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delicioussshame · 3 years ago

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Socialite AU, last part! I finished a thing! Also posted on AO3 now that it’s done.

Shen Yuan had expected that the beginning of the school year would have kept Luo Binghe too busy for them to see each other more than, oh, about once a month, but it doesn’t seem to be the case. Luo Binghe is obviously very smart, so maybe that’s why he can keep up so easily. His studies sure don’t seem to stop him from having Shen Yuan over at least once a week.

Luo Binghe says it’s because he cannot trust Shen Yuan to feed himself properly, something Shen Yuan himself has profusely denied. First, he’s a fully grown adult, he can cook! Second, if he doesn’t feel like it, he can order in, or pay someone to cook for him. There are no issues there! He doesn’t need to be minded.

Not that he minds being minded. Shen Yuan has eaten more than his share of delicious food, and Luo Binghe’s stands above the rest. There are worst things than travelling to Luo Binghe’s apartment and eating a freshly cooked meal.

They don’t talk about novels as much though. This is an area where Luo Binghe had to step back in favor of reading assigned manuals. Shen Yuan has spent more than one evening reading trash by himself while Luo Binghe sat nearby, throwing the occasional question his way as he studied. Not that it seemed like he needed the help.

When does he see his college friends, Shen Yuan has no idea. Luo Binghe always waves away any concern of his on this matter. Seriously, Shen Yuan is a bit worried. Does he not fit in? It seems impossible that someone as charming, not to mention as affluent, as him would be ostracised. Even Shen Yuan had managed to gather a small group of friends during his college years. Luo Binghe must have done the same, no?

If he hasn’t, his fellow students are missing out.

In that case, Shen Yuan will take him out it their place. It wouldn’t do for Binghe to be lonely.

Not that that’s likely, considering how popular he is in their circle. As far as his female compatriots are concerned, Luo Binghe is now Beijing’s most eligible bachelor.

It’s a role that suits Luo Binghe’s public persona to a tee. He flutters between ladies as if he were born into in, flirting with one and laughing with another one with an ease Shen Yuan cannot help but envy, considering his own limited contacts with the other sex.

If those interactions often ended with a pretend fight between them, neither of them would complain about it. It was fun. Much better than insulting real people and wondering later if he’d gone too far, if he’d seriously hurt someone whose crime had only been to be born in a shitty family and raised in a similarly shitty fashion. He and Binghe sometimes rehearsed lines late into the night before a party, sentences that were meant to be biting insults turning into uncontrollable laughter.

Everything was going well. Shen Yuan’s reputation was becoming so toxic it had been weeks since the last time one of his fellow socialites had dared to speak to him, which is how Shen Yuan liked it. As for Luo Binghe, he was both admired for standing up to mean Shen Yuan, and pitied for always being the receptor of his ire. Binghe was more than talented enough to use all of it to his advantage.

All in all, everything was going perfectly.

Until now. “Excuse me?” says Shen Yuan with the coldest, most disparaging tone he has managed yet.

Sha Hualing, sadly, doesn’t seem impressed. “You can deny it all you want. It’s obvious. It must drive you crazy, seeing him with us and knowing you’ll never have a chance. He’s so good, too. Made me scream so loud I’m sure the neighbors heard. Not that you’ll ever find out yourself. Keep pulling his pigtails. He knows, he’s just too nice to tell how pathetic you are.”

Shen Yuan cannot convey to Sha Hualing how utterly from left field her theory is, and how completely baffled he is, without breaking his carefully maintained aura of disgusted condescension, but he really wishes he could. “You’re insane. How could I be attracted to… that.” He winces in his head. Too much? There are probably zero people that don’t feel at least a little attracted to Luo Binghe in this room.

But if there was one, it would be him. Luo Binghe is his cute disciple and friend, not his meal ticket. Leave that to Sha Hualing and her posse.

Her answering laugh is haughty. “Not even you believe that. Anyway, I just wanted to rub it in, but now that that’s done, I got better things to do than talking to you, like him. Fuck off.”

He flips her off as she leaves. Not his most elegant moment, but not the most elegant situation.

How the fuck did she get into her sick mind that he was into Luo Binghe. She should have thought they hated each other! That they wanted to tear each other’s throats open, not tear each other’s clothes off!

… Holy fuck their characters have ust, haven’t they? Danmei isn’t his playing field, but some things are universal across gender. There is an undeniable pull to seeing two hot people seeming like they’re two seconds away from punching each other when it also seems like they might be two seconds away from… something else.

It’s the only possible interpretation. They haven’t been careful enough, and now their roles are tainted by bad tropes!

Shen Yuan is going to have to adapt his persona a bit. Let himself run even colder. Less hate, more indifference, maybe? Or maybe he could just leave Luo Binghe alone for a few parties.

It wouldn’t work! It would seem like he chickened out after Sha Hualing confronted him! It would make it appear weak!

Could he make up a girlfriend?

Nah, no one would believe it.

Fuck, he’s going to need Luo Binghe’s help on this one.

_________________

“She what!?”

“Thinks I keep picking fights with you because I’m trying to get your attention and that I’d really like for you to bend me over something, probably.”

Luo Binghe blushes bright red.

Shen Yuan restrains his mirth. Nice to see he’s not the only one terribly embarrassed by the situation!

Yes, pinching those red cheeks would only make things worse, but he’s still very tempted.

Shen Yuan soldiers on. “Binghe shouldn’t worry about things too much. His reputation is safe. Considering how well he gets on with the fairer sex,” and yes, now Shen Yuan knows way more than he ever wanted to know about Sha Hualing’s sex life, but that’s life,” no one will doubt him. If he has no idea, I’ll think of something. It’s not his problem.”

“Shizun’s problems are my problems! He wouldn’t be in this situation if it wasn’t for me!”

Aww, Binghe, why is your indignation so cute!” Don’t blame yourself. We both agreed to the plan. It’s no one’s fault.”

Luo Binghe looks down, obviously still embarrassed. “I really have no idea where she got that. Shizun never appears to be attracted to me.”

“Who knows how Sha Hualing thinks. She probably watches too much porn.” He wouldn’t be surprised, considering how low-class she acted.

A second later, he catches his mistake. If Luo Binghe is… seeing her, he shouldn’t be that mean to her in his presence. “Sorry for insulting your… friend.” He doesn’t think they’re officially dating? Sha Hualing would never shut up about it, and anyway Luo Binghe wouldn’t have as much time for Shen Yuan if he was serious about someone. It’s probably just hormones raging.

Luo Binghe shakes his head. “Shizun shouldn’t apologise! She’s the one who was this rude! Implying Shizun doesn’t know how to court someone, or that he’d need such a ridiculous approach when a few words would be enough for him to have anyone! What a stupid woman.”

It’s Shen Yuan’s turn to be embarrassed. Luo Binghe is pushing the hero worship a little too far here. He’s got way more experience in that department than Shen Yuan will ever get, probably. “Well, if you don’t like her, maybe choose someone better as a partner? You could have anyone. I know it’s none of my business, and I guess she’s attractive, but really, so are many others who don’t share her… fiery temperament.”

If he were honest, he’d just tell Binghe he deserves better.

Much, much better. Didn’t he see her chatting with Liu Mingyan the other day? Now that’s a woman worthy of his Binghe, almost his equal in all fields.

Not that he needs to find someone just yet. He should take his time, and find someone he likes.

Luo Binghe snorts. “I would never choose her.”

Shen Yuan blinks. “Didn’t you?”

Luo Binghe looks wounded. “Why would you think that? I would never be with someone this cruel to Shizun!”

“But she said… oh.” Shen Yuan is an idiot. Why, why did he, even for a second, believe what that snake said? “Binghe must let me apologise. I’ve been stupid and have believed her when she said you and her were… involved.”

“Shizun mustn’t believe her! She lies!”

Shen Yuan pats Luo Binghe’s back gently. “I don’t! I don’t. She lied. I don’t believe her anymore. Of course Binghe has better tastes than this. I should have known.”

Luo Binghe raises his chin. “I do. I have the best tastes.”

Shen Yuan lets a smile appears on his face. “You do. After all, you have chosen me to guide you.”

Luo Binghe nods with almost comical vigour. “Yes!”

So! Cute! Shen Yuan wants to give him a hug!

He won’t, because he’s the dignified older friend.

Who reads bad online novels, but let’s not linger on that. “So, what do we do about her imagination? Because she cannot keep a secret to save her life, so I expect people will talk about it the next time we attend the same event.”

“…Does Shizun want… a girlfriend?”

What does that have to do with anything. “If I meet the right person, sure. Why?”

“Does it matter what they think? They never cared about Shizun to begin with. Who cares if they think he’s attracted to me. It doesn’t change a thing.”

Well, yes, but. “It makes me look pretty pathetic. It’s not exactly a fun reputation to have.”

“What does?”

“That I want someone and the best thing I can do about it is insulting them? It does make me look like a kindergartener.”

An unholy light appears in Luo Binghe’s eyes. “So what if that wasn’t the best thing you had done?”

“I’m sorry?”

“Shizun feels pathetic because he doesn’t like the idea that people think he wants someone and he doesn’t know how to get them, right? But what if he did?”

Shen Yuan is very confused right now. “Binghe?”

“We knew each other before that first party, right? So I let them know that. We could be bitter exes!”

Shen Yuan looks at him, completely frozen. “Binghe, no.” That is 100% a terrible idea.

“Why not? It would explain everything! Why we’re so mean to each other while I’m nice to everyone else, why you’re worst to me, and why there’s tension between us!”

There is no tension between them! They’re playing characters! “People would think you’re gay!”

“I’ve been flirting with women all the time. People would think I’m bi.”

“You’ve just told me you haven’t been dating! What if they think you’re hung up on me, who, by the way, is a man!”

“Is it that bad? I wouldn’t mind. Shizun is someone I would certainly be hung on if he had left me.”

“So I’m the one who left you now? That makes even less sense! Why would someone like me leave someone like you! Of course Binghe is the one who left!”

“If I were dating Shizun, I would never leave him! He has to be the one who left me!”

Shen Yuan rubs his temples. He knew the conversation wouldn’t be simple, but it has reached unprecedented levels of nonsense. “Let’s forget who left who. We’re not doing that. Binghe would ruin his reputation to only slightly better mine. That makes no sense.”

Luo Binghe pouts. “It would have worked. I would have made a very good ex-boyfriend.”

Shen Yuan pats his back again. “I’m sure you would have. I, on the other hand, would probably have been terrible at it.”

“Why?”

“How could I have pretended to not only have dated Binghe, but to have separated from him? No one would believe it. My talents aren’t up to the task. I can’t make myself look like a plausible boyfriend to Binghe.”

Luo Binghe sighs. “That’s stupid. Shizun might as well have been my boyfriend lately.”

Shen Yuan feels a headache coming. He can barely follow the logic of this conversation. “Binghe, I don’t understand.”

“Shen Yuan spends most of his evenings with me. I cook for him. He takes me out. We’ve been writing to each other for months. He’s been carefully curating my reading lists for most of those months. He has plenty of reasons why I would be dating him.”

Okay, let’s just ignore most of that. “Nothing you listed has anything to do with the character we play for those society functions? High society Shen Yuan probably only reads classic literature, when he’s not working his high-power job and, I don’t know, checking stocks or playing the guqin. Nothing appealing there. How would we have even met?”

“Via work? Maybe you had a meeting with some executive of my father. Considering my reputation, we probably just had sex and ended up dating later on.”

Shen Yuan tries to imagine being the kind of person who would see Luo Binghe and think he could just hit that.

Impossible. Does not compute. “Look, I’m just going to ignore it. It’s always worked before. We probably shouldn’t change it.”

“But things always staying the same is bad! They must evolve!”

Shen Yuan shrugs. “Not necessarily. My life has mostly remained the same since I’ve graduated, and it’s perfectly fine.”

Luo Binghe flinches like a kicked puppy. “Is my arrival so unimportant to Shizun?”

Fuck. “No! That’s not what I meant! I mostly meant my romantic life!” Not really, he meant his life his general, but it is quite insulting to Binghe to imply he had no impact on his life, not to mention just an outright lie.

“That, too, should change.”

“It sure won’t if everyone thinks I’m gay.”

Under Luo Binghe’s breath, barely audible to Shen Yuan, “It’s not exactly an impediment.” Then, louder. “Let’s tell them the truth, then.”

Shen Yuan instantly panics. “Binghe, they can’t know the truth, it’ll fuck everythin-“

And that’s when Luo Binghe’s tongue finds its way into Shen Yuan’s mouth.

Shen Yuan’s mind freezes completely.

Luo Binghe keeps on kissing him.

Shen Yuan’s mind keeps trying to reboot.

Luo Binghe pushes back and sighs. “Does Shizun understand now?”

Nope. “…We can’t be exes if we’re kissing?”

“Forget the exes. Let’s just tell them we’re having sex. That’ll be the true part. We’ll just tell them it’s hate sex. I’ll tell them you’re just that good and I can’t resist you. That way, you won’t be pathetic, right?”

Shen Yuan’s slowly rebooting mind cannot decide if the “reputation for being gay” part would outweigh the “reputation for having seduced Luo Binghe” part.

Wait. “We’re having sex?”

Luo Binghe falters. “If you want to? Because I want to. A lot. But we’re pretty much dating and Shen Yuan didn’t seem to realise, so I thought maybe he’s not attracted to me, but you keep acting like I’m the best thing that ever happened to you when really, the reverse is true, and can we date already? Please?”

Shen Yuan opens his mouth.

Shen Yuan closes his mouth.

Shen Yuan tries to understand that, apparently, Luo Binghe has been trying to date him? Him? Luo Binghe? And him? As a couple? That is a thing that is apparently on the table?

Wait, Shen Yuan actually is a person who could have looked and Luo Binghe and have hit that!?

Woah.

“I…”

Luo Binghe’s eyes grow even wider as he waits for Shen Yuan’s response.

As if Shen Yuan ever had the capacity to tell Binghe no.

As if he ever wanted to. “Okay. Let’s try it.”

A second later, he gets an armful of overenthusiastic Binghe trying to choke him with too much tongue.

“But we’re not playing bitter exes.” Shen Yuan really has no belief in his ability to pretend he left Luo Binghe.

That he had him and is devastated he doesn’t anymore, sure. But that he’d manage to be cruel to Luo Binghe about it? There’s no way.

“That’s fine. I like the one with the hate sex much better anyway.”

To be honest, so does Shen Yuan.

_________________

Shen Yuan positions himself in such a way that he can track Luo Binghe’s movements across the room without looking like he’s doing more than reading on his phone.

He can tell from Sha Hualing’s particularly vicious grin that she’s about to deliver what she considers to be a crippling blow to his reputation.

He thrills when the expression melts, replaced by horror as Luo Binghe’s face turn sheepish. He can almost hear his embarrassed tone as he admits to the moral failing that is sleeping with Shen Yuan, universal pariah.

He can distinctly hear the cries of dismay and what he knows are roars of utter jealousy.

None of it shows on his face, but Shen Yuan grins.

#The Scum Villain Self Serving System #Scum Villain #BingQiu #the AU where SY and LBH are both online friends and fellow socialites

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glxyhrt · 2 years ago

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@dokitm : ❝ when i’m with you i feel like myself. i feel like every side of me is present and accepted. and i feel good about it— i feel good about who i am when i’m with you. ❞ / from ace

after getting permission from both crowley &. riddle — one for leaving campus for a few hours , &. the other to take a certain redhead troublemaker out for a date — star had a rough idea on what she &. ace could do on their date . she had explored the surrounding town a couple times herself , noting certain places to stop by for them to spend time : a pastry café here , an arcade there , &. even some boutique shops scattered about . she was sure that the arcade was to be the highlight of their outing together .

at the tail end of their date , the duo was just leaving the establishment when an unfamiliar girl came their way . as she walked closer , she seemed to be yelling out something . . . was she calling out to ace ? once that realization settled in , star could feel him tense up beside her , soon recognizing that this girl was his ex - girlfriend from middle school . she tried to make small talk with him , already feigning that she was there for catch up . every other word that came out of her mouth was subtly filled with venom , a petty ire for what he did to her .

star recalled his words about how she was absolutely suffocating to be around , always wanting to do the things she wanted to do , &. never really considered ace’s thoughts , feelings , &. wants on anything . on top of being spoiled brat , she was apparently incredibly rude , acting like a pompous princess who thought she deserved the world on a silver platter . &. finally meeting her , though accidentally , told star everything she needed to know about this girl . so she devised a quick plan , smiling at him . ❛ oh , ace . i think i forgot my bag back at the arcade . could you go get it for me while i talk with your friend ? ❜

with the speed he clued in on her out for him , he wasted no time to run back into the building to pretend to be looking for her belongings ( she slipped her bag into his hand secretly , the sleight of hand that he had taught her before ) . now , with her alone with his ex , she waited to see what she would say to her . it didn’t take long for the bubbly façade to be dropped as she eyed the singer over , a brow arched .

‘ so . what are you supposed to be ? his babysitter , or something ? ’

❛ his girlfriend , actually . ❜

‘ oh ? looks like he moved on quick . but honestly , he’s a loser . an immature , childish loser that doesn’t realize that he lost a good one . &. he went for some floozy over me ? don’t make me laugh ! ’

ruby eyes narrowed as she pinned the other girl to the wall , closing in the distance between them . ❛ first off , i’m not some hookup or rebound . second , ace is way more than you give him credit for . but you wouldn’t know that even it slapped you in the face . ❜ her tone was filled with the same venom , although more potent . ❛ just because you were too busy with making your damn self look &. feel better than everyone else for a fleeting moment of validation than trying to on equal footing with your boyfriend . you wanna know the REAL reason he left you ? it’s because you are an insufferable , spoiled brat that cares about no one but yourself &. making ace feel like he couldn’t be himself around you . ❜

star then leaned over . ❛ &. i’m only going to warn you once : stay away from me &. ace . if i ever catch you trying to harass my boyfriend again , or you come across my path , i can PROMISE you that i’m not going to be as charitable the next time . do i make myself clear ? ❜

it didn’t take much convincing for the other girl to get the message as she ran off in the direction she was going , zooming past ace as he emerged out with bag in hand . honestly , he could’ve sworn that he thought he saw that she was crying &. , more importantly , not paying him any mind . not that it was any of his problem anymore , especially when he had a date to get back to .

star saw him walk back to her , smile &. all , as he handed her bag back to her &. thanked her for saving his skin . ❛ hey , that’s what i’m here for . besides , i’m your girlfriend now , of course i was going to defend you . ❜

then he mentioned that it was the only thing he was thankful for , going on that whenever he is with her , that he could be himself &. it was nice , that it felt good . those words made her heart flutter , &. before she knew it , she pulled him into a hug .

❛ i’m glad . . . you do the same for me . i feel like i can be my whole self around you , &. i love every part of you . i’ll always love you for you . ❜

#dokitm #✨ * ‹ answered › you’ve got mail .#✨ * ‹ vrse : twst › siren of the sea & cosmos .#✨ * ❤ ‹ dokitm / otp › ace & star .#i know in canon his ex was not like this but uhhhhhhh #fuck canon we do what we want LMAO

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palbabor-writes · 4 years ago

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dude uh so like dabi but as a father... like he would never but like no one day he gets left with this kid and he's not gonna abandon it bc he cant idk i just want to see dabi as a parental unit trying not to be a bad parent

lol, ppl ask me asks and i respond with a feature freaking film worth of words. (//▽//) warnings: adult language, angst, mild spoilers for current manga chapters: 290 - 291

words: 3915

notes: I answered this a little differently. It’s more of a longing for what could have been, rather than a kid of his own sort of thing. But, Dabi does his best damn it. Also, yeah, yeah, it’s another Greek title. I cannot be STOPPED. but i prolly should be. Not beta edited, so all mistakes are mine, and mine alone.

Pónos

ponos /ˈpoʊˌnɒs/ or ponus /ˈpoʊnəs/ noun Ancient Greek: Πόνος Pónos the personification of hardship and toil

There’s a loud clattering noise that’s echoing along the polished floors and walls of the Meta Liberation Army’s base.

Dabi hates these long hallways. They remind him of some kinda tomb, with all that reverberation and all those gleaming surfaces. They’re perfect for elongating and stretching voices and sounds.

So whatever the fuck that racket is, it’s not like he’s going to be able to avoid it. He’d need to turn around to do that and he’s not about to fucking turn heel and retrace his steps. Besides, it would take him twice as long to go the other way. Nah, this path is easier, despite the looming annoyance of the commotion.

He rounds a corner and catches sight of a young woman.

She’s struggling with something as she reaches into her shoulder bag, and her back twists awkwardly as she leans both forward and sideways. Dabi can’t get a good look at her from here. But, he reasons, he also doesn’t care enough to bother with a second, closer, glance. Nope, all he’s gotta do is slip past her and he can be on his way.

“Reo-- Reo! Please keep still. I need to get to my phone…” The woman’s voice sounds strained and that odd pattering noise that he’s been hearing since he stepped toward this hallway hasn’t stopped either. If anything, it’s worse. Is it her quirk? Is there somebody behind her? Does she have one of those remote talking devices? Like that the ones that the Doc gave to the League before all this fucking cult bullshit started. What-

Dabi’s thoughts wander to a screeching halt as a boy bumps into his shins. He blinks at the sensation and stutters to a stop, his eyes glinting at the small form. The kid, who looks about four or five, stumbles backwards and cranes his head, looking up at this new discovery he’s run into.

The boy studies him and, for a brief moment, Dabi worries that his face might spook the kid bad enough to send him into a sobbing and crying fit. Dabi’s not exactly the easiest thing to look at now. But, the kid seems ok with gawping at him, his violet eyes goggled and wondering.

