#i keep giggling about ‘orphan: yes (killed own parents)’

[trans-girl-uchiha-itachi]

sorry to everyone both irl and on here who has been subjected to my itachipoasting; he makes me feel every human emotion and also some shrimp emotions

(character sheet template by @bitegore, blank image under the cut)

[youreyeslookliketheocean]

youreyeslookliketheocean’s DSMP Fic Recs!!

Figured it was about time for one of these... :)

Mostly SBI-centric because they’re my favorite dynamic. I’ll probably add to this list as time goes on, and I also want to go back through my ao3 history and find some lesser-known fics I really enjoyed to rec them all. But for now...

* oneshot  ** unfinished work

** the lights go out (my heart goes still) by curseworm

With his old home unwelcoming and his new one gone, Tommy is alone. After hours of staggering through the freezing snow, he finds a cabin.

Technoblade’s cabin.

He hides himself away in the deepest corner he can find, taking only what he needs to survive, wasting away in the cold and the dark. He’s petrified at the thought of being found out, terrified of what he thinks Techno would do to him.

When Techno finds his injured teenage brother huddled in a filthy little cave beneath his basement, the rage he feels is immeasurable. The voices demand blood, and blood he will give them. Dream won’t be getting away with this one.

(On the other side of the world, in a country that floats on a man-made lake, Philza gets himself in a bit of a pickle.) 

** The hearth down under by Crystalquill

A tiny change gives Tommy the courage to flee to the Nether instead of the cold tundra, finding an unlikely ally in the midst of a fiery hellscape.

But tiny changes can alter the course of history. The SMP will never be the same.

(Lots of cool Nether worldbuilding in this one!!)

to be a wanderer, wandering by hydrangeasheart

Tommy's feet drag in the snow.

It's so, so cold. He's so cold. His toes are freezing. His exposed shins feel like they’ve been cut open-- even the one that’s bandaged. His wings have gone numb, which is almost, almost good, because now he can’t feel the shifting, broken bones inside of the left one, just under feathers and muscle.

He doesn’t know why he’s still walking.

-

Or, Tommy leaves the exploded ruins of Logstedshire behind, and walks until he finds somewhere safe.

And things keep going from there.

(A canon-divergent AU, splitting off somewhere around when Tommy started hiding out below Techno's house.)

that’s, like, a hundred miles by No_one_you_know (and then “as long as i’m here”, and “he’s my brother, i just raise him”)

Dream would kill him. Dream was going to kill him- he was going to- no, he wouldn’t. Dream was his friend- friends don’t hit each other- Dream was supposed to take care of him- Dream /was/ taking care of him.

It hurt to breathe. It hurt to think. He couldn’t clear his thoughts as he stumbled to the family computer, pulling up a tab on google and frantically typing the name into the search bar.

The words Technoblade Watson stared back at him, the little black bar at the end of the letters blinking slowly, mocking him.

Why, of all people, did it have to be Technoblade?

in short: the one where dream sucks as a parental figure, tommy runs away, and visits his least favorite family member technoblade.

passerine by thcscus(blujamas)

Do I really need to put the summary here? Pretty much everyone knows this fic. Also, though, if you enjoy this one you should totally read thcscus’ connected fic, “shrike”!! It’s only at 2 chapters right now but it’s already really good and has this dark, foresty aesthetic I love...

not with a bang but with a whimper by dip_dyed_ghost

He knows Tubbo doesn’t care about him anymore. He knows that. He’s been shown that. But it doesn’t stop Tommy from caring about him. He brushes the pads of his fingers over the compass’s glass and wonders how he’s doing, if he’s tired of it all yet, if he needs help. He watches the way it points strongly in the direction over the ocean. He hopes he’s alright.

Even after everything, he hopes he’s alright.

During his exile, Tommy finds a drugged and hurt Tubbo on his doorstep. He can’t not help him.  

(This one has a neat take on potions, in my opinion. Also it’s only 4 chapters so it’s a quick read!)

take this compass, follow it home by lightning_anon

Tommy's a fuck up, he can't pay attention, and never sits still. He taps his hands, pushes people away, and has never had a best friend. He's a screwed up, forgotten kid lost in the foster system. He's also just been placed with a new family. Tommy knows how this goes, he never ends up staying long. After all, no one wants a fuck up like him.

Why would this house be any different?

Or: the obligatory sleepy bois foster fic, but with a focus on the neurodivergent kids that inevitably get lost in the system.

(Genuinely want to see more books like this in original fiction. It’s part of what inspired my newest og wip, “To Build a Home.” So sweet and I feel like I had my eyes opened to some neurodivergent tendencies I never knew existed. I read this in a day and can’t rec it enough.)

bloodlines by youreyeslookliketheocean

Tommy’s an orphan on the run from his previous guardian. Philza’s a king who prides himself on keeping his kingdom in an era of peace. Wilbur’s the crown prince, and Techno’s right beside him as his adopted brother. When Phil’s kingdom of Pogtopia is threatened by the bloodvines—a strange, brainwashing plant infecting many of the surrounding kingdoms—the four must work together to keep the kingdom, and their family, safe. --- A royal au sbi fic... + the bloodvines, for spice.

(Yes I’m self-promoting. But, in my defense, I’m very proud of it. If you checked it out it would mean the world to me :’))

Heat Waves by tbhyourelame

Dream has always held a gentle admiration for George, but when their nuanced friendship trickles into his sleeping mind, he awakens to a new world of conflicting emotions and longing. Lost in the midst of a heat wave, he continuously listens to a song that works itself in to the very core of his heartache. Floridian nights, unsent messages, spiraling infatuation, and terrible, terrible weather.

Another fic I think pretty much everyone knows about. Listen, listen... I was once an idiot who said “Oh no, I’ll never read Heat Waves. It’s irl, not characters, and it’s probably cringe”... No. I was so wrong. This fic is wonderfully written, with a pretty quick moving plot and great characterizations. You do need an ao3 account to access it, though. Just to let you know. (Also read “Helium”, unfinished and hasn’t updated in awhile, but it’s the continuation). 

Guitar Strings and Keyrings are What it Takes to Build a Home by Anonymous

Techno was adopted by Phil when he was 12 years old.

He'd been enjoying his morning before Phil came to him asking if he would mind them taking in another kid. Against his better judgement, Techno agrees and ends up with two new foster brothers who he was determined to not get attached to, no matter what.

Tommyinnit’s unbeatable method of avoiding sudden death by eneliii

“I uh,” Tommy starts, not knowing how to break this to the hero lightly. He hates to be the bearer of bad news. “I think your powers are broken? It’s not a bad thing of course, but like, I swear you tried to mind control me and it like, totally failed. Which is fine, honestly, don’t feel insecure. Everyone’s power stop working sometimes… I think.”

Sheesh, this is very awkward. Why is no one else talking? Why is Philza looking at him like he grew three heads? Why is the Blade staring at him so intensely? Why is Willow still frozen?

“Did I, did I hit a nerve? Yikes,” Tommy hisses, “Well um,” He steps back, bracing his legs and bending his knees, “This was like super fun, but I’m - I’mma head out.”

or,

in which Tommy manages to annoy the hell out of Phil, Techno and Wilbur by being both impossible to catch and irritatingly endearing.

or or,

a crack fic where Tommy is a vigilante and Phil, Techno and Wilbur are the heroes hunting him down.

(Feel like I am obligated to say how incredibly funny this fic is. Seriously. I have a distinct memory of sitting on my neighborhood park’s swing, giggling hysterically, while reading this. Well...until the end... but we won’t get into that...)

** bones in the ocean by bunflower

“Your reputation precedes you, y’know.”

“Does it, now?” Philza watches him coyly from where he’s now leaning against the wall, arms folded around his chains and gaze half-lidded, his lips curled in an arrogant, cat-like smirk.

“The Angel of Death, the ferryman of the Styx, the terror of the western seas. One of the most feared captains ever to sail, and yet, I have to wonder… how did a man like you end up all on his own? We searched the area where you were found—not another soul in sight. So,” He fixes him with a long look, allowing the silence to hover like a dark cloud, the words rolling off of his tongue with all the venom and smugness he can muster, “—tell me, Philza. Where is your crew?”

OR: Technoblade is a naval captain, and Phil his unwilling prisoner. Somehow, they manage to come out of it as friends in the end.

(Is this fic considered popular like passerine/Heat Waves now? Cause I feel like it’s reputation precedes itself, at this point... Pirate au.)

****

Okay! That’s it for now. Like I said, though, I want to add to this over time and also dig back for some older things I’ve read. Also, if you have any recs feel free to send them in! I’m about to go back to school and therefore might not have time for reading fun stuff, but whenever I get the chance I’d love to check them out!!!

Happy Reading!!

[i-have-a-wonky-eye-too]

A Princess. A Queen. A Wife. A Mother.

Medieval AU

Princess Y/N Stark of York New must marry a man chosen by her brother, by the time she is 21. Her brother's council have the perfect man in mind, one that is terrifying and hell bent on having his Queen. But Princess Y/N's heart belongs to another, and luckily so does her hand in marriage.

'A princess is far more powerful than a king, my love. You have the power of merging families and kingdoms. You have the power of carrying hopeful heirs to the throne. You have more power than you know...'

Bold italics are flashbacks.

Series warnings: swearing, medieval views on women, arranged marriage, smut, bloodshed, violence, 18+ readers only

Part warnings: none

~~~~~~~~~~

Part 1

Sometimes you found yourself wondering if you were living the life you should be.

You never had the chance to build a relationship with your mother, a relationship you were desperate for the older you grew. During childbirth due to her age and complications, she passed away. And for that reason, your father couldn't stand the sight of you. You were his second child and a girl no less, there was no need for you or the loss of his beloved wife and Queen.

Although your father died when you were just five years old, the most part of you was glad of it. You had hardly any memories of him, but you were certain you were unhappy in his presence.

Your older brother and Crowned Prince of York New, Tony, reassured you daily that your father did love you but you never quite believed him. Even when Tony had been crowned the King of York New, you were unsure he was telling the truth. You knew your brother loved you, unlike your father, it showed in his brown eyes that he did.

"It's just you and I, Little Princess." Tony smiled lovingly and softly at you as he brushed away your fallen tears.

You sniffled, burying your face in his chest. "A-Are... Are you... you, go-going to sen-send me a-away?" You sobbed.

Tony sat back on the cold stone floor of the throne room and pulled you into his lap. "No, Little Princess, no! You're going nowhere, you hear? I need you by my side. You're my Queen." He whispered pressing a kiss to your forehead. "You and me, okay? You and me."

~~~~~~~~~~

Years and years of Tony's rein passed by before you knew it, but Tony kept his word. You were by his side. Even when his advisors or council tried to have him send you away, he made it clear that you were going nowhere until you were 21 years old.

Even when he took under his wing a young orphaned boy, Tony made it clear you were staying put.

The kingdom was in chaos. There had been a attack the castle and surrounding villages, but your armies were stronger, powerful, and mighty. You had been locked away in the highest tower to protect you whilst your brother fought bravely alongside his men. They fought day and night, long into the following day.

By the time word was sent for you to be taken down to the throne room, you were fast asleep.

"Princess Y/N," A soft voice whispered as you were shaken awake.

Your small eyes blinked open and looked upon the face of the guard that had been assigned to looking after you. "Happy?" You yawned, rubbing the sleep from your eyes.

Sir Hogan, or Happy as you called the slightly grumpy man, chuckled softly. "Come, Princess, His Majesty as called for you."

"Tony is safe?" You jumped up, running for the door.

You ran as fast as your little eleven years old legs would take you and didn't stop until you reached the large wooden doors of the throne room. The guards opened the door barely in time for you to dash through them.

"Anthony!"

Tony grinned as he bent down and scooped you up in his arms, hugging you close to him as he held the back of your head. "Little Princess, I'm happy to see you."

You giggled pulling back and looking at his scratched and bruised face. "What took you so long?" You pouted.

Chuckles from the King's closest friends and Knights echoed around the room as the man himself placed you back on the floor. "My apologies, My Queen." He bowed to you making you grin. "I have someone for you to meet."

Your brow knitted together, "Oh?... the head of your enemy?"

More laughs echoed as Tony rolled his eyes as he stood. He held his hand out towards Sir James where a little boy about your age stepped out from behind him. "Princess Y/N, I'd like you to meet Peter... We're going to look after him." He smiled.

Your eyes widened a little. "... He's a boy." You pouted.

Tony nodded, "He is."

"You're getting rid of me, aren't you?"

The young boy gasped, shaking his head. "Don't be silly, Princess. Everyone knows you're not allowed to go anywhere."

You scowled at the boy. "I'm never silly..." You folded your arms and looked away.

Sir James rolled his eyes with a scoff. "Definitely your sister." He muttered so only the King could hear.

Tony shot his friend a glare. "Little Princess," Tony knelt in front of you. "This boy's family was... killed. He had no parents already, but his Aunt died tonight. There was no one left to look after him, the village was, practically destroyed... What would you have me do? Send him away? Let him die?"

You let out a sigh, looking back to Peter. "Do you like horses?"

He nodded, "I like swords too."

Your eyes lit up. "What about bow and arrows?"

Peter nodded, "I'm the best." He said triumphantly, crossing his arms over his chest.

You scoffed, "You haven't seen me, yet."

"Oh, yeah?"

