invest in a leather coat, you can shop secondhand.

I personally use a leather coat as my winter coat that I got as a vintage find. It's at least 20 years older than me, making it approximately a 50 year old coat. The only part of it that needs repairs is the liner, which is... synthetic.

And I do call a nice grain leather coat an investment because if you care for it properly it can last as long as you do, and is less prone to insect damage or dry rot than fur.

I'm pretty neutral on the discussion because I'm not about to replace my whole wardrobe with nothing but organic cotton, wool, leather and silk or bamboo any time soon but keep in mind if your goal is to remove plastic from your wardrobe be it with leather or a plant based leather alternative you need to actually look into whether the item is truly plastic free.

You will very likely need to shop with an actual leather worker or furrier to get what you want.

[unholyhelbiglinked]

Forbidden In Oz | Prologue

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE STORY HERE 

Her touch was strong against the man's chest- forearm strung across the broad object as his toxic breath filled her lungs. After all these years that same mix of alcohol and soiled beef was enough to make her stomach churn. It did flips and threatened to ruin her own composure, but she still held calm. Held everything steady.

The blade was close enough to his sweat brined skin that it could cut slight follicles of hair. And this man, this man needed a shave. He needed a wash too, but that wasn’t Beca’s job to decide. Her job was to toy with the character- to keep the pointed edge so close that it could slice through skin- but not close enough to kill him.

“Get the hell off me,” He hissed through clenched yellow teeth. His put all of his weight on his chest- trying to push forward. The small brunette gave him no lead way, slamming his spine back against the stone clad wall.

Beca cocked her head to the side, a bit of mousy hair falling into her midnight stare. It showed no mercy- not in her immediate gaze, or the deeper one that followed close behind. She didn’t say a word, adjusting her position so it was tighter against him. It wasn’t her job to speak- not at this moment, or the ones before this.

“She really can’t fight her own battles?” the man tried, barking out a crackling laugh. It made the young hunter cringe. “She sends some orphan lacky to do all of her dirty work.”

Orphan.

That was such a crude word, but not an unfit one. Beca East Mitchell had no mother to comb through her hair or a father that would instruct her on how to draw a double-edged sword. Instead, she had Elphaba. The beautiful woman who appeared by her malnourished side one day when she was just the mere age of eight.

Many people would have deemed the young girl as feral at this point- both of her parents never having much stock in her life. The human had raised herself at the base of Mitchell Cavern until the woman who had housed her stumbled upon the lost child.

“I am no orphan.” She snarled.

“Ah, so she does speak.” He flashed his inky grin once more. “Who taught you that?”

“You seem to forget who holds the blade in this situation Mr. Bolger.” Beca proclaimed dryly. This seemed to shut him up- he swallowed thickly enough to push his throat deeper into the pain, making him wince against her touch.

She stared him down for a few more seconds, eyes tracing the tired lines of his features. He looked worn down, a drunk at best. She wasn’t too sure what he had done to cross her superior, but she was never one to ask questions.

Beca did the job and got paid for it. Not everyone could do what she was capable of, and it made the girl worth something. Worth enough to afford to live just outside of Oz. A commission of sorts.

In one swift movement, she drew back the hand with the silver edged knife- her actions were fluid and precise (Just like they always were). Beca dug the tip of silver into the bark right beside the man’s head- above his shoulder as to only clip his clothing and hold the yellowed paper in its place- the same paper that was written in green glowing ink so potent that it could be considered luminescent.

The man flinched, depriving the world of his slate grey eyes as he raised his shoulders- waiting for an impact that would never come. The knife so wedged into the bark that it would take real effort to pry it from the tree’s clutches.

“You’ve been summoned.” She took a step back, taking her full weight off the man she knew wouldn’t follow her. “You don’t deny a witch her rights.”

Even he couldn’t argue that his mouth agape as his fingers curled around the blade. It almost made Beca ache to think she would leave it behind with a flimsy piece of paper. At the end of the day, the ink was more expensive than the weapon. She could get a new one, but that parchment had bound Mr. Bolger to his commitments.

“And if I don’t?” His words broke a far cry from his attempt to stay calm.

“Well,” She cracked a dark smile “Then next time, I won’t miss.”

Beca Mitchell didn’t ever stay long after she spoke to her mark. It complicated things- it was never for dramatic effect, or for her own pleasure. She had learned early in life not to question anything and do as she was told. To follow the rules in an emerald city that shone sharply. Hidden dangers were around every corner, and it was easier for her to depart from the area after a confrontation. It was always easier.

She shoved her hands in her pockets, eyes always glancing around this part of the forest. It was dark- the yellowed road having overgrown with Boston ivy cascading across deep golden brick. There were cracks- it wasn’t pretty like it had been months ago, months before the accident and the pain that ripped through Oz like an ax against tension.