“Reo-” the boy’s mother repeats, replacing her phone and scanning the hallway for her rogue offspring. “I--Uh, there you are! I’m sorry...Oh, you’re one of those new generals. I’m afraid I don’t remember your name. Ooh, oh my gosh, now that you’re here, would you mind watching him for a moment? I’ve gotta run something back to Skeptic…”

That woman is saying something but Dabi’s too involved in his strange standoff with the boy. Neither he, nor the kid, seem to have the wherewithal to pull their gazes away. No, they both just watch each other, the former maintaining his aloof scowl and the latter is putting on an amazing show of raw fascination.

“So, just don’t let him get up to too much trouble and I’ll be right back. Won’t be more than a minute.”

Huh?

Dabi whips his head up, suddenly realizing what’s being asked of him. Like fuck he’s gonna watch this kid. Wait...where did she go?

He twists and turns, his cerulean eyes flashing up and down the sterile hallway, but there’s no sign of her. What the hell? How can someone dematerialize that quickly? He didn’t even say yes, for fucks sake. What a negligent, irresponsible parent she is, to just leave her kid like this with a complete stranger. Pfft, stranger feels a bit weak, honestly. Nah, Dabi’s a walking, talking freakshow. Nothing about him looks safe or dependable. There’s a pull on his dark pants and he automatically shakes his leg against the sensation, agitated. What now?

Ah.

Junior is blinking up at him, those chubby hands wrinkling the rough fabric between his tiny digits. “Hi,” he beams, his pearly baby teeth straight and gleaming, “I’m Reo!”

“Yeah,” Dabi scoffs, knocking the kid’s hands away. “I heard. Where did your, er, mom go?”

“What’s your name?” Reo prattles, following Dabi as he skulks a little ways down the hallway, his brow furrowed and shoulders tense. Now what is he going to do? He could leave, tell the kid to stay put and go about his business. He doesn’t have time for this, after all.

“Hey!” Reo calls and Dabi turns at the slightly frantic note in the child’s voice, his eyes sharp.

“Whadda’ want kid? I’m trying to find your mom.”

“I said my name is Reo-”

“And I said I heard you. Tch, you’re so loud there’s no way half of the building didn’t hear you,” Dabi snaps, looming over the little boy, his mouth pressing into a deep frown.

“I told you my name, so..so now you gotta tell me yours,” Reo scolds, those violet eyes shining. Dabi can see that the kid’s tiny frustration is rising at the thought of some adult being so rude as to not answer his newly engrained social niceties.

“Hmph,” Dabi snorts, a low laugh puffing out of his lips. “The name’s Dabi.”

Reo digests that, his nose wrinkling as he mouths the unfamiliar name to himself, like he’s wanting to get it just right when he speaks it aloud. It’s kinda cute, Dabi muses. You know, in a stupid sort of way.

“D- Dadi?” Reo mimics, stumbling over that all important ‘b’ in Dabi’s name.

“What? No. It’s DABI. It’s got a ‘B’ in it. Like, uh, b as in, uh, bear. You know what a bear is, yeah?”

“A bear?” Reo asks, biting his lip at the strange change of topic. “What about a bear?”

“You got my name wrong, kid. It’s Dabi, not DaDi. My name has a ‘b’ not a ‘d.’ Try again,” Dabi groans, sinking to his haunches and praying that this kids mom will rematerialize any goddamn second.

“Dadi,” Reo mimics, still fumbling.

“Ugh,” Dabi sucks his teeth and begins to stand again.

“Hey! Pick me up?” Reo requests, his arms lifting, stocky fingers clenching and unclenching into his palms, opening and closing in a repetition of a familiar demand.

“Pick you up?” Dabi repeats, incredulous. What the fuck is wrong with today? The only thing that could make this worse is someone seeing this odd performance.

“I’m not gonna pick you up,” Dabi growls, his lips pursing at the kid. “You’re just fine where you are. Besides, don’t kids like you need to practice walking? How old are you anyway?”

“Five,” Reo chirrups, puffing his chest out, like he’s expecting a rainfall of praise to fall on him now that he’s verbally acknowledged that he is indeed, a big boy.

“That’s too bad, kid. If you’re five, you’re definitely old enough to walk under your own power,” Dabi snorts, bemused by Reo’s chipper attitude. Doesn't that get tiring? All that smiling and pacing that he’s doing? Dabi’s never had much experience with little kids, well, other than his own contact with his younger siblings, but they were never this...chatty.

“Awe,” Reo whines, his head falling, little chin bumping as it hits his collarbone dejectedly. Dabi shakes his head at the dramatic reaction. Sulking is better than crying, he reasons, turning his head to look for the boy’s mother again. She said it would only take a minute? The fuck was she?

“Hey, kid. Where were you and your mom before you came here?”

There’s a strange, static-like quiet that follows Dabi’s question. That’s weird. He would have figured that his new query would have broken the boy out in another rash of talkative excitement. So for him to be…

Wait.

Dabi turns back and his eyes scan the newly barren hallway for the boy. The fuck? Where did he go? His gaze is still whisking frantically when he spots the heel of Reo’s shoe disappearing beyond the next corner. Fucking wonderful.

He paces after the boy, his long legs pulling him quickly along. Again, he wonders why he gives two shits. It’s not his kid, not his responsibility. Yet there’s some nagging pressure that keeps beating at the back of his mind. It’s likely some pieces of a fragmented lesson that had been taught to him long ago. Back when he wasn’t like this. Long before he’d made the decision that sent him on this mindless trajectory, lingering in the obsession of his pent up rage and hurt.

You’re the eldest.

Take care of your sister.

Easy, he’s still a baby. That’s right, hold him like that. You’re such a good brother.

You’re the one who he can go to when he needs help.

Thank you, Touya. You did so, so well! I’m sorry I had to leave for a bit, but thank you for watching him.

It’s a big job, and one that you’ll always have, so, can you do it?

You’re their big brother. They look up to you.

Look! She’s happy to see you, Touya!

Dabi snarls at those little flashes of memory, his teeth gritting. No one needs him. Fuck, he’d be more likely to kill them than help them now. Or, at least that’s what he keeps telling himself. Drilling it in, over and over, until he can repeat that vitriol like it’s some kinda twisted prayer. He’s not that boy anymore and he can never, ever go back. He’s made sure of that.

“Hey! Hey kid! Get back here! You little shit!”

A loud, male voice is booming up ahead and Dabi jogs the last few steps, his head already uplifted and searching as he rounds the corner. There’s a tall, unfamiliar man in the next hallway and he’s looking away, watching as Reo sprints from him.

“Fuck, man. Why you gotta yell at him?” Dabi scolds, his cerulean eyes glaring. The man whirls around and Dabi notes the source of his ire. There’s a large stain, bleeding against his crisp white button up and an upturned mug is clutched in a tight fist. Kid must have bumped into him and knocked his coffee out. Well, that fucking sucks, but it’s no reason to freak out at the little guy. He’s five for fuck’s sake. Not like he did it on purpose.

“He burned me! He ran around that corner and smack into me! Control your kid, you ass! I know you’re one of those hoity toity new generals but you gotta--”

“He’s not my kid,” Dabi snaps, already shoving past the blustering idiot. If he hurries, he can snatch the boy up before he gets too much farther.

“You sure are running after him like he is!”

The taunt chases him as Dabi stalks away and it makes him grind his teeth again. Doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter, doesn’t matter, he repeats, all he’s gotta do is get the kid and wait for the mom. Besides, he’s in too deep now. He can’t just abandon him. Fuck, with his luck, he’d run into the mom before he ran into Reo again.

The next hallway leads to one of the many common rooms.

Dabi, realizing this, begins to jog again, suddenly desperate to catch Reo before he wanders into even more members of this crazy cult. Or worse, he gulps, a member of the League. He’d never live it down if the kid bumped into Compress or Shigaraki. Fuck, fuck, fuck.

As he skids along the next turn, Dabi catches sight of the kid. He’s wavering beside the double doors of the common room and he looks distinctly lost, his dark head turning every few seconds, those violet eyes of his wide.

“Oi! Reo! Stop running,” Dabi calls, already lowering himself to a kneeling position, his long, mangled arms outstretched. He’s hoping he’s painting some kinda welcoming picture with this gesture and not just creating a terrifying pantomime of comfort.

Reo looks back and he lets out a little squeal of recognition and delight. Excited he is finally going to be picked up. His shoes tap loudly against the tiles as he dashes into Dabi’s oddly warm embrace.

Once he’s got a good grip on the boy, Dabi rises to his feet, keeping the kid’s body securely against his. At first, Reo protests the tight hold, his back bowing and squirming, but Dabi stills him with a long, hard, stare.

“Don’t do that,” Dabi chastises, wincing against the pull on his marred skin.

“Oh! Does it hurt?” Reo asks, carefully bringing his swinging feet to a standstill, noting the grimace of pain on Dabi’s scarred face.

“Yeah,” Dabi confirms, shifting Reo to his hip so he can free up his other arm to adjust a pinching staple. “My skin ain’t exactly healthy. Now, let’s get you back to your mom before she finds out that you fuc-- I mean...that you dashed off like that. Give people a heads up next time, huh? Making me run all over the compound after--”

“Oh! Who’s that you’re holding?”

“Gosh, he looks just like you! With that dark hair and those bright eyes of his. Is that your son?”

Fuck. Shit. Fuck.

Dabi tosses a glare over his shoulder, but the two women keep walking toward him, cooing at Reo’s pleased little face. One of them reaches up and ruffles the boy's hair and Dabi instinctively takes a step back, a snarl lifting his lips over his white teeth.

“He’s not my kid,” Dabi corrects, for what feels like the umpteenth time today. It’s only the second, but twice is two times too many.

These women are being ridiculous. They don’t look that much alike. He’s just got dark hair, that’s all. If they knew what color Dabi’s hair really was they wouldn’t even make that connection. With his true coloring, Reo would be another kid and Dabi would be some fucking freak who’s left holding him. He’s not this kid's anything, least of all his protector.

It’s not his job to look after this half pint, nor is it his job to care about him. Even if he reminds him of some sliver of what was, what could have been. No, Dabi is just some schmuck who somehow stumbled into this absurdity. It would be easy to unwind those trusting arms and lower this kid back to the ground, he’s not sure why he’s still holding him. He should...he should put him down...He...

For some reason, that last thought makes his heart squeeze, pressing an irregular beat against his breast. He shakes his head at the sensation, burying whatever bubble of emotion that is trying to rise back down, pressing it deep, smothering and covering until he feels normal again.

“He’s right! I’m not. Because he’s Dadi!” Reo confirms, simultaneously standing up for his new, haphazard, caretaker and throwing him under an oncoming proverbial bus in the same breath. Goddamn it all.

“That’s so sweet! Your son is beyond adorable!”

“He’s not…” Dabi begins, but bites his tongue. What good is it doing him anyway? These flunkies of the Meta Liberation are just fawning over Reo anyway. He’s honestly stunned they’re still talking to him at all.

As they’re tickling and petting at the boy, a sudden thought springs into his mind. Actually, this might not be too bad. If he can get one of them to take the kid, he can fucking slink away, his responsibility finished, job done.

“Oi, one of you can take him. He’s waiting for his mom. She said something about meeting with that Skeptic dic-- guy.”

“You want us to watch your son?” One of the girl’s questions, her head tilting at his demand. “Wouldn’t you rather wait for her yourself? You don’t know us and, well, not that we’d do anything bad...but that feels strange. Besides, you’re doing a great job! Look how happy he is. The two of you are so cute!”

Amazing.

Apparently, Dabi, despite his hardened and rough persona, one that he has cultivated and built up for years, mind you, could now add, “cute,” to that resume of terror that he is building.

Sighing, Dabi tries a more direct approach. “You seem to like him a lot, so just keep an eye on him until his mom comes back. It’s not hard. He likes being held, so just, er, hold him.”

Reo, sensing that he’s about to be deposited out of Dabi’s warm grasp, begins to wiggle again, his hands clinging to Dabi’s skin. He’s trying to be gentle, remembering Dabi’s earlier warning, his small digits tapping rather than digging, but he’s still scrabbling against the pull.

The woman clicks her tongue and smiles, tucking some of her long hair behind her ear. “Your son is so precious! He must really love you. Look, Han, isn’t this kid is the sweetest thing you’ve ever seen!” Her friend chuckles and agrees and the cheerful sound makes Dabi seethe.

“Like I told you, he ain’t my kid. Now knock the wax outta your ears and take him,” Dabi snarls, still pushing Reo outward, hoping beyond hope that this calamity will just fucking end.

“Dadi,” Reo pouts, his nose wrinkling as he burrows his face into Dabi’s arm, his skin hot against Dabi’s purple flesh.

“If he’s not your kid,” the woman named Han says, propping a fist on her hip, “why does he keep calling you daddy?”

“He’s not calling me that,” Dabi grumbles, his eyes lingering on Reo’s distressed slump. “The kid can’t say my name, which is Dabi. For some fucking reason the “b” is alluding him.”

“Fucking?” Reo questions, his brilliant purple eyes lifting, searching Dabi’s deep blue gaze. When he doesn’t get an answer, he repeats the word, lingering on those harsh syllables a little longer than he needs to. God, Dabi thinks, pulling Reo back to him, trying to muffle the boys bewildered tests of his new word. This is beyond ridiculous.

“Uh-oh,” another, male, voice resounds. Dabi scowls at the newcomer, watching as he steps beside the women, his eyes widened in mock concern. “That your kiddo?” He asks, his brow arching at Dabi’s now openly hostile form.

“Fuc-- Again? I gotta answer this again?” Dabi snaps, shifting Reo back to his hip, just above his belt. “No. No, he is not mine.”

“Sure about that?” the man quizzes. “He’s sure got your hair and, uh, your vulgarity down.”

“He’s that woman’s...Look, his mother went to go see that Skeptic bastard. So, you wanna help me out here? Any of you idiots want to do something useful? Hmm? Go into that big meeting room, the one past the common area and get her. I bet that’s where she went. When you see her...tell her, her kid is going wild. Stop...stop looking at me like that or I’ll torch you where you fuc-- where you stand.”

Instead of being cowed by his threat, the Meta Liberation Assholes just laugh, the three of them leaning against each other as they heave with their amusement. And Reo? Well, he’s seemingly amused by all the ruckus, giggling and murmuring little nothings into Dabi’s skin, nuzzling into Dabi’s inhuman warmth. Dabi feels that strange tugging at his heart again and in his anger and distant horror, he spews more rage onto the trash that’s daring to chortle so openly in front of him.

“Goddamn it, I’ll make each of you pay for this you...you stupid--”

“Dabi?”

Can a hole open up under him? That would be absolutely perfect and he’d be so, so grateful. He cranes his neck and catches sight of the last person he wanted to see. Fucking, Twice. His costume is making those white eyes of his comically wide and his hands lift to clap at his face, always dramatic and overblown to the last.

“Who is that sweet little boy? The hell are you doing with that child?!?”

“He’s--”

“It’s his son!” The ‘Han’ woman calls, still clutching her sides, her eyes wet from her mirth.

“No,” Dabi groans, his head dropping lamely. He wants nothing more than to fry each and everyone of these fucking pieces of shit. The desire is so strong he can feel the creeping of heat that’s rising in his palms and tickling up his piercings, scalding his skin against the metal. No, he scolds himself, he can’t do that. Not with Reo in his arms. He’s gotta be careful. He can’t hurt the kid. It’s not his fucking fault he’s been trapped in the care of a monster like him.

Dabi gasps at his sudden, protective instincts. The fuck? This kid is nothing to him. Nothing. He doesn’t remind him of anyone. No, he’s nothing like his little brothers, all questions and sweet, brief hugs. He’s not...he’s not…

Reo’s hum of agitation breaks Dabi from his swirling emotions. The boy tries to lift his legs away from Dabi’s hips, his arms wrapping around Dabi’s neck, suddenly unsure and starting to whimper.

“It’s too hot,” he complains, his voice small and soft in Dabi’s ear.

“I know,” Dabi concedes, taking another deep breath, trying to still that rushing rage that is lingering in the back of his mind. “Sorry kid, it should stop in a minute.”

“Ok,” Reo nods, his black hair mingling with Dabi’s spiky tendrils.

Twice has stepped forward and he’s standing beside Dabi, his head cocked, looking from the shivering boy to Dabi’s haggard expression. “He does look a lot like you,” Twice ponders, his fingers tracing his chin meditatively. There’s something about Twice that Reo is bothered by and his face falls into the hollow of Dabi’s neck and shoulder, straining his body against Dabi, away from the black and red suited man that’s beside Dabi’s elbow.

“Fuc-- Piss off, Twice,” Dabi growls, his blue eyes narrowing and hardening as he pats comfortingly at Reo’s back, twisting from Twice’s curious stare. “You’re freaking the kid out. Hey! Hey, don’t you assholes have some bootlicking to do?” Dabi snaps, his eyes lifting to the gaggle of MLA members, who are still giggling and whispering across from him. And, just as those words leave his lips, Reo’s mother, finally, finally returns.

“Oh thank you!” She coos, raising her arms to Reo and peeling him away from Dabi. To Dabi’s shock, Reo still shakes his head, his arms retightening around Dabi’s tense neck.

“Oooh, he’s taken a liking to you I see!”

“You gotta let me go, kid,” Dabi whispers into Reo’s ear, unlacing his little arms. Reo whines and pouts as Dabi presses him back to his mother, a sigh of relief shuddering from his mismatched lips. Thank fucking God. Now he can have this woman tell all of those shits that he’s not this boy’s father...wait...what the fuck? Oh...oh, now they all leave.

The MLA lackeys are drifting away, walking in a tight bunch as they re-enter the common area, soft grins still lingering on Dabi. And Twice? Twice is snickering openly and making his way down an adjacent hallway, no doubt off to tell Toga what he’s seen.

“Thanks again. Looks like you did a great job,” Reo’s mother repeats, shifting her son to a better position, trying to quiet his frantic scrabbling, his small arms still reaching, struggling for Dabi.

“Dadi!” Reo cries, a few tears falling from his soft face as he’s walked away. In another heartbeat, they’re both gone and all Dabi has left of that strange little kid is the lingering sting and warmth of his embrace on his burned skin.

Notes: Dabi is a grump. Or is he? o(TヘTo)

Tags: @spicy-skull, @xwildskullx, @evesmores

#asks #answered asks #pal muses #on dabi and his bad attitude #dabi #bnha dabi #touya todoroki #todoroki touya #bnha angst

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rpmemes-galore · 4 years ago

Text

angel: season 1 ... sentence starters

“You're not human.“

“Is that it? Am I done?“

“You've got pensive face.“

“Stop calling me pastries.“

“If that was my gift, I'd return it.“

“It was rude. We should go kill it.“

“I really hope they kill each other.“

“Get away from me. You're insane.“

“No, seriously, I wasn't hitting on you!“

“I'm just asking you not to go in there.“

“It's nice that she's grown as a person.“

“Yeah, there's not actually a cure for that.“

“You're supposed to help people. Help me.“

“I really don't like it when people shoot me.“

“Well, as vampires go, you're pretty cuddly.“

“You can't be alive. You... you're not human!”

“Demons. Is there anything more disgusting?“

“Where's the crabby scowl, the morbid gloom?“

“Am I intimidating? I mean, do I put people off?“

“I've got two modes with people: bite and avoid.“

“Then get over it! I mean that in a sensitive way.“

“I guess the single life's particularly tough on you.“

“Do you know what anger is? It is nothing but fear.“

“You realize this is the whitest sport known to man?“

“What are you talking about? He can't defeat me now.“

“Well, perfect, that should make it easier for you, then.“

“So I'm a little reserved, that doesn't mean I don't care.“

“Look, you should lie down. We should take you home.“

“Yeah, well, I know what fear is. I can smell it right now.“

“Maybe you're changing. And that could be a good thing.“

“It doesn't end. It never, ever ends. It just goes on and on.“

“I know you're not planning to kill me. But you're willing to.”

“I don't think I've ever realized just how disgusting that was.“

“Look, if you ever need me, or if I can help you in any way...”

“He's right. That was rude. I'd be honored to eat your brains.“

“I really don't want to hurt you. Bruises bring down the price.“

“No. You're not scaring me. You're not scaring me. Not one bit.“

“True. But the games are indoors and they usually play at night.“

“It's beautiful, and if it goes away it's like... I’m still being punished.”

“It was like the Soviet Secret Police if they cared a lot about shoes.”

“Do you two need to be alone or can we get on with the ouchy part?“

“Well, stranger things have happened. No, wait... they really haven't.“

“What do you think you're doing here? You never should have come.“

“I'm sick and tired of you blaming me for everything you can't handle.“

“I mean, honestly, what kind of statement is this thing trying to make?“

“Good. That's out. It's done. Would you ask me out for dinner already?“

“How can I thank you, you mysterious, black-clad hunk of a night thing?“

“Maybe you might wanna think about mixing up the black-on-black look.“

“I think I know a vampire when I'm... alone with him in his fortress-like home.“

“You don't know who he is, do you? Oh, you are so gonna get your ass kicked.“

“I didn't ask for this responsibility, unlike some people who shall remain lifeless.“

“I think you're gonna pack your little ghost bags and get the hell out of my house.“

“You're not the type who takes the easy way out, which is why I like you so much.“

“Wow, what a nice place. I love your curtains. Not afraid to emphasize the curtains.“

“I'm gonna thrash you within an inch of your life. And then I'm gonna take that inch!“

“I'm glad were not playing friends anymore, and I'm real sick and tired of your attitude.”

“Here's the plan: We go in, I start hitting people hard in the face, see where it takes us.“

“If you ever wanna, you know, spend one night away from the place, maybe give me a call.“

“Well, I'd better get mingly. I really should be talking to people that are somebody. But it was fun!”

“You did terrible things when you were bad, didn't you? And now you're trying so hard to do good.“

“I finally get invited to a nice place with no mirrors, and lots of curtains... hey, you're a vampire!”