"Yeah."

~~~~~~~~~~

As the years rolled on, your friendship and bond with Peter only grew, as did the council's worries. They decided it was time Tony took a wife and gave the kingdom a Queen once more. Another feeble attempt of them trying to have you sent away. 'It's time you had an heir, there's no need to have the Princess here.' And as he always would do, Tony told them no. You were still the rightful heir to the throne whilst he had no Son and Heir.

You loathed this part of the evening, where one man tried to up the other with gifts, all to impress the King and make himself look superior to others.

Tony leaned over the side of his throne and nudged you, "Look happy, it's your... cow statue, birthday gift." He mocked the gift currently being presented to you, just as bored as you were by the process.

You lowered your face towards your lap and bit back your giggle.

"His Royal Highness, Prince Steven of Brook," The court announcer introduced the next person to present their birthday gift to you.

"King Anthony, Queen Virginia," The blond-haired Prince bowed before you.

"Prince Steven," The King and Queen greeted their friend, happy to see him after so long.

"How are you this evening, old friend?" Tony smiled.

Prince Steven smiled in return, "Very well, thank you, Your Majesty. How are you?"

Tony nodded, "About ready for another drink," He breathed out glancing down to his empty cup.

You let out a small snicker trying to keep up your ladylike facade, knowing Queen Virginia or Pepper as she was known to her close family, would scold you for being improper.

Prince Steven turned his gaze to you and bowed again, "Princess, may I say you're looking breathtakingly beautiful tonight," He teased, knowing how flustered you could get.

You smiled through your blush. "You do flatter me, Prince Steven."

He let out a soft chuckle. "May I present to you my gift?"

"You may,"

Prince Steven nodded and turned his attention to the servant waiting patiently. He took a velvet square box from the young boy and approached you. "Happy Birthday, Princess." He smiled softly at you as he handed you a box and took your hand in his and bowed to you. "I hope you find it as beautiful as I do. My only fear is, your beauty will outshine and render it ugly." He pressed his lips against your knuckles and made you blush once more.

"You're engaged, remember, Prince Steven," Tony teased, glancing over to the brunette woman who was watching the interaction like a hawk.

"Anthony," Queen Virginia scolded your brother from his other side, putting a smile on your face.

"Please ignore my brother, Your Highness... Fool," You hissed playfully at the King beside you, making him chuckle.

Prince Steven stepped back with his hands up to show no hard feelings. "I know what His Majesty can be like, Princess." He chuckled softly, "Please, open your gift, and ignore his Royal Majesty the fool." Prince Steven grinned mischievously.

Tony scoffed dramatically, making you giggle before you opened the velvet box carefully and immediately gasped, "Oh, my," You ran your fingers over the beautiful necklace that laid inside.

"Prince Steven, this is most beautiful." You smiled, memories of your first time in Brook rushing back to you.

Prince Steven let out an audible sigh of relief. "Is it the same colour? As the sea in Brook."

You nodded, looking up to meet his waiting gaze. "...Yes. Thank you,"

Prince Steven smiled, "You're welcome, Princess. I'll allow you to get back to your other guests." He bowed again, "Happy 16th Birthday, Princess," He whispered before he left to be by his fiance's side.

The guests continued to present their gifts to you and the King, and although they were all unique and beautiful in their own way none were as beautiful and meaningful as Prince Steven's.

"His Royal Highness, Prince Brock of Lower East,"

Your blood ran cold and the great hall fell silent at the mention of that man's name. The dark-haired Prince smirked as he approached you, his hands clasped behind his back.

"Your Majesties," He bowed (if that's what you could call it) to your King and turned his attention to you. "How beautiful you look tonight, Princess Y/N."

You held your head high keeping your gaze fixed ahead of you. "Thank you,"

Prince Brock turned his attention to Tony, "I do hope you've taken my request into consideration, Your Majesty."

Tony's brow knitted together. "There's no need, Prince Brock. My sister is not of age yet and, I'm sorry to say this but you are not who I intend for her to marry."

You gasped loudly drawing the attention of those closest to you, turning in your throne to gape at your brother. "Tony, please-"

He held his hand up to silence you, "Present your gift to the Princess, and we'll discuss no more of this business."

"Very well." Prince Brock nodded with a tightly set jaw as he clicked his fingers at the servant. He snatched the much smaller box from the shaking boy's hands. "It seems somewhat pointless now." He stepped forwards and placed the box in your hands, letting his fingers graze yours. "But, I will buy you a thousand and more if it means you becoming my wife."

"I said, enough!" Tony slammed his fist against the armrest of his throne, it echoed around the silent hall.

"Please, my love," Queen Virginia placed a comforting hand on her husband's arm to calm him.

You scowled down at the box, opening it to find a hideous engagement ring. "I can not accept this-"

"You must. It is your birthday gift... nothing more, thanks to your King."

"Thank you, Prince Brock," You thanked him before Tony could speak, sensing he would most likely order his head to be off or something to that effect. You sighed as you closed the box up, handing it back to the servant. You smiled kindly at him and thanked him.

Prince Brock eyed you before glancing over to where Prince Steven was stood with his fiance and his trusted best friend and Knight, Sir James Barnes. "You know, it's almost unfortunate, you being here tonight."

"I'm afraid I don't follow, Prince Brock. How can my 16th birthday celebrations be unfortunate?" You scowled at the man.

"Well... on one hand, we are graced with your ever-growing beauty and charm, but if it was not for the unfortunate death of your father and King, brought on by those... we shall not mention, you would not be sat where you are." He smirked triumphantly as you visibly paled at the mention of your father.

You felt Tony shift beside you and out the corner of your eye, you saw Sir James begin to disappear away from prying eyes. Anger boiled up inside you, "HOLD YOUR TONGUE!" You shouted and raised to your feet before Tony could stop you. Silence fell over the court as you glared daggers at the prince before you. "How dare you, speak of my father? How dare you show my family and I disrespect, in our own Castle, our own Kingdom.

"The past is the past, Prince Brock, and we do not judge others today by the actions and misunderstandings of others then," You turned and moved over to the servant snatching the Prince's gift back. "If you can not show my family and I the respect we deserve and can only continue to spit evil among our celebrations then I must ask you to leave, Prince Brock, and take your unwanted gift back." You heavily dropped it into his hand.

Silence resumed throughout the great hall as King Anthony stood from his throne and stood behind you. "You heard the Princess, Prince Brock. Leave." He nodded his head towards nearby guards. "Please escort Prince Brock out of the Castle and our Kingdom." Tony placed his hand on your shoulder as the Prince was removed.

"You'll regret this, Stark!"

Once Prince Brock had been removed, you moved over to where Sir James Barnes was stood with Prince Steven and his fiance, hoping the celebrations could continue.

"Sir James, would you care to dance?" You smiled kindly up at him.

Sir James began to blush and glanced to Prince Steven who was being tugged closer by his fiance. "Shouldn't you be asking one of the princes to dance, Your Highness?"

"There'll be plenty of time for that, Sir James. But for now, I would like to dance with a kind man, I hope will be a good friend of mine one day." You smiled.

Sir James began to grin before he nudged Prince Steven's side. "Tough luck, Princey." He jabbed at the blond prince making you smile.

Prince Steven chuckled, "Have fun, Bucky." Prince Steven smiled warmly at you with a nod. "Princess,"

You nodded, "Prince Steven," You looked to his fiance with a faux smile, "Princess Margret."

Sir James lead you into the middle of the crowd as the music began to play, and slowly the two of you began to move together.

The two of you danced in comfortable silence until Sir James cleared his throat, "I must thank you for your kind and brave words, Your Highness." Sir James whispered.

"They were the truth, Sir James."

He nodded, "Still. I know what my father did all those years ago, isn't the easiest thing to forgive."

You shook your head. "But it doesn't reflect the person you are." You smiled up at him. "You're a good man, Sir James... a far better man than Prince Brock." You reached up and pressed a kiss to his cheek before excusing yourself and left through the french windows with Peter.

"Buck?" Prince Steven approached the brunet knight. "Everything okay?"

Sir James nodded and turned to face his best friend and Prince of Brook. "More than, Your Highness."

"You seem to be getting on very well with the Princess, James." Princess Margret spoke from beside her fiance with a hidden look.

Sir James nodded, "She's a very kind young princess, Your Highness."

Prince Steven nodded, "That she is, Bucky." He smiled as he turned to watch you walk out of sight into the gardens.

[writer-room]

Siblings: Chapter One

AO3

Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

Summary: The Bats reflect on how their thoughts about siblings have changed over the years. Some opinions stayed, others didn't.

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

Dick always wondered what it’d be like to have a little brother or sister.

He recalled asking his parents why he didn’t have one. Not accusatory, just curious.

His mother had smiled and said that they had their hands full plenty with Dick, and he was all they needed. His father, while still kind, said that they didn’t really have the time or resources in the circus at the moment to add another child to the family.

Dick was disappointed, but he understood the reasons.

Even still, he’d find himself staring at the kids that watched the acts with awe. Older kids lighty taunted their younger siblings, ruffling their hair and pretending they were too good for it all, and that they were doing their siblings a favor by being there. Kids who nudged their brother or sister to distract and steal the snacks from concession stands, later whispering words that’d make the other gape or giggle. Young children holding their sibling who was of toddler age or younger, pointing towards parts of the acts, their glee growing upon seeing the excitement of their sibling.

Dick hadn’t been lonely growing up in Haly’s Circus, he had his parents and the other people who worked there, from the handlers to the clowns to the tricksters. 

And yet, he still found himself watching the kids who’d come in with one, or even two or three, brothers and sisters, taunting and laughing and sharing their wonder.

A sibling would’ve been nice, he thinks mournfully. It might’ve even been fun.

Ah, well. At least he had the circus.

,

“Hey, hey Dick. Dick. Dick, lookit.”

“If I turn around and I see you about to push Damian off the roof, I’m breaking your helmet.”

“You wouldn’t.”

Dick sighed, turning back from where he was keeping an eye on the streets below. Jason, who’d only been a few feet away, immediately took this moment to seize Tim, who had been too busy looking through his binoculars to care about whatever the two had been doing, and proceed to chuck him off the roof.

Dick pinched the bridge of his nose with a groan as Tim’s undignified shriek was cut off by him catching himself on a fire escape below, scrambling to get a good hold on so he didn’t fall the rest of the way.

“What?” Jason huffed. “You said not to push Damian, and I didn’t push Damian.”

“Of course,” Dick replied sarcastically. “My mistake, I’ll be sure to rephrase it as don’t push anyone off the roof.”

“Now that’s just unreasonable,” Jason huffed, hand on his hip as Steph and Cass snickered from the nearby chimney they were perched on. “I can think of plenty of people who deserve to be pushed off roofs. Like Scarow, for example. Bastard made me break my good hand last month and I still need to shoot a bullet in his back for that one.”

“Then don’t push your family off roofs, is that enough for you?” Dick sighed, standing up and peering over the edge of the roof. “You alright down there, Tim?”

“Names,” Damian finally chastised, not once having glanced over to the others from where he was on the corner of the roof, farthest as he could get from them.

“Oh, sure, now you worry.” Tim grumbled from the fire escape, finally pulling himself to his feet and brushing himself off. “Dick, please tell me I have permission to stab out Jason’s eye.”

“You do not.”

“He’d be fine!” Tim complained, snagging a hand on the stairs and instead pulling himself up along the outside of the fire escape instead of walking up the steps like a normal human being. “Harper could probably make him a new functional one in two days if she's in a good mood.”

“I’m not making him a new eye in two days. Maybe two weeks.” Harper informed from the other side of the roof, also ignoring the others as she tinkered with some gadget.

“Get anywhere near me and I’ll cough on you,” Jason threatened, also peering down off the roof. “You have basically no immune system, you’d die in a week. A long, painful death. Poetic cinema, really.”

“If you say it's poetic because you were beaten with a crowbar for two hours, I’m dropkicking you.” Steph warned, eyes narrowed.

“You’re so mean to me,” Jason gasped, placing a hand on his chest as he turned. “What did I ever do to deserve this? I’m nice to you!”

“No, you’re not.” Chorused Dick, Tim, Damian, Steph, and an extra voice through their earpieces.

“Wow, thanks, Babs.” Jason grumbled. “Showing up just to bully me, typical.”

“Names,” Damian warned a second time.

“If it makes you feel any better,” Babs crackled through their earpieces. “You’re not the only one I bully.”

“Everyone please stop harassing Jay,” Dick pleaded, though it came out more as an exhausted sigh.

“Names,” Damian growled a third time, losing his patience.

“I know it's fun,” Dick continued, ignoring him. “But this is supposed to be a scouting mission, and I’d rather he didn’t start taking out petty revenge during patrol.”

“I have no idea why he’s so surprised we get bored when scouting,” Steph mumbled quietly, to which Cass simply shrugged.

“You have no faith in me,” Jason snorted, and Dick could tell he was rolling his eyes under his helmet.

“I have plenty of faith in you,” Dick soothed. “I also, however, know how you are.”

“Don’t worry,” Steph raised a hand. “I already lost faith in you when you tried to kill Tim.”

“Which time?”

“Steph, don’t taunt him. Do it back at the Manor.” Dick lightly scolded.

“How many times do I have to repeat this?” Damian snapped, whirling from his post to glare at the others. “We do not use names on patrol!”

“Doesn’t Jon call you D on patrol?” Harper raised a brow, glancing towards him.

“That is different! He does not use my actual name!”

“Hypocrite,” Jason coughed under his breath.

Tim finally swung back onto the roof, skillfully rolling and dodging when Jason attempted to immediately kick him off again. Tim rolled close to the chimney, quickly pulling out his bo staff and crouching, glaring at Jason. It was reminiscent of two cats in a standoff, arched backs but neither of them making the first strike yet.

“Do not fight,” Cass said calmly. 

“Thank you, C--” Dick hesitated, glancing at Damian for a brief moment. “--Orphan.”

“Fight in Cave,” Cass continued cheerfully. “We have sparring mats for reasons.”

“And I take that back.”

“You wanna hang with the cool kids?” Steph asked, leaning off the chimney to offer her hand.

“Yes. Have I mentioned you’re my favorite person?” Tim grinned, putting his staff away as he took the offered hand and was pulled onto the chimney beside Steph and Cass.

“You could stand to say it more often,” Steph teased.

“Cheaters,” Jason grumbled, relenting that fighting both Steph and Cass to get Tim was a losing battle.

The three were rather squished on the chimney, but none of them seemed to mind. Harper only rolled her eyes and went back to tinkering.

“We really need to bring D--Signal on one of these things.” Dick muttered, shaking his head.

“Because he’s sensible, or because you want him to suffer like the rest of us?” Tim raised a brow.

“Because he deserves the same family bonding time.” Dick said simply.

“Duke and Cullen are next to me listening in on this,” Barbara said through the communicators. “I am here to inform you that Duke is both touched and terrified.”

“The bumblebee was awake and didn’t even bother to join us?” Harper snorted. “Rude.”

“Cullen agrees with you.”

“He better,”

“I’m taking a ten hour nap after this,” Dick complained, sitting back on the edge of the roof, legs dangling in the open air as he leaned back dramatically on his hands. “I deserve it. Self-care and all that.”

“That is the length of a normal amount of sleep.” Damian raised a brow.

“Not in this family, it’s not.”

“Preach!” Tim pumped a fist.

“You don’t count, Tim.” Dick chastised, leaning his head back to look at Tim upside down. “Everyone here remembers to sleep at the latest once every two days. You don’t sleep for five.”

“I’m being harassed,”

“You’re being bullied into a proper sleep schedule.” 

Damian suddenly whacked Dick over the head, startling him with a yelp as Jason hid a snicker. Harper and Cass looked over for a moment before continuing with whatever they had previously been doing.

“Names!” Damian hissed. “Do you all want your identities revealed?”

“Literally nobody is here,” Harper pointed out.

“If Gotham hasn’t found out our identities by now, they never will.” Steph snorted.

“Especially finger-stripes over here.” Tim added, a smug expression on his face.

“A nine-year-old finds out your identity one time and you never hear the end of it.” Dick muttered under his breath before sitting up and proceeding to snatch Damian, who had been previously stalking towards the others, by wrapping an arm around his chest and tugging him closer as the boy squawked.

“You were using a Flying Grayson move, dude.” Tim deadpanned. “You gotta pay the price for being flashy for no other reason than because you can.”

“That’s his entire personality.”

“Why do you all hate me?” Dick whined, holding a squirming Damian close as he gave the boy a noogie. “What did I do to gain such torment?”

“You want the list?” Harper looked up, finally putting away whatever she was tinkering with.

“We alphabetized,” Cass added.

“Wrote on the front and back,” Steph nodded sagely.

“I’m adding three more to the list when we get back,” Damian growled, looking ready to bite Dick if he didn’t stop soon.

“You better be joking about that list,” Dick warned, releasing Damian for his own safety. “Because if I ever find a list of reasons to be mean to me, I will not show mercy.”

“Do you mean you’re gonna attack us physically or emotionally?” Jason inquired.

“Emotionally,”

“You sick bastard.” Steph whispered in horror. “I can’t believe you would use your powers for evil.”

“Does it make it any better if I tell you the list, if it does exist, would probably only exist so that when we notice someone looks like they’re gonna do something stupid, we use the list to remind them of something you did so they take it out on you and not, say, turn all of Gotham into a gang war zone.” Harper said slowly.

“I hate you,” Steph glared. “You mess up one time--”

“You died, Steph!” Tim exclaimed, before getting a batarang chucked at his head that Damian somehow snuck into his utility belt.

“She didn’t even die,” Jason snorted, crossing his arms. “Both of you two had lame fake-out deaths.”

“Why am I the one who’s become the punching bag?” Dick complained, holding Damian back again when he tried to grab the batarang Tim had dodged and threw it again.

“Because you’re actually good at feelings and everyone else is emotionally constipated.” Harper deadpanned.

“And the Ric incident.” Damian added right after, giving up in his thrashing. A shutter passed over the Bats at the mention of the name.

“Aw,” Dick’s face softened, ignoring the Ric comment. “You guys care about my advice?”

“Congrats,” Barbara chuckled slightly. “You’re the therapist brother.”

“Don’t tell him that,” Jason groaned, flopping backwards on the roof. “Now he’s going to be mushy and clingy all week.”

“Lord knows you idiots need it,” Harper huffed as Dick practically glowed.

“I’m sicing him on you later.”

“Jokes on you, he hasn’t found my apartment yet.”

“Yes I have,” Dick raised a hand, turning towards her. “Well, Robin found it, but I still know it.”

Harper stared at him for a few moments, momentarily turning her head to Damian for a moment before going back to Dick, and then turning to Jason.

“You’re a monster,” She whispered, a look of true horror on her face.

“I know,” Jason cackled gleefully.

“None of you are leaving the Manor when we get back.” Dick said matter-of-factly, pointing a finger to his siblings. “We’re gonna bond, and you’re going to like it.”

“We’re already bonding right now!” Damian protested.

“You’ll have to kill me first.” Steph hissed, shying behind Cass.

“Bold of you to assume you can keep me confined to the Manor.” Tim huffed in offence. “Orphan, I’ll stash you in one of my safe houses if you promise to be my bodyguard.”

“Deal,”

“You guys are so dramatic--”

“Hey, guys? Crazed pyromaniac with flamethrowers to the north.”

The group immediately dropped whatever they had been doing, heads snapping up towards the direction Barbara had tiredly informed them of the attack.

It was only a few moments before the sight of flames peaked over one of the buildings, dying out almost immediately. Shouts and rumbles were steadily growing in volume, especially the cackling of Firefly, likely revving up whatever weapon he’d acquired this time.

“Fantastic, can’t even keep watch with you morons.” Damian growled.

“Oh you are not the only one trying to work here!” Tim snapped. “Orphan, for example, is doing a wonderful--where’d she go?”

He and Steph looked around rapidly, their sister suddenly missing from the chimney. How they hadn’t noticed she’d left their crowded space was a mystery that’d likely never be solved.

“Over there,” Jason said boredly, upholstering a gun and pointing across the rooftops.

The outline of Cass’s body could be seen sprinting across the roofs towards where the fire had been spotted, leaping with reckless abandon.

“Life lesson for the rest of you,” Harper hummed, getting to her feet. “Be like Cass.”

“Stop using real names!” Damian barked.

“Last one there is on cleanup duty!” Steph hollered, shoving Tim and taking off in the same movement.

“Asshole!” Tim yelled as Jason, Harper and Damian all bolted after her without a moment's hesitation. 

Dick laughed, just getting to his feet as Tim stumbled up and after the others, swearing obscenities.

He quickly ran after his siblings, though he strayed a little further back, nobody paid attention to who showed up last anyway, his eyes darting from each of his siblings. Someone had to make sure they didn’t face-plant off a roof.

They shouted over each other as they descended down to take out Firefly. The guy had really picked a bad night to start causing trouble. It’d be over in no-time.

Even still, Dick paused on the roofs, scanning the streets below as the others ran to and fro, yelling over each other as Barbara switched between the coms to talk to them. It was a chaotic mess and Dick found himself grinning at it all.

His siblings were a hot mess, and it was amazing.

[janetbrown711]

Can I have a one shot with this Wakko's Wish Headcanon: Lavender is Yakko's favorite color because their mom used to sing Lavender's Blue (Dilly Dilly) as a lullaby for him when he was younger, before Wakko and Dot were even born. And when he became their sole guardian, he'd sing it in the dark, long after he thinks they've gone to bed. Wakko and Dot never tell him they know he does this, because a) they like hearing him sing, and b) they know deep down Yakko needs it, even if he can't tell them why.

Yakko thought his mother’s singing voice was the sweetest sound in the whole wide world. 

Her voice was soft and low, and the words she sang would reside in your chest and give a sense of peace and calm that would linger with you for the rest of the night. Her lullabies were like... a lighthouse shinning next to a calm sea. Yakko knew there was no danger, but her lullabies made him feel all the more safe. 

However, if he had a particularly bad nightmare, he knew he always could rely on her sweet singing voice for comfort. 

“Yakko..? What are you doing here sweetie..?” Angelina rubbed her eyes as she opened the door to her bedroom, and gasped when she saw Yakko was holding his teddy bear and crying. 

“Oh honey...” Angelina scooped him up in her arms and rubbed her cheek against his. 

“I-I ha-ad a b-bad d-dream,” He hiccuped. 

“I know sweetie, come on. Let’s get you back to bed,” The queen kissed his head and slowly walked him back to his room. 

“I-i saw y-you a-and d-dad a-and- a-and-” Yakko tried to explain, but choked on his tears. 

“It’s okay sweetie, I’m here,” Angelina said, opening the door with her free hand. “You’re safe now.”

Yakko didn’t have it in him to reply, so just nodded and hugged his mom tighter. 

With careful maneuvering, Angelina made her way back to Yakko’s bed and slowly set him down, though he clung to her arm tightly, so she sat down next to him. 

“Deep breaths dear, deep breaths,” she instructed, and he obeyed, slowly regaining control.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She asked softly. Yakko thought a moment before he shook his head. Angelina nodded and slowly wrapped an arm around him, and Yakko curled into a ball, resting his head on her lap. Angelina instinctively began to stroke his ears softly. 

“Do you want me to sing you a song?” She asked. Yakko nodded. Angelina nodded, and thought for a moment, before selecting. 

“Lavender blue, dilly dilly, Lavender green,” She sang. “When I am Queen, dilly dilly, you shall be king.” 

“Who told you so, dilly dilly, who told you so? T’was my own heart, dilly dilly, that told me so.”

Yakko smiled a little. He didn’t know why, but his mother always embraced those lines the most. 

“Call up your men, dilly dilly, send them to work. Some to the plow, dilly dilly, some to the fork.”

Angelina smiled back down at him, and Yakko sat up, and leaned against her arm.

“Some to make hay, dilly dilly, some to cut corn. While you and I, dilly dilly, keep ourselves warm.” 

Angelina scrunched up her nose and nuzzled it against Yakko’s, who giggled tiredly at the gesture. 

“Lavender’s green, dilly dilly, lavender’s blue. If you love me, dilly dilly, I will love you.”

“Let the birds sing, dilly dilly, let the lambs play. You shall be safe, dilly dilly, out of harms way,” She said, slowly putting Yakko into a sleeping position on his bed. 

“I love to dance, dilly dilly, I love to sing. When I am Queen, dilly dilly, you shall be King.”

Yakko yawned as his eyes began feeling heavy once more. Angelina stood up and pulled the blanket up and around his shoulders. 

“Who told you so, dilly dilly, who told you so?” Angelina asked. 

“I told myself, dilly dilly, I told me so,” Yakko finished, accepting his fate and closing his eyes once more. 

“Goodnight, Yakko,” She kissed his head. “Sweet dreams.”

Yes, Yakko was confident nothing on this earth could comfort him more than his mother’s sweet singing voice, especially when singing his favorite lullaby. 

He loved his parent’s love story, and the Lavender song just fit it perfectly. His mother had taken their love into her own hands, going against the evil queen’s wishes. He thought it was very brave. 

It was safe to say his world was shattered when that voice was taken away from him. 

He couldn’t sleep for weeks after the attack had happened. Visions of his destroyed home, his hurt mother, the stomping of angry men, the gunshot, and Dot’s cries were engraved in his mind and haunted him when he tried to sleep. He tried to hum the lullabies to himself, but they only made him cry more and more, the guilt only weighing more and more on his back. 

He missed his mother more than he could bear to say. 

However, time went on, and Yakko had a duty to protect his siblings. When the orphanage closed two years after the attack, he found himself scouting out abandoned buildings they could live in constantly. He’d get Wakko and Dot happy with the new environment, but would constantly be on the lookout for any of the new king’s men. The stress and exhaustion had nearly driven him insane, but seeing as it had been two years, Yakko saw no other alternative and began to hum to himself Her lullabies to himself, long after his sibs were asleep. 

He’d pace around the abandoned building for a bit, before taking a deep breath and humming to himself, allowing himself to sway to the hypnotic rhythm. In truth, they worked like miracles, and Yakko was usually able to relax enough to sleep with his sibs before too long. His longing for his mother to sing to him never quite went away, but it didn’t make him cry like it used to.

 Like a lighthouse over storming seas...

“Yakko!!!” Wakko jolted alive with a shout, and if they had had a bed to fall off of, Yakko would’ve. 

“Woah, woah, Wak, are you okay?” He asked his trembling younger brother, who was looking around the dark building in a panic. Dot bolted upright too, confused and scared now too. 

“Y-yakko? I-i- I-i...” Wakko couldn’t get a sentence out. 

“Deep breaths Wak, it’s okay,” Yakko said, realizing what had happened. 

“Wakko?” Dot tilted her head and hugged her rag doll tightly. 

“It’s okay Dot, he just had a nightmare,” Yakko sighed and rubbed his brother’s back, but Wakko chose to instead hug his brother tightly as he trembled. 

“F-fire...” He said shakily. 

“It’s okay, Wak. That was years ago. You’re safe now,” Yakko assured. 

“So much Yakko- so much,” Wakko began to cry, and Yakko hugged him tighter. 

“Deep breaths Wakko, deep breaths,” he instructed, before doing it. Wakko copied his older brother’s motions and soon regained a sense of calm, but was still obviously anxious (as was Dot now, for that matter). 

“Are you okay now?” Yakko asked. Wakko nodded slowly, but he couldn’t look him in the eyes. Yakko bit his lip. 

“How about I tell you another bedtime story, huh? Would that help?” Yakko asked. 

“You already told us two earlier,” Wakko shook his head. 

“Sing us the song!” Dot gasped in awe of her own idea, but Yakko blinked in confusion. 

“What song?” He pressed, and Wakko and Dot shared a look. 

“Y-you hum a song to yourself a lot. When me n’ Dot can’t sleep, it helps,” Wakko sniffled and wiped his nose. Yakko blinked. 

“Oh,” was all he could reply. 

He hadn’t expected that. 

“Will you sing it Yak? Pweeaaseeeee,” Dot pleaded with puppy dog eyes. Yakko hesitated. 

On one hand, of course. His sibs needed help going back to sleep and if all it took was a simple lullaby, then obviously, he should do it. 

On the other hand though... he wasn’t sure he was ready for that. He hadn’t gotten himself to sing the actual song yet, only ever humming the melody. He was nervous that he didn’t know the words, and if he didn’t know the words that meant he had failed somehow and damaged his mother’s memory in an unrepairable way. It felt like killing her all over again...

He looked at his siblings once again, taking in how nervous and tired they looked. They both clearly needed it...

“Alright, fine,” He sighed, and Dot cheered. Yakko rolled his eyes as he switched places with Wakko so he was right in the middle of his two sibs on the blanket pile on the ground, and he wrapped an arm around them. He waited for both of them to get comfortable against him, and he took in a deep breath and prepaired himself. 

“Lavender blue, dilly dilly, lavender’s green. When I am king, dilly dilly, you shall be queen.” 

Instantly, he saw a wave of relaxation wash over his sibs’ faces, even though Yakko’s voice was nothing like the angelic singing of their mother. He was much more nervous about it, and he could feel a lump in his throat he was desperately fighting off for Wakko and Dot’s sake. 

“Who told you so, dilly dilly, who told you so? T’was my own heart, dilly dilly, that told me so,” Yakko closed his eyes too, and for a moment, he could remember Her singing it to him, clear as day. 

“Lavender’s green, dilly dilly, lavender’s blue. If you’ll love me, dilly dilly, I will love you,” He sang, becoming more and more comforted by the words. 

“Let the birds sing, dilly dilly, Let the lambs play. We shall be safe, dilly dilly, out of harm's way.”

Yakko hoped anyway. 

“I love to dance, dilly dilly, I love to sing. When I am Queen, dilly dilly, you shall be King.”

“Who told me so, dilly dilly, who told me so? I told myself, dilly dilly, I told me so,” He finished, feeling a sense of pride at the slow and calm breathing of his younger sibs lying against him. For good measure, Yakko continued to hum the song to himself, not having the energy for the full song. It was exhausting to be a street orphan, after all. 

He knew it didn’t matter anyway. He knew the words, and was passing on his mother’s traditions to his younger siblings. He knew that wherever his mother’s spirit was, she was smiling down on them.

He hadn’t failed to keep his promise to her yet.

Yakko was a good big brother. 

[youcantbesirius]

WHEN WE WERE YOUNG | S. B.

Pairing: Sirius Black x reader, platonic Regulus Black x reader

Warnings: swearing, plot changes, character death

Y/h - your house

Sirius watched the y/h halfblood witch sit on the table in the courtyard taking a crispy stick from her Hufflepuff friend putting it in between her lips imitating smoking. And as she let the puff of imaginary smoke go a smile broke on her lips as her shoulders shook likely. Her laugh was one of the most contagious things ever. The way you wheezed in bits of your laughter made even the coldest person crack up.

As your eyes met his, his world seemed to stop. He was loosening his tie seemingly short for breath. You, on the other hand, hopped off graciously and hopped over to the young Gryffindor wrapping your arms around him.

"Sirius! Long time no see" you chuckled as you swayed him from side to side.

"Hi..." he chuckled resting his chin on top of your head.

It was quite funny how the noble heir of the Black family was with the halfblood witch. Yet, it made perfect sense. Your mother was a nanny for the Black brothers. And you were simply there, helping her make some money after she was cast out of the pureblood community for being with a muggle.

Walburga and Orion were hard people. But they paid no attention as long as you were doing what you were told. (Depending on your house) They were, however, very pleased that Slytherin got such a talent. And then your mom found better job at the ministry and your time with the Blacks was over. Regulus and Sirius were your best friends and not being able to see them much was painful.

"I haven't seen you much since the sorting ceremony..." you stated in concern. You knew better than anyone what it must be like for him.

"Yes...I, you know how my parents are" Sirius's hands found yours. Both of you, touch starved kids found solace in your hand holding.

"To the dogs with them as my mum would say" you scoffed looking deep into his eyes "you know I am always there for you, both my mum and I are" and he nodded at your statement smiling softly.

As a friendly, defying in spite attitude, you showed that your attitude was very different than the most. You didn't have to be talented at divination to forsee what type of person would you become.

And the years went by, you were still very much the same, if not even harder. Many things happened, you matured quickly and with it stress came. Sirius and you drifted apart a bit. You were a bad girl of your own and he was a bad boy of his own. The only person who truly knew you inside out other than him was Regulus Black, your guardian angel.

"Lay off the alcohol, y/n/n" Regulus took the bottle from your hands handing it to your Hufflepuff best friend to take.

"I need to let loose, Reg, I need to..." you were leaning your forehead against his chest struggling to stand.

"I know..." he looked around catching the sight of his womanizer brother. Sirius's face, even though tipsy, held so much concern.

In a few quick steps he approached them, ditching his previous conquest. His hand landed on the small of your back as he turned to his brother.

"What's wrong?" Sirius looked down at his friend who was struggling.

"Her mother was hurt, bad this time" Regulus whispered.

"Shit..." Sirius closed his eyes.

"Well, that is the wonder of being an auror, never home, never there but it brings money and might leave your kid an orphan" you spoke bitterly.

And for that reason Sirius decided the Potters were better choice. They had money and he would only burden your mom, not to mention his parents would kill you both if you were to take him in.

"Fucking hell..." Sirius moved the hair away from your face that was still resting on Regulus.

"Let's take her to her dorm" he said to Regulus.

Next morning was probably the worst. Your head seemed like it was about to explode. You shifted on your bed only to meet the eyes of your amused dorm mate.

"I could not believe it when Black brothers brought you up. Like I wasn't so surprised seeing Regulus, but Sirius too. Damn baddie" she chuckled as you silently rubbed your face.

Hogsmeade day, you thought. You cleaned yourself up, ditching your uniform and grabbed your leather jacket. Your rock style was very much refreshing to the school. Tight grey jeans, chain, baggy tucked in t shirt with some random band you loved and of course your black leather jacket. You did your makeup to hide the evidence of last night and decided it was time. So upon arriving you sat on the table in Hogsmeade park, your feet resting on the bench, a cigarette in between your lips to so desperately calm yourself.

Once cheerful, now surrounded by darkness of your aura, still touch starved in desperate need of love. You thought about your life. Of the goals you wanted to reach.

"Pads, I don't think it is a good idea" you could hear panicked Remus.

"Yeah, what if she throws hex at us" the squealing voice didn't help your migraine.

"I know her, Wormtail. She wouldn't" you heard Sirius's annoyed voice.

"Come on guys, what is the worst that could happen" James Potter said.

"Well, I am not sure if this is upgrade from when we were young or a downgrade. Your looks are definitely upgrade" Sirius smiled causing you to raise a brow.

"Are you flirting with me, dear Sirius?" You spoke even though cigarette was still between your lips, shuffling through your pockets to find that bloody lighter.

But Sirius beat you to it, lighting it for you.

"Thanks" you took a puff and looked at the group.

"We need your help" Sirius spoke taking your free hand in his. And just like when you two were young, you felt calmer, but there was something new. Adrenaline rush surged through your body.

"With what?" You took the cigarette out of your mouth looking at the rest of them, your eyes only meeting James's who quickly dropped the eye contact.

It happened with most of the boys. The only two that were able to maintain it, Black brothers.

"W-we heard you are outstanding with nonverbal magic and we need you to help us" Peter, you assumed, spoke but quickly hid behind Sirius as you looked at him.

"Peter, I don't shoot laser nor hexes out of my eyes, I won't hurt you" you stated annoyed.

"I suppose it has something to do with your problem, Rem" you looked at the boy who looked up at you in shock.

"How do you know?" He asked nearing closer to you.

"Animagus, mum thought it would be safer for me. Accidentally saw you guys on my run" you shrugged.

"Did you speak to anyone about it?" James asked.

"Do I look dumb to you? Of course not, your secret is safe with me, Rem" you looked at him and he met your look.

"Thank you so much" he smiled.

"What is your animagus?" Sirius asked "I am hurt you did not tell me"

"You weren't talking that much to me, lover boy. To answer your question it is (your patronus animal or your favorite animal)"

"Nice" James smiled.

As you were about to light another cigarette a hand quickly pulled it out of your mouth and you faced annoyed Regulus.

"No more for today" he scolded earning a laugh from his brother.

"Do we have a deal, (nickname used for your animagus form)?" He asked you as the boys began to leave.

"Mhm, meet me in the library after lunch" you winked at him and for a second you could swear you saw Sirius Black blush.

It was the last year. You and Reg drifted this time, due to his affiliation. Not that you did care about that, bit his excuse was "I am doing this to keep you safe, damn it!"

It was a painful goodbye that still tasted salty. The news of his death brought you more pain that anything ever did. But his heroic act was what brought Voldemort to be defeated and not be a threat ever again. As a part of the Order, your new friends, the Marauders and Lily and well Snape, it was funny how you two became friends. You sat both him and Lily down, locked them in a room, much to James's dismay until they sorted it out. You were in 12 Grimmauld place preparing to leave.

"Stay..." Sirius took your hands "Please..." he looked down at you, at your softly lips.

"Okay..." you whispered looking up at him licking your lips a bit.

"Can I-?" He gulped earning your quick nod.

"Yeah?" And it was the best kiss you ever had in your life, with your childhood friend, crush and the only man besides Reg, that you felt peace.

"Took you two long enough" is all you could hear Kreacher mutter.

Kreacher and you were close. Not only because of Regulus, but you would not let him overdo himself and would send him to rest.

You chuckled at the remark looking up at Sirius.

"Glad to have your blessing, Kreacher" he smiled at the muttering house elf who went to his chamber.

"Now that we are alone..." Sirius smiled leaning back in to give you a long kiss.

"You are insatiable, Sirius" you giggled.

"Don't pretend you don't like it " he cornered you against the table lifting you up on it.

Your love was very affectionate, full of touching, almost like you were attached to a hip. That is why ever since you were younger you were comfort for each other, you were safe haven, you were made for each other.

And after years, there you stood with him watching your children run around with your godson Harry, laughing at James who ran after them trying to get them inside to eat. You looked at Lily who was shaking her head.

"Remus and Severus will be here soon" she notified.

"Good. Haven't seen my touch starved, sarcastic friend in a while" you gave Lily a look making her chuckle.

"Hugs for Severus and chocolate for Remus it is then"

You got old together, had many memories you decided to store. The funniest being you becoming grandparents. Sirius broke into a fit of sobs seeing his first grandchild.

"See dad, now you represent your initals S.O.B." your son Regulus teased.

"Shut up" Sirius hiccup looking at the little princess of the Black family.

"Maybe her dad won't be as protective as her grandfather will be" your daughter Arabella laughed.

"Oh no boys until 20!" Sirius hugged you as you laughed at him.

"Tsk, you are in position to talk you womanizer" you teased.

"See! I AM! Because I know boys are scumbags, I speak from experience!" He said.

"What if she likes girls Sirius?" You teased.

"Same goes, you were a bad girl!" He attacked your cheeks with kisses earning an ew from your children

"WHEN WE WERE YOUNG!" you protested.

[flowerwrites06]

blossoms and blood III — jjk

Plot: Two lovers are ripped apart in the name of duty.

Pairing(s): Prince/King!Jungkook x Princess/Queen!OC (Name: Belle)

Rating: G | PG | M | R 18+

Type: Drabble | Oneshot | Two Parter | Series

Word Count: 4k

Genre: Royal | Angst | Smut

Tags & Warnings: violence, angst, explicit smut, blood

Authors Note: I know a couple of you wanted this so I hope you like!

In the warm, comforting day Belle took a stroll towards the school and care-house of the inner city. A few families were reluctant in sending their children to these new establishments so after a couple of days of thinking, new participants came walking in.

Sun hat veil covering her face, she walked towards one of the teachers Jimin who had the brightest smile tugged at his lips.

He stood near the entrance, sweetly greeting the waddling and prancing little humans entering the building.

When he saw Belle pad towards them, he quickly gave her a bow along with the parents standing to watch their children. She waved it away standing next to the teacher.

“Have they been adjusting well?” Belle asked.

Jimin nodded keeping a close eye so everyone was accounted for. Every child seemed to reach just past his knee, looking up at the Queen with a curious smile before going about their way. “A few of them are little sensitive to loudness so we have to really keep the noises down.”

“They’ve been exposed to the horrors of war, I’m not surprised.” Belle intertwined her fingers together in front of her. “You could try soothing them with music during class. They might get used to the slight noise in a different way.” She remembered her mother using that technique on her as a child after a siege or attack. Though eventually being deep into her journeys across the seven years caused her to be used to the sights, noises and smells.

He hummed in agreement. “I’ll try to do that today.” He nodded. “How’d the council meeting go?”

Belles’ smile disappeared for a moment at the mention. “The decision still hasn’t been confirmed on the new conditions. The Sun King is coming today and I have no idea whether he’s going to come in peace or with cannons.” She spoke the last part in a lower voice.

Once the last child walked into the building, he turned to face her. “Well whatever happens, we’ll try to keep them safe.” A smile tugged at his lips as a form of reassurance.

The Queen nodded. “Thank you.” Her heart swelled when she heard giggling from the inside of the room. No matter what happened on the political side of things, Belle was glad to see the innocence in some of these children were still preserved.

Walking over to the building next door was the care-house for younger children and infants. Belle opened the door carefully and saw Gaia at the front carrying a baby calmly sucking on its hand while she pointed at a few drawings for the toddlers on the floor. The couple opened the buildings together a few months after her reign when the amount of orphans on the streets grew too high. Consequences of disease which caused her to get physicians like Taehyung to lessen the death count.

“You’ve got your hands full. Literally.” Belle grinned closing the door to ensure no one crawled out accidentally.

Gaia chuckled, bright eyes flickering over to the monarch before giving her a half curtsy. “They’re adorable. Although we’ve had some of them wanting to train to be soldiers. Hopefully the pillow sticks suffice for now.” She nodded towards the two toddlers whacking each other with soft floppy cylinders and giggling after a few seconds.

“Let’s hope we don’t get that desperate to start recruiting babies.” She mused walking closer to the woman.

“You made the right decision, you know. Taking all those people in.” Gaia spoke while bouncing the baby in her arms a little. “I’ve seen kings who would turn away anyone they didn’t have responsibility for.”

“Good thing I’m not a King.” Belles’ eyes flickered over to a little one crawling across the floor before stopping in their tracks to stare up at her. She couldn’t help but have a large smile tugged at her lips. She remembered a time where a younger version of herself imagined have her own children play around in the castle or out in the gardens.

Pulling her sun hat off and placing it on the floor, she leaned down slowly and picked the baby up. “Are you a little explorer?” Belle chuckled lightly under her breath.

“Jimin and I have been taking her home. The guards brought her in a basket. Said they heard her crying in a burning house.” Gaia reached out to the baby in Belle’s arms and caressed her cheek gently.

The Sun King was a brutal conqueror but Belle somehow couldn’t find herself being angry at the male. She never burned down villages or killed innocents but she had cut down soldiers who had families or newly born children just like the one she held. Maybe their methods were a little different in terms of brutality but they both were conquerors nevertheless. Somehow she felt undeserving of holding such an innocent in her blood stained arms.

Belle blinked quickly and placed her gently on the floor. “Off you go, little one.” She whispered caressing the sweet little things’ back before standing up straight. “You take good care of them, Gaia.”

“Of course.” She bowed carefully.

She grabbed her sunhat and made her way out of the care-house with it placed securely on her head again. However, she stopped in her tracks at the entrance when she saw a familiar figure leaning against the edge of the now open door. A ghost of a smile played on his small lips.

“I thought you already did your rounds on the people.” Belle spoke while walking past him.

“There’s no harm in checking again. I heard there were new children coming in and I wanted to see if they arrived safely.” Jungkook pushed himself off the edge, closing the door before following the Queen down the streets.

Both monarchs ended up walking side by side down the streets of the flourishing kingdom. “I didn’t peg you to be interested in such delicate matters.” Belle averted her gaze from the male even though she felt his shoulder brush against hers.

“Oh Belle you know I’m very good at handling delicacies every now and then.” Jungkook couldn’t help the wide smirk tugging at his lips.

Belle looked at him in disbelief and mock disgust. “May I remind you that the very reason you’re allowed to stay here is because I’ve just dived my own people into a war you started?”

“The Sun King started this war.” He corrected.

“And your parents only heightened it.”

“What about you? You’re calling the most brutal King ever known to man into your home and for what? He won’t answer to diplomatic negotiations.” Jungkook shook his head.

“Well I can’t just wait until his army takes over your kingdom and comes to mine.” Belle argued. “This problem is preventable. The Sun King is brutal but he’s not closed for negotiations otherwise he wouldn’t have agreed to come.” She wasn’t sure how much of that sentiment was true because the woman never met this King before but all she could do was hope.

The two paused in the middle as Jungkook tried to read her expression through her veil. A small distant memory passed through his mind when she used to tease him by hiding herself under the veil preventing a kiss. He tried to stop himself from smiling at the thought. “What if he’s lying?”

“Then I’ll take full responsibility in killing the bastard where he stands.”

-

At midday, the Sun King rode in his majestic chariot through the gates of Belles’ kingdom. Gates opened in an almost deafening screech welcoming a crowd of white and tawny horses across the large courtyard. Seokjin stood at the entrance of the palace watching the chariot come to full stop with the driver climbing out from the front and stepping to the door.

The King climbed out of the chariot, outfit shining in gold and green elegantly representing nature. While the beauty of it all can be admired it was Hoseoks’ artistic way of saying he was everywhere, embedded in nature itself and ruler of anything that resides in it. A classic mindset for the Sun Kingdom lineage.

Double doors opened and the proud monarch padded into the room with the utmost confidence, jewellery clinking and shoes echoing against the floor. Dark blond hair reaching just below his eyes and even his skin harboured a golden glow but everyone knew it was a disguise for this dark actions.

While Hoseok stopped in the centre, Seokjin continued walked to the Queens’ side.

Standing in front of the throne, Belle wore a yellow and deep pink dress with her hair tied up securely by golden pins and jewelled strings while a few strands of her hair hovered over her forehead and down the sides of her face. Jungkook stood on the far right side of the room, anger immediately radiating from his being at the sight of the Sun King while Seokjin stood on Belle’s left with a neutral expression.

Hoseok had the widest smile plastered on his face. If Belle didn’t know his bloody history, she could have easily mistaken him for a kind man with a good heart. “Why this is a very pleasant surprise. The mighty Queen Belle.” He did a brief bow.

“Sun King Hoseok.” Belle addressed in a calm tone, deep pink painted lips pursed together.

“I must admit, almost a decade of operating separately, I was a little taken aback at your request for an audience.” Delicate looking hands touched his chest.

“Situation has changed a little, I’m afraid.” She replied simply.

Hoseoks’ gaze flickered over to Jungkook, his smile disappeared only for a moment before his smile grew into a sinister smirk. “Yes…it was very kind of you to take in a whole kingdoms’ population under your wing. We don’t find loyal and trusting monarchs these days, do we?” He kept his gaze on Jungkook as he spoke those words.

Belles’ grip around her own fingers tightened. “Which is exactly why I asked for this meeting.”

The Sun King turned his gaze to the bright Queen now. “Of course. What do you need from me?”

She took a deep breath. “As you may be aware, your attempts at governing King Jungkooks’ land has led to countless casualties.”

“Some sacrifices have to be made, Your Majesty.”

“Yes. Sacrifices of soldiers and generals is the way of war. Not merchants or farmers or tailors or infants. Those are still brutal murders, war or not.” Belle clarified with a neutral expression and once again the court drowned in deep silence at her voice. “King Jungkook has pleaded for my help which I accept on account of protecting survivors that wish to stay under my protection.”

Hoseok chuckled quietly. “You are most kind to protect a King that once betrayed you.”

“This is not a personal matter.”

“Of course, of course. But I’m afraid my family been acquiring this kingdom before your glorious reign.” Hoseok took a few steps forward and so did Seokjin. “You must understand that we cannot just call off our journey on a mere request. Not saying that Your Majesty’s’ voice is not of utmost importance but you do need understand that certain promises need to have a stronger bond.”

“What are your terms?” Belle’s brows furrowed a little.

Purposely, the Sun King left a moment of silence to add anticipation but they both knew what was on his mind. “If you would do me the greatest honour, your Majesty…allow me to take your hand in your marriage.” Hoseok smirked. “It has proven to be the strongest bond of any alliance after all. And…you are by far the most beautiful royal I have ever seen.”

Jungkooks’ expression hardened, burning holes through the Sun King. Smoke could have come out of his ears at this point as he resisted to shout out an objection. Instead his fingers curled up into fists, knuckles whitening from the pressure.

“I accept.” Belle replied plainly.

Even Seokjins’ head turned to face his Queen for a moment. Ever since the death of her parents, the woman promised never to delve into marital status. Unless Belle really needed to protect something dear to her.

Jungkooks’ eyes reddened at this point flickering over to Belle who had her chin raised and neutral expression. No. Please don’t. He pleaded in his thoughts, the words just touching his tongue but his voice seemed lose its way.

The Sun King, however, smiled in his new little victory.

-

Belle calmly walked through the doors of her bedroom, taking a deep breath to dry out the tears forming in her eyes. This was the best decision. She knew it was. It had to be. If she wanted a non-violent way to stop things, this was the only way. She tried repeating the phrase over again in her mind to somehow ease this tugging feeling. The dreary silence however soon broke when Jungkook practically bashed through the door and slammed it behind him.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Jungkook growled a little, walking closer to the Queen as she walked to the table in the centre.

“Helping your kingdom.” Belle replied in a somewhat calm voice, taking off her earrings with shaky fingers.

“You’re going to marry that fucking murderer!” He roughly pointed at the closed door.

She tossed the earrings on the table attempting to avoid his burning gaze. “I had no choice.”

“He destroyed our homes and threatened both our kingdoms our whole lives!” Jungkook followed her, rage burning through his veins while she padded towards her vanity. “And you’re just going to invite him to your bed.”

Belle slammed her hair pins onto the table causing some of the products to rattle in the tension thick air. “You think this is easy for me.” Fingers tightened around the sharp tip almost piercing into her palm. “You think the last seven years, I’ve sat here helplessly sitting and doing nothing!” She slid the pins off the vanity as they crashed onto the floor.

Strands stuck to her tear stained cheeks as Belle faced the now silent King. “I’ve been out there! I know exactly what’s he done because I’ve done the same thing.” She let out a shaky sigh. “I’m a murderer. You’re a murderer. We’re no different than him.”

Jungkook tightened his jaw and swallowed thickly. “He would never do what you did with my people.” He nodded towards the door, attempting to take a breath to calm himself down but nothing about this was soothing. Glossy eyes twitched as more dangerous words escaped from his lips. “He won’t love you like I—”

“Don’t.” She shook her head. “Don’t do that. This is going to happen if you want your people to be safe.” Her voice resorted to a hurtful mixture of a mutter and whisper.

“Why does it have to be a choice between your happiness and their safety?” Jungkook stepped closer to a point where she could feel the heat radiating from his taller frame.

“Because that’s how it’s always been.” Belle sniffled lightly. “And you’ve chosen the latter before…why is it so hard now?”

“I can’t—” He gulped down hard. “I can’t watch you get married to him.”

“Then don’t come to the wedding.” Belle tried to walk past him but he grabbed onto her arms. “Jungkook…” She kept her eyes down on his neck instead of staring at him directly in fear of doing something she promised herself never to do again.

“Please…” Jungkook whispered, lips seconds away from her nose. “I’ll turn myself in. The people can stay here. He wants the territory and he wants my crown. You don’t have to do this.” His head practically magnetized onto hers, their foreheads slightly brushing against each other and bodies nearing.

“They’re still your people.” Belle swallowed down the lump in her throat. “They need to see you.”

Jungkook stammered lightly. “There has to be something the—” He took a deep breath. “We spent our entire lives promising to be together.”

“Things change.” She turned her head to the side.

“Have you stopped loving me?” His voice broke a little tugging at something in her belly.

Belles’ chin quivered, closing her eyes momentarily. “Jungkook…”

“Just tell me.” Jungkook leaned in nudging his nose against her temple. One side of him waiting for her to push him away but he only kept melting into her warmth minute by minute. “Tell me you don’t love me…”

“Stop it.”

“Tell me you don’t love me and I’ll leave you alone.”

She took a deep breath with a hardened expression and looked him in the eye. Their faces merely a breath apart. Every time the couple were this close together, they only did one thing and one thing alone. Seven years ago at least. When she wasn’t arranged to be married to someone else. Belle gulped down the desire to lean closer and tightened her jaw. “I don’t love you.”

Jungkooks’ grip on her arms loosened as he backed away from her. A light ripping feeling in his chest as he watched the love of his life turn away. His own hands hung loosely at his sides, back resting on one of the pillars of her bed, breathing growing uncomfortably heavy.

“Please leave.” Belle whispered, pushing a strand behind her ear.

Swallowing the painful lump in his throat, Jungkook turned on his heel and walked out of the room.

As the King disappeared Belle slid down the wall, sobs shaking her body, landing on the floor in complete helplessness of the hole she fell in.

-

Deep into the dark night, King Hoseok strolled through the outer pathways of the beautiful palace owned by Queen Belle. Eyes flickered over to the sides where the servants were cleaning up the fallen leaves off of the courtyards. One of them caught his eye quickly as he saw a familiar tattoo on his arm.

“You, sir…” He announced capturing the servant’s attention as he stood up straight watching him curiously. “Come here.”

The servant walked over to the monarch and began strolling beside him.

“I understand you had a great dedication towards your previous King.” Hoseok glanced at his tattoo again recognizing it as a sigil for the man who claimed himself as the Silver King. The tattoo showcasing the white tiger head. “You were a good solider to him.”

“Kings are better at governing successful countries, Your Majesty.” He answered without any hesitation.

Hoseok suppressed the need to roll his eyes but smiled either way. “I need you to do a job for me. While I find much enjoyment in marrying Queen Belle in all her glory, there are a few things that need to be taken care of regarding her relations with King Jungkook. I assume you’ve heard some stories of their history.”

The servant nodded more to please Hoseok rather than actually knowing what he was talking about. Either way it didn’t matter. He just needed someone to get the job done. Who better than a blind minded solider?

Pulling out a vial from his pouch, he handed it to the servant. The deep blue liquid glimmered a little under the lantern lights. “This will help her be a little…more responsive when I deal with the King by my own wishes.” Hoseok spoke under his breath but clear enough for the servant to hear. “A few drops over her eyes should do the trick.”

The servant accepted the vial, as expected, with no questions asked.

“In time the potion will wear off…but she will understand why some Kings are better off pulled out of the picture.” Hoseok placed his hands behind his back.

The servant bowed and hid the vial under his clothes while walking away making him feel a lot more at ease.

-

Belle slept soundly in her bed as the night fell. On the other side of her door, however, the usual guards were nowhere to be found. Empty enough for Hoseoks’ planted man to slither along the hallway.

The door opened silently, just enough for the servant to slither inside. He shut it with the faintest click making him wince a little but the Queen didn’t move too much. The closer he inched towards her slumbering body, the faster his heart pounded through his chest.

Pulling the cork from the potion, the servants’ shaky fingers carefully held it, standing just at the edge of her bed and hovering it over Belle’s eyes.

His own breath caught in his throat when those eyes opened. Gaze burned right through him almost burning his chest.

Belle grabbed the hilt of her sword from the side of her bed and wacked the servant away. The man stumbled back almost falling onto the ground but he knocked onto the table, the vase of flowers falling to the side.

He hurried tried to grab for his sword, unsheathing it with heaving breaths and immediately slashed it to keep her away.

“Guards!” Belle yelled out, swinging her own sword causing their weapons to clash.

Jungkook padded through the hallways of the palace, rubbing his tired eyes from the inability to sleep. Eyes flickered over to the entrance of the Queen’s bedchamber and he halted. No one was posted in front of her door. Brows furrowed taking a few careful steps as the sound of something thudding echoed through the other side.

Then he heard a familiar voice scream out and the first instinct was to barge through the door. Jungkook saw her trying to fend off an attacker dressing servants clothing.

The King unsheathed his own weapon and his sword clashed with the attacker, pushing him fully onto the ground.

The attacker stayed stationery for a moment causing both monarchs to lose track of his movement before lunged towards Jungkook again, blades flashing against the light and screeching against each other. In his frantic need to escape quickly, the attacker finally swung his sword against Jungkooks’ shoulder.

He felt his skin rip apart, agonising pain burning through him and his vision growing darker.

Belle used the attackers’ distraction to wave her sword right across his neck, a tear spurting out blood down his clothes and drooling down his mouth as he limped to the ground.

Breathing heavily to calm herself down, she stared down at Jungkook fallen to the ground as he gripped onto his shoulder, thick red liquid dripping between his fingers.

She took off her cotton robe, crumbling it up slightly before pressing it onto his wound. “It’s okay.” Belle whispered. The white robe almost instantly soaked fading into a deep red colour as she heard metal clanging from outside getting louder.

The door burst open with Seokjin and a crowd of guards rolling in with their swords raised. Seokjin raised a hand calling them to stand down once they saw the two fallen bodies. “Belle, are you alright?” He asked.

“Call the physician please!” Belle almost shrieked in her broken tone, tears flooding in the brim of her eyes.

One of the guards immediately ran out of her chambers to do exactly as asked.

Belle looked down at Jungkook again seeing his eyes reddened and sweat dribbling from the sides of his face. Softly she placed his head on her lap, her less blood stained hand caressing his cheek as she placed pressure on the wound as it continued to ooze through the thin fabric. “Why did you do that?” She whispered, lips trembling.

Jungkook let out shaky sigh, wincing a little. “It’s like you said.” He smirked a little. “I’m a solider…I protect my Queen blindly.” His eyelids felt heavy, relishing in the warmth of her embrace.

“Keep your eyes open.” She muttered, heart racing as he saw his lashes touch down to his cheeks and his breathing slowed down.

The last thing Jungkook was heard was Belle’s soothing voice and the sound of pounding footsteps before he lulled into a light sleep.

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[killiansprincss]

Never Forget You Ch.13

Season 6A Canon Divergence.

Emma is happy. Finally happy with her parents, son and boyfriend. But this happiness is taken away from her when the Evil Queen curses her and turns her into a toddler.

Heartbroken and angry, Killian and Henry run away to Neverland to wait for Emma to break her curse. But when she does break it and comes looking for them 25 years later, she soon realises this Neverland is very different now it is no longer under Pans rule.

Will she be able to save Henry and Killian in time, or will this new ruler of Neverland keep them hostage forever?

Also on AO3

Chapter 13 of my Neverland fic is up :))) please go check it out if you’re a lover of CS and especially angst. This fic is about halfway through and it’s my baby so give it some love!

________

“Tonight.” Henry tells his mother after her constant pestering.

“What?” Emma asks, “What happens tonight?”

“The Lost Ones. They still come to the Island at night in a dream state.Killian and I help them, or at least he used to. Don’t give up on Killian just yet, show him you’re not leaving. True Loves Kiss or something might wake him up.”

Emma smiles at her son's enthusiasm, “I don’t think True Love's Kiss will work, he isn't under a curse, but you’re right I do need to show him that I am going to stick around. I was so afraid of losing him until he showed me he wasn’t going anywhere, so now it’s time to return the favor.”

And so Henry tells his mother all about the Lost Ones of this New Neverland, how they come from all the realms, magical and non magical, Pan's shadow no longer steals them from their beds, it’s how it was before Pan, lost kids travel to Neverland and they think they're dreaming. The magic from Morpheus allows them to travel in their dream state and Henry likes to help as many of them as he can, if he never sees them again he believes it's for the best, that they aren’t lost anymore.

Henry also tells the story of why Killian no longer helps the Lost ones.