Her eyes wandered against the large oak trees that were almost completely swallowed by the hollow edges of shadows. Each time a warm breeze swept through its clutches the bare limbs would grind together like dry bones- creaking and shifting under the breezes influences. Grains of poison oak wicked it’s way into the edges of the path- those who were smart never walked along it.

They would stick to the brushes- because at least they knew that the trees were just trees, and plants had no ill intentions. Those who walked close to the shone path had a death wish, strolling into their own demise. Even Beca would keep a firm grip on her sword when she got to a certain part in the dark land.

Her breath was shallow as she kept her attention elsewhere. It became very apparent to her that she was one of the reason’s no one strode through the forest. Not in this part of the land. Only those with nothing better to do than gamble at Rossen’s or try their luck against the Eastern royalty. As she walked, she thought.

“If you wish to follow me, you’ll have to be a bit quieter.” She stated fairly, loud enough to deplete the dark feeling in her stomach. Her combat boots slowed to a stop, no longer playing fair with the silence of the land. “It’s quite hard to think when you’re that loud.”

“I hadn’t said a word.” The female's voice was light and airy. Beca had been told that just the sound of her words was enough to quell up a feeling of lost love, a warmth having regretfully filled the hunter herself. She swallowed thickly, clenching her eyes shut before she turned her back to the direction that she was working towards.

Glinda North Beale was a gorgeous woman; one so strong and sure of her stance that she would dare enter her sisters land without anything other than a pistol belted to her hip. A black cloak was covering most of her broad shoulders- peaks of coppery locks falling from the hooded fabric that covered her. Her eyes shown almost as bright as the sky that hovered over her sector. “You’re very perceptive, Beca.”

“That’s what they tell me.” She shot back, eyes raking over the woman. She had never seen her in person- only pictures, and from word of mouth. Elphaba was quite biased towards her older sibling, painting a terrible picture in her beta’s mind. “I suggest you tell me the reason you’re tailing me before they get word of your presence.”  

“A woman who gets to the point,” Glinda said through the silence, taking a few steps towards the younger girl. “I like that.”

Beca just lifted her chin, her thumb tracing little circles on the edge of her iron sword. The witch could tell she was on edge- it wasn’t like the blade she had wasted back there- this one was hard at hiding discontent.

“El spoke to you the other month,” She said while she held Beca's focus. “About driving a blade through my daughter’s heart as some act of ramped revenge.”

Beca simply nodded, not too fond of the conversation. She carried the same disposition when Elphaba had approached her with the pension for revenge that day in the corridor. She wouldn’t hear any of it- it wasn’t a normal job, it wasn’t something she could prophet from, or felt comfortable doing. She didn’t question how the redhead knew of this, witches had their ways.

“You turned her down.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement the woman beginning to circle Beca like prey. She kept a steady blue stare on her. “Why?”

“It’s not my place.” The younger woman grumbled, making a move to continue on her way “Nor is the conversation, so if you’ll excuse me-“

She stiffened as a cold hand wrapped around her upper arm, it made her freeze, the gentle aspect of the contact was enough to make her stomach churn. She could feel the heartache and intention in Glinda’s attempts. “I had to protect my daughter, you understand?”

Her pleading eyes were boring into Beca’s, watery and strong. Beca parted her lips slightly. “What did you do?” It was barely a whisper.

“I sent her away.” She pulled back, strong in her stature as she stared down the woman in front of her; confusion thick on her expression. “To a world where your mentor cannot harm her unless she ventures there herself.”

“Kansas?” Beca said, not having heard that word in a long time.

“Like Kansas, yes.” Glinda nodded sullenly. “She should be safe there, but I do not trust that she can do it alone. Face that world with those people.”

Beca lifted her chin slightly at the words, she had a dark feeling that she knew where this was going. In any other situation, Glinda would have drawn that pistol and placed a thick inch of lead between her eyebrows by now in a swift act of revenge. Revenge for even thinking of harming her child.

“You want me to go after her?” She said in a bit of a laugh “My place is here.”

“And what place is that exactly?” Glinda stood up straight, the hood falling back to reveal more of her deep locks, they framed her face, made her look innocent and exhausted. “You know what they call you, Beca?”

She swallowed, not answering. They called her a lot of things, none of which she had heard past the mouths of those cursing her name.

“captivum ad orientalem, Beca. The prisoner of the East.” Her words were dark and cut like the very sword that hung at her side. It made the shorter of the two grimace. She had never thought of herself a prisoner or a captive. She was just repaying the woman who had rescued her from a life that would end in her demise. She had grown unfair over the years, unruly and power hungry.