“Hey, you look troubled. Or is that just your lazy eye? ...Anyway, call us, we're very discreet.“

“This socializing thing is brutal. I mean, I was young, once. I used to go to bars. It was never like this.“

“Hey, the last thing I want is to show up at the office and find that I'm working for a homicidal monster.“

“Because, we deserve a night of fun, don't you think? I mean, it breaks up those nights of death and mayhem.“

“I think you gave up on being loved a long time ago, and now you're just another creep who gets off on pain.“

“Oh, you wanna talk about being mature? Maybe it's time you grew up and realized that you can't have everything.“

“I don't know about you, but I had a nice day. You know, except for the bulk of it where I was nearly tortured to death.”

“You don't know me anymore, so don't come down here with your great new life and expect me to do things your way.”

“We've only done one of the five basic torture groups. We've done blunt, but that still leaves sharp, hot, cold, and loud.“

“Hey, you know, maybe we should go over this thing again of you getting out in the world and involving yourself with people.“

“Maybe he has an accomplice, or he has a hidden camera. Not everything has to be creepy and supernatural, you know.“

“Everyone just simmer down here, okay? Violence is not gonna solve a thing, alright? ...On the other hand, it's kind of festive.”

“You're makin' me wanna fight some more. You get lucky, you might last ten minutes; really lucky, and you're unconscious for the last five.“

“You need someone to organize things, and you're not exactly rolling in it, Mr. ‘I was alive for 200 years and never developed an investment portfolio’.”

“People will be attracted to my positive energy and help me achieve my goals. I am right where I'm supposed to be, and... not dying for something to eat!“

“You think you're bad? All mean and haunty? Picking on poor, pathetic (name)? Well, get ready to haul your wrinkly, translucent ass out of this place, 'cause lady, the bitch is back.“

“I grew up in a nice home. It wasn't like this, but we did have a room or two that we didn't even know what they were for. Till the IRS got all huffy about my folks not paying their taxes for, well, ever. They took it all.“

#angel quotes #rp meme #sentence starters

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jonspurpleskirt · 4 years ago

Text

Down the Spiral

Tim Stoker & Jonathan Sims, hurt/comfort

Summary: Michael loves playing with the Archivist and so after Not-Sasha is taken care of and Jon is back at the Institute murder charge free it reveals that he has Sasha stashed "savely" in its halls. All Jon has to do to get her out is go through the yellow door. ____

Everything just kept getting worse. That thought hadn't left his mind since the confrontation with Elias. It kept him from his work, making him stare at the statement he had wanted to record hours ago. Something impatient within him tugged to finally get on with it, but his eyes just didn't see the words in front of him and the insides of his head kept resembling a barren wasteland.

There was nothing good in his life anymore. There was nothing good in any of their lives anymore. He had ruined everything. Dragged everyone into the cage with him and locked the door because he hadn't known any better.

If he had just known...

But he hadn't and now they were all trapped here. Nothing waiting for them outside and nothing but hostility meeting them inside. At least that was the case for Jon. He didn't know if Tim and Martin still spoke, still sometimes joked with each other. If Melanie had made friends with Basira perhaps, or god forbid even Daisy. The two of them shared a frightening amount of bloodlust.

He doubted it, though. Whenever he dared to emerge from his office these days the atmosphere in the shared space of the Archives was tense. One or more of them were always gone, Basira more often than not sitting somewhere reading.

Neither of them did much work these days, Jon mused. It was funny that once upon a time that thought would have made him angry.

Jon sighed, glancing over the statement for the upteenth time, saying to himself that now he would finally start and do some work, when loud cursing and several crashes made him jump out of his chair and run towards the door.

He ripped it open with the wrong hand, the burn left by Jude Perry sending a stab of pain through his arm.

Basira, Tim and Melanie were for once all there, and had taken on various defensive poses. They didn't grace Jons dramatic entrance with even the slightest of glances, but the being that called itself Michael grinned and cooed as though it didn't have a knife, an axe and a gun pointed at it.

"Archivist! Just whom I wanted to see~ It is quite hard to get a grip on you, you know. I've been meaning to have a little chat with you for a while now."

Jon squeezed his eyes together to ward of the headache Michaels multiple voices and impossible features always gave him. He breathed through the pain, before looking at the Distortion again, squinting to be able to make out something that resembled a coherent form.

The image still swam in front of him, Michaels smile literally blinding, teeth flashing with too many deeply saturated colours.

"Hello Michael. What do you want?"

"Awww you don't sound excited to see me at all! I've got more of a reaction from your assistants."

The thing pouted, but the grin reappeared fast when it heard the click of the safety of Basiras gun coming off.

"Aha I wouldn't do that if I were you."

The voice it used screeched like nails on a chalkboard and a microphone with its volume set too high. Weapons clattered to the floor as everyone scrambled to shield their ears from the sound. Jon felt a trickle of blood running down the side of his neck and winced.

"There. Better. You people are so rude." The laughter that followed was worse than the voices before, high pitched and low, aggressively amused.

"Michael." Jon hissed and it stopped.

"Yes dear Archivist?"

"Why are you here?"

"Ah." A misplaced chuckle, alltogether fake and a hungry grin. "I've heard you've dealt with Not-Sasha! Congratulations! Do you want the real one back now?"

"What?"

Tim had recovered fast and somehow had already taken up the axe again. He looked more than prepared to chop Michaels head off with it.

"Oh hello! I forgot you were here, too. How did you like my hallways?"

"Fuck you! What are you talking about?!"

Michael shrugged, or what could be perceived as a shrug. It was hard to tell when there seemed to be three sets of shoulders all in various places they shouldn't be.

"It is as I said. I took Sasha into my hallways so she could flee from the thing in the table. And now that Not-Sasha is gone I'm willing to trade her."

"Trade her for what?"

Jon had a bad feeling about this, but he let Tim lead the conversation. Better he ask the questions. Jon didn't want to accidently use compulsion and make Michael angry.

"Why for the Archivist of course! I'm terribly bored at the moment. No good prey out there. And I'd love to see how my hallways work against someone from the Eyes ilk."

"So it would be a game to you." Jon was careful to not word it as a question.

Michaels blinding smirk hit him square in the chest and left him heaving. "Yes, you could see it that way."

"Jon." Basira warned, inching toward him.

Melanies lips were pressed into a thin line, her eyes never strayed from the Distortion, even when tears started to run down her face from the strain. She kept quiet, but it was clear that she would attack if she felt it to be necessary.

"And that exchange."

"Yes." Michael dared him to ask.

"What would it look like."

"No static! My you are truly making an effort! It goes like this. You come here and step into my door and I let Sasha out."

"Jon we can't trust him." Basira hissed.

"I'm an it, actually." Michael purred.

"Whatever."

"I know. I want to see her. Melanie, you know what Sasha looks like. We'll both verify."

"Hmmm, sounds like a deal. Come here."

Jon scowled at the crooked finger beckoning him to come closer. Michaels horrible 8 bit laugh echoed through the Archive again.

"Don't be shy. I won't stab you this time, I promise!"

"What." Tim sounded about as done as Jon felt.

He'd rather not have to explain himself though. He was glad Tim wasn't directing his ire at him at the moment. So he quickly crossed the distance and came to stand stiffly beside Michael, tensing when the entity curled three of its impossible long fingers around his elbow.

"Marvelous!"

Another door that had appeared in on of the shelves banged open and out of it stumbled a woman with clammy tanned skin, big round trendy glasses and warm brown wavy hair, her grey eyes open wide.

Tim stumbled forward to catch her, trembling about as much as her. "Sasha?"

He looked to Jon for confirmation, who had to fight back his own tears. "Yes. Yes."

"That's her." Melanie whispered her own affirmation.

Before the smile on Jons lips had time to fully form he was yanked back, the yellow door slamming shut behind him. It felt like being dragged into a whirlpool while high on LSD and if Michaels realm would have permitted it Jon would have lost what little food he had eaten that day right then and there.

As it was he had to endure the minutes or hours he had to get used to the shift in reality, unsure if he was standing, laying down or sitting. When his head eventually stopped spinning and his eyes and other sensory input systems agreed to work again he found himself standing at a deadend. The door and Michael were gone, but the air was still filled with joyous laughter.

"Welcome to my humble abode little Archivist! I hope you like getting lost~"

Jon frowned at his surroundings that seemed to tilt and wobble under his every step. He was sure Michael was being extra distorting with the surroundings it had thrown Jon into. Jon didn't want to give it the satisfaction of knowing how much that bothered him. Although he doubted he could hide his terror from it.

Time didn't matter in the Distortions halls. It all melted together, turning and twisting into a bizarre fever dream. Jon relaxed as much as was possible with the horrible migraine that had formed behind his eyes. This actually wasn't so bad. He would probably just wander around aimlessly until he would either die from hunger or thirst, Michael would grow bored and kill him or he actually found the exit.

Jon very much doubted the latter. He had no real grasp of his supposed powers and the Beholding only opted to drop in a fact or two about the colours that normal humans shouldn't be able to see.

When he didn't grow tired nor hungry or thirsty in what he presumed was quite a while a new fear formed beside the pounding in his head. What if he was stuck in here forever?

But even that terror dulled over what didn't quite account for time. The hallways got tamer. They were still decorated with garish colours and wallpaper, bits of furniture strewn about here and there. But they had stopped being all wobbly and impossible.

Well they were less impossible. Jon thought as he walked through a wardrobe only to emerge from a mirror into a room with six walls, three doors, a window and a painting.

On and on it went until he felt deep in his bones a rhythm to it all. There was a spiral pattern to the twisting turns of the rooms and hallways. Inverted and containing a lot of deadends, but it was there and all Jon needed to do was follow it.

Down and down he went, even when the path lead him upward or turned him upside down. His head started to feel blissfully empty for once. No worry, no greater goal. He could just exist here in this weird home and wander. He might be as lost as he had been in the real world, but at least here he wasn't hurting anyone.

Electrical lights flickered on and off before turning to torches casting pink shadows across the chessboard walls. He startled out of his haze when he heard the clacking of heels somewhere to his right, a thought thundering into his mind, shattering all other not thoughts that hadn't resided in there.

"Helen!"

"Jon?"

"Helen! I'm here. Stay where you are!"

Jon skidded around the corner and there she was, still wearing her business dress and jacket, chin length brown hair curling around her ears. She was sobbing before he could even get to her and soon he had an armful of crying real estate agent in his arms.

They held each other tight and just weeped for what felt like an eternity, but was still too short.

"I was so scared." Helen sobbed as she drew back just enough to fix her gaze on Jon. "I thought I walked out of the Institute, but instead I found myself back in these horrible hallways and I couldn't find a way out this time, but I just couldn't stop walking, you know? I needed to find some way out. And Jon, Jon! There's an end here. It's close I just know it! You believe me right? That's why you're here? You're also looking for the end?"

Jon rubbed up and down her arms to calm her. "Yes. Yes Helen. I'm so sorry. Had I known-"

"It's alright." She gave him a watery impression of a smile. "It'll be all alright soon. I hear it whispering. Come."

"Now that was quite the show." Michael suddenly stood between them and they sprung apart. It had its arms crossed and a deep frown carved into what could have been its face.

Jon couldn't exactly make out its eyes. And yet he was sure there was a spark of fear there.

"It was nice to play with you." Michael adressed Helen. "But I feel you overstayed your welcome."

A door appeared behind her, standing in the middle of the hallway, no walls around it.

"There is the exit. Shoo."

She looked at Michael with wide, glassy eyes. "No. No I can't. I need-"

And with a sudden, horrible clarity Jon knew what would happen if she didn't leave now. A door locked from the outside. The body of Michael Shelley destroyed. Helen lost.

"Helen. Please believe me when I say that this is better. Don't heed the call. It will only cost you."

Her flitted between Jon and Michael, hesitating. "Why?"

"Michael was human once, too." Jon whispered and understanding bloomed behind her eyes.

"Oh. But can I be sure?"

"I can." Jon assured her. "You can open that door. It's save."

She swallowed. "Okay. Okay. Are you coming with?"

She reached for him, but Jon shook his head. "No. I don't believe my game is quite finished yet."

He looked over to Michael to make sure. The Distortion looked back at him, frown lightened by a pensive look. It didn't feel the need to correct him.

"Okay." Helen said again, sounding like it was everything but. "You'll be fine, though?"

Jon gave her the best smile he could manage at the moment, which wasn't much. "I think so, yes."

"Good then. I'll... see you around. Just. Not here, I guess."

"Yes. Take care Helen."

"You too."

The door clicked softly shut behind her, taking with it the swift breeze of fresh air and gentle midday sunlight.

Jon sighed. "That was... something. Thank you for letting her go."

"Hmmm."

Jon felt a deep satisfaction at how uncomfortable Michael seemed to be at the moment.

"I guess I shouldn't continue to walk down, then?"

"You were walking straight."

"It's all the same here, though, isn't it?"

"Stop that." Michael frowned harder, drawing itself up, terror apparent in the way it shook, after images pulsing off it in waves.

"What?"

"Knowing me."

"Sorry."

"You could just walk back up again, you know." Michael muttered, friendly facade all but forgotten. A near death experience would do that to you. Jon could sympathize.

He nodded, indulgent. "I guess I could."

Michael heaved a sigh that sounded more like the blare of an airhorn. "I'll show you out."

Jon didn't deem it necessary to tell it that it could just manifest a door like it had done with Helen. He got that Michael probably needed a hot minute to digest what had just happened. And for once Jon was more than content with providing some company.

It was Michael who talked first, essentially giving Jon its statement. Jon saw the fierce anger burn behind those multicoloured eyes and was reminded of Tim and his fury at Jons betrayal.

"How much of Michael is there in you, then?" Jon carefully asked, voice so soft it was barely there in order to keep any sort of compulsion out of it.

"That's not the right question to ask Archivist. Because there is no answer to that, that would stay definite. How much of you is in those tapes you record? It's your voice in there. How much of you is actually you? There's no meaningful distinction."

"That doesn't sound right."

"That's because you're too deep inside your head." Michael laughed. It wasn't as grating as usual.

"Thank you for keeping Sasha safe, by the way." Jon whispered into the screaming silence that had enveloped the two as they meandered through the endless expanse of hallway stretching out in front of them.

"You are no fun."

"Pardon?"

Slim fingers crawled like worms across his shoulder. His head spun with a sudden dizzying motion, feeling oddly light. His skin tingled with confused nerves at the points of contact. Unconsciously he leaned into the touch loosing himself in the sensations. The Distortion was less scary now that he knew it. It was actually kind of sad and he might have formed a small grudge against Gertrude for it.

Michael huffed beside him, caught between grinning and frowning. Jon wondered which emotion the Spiral wanted to portray and which one actually belonged to what was left of Michael Shelley.

"That's what I mean. You're not afraid at all! You're enjoying yourself. That just won't do."

It nudged him forward and oh, there was a yellow door there. Jon stepped up to hit and hesitated, hand hovering over the handle.

"What is it now?" Michael grumbled behind him, pout evident in its voice.

"I... I'm not sure if... I'm not sure if it's alright for me to get out."

Michael blinked at him in surprise. Jon shouldn't have been able to see it, but the motion was reflected in front of him.

"I just don't know if it's a good thing that I'm out there. Something is going on with me and at least in here I'm not hurting anyone."

"You... don't want to get out? You like it here?" Shrill, disbelieving laughter filled every nook and cranny of their space, drilling into Jons head and hollowing out his skull. Michael was bent over in a spine breaking way, arms wrapped twice around it and shaking with manic chuckles when Jon turned to frown at it.

"Two people in a row wanting to stay." It giggled, rightning itself. "I really need to redecorate this place." It shook its head, smile sharp yet soft. "No Archivist I will not drag you around as deadweight. Not when you aren't even making an effort of being afraid."

Jon squeaked as he was lifted, knife hands nicking the skin on his cheek and temple. With a heavy thump Michael kicked the door to the Archives open, startling Tim awake, who had been slumped over the desk, facing the door.

"We're baaack!" Michael crooned. "I'll leave you to decide if the Archivist should stay." He dumped Jon into Tims lap, who was barely awake enough to grab at Jon before he slid off.

"But Jon, when you next step into my door I will not let you back out again. See you around~"

Jon tried to identify the exact moment Michael had left the room. It was a futile attempt and not at all enough to distract from the fact that he was currently still inhabiting Tims lap.

"I'm sorry I'll-" Jon tried to stand up, but the arms around him tightened and he was squashed unceremonously against Tims body.

"Jon"

Oh no. What had he done now? He just got here why was Tim already so mad? Was he mad? Oh good lord he was crying. Jon awkwardly turned so he could sling unsteady arms around Tims neck, letting the man bury his head into his shoulder.

"Uhm hi?" He'd really rather go back to Michaels hallways now, please. This was already starting out to be a situation much more terrifying than wandering forever in a fever dream.

"You absolute bastard!"

"Sorry?"

Tim laughed and it was a strange sound. Too normal after who knew how long in Michaels domain.

"No you don't get to apologize. Not when you don't even know what you've done." Tim stood, Jon scrambling to get his feet under him so he wouldn't crash.

Standing on even, unmoving ground was like coming back on land after a year at sea. Tim shaking him did not help his coordination.

"You've been gone for over three months. Over three months, Jon! We had to blow up the circus without you. Elias was pissed! But Sasha managed to McGyver together a remote control for the C4 and it was amazing! Pressing that button was probably the best thing to happen in my life!"

"Wait slow down." Jon mumbled, trying to keep up with Tims flood of exposition while simultanously trying to get Tim to stop shaking him. He was going to be sick at this rate.

Tim didn't seem to hear him. "And then everything was over and Sasha was there, but you still weren't. And that bloody door stayed here all the while, mocking us. It wouldn't open. We tried everything minus blowing it up, figured you wouldn't have liked that. Tried to hunt down other Spiral locations, but no odd door would open to us."

Tim took a huge breath and stopped shaking Jon, his grip tightening when Jon tried to put some space between them.

"We didn't know what to do. And then about a week ago Helen came in to tell us about what happened in the hallways. She's fine by the way. Apologized for waiting so long before coming by. She was sad to see you still missing, left her contact details and wants you to call her when your feeling like the world makes sense again, whatever that means."

Jon knew exactly what it meant. He was sure it would take him a while to make sense of anything that wasn't strobe light effects, after images and nausea. He would have liked to elaborate on that and point out that he really should sit down oh my god everything was spinning.

"We figured if she was out you'd come back, too. And we didn't want you to stumble into an empty Archive so we took turns watching the door. Do you know how hard it was to keep Martin from hogging all the night shifts? The man hasn't slept more than a wink in months I tell you. He looks about as bad as you so if you don't let him hug you and fuss I will play the most embarrassing prank I can think of on you next April Fools day, you hear me?"

Tim shook him once and Jon had to cough and force the bile back down his throat before he could answer.

"Quite."

"Good."

There was another shaky exhale and a much more tentative hug. "You look like shit, come on you can crash at my place."

"I too have a flat, Tim." Jon felt the need to remind him, but let himself be led to the front doors and to Tims car, grateful to finally be allowed to sit again.

"You just came back. No way am I letting you out my sight and give you the opportunity to vanish again. Sasha and Martin would have my head."

Jon frowned down at his hands, flinching when the car sprung to life and grabbing for an empty take out bag, just in case. Tims behavior deeply confused him. The last time he had mother henned him like this was back in Research. Did Michael accidently drop him in a different dimension?

"We're there."

How did Tim get to the side of his door? When had they started to move? When had they gotten to Tims flat? Good lord time didn't make sense anymore.

Jon half stumbled out of the car and followed Tim into his apartment.

"Make yourself comfortable boss. I'll get you some tea, yeah? And food. Try not to fall asleep on me yet. And don't wander off."

Where would he even wander off to? Jon wanted to ask. He forgot about that as soon as his body hit the hard surface of the couch. At least the pillow was nice enough to cushion his fall. Letting out a pitiful groan he levelled himself up again to take his glasses off, rubbing at the spots where the plastic had dug into his skin.

He was glad that Tim seemed to have calmed down during the ride. Maybe doing something had helped. Tim had always been an action guy, needing an outlet for all the pent up energy.

It all felt so surreal. Here he was, out of the hallways, in Tims flat, with Tim being nice to him and the apocalypse over and done with. He would probably get an earful for missing out on that one later. Probably from Melanie. Maybe from Basira and Daisy.

Gods they were alright. He was gone for so long and they were all fine. Maybe a bit more traumatized, if Tims behavior was anything to go by, but alive. And in this economy that was probably the best outcome they could get.

"Sasha, how is she?" Jon asked as soon as Tim came back into the room.

A rainbow coloured mug and a bowl of instant noodle soup was placed on the coffee table in front of him before Tim answered.

"She's amazing. I mean she's doing well. She was in way better shape than you coming out of there. But I guess you didn't exactly go in at the heighth of your power. She said she was afraid for awhile, that Michael would keep her forever. But she was also curious how the hallways worked and she kinda got lost trying to figure them out? She chatted with Michael whenever it popped up to gloat. It kept her updated pretty well actually, which is kind of creepy. I think out of all of us she had it the easiest."

"That's... that's so good to hear." Jon breathed.

Tim chuckled. It sounded suspiciously wet. "Yeah. Come on sit up and eat your shitty soup."

Before Jon could move on his own an arm curled around his waist and hoisted him into a sitting position.

"I can move myself, Tim." Jon grumbled, leaning heavily into Tims side either way. Just for the contact, he told himself. He could totally sit upright if he wanted to.

"Of course boss."

Tim turned on the TV as Jon ate, the soothing chatter of news reporter talking about the weather filling the air. Jon was half dozing, unsure if he had eaten much at all when Tim moved him again.

"You want to clean up before going to bed?"

Jon took stock of his body, weighting his options. It was as if his muscles only now began to realize the amount of miles they had walked. His scars itched and pulled and the cut on his throat as well as the burn on his hand pounded against the confines of his mangled skin. His head felt like it was stuffed with cotton, a bit of vertigo still throbbing in the back of his skull, while his ears still echoed faintly with piercing, inhuman laughter.