~~~

Killian didn’t know how long he had been back in Neverland. It had been a while, but he wasn’t sure if that meant weeks or years.

Morpheus, god of dreams allowed sleeping children to travel to Neverland who felt lost or lonely. Being in Neverland they could do whatever they wanted, eat cake for hours without feeling sick, and even fly. It made Killian happy that Neverland was being used to bring joy to kids without Pans evil tricks.

There was one little boy who he took a liking to and wanted to help. Eli Brewer. He was a young lad of maybe 10, short, dark hair, dark skin, and the lost look in his eyes that was all too familiar.

“So I can really do whatever I want here?” Eli asks, still amazed at what this island can offer.

“Yes lad, what you want, wish for it and it’ll appear.” Killian says crouching down to his level.

Eli closes his eyes. “I wish. I wish for the chocolate cake I stole from the bakery for me and Hugo that one time,”

Killians heart aches. He remembers Liam doing something similar for them once.

Eli’s eyes light up when he opens them to find a slice of chocolate cake in his hands.

“Where do you come from lad?” He asks, wanting to know how best he can help him.

With chocolate smeared round his face, he replies, “I come from the kingdom of Mirimois, it’s just a half a mile away from Longbourne. It’s just my little brother and me, our mother died years ago and our father ran away. I have to look after Hugo, we’ve been sleeping in between barrels at the nearby ports. I’m hoping someone will give me a job so that we can receive shelter and food.”

Killian was all too familiar with this situation. He and Liam would sleep by the docks after their father left, nobody would say anything, the sailors and pirates would leave them to sleep for a night, maybe even offer a blanket. Then in the morning they would be gone and on the hunt for another place to sleep.

“Well enjoy the festivities Neverland has to offer tonight, and if you wish to return tomorrow you may.”

Eli did enjoy what Neverland had to offer. And he came back, night after night, for weeks. And it was night after night that Killian took a liking to him, and wanted to make a change.

“Lad I’ve been thinking about your situation. You come from Longbourn, correct?”

Eli looks up from his cake he’s eating. “Yeah why?”

“There’s a kingdom nearby Thiroris. The king there is a kind man.” Killian did not like royalty, a habit of his pirate days. But in the missing year he came to know the Prince of a kingdom, who spent most of his time in the tavern where Killian and his crew drank. He was a good prince, and cared for the orphans in his kingdoms, and he learnt during his time in Storybrooke that his father had died and he was now King.

“I’ve heard of that kingdom. Our mother was from there.” Eli tells him with an excited smile.

“If you and your younger brother were to ask for refuge at his palace, I’m sure he would help you and give you a place to sleep and food to eat as magnificent as this chocolate cake.” Killian smiles at the lad, he reminds him so much of Liam. No boy his age should have to find work or worry about a safe place to sleep.

“You think?” Eli asks with the brightest smile on his face.

Killian just nods and allows him to enjoy his, hopefully, last night in Neverland.

Eli doesn’t return to Neverland that night, or the might after that. Killian takes that as a good sign. Eli never steps foot in Neverland again.

But it wasn’t a happy ending.

Some time later though a little boy the image of Eli yet younger appears in Neverland.

“My name is Hugo, my brother Eli and I were on our own for a while. Then he told me that if we go to this other kingdom a nice king would help us. But there were guards with arrows, and my brother got hit. He said he was in a better place, that he was going to see our mama. But now I’m all alone.” He explained and suddenly it made sense why Eli hadn’t returned to Neverland. He’d been caught in the crossfire of an arrow not meant for children. And now Hugo was a lost boy, he’d lost his brother like Killian had lost his, just at such a harsher age.

Killian now related to Hugo, he knew what he was dealing with, losing his brother and being all alone. Obviously this 7 year old boy couldn’t become a pirate or run away like he had done, but he could give him advice on how to deal with losing a brother.

He could have done those things. But he had ruined this poor boy’s life by giving his brother advice that got him killed. Instead, he stayed out of his way, didn’t give him advice and just was there to let them know the rules of Neverland and it’s dreamworld.

Many lost kids came and went and he didn’t really notice when Hugo stopped visiting.

_______

Emma can hear the cries of the Lost Ones. It’s what she heard the first night she was back here, and her very first night in Neverland 30 years ago.

When she was younger (orphan timeline) she wished she could escape to Neverland and be like the Lost Boys. That was before she knew the Disney Movie was nothing like the real story. She wanted to escape, be somewhere where it didn’t matter if she didn’t have parents or a family who loved her.

But then when she was 28, she had found her family. Granted she didn’t believe she had at first, but in her defence, who would believe a 10 year old saying he lived in a town with fairytale characters?  And then it was a long and rocky road until they felt like a family. And then the Evil Queen pressed a reset button and she had the chance to grow up feeling loved and never felt alone. She was grateful in some ways, but now she was conflicted, was she still a lost girl, an orphan who found her family at 28, or was she the girl that grew up with her family who loved her.

So when Henry told her about the lost kids, and that he tries to help them, her heart cried out. She wished she had someone to help her, keep her on the right track in life. Don’t give up hope. There is a family out there for you, whether biologically related to you or not. When she came to Storybrooke the first time, and thought Henry’s stories were well stories, she had found family, Mary Margaret was the first friend she had in a long time and she became her family, the way she invited her into her home and the way they defended each other when Regina framed or tried to undermine them.

She had learnt that family wasn’t always blood, it was those who cared about you. That’s what she would tell the lost ones, that finding someone who cares about you, is all you need.

“Mom! There you are!” Henry whispers shouts when he sees her at the clearing to the lost ones where he told her to wait. The lost ones clearing used to be Pans camp, so it was strange being back there and helping lost kids this time.

“Are you sure this is a good idea? What about Cecelia?” Emma asks, worried about when she eventually runs into the fairy.”

“Don’t worry, she’s never there throughout the night, she was here an hour ago to prepare the pixie dust, then tomorrow morning she’ll collect any dust left over.” Henry explains, calming her nerves, they still hadn’t decided how they were going to defeat her.

Emma and Henry walk into the clearing, and it looks pretty much the same as Pans camp did, with large trees and bushes surrounding the perimeter, and logs all around that serve as benches. The hammocks and beds were gone though, seeing as the lost ones no longer stayed longer than throughout the night. In the centre was a fountain that contained golden pixie dust that was glowing. There were a couple kids scattered around, one blonde haired boy was flying and giggling, another small girl was grinning as she was eating her ice cream, and a couple others were talking to one another on the logs.

Henry goes over to a boy with dark hair sitting by one of the trees, and gives her a look that says ‘go for it.’

She looks around at the kids, some are having the time of their life flying around or eating cake and ice cream. Others look, well, lonely. She sees a little girl around 9 with dark hair in two braids, she’s pretty tiny, short and very thin, maybe she’s not been eating well wherever she’s from. That lonely lost girl look on her face that’s all too familiar.

“Hey there, what’s your name?” Emma says as she approaches the little girl.

She looks up at Emma, not sure whether to trust her, “hi,”

Smart girl, not giving away too much information to someone you don’t know. Emma did this a lot when she was caught shoplifting as a teen. She sits down beside her. She could do this, she could help a lost girl,

“You know I was a lost girl once too.” Emma says staring ahead instead of saying it to her face.

The little girl looks up at her. “I’ve not seen you here before.”

Observant. Another trait of a lost girl, always looking at the details. “You’re right. I’m Emma. I was a lost girl once, and now I’m here to help.”

The little girl studies Emma for a few moments before saying. “I’m Elena.”

“It’s nice to meet you Elena.” Emma smiles at her.

____

If there’s one thing Killian had to bet on seeing tonight, it would not have been Emma with the Lost Ones. He walked into the clearing a little later than usual, and saw Henry talking with the same kids he had been talking to for a while, but saw blonde hair in the corner of his eyes.

No. It couldn’t be.

He looked over and saw Emma Swan talking to one of the lost girls. It really was her. This must be one of Henry’s ploys. Emma notices him and gives him a smile and a wave before returning to her conversation with a lost girl.

This woman doesn’t give up. She was a bloody marvel.

He watched her with the lost girl. He didn’t know the girl's name, she was pretty quiet and even Henry had trouble getting through to her.

So he sits on the log by the tree like he does every night and welcomes old and new lost ones.

“Welcome to Neverland. Morpheus has decided you’re a lost one, and has graced you with the chance to visit this place in your dream state. So enjoy Neverland. We have magic, you can fly, you can wish for anything to eat, go crazy,”

Killian says this speech to new lost ones almost every night and it gets tiring, especially now he knows he’s been saying it for 25 years. The first few years he was happy and upbeat, but now he said it in much more of a monotonous voice.

He keeps stealing glances at Emma throughout the night. And he was pretty sure she was doing that same. The lass she was with was looking more and more animated as the night progressed. She had a knack for this, that much was clear.

He wanted to go back with her. More than anything, but did he deserve to? And why does she still want him? Why bother with him at all? She should just take Henry and leave. She had lived her life again the way she was meant to, as a daughter that never doubted her parents loved her. After all that, why would she go back to a pirate who was abandoned as a child and lost everyone he loved?

The end of the night draws in, and the lost ones leave Neverland one by one. The girl Emma was talking to ended up being the last to leave. He nods to Henry when the night is up, avoiding Emma’s ever present stare.

“Killian wait.” He hears Emma voice as he walks outside the clearing on his way back to his ship.

He turns around to face her, “Swan. To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Emma rolls her eyes at him. “Don’t play dumb with me okay. I showed up here tonight to prove I’m not going anywhere without you.”

Killian just scoffs. “I already told you Swan, forget about me. Take your boy and leave.”

“I don’t want that okay? Are you not listening? I don’t want that.” Emma practically screams at him.

“And what do you not understand about the fact that you’re better off without me?” Killian shouts back.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Emma asks her blood practically boiling. Why would he say that?

He studied her for a moment, noticing the veins popping out of her forehead now she’s angry. “You don’t want me. You grew up with your perfect princess life, with a family and town full of people that love you. You never doubted that your parents loved you. You probably have a long line of princes and noblemen that want your heart. You don’t want a broken lost pirate. For 25 years I have been in this god awful place waiting for a woman who had forgotten me and I had no idea if you would even be here after 25 years.”

Emma scoffs, “yeah you’re right. I never doubted my parents' love for me, and I dated a few guys and I really liked them while we were together. And you’re right there are probably a lot more guys that want to be with me, I am a princess like you say. But guess what? We are not in the Enchanted Forest, I’m no princess, I’m free to choose my own life and my own boyfriends. And you know what else? None of them are you, Killian. It’s you I want. Even when I was cursed, I never forgot about you, I always used to see you in my dreams, I didn’t know who you were but. But I didn’t forget about you.”

“You dreamt about me?” Killain asks, not quite sure what to make of this revelation.

Emma nods. “It started when I was a teenager, maybe 16, 17. I kept seeing dark hair, blue eyes, your blue eyes, I didn’t know who you were but I knew you were important, a soulmate dream or something. Then as I got older, I started seeing visions, memories of our time together, like how I kissed you here in Neverland, and then saying goodbye to you in the Underworld.” Tears begin to roll from her eyes as she remembers that horrific goodbye. “Have you just forgotten everything we went through, the Underworld and everything, surely you don’t think I don’t love you anymore?”

“You still love me? Your feelings really haven’t changed?” Killain asks, still in disbelief that she could still love him.

“Of course I still love you!” Emma says with tears in her eyes. She takes the chain from under her shirt showing him the ring he gave her all those years ago. “I still have your brother's ring you gave me back in Camelot. I put it back on the moment I woke up. Because I love you Killian. And I’m not scared to say the words anymore! Killain Jones I love you so much. I don’t care what has happened, you still loved me when I went dark, so whatever this place has done to you, I don’t care. You’re still the same man I fell in love with. What’s stopping you from coming home?”

Emma steps forward and takes his hook and hand in hers. Killian backs away shaking his head. “I can’t do this, I’m sorry. Emma, my heart has been broken many times over my life. When my father abandoned Liam and I, Liam looked after me, he did everything, he was always there. And then all of a sudden he was gone, and I was never going to see him again, my big brother, gone just like that. It broke me, I didn’t know how I was going to go on, but something inside me was telling me to keep going. And a few years later I met Milah, and all at once she was patching the hole Liam had left. Years pass by and I feel almost whole again, and then the crocodile had killed her, and again my heart was broken. 300 years pass of feeling like this and I meet you.”

He takes a deep breath before continuing, composing himself. “You were so unlike any woman I’d met, my usual tricks didn’t work, you were feisty and independent, and so strong. You pushed me away but something inside me told me to keep pushing.” Emma can’t help but smile at this, it was true, she pushed him away for so long but after a short while, she didn’t want to push him away anymore.

“And eventually you felt as I did. You had fixed my broken heart piece by piece, and I let myself envision a future for the first time. And then you were cursed. We spent day and night researching, finding a way to bring you back, but when I was told there was no use, that I would have to watch you grow up and not know who I was, not know that you loved me, all the pieces you filled had shattered once more.”

“You’re saying I broke your heart because of my curse?” Emma asks.

“Aye.”

“I’m glad to hear that,” Emma tells him.

“You’re glad to hear my heart was broken?” He asks, having a feeling what she was going to say next.

“If it can be broken,” she says, taking a step closer, she can feel his heartbeat, she can hear his breath hitch. “It means it still works.”

