#i kept this open for you to decide if the woman here should be hilda or whether she intervenes in another way

[elphilim]

Koa was excited by the variety that the human world had to offer. There was so much to see and so much to discover, but unfortunately also so many evil people who didn't mean well. She already had seen and experienced this many times.

Just like at this moment when she heard loud shouting and fighting. There she saw a tall man throw a woman to the ground and threaten her. Koa frowned angry, //How rude!// she thought to herself and approached the man with her chest puffed out. As she walked over, she picked up a branch and hit him on the head, breaking the branch.

"Hey, pick a fight with someone your size!" Koa grumbled and continued to puff herself up to appear larger and more dangerous despite her small size and young appearance.

But that didn't seem to impress the guy at all. He now stood up to his full height and looked down at Koa. The man pushed Koa away and started to shout at her too. "And what do you want, little brat?" he yelled, raising his fist to strike.

Koa, on the other hand, held, what was left of the branch, tightly in her hand as if it were a sword, ready to fight off this bully with her small weapon.

✰ Random starter for: @riiese

[the-hilda-librarians-wife]

A Familiar Soul - Chapter Seven

Summary: Hilda decides to be completely honest with her mother, surprised when she seems to be a lot more in on magic than Hilda had expected her to be.

With her daughter’s association with witches, Johanna is forced to face some secrets of her own, bringing her back to feelings and people she’d rather have left behind

Dealing with insecurities and inner demons of her own, Kaisa finds herself face to face with the very issues that brought her to be so displeased with her own abilities

Or: the one where Johanna is Kaisa’s familiar

Notes: School is ✨kicking my butt✨, so I unfortunately won’t be able to keep posting weekly. I’ll try to do it every other week, but I really can’t promise anything Thank you for understanding <3

Read it on ao3: (chpt1) (chpt2) (chpt3) (chpt4) (chpt5) (chpt6) (chpt7)

The arrival of their midterms meant they spent more time in the library than outside of it. Luckily, they hadn’t allowed any subjects to pile up, so even if it was still tough work, it wasn’t awfully unnerving. Besides, they had each other’s presence and help, which undoubtedly made matters easier; Johanna had to admit revising was more pleasant when she knew her girlfriend would be down to go out for some coffee when they were finished.

“I feel as though we’re one step away from moving into the library, you know?” Johanna commented when she noticed Kaisa had closed her textbook. There were dark circles under her eyes, as keeping up with two separate educations, the normal one and the magical one, was taking its toll on her. Nevertheless, she smiled.

“I wouldn’t be averse to it, actually.” Running her eyes through the nearest bookshelf, wishing she could read one of those books instead of doing maths, she sighed. “It’s weird, but I kind of feel at home here. So much knowledge in one place, so much history… this feels more magical than any spell.”

Kaisa had closed her eyes to take a deep breath in, basking in the comforting scent of old parchment and wood. It did feel magical to be there. Centuries of stories that had both been stored there and taken place there. It felt sacred. As she knew the delicacy of the topic, Johanna kept her voice low.

“Is that what you want to work with?”

“No.” Suddenly reminded that she couldn’t thrive if all she did was enjoy the peace of places she was already comfortable with, the witch opened her eyes. It would be necessary to come out of her comfort zone if she wanted to do something worthwhile. “As a witch, I can always visit the library. I can practically live here if I want to. But I need to do what my mother couldn’t.”

The way Kaisa had clenched her fist was immediately noticed by Johanna, and she reached out to touch her hand, interlacing their fingers. She didn’t know much about what had happened to her mother, since the matter never failed to upset Kaisa and she hadn’t wanted to push her, but she knew how ascending to her mother’s former position meant the world to her. It was what she’d been training for her whole life, even if it was a shame that it apparently meant she couldn’t work with her books.

“Well, I’ll support you with everything.”

“I know you will.” Kaisa squeezed her hand. “Right now I need you to support me with physics, though.”

“Oh, not physics!” She groaned, making them both chuckle in equal measure amusement and desperation. It was cozy, she though as they both opened their textbooks, to know that regardless of the path they chose or the place they were, they would always have a home in each other.

_#_#_#_

Kaisa walked surprisingly fast for someone who wasn’t at all that tall, which made it almost impossible for Hilda to catch up with her, though to her credit Hilda wasn’t exactly tall either. When the girl arrived at the base of the staircase, Kaisa was no longer in the building’s entrance hall, and Hilda ran to the door to poke her head outside, looking both ways and catching a glimpse of Kaisa’s cape disappearing behind the right corner. Without thinking twice, she began to follow her.