"No?"

"Okay. Sit tight boss I'm gonna get you a blanket."

Sit tight... Where did Tim think he would go, if he wasn't even up for taking a shower?

"You got better, too." Jon said in lieu of a thank you when a heavy blanket got draped over him.

"Hm. Blowing up a building helped."

"Ah yes, arson. The best therapy of all."

Tim laughed at that. "You'd be surprised. But actually I did get a therapist at Sashas request. I blew up at her a few times in between and she didn't take it well. I wanted to be better for her."

"Good." Jon mumbled, half asleep. "That's good."

"Yeah. Sleep well."

"Hmhm."

He woke up in the middle of the night. Or was it day? It was dark, but the curtains were drawn so he couldn't be sure. It wasn't to a full body flinch like he was used to waking up with. Just a slow, disorientated blinking into wakefulness.

The flinching came later, followed by a yell when he made out a blurry shape sitting in the arm chair mere inches away from him.

"Good Lord, Tim! What are you doing?!"

"Making sure you're not getting kidnapped." Was the brightly given answer.

"That's creepy." Jon grumbled, rubbing his eyes and settling his glasses back on the bridge of his nose.

"Well you're not the only one allowed to be spooky."

"M not spooky."

"Suuure. So Martin and Sasha will be by in a bit. Wanna tell me what all that about going back through Michaels door was about?"

Jon sighed. "He- it just threatened me."

"Really? Cause it kind of looked to me like it was kicking you out."

"I have it on good authority that I can be rather annoying, yes."

Tim crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes at him. "Does that mean I and the others need to make sure you take the right doors from now on?"

"No?"

"That's not very reassuring, Jon."

"Why do you care all of a sudden?" It was said out of exhaustion and Jon immediately regretted it, seeing Tims face fall. "I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that."

"No." Tim took a shuddering breath, mussing up his hair with the hand that wasn't clutching at his own shirt. "No, that's fair. I've been an ass to you before... Fuck before you literally fed yourself to the Spiral in order to get Sasha back."

"You don't have to feel guilty about that."

"I do! But that's not just it. You've missed a lot. And I got better, but I'm still so angry most of the time. But when you were gone I was also fucking terrified. For Christs sake Jon we were friends once. And I just let you barter your life away like it was nothing. I was happy. When Sasha came back and you were gone I was even happy for a while."

Oh no he was crying again. They both were. He knew because Tim had gotten up to draw back the curtains before dropping onto the couch at Jons feet.

"I... it didn't last long. Call me selfish, but after a while all I wanted was for us to be complete again. You know the original four. It took me a bit to realize that I was mourning."

Tim barked out a broken laugh. "I've probably not slept about as much as Martin."

"You should then. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere at the moment."

"I can't. Every time I try I panic that you will be gone when I wake up."

Jon mulled that thought over in his head, an odd tingle flooding his body. "Lay down with me then?"

Tim stared at him for a moment, biting at his lip and barely stopping before drawing blood. "That... that sounds like an idea. Yeah. Let me draw the couch out first."

They could have just gone to bed, but Jon just about managed to drag himself to the armchair. And Tim hadn't offered so Jon wouldn't pry.

Tim collapsed on the couch and immediately reached out an arm and made grabby hands. Jon huffed out a small chuckle and obliged, trying not to seem too eager.

"We'll have to get up again when Sasha and Martin visit." Jon noted, snuggling into Tims chest with a sigh, whole body thrumming at the none violent contact.

"Sasha has a key." Tim muttered into his hair, spitting out some of the loose strands right after.

Jon shook his head. There seemed to be quite a lot he needed to be caught up on. And as they tangled their legs together Jon found that for once the future didn't look as threatening as it usually did.

#tma #the magnus archives #jonathan sims #tim stoker #hurt/comfort #fanfiction #michael distortion #helen richardson #canon divergence #my writing

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halothenthehorns · 3 years ago

Text

All in the Family

Chapter 138: Excess of Phlegm

A gnome tried to bite him on the nose. James snatched the thing by its ankle right before the teeth broke skin and was already hurling it as far away from him as he could before he'd even properly gotten to his feet.

The fact that none of them suffered from their brains melting for the recurring switch between night and day was the real mystery to all this. There was a big green pond full of frogs Longbottom was sloshing his way through, the place was lined with gnarled trees and plenty of plants he'd been able to identify from Herbology class and a few he hadn't. The Burrow was just visible in the distance and his stomach snarled with hunger, they really should have taken advantage of Slughorn's food selection while they had the chance, but then he saw Regulus storming over there and decided he'd starve rather than dealing with that arrogant child right now.

His scowl intensified when he saw Peter going after him, Merlin what he wouldn't give to have just left that kid behind! Between him and Snape, who ever would have guessed these two bothersome ones would cause so much misery along this blasted trip.

Sirius was coming over to him eagerly, and he did a double take as he saw the Polyjuice Potion had completely worn off of him and glanced down at himself in surprise to confirm the same, only just realizing everything was fuzzy back around the edges again not from his head still being sore from his latest impact with the ground. The feeling of moving like they were was worse than changing bodies, who knew?

"Odd," he pulled the ripped up shirt off and passed it back, half a mind to steal more clothes from the Weasley's for both of them while here. "Doesn't feel like it's been an hour."

"That spell I put on Longbottom wore off with the jump," Sirius recalled as he passed his glasses back. "To us, it definitely wasn't long enough to have done so. Guess this mess makes even the magic we use on each other wonky, how annoying." It would have been sort of interesting to somehow find a way to gauge time before now if they'd thought about it, but James found when he slipped his pants back on he still had the Polyjuice Potion in his pocket anyways and sighed as he uneasily patted it.

He looked back to see Sirius giving him a beseeching look. His eyes flickering to where Regulus had vanished and back with a look James couldn't quite believe, was he really fixing to defend that kid?

"Listen Prongs, thanks, really, but I wish you'd let him keep going. I hadn't even realized, but he needs to get all that off his chest if he really has a problem with you and I'd rather him take that out on me even unintentionally anyways." Sirius still finished with a guilty look in place that set him bristling.

"You don't deserve that Sirius!" He snapped back at once.

"He thought I was you," Sirius quickly reminded.

"That's not the point!" James insisted. "I wouldn't have just stood there letting him yell at me! He's not your bloody parents, and I'm not going to let him start doing that shit to you if you're hoping that makes it all better! I'm not even sure why you're trying!" He regretted the words the instant they slipped out, Sirius looked so confused and he'd been trying so hard to bite his tongue against saying anything, letting Sirius make his own decisions about his little brother.

"What do you have against Regulus?" Sirius didn't quite demand it, but he sounded so surprised James chose his next words carefully, he'd already felt vaguely paranoid before this. He'd only just turned fourteen after all.

"You never talk about him Sirius, less than even your parents. I always wondered, well, how much he knows about, well, some of your punishments," he admitted, and didn't like the response when Sirius rubbed absently at his shoulder and didn't look at him. Moony wasn't the only one with scars, but some weren't so visible.

He pressed in now that Sirius didn't flat deny it, "I'll not have you feeling guilty you didn't keep that in your life if he stood by and did nothing instead of helping you in that forsaken house."

Sirius let his hand drop and looked back at him steadily. "I don't know okay, I honestly don't want to know if he knows. He's not been in the room and laughing, if that's what you mean. Mostly he just hides in the attic when I start going at it with them and doesn't come down until he's summoned and I've usually cleaned myself up by then. If he suspects anything he hides it well."

"A trait you two share," James grudgingly let some of the ire trickle out of his voice, at least Regulus had never actually hurt Sirius then to appease his parents, the nightmare he hadn't been able to shake. Hearing Voldemort do so to his Padfoot had not let the idea rest though. "I still can't say I'm all gung ho helping you out with him Padfoot, especially if he's going to turn that temper on either of us."

"Hasn't had the best role model from anyone," Sirius quietly muttered.

"You're working on it," James gave a sort of laugh in admittance. Better than having come down the stairs and the two dueling to the death he supposed. He still didn't quite like Sirius just taking this in stride though if this was the alternative, it wasn't natural to not see Sirius fight back.

He sighed when he heard Smith starting the book and decided to brave the house alone for now as he distracted Sirius, "I'm going to see if there's food, and get us both a change of clothes. Go find Moony would you, haven't seen him exiting the garden with the others. Tell him for me I don't bloody care who he snogs in the meantime, will you?"

Sirius looked so hilariously startled that James wondered if he'd gotten it wrong then, but it was probably even better he leave the two to it then. Whatever the hell they were up to, it was helping Sirius, he could tell that much as Padfoot grinned and took off.

James walked with his head held high into the kitchen and made straight for the stove. The others crowded around the table watched him when he walked in, the book still having a few leaves clinging to pages in Alice's hand as she alternately read and shook her head at whatever conversation abruptly stopped at his entrance.

Snorting in derision as if he was supposed to care about being talked about, weather it was a group this size, the whole of his house annoyed he'd lost such a huge chunk of points for his latest prank, or the whole of Hogwarts laughing both at him and with him whenever a prank or counter prank was in action, he strode over to the stove and followed the basic steps of potions class to get a fire going and setting a pot in place before pausing in confusion.

Alice disengaged herself from the table, both of them ignoring the annoyed look Evans and Longbottom gave each other as she came up to him and asked, "like some help?"

"Sure," he smiled at once. "Know how to make grits? Ever tried syrup in that, it's to die for!"

She grinned at his enthusiasm and promised, "oh I'm sure we can whip up some of everything."

He couldn't help but smile at her, there was just something about her round face that radiated kindness, it wasn't hard to see why Longbottom was so smitten even if she was a little too timid for him to get the full appeal. She was short too, barely a few inches difference to Peter, but she nudged him aside gently and he didn't even think about stepping aside for her as she began going through the motions and talking in a level voice everything she was doing, though he hadn't actually asked for a walkthrough.

He listened though. He was painfully aware because of this future his parents clearly hadn't survived to take care of Harry, and it twisted up something in him to ever wonder for long how much time they had left, had they ever shown up in his wedding photos to Evans? While he could go home now and ask his mum to teach him this, he instead likened more to the idea she might not just laugh along with her boy for once, but give her something to be proud of as he studied her wand movements and copied with wavering success.

The milk, water, and salt were all carefully blended together and at a steady boil, even if he was sure they came out a bit too lumpy when Alice quietly redirected, "I hope everything's okay with those three."

The invitation was clear. He ruffled up his hair, his wand slipping and the stirring stopped for a moment as he considered telling her yes, and he would deal with his problems, again. That hadn't exactly been working out for him so far though, and damn if she hadn't been right back in Sirius' own house. Maybe if he'd just bloody talked to Padfoot before this future slammed him in the face he wouldn't have broken his ear drums and had his feelings so viciously kicked into him.

"Not sure how to get Sirius and Peter to talk to each other," he finally admitted his problem. It may have even worked there for a second in Slughorn's house, before Regulus had so rudely interrupted he was sure. "Padfoot's trying, but ah, he's not the best at using his words." He was always more of a free spirited, gestures, and reactionary kind of bloke, and he rarely tried to hide any of it. Maybe if Padfoot hadn't been suppressing how little he'd forgiven Peter on his behalf it wouldn't have been so bad! James wouldn't change him for the world. "I know he tried back in Malfoy's room, but it doesn't seem to have done much good."

He and Remus had been worried about just that, but hadn't let themselves interfere. "I'm not their mother, I can't just make them apologize to each other, but I don't know how else to help. What the hell do I say?"

He finally tapped the pot to get it stirring again lest something burn. It still felt weird to be saying this to anyone but Remus, but he hadn't anything else to offer but an apologetic shrug and mutual agreement there was just no mending this broken bridge with magic. At least Moony had promised he'd keep the two away from each other if he wanted, but that wasn't helping anymore than the two interacting the past few times. They'd been faking it thus far for his sake, and he knew that.

Now Regulus was trying to throw his opinion in, and he'd probably just pushed Peter farther away towards that kid. It's not like Wormtail had stood up for Sirius against the brat! He still didn't appreciate the last time Peter had shouted at Sirius back in the forest!

When Alice finally spoke, her voice was quiet but gentle, she seemed to respect he still was not trying to air their business and the others talking quietly at the table over their game once more should not be able to hear. "I don't know them as well as you do, but I hope you see laughing this off just isn't helping."

He grit his teeth to stop himself snapping at her that wasn't helping either, he still didn't know what else to do!

"I'd say, first step, just make sure you're all on the same page. Then, maybe, see where they want to go from there. Sometimes, we outgrow people, and that's not always a bad thing." She frowned at Evans, and James refused his own look to confirm it even if he knew in his heart what she meant and it was very, very true. He didn't see it as the same thing at all, Peter had never done anything like old Snivilius had. Sirius had over reacted in his anger, but this future wasn't letting up on them for a second about how awful things to come could be, he was entitled to an emotional outburst! He and Remus had tried to stop him from doing Peter a real harm!

"That's not very helpful," he huffed, removing the pot from the heat and grabbing down bowls.

"Sometimes the advice we need isn't what we want to hear," she shrugged, but she still looked sadly at her friend, and then back at him. "I'm sorry."

He huffed and changed the subject to syrup, bacon, and gravy, at least her company wasn't as bad as her fortune cookie nonsense.

Remus was still leaning against the apple tree he'd landed face first on and hadn't chosen to move, instead knocking his head softly against the bark in hopes it would knock some sense into him. Anger at himself still dominated rather than Padfoot not giving him some bloody warning for their stupid prank as he kept replaying what Sirius had said.

A break? They weren't even together as far as Sirius was concerned and he was already laughing about a break. What if Remus never asked for a break, would Sirius keep hooking up with him along with how many others when they got back? Would he be able to keep himself in check and go along with that, pretending to ignore any such thing was happening? He very much doubted it, and it only confirmed in him what he should have known back in that alley way, he really should put a stop to this now.

Amongst the cawing birds in the bright morning sun and the frogs still splashing about in their water, he heard someone approaching him and looked around in mild concern when he realized no shouting had resumed. If James and Regulus were off killing each other, they were doing it quietly.

It was the real Sirius this time, of this he was very confident of as Prongs would still be looking at him like a concerned parent about to give him the sex talk.

"You told him?" Sirius confirmed in delight as he barely came over in arms reach. He even turned around like the conversation was done there and they could go off to join James like nothing had happened.

He should have expected the gleeful smile. Sirius made himself as clear as possible on Slughorn's bed, Remus quickly reminded himself, and even before that. He only sees you as a playfriend, get over it!

Remus' scowl deepened, some of his self-anger getting an easy redirection. "No you arse, he figured it out when I didn't know it was you!"

Sirius just looked confused for a few more moments before he got it, and then he laughed as he edged closer. "What did you do?"

Remus shoved him back away in disgust. "It wasn't funny! What the hell are you so happy for?"

"I wanted to tell him," Sirius reminded with an eye roll, "what are you so angry for?"

Remus bit his lip rather than answer, this was going as horrible as it was possible to! "Look, it means something, different to me, telling people, alright." He tried to plead with him to understand. He clearly didn't. "Sirius, I know you don't see it as a big deal ever to tell us of your last dalliance, but it does to me, okay!"

Sirius just cocked his head to the side and kept watching him as if waiting for further explanation, like he couldn't fathom what other meaning there was, like he really couldn't picture telling his brother who he was hooking up with for any other reason than the fun of it. Remus tried to take some comfort in that Sirius really just didn't have the capacity to even be looking for anything more with anyone, not just with him.

"Okay, fine," Sirius mercifully gave in, though it was clear he still didn't get what Remus' problem was. Remus breathed in relief. "If you don't want him to know yet, I'll push him off what happened. I'd still like to know what you did," he added with a grin.

"How the hell do you think you're going to get away with that?" Remus demanded.

"If I can get McGonagall to not give me detention for transfiguring Eckers into a rocking horse I can do anything!" Sirius declared with the greatest hurt to his pride Remus was questioning this. He still hadn't stopped grinning. "You still have to tell me so I know what I'm working with."

Remus groaned and put his face in his hands, was this not bad enough without the teasing? "I hate you so much."

"Love you too Moony," Sirius casually agreed. "Now come on, work with me!"

Remus finally dropped his hands so he could glare at the bastard, and then let his hand rest on the inside of his thigh of the real Padfoot this time, leaning forward and whispering with as much annoyed suggestiveness in his voice he could, "is that a challenge?" He quickly dropped his hand and crossed his arms with a huff.

His pissed off attempt didn't really work, Sirius' eyes still glazed over with lust for a moment and he licked his lips before he shook his head and muttered, "yeah, that's not very subtle. Any more context I should know?"

"I still never got my pineapple," he sulked, as if that was really his biggest concern.

Sirius gave him a cheeky grin as he patted his bag. "Moony, I'm insulted, you really think I'd leave you hanging?"

He could not imagine where and how Sirius had found the time to nab that in between everything else that had gone on. The thoughtfulness in the action stunned him. Damn him for still getting aroused by this asshole when he wanted to keep glaring at him.

Padfoot's eyes flickered around the garden for inspiration, they even listened to some of the chapter in mutual silence as Harry finally confessed to his friends of the Prophecy hanging over his head and the Phlegm being Fleur Delacor back in wedding bliss to Bill Weasley, but that wasn't striking much. Remus' concern grew even Sirius' silver tongue wasn't going to get out of this one.

"Look, just hang around out here if you want to, avoid Prongs and the others, I'll cover for you, just like always." Sirius finally sighed. "I promise I'll get some actual food for you for the next spot, okay?" He even sacrificed the crystalized pineapple now, tossing him the box and not even taking a single one for himself.

"Don't bother," he grumbled as he caught it, but pocketed it. Deciding to scale the tree for now in any relief to get away, and half tempted to pitch himself off head first. Sirius pouted at him the whole way up until Remus was crunching on an apple so loud he could pretend he didn't hear him walk off.

Sirius kicked and huffed and paced the whole way back to the door, taking twice as long as the trip should be. Great, yeah, even Moony was mad at him now, this just really could not be going worse. He knew he couldn't force the guy to relax about being gay, or whatever he considered getting off with another guy to be. He'd heard plenty of horror stories from other kids in school for their parents' reactions. He had no wish to envision Remus anywhere near that, but did he really think so little of Prongs? Sirius just had to find a way to get him to relax about this, it was by far the easiest problem to focus on, he knew Moony so well he was sure he could come up with a solution to this. It was too bad he couldn't turn into another animal for him to help, he'd do it in a heartbeat.

He walked in and found himself plenty distracted by Alice teaching James how to cook. She was being really nice about it too, even as Sirius watched he waved his wand a little too enthusiastically and sent a packet of bacon flopping to the ground. She corrected him and he got it right in the next go with a very pleased smile and a half glance at Evans, who was ignoring him and playing cards at the table with the others again. James turned away remarkably fast and wasn't even trying to talk to her but kept his focus on Smith. The book was left open at an empty chair, so at least nobody was reading it to try and get them out of a nightmare.

Regulus at least looked in a semi better mood. He wasn't shooting death threats at Prongs at least, but just flat ignoring him, and he didn't at all look up at Sirius' entrance as he took the deck from Evans and shuffled with quite a bit of skill. Peter at least looked around with a half smile at him before waving him towards the food.

Sirius needed no such invitation and leaned next to the stove, stuffing himself silly and still not quite sick of breakfast meals despite the fact they'd been having that in abundance lately but purposefully leaning on Alice's other side and not engaging as her and Prongs chatted casually about their mums different home spells, something he couldn't join in on anyways.

James had never had a problem making friends, Sirius thought back, it was him who'd made the four of them friends, Sirius was still half convinced sifting through memories it would never have worked without Prongs as their buffer until they were all used to each other. So it was still his fault really James was now keeping himself on the outs and not engaging with the rest, but instead sticking by Sirius and keeping himself apart, something he and Moony much preferred.

Attention was one thing he'd had all his life, whether he wanted it or not. He glorified in it at school as much as Prongs, but still far more enjoyed their private jokes alone in their dorms once the laughter had died down, a choice when to be in the spotlight for his amusement and when to leave it, something he'd never been allowed before James.

It wouldn't kill the rest of these guys to understand a good joke and curiosity could do wonders for their own moods.

Stuffing the last of his food into his mouth, he went back to the scullery for a new change of clothes rather than this ripped up shirt, maybe that would help Remus at least somewhat. It greatly irked him nobody did ask why he was outside still even with a ready excuse.

Maybe it was slightly better this way, Remus would refuse this on principle and spoil what Sirius was going for.

He snatched the bottle of Polyjuice Potion out of the back of James' pocket and snagged five cups down, slamming them on the table and pouring a dollop into each, keeping just enough left in the vile he slipped it back in for Remus later and glared at the lot.

"Don't even dare tell me you're not curious?" He accused each and every one of them.

Alice came over at once plucking a thin black strand of hair away. "When I tried in class it was too lumpy, nearly a solid it was so gross, Slughorn gave me an A and I was worried it would be the wrong color if I tried. Thanks Sirius," and she dropped it in.

It frothed and bubbled for only a moment before settling on a beautiful shade of the lightest yellow, like a soft warm light, it even looked kind of fuzzy, like a baby chick.

She grinned in delight, but none of the others exactly looked encouraged to play along.

"Frank?" She sighed.

"I already know what mine is," he tried to put off, glancing guiltily between her and Lily and needlessly rearranging his hand. Sirius had no idea what was going on there. "It's blue, love, and yours is beautiful of course."

She was still pouting at him with those large amber eyes of hers, and so he finally gave in and winced as he came away with some loose blonde hairs, dropping them into his own.

Blue indeed, a very dark royal shade that had the consistency of a squashed berry. She still smiled in delight and leaned in to give him a kiss on the cheek, but neither went so far as to offer swapping cups and bodies, apparently even they weren't going to indulge them that far.