And they’re both suddenly transported back to Storybrooke after the missing year when he said those exact words as Killian tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. “You know I’ve heard that before.” Emma pushed him away all those years ago because she was so afraid of letting him in, but there was nothing to be afraid of.

Emma's eyes light up as she smiles at his words, “oh yeah?”

And then Killian puts his arms around her waist and pulls her in close to him and captures her lips. It’s perfect. It’s needed, it’s the first kiss they’ve shared in 25 years and it feels so good. Killian moans into the kiss, he feels stupid for thinking she wouldn’t love him, Neverland plays on your strongest emotions, but kissing her here, in Neverland, the place she first kissed him which made him realise he was falling for her, was incredible.

He breaks the kiss for a moment just to say, “I love you so much.”

And Emma wraps his legs around his waist as he moves them so she's backed up against the nearest tree. He kisses her lips, and then moves onto her neck, placing hot wet kisses all down the side of her neck leaving Emma breathless as she roams her hands in his hair remembering what he felt like after 25 long years.

“Stop. Stop.” Emma says breathlessly as she pulls away from the kiss.

“Swan if you dare say that was a one time thing I will take you down to the Underworld myself.” Killian says causing Emma to practically snort.

“No, no it’s not that!” She says through her laugh, “My family will be expecting me back. Believe me, I want to continue this more than anything, but they want me to report on what I saw and what our plan is.”

“You really think we can get off this Island?” He asks.

“We? You’re coming with us?” Emma asks grinning from ear to ear.

Killian nods. “Aye love, I’m sorry I was a fool, it’s going to take some time to be the man you fell in love with again, but I’m-“

Emma cuts him off with a final kiss, “hey, stop. You’re still the man I fell in love with all those years ago. I get that this place is hard and your heart is still broken, but come home and we can fix it together.”

“I'll tell Henry and we can all meet at his treehouse later on to discuss our plan.” He says giving her a quick kiss before heading back in the direction of his ship.

____

Emma feels relieved, Killian was coming home. They were in this together. She couldn’t stop smiling as she walked back to where her family was.

This night was incredible. Elena, the lost girl she was talking to trusted her enough to talk, and she hoped she had made a difference. Her mothee was a princess, but she felt lost most of the time, she was always working and her father was sick. She was an only child and wasn’t allowed out of the palace much. Her baby brother was also the apple of her parents eyes, he was only a toddler but he seemed to get a lot more attention. Emma understood this, when she got back from New York and her mother was pregnant, sometimes she felt they were looking at her to break the curse, rather than spend time with their daughter. And with her new life, as a child she did feel like her parents spent a lot more time with Neal than her, but as she grew up she realised this wasn’t the case. She could already see that a couple more days talking to her and she wouldn’t find herself in Neverland again.

She hears scuffling behind her.

“Killian? Henry?” She calls out to the noise.

Instead appears a beautiful woman with dark skin, a purple dress and iridescent purple wings to match. A fairy.

“Cecelia?” Emma assumes, fearing the worst.

The fairy smiles. “Ah, so you know of me. Well, I presume you’re Emma. Nice to finally meet you.”

“Look, I don’t want any trouble, I just want to get my son and boyfriend and leave this Island. I won’t come back.” Emma says backing away from the fairy slowly, she knew this fairy was nothing like the Blue Fairy back in Storybrooke, and also nothing like Tinkerbell who was on their side. No, this fairy was the enemy.

Cecelia’s wings flutter as she levitates in the air. “Well see that’s the problem. The two people you want to recuse I need here on this Island, so I’m sorry you are going to have to leave my home without them.”

“And if I don’t?” Emma asks, standing her ground, she needed to show she wasn’t afraid.

The fairy did not like this. She flutters towards Emma and says in a sweet tone, “Then I will kill you and your precious family.” and then turns small and flies away

[halothenthehorns]

TLTNL- CAREER ADVICE

"Hey!" James spluttered in hurt and confusion. "I was defending Lily-"

"You started it," Harry told him. His tone was trying extremely hard not to sound accusatory, to let James say something for himself, but he could not stop that heavy weighing pit pressing so hard on him. He'd spent his whole life wanting to meet his parents, and now he had, but now, after seeing that... he still couldn't really look at him as he'd never expected his dad to be more like Dudley.

"This was two days after Snape stunned Sirius and left him behind that broom shed for practically a whole night," Remus put in. "James was just offering a little return of favor."

"And the week before you lot cursed him so bad he spent two days in the hospital wing with a cauldron stuck over his head!" Lily snapped. "This fight went on since their first week of school," she finished in only a bit calmer voice towards Harry.

"I never denied I was a touch big-headed," James refused to be side tracked, even while Lily scoffed for his downplay, and to his crumpling heart his son frowned instead of smiling indulgently at them as he did look at him. "I've never hid from you how I, ah, what me and Snape were like to each other. What on earth suddenly has you agreeing with Snape?"

"I, you just attacked him," Harry emphasized. "You and Sirius, you humiliated him, and I know what that's like far more than whatever you were getting him back for. You lot were all so upset whenever Dudley did anything to me when I was little, why's this so different?"

Sirius opened his mouth with a critical eye on Harry, all of them rather hurt and confused why they were defending themselves to Harry of all people. What Harry had grown up with was completely different in their mind's eye, as Harry had never had a chance to defend himself, whereas Snivellus had started those fights as often as they had.

So it was to everyone's surprise when Lily stepped in.

  "Harry, I know that couldn't have been pleasant for you to see, I know it was never fun to watch them in action," she rolled her eyes while Harry looked desperately to her. "Yes they were idiots, they still are, but you know for a fact they're not Malfoy. They did those things to Snape and others because they were arses. I agree it wasn't always right, they should have found better things to do when they got bored, but they never intentionally hurt anyone, you really think I wouldn't have cursed them stupid if they had," she finished with an affectionate smile at them.

Harry still didn't entirely feel better, but he also still couldn't bring himself to say the worst of it to her face. Her eyes were so gentle when talking to him, and still so fragile from being reminded of what a once friend had done to her. She clearly loved these idiots around her...but even watching them interact, it was quite mind blowing to see that hateful redhead turn into what he was seeing in person. He'd gotten a few sparse details, but now he really wanted to know what on earth had changed? He glanced again at his dad though, and he just couldn't bring himself to ask, not yet, not with how sick he was feeling having never seen him in this light before.

He just sighed and gave a jerky nod to his head, still flattening his hair and couldn't quite look at any of them as Lily passed her infant to her husband and went to take the book away from Remus.

The boys still looked extremely put off that had been Harry's takeaway from that instance, they'd thought he'd been enjoying stories of their time at school. The thick layer of tension as Lily started wasn't at all unfamiliar now, but never before had it felt so personal to them in regards to Harry.

Hermione was confused why he no longer had Occlumency lessons.

"That's what she caught on," Sirius demanded, all the more bothered Harry wouldn't meet his eyes as he muttered back:

"I didn't tell her the reason."

Harry said Snape had told him he was good enough with the basics to do it alone now.

"Liar, liar," Remus tried to playfully point out, but frowned all the more when Harry kept studying his nails. The worst part for all three of them was they couldn't tell if Harry was mad at them, or still sympathizing with Snape, or just disappointed. He wasn't telling them, and they'd thought they'd earned his trust more than that. Could one stupid instance really have ruined that?

Hermione was skeptical of this, asking if he'd stopped having those dreams?

Harry agreed he had, mostly.

James didn't even want to play in with the joke. He'd been worried when he'd gotten so upset about Harry for his lying about the Dursley's that he'd irreparably scared his son away from him. Now it turns out he'd accomplished that instead by just being himself.

Hermione insisted he shouldn't stop with Snape until they were completely gone, he should go back and ask-

"Then he probably would kill you," Lily muttered, the sad part was she really meant it.

Harry snapped at her to drop it.

They were on the first day of Easter break, and true to form, Hermione was creating study schedules for them. Harry and Ron let her do it, because there was no point in arguing, and they may come in useful.

"At least you admit to that," Sirius insisted, he'd never let awkward silence hang, and he'd keep at Harry until he really said what was on his mind.

Ron had been startled to discover there were only six weeks left until their exams.

"Because that's really the reminder we wanted," Remus huffed.

Hermione was stunned at his surprise, but tried to remind he'd do fine if he just stuck to the schedule.

Ron at first brightened when he saw he'd been given a night off each week,

"Is it such a surprise she gave him a night off?" Lily almost chuckled.

"Considering this was our OWLs, or the most important day in our lives, yes, it was quite the shocker he got one," Harry told her glumly, though that could have been for the reminder of why he hadn't gotten one, which Lily didn't get until she'd kept going.

until Hermione told him that was for his Quidditch practices.

"Thank you for the reminder," James said bitterly, another thing he couldn't seem to enjoy without wanting to curse something.

Ron told her there was no point, they had as much chance at that Cup as his dad becoming Minister.

"So a very good chance then," Lily said pleasantly, and at least they could all agree on that.

Crookshanks came over and tried to bat at his hand for a scratch, but Harry didn't even seem to realize it until his friends asked what was wrong. He insisted nothing was, then quickly dragged Defensive Magical Theory to him to browse through the index.

Sirius watched Harry with genuine concern, though at least this time it wasn't for whatever was going through his head, mostly that he just still had that book instead of using it for spitballs by now.

Crookshanks gave him up as a bad job and slunk away under Hermione's chair.

Lily got a personal giggle out of that, it reminded her too much of her own cat.

Hermione didn't believe him, telling him that Cho had seemed rather miserable lately, had the two of them fought again?

Harry quickly seized this and agreed at once.

'Ironically, it was a girl that was bothering me,' Harry frowned to himself, wondering how Hermione did that, even if she'd gotten the wrong girl.

Lily just frowned at the pages for an extra moment. It was saddening Harry wasn't telling his friends about what he saw. He should be aloud to talk about it, but then again, he didn't even seem to want to talk about it much in here considering he'd hardly look at any of them.

It had been over that sneak friend of hers Marietta.

Ron burst into a lengthy rant about her, which Harry mostly tuned out and only seemed to agree angrily when there was a pause,

"Happy to note when Ron's being useful," James muttered, tensing himself in fear what Harry was really thinking would come up, he wasn't even sure he wanted to hear his thoughts from what little he'd said aloud.

in favor of continuing to dwell on his father. He'd never for a second doubted Snape's aspersions to his father's character.

James ruffled in frustration that just one stupid memory had really tarnished him so much to Harry. Snape had been the one to insult his mother, what was he being targeted for? The question burned at his throat, but right now he was sure if he let it out he might just yell it in frustration, so he kept himself together.

Hadn't people like Hagrid and Sirius told Harry how wonderful his father had been?

Lily gave him a pitiful look, she couldn't imagine what Harry was feeling at that age. He'd never met his parents, so of course those who had would only tell of his good parts. Who wanted to share with an orphan that their parent used to have some arse like tendencies? Certainly not Hagrid who struggled to say a mean word about anyone, and most definitely not his enabler and best friend who even now was just as hurt and confused why all his words were being thrown out the window just because Harry had caught Snape with his pants down.

Then his mind nagged at him Sirius hadn't been any better!

He'd once overheard McGonagall comparing them to the twins, but he couldn't imagine Fred and George dangling someone upside for fun.

"Oh I can," James rolled his eyes.

Not unless it was someone who really deserved it, like Malfoy.

"Exactly," Remus put his hands up in frustration, they'd really been aghast Harry hadn't seen it that way, but now it was clear the thought had at least crossed his mind, so why was he still looking at them like he'd never seen them before, again.

Harry tried to go back and see why Snape had deserved it then, but then he remembered James' words clearly, that they were only doing this because he existed, the whole thing had been started because Sirius was bored.

James could not hold that one in, even as he tried very hard not to snap at Harry, "well sure, that sounds bad if you didn't already know what we'd already told you." He was even going to keep going, to tell Harry how jealous he'd been of Snape's life having more to do with Lily than him, but was surprised when Harry actually looked at him again, looking outraged.

"You've never said you treated him like Dudley used to treat me."

They looked shocked Harry could say such a thing, James spluttering for some kind of reversal for Harry to see it hadn't been that way at all! "What? No, Harry Dudley's a bully who beat on you, we, I-"

"Okay, yeah, everyone thinks they have a good reason for it," Harry cut in sharply, he didn't want to hear some pitiful excuse like Dudley would sometimes give teachers at his old school.

James couldn't decide if he was going to cry with frustration or just leave the room in shame. He looked back to his baby, which had been a source of comfort to his life since the day Lily had placed his hand on her womb and told him the news. Now though, he was suddenly terrified just to hold the infant, like he too would turn on him and start biting at his throat even without teeth.

Apparently leaving the room won, he got up and left anyways, and Harry watched him go with frustration. Great, now his father was a coward as well who wouldn't even hear what Harry was thinking. He moved away from the other two, to sit in the chair by himself, he needed just to not be around any of them for a moment. He instantly regretted it though, his father's last words echoing in his head from thirteen, James Potter shouting through a dementor for Lily to run. James had sacrificed his life to buy his real life some time, there must be an explanation for this...

"He just went to put our son down in his crib," Lily told him as she watched him glare daggers at the staircase. In moments her words spoke true, he was back at her side with a huffy grumble of words. She paused to reach out and take his hand, holding the book a bit awkwardly in place as she gave it a squeeze before having to let go to keep going. Harry still wasn't speaking his mind in here, not really, and she wasn't sure if it was anger or still something else holding him back, so Lily kept going patiently. She hated having to drag answers from the book rather than him and wished he'd just tell them off already, she knew that always made her feel better, but perhaps he was still too muddled to put it all together.

He remembered Lupin's words back in Grimmauld place, saying he'd been made a Perfect by Dumbledore in hopes he'd exercise some control over his friends, but clearly that hadn't worked, as he'd sat around and done nothing.

Remus opened and closed his mouth with unease. He'd stayed out of the fights as often as he'd been involved, it really was dependent on the circumstances. Considering Sirius had been missing for almost eight hours a day ago and scared them all senseless until they'd found him behind that broom shed, he'd felt James and Sirius had a right to this payback.

Harry kept reminding himself that Lily had intervened; his mother had been decent.

James continued to look all the more miserable at Harry's choice of phrase. Snape had been the one to use a dark curse on him, all he'd done was try and get him to apologize, what was so indecent about that? It wasn't at all what Dudley or even Malfoy had ever tried to do, he couldn't figure out where Harry was coming from!

Yet the memory of the look on his mother's face disturbed him as much as anything. Her clear loathing of him, how hatefully she'd shouted at the instance, he couldn't figure out how they'd ever married. He'd even started to wonder if somehow James had forced her into it.

"Hey!" James shouted, now glaring daggers at his spitting image. "Fine, call me what you will, but that's crossing the line Harry!"

Harry finally met his eyes, and shamefully whispered, "I'm sorry," an awkward pause as he wanted James to know he truly meant that, just watching the two beside each other made that clear as day, but he couldn't help finishing, "about that."

"Okay, enough," Lily seethed, snapping the book shut and looking between the two. She'd thought Harry would work this out for himself, but if he was drawing those kind of conclusions, this wasn't to be avoided anymore. "Harry, I detested James because he was acting like an arrogant birk, he was as bad as Dudley and Malfoy in his youth."

"Thanks so much for the defense dear," James put his hands up in frustration, but she ignored him.

"But he was also the same then as he is now, some parts just outgrew others. He's still a proud idiot who stands by his friends, he's still a troublemaker who won't see anyone being picked on without returning the favor."

James was still watching her like he couldn't decide if half of that was supposed to be complimentary or not, but Harry wasn't watching him anymore like he thought he was holding Lily hostage, so he'd take it.

Harry still tried to explain the nasty thought process, "but you-" he cut off with a vague wave back at the book, that memory.

"I only saw the worst parts of him while I was friends with Snape because we were friends and Potter was picking on my friend, something I obviously couldn't stand for. Yet when Snape did that to me, I was forced to reevaluate a lot of things, including him. I saw he hadn't really changed in the next year, but he did continue to grow up."

He nodded, and tried to find the words to explain, "I guess I just, never really imagined," but it was hard, as at fifteen he was still processing it all, making anything he tried to string together in here nay impossible until he'd come to fully grasp it back then. He did feel better he supposed, Lily had married him after all, and the love and care they continued giving to their infant and this life was more than proof enough something had changed in between those times.

He looked back to his dad and said with clear sincerity, "I am sorry."

James nodded, still with a hard set on his jaw, but was forced to acknowledge his son was speaking of someone he'd never even met. That didn't make the hurt any less.

For the past five years of his life he'd thought of his father as a source of comfort, whenever anyone compared him to James he'd glow. Now he just felt miserable at the thought.

James recoiled, suddenly feeling his throat tighten, having to blink very carefully or the hurt of that would spill out. Only days ago, for the first time in his life he'd known how it felt to have his son be proud of him when he'd seen the lengths they'd gone through to help Remus with his transformation. Now that had all been stripped away.

Sirius groaned in frustration, fighting back the urge to snap at Harry like he would anyone thinking like this about James, though the oddity of it being Harry held him back. He couldn't think of anything to say, Harry was clearly still feeling off about all three of them so talking to him clearly wasn't making it any better.

Thoughts like these would not leave him even as days passed, Harry found himself in the library trying to study. He was alone for a moment, as Hermione was doing revision of Ancient Runes, and Ron was at Quidditch practice. Then he realized someone was trying to get his attention, Ginny was sitting across from him.

Harry blinked slowly, unconsciously twisting his ring upon his finger. He felt like this should mean more to him, now that his crush on Cho had been eradicated, but it was far to hard to focus on much of anything except that old look on his mother's face, the sneer upon James he still didn't seem to grasp was so similar to Dudley's the many times he'd socked Harry in the face.

Harry gave her a distracted hi, asking about practice.

She explained Ron had to take Jack Sloper up to the hospital wing.

"Well at least something interesting finally happened there," James mumbled.

They weren't sure what even happened, but they thought he'd hit himself with his own bat.

Remus couldn't help a surprised splutter of laughter that he didn't try very hard to hide, any humor he'd cling to rather than somehow finding himself even lower in Harry's opinion than before, and that had been saying something.

Then she put the reason she'd found him on the table, a carelessly re-wrapped package with a stamp across it declaring it had been checked over by the High Inquisitor.

"Thank you, now I feel all warm and fuzzy inside like she is on the outside," Sirius snipped, and Harry almost smiled again. It still felt awkward, to look at Sirius and think more of Piers Polkiss, but this was his godfather. A man who'd escaped from Azkaban for Harry's safety, the man who was allowing himself to be shut up inside his childhood nightmare all for Harry's sake. If he'd been a prat as a child, laughing along as his best mate hung someone upside down, surely in his adult life in looking after that same man's kid had to make up for it?

Ginny said they were easter eggs from Mum.

Lily made a grumpy little noise, she still remembered Hermione delivering those last year and Molly's actions, but the woman had made up for it since then.

She gave Harry his, which according to the little wrapper would have Fizzing Whizbees on the inside, and the outside was decorated with Snitches. He felt his throat tighten painfully.

"Obviously he doesn't appreciate the reminder he's still banned from the Quidditch team, Ginny coming up there to report as much plus the icing helped nothing," James shrugged, before Harry winced, and he realized his son had actually still been acquitting this to that memory. He couldn't even glance at Harry again to see if he'd fixed his expression, he only had left a burning desire to murder Snape all over again. The man seemed to have a gift for ruining everything in his life.

When Ginny saw the expression, she told him he'd been down a lot lately, surely if he just talked to Cho-

"That is quite a girl," Lily said mostly for herself. "I wonder if she still has a crush on you, but even so, she's still trying to help you out."

When Harry didn't answer, finding Cho the least consequential thing in his life right now, Lily let out a breathy sigh and kept going pitifully with worry growing more all the time. Was it possible, Harry really couldn't see past all that? She could hardly hold the idea his father ruined the rest of his life, if in fact he'd carried this with him right up to the day he'd lost his memories and been transported here. If he'd really grown to hate the idea of her husband? For a moment she couldn't breathe at the idea as she looked at their only child, but then she really saw him. Harry had his hands tucked tight into his lap, only occasionally releasing the grip to flatten his hair. He kept a nervous eye on the tread of his shoes, he'd never liked their awkward silence and of course she couldn't blame him for that, but surely if he'd progressed into outright hating James he'd be showing signs of that. For now he still looked more like he wasn't sure how to react to this news- no! She wouldn't let that happen! She kept going steadily, keeping a watchful eye on him and vowing to put that to a stop if the moment became apparent. James was a good man, Harry must know that.

Harry finally corrected it wasn't Cho he wanted to talk to, but Sirius.

They all looked to him in surprise for that, he'd been the last person they'd been expecting Harry to want to see right now considering he hadn't been looking at his godfather any more than his father.

He knew he couldn't though.

"Well I'm here now," Sirius stated with a critical eye, wondering if Harry was going to pass into a bit of shouting, or...okay he couldn't really figure out why Harry wanted to talk to him considering he was the person who'd started this.

Harry took a careful breath before he tried to start. He couldn't quite meet his eyes, but spoke more to the left of his head as he began hesitantly, "that-" he broke off, he couldn't decide how to phrase it and just hoped he'd understand, "that thing you did to Snape-"

He understood. Sirius' face flushed and he recoiled. He was not proud of almost getting someone killed, by means of one of his best friends. So he had not a clue where Harry was trying to draw lines from there, but he hurried to say, "hey, I never- I mean, look I apologized to the blighter! He didn't think I meant it and he told me to-"

"I just meant," Harry quickly cut off his desperate attempts to explain that, but Harry wasn't holding a grudge for the moment. He'd accepted it for what it was, yet another prank of theirs that seemed to have gone so wrong. He just wanted to know, "I know you regretted it, but when did that happen?"

Sirius exchanged a wary look with his friends before saying, "the previous month, full moon, whatever."

Harry's face puckered, this clearly wasn't the answer he was hoping for, and Sirius' chest hurt as he thought Harry still considered the worst of him for that. "Listen, Moony and I had only just started talking again, and yeah we were all still a little on edge considering I'd only just gotten out of the Hospital Wing from that last Quidditch match that knocked me out. Don't blame Prongs and Remus for all the stupid shit I did."

Harry shook his head slowly as he tried to explain, "I'm just trying to understand, if that didn't make you stop having a go at him, what changed?" They all got so furious when they heard what Dudley had done to him in his youth, what Malfoy continued to do to him and the people in his life, why did they consider themselves better?

Sirius very clearly did not get the question. "I hadn't believed it possible, but he was worse to us after that exchange, always hissing that he knew what we were really up to now. If Dumbledore hadn't threatened to expel him, honestly the only time that man ever used such a threat just to keep a lid on Snape's greasy mouth, Moony probably would have been in Azkaban!"

Remus flinched hard at the still likely statement for his life, but Sirius was only getting angry while Harry was growing more dispirited Sirius wasn't exactly answering his question, so he intervened. "Harry, after Sirius ran away from home during that summer and moved in with James, glory I can't even describe the state Sirius was in. I only heard about it a few days after and came around, and he was still in a right state. Took the two ages to fully get out telling me what all had happened that night."

"Which was?" Harry felt bad pushing for this, he wanted to respect their right not to have to share something clearly so personal to Sirius, but he just wanted to understand, surely they got that?

James at least seemed to, waiting until it was clear Sirius was fighting up the words to say it himself before James spoke it for him. "His parents were trying to get him to drop out of school, go join the Death Eaters."

Harry spluttered in disgust, James nodding in agreement with that expression at least. "It turned into quite a fight..." he trailed off, and Harry was sure he was still missing how bad that really must have been, what state had Sirius shown up in? When James said a fight, did he really- curses had been thrown around by his own parents?

"After that, well, I just couldn't, seem to, it wasn't fun anymore to-" he broke off with an odd outward gesture, but Harry got the idea.

"I'm sorry." He actually wasn't sure who he was apologizing to this time. James for all the terrible thoughts, or Sirius for his childhood. He wasn't even sure if this made what he'd seen better, but it did give him some sort of understanding at least what made him stop.

"Stop apologizing," James half heartedly scolded. "I can't even imagine you having to see all that for the first time."

"Hopefully you do find a way to talk to Sirius, I'm sorry you couldn't go home over Easter break to try," Remus offered.

Harry nodded with hope he did speak to him, soon, and there was finally a catch of relief from his mind, some kind of promise this would come true, and Lily finally felt a soft bliss brush her words again as she kept going this would all work out.

There was a pause while Ginny considered this and Harry unwrapped his egg to take a bite.

Ginny helped herself to some,

Sirius snorted enthusiastically, well aware the look his mates were giving him was for his doing the same on all foods.

before telling him there was a way.

Harry reminded about all communications in the school being watched.

Harry swiped furiously at the sweat beading up on his forehead. He'd just had a nice moment with his dad and godfather, at least he didn't hate them at the moment, why did his mind have to choose now to thump so hard against his skull. That pain was just unhelpful, it's not like he knew why something he'd said was so wrong...something about Sirius, and a gift...but the idea wouldn't solidify, so unless he could get some use out of knowing the right answer, he forcefully ignored the pressure.

Ginny contradicted that growing up with the twins had taught her anything was possible if you had enough nerves.

"This is true!" James nodded eagerly. If talking to Sirius in here had clearly helped Harry, he was positive the same would happen in his time, and he was all for Harry never thinking anything of his marriage like that again.

Harry looked at her. Perhaps it was the effect of the chocolate -

"I know that always improves my mood," Lily giggled, finally feeling light hearted again now that her son was almost smiling along at the lot of her boys.

- Lupin had always advised eating some after encounters with Dementors -

"In any situation, honestly sweets have been known to stop wars," Remus grinned.

"No they haven't," James countered with an eye roll, "and I don't consider you and Sirius wrestling over a pack of gum a war."

"Well I did," Sirius sniffed, hating how his chest hurt as he remembered who had taken the last piece to stop them while James had been laughing his arse off, but then he'd bought them both their own candy bar at the next Hogsmeade trip just to shut them up.

To Harry and Lily, it was clear something was being untold here, but considering the only times they'd ever held back in sharing was when it involved a particular someone, they didn't ask for details as Lily kept going.

or simply because he had finally spoken aloud the wish that had been burning inside him for a week, but he felt a bit more hopeful.

Harry gave a breathy laugh he wasn't quite sure had all to do with that and something to do with his company. Finally wondering about how Ginny had been the one to make him smile after something so-

Lily had cut off his train of thought quite loudly and he startled in surprise.

A loud, sharp voice shouted at them what they were doing!

Sirius burst out laughing at Harry's jump.

Remus shook his head without remorse. "Honestly, how she even got in there with those I've no clue, normally Pince can scent that out by a mile."

"You were expecting this the whole time?" Harry demanded as he half glared at them all.

"Yep," James agreed, popping the P for emphasis, "we were taking silent bets on how long it would last, and I think Lily won."

Lily rolled her eyes, knowing they'd been far to distracted to be doing any such thing, but it made Harry roll his eyes in exasperation at them again, so she didn't counter him.

Madam Pince rounded on them, screaming chocolate in her library! Then she cursed their books and things to pelt them as they ran from the library.

"I accidentally crushed my egg she startled me so bad," Harry grumbled, "got it all over the book I was reading anyways, so that was her fault." Then he brightened and added on, "but Ginny split her egg with me, told me it was only fair."

It was so sweet to see such a simple smile cross his face again that they all paused for a moment with glee Harry's life wasn't all bad.

The next day, a notice was posted up in all common rooms with the message Career Advice:

"I've been waiting for this one to show up," Remus nodded.

"I still can't believe you argued with McGonagall for your whole time about whether illegal breeding should be made into an actual career," James shook his head at him.

"It was the only thing I could think of at the time," Remus shrugged without remorse. "Hagrid put me onto the idea when he showed up in our last Creatures class talking about how he'd once seen a fire breathing fish, I was really only trying to help him."

"Now you want to work with Goblins instead," Sirius rolled his eyes, before telling Harry, "suppose it's better than his last year of school where he was convinced he could go work with dragons, something like what Charlie does. For some reason he kept thinking I was joking when I wrote out his eulogy."

"At least I've got ideas," Remus scowled at him. "According to you, you spent the whole time with McGonagall telling her what you didn't want to do, I recall your statement 'no homework,' five times when telling us about it."

"Give me a break, I was sick of it at the time, forcing us to do this right before the exams to define those careers!" Sirius grumbled. He decided to inform them though, "you should be even more pleased with me than usual though-"

"Oh this'll be good," Remus rolled his eyes.

"-that I have decided to look into something, I want to meet Arthur for more than the company."

They paused with a curious look at him, his smile widening all the more. "Honestly, it does sound fascinating. May as well do something with my best OWL grade, and it would be a great way for me to spurn my parents all the more, though that's just a bonus."