She could have broken into a quicker run, or shouted after the librarian, but she had a feeling that that would only make Kaisa herself run, or at least do her best to avoid her. As she followed on Kaisa’s tail, watching her take a path that eventually Hilda realized was familiar to her, the girl kept looking behind herself every few minutes, to certify herself that her mother wasn’t following her. Whether Johanna realized she’d screwed up or simply didn’t think Hilda would be able to reach Kaisa, she didn’t know, but the fact was that the woman was nowhere to be seen.

Hilda realized she had been right about the librarian’s destination when the gates of Saint Guglow’s cemetery came into view. Right after Kaisa, she entered the cemetery and kept to the cobblestone path making as little noise as she could manage, wondering which ghost Kaisa wanted to wake up and why, and if she had an extra resurrection staff with her (which was frankly a disturbing thought: how many of those did one person need?). Instead of waking any of them up, however, the witch surprised Hilda by sitting between two graves and curling herself up into a ball on the ground.

Her shoulders were shaking even though Hilda couldn’t hear any sounds coming from her. She just stood there at a distance, thinking that if Kaisa really was crying than she should probably leave her alone. Even so, her curiosity kept her feet firmly planted on the ground, feeling unable to walk away from this mystery that seemed to surround two women she had previously thought had nothing to do with each other.

Why hadn’t her mother ever told her she’d known Kaisa when they were young, Hilda wondered, but then she realized: she didn’t really know anything about her mother’s youth. Had she ever even asked Johanna about her past, or had she contended herself to being annoyed when she’d tell little bits and pieces about her childhood in Trolberg? Before she could wallow in thoughts of being a terrible daughter, it came to her attention that the same went for Kaisa. When had she ever asked her about how she’d come to be Tildy’s student, or about how she became the librarian?

If she could barely remember any interaction with Kaisa that didn’t involve asking the witch to help clean up one of her messes, did she even have the right to be there and ask what the problem was? She didn’t have the opportunity to decide, because right at that moment Kaisa called out for her.

“I know you’re here.” She said even before lifting her head. “What do you want?”

There was no bite to her words, only a sting of hurt. HIlda highly doubted that she appreciated being seen in such a state. Her face looked redder than usual, and so did her eyes, but at least she didn’t look like she’d been full on sobbing. Walking closer, Hilda kneeled down in front of her.

“I want to know if you’re okay.” Though Hilda would have hugged anyone else in this situation, everything about Kaisa’s body language told her to stay away. “And what I can do to help. It is my fault after all.”

Kaisa made a dry sound, something between a scoff and a mirthless chuckle, looking away from the girl.

“Don’t beat yourself up for that. You were probably the one person in the room who wasn’t to blame.”

“I didn’t know my mother knew you.” Hilda tried to sound casual, but the curiosity didn’t stay out of her voice. Probably because she would rather not have, Kaisa thought. “Why does she hate you so much?”

The words hadn’t even finished leaving her mouth before Hilda cringed, realizing it was probably very rude of her to use the word ‘hate’, especially with Kaisa in such a state. Luckily for her, Kaisa didn’t look angry, only sad. She hugged her cape even tighter around herself.

“Part of me thinks I had this coming.” Kaisa sighed, making Hilda perk up. She hadn’t actually thought she’d be able to get the story out of her. “When we were young… not as young as you, we were barely adults… I let Johanna take the fall for something she hadn’t done. Her parents, your grandparents, how much do you know about them?”

“Not much.”

“They had good intentions.” Kaisa sighed. “But they were very strict. After I did that, Johanna wasn’t allowed to go outside for like, two months.”

“Two months?!” Hilda gasped, thinking about how upset her mother had been about grounding her for just a few days, and with a reason.She struggled to even imagine what that must have been like for her. “Why on earth did you do that?”

“I was angry.” She shrugged. Hilda might not forgive her for what she’d done, but she supposed every action had a consequence. What use was it to be forgiven by Hilda if Johanna hadn’t, anyway? Very little, especially since Kaisa wasn’t so sure that she’d come close to forgiving Johanna herself. “Said some harsh stuff, did some harsh stuff too. But that’s not my story to tell, so you won’t hear it from me.”

Hilda looked like she desperately wanted to ask more, but Kaisa just left it at that to indicate that that was the end of their conversation. Truth was, no matter how angry she still was with Johanna, she didn’t want to bad-mouth her to her daughter.