Peter glanced around but finally went next to at least show a spot of good faith, his mousy brown hair vanishing into the mud for moments before it changed. It was a speck of the light, just before the dawn sky showed a hint that was not quite black. It even had little sparkles of the stars, he'd swear it, the pinpricks desperate to still be seen as the opaque of the day began forcing its way through the peaceful night. In the crest of the velvet, just before the nocturnal animals would end, he smiled and shook his head fondly for the deep purple color.

"Come on then," Peter even reached over and gave Regulus a light prod. "They really didn't mean anything by it this time."

"I'll just wait for my own potions class when I do it," Regulus said stiffly, still only glaring at his plate as he played a card.

Alice knew better than to try and talk Lily into any such thing, she was too stubborn and probably already knew hers anyways considering her advanced potions work.

She was half right, Lily did know what color it was going to be, but with one last begrudging look at Potter to make sure he knew this wasn't for him, she gave her and Frank a friendly smile and plucked a red hair free for them to see.

It was the soft blush just under the surface, the light airy breath that flashed over and warmed the skin. Her breath caught in her throat again as she could already taste how lightly it would flit down one's throat. She brushed her hand through her hair and smiled softly to herself with pride, she'd never been fond of the color pink, it had always been Petunia's favorite, but she looked almost gleefully now at how it softly glowed in her cup, warmth seeping right through to the tips of her fingers once more.

Sighing in resignation of being left out and only for Peter's sake and not the other two, Regulus finally pulled a hair free as well.

Trapped in the forest, it would be the first hint of light. The faint sun flicking through trees, the slightly thicker grass getting just a little more springy with each step, the same shade of hazel flickering out of the corner of his eye when he was on a broom and the Forbidden Forest was just lively enough to grab his attention. The darkest shade of green, or a freckled shade of brown, he smiled softly as he tipped the cup this way and that to catch every last glimmer it would show.

Lily took all of their distraction to collect all of the cards this time and pocket them with purpose when Alice told she was going to finish the chapter.

Alice beamed at everyone smiling once more and mouthed a thank you to Sirius, who graciously acknowledged this with a competitive smirk. She made sure to catch James' eye before picking up the book to finish, and he nodded his resignation at last, their quiet whispers before Sirius had entered finally sinking in.

HPHPHPHP

And just because I don't have a better time to share this considering the location of the future chapter it shows up in I won't spoil, you got these now and this below:

Luna- light Orange/ Hermione- Dark Orange

Ron- Dark Brown/ Neville- Light Brown

Dumbledore- Gold with silver flecks

Fenrir*-

It looked more like smoke resting in the cup, the thick cloying kind that would choke your lungs and suffocate you faster than the fire could reach you. Even being nowhere near the lips, the urge to gag, plug up the nose and run was the first instinct upon seeing it. Surly such a vile color was not meant to ever be seen, let alone consumed, for it would never let go once it latched on.

Voldemort-

It's the color he feels pulsing all around him when that sense of purpose, power, rightness, and even triumph surrounded him. He could feel it now, almost burning out of the cup as the color reflected back his soul. It would darken with time just like the murky little depth of solid black color in the center was now, turning deeper and deeper shades with every new murder he granted those not worthy of this life, but always in the very edges before the liquid traced the rim of the cup, you could still see burning red.

Umbridge- pink

It sits like a heavy film over the tongue once swallowed down, leaving an almost chalky, lingering weight behind. The fluorescent, almost painfully bright color would be bitter, like the darkest tea, and would curl into a nauseating feeling the lower down your body it traveled.

Bellatrix- light green

The neon glow was enticing to look at, as if the vividest shade of a particularly tart apple were sizzling in the cup. One sip was all it would take, and you could not stop. You would keep drinking, even when you were out of breath, and the tang became painful because your mouth was burning, you would still keep swallowing happily for the phosphorescent liquid of the verdant shade. ( I can not believe the books literally glossed over what this canon color should be!)

Snape- light purple

It seemed painful to even look at, the image of drinking it would be worse. The morbid feeling of prodding this color, the heavy purple would whiten slightly and then turn back an even darker shade, to have that inside of him made him want to be sick. He wished it would mottle to the greens and yellows of a fading bruise, but feared it would never happen.

Don't worry, you'll get Remus' eventually. I think mine would be similar to a lime green, and sweet with a nice kick at the end. Let me know yours?

*You would not want to drink Remus/ Fenrir's, or any other werewolves FYI. I have a headcanon of what would happen if you tried to use polyjuice potion on a werewolf, and it's similar but more gruesome than what happened to Hermione when she tried to use it on a cat. Check out my AU, Proper Life, chapter 5 for details if you're curious, it's in the very first section so you don't have to read much if you're not invested in the whole thing.

#Harry Potter #fanfiction #reading the books #HBP #HP #Weasley Garden #Polyjuice Potion #Wolfstar #Jilly #James Potter #Remus Lupin #Sirius Black #Peter Pettigrew #Regulus Black #Frank Longbottom #Alice Smith #Lily Evans

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talpup · 4 years ago

Text

Summary: The war between the Dragons and Griffons ended 233 years ago, and both races right along with it.

Or so it was believed. There are three individuals that will soon change that.

Kai is the last of the Dragons and he seeks to take what he sees as his rightful place and rule over all of Oblvi. Meanwhile, Shouta, the last Sphinx, wants nothing more than to do his job; keep the peace and and teach the young Fourth’s to hopefully avoid the mistakes of their ancestors. And Teris, a Foundling who is just trying to understand and survive in this strange new world that is supposedly her own.

All three have their own wants and desires, but Kai’s plans, Teris’ existence, and Shouta's past mean that none of them may get what they want.

***while they are capable of beastly forms, most of the time they keep to their human form

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).

13.1

The door opened before they were fully up the walk.

Hizashi’s eyes narrowed wondering if it was coincidence or if someone had been watching from within.

“Good evening.” Hari extended an ushering arm of entry. “You can leave your coats with Shin.”

So not a coincidence of someone happening to exit at the same time, Hizashi thought slipping off his jacket. Stop it, he scolded himself. They were expecting us. Of course they’d be watching and waiting for us. There’s nothing nefarious about it. You’re just being protective cause of what Teris went through today, and still on edge from what you saw; though you shouldn’t be. Kai already explained why he did that.

The disturbing image of Kai choking Hari replayed in his mind. Hizashi shook the memory away, wishing he had heard what Kai and Hari had said yet also glad he hadn’t.

He glanced at Hari. The Arepyiai didn’t seem timid or afraid. And though it had only been a few hours, Hari’s voice wasn’t raw and graveled from being choked. There was no bruising along his neck. Though thanks to Hizashi being half High Elf, his quick sharp eyes caught sight of puncture marks beneath Hari’s high collar where Kai’s talons had pierced the Fourth’s skin.

Trying to brighten his mood and Teris’, Hizashi tossed his jacket to the other man and theatrically asked Teris. “Why didn’t you tell me! I’m so getting on Oboro for skipping the really important stuff. I mean, I don’t care what fight Shouta would've put up, you can bet I would’ve pestered and worn him down till he caved and let us hire a maid or butler if you or Oboro had told me we could have ‘em.”

Teris stared, wide eyed.

Shin straightened and tensed, but to his credit said nothing.

Clearing his throat, Hari stiffly corrected. “Shin is a member of Kai’s Ilca. Not house staff.”

“Oh…” Hizashi's mouth hung in a perfect ‘o’ for a beat. “Sor--”

“If you will follow me. Kai and Master Ryuu are waiting.” It was rude to cut off a guest; but when the guest was a loud, lowly Hybrid, Hari didn’t much care and doubted Kai would take issue with it.

Turning with a sniff, Hari led the way. He would never dare question Kai’s reasoning or orders, but couldn’t help but wonder at Hizashi being invited. The Hybrid’s mere presence in their Ilca dorm was a disgusting insult. And to think the High Elf-Banshee Hybrid would have the pleasure of dinning at Kai’s table when Joi and Hari himself, two of Kai’s most trusted followers, rarely experienced such an honor.

“Sorry.” Hizashi mouthed to Teris as they followed Hari.

Teris smirked, battling a laugh. It wasn’t as if she could scold Hizashi when she had thought the same the first time she’d been in Kai’s Ilca dorm.

Hizashi brightened at Teris’ smile.

After getting back from hanging out with Oboro, he had found Shouta grading papers in the great room of their Ilca dorm. The Sphinx had said Teris had gone up to her chambers and wasn’t to be disturbed; nor was Hizashi to mention her interview or inspection unless she brought it up first.

Worried as Hizashi had been for Teris, Shouta's show of protectiveness had excited him. He knew Shouta and Teris would make a great couple if they but stopped arguing long enough to admit their feelings for each other. And for a few hours Hizashi had thought that their confession of love could be on the horizon. That today’s events would be a turning point for them.

But then Teris had come down and she and Shouta had had yet another argument. This one about her going to Kai’s for dinner. While Hizashi did his best to avoid getting involved in their disagreements, he had spoken up this time saying he would watch over Teris while they were there.

That had silenced both Shouta and Teris. And while the look of betrayal hidden within Shouta’s ireful expression had furthered Hizashi's sense of guilt; what had stung was the flicker of upset that had crossed Teris’ face. Was she not happy he was going? Did she not think him friend enough to hang out with Kai?

Seated in a plush chair in the sitting room adjacent to the formal dining, Kai smiled lightly. He smelled Teris’ wonderful scent before he even saw her. And after what happened today, it took everything in Kai’s power to control his dragon instincts and reclaim what was his.

As it was, a low barely audible growl sounded from his chest. Someone, he still didn’t know who, had inspected his chosen mate. It was bad enough that the Council had interviewed her; but to know someone had looked upon and touched what was his made him want to kill.

Ryuu didn’t need to see or smell Teris to know she had arrived; not when he could visibly see the changes in Kai. Though so subtle no one else would likely notice, for Ryuu who had raised the young Dragon, Kai’s deep savoring breath may as well have been a shouted declaration of love.

Ryuu didn’t question Kai’s sudden dark tension. The Tengu wasn’t anymore pleased about Teris’ interview and inspection than he had been about Kai’s several years ago. He wondered if Kai would’ve felt the same anger and protectiveness if he knew Teris was a Griffon. Probably not as Kai’s interest in her was still in its early stages. But Ryuu hoped that would change. That Kai would be able to look passed his pride and hate, and continue to love Teris anyway. He hoped that not just for Kai’s happiness, but for Kai and Teris’ continued existence. Cause even if the last Dragon and Griffon got along and were mated, it would still be a long hard fight to convince the Council to let them live when it was finally discovered that Teris was a griffon.

Hari stopped just inside the double doorway while Teris and Hizashi fully entered.

Getting to his feet, Kai went to Teris. His hand and inner wrist ran down her arm, scenting her. “I’m glad you’re here. Aizawa gave you no further trouble about coming?” He asked, keen gold eyes watching her for hidden tells.

Argument with Shouta still fresh, Teris bristled at the reminder. She stepped away from Kai’s touch annoyed with him. Glad as she was to have Hizashi attend with her, it bothered that Kai hadn’t mentioned his plan to include her friend this evening. Then again Kai hadn’t invited her, instead telling her she was joining him for dinner the afternoon of the dinner.

You’re being uncharitable, Teris thought. Everyone’s been on edge about members of the Council being here. Now that she knew Shouta and Kai weren’t just under the Council’s watch but continued to live only by the Council's good grace… Well, it didn’t excuse Kai deciding things for her; but given the level of her own distress, Teris couldn’t blame Kai for wanting support and friendly company.

Honestly, she doubted she would've gotten through the interview and inspection without Shouta’s strong, calming presence. The entire thing had brought back memories of when the scarred man with blue flames had questioned and tormented her. No doubt the ordeal had brought up memories of Shouta’s own interview and inspection. It certainly couldn’t have been easy for him to sit beside her during the interview then stand outside the room during her inspection. The fact that he likely struggled made her all the more grateful he had stayed with her and sought to divert her fearful focus.

And how did you thank him, her mind asked. By arguing and leaving him alone with his brought up memories. Shouta didn’t need or want me there, Teris argued with herself, ignoring the stab of guilt. He just didn’t want me to come here cause he’s controlling and hates Kai, she thought, trying to make herself feel better.

Pushing aside her warring feelings, Teris gave Kai an apologetic smile for rebuffing his touch and kissed his cheek. “You didn’t tell me you had invited Hizashi.”

Hizashi looked between the two, his earlier hurt easing. She hadn’t known he’d been invited? Well that explained her moment of silent surprise. But it still didn’t explain her brief beat of upset.

Kai softened at her chaste, tender kiss but looked disapprovingly at her when she didn’t answer his question and instead seemed to question him. “I did it for you. Are you not glad to have him here?”

“Of course I am.” Teris reached out and gripped Hizashi’s hand, hoping he didn’t think she didn’t want him there.

Kai hid his frown by turning to Hari. He didn’t like the idea of Teris touching anyone but him. But her willing touching a filthy Hybrid… He would have to see she had a bath before they got into his bed tonight. Then again he would've had her bathe with him before getting into bed either way.

“Inform Tabe he can start serving.” Kai told, dismissing Hari.

After a brief introduction between Hizashi and Ryuu, they moved to the dining room.

The space gave Hizashi pause. It was even more formal than what he’d seen of the place thus far. While not cluttered, the entire dorm made him nervous and afraid to touch anything. Kind of like the formal front sitting room at his grandmother’s that no one was allowed to sit in unless company came over.

Hizashi swallowed thickly at the four place settings of fine china and numerous utensils that sat atop the large table capable of seating well more than four.

Kai moved to a chair left of the head of the table and pulled it out. “Teris.”

“Thank you.” Teris sat, eyes skimming the table setting. She looked up a Kai frowning at the placement.

Kai pulled out the chair at the head of the table, to Teris’ right, and waited for his other two guests to take their places.

Still at the rooms entrance, Hizashi couldn’t help but notice he would be sitting alone at the middle of the long table.

Ryuu noticed it too, certain that Kai had ordered the seating arrangement for more than just honoring him and wanting Teris close. After all Kai was a Dragon and the dragon species had been obsessed with purity in all things; seeing purity itself as one of the greatest forms of wealth and power, two other things dragons had been consumed with having.

Knowing how distastefully difficult inviting Hizashi must’ve been for Kai, Ryuu was too pleased to be upset. The fact that Kai had willingly invited the Hybrid at all filling Ryuu with hope that Kai could move passed his aversion and change. But just because Kai had done well in inviting Hizashi didn’t mean Kai shouldn’t be pushed to grow further and act better.

The tinkling of silverware and clink of crystal against china drew everyone's attention.

From the opposite head of the table Ryuu gathered his place setting. “This table is too big for four to dine and comfortably converse so far apart.” The Tengu smiled kindly at a displeased Kai. “I am honored by your show of respect in placing me here and thank you for your esteem. But it has been a long, tiring day and I would greatly appreciate it if you humored an old Fourth in an friendly, less formal dinner.”

13.2

Shouta flew threw the bright moonlit sky, a sea of darkened treetops rushing beneath. It was nice to get out and stretch his wings just for the sake of it. Despite the fight he had put up at the time, he was grateful to Nedzu for ordering him off of patrol for today and tomorrow.

Shouta hadn’t realized how exhausting the day had been until he instinctually started getting ready for patrol.

When he finally remembered he had two days off, he’d fallen back in a chair and fell asleep. He had woken with a start sometime later, the nightmare slow to fade.

Even now as he flew, Shouta could still hear the yowls and growls of his pack being slaughtered as he was hidden and turned to stone. The cries of his dying pack mixed with those of the angry Council who shouted for his head and said he shouldn’t be alive.

Shouta shook his head, mane whipping around him, and flew faster as he could out fly the echoing memories.

13.3

“You know I still don’t get why the Boss wants a copy of my report to the Council's Leader.” Hawks said, fingers holding onto the envelope he was handing over.

Toga pulled, trying to take the envelope. “If you—don’t know—then maybe he—doesn’t want you knowing. Ha!” She proudly held the envelope freed from Hawks before her.

“Do you know why he wants my report on the female Foundlings inspection?” Hawks asked.

Toga deflated, seeing the envelope was magically sealed. She frowned at Hawks. “No.”

“It’s only the Boss already knows what the female Founding is.” Hawks said.

“Yeah. So.” Toga inspected the envelope in the moonlight, trying to find a way around its magical sealing.

“So,” Hawks drew out the word, “why would he want a copy of my report on a practically fruitless inspection that left me with nothing but a handful of traits that crossed off one, maybe two possible beasts she could be from the list of thousands?”

“Hundreds of thousands.” Toga’s distracted voice chirped.

“No. Not hundreds of thousands.” Hawks corrected. “Hundreds of thousands is the rough number of beasts there are. The reason I’m here is cause she’s an ancient beast which means my looking at a possibility of thousands is probably too broad, but I like to be thorough.”

Toga lowered the envelope and looked at Hawks. “You’re here cause the Boss said. Not cause the stupid Council wants you to figure out what that female Founding is.”

“I’m here for both.” Hawks said.

Toga frowned. She didn’t trust Hawks. The Anzu worked for the Council and spied for them. His allegiance clearly given at a price, there was no guarantee their double agent won’t turn on them and become a triple agent.

“Do you know what Teris is?” Hawks asked.

“No. And I wouldn’t tell you if I did.” Toga stuffed the envelope in her coat.

Hawks sighed. He missed dealing with Dabi. Sure Toga had been more fun at the start. His meetings with her a much needed reprieve from meeting with Dabi who always kept him on his toes. But Dabi’s watchful and conniving ways had helped keep him sharp; something he direly need if he was to protect the Fourth's of this world.

“So when’s our next meeting?” Hawks asked, dully.

“You’ll hear from the Boss. Big things are coming so when or who you’ll met at the next exchange.”

“What big things?”

Toga shrugged. “Don’t know. So long as I get to have fun I don’t care either.” Her eyes focused, piercing his. “You shouldn’t care neither, Spy.”

Hawks opened his mouth to say that it was because he was a spy that knowing what was going was so important; but a large shadow flew overhead staying his words.

Hawks and Toga looked up. They were meeting a short ways outside of Traverseen Hall’s property line. With Traverseen Hall’s guarding Shedu on one side and patrolling Ilca on the other, most would've thought this area the safest, most protected place in the region. It wasn’t. In actuality it was a dead zone and regular meeting ground for illegal activity because the Shedu of Traverseen Hall were too focused on guarding the many buildings and acres within the property line, and the Ilca were too busy patrolling the surrounding towns, villages, and roadways. So why then had someone just flown over them?

Hawks looked back at Toga to tell her to go but she had already turned into a fox and was running off.

Though tempted to leave himself, Hawks waited. The guilty ran; and if the flyer was a member of the Ilca and doubled back, he certainly didn’t want to appear guilty.

Seeing a bit of color beneath the canopy of trees, Shouta turned in the air and doubled back. He expected to find the color moving in attempt of escape; but it hadn’t.

His eyes narrowed. Surely whoever was down there had seen him pass overhead.

Shouta growled. The trees were too dense for him to break through the canopy in his true form without taking the risk of breaking a branch or tree and harming whoever was down there.

With practiced efficiency, Shouta’s wings folded back. He plummeted, forelegs outstretched. As soon as his paws touched the top most leaves, he change into his human form and flipped in the air. Sturdy work boots punched through the canopy. His head ducked, bent arms coming up to shield his face from clawing branches.

Through the dense branches, Shouta gripped his piece. The coil of fabric around his neck came to life. Several loops shot out, wrapping around thick branches.

Shouta swung through the air, his capture weapon slowing his fall.

Hawks watched Shouta land several paces from him. What Hawks assumed was a carefully chosen distant that would allowed the Sphinx to react should he be attacked.

“Impressive. You sure know how to make an entrance.”

Shouta’s piece unwound from the branches and settle loosely around his neck. “Hawks. What are you doing out here?”

“I could ask you the same. Nedzu gave you two nights off.”

Shouta stared unblinking waiting for answer.

“Just needed some air.” Hawks lied.

Shouta’s eyes skimmed the area, unfazed that Hawks knew of Nedzu’s order. He was use to the Council keeping tabs on him. It didn’t surprise that Hawks, in the employ of the Council, would take the time to learn his schedule.

“This area’s not a safe place to get some air.” Shouta told.

“Really? Why’s that?”

Hands slipping into his pockets, Shouta’s eyes returned to Hawks. “Regular meeting spot for criminals.”

Hawks blinked, head pulling back in feigned surprise. “And here I figured this was the safest place outside of Traverseen Hall, what with the guarding Shedu and Ilca constantly leaving and returning from patrol.”

“A common misconception. Traverseen Hall’s properly line is a mile and three-quarters northeast. For your safety I suggest you return. It has the same fresh air as here without the risk.” Shouta turned to go.

“If I may, I’d like to ask you some questions about Teris.” Hawks called after him.

Shouta paused, shoulders tensing. Schooling his features, he turned back. “Sure. Feel free to make an appointment at with dispatch or the schools main office.”

Smart ass, Hawks thought. He smiled. “Or you could just let me ask them now.”

“I’ll keep an eye out for your appointment. Let’s hope I’ll have I free moment to meet with you before you and the Council Elder’s leave tomorrow afternoon.”

Hawks’ smile widened. “You hadn’t heard? Well, I suppose you wouldn’t’ve. I doubt Director Nedzu’s been informed yet.” His wings ruffled, feathers puffing. “I won’t be leaving tomorrow afternoon. I’m staying on indefinitely. So I’ll have plenty of time to in more of Traverseen Hall’s air, and make that appointment with you.”

13.4

Dinner had been a long, loud affair which had made Kai feel like a third wheel at his own table. What he had planned as an evening of the two most important people in his life getting to know each other and bonding over him had turned into Teris, Ryuu, and Hizashi telling jokes and sharing stories while he sat there and listened.