Harry couldn't help laughing loudly at them again, even at such a detail as hearing their plans for after the war. No matter how unhappy he was at their past actions, he always managed to find just as much joy in their life. He eyed his parents curiously, and Lily happily added on, "it was McGonagall who helped me decide to join the Ministry in an effort to help with their laws, we had a nice discussion about my interests in bettering the wizarding community."

James hesitated at first, he wasn't even sure if Harry still cared enough to hear his, but Harry was still watching him. His expression was a touch weary, did he honestly expect James to declare he'd waltzed in there asking for a professional career in bullying? But all he'd been doing in here was looking to share with his son, so he wasn't going to pass up the opportunity now.

"I had no clue what I was doing going in," James shrugged. "Both of my parents were potioneers, but I never much favored that, so I'd spent the past five years already looking for anything else. It was McGonagall who really gave me the idea of being an Auror though, said a little law enforcement might make me consider all the rules I break," he finished with a smirk. He hesitated, but confessed, "I was going to start training once you were a bit older," he went cross eyed for a moment telling this to his adult son, that never got any less weird, "but I don't know, now I still might try something else. I still like to draw, maybe I'll do something with broom designs." He'd considered it once or twice in the past, but had always had something bigger to keep the idea at the back once it occurred to him, now not so much.

"You certainly made up enough in school," Remus agreed with a smirk. "Though I suggest the first one you offer to any company not be the Lilium model, no one needs to know you dedicated a broom to Lily."

James went wide eyed with innocence while Lily blushed faintly as she demanded, "I never saw that one."

"I still have the drawing," James shrugged without remorse. "I'll show it to you later."

If Harry'd ever had any doubts before, they were dashed the instant he saw the tender look cross her face. He could just imagine his mother at sixteen, watching James do something like this in school, and her realization his love was not some joke.

Feeling slightly flustered now at realizing they still had an audience, Lily kept going loudly.

All fifth years were required to meet with their Head of House to discuss this, and the times of when were posted. Harry's took place half past two on Monday, meaning he'd miss most of Divination.

"What a disappointment," Remus said deadpan.

Pamphlets had been deposited in Gryffindor tower for all the students to see the multiple job opportunity, and the three friends were currently sorting through their own pile.

Ron said he didn't fancy Healing, looking at the requirements and seeing how many subjects they wanted an E in.

"I suppose it's having those grades that's a start to showing you can handle multiple things at once, it's a very responsible job," Lily offered. She'd considered it for a time, but had quickly discovered after helping Madam Pomfrey in the Hospital Wing for a day she didn't handle bodily fluids well. Her shaking from helping with the boy's wounds the other day hadn't all been from stress.

Hermione reminded it was a very responsible job.

"Hush Sirius," Lily told him without looking up.

"You never let me have any fun," he grumbled, "so you really are like Hermione."

Lily did look up then just to sarcastically tell him, "congratulations, you've pointed out we're the responsible ones."

She was looking over one that said, so you'd like to work with Muggle Relations?

"I can see her doing that, she'd make a very good bridge between the worlds," Remus agreed.

She found the qualifications weren't much, all you needed as an OWL in muggle studies; what they were really looking for was enthusiasm, patience, and a good sense of fun.

"Sounds like I'm set," Sirius smirked without realizing he'd said it aloud, and then shrugged to the surprised looks he hadn't at all been joking moments before. "Yeah, so I like the sound of what Arthur does."

"Congratulations," Lily said again without the sarcasm. "Though dear I do recommend you please consider that motorcycle and what happened with Arthur."

Sirius made a face at her, he didn't want to give up his bike for a job. Maybe he'd find a way to make a career out of wizard auto-parts, or he'd just invent a need for that.

Harry said you needed more than fun to liaise with his uncle, good sense of when to duck more like.

"Well I have that as well," Sirius said with a bitter smile, "so I'm still all set to meet him."

After he'd seen what they'd done to Snape, Harry no longer had any reservations the threat made against his Muggle side of the family were very real, and yet he never really considered them even family to him, not like he did to those around him in his short stay here. It was quite the conundrum in his mind, to see himself in his youth facing Dudley/ James, but at the same time he couldn't feel much sorrow if that kind of attention was turned on Vernon. Did that make him a bully too? Or simply wanting some people to deserve what they get for the way they treated others?

Harry was looking through one for being a Curse-Breaker at Gringotts, the description one full of adventure and dangerous quests, but they wanted Arithmancy, and he told Hermione she could try for it.

"Well when they put it like that, I can actually see why Moony fell for it," James said. "You do know you can still take your Arithmancy OWL right?" James directed at Harry.

"I didn't know at the time," Harry shrugged, remembering an earlier explanation of theirs on how he'd do this. "I'm sure if I bring it up with McGonagall she'll explain it to me."

Hermione didn't even look up, saying she wasn't going to consider banking, she'd instead switched to one about training security trolls.

"Least Hermione's looking at all of her options," Sirius chuckled in surprise.

"She's had enough practice this year dealing with Umbridge," Remus grumbled.

"I think that means she's not very apt for the job though," James smirked, "considering that troll has yet to learn its lesson."

"I'm sure that'll change before the years up though," Harry said darkly.

They were interrupted by Fred and George joining them.

"Always a treat," Sirius perked up.

They spoke quietly to Harry about Ginny talking to them, Fred lifting his legs up casually on the table and knocking several leaflets to the floor regarding Ministry jobs.

"Poetic," Lily giggled. Considering their current climate, she may well have burned them all.

Hermione was stunned to hear the news Harry wanted to talk to Sirius, her hand freezing over a description about the Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes.

"Hermione does clean up enough of Harry's messes," James chuckled.

Harry just looked at him in exasperation, which made James laugh all the harder his son didn't deny it.

She told him he was ridiculous, there wasn't a way.

George corrected it was a matter of diversions, and timing. They may have noticed they'd gone silent over the Easter holidays.

"I was rather disappointed to note this, yes," Remus sighed. They'd mentioned mayhem, and then released a spectacular start, but they'd all been a little distracted to realize nothing else had happened. Now they were realizing, and hoping, the twins may have even more up their wands.

Fred agreeing rhetorically what was the point of disrupting leisure time.

"Really? I found that the best time to catch people off guard," James smirked, then winced hard when Harry frowned heavily at him. It clearly wasn't funny to him anymore now that he had an idea of what James really meant by that. He wanted to pull Harry aside, he felt a long overdue conversation was worth it, but Lily was still insistently going, and now that Harry had the opportunity in his time to work this out with Sirius he supposed he understood why. If Harry reached some sort of resolution in his time it would help him in here, so he'd wait till then.

Plus, they'd be remiss to interrupt people studying.

Hermione looked surprised at this thoughtfulness.

"That is so hurtful," Remus rolled his eyes, "in a school so large, I always liked to think others tried to be considerate of everyone else."

"If not, it helped to show them otherwise," Sirius snickered.

"By making twice the disruption," Lily grumbled.

It was back to business come tomorrow when classes restarted though, Fred kept going, and since they were going to cause some uproar, they may as well do it in a way Harry could chat with Sirius.

Hermione fought back with the tone of one explaining something very simple to someone very obtuse,

"I note she uses that tone a lot," Lily rolled her eyes, all the more agitated Sirius so enjoyed comparing her to Hermione, she had never considered herself smarter than others like the idiots around her so often did.

demanding how he planned to do this?

Harry said Umbridge's office.

Harry looked uneasily around like he was expecting to be scolded, but found no one in here found the idea any more harrowing than a trip into the Forest. Dangerous for sure, but the idea of using the woman's own words against her held a rather vindictive pleasure to the lot of them.

He'd been considering it since Umbridge herself had told her fireplace was the only one not being watched.

"Irony in its purest form," Remus declared with that glint in his eyes Harry so often saw in here. He wondered if he'd paid more attention to Remus in that memory rather than the other two if he would have seen more behind the book he'd hidden his face in.

Hermione told him he was insane, how was he even going to get in there?

Harry said Sirius' knife, and she had no clue what that was.

"You had that for over a year and you didn't tell her about it?" Sirius said in surprise.

"I suspected to much of the same reaction I got from all the other gifts I got from you," Harry muttered. She had after all declared the Firebolt and Map unsafe at first and wanted him to be rid of those, he didn't see the point of drawing her attention to another thing from Sirius.

Harry explained his Christmas gift from his godfather last year, that would open any lock,

"Hang on," Sirius' face puckered with confusion, before he snapped his fingers and said, "Christmas this year pup, when you were leaving, I gave you something that you never wanted to open, but you could talk to me with it!"

Harry sat there, flabbergasted with surprise as he said, "I'd, completely forgotten about it. I put it in my trunk, and-" he shook his head miserably at his mind, hating that hateful sting from himself promising he'd regret this even more soon.

Hermione ignored him and then turned on Ron, and Harry was reminded of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.

That gave them all a heavy laugh, considering what they'd noticed at Christmas last year between Harry's friends. Harry's shoulders shaking hardest of all seemed an amusing indication to them they weren't wrong in their guess, but they held it in, as maybe it still wouldn't go anywhere. It was still up in the air if they were reading the two right.

Ron looked alarmed at having to give his opinion, saying it was Harry's choice.

"It's all the funnier that's a response I'd expect from Arthur," James pointed out.

The twins seemed to think this was decided, imparting the knowledge of when this would take place tomorrow, as far from Umbridge's office as they could manage, and told Harry he'd have at least twenty minutes once this got started.

It was like a heavy weight being lifted from the room as they all laughed as one. Harry had been living a dream come true being able to spend time with his parents here, but now in his own time when he needed them most, it meant more than words he still had someone to turn to. The way in which he was going to be able to somehow just made this all the sweeter, it was as if James was helping from beyond the grave through the twins.

Harry woke early the next day, the prospect of talking to Sirius about that memory weighing heavily on him, though that wasn't the only thing. He'd also for the first time be back in close proximity to Snape since he'd been thrown out.

Lily went white lipped with fury as she remembered that treatment. It hadn't even phased Harry at the time he'd been so invested in his own mind, but she wasn't the only one who thought Snape should have been fired long ago, now he'd put his hands on Harry like that, and still nothing was going to be done about it! Yes Harry was at fault in that, but if he'd gone to Dumbledore, something would have been done against a teacher leaving a bruise on a student, right?

Harry got up and crossed to the window, gazing out at the lake where it had all taken place so many years ago. He couldn't imagine what Sirius would say as an excuse for his father's behavior, to somehow make all this better.

"Did I?"

Harry considered for a moment. He had the feeling he hadn't pushed Sirius in his own time like he had in here, but he was confident he had spoken to his godfather at least, so he reassured, "I guess, I do understand a bit more, now." He paused and was surprised to see the relief on all three of them, and for a moment he felt ashamed of his anger, he couldn't believe he'd ever made them think he hated them. He continued earnestly, "I'm sure we do talk," he shook his head slightly for being so sure of this too early, but still ignored the feeling, "so it'll all work out."

Sirius beamed! It was hard to put into words the realization Harry didn't hate him, hate his own father because of something he'd done. Finally Sirius felt like he'd done something right!

James shook his head affectionately at the pair, now fighting back the urge more than ever to pull Harry aside so he could have a real chat with him, but now he couldn't bring himself to cut off their moment when Sirius was finally in a happy place about his own life.

Lily kept going with honest hope now, sure that in his life Sirius would help Harry through just like always.

Something caught Harry's attention: movement on the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

Remus shivered in remembrance of the last time Harry had spotted something like that; it had been Padfoot, and they'd all been worried sick about what was going on during that time. Things had somehow steadily gotten worse from there.

Harry squinted into the sun and saw Hagrid emerging from between the trees.

"Well that's nothing unusual," Sirius shrugged. They saw that a dozen times a day on their meanderings of the grounds.

He was limping heavily as he made his way to his cabin, and Harry watched in concern for several moments until smoke came out the chimney, so he couldn't be so injured he couldn't stoke a flame.

All five of them shivered, just a bit, in fear for what Hagrid was up to. Still remembering his words, they forced themselves not to criticize he may be in over his head, but it didn't stop the worry for his well being while he did whatever it was.

He'd expected his talk with Sirius to be on his mind all day, but had no expected the accompanying commentary by Hermione attempting to dissuade him from doing it.

Remus scoffed deeply in disgust, could Hermione really not let Harry ever make his own decision without foisting her opinion.

She wasn't even paying attention in History of Magic, to busy keeping up her stream of worries that Harry tried to ignore.

"Normally I find Hermione's normalness refreshing," James said deadpan, "now I'd rather her go back to whining you don't do your homework to her standards."

Such things as if he was caught, this time Umbridge would force feed him Veritaserum to find out what he was up to!

Harry ducked into himself, shaking furiously for a moment, and they all thought it was from anger, and couldn't really blame him. Aside from the DA, had Hermione done anything this year other than spend her time telling Harry to not have any interaction with Sirius. Even then, she'd spent some of her time not trusting Sirius' judgment when he approved of her plan. Hermione's constant attempts to keep Sirius out of everything spurned them all, but they all kept a tight bottle on saying anything about it. They were in such a good mood for Harry's reconciliation, having a go at Hermione would help nothing. She couldn't stop Harry from seeing Sirius, even if she wouldn't be supportive of it.

Sirius instead offered up something to distract Harry, "besides, that wouldn't work anyways. I'm in a heavily warded house, I doubt you could just blurt out where I am under magic, that has to be willing information."

Harry gave him a grateful look, the distraction had worked and whatever his mind had been trying to lace together unraveled just as fast.

Ron cut in to demand if she wasn't going to be taking notes, who was?

"Nice distraction," Lily said grudgingly.

Hermione said he could for once, it wouldn't kill him.

"Sadly Hermione didn't take the hint," Harry rolled his eyes, Ron's comment had only saved him one breath, but he had appreciated the attempt.

She continued this even in the dungeons, her hissing breath so forceful others could could hear the noise, and Seamus spent five minutes trying to find a leak in his cauldron for the source of it.

That did get a surprised burst of laughter out of the boys, at least temporarily stopping the near constant eye rolls of Hermione, to which Harry was grateful as he was worried that would soon cause permanent blindness.

Lily wasn't as distracted though, still sitting tense in her seat and waiting to see if somehow Snape would find some new way to torment her son for what he'd done, if he'd go even farther in replicating his revenge onto the James that no longer lived but in his mind.

Snape had found a new way with Harry, by treating him as if he were invisible, a familiar tactic to Harry through Vernon.

"That's," James worked furiously to come up with a nice comment for this instead of the new string of insults he wanted to pour out in regards to the man, but Harry was watching him with a pinched face. He wasn't sure if his sons mood had irrevocably changed and now if he insulted the man his son would turn out worse than Lily curbing them for this, but he wouldn't put Harry so ostracized from him again; so he finished with, "an improvement."

"Better than he ever treated us," Sirius grudgingly agreed.

Remus kept his mouth shut, not trusting he'd say anything that would help, he rarely seemed to do that.

Harry gave them an awkward smile. He wasn't sure what this sudden surge was, something like forgiveness in his eyes when he thought back to Snape...but while watching Sirius he had an even worse omen this was probably the best he should hope for, or even that wouldn't last...

Harry found this an honest improvement over the usual taunting insults, and realized he actually got decently through his potion when left alone. He put a stopper into his flask for today feeling it was at least worth an E.

Lily beamed with pride. She just knew her son could have the potential to be good in this class, he could obviously concentrate as well as had the good intuition and reflexes that came with the skilled in this course.

He put it on his desk, and only turned for a second when he froze at the tinkling sound of breaking glass. He whirled back around to find his on the floor, with Snape's gloating smile on him.

"Oh, so he hasn't quit being an arse yet," Remus said blandly.

"Never could learn his lesson," Lily said bitterly.

James and Sirius exchanged a look before quickly looking to Harry, who felt exasperated and angry all over again. That had lasted shorter than he thought. Snape was still being an utter arse to him, and even if it was his dad that had made him that way, could he really not be the better person now that the man was dead?!

He turned back to his cauldron, determined to grab another vial and force it into Snape's hand for the grade he deserved, when he saw Hermione had already cleaned up everything for him.

Harry ground his teeth in, thinking he'd quite like for Hermione to stop helping him lately.

"Damn," James burst in frustration. Hermione's intentions were always good, and always seemed to cause Harry more problems than he needed.

She tried to apologize, but Harry was at his limit with her and did not speak to her the rest of the day, sitting in between Neville and Seamus during lunch so Hermione could not continue to pester him. He was so angry he walked right into Divination before Ron reminded him of his appointment with McGonagall, and hurtled up the stairs to her office.

"Be glad it wasn't in the North Tower now," Sirius muttered.

He arrived only a minute late and apologized, though McGonagall didn't seem concerned as she asked him to sit.

He did so, before hearing a little sniff of disagreement, and turned to find Umbridge back in the corner with a clipboard on her knees.

Lily's face pinched so tight she looked like she'd been skeletonized.

"What is that doing there," James spat, at least this was someone he'd never have to reconsider insulting to his last breath.

"I'm sure she has a pleasant reason," Sirius snarled.

McGonagall was treating as if she weren't even there, telling Potter to take a seat and beginning with what careers he'd considered so far.

Harry admitted his want of being an Auror, and McGonagall pulled a pamphlet to her and explained they E grades they required. It was a difficult path ahead, none had been taken on in the past three years.

"Tonks, if I remember correctly," Harry recalled with a slight smirk of a past late night dinner at Grimmauld place. "She was chatting how Moody himself had taken her on."

"Well I'm beyond pleased for the girl," Remus grinned. "She watches her feet a bit more and she'll be a right intimidation."

"I'm sure she's already got you shaking in your pants," Sirius snickered.

Neither Lily nor Harry bothered correcting him for the incorrect Muggle phrase, it made them smile too much.

At this moment, Professor Umbridge gave a very tiny cough, as though she was trying to see how quietly she could do it.

"All the easier to ignore her," James said almost pleasantly.

McGonagall ignored her, and began going into more details, such as Transfiguration-

Umbridge gave another cough a touch more pronounced, but McGonagall only closed her eyes for a moment before again ignoring her.

"Ha!" Sirius' sharp bark of laughter echoed loudly in the room, but all of them were grinning anyways for McGonagall's blatant dismissal of that broken purr.

She continued on slightly louder that Transfiguration would require an E to pass on into her NEWT classes, and as of now he was averaging an Acceptable.

James pouted slightly Harry had only the most passable of interest in his favorite subject, but at least they both still had Quidditch, at least if Harry ever bothered to speak to him again.

Then Potions of course, having to emphasize this one to him with a flickering smile for the look on his face.

Considering the face he'd just made in here, no one had to ask why McGonagall had done this one, they'd all made the same face.

Snape allowed nothing less than O grades in his class,

"I think he should have just been teaching those students period," Lily sighed. "He's no patience, maybe he wouldn't be such a bitter arse if he could teach those who could follow along better rather than young kids."

"If you're going to do that for one teacher, you should for all of them," Remus criticized. "I don't see Hogwarts inflating it's teacher population just because one teacher shouldn't even be there to handle all students."

Lily agreed, and honestly wondered why he was even there some days. He clearly had no love for his job, more than likely not even for the place itself. If all that was holding him there was some how connected to Dumbledore and whatever favor he'd done to keep him out of Azkaban for being a Death Eater, she did not find that a passable enough use for what he was doing to all of the students, not just Harry, in alienating them from a whole subject.

but then Umbridge gave her most pronounced cough yet, and McGonagall finally addressed her by demanding if she'd like a cough drop.

"More than I'd offer her," James snipped.

"I'd want to see how long we could go on ignoring her." Sirius wondered. "Would she stand up and start jumping around while doing that stupid cough, or just choke herself trying to do it. I'm personally voting for the second."

Umbridge declined, before asking if she could make the teensiest interruption?

"Clearly she can," Remus said through gritted teeth.

Then she wondered aloud if Potter had the temperament for an Auror?

"Oh?" Lily raised a sharp brow. "I find that he has quite the clear head in most situations, though he could use some improvement on who to dish it out on from time to time, but no one's perfect."

Harry blushed faintly for his mother's words, especially who he'd so recently put it on. He gave his dad another apologetic look, who again met his eyes and nodded in some form of mutual understanding and forgiveness.

McGonagall only gave this the barest of acknowledgments before continuing to Harry this took serious ambition,

"I've never said anything about being an Auror," Sirius went wide eyed in concern. "I'd never deny the world my good looks by taking one too many curses to the face, looking like Moody."

"You could take over Euphemia and Fleamont's business, it currently needs a face of the business now that they've passed on," Remus said with heavy sarcasm for Sirius and a sympathetic look at James; but he offered up a kind smile, knowing his parents would love the idea.

Sirius wasn't actually sure how he was supposed to respond to that statement. He didn't want to hurt Prongs' feelings with some snark nor in any way speak ill of two people he considered far more his parents than his own, so let Remus win this round, for now.

She'd advise him to concentrate as well on bringing his Transfiguration and Potions up to scratch.

"Considering there is no way in Merlin you are going to be able to get any kind of passing grade with Snape at the helm, I wouldn't hold my breath," Remus tisked.

Flitwick had been marking him between an A and an E the past two years, so that seemed good in his Charms work. As for Defences, he'd always been marked generally high, Professor Lupin in particular- was Dolores quite sure she didn't want something for that cough!

Sirius growled louder than ever for this constant interruption by that flea. "I wanted to hear that one!"

"I'm sure it was something more along the lines of what he excelled at in class," Remus shrugged, he'd never intentionally over qualify Harry for something no matter how much he loved the kid.

Umbridge feigned knowing what she meant,

"At some point you must not allow them to make that decision," James said with deadly calm.

"He means force feed the cough drop down her throat," Sirius pleasantly informed Harry like he'd missed the joke.

"Though I'm okay if it's something a bit larger that say, accidentally got stuck," James huffed.

as she mentioned McGonagall might not have the most recent scores of Potter's Defence Against the Dark Arts, she'd slipped something in.

"I'll recognize what that says when you recognize Voldemort's back you trumped up sugar plum," Lily scowled.

McGonagall extracted a pink sticky note from Harry's folder and gave it a dismissive read before continuing that Professor Lupin had found Potter had an aptitude for the subject-

Umbridge finally gave up the formality of the cough as she interrupted to say had McGonagall not understood her note?

"I understand that you need to shove it!" James snapped in outrage. How was Remus the only good teacher Harry had yet had! He didn't even count Moody all the way considering he'd in fact tried to kill his son!

McGonagall managed through gritted she'd understood it perfectly.

Umbridge didn't think so, as how could she give Potter false hope then-

"False hope?" Remus scowled. "Harry could be the next Minister if he wanted to!"

"I'd like to see him force Fudge out of office," James agreed with this idea, while Harry's face was turning more red than ever. McGonagall in her office, now those around him, he really didn't know how to handle people complimenting him so much.

McGonagall still hadn't even looked around at her as she demanded back what false hope? He'd achieved high marks in all Defence classes.

Umbridge said she was terribly sorry to correct her,

"No, no she's not," Sirius contradict just as pleasantly.

but her marks clearly showed his poor results while she was putting the class under correct tutelage-

"I wouldn't be surprised if she loses more of his grades than Snape, and that's saying something!" Sirius burst out.

This time McGonagall interrupted to clarify, he'd made high marks in all classes set by a competent teacher.

They all laughed in pure appreciation for McGonagall in that moment, but Remus utterly took the piss out of it. He began laughing so hard he nearly fell right out of his seat.

Sirius watched him indulgently until he'd subsided into a conversational level of giggling again before demanding, "care to share the joke?"

"That had to be the most insulting thing McGonagall ever could have said," Remus insisted, looking around at all of them like he couldn't understand why they hadn't already shared in the joke. "You do realize she just implied, as Harry has passed every exam up until this point, she meant all the previous DADA teachers were more competent than her." He paused, watched them do a head count, and then his grin somehow got wider. Even though they'd clearly taken the hint, he couldn't stop himself nodding and stating, "Lockhart trumped Umbridge, never thought I'd live hear it."

Sirius and James promptly started laughing just as hard as Remus had.

Professor Umbridge's smile vanished as suddenly as a light bulb blowing. She sat back in her chair, turned a sheet on her clipboard and began scribbling very fast indeed, her bulging eyes rolling from side to side.

"Warms my heart she finally has no response," Lily smirked all the wider, still somehow managing to make herself heard through the boys buoyant giggling.

McGonagall turned back to Harry, her nostrils flaring but forcing a calm voice as she asked if he had any questions.

Harry asked what would come after NEWTs?

McGonagall explained he'd need to demonstrate the ability to react well under pressure,

"Been there, done that," James mock yawned, finally recovering from McGonagall's wit, only to encourage this further.

as well as an extra three years in training. A lot more work and study will be going into this even after school-

Umbridge interrupted again, now in a cold flat voice,

"Argh, she couldn't just admit defeat and run off with her tail between her legs," Sirius grumbled.

"Toads don't have tales," Remus reminded. "Though I suppose her tongue would fit the scenario," he finished thoughtfully.

to remind that the Ministry also considered criminal records before hiring for this, which meant he had as much chance of being an Auror as Dumbledore coming back to this school.

"Ah, so by the end of the year then?" Lily happily stated.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Moody took him on now," James agreed without remorse. "If he came out of retirement for the war effort and is helping along Tonks, I'm sure he'd be all the more thrilled to pass along to Harry as well."

"My little cousin could be your partner," Sirius perked up at the idea.

Harry grinned at all of them, wanting to tell them they were getting far to ahead of themselves, but he couldn't seem to pull it together, just enjoying watching them all laugh again for something he could definitely join in on.

McGonagall said a very good chance then.

Umbridge shrilly returned Potter had a criminal record!

"He was cleared of all those wasteful charges," Lily declared acidly. "You can't just keep bringing them up at your leisure!"

"She was one that voted not to have them dropped at all," James needlessly reminded, a dark tone creeping back into his voice. "So I'm sure in her rainbow tinted world, they never were dropped."

McGonagall replied loudly he'd been cleared of all charges!

Umbridge took to her feet then, but she was so short this hardly made a difference, except now her demeanor somehow made the flabby face oddly sinister.

Remus cocked his head to one side, then the other, before saying, "nah, can't picture it."

"Don't underestimate her," James scolded, a calculating look in place. "I doubt she got where she was without hexing a few people along the way."

Remus still sniffed, he had trouble picturing anyone much of a threat against McGonagall.

Umbridge stated in no uncertain terms Potter held no chance of being an Auror.

McGonagall took to her feet as well, but in her case, it was a much more impressive display, she towered over Umbridge.

"I'm positive most first years do," Sirius sneered.

She returned she'd train Potter day and night to become an Auror, she'd coach him until he achieved every required result!

Far from blushing all the more as they would have suspected, Harry looked genuinely touched at the declaration. Of all the teachers there, he'd had the most interaction with McGonagall, the good and the bad. If she was declaring this, Harry had no doubts he had gone through with this career he'd so wanted at that age. Though he supposed, McGonagall could have wiped anyone into position for this job, Hagrid could become an Auror under McGonagall's tutelage.

Umbridge shouted the Minister would never employ Harry Potter!

"Then it's a good thing he won't be around long," Lily said flatly.

McGonagall shouted right back Fudge may not be Minister by the time he's ready to join.

Umbridge waved a stubby finger at McGonagall, a shriek of triumph taking place as she told this was the true answer! McGonagall wanted Fudge gone, so that Dumbledore could replace him! Then Minerva would have the Senior Undersecretary job, and Headmistress job all to herself!

"She's mad," James stated.

"We were well aware," Sirius rolled his eyes.

"No, I mean it," James insisted, dumbfounded his friends were missing the point. "Before, we knew she was a tyrannical scum coated bigot, but she's utterly lost her mind!"

"She can't lose what she never had," Remus huffed.

McGonagall dismissed Harry from the room then,

"Congratulations Harry," Sirius said, still a little too wide eyed, "yours was far more interesting than ours put together."

"That seems to happen to me a lot," Harry muttered.

and Harry wasted no time exiting as McGonagall's and Umbridge's continued shouts echoed down the corridor behind him.

The Marauders looked just a touch frightened at this. They'd never seen McGonagall utterly lose her temper into shouting no matter what they'd ever done, and for this to have occurred was yet another new level of low on that webbed sugar-cookies part.

Umbridge still seemed in her foul mood as she strode into class that afternoon.

"Considering who left whose office, I can only imagine who won that fight," Sirius said with a shark like smile.

"Don't start celebrating to early Padfoot," Remus shook his head miserably. He might not find Umbridge the proper threat in being sinister on any level, but he'd never deny, "she does have the power to throw teachers out, and now permanently. I'm surprised there hasn't been another scene of her pressing a boot to Trelawney now that there's no one around to stop her, and McGonagall may be next sooner than Hagrid with this going on."