“Can I stay here with you?” Hilda asked after a long beat of silence, but Kaisa nodded negatively.

“Go back home, your mother will be waiting for you.”

“What about you? Won’t you go home?”

Touching the grave to her right, Kaisa felt the cold, smooth stone on her fingertips. “Home can mean many things. Don’t worry about me, the company here is better, anyways.”

[thewildomega]

Star in the Sand Ch.20

This was it. Dressing back in the itchy, way to big prison garb you closed your eyes for a moment and placed a hand over your lower abdomen. You didn't know if there was a higher power or if they even cared about someone like you but if there was you begged them to let this work. Opening your eyes you walked out of the small room you had been staying in and saw Ken there. The man gave you a small grin and you held out your wrists. You couldn't help but tremble in both fear and nervousness as Ken snapped the shackles back around you. 

"Hey sweetheart it's going to be alright. Have faith in Bentham, if he says this is going to work it will." he told the woman. 

Taking a deep breath you nodded and looked up to him. "Thank you for everything." It had been four days since Bon Clay and the others had saved you from being raped in that frozen cell. In that time Hilda had managed to heal your frostbite almost entirely with long soaks in warm baths. As much as you wished to wash your hair and bathe properly they had told you it would look more believable if you still looked filthy. During your time out of the baths Ken and Margery had brought you food and given you an actual bed with covers and everything. You were pretty sure you had slept through one of those days entirely. Whenever you weren't sleeping or soaking Bon Clay was sitting with you, asking you questions and going over the plan he had come up with to get you both out of here. He had been surprised when you told him about you growing up in a whole other world and how there this world was a book. Later on though he had said that all your knowledge would come in handy. 

"Ken Ken I will miss you so much." 

Looking to Bon clay as he walked in dressed in the clothes of a Marine Captain you blinked. Watching as they all said their goodbyes you stood quietly, not being able to help but feel a little guilty. A lot was riding on this, if something happened and it went wrong there would be a lot of people that would get hurt. Bon Clay himself was taking a big risk, no doubt if he was caught trying to escape twice they would kill him. When he finally walked over to you he must have seen your nervousness and placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. 

"It's okay Miss... I mean Y/n." he smiled, when he remembered her telling him to just call her Y/n. "I have thought of a fool proof plan to get us out of here. Just play your part and we will be out of here an no time." he told her with a smile.

"I trust you Bon." you told him and saw him smile even larger if it were possible. 

"Ready?' he asked and saw her nod. Grabbing hold of her chains he started leading her down one of the tunnels. 

Coming out of the secret tunnel you kept your head down like Bon had told you to but gave a quick glance over to see that you were in what looked to be medical room of sorts. The room itself was curtained with only a bed and other medical equipment inside however there standing in the corner were a few guards. The sight of them instantly made you tense as you assumed you both would be caught but when they whispered to Bon Clay about everything being ready you realized it was nothing but some of the prisoners from level 5.5 dressed as guards. Not saying a word you let Bon who now had the face of another man, one with blond hair and a goatee lead you out and to the elevator. When you got up to the main floor Hannyabal and a few guards were waiting there. Swallowing hard you felt Bon yank on your chains some, his deep voice coming out as an order for you to move it. 

"It's hard to believe she is still alive let alone carrying a child." Hannyabal said looking down at the woman. She looked even worse for wear now than she had when she had went into level five to begin with. "She doesn't look very pregnant to me." he said, glancing down to her thin body. 

"To be fair though sir the prisoners don't get much food." 

Hearing one of the false guards speak from behind you you saw Hannyabal scratch his chin. 

"Well I suppose that's true." he sighed. Looking to the Captain he rose a brow. "You look a little stiff Captain Leway."

"Just ready to be done with this. A Captain shouldn't have to taxi around prisoners." he spoke, quickly. 

Humming sighed. "Well I'll let you be on your way then. Does the Navy plan on sending her back once they get what they want out of her?"

"If they do I'm sure they will let your know." Bon told the Warden. 

"Very well. I'll keep her cell open just in case. Safe travels Captain." 