Kai wasn’t one to drink in excess but he certainly had his fair share of drink tonight. Lucky for him his dragon system burned through alcohol quickly or he’d be drunk. Instead, he was all too sober as the evening drew to a close and he led his guests to the door.

“This was such a pleasant evening. Thank you for hosting us, Kai, my boy.” Ryuu smiled, taking his coat from Hari.

Kai inclined his head. “It was my pleasure.”

“I didn’t expect to have so much fun.” Hizashi put in.

“I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” Kai forced a smile. “I’d be happy to have you over again.”

Hari’s eyes snapped to Kai. He couldn’t be serious. Surely having the Hybrid over once was enough to appease Kai’s chosen mate. Hari still didn’t understand why Kai was going through all this to win Teris’ affection. The woman should be honored to have Kai’s favor. The only reason Hari could fathom Teris wasn’t falling over, proclaiming herself unworthy was because she was a know nothing Foundling. Even so, it was an insult.

Teris caught the slight tension in Kai’s expression. She felt bad that he’d been left out at his own dinner party. It wasn’t like they’d purposefully excluded him from the conversation. In fact she, Ryuu, and Hizashi had continually tried to get him to participate. Kai was simply too proper to comfortably engage in raucous conversation.

“Maybe next time we can have you over at our place.” Hizashi invited.

“Or, we could meet somewhere else.” Kai said, thinking he wouldn’t be caught dead entering Aizawa’s Ilca dorm.

“Sure! That sounds great.” Hizashi beamed, oblivious to Kai’s reasoning. He took his jacket and looked to Teris. “We best get home.” He laughed. After only three months in this new world it was amazing how their dorm truly felt like home.

Kai tensed, looking from Hizashi to Teris. Upon his order Hari hadn’t brought her coat since he assumed she would stay a while after Ryuu and Hizashi left.

Teris saw Kai’s look. She knew him well enough to know he wanted her to stay a bit. Tired as she was, she’d rather avoid going home and seeing Shouta. She wasn’t up for another argument or the guilt that would come for having left him alone when he likely needed company and distraction.

“I’m— ah… —gonna stay a bit longer.” Teris told Hizashi.

Ryuu smiled at her and Kai. They would make a fine, powerful couple. With luck they would forge a true and lasting peace that healed the wounds their species had inflicted with the war. The Council said that’s what they were doing; but as a Council member himself, Ryuu could safely say they were nothing more than a group of cruel, paranoid authoritarians who formulated hypocritical laws in effort to force their brand of peace and fairness.

Well aware of his own faults, Ryuu had no trouble admitting to himself that he was part of the problem. He couldn’t count the number of times he had used, twisted, or purposed a law to benefit him or those he favored. Wrong as it was, it was how the Council's system worked. But just because he knew it was wrong and went along with it, didn’t mean he couldn’t hope for something better.

Hizashi blinked, ears lowering. He might've come to like Kai this night; but he still thought Teris and Shouta belonged together. Shouta would be at their dorm waiting for them. If he came back without Teris, Shouta's feelings would be hurt. It would drive Shouta and Teris into further arguments.

“Al—alright. If that’s what you want.” Hizashi said.

“I won’t be long. An hour or two at most.” Teris said.

“Well, be safe getting back.” Hizashi hugged her.

Even though the magical barriers and guarding Shedu made Traverseen Hall as safe a place could be, Teris hugged him back. “You too.”

Kai’s skin grew itchy just watching them. Filthy Hybrid. If Teris was always this affectionate with Hizashi, he should have her disinfected every time she entered his dorm. He couldn’t wait till they were companions so he could tell her to cease unnecessary contact with all hybrids. Or better yet skip being companions and be mated so he could order her to stay by his side or in their chambers so she’d never have to see or speak to anyone else again.

Ryuu stepped before Kai. “I’m leaving in the afternoon and probably won’t see you again.”

Kai nodded, respect and care for the Fourth that raised him welling in his chest.

“I hope it won’t be so long before we see each other again.”

“I feel the same.” Kai said.

“I take it you’ll continue to write.”

“Of course.”

Ryuu smiled. He wanted to hug the young Dragon that was more like a son than the sons he had lost in the war. But out of respect for Kai, he held back. “I’m proud of you, my boy.”

Kai’s head dipped. “Thank you. sir. That means a lot coming from you.”

13.5

Returned from his flight, Shouta entered the Ilca dorm. The place was dark and quiet. Too quiet; at least compared to the new normal of having Hizashi and Teris living there. He should've been happy. His dorm was empty and peaceful, the way it should've been. The way it had been before Nedzu had guilted and all but forced him to accept two Foundling’s as part of his Ilca. But he wasn’t happy or at peace. The dorm felt too empty and quiet.

Disgusted with himself, Shouta closed the front door and plopped on a couch in the great room. Shouldn’t Hizashi and Teris have been back by now? Just how long did a dinner party last?

You’d know if you’d ever been to one, Shouta sardonically thought laying his head back against the cushion.

Of course he’d gone to all sorts of parties. ...okay, maybe not all sorts. But Nemuri and Oboro had begged and bugged enough to make him attend several functions. Granted he usually arrived late and never stayed long enough to see them end, so he had no clue just how long these things lasted.

He sighed. He should use this time to work on specialized lesson plans for 1-A but after the long, trying day he just wanted to sit and relax. He had wanted to sit and relax with his Ilca. But Kai had ruined that; just as he and his kind before him had ruined everything in Shouta’s life.

The front door opened.

Shouta fought the urge to sit up and turn, forcing himself to stay put.

“Back already.” Shouta’s disinterested voice rumbled.

“Oh! Hey, Shou. What are you doin’ sittin’ in the dark?” Hizashi flicked on a light and closed the door.

Shouta watched him slip of his jacket as he came around the sofa to sit in the opposite one. “Where’s Teris?”

“Teris? Um…” Hizashi rubbed the flat of his chin. “She, uh… She decided to stay a bit longer.” At Shouta's darkening expression, he hurriedly added. “Just for an hour or two.”

“Is this what you call watching over her?”

“She-- I--”

Shouta sat up. “You said you would watch over her.

“I--”

The Sphinx got to his feet and made of his office. “Thank you, Yamada. It’s nice to know what I can trust my people with. I’ll remember this when need someone officially looked after.”

Hizashi stomped a foot and stood. “That’s not fair!”

Shouta looked back, eyes widened slightly in surprise. Hard as he was on Hizashi and Teris, Hizashi had never spoken back or raised his voice in disagreement.

Hizashi frowned. “You’re just mad cause you didn’t want Teris going to Kai’s and now she’s staying a few more hours and alone with him. Well that’s not my fault. What was I suppose to do? Argue with her? That’s your thing. Maybe if you were nicer and told her how you feel she would've stayed here instead of going to Kai’s, who for your information might be kinda posh but is a really nice and charming guy I don’t get why you hate him. Though I suppose you just decided you hated him without giving him a chance the way you do with practically everything.”

Shouta stared.

Hizashi gasped, slapping a hand over his mouth. “I’m sorry, Shouta. I didn’t mean all that.”

Shouta ignored the muffled apology. “What feelings do you think I need to tell Teris about?”

Hizashi blinked, hand lowering slowly.

“I have no feelings for Teris. She’s--” my Ilca, Shouta thought carefully not wanting any mistakes, “--my Ilca, same as you. There are no feelings passed that.”

“But…”

Shouta pinned Hizashi with a boring gaze.

“...right. Never mind. Sorry.”

Shouta gave a curt nod. “I got lessons to plan which need to be done tonight since I, unfortunately have a surprise for you tomorrow.”

“A surprise!”

Shouta winced at Hizashi's loud piercing voice. What had he been thinking? Was he a glutton for punishment? He had to have been possessed when he returned home and thought it too quiet.

“What’s the surprise!” Hizashi enthused, volume barely a decibel lower.

“Nothing if you don’t quiet down and leave me alone.”

Hizashi's head pulled back, ears lowering.

Shouta sighed. Hizashi may have been wrong about Kai. He was totally wrong in thinking he had feelings for Teris. But Hizashi wasn’t wrong about his needing to be nicer. It was just so much easier to be gruff and rude. It scared people away and kept him safe from growing attached and getting hurt. He had lost his pack. And though he didn’t remember their names and faces; he remembered the joy, love, and warmth. He still suffered the anguish of their loss. He didn’t want to chance getting close to anyone, afraid to have them ripped away like that again. He didn’t think he could survive it.

But like it or not, he had accepted Hizashi and Teris as his Ilca. It was wrong to always be so sharp and distant with them. He had to find a way to be nice and still guard himself.

“I’ll tell you when Teris gets back if you’re still up.” Shouta said, tone mildly softer.

“Okay.” Hizashi beamed.

13.6

Teris exited the washroom and pulled the towel Kai had carefully wrapped around her hair, wet locks falling free.

Kai grimaced as droplets rained down on her robe and the expensive area rug beneath their feet. It wasn’t the cost that bothered but the mess. His chosen mate needed to learn to take more care.

“Here, let me.” Kai held out a hand.

Teris pushed her wet hair back and balled up the towel. “It’s fine. I’m use to letting my hair dry on its own.”

“Then you could do with some pampering.”

“Kai. There’s no need to fuss.”

“You’re the one making a fuss, Beautiful. Now hand me the towel and sit down and turn around.”

Teris rolled her eyes and sighed but did as she was told.

Kai collected her hair. “There. Was that so hard?”

“Yes.” Teris played. She could feel Kai’s stare and turned, looking at him over her shoulder.

Kai raised a brow.

“No.” Teris admitted fighting a smile. She faced forward.

Kai frowned down at the top of her head. He wasn’t adverse to playful banter. In fact he had grown insanely jealous of the amount of inside jokes and laughter Teris had shared with Hizashi this evening. He wanted to have that with her. He wanted to be the only one she had that with. But first he had to be sure Teris knew he would always be the one in control. That she would respect and obey him in all things. Only when he was sure of that could he allow himself to be fully free with her. His cause was simply too important to let it be otherwise.

To others it might seem like harmless playful banter. But given his precarious position and aims, it could expose him and make him look weak; and weakness could mean death. Too many Fourth's were counting on him. The pride and continuation of dragon kind depended on him. His life and wants were not his own.

He might have picked Teris to be his mate. But there was still so much he didn’t know about her. He didn’t even know what species of Fourth she was, other than that she was a pack beast of ancient heritage. Despite his personal desires to form a connection as free and open as he had witness between her and Hizashi tonight, for the sake of his cause and followers he couldn’t do so until he was certain of her complete obedience and fealty.

“I didn’t realize you and Hizashi were so close.” Kai said, after a moment of towel drying her hair.

Teris shrugged. “Not sure if it’s cause of what we went though together after being found and brought here. But we kind of latched onto one another and became fast friends. He’s like a brother.”

“I’m glad you have him.” Kai said, surprise to find he actually meant it to a certain degree.

It couldn’t have been easy for Teris to be brought to Oblvi and learn another world existed. That the beasts, spirits, sprites, and demons she’d previously thought as mythical were real and she was one of them. Given all that, it was no wonder she was so close to Hizashi. No doubt her coming here would’ve been a lot harder on her if she’d gone through it alone. For that Kai was grateful for Hizashi.

Thinking of how she was a pack beast, Kai asked. “Did you have anyone close like that before you were found and brought here?”

Teris looked down, unconsciously picking at a hang nail.

“It couldn’t have been easy. Being discovered and taken from them.” Kai prodded.

Teris’ eyes unfocused. The memory of exiting a movie theater with her friends invading her mind like tidal wave.

The theater had been dark and deserted, a midnight showing the only time they could all meet up to drool over their favorite Hollywood hottie on the big screen. For those few hours she had forgotten about the scarred man who had been following her for nearly a week. That was until she had exited the theater to find him waiting outside.

The man had grinned, blue flames igniting from the mans hands. Being the first one to exit, Teris spun and shoved her friends back inside. With superhuman strength that she had later thought was from adrenaline before being brought here Teris bent the steel door frame locking the door in place. With her friends safely locked inside, she turned to run; but it had been too late. The scarred man was on her.

“Teris?”

The memory faded. Teris swallowed. Taking in a steadying breath she apologized. “Sorry. Can we talk about something else?”

“Sure.”

“Ryuu’s less scary than I first thought.” Not wanting to mention her interview for both their sakes, Teris looked back at him. “Thank you for giving me a chance to get to know him.”

“So you forgive me for planning tonight's dinner?”

“I wasn’t upset at you planning dinner. I was--” Not wanting to argue, she stopped herself and began again. “I’m glad we were able to be here to divert your thoughts from whatever today rehashed.”

Kai caressed her cheek. He had long ago bottled and buried the childhood fear he had over his interview and inspection; instead using the memory to spur his hate for the Council and fuel his drive for his cause. But it warmed his heart that she thought she had cared for him and was glad for it. “I did it for you.”

“Well I certainly needed the diversion, so thank you.”

Kai tenderly kissed her. Teris tugged at the back of his neck, deepening the kiss. Kai groaned. He wanted her on her back, robe off, now; but her hair was still a wet mess.

Kai straightened to his full height, breaking the kiss. “Face front and let me finish.”

“If this is your way of making me wait to further entice, it’s annoying and working.” Teris said as she turned her back to Kai.

Kai chuckled. “Nice to know you’re so easy for me, Beautiful.”

“Ha!” Teris huffed.

Done drying, Kai proceeded to brush her hair.

Teris’ eyes slipped closed. There was no clock in Kai’s rooms. At least not the three rooms she’d been in. But that didn’t matter.

She hadn’t lied to Hizashi when she said she’d only be an hour or two. At least she hadn’t intended to lie. At the time she had wanted to go home and sleep in her bed. But the soft domestic comfort she found with Kai, coupled with the haunting memories today’s events churned up, had her wanting to stay the night. She wondered if Kai would be alright with that.

Afraid to ask should he say no, she decided not to mention her desire to stay; instead choosing to wait and see if he asked her to leave.

Her scalp tingled, skin prickling. “Mmm… That feels good.”

Kai continued working as he bent, head coming beside hers. “See. I know what’s good for you.”

“You sure do.” Teris murmured, revealing in the bristles gentle rake over her scalp. “Don’t ever let me doubt you again.”

Kai smiled slightly, taking in her profile. “I won’t. I promise.”

13.7

Shigaraki entered the abandoned warehouse, the closing door doing nothing to stifle the stench of humans. Damn, he hated this world with a vengeance. Eyes adjusted to the darkness, he squinted, blue flames igniting on the towering loft.

“It’s common courtesy to knock.” Dousing his blue flames, the Salamander stepped off the loft. Long coat tails flapped behind his falling form. Heavy boots hit the damp concrete floor with a resounding bang. Dabi straightened. “Then again, you strike me as too ill-bred to know what the word courtesy means.”

“I will strike you for real if you don’t shut up.” Shigaraki said.

“I’d like to see you try, freeze-dried.”

Shigaraki’s eyelids fluttered, crimson eyes rolling. This was why he had stayed away from Dabi during their time here. He couldn’t fathom why his Master wanted the Salamander alive. Far as Shigaraki could tell Dabi was good for nothing other than getting on peoples nerves. Sure Dabi had been the one to find and capture Teris. But Dabi had lost her. And while Dabi’s flames were hotter and deadlier than most Salamander's; his wasn’t immune to his own fires heat.

“By this time tomorrow we’ll be back home and free these forced meetings.” Shigaraki told himself and Dabi.

“I’m thinking of staying on.” Dabi said.

“What do you mean?”

“Here. In earths realm.”

“You can’t be serious.” Shigaraki said, incredulous.

“Why not? Humans are so much fun.”

“Humans are disgusting, weak vile creatures who smell.”

“I know.” The scarred Salamander smiled, wickedly. “They’re so weak and smell so good.”

“Stay if you want. See if I care.” Shigaraki spat.

“You mean you’re not gonna try and reason with me, or say how my life belongs to the Master of All and I need to obey his order to return?”

“If our time together here has taught me anything, it’s that there’s no reasoning with you.” Shigaraki paused a beat, daggered eyes stabbing through Dabi. “And your life does belong to the Master. So if you want to forfeit it by disobeying, so much the better.”

“Well you suddenly became a whole lot less fun.” Dabi complained. “I’m glad we’re going home tomorrow.”

13.8

Teris slowly stalked through the forest in search of her prey. She caught sight of tail flicking behind a tree and charged. Her laughter resounded through the woods ruining the surprise attack.

Black wings spread from behind the tree trunk. In a flash of dabble grey and black fur, and whoosh of air her prey took to the sky with an echoing laugh.

Teris followed, chasing her new friend.

Hide and seek forgotten, a game of tag begun in its place. They flew and ran through the forest all afternoon. Swooping passed watchful guards. Racing around chiding adults. It was the best time Teris had ever had in her short life, and she never wanted it to end.

The sun was dipping low when a voice called for her. “Teris. It’s time to go.”

Teris skidded to a halt, the chasing boy running into her. She looked back at her friend then turned to her father. “Can’t we stay a bit longer, Papa?”

Standing with her new friends parents, her father shook his head. “I’m afraid not, Chickadee. Say your goodbyes.”

Teris took to the air with her father and their guards. She looked back at the mass of rock caves that was her friends home, watching him grow smaller the further she got.

“Face front, Teris. Always be looking forward.” Her father told.

With reluctance, Teris turned away facing forward. “Will I see and play with him again?”

A purring growl resonated in her father’s chest. “I hope so, my dear. For all our sakes, I hope so.”

The dream changed from forgotten memory to a rather forgotten nightmare.

“I hope for your sake you remember, little bird.”

“Remember what!” Teris cried, cowering away from the scarred mans blue flames. “I don’t know what you want. Please! Just tell me what you want. I’ll do anything. Say, anything. Please. Please. Just tell me what to say.”

“It doesn’t work that way, lion cub. If I knew these things, I wouldn’t need you, now would I.”

Teris trembled despite the searing heat. The man was going to kill her if he got what he wanted. At the rate things were going, he was going to kill her either way. How she had healed from the blue fires, let alone survived them was a wonder.

“Remember, Teris. It’s bad enough your very existence will rip apart the feeble peace our new overlords have made. If you don’t remember there will be war. You’ll be to blame for millions of deaths. Towns and cities will crumble and burn. Blood with stain the ground and flow in stream and sea. Do you really want to be the cause of so much death? Do you want to be what ends our world? Remember!”

Teris threw her arms over her head and pulled at her hair. “No!”

Kai jolted awake, face smacked by something. His fighting instinct died in the space of a rapid heartbeat. Teris laid naked beside him, restless and mumbling in her sleep. Sometime during the night she had shifted out of his arms; but that wasn’t what bothered him at the moment. No. It was the way her face was pinched in fear and pain. Her sweet lips pressed between her teeth biting them raw. Hands tangled in her hair, roughly pulling.

Kai firmly grasped her hands, staying their tortuous tug. “Teris.”

She moaned in anguish.

“Teris, you’re dreaming. Wake-up, Sweetheart.”

Teris’ eyes snapped open. She pushed against the person in front of her, trying to back away.

Kai’s arm wrapped around her, holding her fast. “It’s me. You’re safe.”

Her eyes cleared of the nightmares fog. “Kai.” She clasped his shoulders, needing something solid and strong to anchor to.

Kai’s arm tightened around her, the other smoothing her hair. “It’s okay. I got you. It was just a dream. You’re safe, here with me.”

Teris buried her face in his chest, fighting oncoming tears. She had woken-up alone in her chambers numerous times from nightmares about the scarred man. Each time she had broken down crying. But her pride wouldn’t allow her to do so with Kai. Even if it did, she still would've held back. Kai was stronger and just as proud as she was. Tears would likely make him uncomfortable and be a sign of weakness.

“You’re shivering. I’ll start a fire.” Kai propped up in bed.

Teris’ head jerked up, eyes wild. “No fire!”

At the same time as her plea, Kai’s amber eyes glowed. He blew out a puff of orange flames in the direction of the fireplace. The fireball flew across the room and struck a pile of wood set in the hearth.

Kai turned back to her. “I wasn’t going to leave your side.”

Teris’ trembling died down. It wasn’t blue fire. She wasn’t the scarred mans captive. She was free, and safe with Kai. Kai would never let anyone hurt her.

“I’m sorry I woke you.”

“Hey.” Kai’s hand cupped her face, attempting to lift it. “Look at me.” He commanded when she fought against him.

Teris slowly lifted her head.

“If you’re ever upset, distressed, or in trouble I want you to come to me. I don’t care what’s going on or what time it is, if I’m asleep or in a meeting. If I’m away on mission one of my Ilca will find me while other watches over you.”

“Kai--”

His hand gripped the back of her neck. “No matter what it is, you are to come to me. Understand?”

“Kai, I--”

“Do you understand?” Kai pressed, hand tightening a fraction.

Her eyes searched his. He was so handsome, gold eyes shimmering in the warm dancing firelight. He’s flames were nothing like Dabi’s cold, consuming fire. She could bask in his hold and comfort forever. But one thing she couldn’t do was say she understood. She was simply to proud and independent to agree to something like that.

She kissed him, letting her lips and tongue tell of her appreciation despite her refusal to accept.

Kai returned her hungry kiss. He knew full well what she was doing but couldn’t deny his quickly hardening cock. Not when her hot, naked body grooved against his. He would let it go for now. But the conversation wasn’t over.

“Let me take care of you.” Kai murmured against her lips.

“Kai…” For a moment she thought he was continuing to press the matter.

Kai rolled her onto her back, heated kisses moving to her neck. “Lay back and relax. Let me take care of you, Beautiful.”

Teris sucked in a stuttering breath, back arching herself up against him.

Kai breathed in her scent, nose gliding up her pulse point. “Still so eager and needy. And after I gave you how many orgasms this night? How many do I think I can give you this time?”

Teris’ hips rolled against his. “Kai. Please.”

“Patience, my Sweet.”

Teris mewled, lashes fluttering.