"She can't get rid of McGonagall," James said flatly at once. "There would be an absolute uprising, there's just too many who wouldn't stand for it."

"I would have thought the same about Dumbledore," Remus said with a creased brow, "but there hasn't been a peep from the outside world saying anyone disagrees with it."

They all paled in genuine fear now. Umbridge had complete and utter control of the school by its neck, but at least with McGonagall there it felt like there was something holding the woman's noose back. If McGonagall was gone though...

Harry by far looked the most upset at this idea, helping Lily to pull herself together first to keep going. She just couldn't entertain that idea, surely something of their school must remain until Umbridge could be foisted out of it.

Hermione hadn't let up her mission yet, leaning into Harry and telling him to reconsider already, Umbridge was clearly in a bad mood.

"As opposed to?" Lily rolled her eyes.

For just a moment, Harry was tempted not to. After what McGonagall had just pledged for him, to imagine the look on her face if she realized what Harry was doing mere hours after she'd stood up for him...

"Uroh," Sirius winced, for the first time reconsidering himself this idea.

"I honestly think she'll understand though," James said with a sideways look at Harry. "All she'd have to do is work out who you're talking to, she must know Harry wouldn't do this unless it was an emergency."

"I'm not sure I find your attitude as a teenager an emergency," Lily snipped, but there was no force to her words. Harry couldn't wait another month and a bit to see Sirius, or his thoughts about his father could grow worse. None of them could live through it if Harry somehow couldn't find it in himself to forgive James at fifteen like he was starting to in here.

The plan was already in motion though, and there was no sense in letting the twins distraction become fruitless. He did already have the knife and Invisibility Cloak in his bag.

James felt a grin accompany the light hearted feeling he always got when his son mentioned his cloak. He'd always imagined passing that onto him, seeing the childhood delight on his face and growing up learning how best to use it. Surely Harry couldn't find him all bad if he still treasured something like that same look on his face suggested.

Hermione was still going, reminding him Dumbledore had sacrificed himself so Harry could stay in school, was he really going to just throw that away for nothing!

"I disagree, at some point this school wasn't worth staying in," James scowled.

"Right around the time students were getting their hands sliced open," Sirius agreed.

Lily spent a moment wondering if Hermione would have been less reproving of this plan if she'd known the reason, but then, maybe even still. She got angry enough hearing this one talk about one of her friends, she didn't like to think what Hermione would say about her husband in that light, even if she would have said it all herself in the past.

He could wait of course, talk to Sirius this summer, but then he remembered what Sirius had said to him, that he was less like his father than he'd thought.

Sirius actually felt like he was kicked while down. "I, I never meant-" he couldn't find the words. He hated what he'd said to Harry then, he'd never want to pretend Harry was James for even a second, that would not bring back his dead brother no matter how much he wished it, but this was now. Maybe then...

Harry couldn't think of anything to say. He felt like he'd let Sirius down by worrying so much for him, but at the same time could not force the feeling to leave him alone either this was for the best. If Sirius did come back out- he stopped his thoughts cold, he couldn't imagine the worse outcome, he wouldn't!

But did he want to be like his father any more?

"I-" Harry began, but seemed as lost for words as Sirius. His initial feelings for the memory had faded mostly, but he still had no answer for that at fifteen. Here though, the man he'd met, he knew he loved his dad without a doubt, so he did speak with sincerity, "certainly the father I've met."

James jerked in surprise, he hadn't dared look at Harry for that answer, and was so overcome by the shock of that warmth going through him now he was the one who was failing English.

Harry realized he'd struck him dumb, and turned to Sirius, "and I was only ever afraid of disappointing you, because I could never be like that."

Sirius choked how Harry could ever draw that conclusion, and drew himself up proud before stating, "absolutely impossible. You'll always be my godson, even if you'd turned out like Moony instead."

"Hey," Remus frowned, while Sirius smirked at getting a real laugh out of Harry again.

"Be grateful, he could have said me," Lily pointed out, though that only made Remus look at her with even more offense as she kept going.

Ron finally told her to give it a rest, he could make up his own mind.

"I miss watching Ron stand up to her," Remus said. "I don't think he's done much of that since the Yule Ball."

"I think it's good for them, helps keep in mind how they became friends in the first place," Lily chuckled.

The bell rang, people began filing out of class, and not moments later there was a tremendous shake that seemed to rain across the whole castle. Umbridge went past them, pulling her wand as she went, it was now or never.

"Even if you don't go through with it," James said heavily, forcing himself to say something that tore at his soul, "the least you could do is check out what the distraction was." He probably wouldn't hear a word of it anyways, he genuinely feared if Harry didn't go through with this he'd really grow up hating him...but he'd never wish for Harry to go through with this either if he had any doubts about Sirius as well. If his own memory had to be tarnished for Harry to somehow find peace in talking to Sirius later, he'd just have to accept that.

Harry laughed freely, but then blinked in surprise as he registered the tone. He looked worriedly to both his parents, only understanding that they were worried about him getting caught.

Hermione tried one last time, but he'd made up his mind;

Lily made a small squeaking noise to hide her glee, beyond elated Harry was pushing through with this. If anyone could talk to Harry now, it must be Sirius, he'd set him right!

Pushing through crowds until he had a second alone, he donned the cloak and went to Umbridge's office, easily inserting the knife, and the door swung open.

"I never suspected it wouldn't work," Remus said with a toothy grin, so much of this trying to cause flashbacks to the time they'd snuck into Professor Eros' office for entirely different evidence of something, but quite the familiar set up.

He went to work at once inside the kitten and pink laced office, going straight to her fireplace behind the desk and finding the pot of green ash that was the Floo powder. He'd never done this before, but he had the idea of it. He bent down on his knees, activated the network, and shoved his head in, shouting his desired address.

"Oh," Sirius hated to interrupt even in surprise, but couldn't stop his mouth saying, "I honestly thought you were going to appear there and come back, but I guess this works too."

"I'm enjoying it all the more," James suddenly let out a burst of laughter. "Can you imagine your reaction?"

It was a very curious sensation, usually his whole body was spinning like a top through the magically connected fireplaces, but now his knees remained firmly grounded as his head hurtled through.

"It's not a feeling you exactly get used to either," Sirius rubbed at his neck in remembrance.

Harry was just all the more impressed Sirius put up with doing it then, especially repeatedly several times in one night just for a quick chat with Harry like he'd been known to do.

It stopped soon enough, and Harry was looking at the legs of the chairs and table of the familiar kitchen, with a man sitting at said table looking over some parchment.

"Seems you actually interrupted him doing something for once," James said with a small smile, at least it was better than seeing him passed out at the table.

He called to get Sirius' attention, but was just as surprised as Lupin was to hear his voice.

Four of them let out a surprised laugh, it was like gaining an extra unexpected gift for Moony's timing!

Remus didn't exactly feel like joining in, but he certainly had a bemused smile on his face for this set of circumstances.

He demanded at once if Harry was alright.

"Worry wart," James rolled his eyes.

"I don't blame him," Lily shook her head. "There's not a whole lot of reason for him to be showing up like that unless something did happen."

"Then you're both worry warts," James decided, while Lily ignored him.

Harry said he was fine, he just wanted a chat with Sirius.

Still looking perplexed,

"I don't blame you," Lily insisted while both James and Sirius were fighting back smiles.

he said he'd go fetch him, he was looking for Kreacher in the attic.

Harry shivered deeply, he did not like that response at all! Then he realized he gave them quite the wrong impression, clear worry back at once Sirius may say something all the worse for this day. He tried to think of something to say, but could offer nothing from his cursed mind.

He only had to wait moments, but even still he began shifting his knees uncomfortably back at Hogwarts, why hadn't Sirius ever mentioned how uncomfortable this was?

"I wouldn't dream of it," Sirius scoffed, replaying the few conversations he'd had with Harry in his time, and the thought of complaining of a single moment of them for his knees sake was sacrilege.

Sirius came back right on Lupin's heels, both now demanding if he needed some kind of help.

Harry said no, and only stalled for a moment before saying he'd just wanted to talk about his dad.

Lily couldn't help but pause for a moment to just appreciate how out of the blue this would be for the two of them. Harry had given no indication he'd at all brought this up in the almost two years he'd known Sirius, and now out of nowhere he was begging for answers from them in this situation. She'd be on edge if she didn't know what was going on as well.

Refusing to let himself paused any more in embarrassment, he launched into the story he'd seen in Snape's Pensive.

"Oh I'm sure they loved that," James ruffled up his brow as he knew that would only feel all the harsher to them fifteen years later. The day had not been one of particular note to the Marauders, but they'd well remember what it was for Lily, and it would only cause a stirring in them for other things their life was now without.

When he finished, Lupin began Harry shouldn't judge him too harshly, he'd only been fifteen-

Harry heatedly interrupted so was he!

"That wasn't the best way to start," Lily agreed with that protest.

"You try defending this git," Remus tried to poke fun instead of wincing for not starting off that well.

"I'd have thought you'd have more practice," Lily tried to mimic his fun, though both quickly stopped as James couldn't even muster up a smile.

Sirius cut in by choosing to explain it as Snape had hated James from the moment they'd been in the same room. James had been popular, good at Quidditch, good at everything, and Snape had been the exact opposite.

"I'm not actually sure that's helping Padfoot," James told him even as he smirked from atop his pedestal.

"Shove it before I take a pin to your head," Sirius told him pleasantly without a hint of remorse, as that's how Harry should always remember a father who couldn't be there for his child.

He was an oddball who was only good at the Dark Arts, and no matter what that memory implied, James always hated the Dark Arts.

Harry didn't disagree with that, but he couldn't understand why they'd done it just because Sirius was bored.

Sirius at once said he wasn't proud of that!

"Aren't you though?" Lily couldn't help the ice chipped tone.

Sirius opened, then closed his mouth, considered his words carefully for once in his life because of that fragile look still on Lily's face, and stated, "in a way. Seeing Harry like this," he gave a wave to the still unpleasant frown on him. "I'd never wish what Dudley did to him on anyone. I'd never want to be thought of as someone's Dudley, but-" he seemed to have no ability to stop himself saying, "I can't pretend like I'd go back and change anything. He was just as at fault as the lot of us, and it gets really sickening watching you pretend he was always the victim."

"I never said he was," Lily shook her head sadly, now looking more imploringly at James than anyone even as she answered Sirius. "I told him off weekly for being as bad as you, I just wanted one of you to step up and stop." Finishing with a furling grin at her husband, "guess it's obvious who did," before looking to Harry, who nodded slowly as he accepted all this.

Lupin looked sideways at Sirius,

"Probably for everything he just said," Remus shook his head fondly, it was a nice change he still knew what Sirius was thinking on some level, and he could easily imagine all he'd just said to Lily had passed through his head. Even without having full knowledge of Dudley, that accusatory look lingering on Harry's face the past hour in here would be heavier than ever while facing the two of them.

but also said that James and Sirius had been the champions of the school, sometimes they got carried away-

Sirius cut in to repaint themselves as arrogant berks.

"There it is," Lily couldn't help but say affectionately.

"I'm the one who said it!" Sirius protested.

"I know," Lily told him with a fond scold.

Lupin did not disagree, but smiled.

Harry painfully told of his dad messing up his hair.

Sirius and Lupin just laughed.

None did in here. They were all used to his habit of that, but it caused a dead feeling in them to suddenly recognize all over again how long it would have been for those two to have seen that.

Sirius said he'd forgotten he used to do that,

Sirius's eyes stung hard for a moment. The thought of Azkaban hanging over his life felt like a death sentence more than ever if he could ever forget something so common place of his brother...

When Harry agreed, Lupin asked for more, had he been playing with the Snitch? Harry agreed again, and the two smiled even more with reminisce as Lupin concluded he'd thought him an idiot.

"I am no such thing!" James mock huffed.

"I still do," Remus said as if he hadn't spoken.

Sirius agreed of course he was, they all had been, though Moony the least of all.

Lupin did not agree, saying he'd never told them to lay off Snape.

"On a rare occasion," James disagreed with a nostalgic shrug.

"More for the times where he didn't feel like having to put up a counter curse for us that day, then if we still ignored him, he still wouldn't do it," Sirius smirked.

"We never did learn our lesson of heading him though," James finished with an easy smile once again for Harry looking on at them bright eyed for their old life again.

Sirius agreed with that, but he had made them feel ashamed sometimes.

"Usually after the accidents where someone got hurt we hadn't meant to," Remus told Lily and Harry. "Like that time they tried out some new hex on Aubrey Bertram and her head inflated, when they had no clue what it would actually do."

"Hey, we got detention for that one!" Sirius protested, "I didn't think that lecture on using new spells on the students was necessary," he finished petulantly.

Harry cut in though, determined to say all that was on his mind, about Lily hating him! Why had she married him?

Lily looked pitifully to her son. She wished more than anything he'd grown up knowing how untrue that was...for the last few years of her life anyways. She wanted to take the chance and answer him now though. "You know, he stopped asking me out in our sixth year."

Harry looked to her in genuine surprise for that, as she nodded slowly, now lost back in thought. "I noticed it at once, and I was so confused, and after the first month, I was even jealous. I couldn't understand, had he finally moved on? He actually did it, he went a whole year and left me be, and I actually missed the wanker, well when he wasn't being a wanker. He still had his moments like when he told Professor Vector the wrong calculation on purpose just so he could insult the subject, for the umpteenth time."

Harry burst out in surprised laughter as she affectionately recalled. "I was feeling really alone that year, not having made many very good friends outside of Snape, and now that he and I weren't speaking I'd gone back and subconsciously been expecting at least one thing to remain normal. Potter didn't though, and for once I started watching him instead of the other way around. I saw him actually interacting with his friends outside of insulting the student body, I watched him teach this little first year how to fly in a secret flying practice because he was crying he didn't want to be made a fool of. I actually watched James, instead of Potter." She finished with a winning smile at her suddenly flustered husband, he'd never realized that!

She finished with nothing but love in her tone, "that's why the next year, when I heard him talking about Nick's Deathday Party, I put myself into the conversation. I got a reflex reaction," she busted out giggling upon remembering his face when he'd been talking to Peter about this thing, both had gone silent as if struck dumb. "It worked of course, he asked me if I'd like to go with him, and I couldn't help but say yes."

"You nearly gave the poor man heart failure," Remus told her happily. "He wouldn't speak for the rest of the day, then he convinced himself all the next day you were pulling his leg, then-"

"Let's just say your first date with Cho wasn't even as bad a build up as poor Prongs'," Sirius finished with an old chuckle.

"Then I got to dance with her," James finally got his want back, as she curled back into his side, her red hair falling across his chest as she closed her eyes for a moment in contentment. "Glory I was living a dream come true, still am honestly," he finished with a peck to her temple.

Harry watched all of this as if living out his own dream, a childhood one he'd envisioned many times. Any kid at his school could tell a story of how their parents met, apparently it was quite the common thing for a child to know, but he felt like for the first time in his life he was really getting that answer.

Lily lazily opened her eyes back up to look at his hazel ones, but she did force herself to turn back to the book then. She considered it a mission success, if Harry still harbored any bad feelings towards his father after that, than they certainly couldn't see a trace of them now.

Sirius dismissed this, Lupin agreeing they'd started going out in their seventh year, Sirius agreeing once James had deflated his head a bit, Lupin adding on once he'd stopped hexing people for fun.

Harry confirmed even Snape?

Lupin was slow to answer this one, pointing out Snape never missed a chance to curse James, and his father couldn't take that lying down.

"I thought you'd already realized this from all we've said," James said uneasily, he hadn't been shy of sharing those kinds of facts in here, so Harry's extreme reaction again was bothering him for that.

"I guess I didn't put together how, dirty it got," he tried to explain. "I don't know, when you guys tell it, it sounds like you were just goofing off. That, wasn't," he finished bluntly.

James held his hands up in surrender, not looking for another fight with Harry, and if he hadn't spoken both sides fairly enough he supposed that was impossible anyways and done with.

Harry asked his mother was okay with that?

Sirius wasn't aware she even knew anymore,

Lily made a very obvious noise as she looked at him, and Sirius just looked at her dumbly.

"Did you think I was oblivious?" She demanded of him. "Yet I also got a far more, perspective look on them," she conceded.

"I never hid anything from her," James agreed, still watching Harry. "If we still dueled now and again, she was the first one at the hospital wing to tell me I was being an idiot."

"Rather than in the bed next to him like those idiots," Lily shook her head.

James had hardly taken Snape on dates to jinx him for entertainment for her.

"I suggested he should once," Sirius told her pleasantly. "It would be the perfect way for the three of you to really reconcile-"

He stopped with a sharp smack to his head from Moony telling him to shut up, sometimes that did work after all.

Sirius frowned when Harry still didn't look convinced, so he emphasized his best friend had been the best man in his life, a good person.

Lily couldn't stop her throat tightening off for a moment, she could feel the weight of those words, how true Sirius would always mean them. He loved Remus and Peter, but James was the first person he'd ever considered family. She just couldn't imagine for him what it would be like to lose that.

Harry finally agreed with this, saying he'd just never expected to feel sorry for Snape.

Lupin decided to change the subject by asking how Snape had reacted to find Harry in that thing?

Harry gave an indifferent answer that he'd just shouted he'd never teach him Occlumency again, not like he was disappointed-

Sirius shouted that back so loudly Harry coughed ashes.

Lupin demanded if Harry was serious?

Lily kept reading loudly over her obnoxious friend, she didn't want to hear any variant of the same joke in two breaths, honestly thinking no amount of time should have stopped Remus from losing track of that joke.

Harry looked at the two overreactions in surprise, saying he found it a relief-

Sirius declared he was going up there, even getting to his feet as if to do so that moment, but Lupin pulled him back down;

"Wow," James said the word slowly and carefully.

"I, think we've been underestimating this crap," Sirius agreed with a creased brow.

"I think Dumbledore was really confident Occlumency was supposed to help more than we were thinking," Remus corrected. "So if we believed him," he trailed off with a miserable shake to his head, though at least their past actions made a bit more sense now. Taking Dumbledore at word would mean sharp fears of what was happening to Harry now they were hearing otherwise.

"I'm not sure why you stopped him," James told Remus with a slight pout, then he quickly stopped the rest of his train of thought escaping, now very much aware James provoking a fight between Snape and Sirius would not be received well by his son.

Saying firmly if anyone was going to have words with Snape, it would be him.

"I wouldn't recommend that one anymore though!" James said with honest fear. Not after the last time Snape had been around Remus, or almost Moony.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Remus demanded. "I can handle myself just as well."

"Sirius has more practice," James said shrewdly.

First though, Harry was to go back and tell Snape he was not to stop! When Dumbledore heard-

"He'll sack him?" Sirius offered hopefully.

"How would that fix his problem of, he stopped giving Harry lessons," Lily reminded him of why he was being an idiot.

"I can still dream," Sirius huffed.

Harry said back he couldn't do that, Snape would kill him!

Lupin was being stern though, there was nothing more important than this!

Lily still couldn't help but frown at the intensity of that. Rather than that tone, she wished Remus would just explain already why Dumbledore was so convinced Occlumency would work, that was the only thing she could put together for Remus' tenacity of the same.

Harry agreed, if still annoyed doing so.

"Doesn't seem to have had much of an impact," Remus said tersely, clearly Sirius should have been the one to say that.

Sirius looked to him in sympathy, many things he wanted to say to Moony for this moment bouncing around in his head. He wished as much as him Harry felt more for James' last friend, he knew he felt plenty of gratitude that clearly Remus was still coming back in to check on him. That killing blow of a reminder James may not always be in his life left him more grateful than ever to still have Moony even in this bleak future, but he held himself back for the simple wish this would never have to come true, they would always be around for none of this to ever have to take place.

Then he heard footsteps, and asked if that was someone coming into the kitchen?

Sirius said no in surprise, must be from his end.

"Bloody hell," James yelped in a sudden upsurge of fear.

Harry's heart skipped a beat as she shouted he had to go before wrenching his head back.

"Bloody hell," Sirius couldn't help but parrot, but he had quite a look on his face that wasn't all fear for Harry. "You do realize," he told Remus, "he actually didn't explain much of anything to us about why he was there. Just stop for a moment and think what we would have said to each other when Harry just popped out like that."

Remus did smile, for just a moment, at imagining him and Sirius reminiscing for hours about their good times, trying to even move past that and make even better plans for their future. This finally was that warmth they'd been missing between them since that third book, some promise their lives couldn't ever break apart. James had been the glue to pull them all together in school, and Remus knew he'd still be enough to do the same without even having to be there.

He bolted at once under his cloak as Filch muttered to himself just outside the door how grateful he was she'd left it open.

"But she didn't!" Lily squeaked in concern. "Now she'll know someone was in there."

"She's no proof it was Harry," James tried to placate, though that made none of them feel better, as Umbridge had never needed more than a passing glance to go after Harry after that first day.

In an honest effort just to distract the two, Sirius instead offered the question, "what if the door wasn't open for him though, how would Filch get in for, well whatever even he's there for."

"If Umbridge sent him there, that means she's got a reason for not doing it herself," Remus reasoned out slowly. "Perhaps in her haste of casting him off, neither of them realized the roadblock of her magicking her door shut."

"He'd just have had to turn around and go get her anyways," James agreed with the logic even if he was still on edge.

"Still a warning I would have heard," Harry told soothingly, he had an odd smile on his face. It was very clear that just talking about all this with Sirius had helped Harry out of his misgivings with his dad, and now there was going to be something quite savory to finish off this night...

He rummaged through Umbridge's desk, Harry staying where he was, crouched and invisible as Filch muttered to himself to find the form for approval of whipping, they'd had it coming to them for years!

Lily inhaled sharply as she read that. Of all the laws the Ministry had been passing of late, even the stupidest of them all, she still hadn't believed they could ever approve of something so cruel!

"He wouldn't really go through with it though," for the first time, James sounded uncertain, this was just so above anything he'd coped with at school, "right?" He finished pitifully towards his friends.

Neither had the breath to answer him, the idea of actually whipping a student wasn't bearable, and they'd thought they'd hit that limit after what Umbridge had done to Harry!

He finally seemed to have found it, as he grasped a paper and began kissing it before shuffling back away faster than Harry had ever seen him move. He waited carefully before following, waited until he was a safe distance from Umbridge's office, and then took off the cloak to continue following him to the Entrance Hall, and found a scene very much like before when Trelawney was being sacked. The two differences were Peeves floating above the crowd, and the twins in the center.

"Oh no," Sirius muttered, his eyes widening in concern. He couldn't imagine the scenario of what happened for Harry walking in on, but it was nothing good. He'd become incensed over Umbridge going near Harry, but he adored the twins as if he'd personally gotten to know them as well. The idea of Filch actually-

They were all grateful when Lily kept going even if it was in pitch fear for the twins well being. Then again, if so much as one lash was given to them, thanks to that clock of hers; Molly was likely to appear in the school and start murdering whatever was pink in sight, so nothing too bad could happen.

Umbridge was again slightly up the staircase, gazing down at them as she spoke of how funny they must think themselves, setting up a swamp in her school corridor?

"They did what!" James demanded, actually wrenching the book from Lily's grip to see this with his own proud eyes.

"Give that back," Lily scolded, holding her hand out impatiently as he reluctantly returned it.

Still, she couldn't help but pause at an all new level of the twins' genius. She'd give them credit where it was due for originality.

Fred agreed it was pretty amusing, without the slightest trace of fear.

"The proper response then," Sirius still managed with chipper even as his eyes tracked Lily's every twitch, waiting for the blow to fall one way or the other.

Filch elbowed his way closer to Umbridge, almost crying with happiness.

Lily was as disgusted with Filch as she was with Umbridge. Everyone had always found the man a joke, but now that it was clear he was being given his free reign to do as please, he wasn't just trying to spook kids anymore, he really meant it.

He begged the headmistress to let him do it now!

Umbridge agreed Argus could go fetch what he liked, telling the twins they would be her example of wrongdoers in her school.

Fred gave the pleasant return he didn't think so, George agreeing they'd outgrown full time education. Fred decided it was time they test their talents in the real world.

"What on earth," Remus only just had time to string together at what those two were up to when Lily kept going, hardly pausing for breath.

As one, they raised their wands, and summoned their brooms with the Accio charm.

There was a resounding crash, and Harry only just ducked in time as the two objects came hurtling forward, one even still dragging it's heavy chain that had it bolted to the wall.

James was vibrating in his seat, the urge to laugh being smothered so he could hear every word almost leaving his head ringing like a gong.

They mounted in the shocked silence, with one last parting word to the students that their premises for Weasley's Wizard Wheezes was to be found in Diagon Alley,

"One last shot of upsells, in case anyone's missed it by now," Remus gave an approving nod even as he felt like his head was floating above his shoulders from such unending feelings about this.

and a special discount to anyone from Hogwarts to use their product to rid this bat.

"But by the time they'll be able to go to the store, she'll be gone," Sirius reminded viciously, as the last break of the school year had already passed, and they could not wait for the rest of this book to be the same.

Umbridge came to her senses and shouted for them to be stopped, but no one had time as they went up into the air, that iron peg nearly taking one of the Inquisitorial Squad members head off.

"I hope they never took that off," Harry whispered, blinking slowly at the book as finally some happy memory was restored to him again.

They only stopped long enough to ask Peeves to give her hell from them.

Peeves, whom Harry had never once seen taken an order, gave a bow of understanding.

Then Fred and George wheeled off into the sunset.

Then they all promptly collapsed with laughter.

HPHPHPHP

Dang this was an emotionally heavy chapter, though good practice for a particular one to come...

Anyways, hope this chapter was worth the wait, but I really did feel like these were a two part chapter more than any others before or after it. Like this and the previous all could have been one mega long chapter. Okay, to the point, I know some people's minds will never change, and they'll always view what James and Sirius did as the worst act possible and they're just terrible people. I never saw them that way, and even if you still disagree, I hope I at least offered a new perspective even if you didn't agree with that either.

[howlingday]

Brother of Darkness: Well, isn't this a surprise? Come to scorn me once more? To curse myself for your eternal servitude to me?

Jaune: You know why I'm here.

Brother of Darkness: Yes, but is this something you truly desire? After all, she has been watching. She knows of everything you have done. Every village burned down. Every child you made an orphan and every parent you've made childless. Do you think she still loves you, after all this?

Jaune: Are you going to keep talking until I stop serving you?

Brother of Darkness: Very well. (Portal opens) She's just on the other side.

Jaune: I know.

Brother of Darkness: Then you also know our arrangement.

Jaune: Yes. (Aura is slowly drained until Jaune's skin appears pale) Can I go now?

Brother of Darkness: Do as you wish. (Jaune enters the portal) Such warmth in his aura. After everything he's done, he still feels love. I knew he was a worthy candidate.

ON THE OTHER SIDE

Jaune: (Exits the portal to a field of golden wheat under a blue and slightly cloudy sky) Pyrrha?

Pyrrha: (Sitting under a tree) Jaune? (Sees him, gets up and runs to him) Jaune! (Hugs him and kisses him)

Jaune: (Breaks from the kiss) You missed me, didn't you?

Pyrrha: (Rests her head on his chest) I always miss you.

LATER

Jaune: (Resting under a tree with Pyrrha) I missed this. I miss you. Every day, I fight to help people. I kill Grimm, I stop terrorists and tyrants. But it's not enough. Somebody always steps in to take their place. Grimm just keep coming back. I just can't take it anymore.

Pyrrha: Yes, you can. (Looks him in the eye) You can take it. You always have, and you always come out on top. You take it and you come back stronger because you are Jaune Arc. (Kisses him) Never forget that.

Jaune: (Smiles) I won't. (Smile fades) He said... He said you know.

Pyrrha: I do.

Jaune: Do you still love me?

Pyrrha: Yes. Do you?

Jaune: Yes. (Moves himself over her) I loved you then, I love you now, and I will continue to love you.

Pyrrha: Then I will love you just th he same. (Wraps her arms around his neck) Do you enjoy it?

Jaune: (Avoids her gaze) No.

Pyrrha: (Grabs his chin, he looks her in the eyes again) Don't lie to me. Do you enjoy it?

Jaune: I do. Or at least, at first, I do.

Pyrrha: What about after?

Jaune: It stops. Usually when the body is found. Usually by their husband or wife. Sometimes their own children. They curse me. That's when it stops. All the good I feel about killing a monster stops.

Pyrrha: I see. Then I feel proud.

Jaune: Proud? Proud of a murderer?

Pyrrha: (Shakes her head) No. I feel proud of the man I love who still feels compassion, who feels the love and pain others endure, and weeps.

Jaune: You see me weep?

Pyrrha: I see everything you do.

Jaune: (Blushes in embarrassment) Even-?

Pyrrha: (Giggles) Yes, even that. And those other times.

Jaune: (Even redder) What about-?