Without another word Bon was leading you out of the prison and onto one of the smaller navy warships. Your heart was beating like a drum in your chest as you peeked up from under your lashes and saw dozens of marines staring at you in disgust. You hated the navy knowing you were pregnant but Bon said it was an easy way to get you out of here. As sick as it sounds they would no doubt want to eliminate what they saw to be a continuation of an evil bloodline. You only hoped this whole stunt didn't make the papers, the last thing you wanted was for Crocodile to be hurt. Especially if this all went wrong. Closing your eyes for a moment you tried to get a hold of your trembling. At least with it being near dark no one would be able to see your scared face. 

"Prisoner aboard ship, permission to leave Captain?"

"Oh right that's me... YES!" Bon spoke and saw as the marines started all moving about. When one of them moved over to him and asked if he wanted him to take Y/n down to the brig he quickly spoke up. "No that's alright I don't think she will give us any trouble." he said and saw the boy look to him in confusion before nodding and walking away. Leading her over to one of the crates and making her sit down on it he glanced around to make sure no one was listening before looking back down to her. "Are you still doing okay?" he asked her and saw her nod shortly. "I'm sorry for having to be so rough to you I'm just trying to act act the part."

"It's okay. Y...your a good actor." you told him and saw him smile, the facial expression looking off on the man. Maybe he didn't smile much. 

"Captain..."

Hearing one of the men call him he sighed and looked back down to Y/n. "Just remember to be ready when the time comes." seeing her nod shortly again he slid the key to her cuffs into her hand and smiled a little before walking away. 

Lifting your head after a few moments you watched as the prison started growing further and further away. While you should feel ecstatic about leaving that place you knew the hardest part was yet to come. Closing your eyes you placed your hand over your womb, silently praying that everything would work out. Going through the first doors of justice you watched them close behind you. Noticing the huge whirlpools all around you clenched the key in your fist. How you wanted the heavy things off of you. When they had been off for those few days Hilda had treated the raw skin there as best he could but told you there was a possibility that the skin would scar. Keeping them on your wrists for now you moved your hands right to hide the key better just incase one of the marines decided to look to you. Good thing too because soon enough one was walking over to you. 

"So you're Crocodile's whore huh?" 

Ignoring him you continued looking out to sea all the while clenching your teeth. How you hated that word. You would rather be called anything than that. 

"It's a good thing the Marines got our hands on you when we did, especially knowing you are caring another criminal inside of you. No doubt HQ will take care of that problem though. Wish I could be there to watch." he chuckled. 

Gritting your teeth you took a deep breath to keep your temper at bay. You couldn't react, that's what he wanted. While you wanted nothing more than to punch the white collared prick in his throat there was too much at stake. After a while he only huffed and walked away. Glancing to Bon Clay every once and a while to check for the signal you would see him pretending to play Captain, giggling a little under your breath when he would make faces at the crew behind their back or tap his face to turn back to himself before switching back really fast when someone would look. As the gates of justice came into view you saw him wink at you, that was the signal. "I have to pee." you announced. 

Quickly moving to show Y/n to the bathroom he gave a squeeze of her arm as they passed by one of the lifeboats. 

That was the one. Nodding shortly you continued walking to the bathrooms. Hearing Bon Clay tell one of the officers to come over and keep watch over you watched the brown haired woman walk over. Being led inside by the woman you turned back to see Bon Clay standing behind her. The woman however must have seen your look and went to turn around. 

"Captain is there a...."

Watching as Bon Clay kicked the woman, knocking her unconscious you winced but said nothing. 

"Alright Y/n this is it. You know the rest of the plan. Remember stay quiet and everything will be okay." 

Nodding you saw him smile and then nod, leaving you in the room alone with the woman. Looking down to the lady you sighed, unlocking your cuffs, "Sorry about this." you told her, bending down to grab her clothes. Once you were dressed in the marine's clothes and had shuffled her into your own, snapping the cuffs on her wrists you took a deep breath. Cracking open the door you peeked out to see another walking by. Quickly pulling the door back close until they walked by you opened it again and stepped out, pulling it close. Quietly moving over to the lifeboat Bon had pointed out you climbed inside, tugging the tarp down again once you were laying inside. 

It seemed like time passed by in slow motion as you waited for Bon Clay to carry out the rest of the plan. Hearing as someone yelled out that the ship had passed through the gates again you clung to your locket and closed your eyes, your hands trembling. Picturing Crocodile in your head you thought of what it would be like to see him again, to be in his arms again. You hoped he still wanted you, that he hadn't stopped loving you. "Please. Please just wait for me a little longer Croc... wait for us." you whispered. 

The sound of a cannon going off just about made you jump out of your skin and you slapped a hand over your mouth to keep from screaming. You could only listen as people ran about the ship, everyone yelling and trying to figure out what was going on. 