Kai’s lips pulled along the line of her jaw, trailing open mouthed kisses down her chest. “I’m going to take such good care of you.”

Her head lifted as he got to her stomach, realization dawning.

Kai’s honeyed eyes shined up at her over the expanse of her body. “Don’t worry, Gorgeous. I’ll give you my cock soon enough. But first, I’m going to enjoy a midnight snack.”

Next chapter is the Fall Harvest Moon Festival. Or, as someone on here called it, the Orgey Festival. lol

***This fic will have a LOT more world building than my others. Please feel free to comment or send me an ask if you have any questions.

Thank you to those who have left hearts. And a special thank you to those who have left comments and/or reblogged. They really mean a lot.

Special thank you to @inorganicone2230 who knows of my love for the mythic and encouraged me to start this fic without stressing about the other two I’ve got going. Your friendship means the world to me.

#aizawa shouta #kai chisaki #yamada hizashi #Hari Kurono #yandere #bnha #lost song

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sanemreid · 4 years ago

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tehlikeli oyun. — self para.

( feat. the spawn of satan elliott langham )

After locking up the studio — which hadn’t happened until a good little while beyond actually closing up for the day from classes and lessons, not uncommon for her to be the last one out whether staying late because of business related things, or simply to take advantage of the serene atmosphere to work on routines. Tonight’s reasoning stemming from the former — she’d popped over to her previous home in Goldfinch to asses a few things before officially putting it on the market. Would there have been a better time in the day to do this ? Probably, however this week proved to be busy for a myriad of reasons, thus for her this so happened to be the best allotted free moment, at least just to do an initial sweep. Luckily enough too her sister was out of town for a job so it could really just be a quick pop in. Regardless if she didn’t have a current ETA on the when she'd have it up for sale, more than likely after the wedding, she still wanted to be sure in the case anything might’ve needed to get revamped, it could get done sooner rather than later.

Truthfully though the place was in fairly as peak condition as it’d ever been since she lived here, plus the youngest of the Bayrak clan seemed to have the same trait of immaculate upkeep. The basement was probably the only feature that may need attention, seeing as it’d remained partially unfinished this whole time. Making her way downstairs after grabbing a forgotten item from the move into the manor, the plan was to raid the kitchen before actually heading home, when a knock resonated through an otherwise steady silence, halted Sanem on the second to last step. Weird. She’d hadn’t expected anyone obviously, maybe it was one of Damla’s friends, but wouldn’t she have mentioned she’d be gone. Maybe it really was old Edith coming back to haunt her. Brows furrow with a slight perplexity before continuing her movements, this time towards the entrance, another knock came halfway.

Opening the door – not fully – she was first able to catch a glimpse of the figure opposite’s profile against the front light, more features coming into view as he turned. There’d been an indistinct familiarity that the dancer was now trying to rack her brain over, all the while as his own vision landed on her a grin spread over his features that unnervingly could only rival the Cheshire cat. ❝ Sanem, hope I didn’t catch you at a bad time, ❞ Beginning with a tone that was saturated with far too much pleasantry, especially in the way her name fell. He knew her and yet she didn’t or — did she ? ❝ Mind if I come in, it’s kind of cold standing out here. ❞ Words fly in one ear and out the other as she continued to search for how and where she possibly knew him. Then like the cogs of a machine did the wheels start slowly clicking things into place, it might’ve been almost a year ago, but deep within her memory did she place him, outside the courthouse when she’d waited for Allison after a case. When she first laid eyes upon none other than the ghost himself.

Elliott fucking Langham.

Second passes when the realization hits, that she’s immediately moving to slam the door in his face, but is stopped before it can happen, his hand catching and pushes it along with herself, essentially shoving his way inside. ❝ Now that was just rude, here I thought we could just have a little talk. Guess there’s no need for formal introductions either then. ❞

Fleetingly stunned; she stood her ground just a short distance from him, almost rigidly on guard, arms crossing tightly over her chest. Attempting to keep calm though that bubbling ire was igniting beneath her skin, while he appeared rather cool and collected. ❝ Not sure what we possibly have to talk about — not unless it’s how you decided to force your way in here, ❞ A pause as dark hues narrow. ❝ Or maybe, you wanna talk about how you’ve been stalking around, making ominous phone calls like some d-list movie villain. Otherwise I suggest you walk back out the door and all the way to whichever hole you slithered out from. Better yet, straight into the ocean, please do the world a favor. ❞

One corner of his mouth twitched upwards, as if he merely felt amusement in every syllable uttered, smugness radiating the atmosphere around them. ❝ They were certainly right about you — you know you should be a little more respectful to the people who are supposedly about to become family, in what, a couple weeks now is it. ❞ nonchalantly his eyes dart around the interior as he speaks, inspecting, or more probably scrutinizing. All she could do was scoff, no surprise in the slightest to hear Rachel and Christopher were in the mix in conjuncture to him. Contempt curls on his features briefly as his line of sight returns to her. ❝ You’re a smart girl.. well, enough that I’m sure you already know what, or who, we need to discuss. I’ve been very considerate with Allison, letting her have her fun with — whatever this is, but now my patience is starting to grow a little thin. ❞

Again she hears his voice but she doesn’t listen, at least not anything beyond her partners name rolling off his tongue, sending a bristling sensation down her spine as embers ignite into full flames behind her stare. If only looks could kill. ❝ Don’t you ever fucking say her name again, ❞ She spat venomously first, a warning while she took a step closer. It may not have been the best idea to create a smaller gap between them, but the more her emotional level steadily rose, the less better judgement crossed through her mind. ❝ Let me be as clear to you as I was to them, there is nothing for us to discuss, much less my fiancée. I don’t care what kind of plan you have cooked up, or how you think attaching yourself to Christopher and Rachel like a parasite is gonna help and I’m just assuming you’re here because they ran and told you how mean I was to them at the gala. You won’t be getting anywhere near her again, I’m sure you’re smart enough to understand that. But maybe not, I mean really how pathetic do you have to be to resort to playing these games— ❞ One by one the words cascaded away from her like lava towards his direction, hoping to slowly engulf and vaporize his existence.

Perhaps if she hadn’t been so focused on that, she might’ve caught the shift in his demeanor, to an extent her proclamation was working, maybe too well. It happened in the flash, before she could even react to Elliott’s movements, one hand reached out easily to clasp around her neck. While she feebly attempted to pry his arm away, he kept firm, sending her backwards till she was pinned against the nearest wall, wincing a bit as the back of her head made a thud. Sanem could feel his palm pressing against her trachea, though not quite hard enough to cut the airflow. Glint of fear was overcast by a grim determination not to give him the satisfaction of seeing. ❝ Has anyone ever told you, you have too much of a smart mouth for your own good. It’s cute what you’re trying to do but it’s only making things more difficult, and that’s over now. You really think you and that little dance studio are good enough ? I know what’s best for her I can give her the life she deserves. Allison is just a little confused, and I’m simply here to remind her of that, how good it was before, how we loved each other. ❞ Possessively menacing did he spit back.

Snorted laugh involuntarily erupts from her throat, humorless – mostly at least, because was he being serious, did he not hear himself right now ? Judging from the expression though he certainly wasn’t expecting to garner that reaction. ❝ You really are warped, ❞ Retorting against a partly strained voice. ❝ That’s not love, you sadistic fuck, that’s control. Of course you don’t know the difference... all you ever did and keep doing is hurt her, but you won’t have that power over her anymore. She is so much stronger and better than you know.. threatening me is only gonna make her hate you more.. ❞

Now; if just stepping closer had been a terrible idea, then antagonizing him was surely an even worse call — made evident by his grip squeezing harder as soon as the last declaration left her mouth. Was he just desperate or truly unhinged, both seemed the most plausible. Sanem never considered herself a fighter, not in the physical sense, in fact anytime her fight or flight response kicked in it almost always veered towards the latter. Nor had never found herself in this sort of situation before. Though in the same vein, she wasn’t clueless or weak, and if that’s the assumption he’d been under, the it was one on the list of mistakes made coming here. Adrenaline rushed through her system, induced by a mixture of fear and fury, between the belittlement that came from him and the Hawthorne parents, but importantly the negligent grief they all imposed on Alli.

There was a futile attempt to pry his hand away, so in a less than thought out, survival instinct way, she reached out to grab his face, digging her nails in, before wildly kicking out a leg that made contact with some part of his body. Less than graceful but worked to release her as he stumbled back with a harsh groan, gasping for a breath while in the process of commotion did her temple managed to clip against a shelf. Hissing and silently cursing her choice of décor momentarily. Glancing towards him with sharp intakes of air, hazardous ire still beamed off both, but including her tempestuous emotional state, it drove Sanem to ball a tight fist and strike it across his face. Did the connection send an ache through her hand, yes, but it was worth it still. ❝ Stay the fuck away from us ! ❞ Shouting at the top of raspy vocals before taking the opportunity had to go for her phone sitting in the living room.

She’d fully expected him to be close behind, but managing to secure the device her line of sight peered up, frantically glancing around to find no one. Scrolling through the contacts, in the back of her mind ebbed the notion that she should call the lawyer — knowing she would have to tell her no matter what — but aware of the frenzy it’d only send her in at the moment. Instead tapping the next name to flash in her mind, who’d luckily lived in this very neighborhood now, Lily. Shakily putting the phone up to her ear, she took tentative steps back towards the entrance, Elliott, for all she’d been aware, was gone, leaving just an idly open door, and affrighted Sanem, in his wake.

#( self para. )#/ translation: 'dangerous game'#choking tw #violence tw #/ *blurryeyes emoji intensifies*#/ it got a little longer than i anticipated #/ tbh if you wanna get to the good part just skip the first like 3 paragraphs lmfao

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silvenys · 3 years ago

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*gaSps* YOU LIARRRRR

I KNOW IM THINKING AHOUT CHANGING MY GOAL BECAUSE I DONT THINK IM GONNA REACH IT FUCKING SCHOOL GETTING IN THE WAY OF MY GOODREADS GOAL THATS INAPPROPRIATE AND RUDE OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM TO DO TO ME

OH NO ITS OKAY ITS OKAY a new school would be absolutely horrendous I can see why and I’m sure friends are so confusing cause everyone already knows eachother and how lonely that would feel but at least you have all your cool and amazing online friends like me obviously and what about your other friends like the one that you came out to she seemed really nice, but is it cause she doesn’t go to your school? I guess you just have a lot of friends outside of school still? I’m not sure BUT YOURE GOOD RANT AS MUCH AS YOU NEED I DONT MIND IM ALSO DEPRESSED SO WE CAN BE DEPRESSED TOGETHER FOREVER TORTILLAS !!!!

I hate my school thanks for asking. I love my English class because we have been reading and annotating articles and writing summary’s about them and I enjoy that. Also I’m working on being a better writer so that’s good. I HATE US HISTORY AND I FEEL LIKE IM GONNA FAIL IT THEN NOT GRADUATE ON TIME IM SCARED ITS SO OVERWHELMING TOO and my other classes are horrible but that’s because it’s school and

ALSO A LITTLE RANT HERE schools really think they care about mental health and are like “put your mental health before school” NO BITCH IM GONNA FAIL MY CLASSES IF I DO THAT AND THEY REALLY DONT CARE BUT THEY SAY THEY DO

What do you need my brilliant advice about. My step by step advice by Tina ✨✨✨✨✨

i'm sly. 😎

IKR IR BUGS ME BECAUSE SCHOOLS ALWAYS BE LIKE 'oh read more' BUT DO THEY REALIZE IT TAKES TIME AND ENERGY THAT THEY DONT GIVE US

yeah heh new schools suck BUT YES THATS TRUE I HAVE YOU AND ALL MY AMAZINGLY COOL ONLINE FRIENDS oh idek i think it was just a one time thing because we don't talk anymore HAH NO I DONT i have three out of school friends one i'm not super close with and the other two are ignoring me YES THANK YOU DEPRESSED TORTILLA CLUB WHY THERAPY WHEN

TOGETHER FOREVER ITS RIA AND TINA *jazz hands* DEPRESSED!

oh that sucks :( OOH HEY AT LEAST ENGLISH IS GOOD AND YES WRITER TINA. IM SORRY HISTORY SUCKS IM SORRY THAT YOU FEEL OVERWHELMED AND I CANT SAY MUCH BUT IM HERE TAYLORS HERE AND YOUR GOING TO GRADUATE AND YOURE GOING TO PASS BECAUSE DO YOU WANT ACADEMIC VALIDATION OR NOT NINA but seriously don't burn yourself out are you using a good study schedule the ones that have ratiod break times with the amount of time you studied foe

IKR I KNOW THAT THEY SAY THAT THEY CARE AND MAYBE THEY DO BUT U SONT THINK THWY UNDERSTAND OR AEE WILLING TI HELP BECAUSE

so there's this girl who sits across from me on the bus and i'm planning on leaning over to her and ask if she has game pigeon and if she says yes i'm going to ask her to play since 'i forgot' my earbuds and if she says no i'll just say nvm and stare out my window I WANT TO DO IT BUT IS IT TI AWKWARD HOW WOULD YOU FEEL IF SOMEONE DID THAT TO YOU LIKE A SHY NEW LONELY KID IDK IDK I DONT WANT TO MAKE HER FEEL OBLIGATED

#tina #asks

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everything-withered · 5 years ago

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Here, have a sickfic. It continues on ao3, link below.

As a younger man Tony has woken up in bed with models, reporters, politicians, socialites, athletes and silver screen darlings of every variety. Before his Afghanistan wake up call, Tony had been used to being roused with teasing touches and sinful purrs, tempting him to stay a little longer, linger just a bit, one more round, c’mon, you know you want to…

But he’d been a younger man then, and now Tony wakes up to a refreshingly cold metal hand against his temple, and the Winter Soldier standing over him, accusing, “Your body temperature is wrong.”

And Tony would have Thoughts about this, but his head feels chocked full of cotton, and the retort comes out slurred, “What about it?”

Which is apparently the wrong thing to say because Barnes grunts, pulls his hand away, and turns to leave.

It’s so rude of him, seriously.

First waking Tony up, and then taking away the sweet relief of his cold mechanical limb. The audacity.

Tony huffs out a breath that feels scrapped from the very bottom of his lungs, and he shudders uncomfortably from the force of a series of uncontrollable coughs.

Oh – oh, no, I know what this is, Tony thinks with growing horror which is immediately followed by another curse that Barnes took his ice-cold hand and just up and left him in his hour of need!

Without the contrast of cool metal, the amount of heat pouring out of Tony’s pores is enough to make him dizzy. And because it’s making him dizzy – a dumb biological response really because he’s pretty sure he’s horizontal – It’s also making him nauseous and physically ill, leading to some truly pitiful groaning and moaning. It would be sexier in any other context except Tony’s pretty sure his bones are melting beneath his skin.

And the fact that he’s alone? Oh, cruel fate!

“Fri,” he wails, plying for sympathy as he flops over onto his back where the couch cushions are already damp with sweat. Disgusting. “What the hell happened?”

“You’ve been on a creator high for the past week,” Friday intones a little vindictively. “I’ve been trying to get you to take a break for days and you ignored me,” is the accompanying accusation, and Tony really really doesn’t need this right now.

“Fri,” he grunts, “I swear on Thor, I will send you to a community college, save the I-told-you-so for when I’m not dying.”

“You’re not dying, it’s a fever,” Friday informs, resigned. “You’ve been asleep in the workshop for the past four hours. I’ve already contacted Medical.” She pauses, then, “Also, Colonel Rhodes has a message for you.”

Tony wants to protest because he knows exactly what his platypus will say, “You gremlin.”

Turning his head reluctantly to find Rhodey glaring at him from a screen which he can’t be currently doing, actually, because time zones, and Rhodey’s very busy schedule what with the conference and Accord discussions, so Tony can at least comfort himself that this is a recorded message, but that does nothing to reduce Rhodey’s ire: “What part of you aren’t sixteen and anymore don’t you get? You have a heart condition, your lungs are shit, and you have a compromised immune system. When Friday says get out of the lab and go the fuck to sleep, she means it. I mean it. If I call again and you aren’t following doctor’s orders, so help me, I will fly back home and put you to bed myself.”

“No, don’t do that,” Tony complains to the screen, “I love you Gumdrop, but you have the worst bedside manner!” Though the actual reason is because Rhodey is a super important person, the lead Avenger in the new line up alongside Carol, and he needs to be at these meetings, and Tony can’t have Rhodey here playing nursemaid instead. “I’m fine, I’m fine! Friday,” Tony orders, wobbling on jelly legs, “tell Rhodey I’m fine, I got this all taken care of!” Which is, of course, when he loses his balance – if he’d ever had it – and almost brains himself on the table.

Thanks to Barnes coming back though, Tony doesn’t.

Instead, he finds himself in the crook of a metal arm belonging to the Compound’s one and only amnesic killing machine, a much safer option than the table and Tony’s losing fight with gravity, if he’s seriously considering immediate threats to his person.

Which he is. Obviously.

Despite popular opinion that he doesn’t have any self-preservation skills, it is an ability he practices always. Tony Stark’s middle name is Caution so of course, he’s aware of the dangers of his bodily weaknesses and Barnes’…everything.

He takes it all very seriously.

“Hello,” Tony sombrely greets his savior through the muzzy feeling inflating between his ears before patting Barnes’ cheek, and then trying to stand on his own.

This attempt does not go well.

So not well, in fact, that between one blink and another – but in Tony’s defense, it could’ve just been a really long blink – Barnes has him in a princess carry, and Tony would swoon if he didn’t immediately feel like throwing up.

It gets worse.

#winteriron #buckytony #who's been lovin' you good?

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sheerfreesia007 · 5 years ago

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Fallin’ All In You (Pt. 16)

Title: Fallin’ All In You (Pt. 16)

Pairing: Agent Whiskey x Reader

Author: @sheerfreesia007

Words: 2,109

Tags: @cosmo-bear, @two-unbeatable-beaters, @randomness501

Author Notes: So that ending? Yeah that ran away from me, was not expecting that so I hope you enjoy it. They’re both still being idiots and I love the loyalty that the reader still has Whiskey. Buckle up folks it’s gonna be a few more parts of bumpy angst. I hope you enjoy even if it’s not my normal fluff. Oh and the gif is my imagination of Whiskey’s face when he hears the reader talking to Ginger.

Gif Credit: Google search

You had retreated to your office after the fight with Jack in hopes to cool off. The anger that you had felt over his actions was all consuming and quite frankly a little worrying. On one hand you were trying to defend your friend Ginger Ale that you had known since you started in the lab. And while the two of you weren’t best friends like you were with Tequila or with Jack, you were still close and cared deeply for Ginger. That’s why you had gone to Jack to find out why he had voted no on her, and hoped to convince him to change his mind. To at least give Ginger a chance.

But that’s not what had happened. No what had happened was that you let your anger and confusion get the best of you and you had accused Jack of things that you knew were untrue now. The two of you had let the anger feed off each other and it had exploded into a horrid fight between you two. And now hours later you still hadn’t spoken to Jack and he hadn’t spoken to you either, it was disconcerting to say the least. You wondered absently if Jack had cooled off enough to talk to you without spewing out such unsightly hate like he had before.

You were flipping through the paperwork that had piled up on your desk over the past week when his repugnant words came back to you. Don’t be stupid. The words ran through your mind and you felt your stomach clench unpleasantly. Why don’t you go lollygag with Tequila? You’re good at that. You felt your skin flush completely with anger and embarrassment all over again. Your humiliation consumed you and you felt your ire rising yet again. Huffing exasperatedly you flung the papers and files onto your desk and reached for your phone. Swiping your finger over it easily you pressed Tequila’s contact and pressed the phone to your ear.

Moving over the wardrobe in the corner of your office you opened it swiftly and grabbed out a pair of workout clothes and set your phone down and pressed the speaker button.

“Hey Cur, what’s going on?” came Tequila’s happy voice over your phone.

“Hey are you at HQ?” you asked hurriedly as you began to change into the workout clothes.

“Yeah why? What’s going on? You okay?” Tequila asked worriedly suddenly. You smiled softly as you continued to change; Tequila could always read you no matter how little your contact was with him. That’s why you two worked so well together.

“No, I’m not okay. I had a fight with Whiskey.” You said easily as you fixed your sports bra around your chest.

“Wow, is that the first one for you two?” he asked conversationally. “I’m surprised it took you two this long to fight since you two are such strong personalities.”

“Yeah our first. And what are you talking about strong personalities? You do remember I was a timid lab rat right?” you scoffed as you checked yourself in the mirror that was on the inside door of the wardrobe.

“At first glance yeah you were but when someone got to know you your personality came out. It was when you were comfortable with someone that you showed yourself to them.” Tequila explained with a jovial ease.

“Anyway listen I need to burn some of this anger. Are you able to spare some time to work out with me? I need to sweat this out before I see him again.” You deduced to him.

“Yeah I can meet you in gym in about ten minutes. Sounds good?” he negotiated easily. You could hear him shuffling in the background and wondered if you had interrupted anything important.

“Yeah that sounds good. I’ll meet you there.” You accepted nonchalantly and hung up your phone quickly. Turning to the wardrobe you shut the door definitely. Slipping your phone into the arm band resting on your bicep you pulled your earbuds out and slipped them around your neck effortlessly as you walked out of your office. Smoothly you ran your fingers through your hair and dragged it up off your neck and secured a hair tie around your hair pulling it into a high ponytail.

Walking down the hallway you didn’t bother to spare a glance down towards Jack’s office. Your anger was still simmering underneath your skin and you felt with one reminder of him would bring it to the forefront. You hit the elevator button to go down and stepped in once it arrived. Your finger quickly jamming the lower levels where the gym and labs were located and you waited silently for the elevator to move. The elevator moved mutely and quickly and soon you were reaching the level where the gym was. Just as the doors opened you heard an irritable voice speaking out clearly.