Pyrrha: (Flips him over, now straddling him) Yes. Those times as well. (Jaune eeps)

LATER

Jaune: (Standing in front of the portal) I hate this part.

Pyrrha: We both do. But it has to be done.

Jaune: I know. (Kisses her, then breaks away) Why?

Pyrrha: Why what?

Jaune: Why does it always feel like that night when we do this?

Pyrrha: I... I don't know. But it still hurts all the same. (Looks confident) But you need to leave now. Remember, to always look forward.

Jaune: And I will always move forward. I love you.

Pyrrha: I love you, too. (Jaune steps through the portal) I always have, and I always will.

[talesofphantombandits]

The Loyalty of a Bandit ~ Chapter One.

Summary: Solar Bandit was an Orphan since the age of Five. She now lived her life pick pocketing and stealing to make ends meet. Ryder has been there for her since before she can remember, they were tied to each other and made a packed to marry one day.  But what happens when she steals from a charming pilot in the Cantina and he changes her life forever. 

Character pairing: Poe Dameron/OC character. Warnings: probably mild language. If this chapter does well, then I’ll be writing the rest of the chapters before sharing. If you would like to be tagged let me know, I will start a tagging list <3 Enjoy. 

Solars outfit. (Source: Pintrest) ____________________________________________________________

“Where are you going?”

I walked out of my room and headed towards the door, picking up my long coat off the back of a chair as I walked past.

“Out.” I snapped.

“I swear Solar if you bring those Storm troopers to my door again, you’re out.”

I open the door but turned to look back at Frieda who was in her favourite chair slumped by the fire. This is where you’d always find her, she was the typical grumpy old women. She even had the straw grey hair that sat in a bun atop of her head. I wouldn’t say she was a guardian of sorts but she owned the little room I slept in, so she was more of a landlord. I’d been here since I was five years old when my parents were mysteriously murdered and I become an orphan.

That’s when I turned to stealing, pick pocketing you name it. I did whatever it took to survive, at least the experience had given me a hard exterior. I’d learnt to fight and protect myself. It paid to keep the roof over my head, Frieda was kind enough women but at the first opportunity to kick me out I think she would she would take it in a heartbeat. 

“Don’t worry, I won’t.” I shut the door, putting my hood up and scarf over my mouth. The streets were dusty, the sand could get everywhere imaginable but I’d learnt to cover up well. This kept the dust out and kept the harmful sun off my skin. 

I headed down the hill towards the hanger, I was hoping that Ryder would have finished repairs on the old abandoned X-Wing. The resistance was something of a mystery to us, I don’t think anyone on this planet has seen a resistance fighter. Unfortunately we’d seen way too many First Order troops. So where the X-Wing had come from was unknown, but it was exciting. 

“How’s it going Ry, any progress?” I propped myself on his cluttered desktop, however many times I’d tidied it when bored. Ryder always managed to get it to the same level of messy.  I should learn my lesson and just leave it alone, but it was something to do during evenings I spent in here while he worked on machines.

He emerged from behind the wing wiping his hands on a old rag. “Nearly finished actually, wasn’t as torn up as I thought.”

He smiled at me sweetly and walking his way over to where I’d perched. Ryder was tall, probably about 6’1. He had dusty blonde medium length hair and a toned physique. But my favourite part had always been the ocean blue eyes. I looked up as he approached and looked into them smiling at how beautiful he was. I handed him his flask that sat next to me, he stood just in front of me his thighs touching my knees. 

“Thanks Sol.” He chugged nearly the whole flask before continuing. “You going to the cantina?” He put the flask back where it belonged on the workstation then put his hand on my knee.

“Unfortunately yes, rents due soon.” I made a sad puppy face.  I didn’t like stealing from people, I always carried a wave of guilt when I did. But I also liked food, water and keeping myself alive.

He just chuckled at me, stroking my cheek. “Well be careful, I need you back to me in once piece.” He smiled, kissing the top of my head. He moved back towards the X-Wing.

I hopped down, saluting him. “Yes, Sir, You get that X-wing ready for tomorrow. I’m excited to take it out for a spin!”

“Yes ma’am. She’ll be ready for you.” I just giggled and waved to him, he just waved his rag at me.

I skipped out of the hanger making my way over the dune to the old Cantina with a smile on my face. Ryder had been my only friend for many years now, we had made a pact to get married seen as it had just been us for so long. We felt like we kind of owed it to each other to stick together seen as we’d come this far. I definitely loved him, at least I think I did.  I hadn’t really been exposed to relationships, only being around Ryder.

He was a brilliant mechanic, his talents were being wasted on this dull planet. The amount of craft he’d fixed up in record time always amazed me. He’d even let me take out the ones he’d found and fixed up, flying was an escape from this place. It was also comforting to know I could fly us out of here if we ever needed to escape. 

As I entered the cantina I stood leaning against the back wall, starting to scope the tables and stools for my first victim. This was the routine flirt a little, bat the eyelashes and when they were totally sucked in mess with them a little while taking all the precious goods they had idly left in their deep pockets. They would be none the wiser. It wasn’t anything genius or complex, I was no spy. But I had yet to be caught out, I’d had one close call in the thirteen years I’d been at it.  

I was scanning over the bar stools when a man with curly hair grabbed my attention, he had his back to me but the expensive looking leather jacket set jackpot bells off in my head.

“Bingo.”

I slowly made my way to the empty stool next to him, lowering my voice. “Is this seat taken?” I pointed down to it.

He placed his glass down, turning to look at me. To say he was a little taken a back that someone was talking to him would be a big understatement.

He was silent so I looked at him properly. Dam he was beautiful. He had a head full of curls, warm chocolate eyes and honey toned skin. I nearly turned and walked away, this man was most certainly too stunning to rob. I quickly shook my head that was nonsense I wasn’t going to start giving people special treatment just because god clearly made him his favourite. You either rob him or you live on the streets, you can’t be picky I told myself. 

“No.” He spoke finally. His voice was deep but calming. He smiled at me, I had to sit down before my legs turned to jelly. “Please, join me.”

Taking a deep breath I sat, reminding myself that I had Ryder waiting for me back at the hanger. But this guy was so hypnotising.

“What brings you here?” He ordered me a drink.

“Just got off work, I needed a pick me up. But then I saw you sitting here by yourself.” I said thanking the barman as he handed me my glass.

I turned my body in the stool so that I could face the stranger to see him better.

“How did you know I was alone?” He turned as well resting one arm on the bar, He was still smiling at me, It was almost blinding.

“Well are you here with someone?” I raised my eyebrow at him sipping on my drink I crossed one of my legs over the other. My knee rested against his thigh. 

He looked down where our bodies now barley touched and slowly said. “No.”

“Then you’re here alone.” I downed the rest of my drink while he stared at me with a mixed look of confusion and interest.

I just laughed. “What are you doing here?”

“Ah, now if I told you that I’d have to kill you.” He pointed at me with his glass in hand and took a swig.

I smiled and shrugged my shoulders shuffling a little more forward. “Maybe I like putting myself in danger.” I said even lower. 

Now it was his turn to look surprised. I gauged his reaction for a second and then I just laughed, licking my lips.

“I’m joking I swear. But seriously, I’ve never seen you around here before. You look different from all the other deadbeat ass holes in this place.” I looked around the room, nothing different from most nights.

He shook his head, smirking like it was the best compliment in the world. “Just passing through.” He stated simply.

I eyed him suspiciously as he downed the rest of his drink and slammed it lightly onto the bar. I looked at the glass then back to his face to find him studying me.

“What?”

“What’s your name?” He said so quietly that I almost didn’t catch it.

“I don’t think we’re quite on first name basis yet.” Both his eyebrows shot up. “You could be with the First Order for all I know, I don’t need someone like that knowing my name.” 

He laughed. “I promise you, I’m quite the opposite. What do I have to do to earn knowing your name?”

I stood up slowly, his eyes never left my face.

I was so thankful for how dark the cantina was, I’d never been this flushed during a routine thieving. I moved to stand directly in front of him, I leaned over and whispered in his ear as calm as I could.

“The next time you’re passing by. Come find me and I’ll tell you how.” I placed my hand on his arm, a wave of heat shot up to my elbow. I trailing my hand up to his shoulder. I slowly started  walked away patting him lightly before heading to the exit.

I waited until I got round the corner and out of sight before looking down at the metal object, it looked expensive. Expensive enough to pay my rent for two months. But why did I feel so bad about it? A quick thought of going back and explaining, apologising to him crossed my mind but it was only there for a brief second. But I felt a pull to this man.

I knew that I had no time to dwell on it I had to kept going, I turned down a gloomy alley way but got an instant feeling that someone was behind me.

I hadn’t even got halfway down when the feeling became intense, suddenly I was pushed face first into the wall.

“Ouch! hey! get off of me!” I wiggled but the grip they had on me was tight.

“I thought you were a good girl.”

I scrunched my face up in annoyance, it was the guy from the cantina.

“I can explain, I swear.” I tried to fight his grip so I could turn to him.

“Think were a little past that sweetheart.” He leaned into my ear.

I pushed back a little harder gathering some strength from somewhere, that or the fighting skills I had taught myself where finally kicking in. When the man stumbled a little I took the chance, kicked back making him fall to the ground.

I slumped forward down the wall but managed to get my bearings pushing myself off the wall with my hands, I started to run again. I didn’t get far though as he caught my arm, pulling me back.

This time my chest was pinned up against his, he held my arms firm behind my back.

“Tut tut.” He shook his head. “That wasn’t very nice of you.”

He started to search my person, most likely for the object. “Do you mind? You’re violating my personal space.” 

He finally found it in the pocket of my side bag. He brought it up in front of my face observing it.  “Well you violated my personal space first sweetheart.” He smirked at me. “All this over one little object.” 

I just rolled my eyes slowly and sighed. “That little object could keep me alive for two months. What would it do for you pretty boy.” 

I stared at his chest so I didn’t have to look at his eyes. He decided to ignore my comment. “You know I should be mad, but honestly I’m kind of impressed.”

My eyes shot up to his, I gave him a confused look.

“I honestly would have never noticed it missing, that’s if the guy I was giving it too hadn’t of shown up early. Low and behold it was no longer there. You were the only person who had been that close to me.” He looked over my face. “Normally I’m sharper than this.”

“Did I catch you on a off day?” I tried to pull away again but he pulled me back tighter to his chest.

He looked around us then looked back into my eyes. “I want you to come with me.”

He started to move us but I pulled him to a stop, our chests clashing again. “Go with you where. How can I trust you, I don’t even know who you are. Are you taking me to get arrested, because I promise you I’ll put up a good fight.”

“Well maybe you should have thought of that before you stole from me Darling. But no I’m not taking you to the authorities.”

I grinded my jaw, he was right. I put myself in his position how the hell was I going to get out of it.

“Then where are you taking me.” I stood my ground as he tried to make me walk.

“Don’t make me do this the hard way. You’re a smart girl, I advise you to listen to me.”

He let go of me and stepped back, I stared at him confused. He was letting me decide, was I going to follow him nicely or was I going to try run. He really wasn't expecting me not to try right?  I turned to run the other way but again he was faster, grabbing my arm and then my shoulders.

“I’m sorry but you brought it upon yourself”

Brought what upon myself?

Soon his hands on my shoulders got tighter it dug into my skin, I tried to shuffle away but his grip was too tight.

I stared to loosing consciousness, taking a deep breath. The last thing I remember was falling backwards into his chest and him picking me up bridal style.

[sad-sweet-cowboah]

OC Interview

I was tagged by @eddescuella and I will be doing all three of my babies! Tagging the others @r0xy-w0lf @verai-marcel @horsegirl1h @mrskrazy

Name?

“Misty Forester, or Misty Rodriguez. Depends on who you ask.”

“Michelle Delacruz. Michelle Mustang to everyone else.”

“Ryan Shane O’Donnell.”

Are you single? 

“For now.”

“Yes, and that ain’t changin’.”

Ryan purses his lips for a brief second. “Yes...”

Are you happy? 

“I don’t have a reason not to be.”

“For the time being.”

“I guess.”

Are you angry? 

“No, no reason to be.”

“I get angry about something or other on a daily basis.”

“Sometimes I feel anger...but I try to keep it contained.”

Are your parents still married? 

“My parents were never married, according to my mom.”

“They were before they died.”

“Very much still happily married.”

Nine facts!

Birthplace? 

“New York, where we don’t play.”

“New Austin, I think. Though I’ve heard speak about a place called Texas. Can’t really ask to confirm now.”

“Saint Denis.”

Hair colour? 

“Brown.”

“Black.”

“Red, or ginger as some people call it.”

Eye colour? 

“Green like the forests of West Elizabeth...or so I’ve been told.”

“A very light green. Sometimes they look gray.”

“Green...like the other two.”

Birthdate? 

“April 10th, 1877.”

“August 16th, 1877.”

“June 7th, 1875.”

Mood? 

Misty shrugs. “Pretty calm I guess.”

“Same.”

“Can’t say any different.”

Gender? 

“Female, duh.”

“Unless ya eyes ain’t working, female.”

“Male.”

Summer or winter? 

“I don’t mind both but I prefer summer.”

“I lived in the desert, so summer is a definite choice.”

“I like both, actually.”

Morning or afternoon? 

“I fucking hate mornings!”

“I’m an early riser through and through.”

“Used to be able to sleep in, but that changed when I had my son. So, mornings.”

Eight things about your love life

Are you in love? 

“Hmm...”

A look of longing appeared on Michelle’s face for a second. “I was once upon a time...”

“In a way I am, holding on to the past...”

Do you believe in love at first sight? 

“Love at first sight is all fairy tales.”

“That’s a no for me.”

“Used to think it was hogwash, until...” a small, sad smile crosses Ryan’s lips.

Who ended your last relationship?

“Never had one to begin with.”

“I did...I...had a son myself. Puny little thing who died just days after his birth. I was never the same afterward, and it drove a wedge between my lover and I. I couldn’t bare to hurt him anymore.”

Ryan places his hand on his chest, where a glint of a chain appeared with a delicate ring hanging from it. “Some racist bastards that killed my wife...”

Have you ever broken someone’s heart? 

“Yes, I know I have. I was still a teenager... the poor boy thought he would have something with me.”

“When I ended my relationship, yes.”

“My mother’s...after I married someone she didn’t approve.”

Are you afraid of commitment? 

“After learning my mother had her heart and soul poured into my father and he hadn’t returned... I would say yes.”

“I’ve always been. Even when I was with my son’s father.”

“No, I was always confident with my choices. I knew when I wanted to marry my wife, and I never looked back.”

Have you hugged someone in the last week? 

“I probably have. Can’t exactly recall.”

“I don’t really give affection.”

“My son.”

Have you ever had a secret admirer? 

Misty snorts. “Oh yes. That boy I mentioned earlier.”

“Psht, nah. Pretty sure people are more afraid I’d put a bullet into them.”

“Well...growing up rich definitely made me desirable in many women’s eyes.”

Have you ever broken your own heart? 

“I suppose...when I was a child and wishing for every Christmas and birthday that my father would come back home...of course that never happened.”

“I fooled myself into thinking that I could have a decent life and family after struggling for so long. How wrong I was.”

“No, not really.”

Four preferences

Smile or eyes? 

“I could get lost in someone’s eyes.”

“A little bit of both.”

“Yeah, a little bit of both for me as well.”

Short or taller? 

“I’m fairly tall myself. I can’t really see myself with a man shorter than me.”

“Everyone is taller than me, so I don’t really have a say in choice.”

“Doesn’t really matter.”

Intelligence or attraction? 

“I’ve met some handsome men with nothing between the ears, and it’s rare to find someone with both. Rare, but not impossible.”

“Intelligent. When life takes a hard turn, you need to know how to pick yourself back up.”

“A good brain and a pretty face is a great combination. That’s how my wife was.”

Hook up or relationship? 

“I’ve had my fair share of hook ups, and I still do. One day I’ll settle with the man I’m meant to be with.”

“I’m guilty of bed hopping too. As much as I’d like to have a relationship, I can’t bring myself to do it.”

Ryan bit his lip, looking sheepish. “Man has his needs, you know. Can’t deny a good time when you have no release. Right now I’m not even thinking of another relationship.”

Six choices

Love or lust? 

“Why not both?”

“Love. Lust is just temporary.”

“I will always choose love, but I have moments of lust too.”

Lemonade or iced tea? 

“Lemonade is pretty tasty.”

“I have no idea what iced tea is, so lemonade.”

“What is iced tea?”

Cats or dogs?

“Dogs.”

“I’m allergic to cats.”

“I had both in my household growing up, so I’m not biased.”

A few best friends or regular friends? 

“Best friends. I put too much trust in some ‘regular’ friends and nearly lost my life because of it.”

“The close friends are the ones you can count on.”

“Definitely a few best friends. The world is too cut-throat to trust too many people.”

Wild night out or romantic nights in? 

“I love to go out and have some fun! I never did have a romantic night in though, I guess that’s something I’ll have to look forward to.”

“I’m ain’t much of a sap. I’ll gladly jump on my horse and go crazy for the night.”

“A romantic night in...I miss those.”

Day or night? 

“I’ve always been a night owl.”

“I thrive in the sun.”

“Doesn’t matter to me.”

Four have you Evers

Been caught sneaking out? 

“A few times. I swear my mother has a sixth sense.”

“Nope, never.”

Ryan had to laugh. “Well... with a family full of psychics, kinda hard to go anywhere without someone knowing.”

Fallen down/ up the stairs? 

“You’d think as a dancer I’d be more graceful on my feet.”

“I mean, who hasn’t?”

“Honestly though, I’m pretty sure we’ve all done it.”

Wanted someone / something so badly it hurt? 

“My father, my sister...”

“So much, I wanted my parents back. My son back.”

“My wife, is that even a question?”

Wanted to disappear? 

Misty giggles slightly. “Out of embarrassment, yes.”

“More times than I care to admit...”

“No. As a father I can’t.”

Friends

Do you secretly hate one of your friends? 

“Wow, no.”

“Fuck no. The hell kinda question is that?”

“All of my friends are wonderful. I can’t hate any of them.”

Do you consider all of your friends as good friends? 

“They gave me a home when I had nowhere else to go, so yes.”

“They’re ride or die for life.”

“They let me come and go as I please since I have to be around for my son, and they don’t give me a hard time about it. They’re definitely good friends.”

Who is your best friend? 

“You’re making me choose?”

“My horses.” Michelle laughs. “They don’t talk back!”

“My wife was.”

Who knows everything about you? 

Misty ponders for a moment. “Honestly, no one.”

“My ex did.”

“My wife.”

Do you and your family get along? 

“My mother and I had our normal spats, but we’ve always been good with one another.”

“My sisters and I have had our fights when we were younger, but we had to grow up real quick when we became orphans. Hadn’t had an argument in years.”

“For the most part. My parents didn’t like it when I chose to marry a Japanese immigrant instead of one of the many eligible women in Saint Denis, but they lightened up over time.”

Would you say you’ve messed up in life? 

“I suppose so... when I decided to run with some undesirable people instead of conforming to society.”

“I’ve made some poor decisions when I was younger.”

“I don’t think so. I’ve never regretted any choices I’ve made.”

Have you ever ran away from home? 

“I was kidnapped.”

“No, never.”

“To go and marry the love of my life, yes.”

Have you ever got kicked out? 

“Nah.”

“Nope.”

“Thankfully no.”

[subtleshenanigans]

Just something I wrote - probably won’t do anything further with these characters.

In Bloom

————

————

Birch Brickpaw, mother of the dibbuns of Redwall. Brickpaw for her speedy cuff and sizable paws.

Badgers don’t name in clans like otters, not in a traditional sense. They like codes and riddles and secrets to share. It’s about fitting a long name, a meaning, into something simple. Like Hares, but not broadcasted.

Birch had grown up in the plains, in a humble home. Her mother grew flowers and herbs, her father farmed. It was a simple life.

“My little garden,” her mother would say. “See the flowers? They bloom in their own time. But the week you were born, my oh my! It made no sense. Borage, Iris, Rosemary, Catnip, Hyssop - they all bloomed with one another, so I named you for them.”

“I thought daddy said I was named after a tree,” Birch had asked in puzzlement. They looked over to where her father was splitting logs.

Her mother had winked. “Well, that’s what he thinks.”

It was happy, and simple. Her father called her ‘little sapling’ and marked as she grew. Nights were warm in summer, they holed up in winter at Redwall Abbey, came back for spring and sent gifts from autumn harvest.

Until one day they went to Redwall in late summer, and her father and mother kissed her brow, worry etched on their features.

The Abbot held her paw as they watched them leave, with the Skipper of otters and his entire crew.

And the door shut behind them.

And her parents didn’t come back.

———-

She would always be thankful for the otters, who under a new skipper, had tried their best. They hadn’t hid what had happened to them, and she was thankful for that as well.

Abbot Verum wasn’t that old, even as she was full-grown now. He had raised her, and trained her, and though she still held a temper after losing her parents, she was a kind, loving creature.

It was customary to have a Badger Mother at Redwall, and while Abbot Verum assured her that she need not take the position, she found caring for the little ones soothed the hurt in her heart. Even with the add-on of Brickpaw, she was gentle, and kind, and never raised a paw in anger. Discipline, don’t punish, and only if truly needed was her motto.

Many dibbuns were under her care throughout the seasons; the mischievous and the shy and the clever and the kind. She took in orphans and helped raise those who had parents. Life was beautiful, even if the hurt never truly left.

So when Skipper Wagrudder and his crew came one somber day, five rescued oarslaves and an orphaned babe, who was she to say no?

Until she found out it was a rat babe.

“Birch-“

“No, Verum.” She growled. That thing needs to be taken out of the abbey, immediately.

It was the first time Abbot Verum had ever been mad at her.

“That thing, as you put it, is a babe, with no family, and no home. He will be staying at Redwall Abbey, regardless whether you take him on or not.” He folded his paws into his habit sleeves, and his gaze softened. “I know you’re angry, and you have every right to be. But my child, don’t blame him for what happened.”

She watched him leave, the hurt aching.

—————

He’s a rat! Vermin, he’ll grow up one day and murder us left and right.

. . . but he’s also just a little baby. Will he really?

All vermin are the same!

. . .but, art they?

She remembered something her dad said once.

“Well, sapling, vermin are vermin, it’s true. But I knew a weasel once, and he wasn’t so bad. He made tools for cooking - I can tell you he shocked me right out of my fur when he first pointed that knife at me! But he wanted me to try it out. Gave me some of our nice spoons and ladles too. Said if I cooked him something and he liked it, I could keep the tools. Odd weasel, just liked making useful things I suppose.”

————-

The babe is wrapped in a shawl, chewing on the fabric and making it wet. It’s fur is gray with a blueish tinge. It doesn’t look too different from a mousebabe.

“They called him Houndstongue, according to Skipper,” Sister Fallow says, rocking the babe. The Abbot sits in the great armchair. Cavern Hole is empty this late at night, except for them, and Mother Birch, who watches from afar.

“Hmm, well we should change that. A new name for a new start,” the Abbot looks right over his glasses at Birch. “Any ideas?”

He reminds her of a periwinkle. “Pervenche.”

She doesn’t realize it was even her who said that, until she flees, his voice echoing up the stairs.

“A lovely name, I think.”

————-

By time he’s toddling around, which isn’t too far off, her fears come back tenfold, as does her doubts.

It will kill everyone I care about-

But-

But he cries, the first time he sees a fire lit, and crawls to hide behind the Abbot. He’s scared to take food without asking, and even then is scared to ask.

And he plays, tentatively at first, but then joins in more. Skipping and twirling and giggling with the other dibbuns, who look at him no different from themselves.

He holds his tail in his left paw, when he’s nervous, and chews on his right. He wants to learn to spell, doesn’t want to learn to swim, and likes cloudgazing with the others.

And Birch grumbles to herself, berates herself, because her she was, judging a child. A child who will grow and learn, and who better than her to teach him.

“Everyone is able to love, as much as they are to hate,” Sister Fallow mused, that night he was named. Before Birch fled. She hoops his nose, and he sneezes. “And this little fellow needs a lot of love, I think.”

————

Seasons pass, and he is walking instead of toddling. He’s wary of Birch, but knows the other dibbuns trust her.

“Ma Birch! Lookit meeee!”

It’s Ringul the squirrelmaid, hanging from a branch by her tail. Birch gently plucks her off. “Naughty little Ringul, you’ll fall on your head.”

She sets her down. “Now go off and play.”

“Butter kite stuckina tree!” Edin the otterbabe huffs. Thankfully, Birch is used to hearing baby speech run together.

Sighing, she crouches down, “Well master Edin, I’ll have to go get Addle, but for now-“

There’s a tug on her dress. “Mama, I’ll get it.”

And before she can respond - it’s the first she’s heard his voice - he’s scrabbling up as well as any squirrel, and back down, slipping a bit but using his tail to wrap around limbs and branches.

She wonders, then, is it really only because they corsairs rats are good at climbing?

——-

Pervenche still calls her Mama instead of Mother Birch or Ma, and she, in bewilderment, allows it.

Pervenche is still scared of fire, too, so he turns his back to it to enjoy its warmth. He wakes in his sleep with silent cries, and Birch only knows because she checks on the dibbuns every night.

But as he grows, he learns. He gains good friends, finds a skill in penmanship; Brother Mells teaches him how to plant crops.

“All the dibbuns are shaping up to be fine abbeybeasts, aren’t they?” Abbot Verum comments, one evening. Most of the young ones are helping set up for a late summer supper; Ringul and Pervenche helping with the lanterns.

And Birch thinks about the hurt that has steadily begun to leave; about small, tentative smiles and how he snuggles in her arms as she brings him up to sleep.

He’s no longer a little babe, but the worries she had had long since faded.

He sees her and the abbot staring, waves a paw after elbowing Ringul so that she’ll join in too.

“Yes,” she says at last, “they really are.”

[mrneighbourlove]

Scarlet Contract: Final Part

Scarlet gave the old snake a nod and headed inside. On her left were four prison cells with iron bars. The first and third cells were empty. In the second cell was a Moblin who leaned against the bars, sniffing the air around Scarlet. It spoke something at her in a language she didn't understand. When it saw she wasn't a meal ticket, it retreated further into its cell. Arriving at the third cell it was a glass wall with tiny air holes cut at the top. Torch and candle flames were the only source of light source down this deep underground, so it took a moment for Scarlet to see through the dimmed light. "Adda?"

Sitting on a table, a Gerudo with long hair that needed to be cut years ago lifted her head slowly up from a book she was reading. Turning, Scarlet into the eye of her old Captain. Adda wore rags, her hair covering her missing eye. An eye that the royals of Hyrule never replaced. Her nails were long, and her face was filled with wrinkles. Despite this, she was in good shape. Scarlet choked it up keeping in shape when she had little else to do. It was Adda's voice that surprised Scarlet the most. It was low, and sounded like someone who was weary and succumbed to pain. "...Scarlet? Is that you Redd?"

"Yes Adda. It's me."

Adda stood up from her chair, trading her book for a candle as she walked closer to the cell wall. Her golden eye was tired as she looked at Scarlet. "I never thought I'd see you again."

Scarlet looked around, and up and down Adda. "You look terrible. This is the condition they keep you in?"

"Public enemy number one, only alive due to a King wanting to pick my brain. They wanted me dead. Well, they can't. So, for over a decade, they put me in conditions were I sometimes wish for it."

"I... gods."

"You know, the past few years I've gotten so used to this that I've been desensitized to going outside for those twelve hours a year they grant me. What's the point? They'd never give me a cell with fresh air or a view anyways."

Scarlet closed her eyes. Others would tell her that Adda deserved this. But did anyone? "Adda. I'm sorry they put you away to be forgotten."

"And who's fault is that." Adda had a hint of malice, before letting out a deep sigh. "No. No no no no no. Certainty not yours. You had the freedom to leave. I supported you on that. Then you wanted to support your family in rescuing Seer. Of course you couldn't trust me when I wanted to help Bakura. Of course your family would do this to me." Adda tilted her head, and although she smiled, her eye was with sadness. "We were family once too you know."

"Sisters."

"Not anymore..." Adda looked around into the darkness surrounding Scarlet. "Why are you here Scarlet? I've never had visitors before. I don't have illusions you're here to break me out."

"We both know I could never do that. I'm here because of a deal I made."

"The snake?" When Adda saw Scarlet flinch, she smiled. "Yeah. Monster that crawls in the dark, having his hidden away criminal empire. All that money to fuel Queen's armies. He loves to talk about making promises. I see them as servitude myself. You have a debt he's cashing in on you Scarlet?"

Scarlet's mouth hung open for a moment, before she found herself clenching her fist to regain composure. "Something along the lines of that. Cashing in from saving your life."

Adda's brow furled together as she tried to recall. "You'll have to be more specific Redd. After all, you were rather zealous in my protection in the good days."