"Are we under attack?"

"We are taking on water! Everyone down bellow, patch that hole now!" Bon yelled out.

Another cannon going off made you take deep breaths. The footsteps grew faint as everyone went bellow to where Bon Clay had blew holes into the bottom of the ship. Not a minute later did the tarp get ripped off the lifeboat and you snapped your eyes up to see Bon there. He gave you a large smile before placing two large bottles of water into the ship along with a bag. Sitting up you started helping him lower the boat down. You could hear as the crew started yelling but chose to focus your attention on the ropes you were quickly trying to untie. 

As soon as the ropes were free he was grabbing the oar and rowing away as fast as he could. "We have to hurry Y/n, another ship will no doubt come to their aid and we need to be long gone by then." he told her and saw her nod, her own hands grabbing another oar to start helping him. 

When the yelling got louder you looked up to see the ship starting to sink, many marines now on deck and looking around. It wouldn't take them too long to find the officer in the bathroom but hopefully by then the both of you were far away. With it being dark they would hopefully not see either of you. 

"So we are going to Sabaody but after that we will have to figure out a way into the New World were your dear Mr. Zero is." 

Looking up you saw him back in his own body, you much preferred this one. "I think I might have an Idea." 

"Oh?"

Looking up to him you gave a small smile, "What would you say about meeting up with Luffy again?"

"Strawboy?! Oh yes!"

Giggling you pressed your finger to your lips. "Shhh they still might hear us." 

"Oh right." he grinned. Rowing for a moment he rose his brows, "First thing we are doing when we get to Sabaody is getting us some more appealing clothing. I have had enough of these ghastly things." he said and saw her giggle again. 

...................................

Sighing he rubbed his face and leaned back in the chair, stretching out his stiff back. Paperwork always made his back ache. Taking a break he grabbed one of his cigars from the box on the corner of his desk and lit it. Inhaling deeply he closed his eyes and held the smoke in his lungs for a moment before letting it out in a long breath. Opening his lidded eyes he looked over the empty room, his eyes scanning the shelves that he had started to fill with books. Books she would have loved.  Blinking he dropped his head back to the chair and let his mind linger.

It had been a few days since that intense pain in his chest and since then the usual clenching had turned to a only an ache. It was the first time since she had been taken from him that he wasn't in agony. The feeling that part of him was missing was still there, it never left but he wasn't gritting his teeth just to get through the day. At first he feared she had died, that his star had finally perished in that hellish place. He wouldn't have been surprised if she had, to tell the truth he was surprised she had lasted this long. Especially since they had for some godforsaken reason sentenced her to level five.

That night the pain had struck him he had quickly wrapped a towel around his waist and stumbled back to his office. After looking through every book he could on soulmates he concluded that his darling wasn't dead. 'An immense emptiness.' that's what all the books had said. While yes he felt empty without her with him he also had read that apparently when one's soulmate died the bonding mark would feel cold and his was still warm feeling. To think though that that was what Daz lived with everyday....

No she wasn't dead but something had happened. Something had caused that immense pain in his heart and he didn't want to think of what it might have been. What had caused her scream to echo in his head. Reading that was possibly her calling for him, that his soulmate was so desperate for him that he was able to hear it and he wasn't capable of helping her made him shake with anger. Ever since that day he had been so angry at himself. He had failed her, he had failed in protecting her, his own soulmate. It ate at him every second of everyday. That constant clenching in his heart reminding him of how his failures. Still whatever it had been she was at least hurting a little less since then. Perhaps they had moved her. 

Plucking the cigar from his lips he tapped it on the ashtray and placed it back in his mouth. Leaning forward he reached into the drawer of his desk and pulled out her phone. Typing in her passcode that she had told him when she first started letting him listen to the music on it he saw the screen unlock and the picture of him and her pop up. Leaning back in his chair he tapped on 'gallery'. Swiping through the pictures she had taken he felt the corner of his lip lift up the slightest amount at the one she had taken of him. He was sitting in the railing of the ship looking as serious as ever but she had drew a cartoon red 'pirate' hat on his head and put an eye patch over one of his eyes, because apparently one injury wasn't enough. The word "Arrrgg" was scribbled in the corner. If he had seen the picture while she was still with him he would have no doubt forced her to delete it, thinking it a mockery but now he cherished the reminders of her. How he missed her humor, her playfulness, her carefree nature. Opposites truly did attract. 