“Can you believe it?! They passed me over yet again!” came Ginger Ale’s voice loud and clear to your ears. You felt your chest clench marginally at the reminder of why you and Jack were fighting. You felt sorry for your friend, you knew how much she had trained and the effort she had put into trying to become a field agent. And only to have it yanked away from you because of one man’s vote, it was infuriating. You stepped out of the elevator anticipating to go and speak to Ginger about what had happened again and explain to her that you had tried to convince Jack that she deserved a shot at it. But then Ginger opened her mouth again. “You know it’s because he’s intimidated by me.” Ginger began talking again. You stayed around the corner and listened into her conversation quietly. “It’s because I know he can’t please a woman and he’s worried that if I become a field agent that I’ll spread that around.”

Suddenly you felt your chest tighten in anger and your teeth gritted hard. How dare she. You felt your hands ball into fists at your sides and your breathing began to pant out. That wasn’t something she should be talking about with anyone let alone just because she got surpassed on the field agent position again.

“It’s sad really. Poor Curaçao, she’s so smitten with him that she doesn’t know he won’t be able to fulfill her like a man should.” Ginger said disdainfully to whoever she was talking to. You couldn’t let her smear Jack’s name anymore and you stepped around the corner agitatedly and let your eyes take in the scene before you quickly. Your training kicked in and you felt your mask fall over your face and body. Nothing would show how you were feeling towards Ginger and her companion.

Ginger stood a little ways down the hallway with a pretty medium height redheaded lab tech. They stood close to each other and were talking rather loudly in the empty hallway. Most likely so their voices would drift and others could eavesdrop. Just then you watched as the eyes of the lab tech standing with Ginger catch sight of you and widen comically. As Ginger noticed and began to turn to look over at you, you spoke up.

“You know what’s sad Ginger?” you asked haughtily as you moved down the hallway towards them at a slow even gait. The gym was further down the hallway and you would have to pass them anyway so might as well get this over with now while you’re alone with the two of them.

“What’s that Cur?” Ginger asked petulantly. You stopped to stand between the two of them in the hallway and you saw the shock run over both of their faces. They knew you as the timid lab rat that had worked down in the labs for just as long as Ginger had. They didn’t know as the coldblooded field agent that you had become over the years.

“The fact that just because you were passed over for the position you have to act like a child and spread rumors about other people. All because you didn’t get what you want, you’re throwing a temper tantrum.” You chided in a bored voice as you shrugged your shoulders.

“You’re kidding yourself.” Ginger scoffed rudely and crossed her arms over her chest. “I know for a fact that you and Whiskey haven’t done the deed yet. So what would you know?” she sneered at you in a churlish tone as she stepped to you in an intimidating manner. You could feel heart encompassing your body but you knew it wasn’t showing to Ginger, you wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of seeing a reaction from you.

“Doesn’t give you the right to smear his name.” you quipped in a bored tone giving her an uninterested look. “Besides what Whiskey and I do is none of your business or anyone else’s. And trust me he knows how to keep me pleased and that’s all that matters.” You stated coolly with a shrug as if what she claimed didn’t bother you and was false. Ginger’s face contorted in an unappealing scowl and she glared at you hatefully. You noticed out of the corner of your eye that the lab tech was pressing her lips into a thin line as she looked over at Ginger in mistrust.

“Hey ladies, is everything okay?” came Tequila’s voice over your shoulder and you looked over at him with a wide smile and welcoming eyes.

“Hi Tequila.” The lab tech simpered seductively to him and batted her eyelashes and you almost laughed out loud. “Oh yeah, everything is fine. Ginger just got something mixed up and Curaçao here just helped her with it.” She said firmly and shot a glare at Ginger. You heard Ginger’s sharp intake of breath and you felt gratitude towards the lab tech and nodded your head over to her with a smile. The lab tech placed a warm hand on your forearm and nodded back at you. Ginger huffed and shoved her shoulder into your as she stalked away from the three of you.

“Oh well that’s great. Hey Cur you ready for the work out session?” Tequila asked as he came to stand in front of you. You nodded up at him and turned to walk into the gym before him.

Jack couldn’t believe it; you had still defended him even when you were fighting. And you had protected him against Ginger Ale of all people. You were rightfully angry with him for voting no on Ginger Ale and you were probably still hurt by the disgusting words he had thrown at you before, and yet you had still had his back when Ginger was talking bad about him. You had even made Ginger look like she was lying about the rumors she was trying to spread about him.

As he stands there on the other side of the corner near the elevator he stares down at the ground silently. His mind is in awe of you. He’s only once had someone be his complete champion in his life. And that was Rosalie, his high school sweetheart, his wife, the love of his life. Jack felt like he had been punched in the gut. Suddenly he couldn’t breathe. His hand smacked out against the wall as he felt his mind whirling in confusion. Were you becoming his new Rosalie? His new love of his life? Was he prepared for that? Jack knew he loved you but he didn’t think it had reached the depth that he had with Rosalie back then. He had to leave, he had to get out of here and catch his breath.

Turning swiftly to the elevator he jabbed at the buttons in a manic gesture trying to get it to come down to him quicker. He fished his cellphone out of his pocket and dialed the secretary for his floor.

“Hey Grenadine? Would you hold any of calls and reschedule any other meetings I had scheduled today. I need to take the rest of the day off.” He said hastily into the cellphone as the elevator arrived. “No, no I’m just not feeling well and need to take the rest of the day off.” He explained smoothly so not to worry the all-knowing secretary. “Thanks Grenadine.” He said and hung up before stepping into the elevator and hit the button for the main floor so he could leave. He knew he had to get back to his ranch, that’s where he would be able to think this all through and let his lungs breathe. He needed to go home.

#my writing #fallin' all in you #agent whiskey #agent whiskey x reader #kingsman the golden circle

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neycrisbale · 5 years ago

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No Hiding Now *LeBron James Imagine *

===========================================================

~4 Years Ago

Pacing back and forth it seemed like time was moving at this unreal pace. That everything didn’t seem to actually be happening right now, sometimes people don’t realize that during situations time really does seem to play almost like a trick on your mind. And for those few moments where time is doing that becomes the worst moments of your life.

Amongst the silence that was happening it seemed like even when the phone rang signaling that the time had finished, seemed distant. Like it wasn’t of this time frame of life; like a portal had opened up just to allow the distant noise and then close.

We looked at each other then back at the floor. Keilia and I as I’d sat on the edge of the tub and her by the door staring at the object almost as if attempting to burn a hole into it. “Are you going to look” She spoke

I looked up from the floor, as a breath escaped my chapped lips. Taking steps towards the counter through my perception it made the walk longer like there was an extra hallway or flooring towards an object that was literally steps away.

Once I finally reached the counter (although it seemed like forever), I took a deep breath before opening my eyes and looking down. As I looked down no words came to my mind, no words escaped my mouth and everything felt panicky.

Sitting down my legs shook like a volcano about to erupt, my lips felt as dry as the air right before something major happens. “Hey Babygirl sorry to keep you waiting” His voice boomed as he entered the house, and this only made my heart rate pick up at just the thought of what I was going to do.

“Baby, you okay?”

I looked up at him, “Sit down LeBron” I said moving over

He watched me up and down looking to see if there was anything physically wrong that he could pick up from my appearance or the atmosphere. “What’s wrong?” He asked

Sighing I looked at him, for the past 3 years we’ve been together I’ve always seen his worried face it was split between concerns about myself, his family and basketball. I smiled a bit as I looked at him, “Baby, are you on your period why did your mood just change like that?” He asked placing his hand on my face

“Bron, I think we need to stop this” I said as the tears threatened to spill.

His eyebrows furrowed, “What?” He asked

I sighed, “I can’t do this anymore Bron, I don’t want to be a secret anymore. I’ve found someone, someone who won’t hide me” I lied

“Are you serious right now Y/N, I love you. We have something special-you said you didn’t care about that”

“LeBron please, I don't-”

“Nah! You know what fine go and do you”

That was the last thing he’d said to me before I watched his tall figure walk and disappear from my view.

~Present

“Saphie, can you please stop running around you’re going to run. into someone” I called out to the bouncing 4 year old

She looked back at me and smile, “I am sorry Mama”

Bending down I lifted up her grey fitted cap to fix her shiny curls underneath, taking in her features she really was a perfect mixture between the two of us. Her beautiful melanated skin that resembled her fathers, and her forever grand smile that lit up everything in my existence.

“Mamá que pasó?” She asked staring into me (A/N:Mommy what’s wrong?)

I looked at her smiling, “Y/N” Someone called out

The smile from my face slowly faded as I recognized the voice from behind me, and just like that time 4 years ago, it had felt like the time had slowed. Shaking myself from the shakiness of this timeframe I placed the cap back on Saphire’s head putting her behind me as I stood and stared at him.

I could feel as Saphire poked her head around to watch him up and down, “Mamá quien es el?” (A/N: Mommy who is he?)

He looked down at her as well, and there was something on his face that I couldn’t read. “Who’s this Princess?” He asks still looking down at her

Moving her more behind me, she squeezed my hand and I let out a sigh. “My daughter” I said

Cutting towards my direction he raised an eyebrow, “Your daughter? How old?” He questioned

“Why is this important, don’t you have things to do?” I asked rudely

From the look on his face it seemed as if he’d already had the answers he needed even, by me not saying much. His gaze was still on Saphire as she furrowed her eyebrows, and made a facial expression that was similar to his when he tried to figure out things.

LeBron chuckled, “I’ll see you guys around” He said before turning and leaving.

“Mamá someones at the door” Saphire said as she ran into the room

I looked at her, “You didn’t open it did you?” I questioned giving her a serious look. Quickly shaking her head she crossed her arms, “Tití Keilia said to come get you” She said

Pulling on a hoodie I took her hand and the two of us walked back towards the living room area, Keilia wasn’t in sight meaning that she’d probably went into her room. As I neared the door Saphire stayed by the couch, opening it I spoke, “Hel-”

My voice stopped working as my eyes worked to take in the sight before me. “What the hell are you doing here?” I asked

“Is there anything you’d like to tell me” He asked

Not turning fully to face Saphire I spoke to her, “Bebé ir pa la cuarto con Tití”

Saphire nodded her head going to the room, I didn’t let him in until I heard the door shut. “Why are you here LeBron”

“She’s my daughter isn’t she” He questioned staring down from his 6′8 frame to my 5′8. I didn’t answer him as he continued to speak, “Why didn’t you tell me anything? What happened to the other guy, is he alright raising another mans daughter? Did he not have questions about me? Does she not have any? How could you-”

He kept spit-firing his questions, one after the other and it was beginning to feel like they were never going to stop. “LeBron” I called stopping his question rant.

“Would you have let me keep her if I told you?” I asked looking up at him

LeBron didn’t seem to have an answer as he continued to look down at me. “She’s my daughter, I raised her with my family. And no she doesn’t ask about you she’s got me and that’s all she wants. You were so happy with being secretive, with hiding me and being with your family in the light where was my happiness supposed to come in?”

“I was an object to you, but you gave me a gift I will never take for granted. Why? Because to that little girl in the room, I’m her everything. Would you even have time for her?You have three other kids, three other futures to look forward to”

He let out a sigh, looking down at his hands. “Can I at least try? “

“Are you going to keep her a secret too?If that’s the case, don’t bother LeBron. Go on and live with your family because she’s got hers and she's okay with what she has”

“Mamá”

Both of our heads turned in her direction, a smile coming to my face. “Qué bebé?”I asked bending down to her height as she walked to my direction and eventually into my hands

“Tití is going to sleep” She said pouting

I chuckled, and she looked up at LeBron. “It’s the man from earlier” She said pointing

“Muñeca it’s not nice to point” I said

“Sorry Mama”

A smile had etched itself on LeBron’s face, “I’ll be right back” He said

I turned to look at him confused as he jogged down the driveway and came back. When I looked behind him, he’d had his two sons and daughter next to him by the time they reached the door again.

I raised an eyebrow, “They wanted to meet her” He said shrugging

The boys and Zhuri looked at Saphire smiles on their faces. “She’s really cute, Daddy” Zhuri said smiling

“What’s her name”

#LeBron James Imagine #Basketball imagine #NBA imagine #LeBron James imagines #Basketball imagines #NBA Imagines #LeBron James #NBA #imagine #imagines #posted #neycrisbale imagines

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thepeakyfckingblinders · 5 years ago

Text

Dēlīrĭum || Arthur Shelby x reader

⤠ MASTERLIST⤟

Anon requested: “Yay I love prompts! Okay; Arthur Shelby & number 16 from that beautiful list of yours. Happy writing! :D” ♡

Summary: n.16 from my prompt list: “Another’s hands on her skin” (Finn being my precious little baby, Thomas being both a caring “big” brother and an unbeatable bitch, as usual) Warnings: swearing, heavy drinking, cocaine use, mention of PTSD, angst, Arthur being softer than cotton candy

Author’s notes:

I just reached 168 followers, yay! I know it may not seem like much, but I’m shamelessly happy right know, thank you so much babes ♡

Lately I’ve been feeling like I’m letting you down, idk, I just can’t help but think that you’re not happy with my latest works; so, please, if what I think is true, tell me what’s worng and what’s right about my writing, take a minute to send me a message, I need actual feedbacks to understand how to improve my skills and grow ♡

If you want, take a look at this: ↠ Contāgĭo↞

I’m sorry for being this late, but I’ve been really busy in the past days and writing is never just easy, it demands concentration and effort, plus I don’t want you to be disappointed, so I’m always extra accurate while working. I hope this is worth the wait!

Probably, this piece is angsty, I don’t know why it came out this way, maybe because I’ve been very low in the past days, so I’m sorry if this is not what you expected. Anyway, let me know what you think about it ♡

I’m Italian, English isn’t my first language, so I apologize for every possible mistake I made. Also, please, help me improve my writing by telling me if there’s something wrong

ENJOY!

Dēlīrĭum [dēlīrĭum], delirii neutral noun II declension

1. delirium, frenzy 2. madness, lunacy, folly 3. rage, wrath, ire 4. unbridled desire, fierce passion

That familiar dense fluid inexorably dropped out of the crystal bottleneck, its dark stream harmonically danced, giving birth to an indefinite number of small whirlpools, before steadily falling into the compact glass held in Arthur’s trembling hand. His gaze followed the whole process with noxious attention, those few moments stretched out in his blue eyes, till it seemed like it took an eternity for the whisky to brim over his cup, and, during that distorted time, he somehow managed to find some numb peace, alienating his haunted mind from the thundering world around him. Nevertheless, when even the last drop run its course, that usual asphyxiating chaos, along with his compulsive thoughts, returned to fill his ears, destructively afflicting his brain again. That had been a long rough night at the Garrison, and finally, nearly at the crack of dawn, he was allowed to seek a little solace by sitting alone at the table in their private room and downing his umpteenth glass of liquor, yet no relief came for him as he couldn’t help but think about his only excruciating obsession: you. Your mother had always been Polly’s closest friend, for which reason you practically grew up around the Shelbys, easily becoming part of their family since you truly loved all of them like your own siblings, and they just felt the same way about you; however, it turned out to be even easier for you to mercilessly steal the callous heart of their oldest brother. Indeed, Arthur had been madly in love with you for as long as he could remember, what irreparably bound him to you was such a strong feeling, that the cruel war itself hadn’t been able to weaken it, not in the slightest; still, after all those years, he couldn’t find the guts to come clean about his incommensurable affection for you. Actually, the mere thought of telling you the truth terrified him: every time he looked in the mirror, he only saw a rude, pathetic man unworthy of a wonderful, sweet creature like you, he knew he could never give you what you really deserved, he knew he just was not enough, and he definitely hated the idea of making you unhappy by forcing you to remain stuck with such a wreck for the rest of your life. Anyway, during that long time, he had learnt how to cope with his difficult feelings, he had gradually become able to hide them, eventually finding a way to stay by your side without going crazy; but that night, when you entered the pub holding hands with an unknown bloke, when he noticed the way you smiled while looking into his brown eyes, every single piece of his frail soul fell apart all over again, leaving him devastated and close to a new mental breakdown. Once more, his chest seemed to unnaturally collapse under the weight of that terrible realization, pain radiating through his whole body as he tried to get rid of that dreadful sensation by slightly shaking his head. Yet, nothing changed, everything in that moment felt just like a flashback of the war, the booze together with that deep sorrow were dangerously tricking his mind, leading him to hear inaudible noises and sense inconsistent hands strangling him almost to death. Still partially aware of what was going on in his brains, and eager to break free from those mental chains, he inconsiderately took from his pocket the small blue ampoule Finn had given him, pouring its deadly white content on the table and hastily cutting it, before he could inhale the Tokyo with such violence that, soon after, blood started to fall from his left nostril. Arthur stood there for a while, in religious silence, with his wide eyes turned at the ceiling in a mute prayer to that God who had apparently forgotten about him long before that day, nevertheless he prayed for the world to stop wildly spinning around him, and when nothing happened, again, he couldn’t hold back his deleterious ire anymore. Before he had the chance to realize what he was doing, he found himself rabidly throwing the massive wooden table against the closed door, along with its four chairs and several empty bottles, his palms now covered in blood and wounded by uncountable glass shards. In the meanwhile, the main salon of the Garrison was occupied only by Finn and Isaiah, busy playing cards and drinking beer, excited to be finally allowed to stay up late at night, yet, as soon as that loud crash reached his ears, Finn dropped everything without a second thought and, utterly immersed in a blind panic, he promptly run towards the blinders private space, for his mind was already picturing the worst possible scenario. The youngest Shelby used all his strength, he kept kicking the barred door and ramming into it, until he knocked it off the hinges and barged into the room right away, finding Arthur alone in the middle of the place, crimson drops rolling down his fingers and a disoriented look on his tormented face. “Jesus Christ, Arthur! What happened? Are you okay?” Anxious breaths left the boy’s lips as he swiftly approached his brother, paying attention to avoid that mess made of sharp splinters and jagged pieces of wood, he meticulously checked that no serious harm had occurred and soon sighed with pure relief, still, when he tried to fraternally place a hand on Arthur’s arm, an impetuous shove threw him against the opposite wall. “Go away, Finn! Get the fucking out of here!” Still dazed due to the violent collision, Finn simply looked at him for a brief moment, he was beside himself, foaming at the mouth as he took dangerous steps in his direction, thus the young man managed to get back on his feet as fast as he could and escape that room without a backward glance. Anyway, he didn’t get to walk past the doorstep, because his face unexpectedly came in contact with Tommy’s chest; apparently, the middle brother had abandoned his accounting ledgers, alarmed by those same loud noises. “You’re the only one who can do something, I-I tried to help him, I tried! But he wouldn’t let me, p-please...” Tom lovingly gave him a pat on the shoulder, bringing his restless rambling to an end and flashing him a sympathetic smile, before he gently smacked his freckled cheek two times as a sign of gratification. “It’s all right, kid. You did good, go home now, eh? I’m taking care of this” Finn nodded keeping his eyes down as he rejoined Isaiah in order to leave the pub, Thomas, instead, just leaned against the doorframe and calmly lit a cigarette, while his sceptical gaze remained on Arthur who, on the other hand, keeled over the floor with both his hands covering his face. “Would you mind explaining what the bloody hell is going on?” Tommy’s stoic tone didn’t change a shade as he greedily sucked down the bleak smoke and watched his sibling squirm on the ground, screaming out all of his frustration. “It’s y/n, Tommy! It’s always been her” His voice cracked for a few moments, overwhelmed by a cry bereft of tears. “I-I can’t bear to see another’s bloody hands on her skin, Tommy, I just can’t. This... she is- she is driving me insane, brother!” Arthur’s fists collided multiple times with his own face as he continued to desperately alternate heavy sobs and gruesome wailings, until Thomas reached for him, roughly lifting him up by harpooning his jacket collar, he managed to get him to stand up, more determined than ever to put some sense back into his dizzy head.

“Hey!” His hoarse voice raised and he buried the fingers of his right hand in his brother’s cheeks, so that the strong grip on his face obliged Arthur to look into Tom’s stern icy eyes as they brutally delved into his tormented conscience. “You are Arthur fucking Shelby! If you want something, you fucking take it, because you fucking can!” Those words left Tommy’s mouth in a proper roar, still they were not enough to fix that tragic situation, in fact, a couple of seconds later, Arthur reacted to that sudden assault and violently pushed him away, before going back to cover his face with his palms, in attempt to shut down all the demons riddling his mind. “She doesn’t love me! Don’t you get it? She never will, goddamn, look at me!”

A loud husky laugh echoed through the room, leading Arthur to raise his head, glancing at Thomas in disbelief. “Are you laughing? You ‘fucking laughing at me?!” Before Arthur could physically attack him, Tommy stopped his laughter and cleared his throat, it was impressive how, in a single instant, he was always able to get his usual severe expression back. “Yeah, I’m laughing, Arthur. I am, because y/n’s been dying for you since the bloody first grade, that girl’s been trying to get your attention in every possible way” Tom’s index finger menacingly pointed at his brother’s chest while he kept shouting in his confused face “And she started dating that cunt since she was sure you would’ve never fancied her, ‘cause she’s fucking blind, just as you are! You damn idiots!”

Arthur’s blue eyes unrealistically widened in shock as his bran processed that absurd load of information, he started frenetically walking up and down the room, diving his fingers in his long hair in order to relax a bit.

“She is... Is s-she... Oh my fucking God! I need to see her, w-where is she, Tommy? Did she leave with that prick? I swear I’ll cut his hands off if he dares touch her...” The influence of cocaine on his brain was made clear by his frantic delirium, he kept bouncing from one place to another with a look halfway between enthusiastic and frightened, so that Thomas had to stop him by slightly poking the sweaty back of his neck in order to have his attention again. “She’s at Polly’s with Ada. They’re probably drunk, but so are you, now just go and take what’s yours, for God’s sake!”

@namelesslosers, @shadow-of-wonder

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