"When you were sick and we were shipwrecked on Omisha."

"Ah." Adda slowly nodded. "Shame."

"How so?"

"Shame that I'm alive."

"Not at all. It’s more of a shame that I couldn't save you in a way that mattered."

Adda looked to the side, her main of hair facing Scarlet. It hid her emotion perfectly. "Well. I was the only one who could have saved myself. Bad hand is all." Turning back, she tapped the glass, her thoughts lingering on Scarlet's deal. "What is it he wants you to do?"

Scarlet didn't think it'd be a big deal talking about it. "He want's me to replace King Malik as the de facto leader of the Gerudo. Make me a Queen to serve Hyrule's Queen."

Adda's golden eye practically burned to life, and for the first time since visiting Scarlet saw some animation in her body. "Really? You? Dethrone..." Adda grasped her face, an uncontrollable giggle turning into a laugh.

Scarlet couldn’t hide the small amount of fear and hurt that was growing on her. “I didn’t think you saw so little of me.”

"Oh Scarlet. I'm not laughing at you. Just the thought of that King using me for years only to be thrown off his chair by MY second in command? That. Is. Priceless. And quite honestly, something I'd love to see."

Scarlet wiped her brow to get rid of the sweet. "I don't see myself being a Queen."

"Queen? No. You'd never make a good Queen." Adda rested her arm above her head as she leaned against the glass. "But a leader? You have that in you."

That was honestly shocking for Scarlet to hear. "What?"

"I said you have what it takes to be a leader Redd. Queen, that was my title. But you'd make an excellent chief."

Scarlet narrowed her eyes as she turned her head slightly to the side. "Why are you telling me this? You never let me be a captain under your fleet."

Adda backed away from the glass, shaking her head at something funny to her. "All my time in here has given me time to reflect on the odyssey that is my life Scarlet. I've had hammers, fists, crime lords, scum on the high seas and living weapons that have served me faithfully... for one lousy exception. But you? There was no replacing you. My number two. The only person I trusted to lead in my absence if need be. I need you at my side because what I valued most about you was that you were the one person I could call my friend. I respected you. Respected you so much that when you wanted to leave the life, I let you go. I shouldn't have. But I did. I think that's were my first downfall happened. Caring at all for you. For the girls... for some blind old junky. And for Bakura...." Adda turned away from Scarlet. "Loving was never a healthy option for me."

"Adda. How can you say that?"

"Simple. About five years, maybe six? Fuck. It's so hard to tell time down here. Seven years ago, for all I care there was a moment, a moment I broke down and repented. I wanted to see my girls and you. I wanted to admit how much I destroyed everything. But you never came. I know for a fact that Corsaire would never send off any letters I made." Adda looked up at the roof of her prison cell, with balled fists. The void above her was a horrifying image at first, but now it was numbing. It was all she knew down here. Maybe all she'd ever see. She let her fists drop as her shoulders sunk. "But I realized it didn't matter. That loving has only hurt me. Never loved properly so maybe I couldn't love others properly. Good leader, but a lousy parent... Ok, look. There's no changing my past. No changing... no changing me. They want to keep me locked away like some animal? Go ahead... Can't do much worse to me. Those spineless nobles don't have the guts."

Scarlet let Adda ramble, an immense sense of pity for the woman churning in her. Why didn't they just put her out of her misery. "Adda..."

Before she could continue, Adda turned to Scarlet with the spin of a heel. "Now, my point to all this? Your worries are no longer my own. And we should both move on from each other for good. That's the real reason why you came here, haven't you? Don't you realize Scarlet? You're braver than you think. You have the courage to do what my own daughters won't even do. They couldn't kill me, and they can't give me a final goodbye. But you can. And what it's worth? I think you should kick Malik's ass to the curb. You have the power deep within you. Unleash it. Do something special for your life that isn't centered around me." With a smirk, Adda returned to her seat. "I'm sure they don't want you staying long. Say the rest of your peace, then leave. Stay longer and I'll take it as you wanting to mock my imprisonment."

Scarlet pressed her head against the glass, letting all her feeling build up for Adda in one last moment. "I'll ask about them giving you more humane conditions. After that, you're on your own. Goodbye Adda. I loved you. I really, really did."

When Scarlet looked up, Adda was right there with her. "I loved you too Redd. Sayōnara."

Adda returned to her seat, and Scarlet walked away, leaving the old pirate to her solitude alone.

Scarlet fumbled around in the dark with a torch. “I’d like to go back up now.”

"He will show you the way." Bonegrinder slithered in the correct direction, allowing Scarlet ot follow him. "Did you obtain your sense of closure?"

“Best I could achieve. I don’t think she should be treated this way though.”

"Many would argue with you, little lady." Bonegrinder reminded Scarlet. "There are many who want her dead. Imagine what conditions they'd put her in. This is... as humane as it gets."

“She doesn’t get any sunlight. What are we if we treat our enemies this way?”

"Our enemies would not show us the mercy of allowing a capture to live, Scarlet." Bonegrinder reminded the woman. "The enemy we are going to fight will spare no one. No innocents, no criminals, no one."

Scarlet said nothing. Returning to the surface, she felt her stomach grumble. “Maybe some food before leaving.”

"He is sure the palace chef will be more than happy to fix you a meal." Bonegrinder smacked his lips, rolling that serpentine tongue. "He recommends the strawberry creme puffs by Chef Sophie. She's an old lady now, but still can cook with the best of them."

~

At the table, Scarlet was doing her best to have her full. At the table, Revy was giving the orphans and Seija there first Hylian experience. “This here is called a chocolate strawberry. Its dunked in molten chocolate.” Scarlet chuckled. Sometimes it was easy to forget Hyrule was a second home to Revy. She barely left Uskar anymore, but a nostalgia glint could be found in her voice. “Any of you kids want to see Princess Orana’s zoo of wonders in the countryside?”

The kids were eager to see the animals and begged to go right then. Yet, it was dinner time and soon enough, bed time. Tomorrow would be the better choice. Rat dazzled them with promises of seeing Orana's Molagani tigers. Ever since Corsaire rescued her first tiger, Mahaan, from the unsavory market, she had kept a few in captivity to try to replenish the numbers, releasing a few into the wild after intense training. He recalled how happy she was when Corsaire brought Mahaan to her with a little blue bow wrapped around his neck. The first mate also remembered how brokenhearted Orana was when Mahaan finally passed away due to old age. He lived to be almost 23 years old. Sighing, Rat excused himself from the table to get a bit of fresh air on the balcony. He could sense it. Something was changing.

Scarlet joined him, patting his back. “You ok?”

"Aye, me's just thinking." Rat admitted to his lover, stargazing at the night sky. "Just remembering old times. I don't suppose you think me daft for missing those days when Cap'n, the crew, and me-self would go diving for treasure?"

“Course not. But I’d have never got to be with you.”

"Aye, dats true." Rat nodded his head. Then said, suddenly, "Me's old now, Scarlet. Thinking back on things I wish I could a-change. Thinking about time lost. If it would have gone different if I had a-changed me-self."

“Tell me what you’d want to change.”

"Wish me'd just knocked you out and dragged you along to Uskar with me for one." Rat chuckled. "Ice woulda been in the way." He then said, "Wish I could have taken Revy more to see the world when she was younger. Get that self-sacrifice nonsense out of her head. Had forgiven you earlier, that's a big one, but Borgie definitely helped with that. That's for us, but for me-self, I..." He sighed heavily. "More than anything, I wished I could have saved Bomba."

Scarlet looked away, still guilty by that all these years. Everyone played scenarios in there head over and over on how they’d saved him; done things differently. “I’d have accepted a fantastic friendship with ya if I still had the little man at my side.”

"Ya know, Bomba always talked about having a family one day and settling down since he was an orphan." Rat chuckled and told Scarlet with a grin. "He'd brag about how he was going to hook the hottest pair of legs on the town, romance her something fierce with flowers and sea jaunties, and then buy her the fattest ring he could find. Then he said they'd have a dozen kids and a boat with a white picket fence around the mast." The ex-pirate rolled his eyes. "Silly one, that kid. Still can't believe he blew off only two of his fingers while he messed with that dangerous powder. Annoying sometimes, but had a heart of gold."

Scarlet leaned over the balcony railing, sighing as she clapped her hands together. “Feel like it’s my fault at times you know. I was the one who showed Adda details on the Wind Waker. I’m the one who thought we should have controlled that dragon and the other pirates instead of just sinking them into the sea. Thought it was mercy.... I saw Adda again today Rat.”

"... can't say I'm pleased with you a-going to see her." Rat had mixed feelings about Scarlet going to see Adda. Perhaps she needed closure. Maybe she needed to ask why. He was not sure, but either way, he was fearful of Scarlet being hurt. "Regardless of what you did, your intention was not to get Bomba killed."

“No. But me leaving Adda left her alone to the worst people. Should have taken her captive when we first found you in Uskar. Let her live in better conditions than she is now. Let her learn that she could have been a good mother. I left her at the worst time. Only made things worse on all sides.”

"Now you're being silly." Rat turned to look at Scarlet. "You can't blame yourself for her actions, Scarlet. You didn't force her to make those choices. You's ain't her keeper."

“She replaced me with Seer. Look how that turned out. She looked to me to back up and challenge her choices. Because I didn’t have a backbone, I left her to a bunch of yes men.”

"Seer didn't want to be used as a replacement. He wanted to stay in Uskar with his girls. And you are not responsible for Adda." Rat gently pulled Scarlet into a hug. "I know you want to see the good in her, but you're not her guardian, her mother, or the one that's in charge of her actions. That's all on her. Don't think anymore of it. I don't want you to feel guilty over it."

Scarlet hugged Rat tight. He could feel something burning in her to get out. When she saw Corsaire and Prince Ralnor holding casual conversation, she patted Rat and marched up to them. “Hello there gentlemen. Hope I’m not interrupting anything. I had a request on my mind.”

"I'm telling you, if we put in a bigger engine the weight wouldn't be---" Corsaire stopped mid-sentence when Scarlet approached.

"What might it be, Scarlet?" Ralnor was getting rather tired of the captain's constant refusal to try to build a larger engine. Advancements had to be made.

“I know you’ll never give Adda better conditions for imprisonment. I want you to execute her.”

"...?!?!?!"

Both men looked equally stunned by Scarlet's request. "Well... that..." Corsaire took a moment to regain his composure. "I'm not against it. She has done some serious crimes."

"Might I ask why the sudden request when we tried to have this happen years ago and a select few were against it?" Ralnor quirked an eyebrow.

“Because I didn’t know she’d be treated like some slimy Like-Like locked away in an underground, lightless box. It’s inhumane. Just let her die so everyone can move on.” Scarlet crossed her arms, using some ‘logic’ she heard the prince enjoyed. “You want me to replace King Malik right? I don’t know who he is, but if I do that, he has no reason to keep Adda alive anyways right?”

"That is a valid point." Ralnor did appreciate her logic. Malik had not had questions for Adda in a couple of years. Perhaps it was the end of her usefulness. "Very well then. I will set a date for her execution."

"...? It's that easy?"

"No one knows she's alive besides us anyhow."

"Ah... well, I suppose that is true."

“Ok. So... tomorrow morning I, what, march up to his door?”

"..? You?" Ralnor looked puzzled. He misheard being so focused on Adda’s upcoming death. "You want to kill her?"

“What?! No!” Scarlet turned pale, suddenly losing her guts. In her haste to get on with her life, she had confused the prince. “I meant Malik. No. Not kill him. Dethrone. Uh-“

"Oh. Do not worry, the snake and I will handle that." Ralnor assured Scarlet.

“But. I’m the one taking charge. I should go there to transfer the peace and title.” She looked to Rat and Corsaire. “I doubt Rat and the crew would listen to some random Captain if Corsaire was suddenly replaced with no explanation. That’s a mutiny in the making. Even Adda knew this.”

"If you wish to accompany me, then by all means you are welcome." Ralnor then gave her a fair warning. "However, I doubt Malik will step down... willingly. But that shall not be a problem. We all know that the snake has the right playing cards."

“What.” Scarlet crossed her arms. “Blackmail?”

"Let's just say the snake and Malik have an interesting past together." Ralnor told Scarlet. "The less said the better."

Scarlet felt something really off about how the prince said that. Looking to Corsaire, she felt conflicted. “Corsaire. Is this Malik a bad guy? Like Adda?”

"... he was once known as 'Klinge'." Corsaire almost shuddered. "An undead commander who once guarded the queen with such ferocity."

"Until said queen was able to use her magic to reverse his curse." Ralnor told Scarlet. "Even though she is reagent, Zarazu is still powerful."

“Klinge? The Blade of the Gerudo? Revy saw him as a legend growing up.” Scarlet frowned, tapping her foot. “That’s who you want me to go ask to step down?”

"Yes." Ralnor had no qualms about the process. "My father was ignorant enough to pass the Tri-Force piece of Power to him. You and I both know that there's a high chance he could risk going down the pathway of darkness. A risk we cannot take."

Scarlet turned to whisper in Corsaire’s ear. “He sounds like Adda. That’s scaring me.”

Corsaire tried to get her to hush, but it was too late.

"You know, I have quite keen hearing and if I scare you more than the snake, then you are a child that he has picked to lead the Gerudo." Ralnor remarked with a glare. "Remember this, Scarlet, I am the hand that keeps the peace in the kingdom. No matter who or what gets in my way, it will be... removed. Permanently." The second born prince was definitely as cold as ice just as the rumors said. And scary to boot. "I am not the one who conned this plan. The snake did. I am simply trying to follow his instructions to keep my niece safe. Prophecy or not, Luimaya's wellness and my family's safety are tantamount to other objectives. If you are thinking I am like Adda who will sacrifice those dear to me to get what I want, then you are gravely mistaken." He took a sip of his wine. "If I am not preferable for you, then be my guest. Let the snake lead you there."

“No. I’m sorry. I apologize Prince Ralnor.” Scarlet bowed her head, embarrassed at her actions.

"That's what I thought." Ralnor set down his empty glass. "Whether or not you believe Malik to be a legend, a hero, or even a damn saint, he will give up his throne if it means saving those he cares about. If not, then he will be in for a hard lesson from the snake." He then told Scarlet. "While I have my lines that I draw, Bonegrinder does not. He will willingly devour anyone in his path to see that the Mother Goddess inherits Luimaya as her host to battle Chaos for this world. If you cannot convince Malik, if I cannot, then he will be in danger... and his family." The prince then clasped his hands together, walking back inside. "It is late, Scarlet. Get some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day."

"..." Corsaire stood there beside Scarlet for a moment before advising her. "Lassie. Look. Me and you don't have the best of track records, but I say this because I mean it," He took a breath and then said, "If anyone can convince that bastard... it's you."

“Malik. Or Bonegrinder? I don’t like the idea of us hurting some man’s family.”

"Malik... and perhaps convince the snake to view a little light in the world."

________________________________________________________________

Crossover with @ridersoftheapocalypse

Previous Part:

[angry-slytherin]

Heaven Help Me(Ch 4)

Jo yawns, grabbing the coffee from Link’s hand, and taking a sip.

“Hey! I need that,” he takes it back, “Scout’s birthday party is tomorrow morning and I can’t leave until my fellow finishes his first solo Acetabular fixation.”

Jo gasps, smacking her face.

“What?”

“Oh my god. I totally forgot to get him a gift.” Link laughs at this.

“He’s only nearly three, I doubt he’ll even care; he’s only there for the cake and the attention.” Jo snatches Link’s coffee again, takes a swig, and hands it back to him. Then she stands up.

“He’s my only nephew, I’m going to spoil him!” Her eyes go wide, and she grabs her purse before leaving Link sitting alone in the lounge.

On her way out, she bumps into Izzie Stevens.

“Hey, Doctor Wilson. So sorry about the other night, by the way. My husband and I shouldn’t have been working out personal problems at work. But thanks for whatever you told Alex, it knocked some real sense into him.” Izzie smiles brightly. Jo smiles back, waving a hand.

“It’s no problem, really. I just told him that he should learn to agree with his wife before kids get involved. He’s the first person here who’s treated me like a friend, so I figured he would listen to my advice. I’m glad he did.” Izzie nods, locking Jo’s gaze.

“Do you have kids?”

“No. Someday, hopefully,” Jo shrugs, “With the right person.”

“Yeah. Once you find them, you’ll know. Alex invigorates me like no other sometimes, but I have no doubts he’ll be a great dad. He’s great with kids,” Izzie proudly states. Jo presses her lips together.

“He and I had a patient the other day, and he took is pretty hard when the kid bled out.”

“That’s him. I’m lucky, not everyone can say their husband will be a great father; but the way Alsx handles kids...it’s hard to have doubts.”

Jo smiles, “Yeah. He seems pretty great with them.”

“I’m sorry, I have a patient waiting. But it was nice talking to you!” Izzie waves, and Jo startlingly sees herself in the gesture.

***

“Hi Wilson.” A voice whispers in Jo’s ear. She turns around and it’s Alex, smirking at her.

“Hey Karev.” She grins back. Jo finds herself close to flirting, and she has to keep the fact that he’s married in the back of her mind.

“I figured I’d see you here. Is Link actually your brother? I don’t know him well, but he’s never mentioned a sister.”

“No. He and I waited tables together in undergrad for a while. He’s basically my brother, but not biologically or anything.” Jo looks down.

“Well biology doesn’t make a family for a lot of people. What about marriages?” Alex points out. Jo looks back up at him, eyebrows stitched.

“Yeah, I guess. My therapist used to tell me that for orphaned people- although I guess I’m only suto-orphaned in the technical sense- a biological family member becomes very important. I really should start dating in Seattle, shouldn’t I?” Jo laughs.

“How do you do that? Talk about having no family, no parents, so nonchalantly?” Alex questions. Jo bites her lip.

“I mean for me, it’s nothing new. I’ve never really had family. I was married once, but that’s over, and I was really young. It’s uh- I don’t like to talk about it. But I guess I don’t have a problem if it’s the conversation.”

“If it makes you feel any better, my mom was a schizophrenic all growing up, and my dad was a junkie who hit her and abandoned us. I was in eleven foster homes, by the way. I didn’t mention it when we both said we were foster kids,” Alex grins.

“Oh so we’re competing now? I was in thirteen.”

“That’s tragic. My brother is a schizophrenic now, just so you know. He tried to kill my kid sister; she was sixteen.”

“I lived in my car for a year. I was sixteen.” Jo locks Alex’s eyes and they both burst out laughing.

“It’s really nice to find someone who understands,” Jo smiles.

“Yeah. It is. I’m sorry you lived in your car and nobody loves you.”

“I’m sorry your family is either alcoholic or mentally ill.” Then they both start laughing again.

“You’ll find someone, Jo. Don’t worry. I mean look at me, I’ve got Izzie, and I’m going to have kids.”

“Oh yes. Lots of Stevens-Karev children.” Jo giggles. Link comes over to the corner that Jo and Alex reside in, with a camera in hand.

“It’s cake time.” Unexplainably, this sets the two friends off again.

***

After they’ve sung ‘Happy Birthday’ to Scout, and cut the cake, Jo finds herself with both Izzie and Alex for the first time; which is odd to her considering she’s basically been a third extension of their marital issues for the past week.

“Oh hey, Doctor Wilson!” Izzie Stevens is smiling again, that bright, happy smile that one can only have if they so possess great optimism and hope. It makes Jo smile too.

“You can just call me Jo,” Jo tells the blonde woman, and then presses her lips together in amusement, catching Alex’s eyes.

“Then you can call me Izzie.”

“Right,” a pause, “So Alex tells me you’re a surgical oncologist? That’s encompasses two medical fields in one; what’s that like?”

“Oh well I love surgery, but I also love getting to know my patients, and really bringing them through to health whenever I can. I’m sure you get that though, with your surgical innovation fellowship along with being a practicing surgeon, no?”

“I certainly do. Poor Alex here is just stuck fixing cute kids all day,” Jo quips.

“Oh ha-ha.” Alex rolls his eyes, “You keep killing mice, Wilson. I’ll be over here actually saving someone’s ass.”

“Alex!” Izzie chastises her husband.

“It’s okay, Izzie,” Jo waves the air, “You’re just jealous my brilliant brain is going to get me filthy rich.”

“Oh, hon, she’s got you there,” Izzie laughs. Alex grumbles, but stares at Jo nonetheless. It makes her look away, uncomfortable. Izzie playfully pushes Alex and they kiss. That makes Jo infinitely more uncomfortable.

“I uh- I’m going to get a drink I think. Would either of you like anything?” They both decline and Jo saunters over to the concession table. There is Amelia, holding her son. Jo grabs the small boy out of Amelia’s arms and holds him.

“Hey there, birthday boy. How does three feel?” Jo gives the baby a closed-lip smile.

“Great! I like the cake!”

“Awesome,” Jo gives Scout a high-five, grabbing a lemonade juice box. Amelia is studying her.

“Are you sure you don’t have a thing with Alex? Because he looks more interested when you talk to him than he does with his wife.” Amelia grabs a napkin, wiping icing off the kid’s face.

“Amelia! No! Why do you keep asking? You’re seeing things.”

“Am I though? Good husbands look at their wives above all else.”

“Well he’s not a cheater, and I’m not a home-wrecker, so stop it. I like your son way more than you right now, and he’s now stolen my lemonade,” Jo motions to Scout with her head, drinking her juice box.

“Alright fine, but give him back. He needs to go socialize with people his own age.”

“Leave my juice box alone,” Jo grins.

[emeraldbirdcollector]

Chapter 2 of Alice’s Tale (MTAP prompt, “Alice and Jack on their way to Portia”)

Part two, in which I have made up relationships which probably don’t exist in canon, but aren’t, I don’t think, directly contradicted either. (Sam says she has family in Portia at one point, but we don’t see who it is...but there’s only one person in Portia who really has any family resemblance to Sam and could conceivably be her family, so I ran with it.)

Finally, they made it through the gates, but it was a mile or so down the road before Remi spotted the Alliance flag. Thank Peach, they got too distracted with looting to pursue. Not that it did us a blessed bit of good, but at least there's a place we can regroup. He rode for the camp, and breathed out a great sigh of relief when he saw Captain Parker riding up and down, directing the flow of refugees and retreating Corps members with her usual firm hand. She was one of the few Corps leaders he trusted, and he was glad to see her in charge here.

“Remington!” she called out as he neared. “What's the situation?”

“Not good, Captain. We've got a rout on our hands, and they're rioting through the city.”

She shook her head. “Not good, not good at all. At least that'll keep 'em occupied a bit, maybe get them reckless and drunk. We've got reinforcements on their way from Atara. Too late for today, but if we can regroup before they do, and evacuate as many of the civilians as possible...”

Reinforcements. Finally, some good news. “Speaking of which. Found these two about to be taken to the slave markets in Duvos. Can we find 'em a place to go?”

“Parents?”

He shook his head. “Casualties.”

Her eyes softened. “Poor little mites. We've been directing refugees behind the lines, but...they're just kids. Here.” She tossed him a couple of ration bags. “There's a Church of the Light a few miles down the road. They find homes for orphans, don't they?”

“Might be a bit overwhelmed right now.”

“They might be. But it's the best we can hope for right now. I'm sorry, kids. There's not much I can do for you.”

Alice nodded, clearly trying to keep her chin up. Jack just stared at the horse's neck, unwilling or unable to move or talk.

“Be back by sunrise, Remington. As rested as you can be. We're going to need all the soldiers we can get.”

“Yes, ma'am.” He saluted, and spurred his horse further down the path, following the stream of refugees fleeing south.

They had ridden out of sight of the camp before Alice spoke up, hesitantly. “Thank you for doing all of this for us. We probably shouldn't be taking you from your duties...”

“Protecting civilians is my duty. I'm not going to leave two little kids to wander alone in this chaos if I can help it.”

“We don't even have anything to give you...”

“It's my job, I tell you.” He kept his voice even, but the anger came through nonetheless. “I don't ever want be the kind of Corps member who has to take bribes to do his job.”

“Pa said the Corps always took bribes.” Jack picked the worst moments to speak up, in Alice's opinion.

“Some do. I won't.” He took a breath, and smiled down at them. “But enough of that. Do you know where you'd like to go, given a chance? Have you ever seen places other than Lucien City?”

“Not really,” Alice bit her lip. “We never traveled much. Ma and Pa were too busy with the shop.”

“Where are you from?” Jack piped up. “You don't sound like you're from Lucien.”

“Good ear, kiddo. I'm not. I'm from Portia.”

“Where's Portia?”

“Far southeast of here, on the Eastern Sea, beyond Sandrock. The only real way to get there is by boat from Barnarock. But it's a lovely place, lots of countryside and forest, a clean fresh river full of tasty fish, even some mountains. Portia Town is pretty small, just a hundred or so people, but it's cozy and warm and everyone knows everyone else. It's spring, now, all the flowers will be blooming, and it's so peaceful and pretty...” He shook his head. “Sorry. I get homesick sometimes, especially in the middle of all of this.”

“It sounds so lovely...I understand why you miss it. I love flowers,” Alice said wistfully.  “I wish we could go there someday. It'd be nice to be somewhere where there isn't any danger at all...”

“Well, it is on the Peripheries, and there is a Collapsed Wasteland nearby, with some odd monsters in it. But the Civil Corps there is dedicated and they keep the town pretty safe. “

“Wow, a real wasteland? Have you ever been in it?” Jack perked up, forgetting his troubles for a bit, and Alice's heart filled with gratitude.

He chuckled, a warm rich sound. “Yes, as a matter of fact. See, there were these two younger kids – Sam's about your age, Alice, and Arlo's two years older – and they snuck in once after school, a couple of years ago, on a dare. Sam's not one to turn down a dare, and she got Arlo to go with her by telling him it would be good training for the Flying Pigs – he's wanted to try out for them ever since he was old enough to know who they were.”

“What happened to them?” Alice asked.

“Well, they got pinned down behind a rock in the middle of a field full of Slurpees...”

“What's a Slurpee?” Jack interrupted.

“It's a great blue creature, kinda like a big fuzzy lizard with a round clowny face – they're not that dangerous, but they can get you with a stream of nasty freezing liquid...stuff...if you don't know how to predict and dodge it. Anyway, I hadn't wanted to snitch on the kids to Mr. Isaac, our teacher, so I snuck in myself, but I had the good sense to bring a couple of weapons with me. Gave Arlo one of the swords, and Sam a dartgun – she always was better with ranged weapons – and we fought our way out. Didn't even get caught, and I've never told anyone till now. So if you do get to Portia, don't tell Mr. Isaac or Mayor Gale on me, all right?”

“I won't. On my honor,” Jack said solemnly, and Alice stifled a giggle.

“Sam sounds like she gets in trouble a lot,” she commented, hoping to hear more about a girl her own age, living in a safe and happy place.

Remington laughed out loud. “That she does, especially the time she beat up the mayor's son. But she got off easy for that one.”

“How come?”

“She beat him up because he'd been picking on his little sister Ginger, and the mayor dotes on his daughter. Ginger's a sweet girl, but she's kinda fragile – her mother died when she was born, she'd never been strong either, and it seems like Ginger takes after her. But her brother Gust thought of her as the one who killed his Mama, and he was pretty awful to her. Sam kicked his butt into next Tuesday, and he left both of 'em alone after that. Last I heard, he'd taken himself off to Atara to study architecture or something. Sam always did hate a bully. She's got a heart of gold, she really does, and she'll always look out for anyone who needs her help. You ought to look her up, if you do get to Portia. Her family are refugees from Lucien too.”

“Really?” Alice asked. “How did they get there?”

“Her Pa is in the Civil Corps, in the front lines a bit further west of here, and her Ma got tired of always being in the danger zones. So she left before Sam was born, and headed down to the coast with Sam's older sister, Carol. Sam's Pa came to visit sometimes, when he was on leave, and Sam was born a few years later, just before her Ma decided to move into Portia Town. But her Ma got the sweating pox, and she died when Sam was only four, so she was mostly raised by her sister, and Carol wasn't much more than a girl herself. So Sam kinda grew up wild. But like I said, she's got a good heart, and she's done all right. And now Carol's gotten married, and had triplets, and Sam babysits for her pretty regularly, so it all comes full circle.”

Jack looked up at his sister. “Are you gonna raise me, now, Alice?”

“Hopefully she won't have to,” Remington said. “The Church will find you a nice family to take you in.”

“But I'll stay with you, I promise. No matter what, I won't let them split us up.” Alice wrapped her arms around her brother and hugged him hard.

“You keep to that. You two stick together and care for each other, and everything will be OK.” Remington hoped the kids couldn't hear the way the words had to fight past the sudden tightness in his throat. He'd never had siblings by blood, but Sam and Arlo were as close as made no difference, and he suddenly missed them both terribly.