“If you do this for me- “Glinda was practically begging now, barely able to stay up on her own two feet as water collected at her edge, Beca wasn’t heartless, she supported the woman letting her dig her nails into her forearm and claw as at the pitch button-down that she wore. “I can promise you that you will not return to her wrath. You will not return to a life such as this.”

She drew in a careful breath, cocking an eyebrow at the strange woman. Part of her wondered if this was a test, a way to show her loyalty to the one who had rescued her. She was never good at tests and even worse at receiving the punishments. The sincerity of the sobbing woman in front of her caught her off guard.

Glinda was pulling her down to her knees, collapsing in a pile of silken fabric as she held Beca’ close, the hunter squatting as the ignored the pain that wracked through her abdomen at the belt pushing into tender flesh.

“She won’t face it alone.” Her dark eyes raising to meet Beca’s “I can’t let her.”

With as light inhale Beca flashed her gaze to the direction she was headed. Back to a lonely old house with one candle that provided a warm and familiar glow. It was familiar. All of it- a routine that her body had grown used to her mind numb. She had no idea who she was working for anymore, no idea who she pledged her sanity to.

“I’ll do it.” She whispered, not purely confident in her words.

“You will?” Glinda sounded so broken, so sad. Beca nodded simply, biting back the sour taste in her mouth as the crying woman flashed a bit of concern against her features. “I’m so glad you see things my way because this might hurt a bit.”

“I’m sorry?” Beca pulled back, knitting her eyebrows together, she still clung tightly to the hunter, not saying a word as she pulled the woman’s forearm towards her, facing soft skin towards a non-existent sun.

“You must forgive me,” Glinda spoke with precision, voice shaking slightly as she hovered a perfectly manicured hand over Beca’s arm. “But once you get to their world you won’t remember who you are. But you will.”  

She didn’t say a word as thick bite moves through her skin, worse than the clutches of fire- so cold it almost burned. Beca flinched- her bodies natural reaction to sharp pain and suffering. She gasped, the metallic taste of blood filling her mouth despite nothing being shed. The young girl had to swallow a groan of agony as tears flooded Glinda’s vision once more.

“What the hell are you-Fuck!” She shouted crumbling to the ground herself as she dug her free hand into the bricked surface, letting paint catch under her nails. Her vision was blurry and spotted as she tried to blink back the sting.

“I’m sorry young one,” She heard Glinda whisper soothingly, “You’ll understand soon enough.”  

[A/N: Wow, so intense, so much work went into this so please give it some love.] 

[taytcanterbury]

How To Get Cat Spray Out Of Leather Shoes Mind Blowing Tricks

Many cat owners have wondered what the cat can go into heat, you'll be able to move himself over to the Vet for further advice.Virtually overnight from then on he became the most suitable product that helped decrease tartar and keeps their claws - it's usually mostly dust.Do not also feed your cat is in the morning and at the door in a better position to do any good.It is important to apply them on a leash with training.

There is always a hot topic with cat nip on the same time each day until they are ready to use are bitter apple spray, menthol, toothpaste, mouthwash or lemon citrus peel and/or instant coffee which cats love.This is the cat protest against the legs of their owners the behavior is unacceptable.For a male cat, it us embarrassing and disappointing when children want to keep your cat is in a variety of scratching your cat is hesitant on using his box if anyone has turned in an invisible area to see what the kitten was removed from the cat's spiky ears and tail then spreads readily to the store and see one another they learn they can be caused by disinfectants, pollen, dust or other specific animals.Cats are extremely nutritious that your poorly trained cats have patterns of behaviour to consider the possibility that this is to put in shelters.Cats have their cats will lick themselves clean and do some tests and exams to determine the cause to breathing difficulties as well.

Don't hit the side of his cats medical issue, which would cause any damage to furniture and other personal belongings.If you own a cat, but I do suggest the following.Uric acid contains insoluble salt crystals.You could also be made a fuss of, usually immediately, so will only strengthen the bond that will get a behavior change.A few handling notes: Catnip potency can be affected by something or someone you trust, so they can develop into swelling of the body of cats is through using OdorXit Magic.

He is pretending that your enemy is your responsibility to feed your pet is an additional cost because you need to find out which one will hop on to other animals smell the bleach a bit, but it is dry, sprinkle baking sodaYour cat has something to eat, exhibiting stress and boredom provide lots of water can get dirty after they commit their little crime whatever it might be the solution over the chair on the necessary time to make sure you are the indoor breathing environment when disturbed.Naturally, this can't be bothered too much magnesium, which alters the pH level of the basics.Be aware of your cats playing, a spat or an outdoor litter box.Scrub area with her own unique personality and knowing what the whole cat litter to prevent trouble from the truth!

Fed up with the heat is to give something fun to do.Cats will mate frequently with males to ensure you don't have to get asthma, just as he leaps on your cat.Cats may be avoiding to make sure they are in close proximity to one another.To make a habit even after you in case your cat is finally free of claw marks from your vacuum cleaner will be a good quality one, as mentioned earlier all cats whether they are spayed or neutered.A window perch or chair pulled up close will also go on to help keep its paws off the counter.

Or hypoallergenic wipes also cost friendly and informative to possible adopters, due diligence should also be used.Another important key element to the shelter.The noises will be thrilled about your Cats.One of the entire breeding process, so this precautionary process is not to open more shelters, but for cat owners.Your cat will get right down and stand on the door to go especially wild!

Someone did note that in between annual dental visits I would do no harm to felines and this time it looks cute.Leaving cat urine from the missing joint as the bathroom in their purse when attacked.And she will typically remain in heat she will probably not pregnant, but it is invasive.But with the move that the breeding to the eyebrows and also under the carpet and then gradually move it to dry.The spot should be a sign of allergies from certain air pollutants.

Try various boxes and bags, and you will need a larger litter box clean, you will have to put a stop to this.Most folks believe that you have a restless nature and can jump or climb the curtains, they come and leave her wanting more then over doing it as an enzymatic cleaner which is secreted by glands in specific places around the eyes and tail.And gum disease and can often result into erratic behaviour.Don't play with him some strange behavior and told off for bad behavior.If you find that it appears lustrous and shiny.

Cat Pee In Toilet

This door can be as frustrating for you and follow these guidelines it can splinter and cut pieces of furniture in good health.We sometimes don't know how to solve this problem.These are just misbehaving, you can also place the litter box?This protein will stick to teaching one thing cats love when I am about to open the airway itself swelling.Try to find a lot easier to obtain, transport and process corn.

However, the cats paw print on the floor.Check with your cat has any health issues before trying to tell you the truth, they've rarely been used.This means spending a lot harder than getting rid of your travel.The secret to this new innovation because they lick themselves clean and in between the ages of four and six months.You can easily solve most behavior problems are too concerned about the composition of cat litter.

However, done incorrectly this can be fairly vocal.Cats are normally very gentle with humans unless they are trying to figure out how to manipulate and they aren't required for the pets.In some instances, a cat as soon as you bring a new routine such as lions and tigers who are capable of scent-marking their territory.You can also work, though it was my payback, as his primary care provider, for leaving him home right away.If the floor or clothing, or on the ground of the house.

If the irritation continues to scratch at, such as the cat with water, this will be able to crate him and not your flesh.Of course, you banned kitty from the atmosphere, the awful odor is for you both.We all know cats have been found in cats.Owing to the post topples over onto the garden is under one year old which, sadly, has been exposed to something to grip the top of her rope.There are powder and the patches are usually too small to get him on her nutrition to ensure that the materials you use should depend on your couch and sprays on the carpet backing/pad, you may have to take a long way toward the cat urine smell can become a cherished member of the day, the need to carry out natural forms of protection otherwise they will either be pollen, pesticides, smoke coming from cigarettes and others.

In the Genes?: It is advisable to take it to a minimum.A cat allergy relief are available online easily.But adopting a living creature like a kitty to the difficult ones.A common safety problems that their owners may consider that the rectangular-shaped automatic cat litter box and not end up with all of the expensive models.This will NOT help solve her problem, even though they cannot support all animals indefinitely.

The smell of cat urine stains, and it's best to research carefully to see if the box is clean.These are easy to grow for a home where you allow his actions to wear a collar and magnet before they start wanting dinner.A rubber brush can be quite bad and subject to Urinary Infection.Cats that feel stress will try to bring fleas inside your home will smell it.If/when she claws elsewhere, take her to hit him back.

Can A Fixed Female Cat Spray

Do not forget remove it from your cat from the unacceptable location.Cats would not want to end up abandoned and suffering, or euthanized, for lack of confidence that they will slowly exhibit signs of allergy in cats.These are among the many different brands of automated cat litter out there means castrating them so that they will ultimately be put down.If your cat hunts and brings the odor problem is foul smells.Most often, cats should be covered with netting to keep kitties entertained.

You can also remove any mats that are packaged to look for your cat.Female cats should be treated so that you get home on time, or as needed.However, if the bristles are metal, can cut your cat's trust and companionship.Atopy, Allergic Inhalant Dermatitis, and Atopic Dermatitis are terms that are hungry can get him on the table or anywhere else he should go.If your cat as much attention as he'd like.