Looking over the other pictures he saw ones of him and her laying in bed together, her bare shoulder making him close his eyes, attempting to remember the feel of her skin against his. Quickly moving to the next picture before his desire took over he got to the ones she had taken before they had met. Landscapes mostly, a random video of her walking through the woods, a white weasel of sorts following her making her giggle, the sound pulling on his heartstrings. When he came across a picture of her with an older man he knew it was her old boss, Vic. Funny he sorta reminded him of Garp but fat. The man had a kind smile as he stood beside a much younger version of his Y/n. She had told him before when he head came across it that she was sixteen in the picture. That was just after Vic had given her the job at the bar. She was skinny in the picture, much like she had been when that witch had let him see her in Impale Down. Knowing that she was now suffering the same thing that had almost been her end back then made him frown and bite down on his cigar. If he had found her like he was supposed to she would have never known the feeling of starvation or the cold. 

What was meant to be a lifetime together had been cut to only nineteen months. It wasn't enough. It would never be enough. As much as he hoped they would reunite in the afterlife he knew an evil person like himself had no chance of going to the same afterlife as her. Nineteen months, that was all they would ever have.

......................................

By the time you and Bon had reached the Mangrove forest the both of you were well past your limit. You could no longer feel your arms and you were so tired you could have passed out right there on the ground. "I vote we take a minute to rest here." you panted. 

Nodding profusely he dropped to the ground beside her. "I Agree." However they didn't get to rest long before a loud explosion was heard in the distance. 

Snapping your eyes back open you heard another explosion. Pacifistas. Standing you looked to Bon, "Rest time's over. We have to go now." Seeing him stand as well you looked around. "We need to get to Grove 42 that's where their ship is, that's were they are all meeting at." 

"We are on 47, so says that tree there, we are close." at the sound of another explosion they both took off running. 

You were so tired but you couldn't stop. 45 now, only three more to go. At one point you had started to slow down, your muscles cramping but Bon quickly grabbed your hand and pulled you along with him. 

"Come on Y/n almost there." he cheered. He knew the woman was exhausted, her starved and malnourished body running on her overwhelming desperation to be with Mr. Zero again. 43. Seeing a giant colorful bird flying overhead he blinked but felt a tug on his hand. Glancing back to her he saw her eyes barely open, her other hand holding her lower abdomen. Taking a deep breath and raising his chin he pulled her to him, lifting her up onto his back. "Hold on Y/n." pushing himself as hard as he could he smiled when he saw the number 42 on the tree coming up. "There it is you see. We are going to make it." 

The sound of cannon fire was heard in front of them but then they suddenly stopped. As Bon made it to the top of the grove you saw the sunny, the real sunny. It looked just like it did in the manga. "That's the ship." you told Bon a small smile coming to your face but it quickly fell when you noticed the bubble expanding on it. "No... no we're not going to make it." you mumbled, your voice coming out as a whimper. 

"Oh yes we will. I made you a promise and Queen Bentham always keeps his promises." Running as fast as his feet could take him he saw the people on the ship and a familiar straw hat. "STRAWBOY! WAIT!" he yelled. Seeing the faces turn to them he smiled. "STRAWBOY!"

"BON?! BON!! HAHAHA!" 

Hearing what you assumed was Luffy yell you felt as something was wrapped around both you and Bon Clay and then gasped as the both of you were yanked through the air towards The Sunny. Holding onto Bon until the both of you rolled onto the deck you held your shoulder for a moment, that and your arm always giving you issues since that guard had hit it with the baton. 

"YAHAHA! Bon it's really you!" Luffy cheered.

"Oh it is! How great it is to see you strawboy!" Bon spoke, clinging to his friend. 

Looking up you saw Bon and Luffy hugging each other tightly and grinned lightly but then noticed some of the others looking to you. 

"Ah we all know him but who is this?" Nami asked, her hand on her hip and a raised brow as she looked to the strange woman. Even though she was dressed in a marine uniform she didn't look like one. She was frail looking and her hair was matted and dirty along. 

"This is my friend, Y/n and she needs your help. Oh please say you will help her Strawboy." Bon asked. 

"Sure. Any friend of Bon is a friend of mine." Luffy said with a large smile. 

"Luffy you don't even know her or what she needs help with!" Nami scolded. 

"Well we don't have time to wait around, we get going now or the marines will be hot on our trail." Franky told them all. 

"Then let's get GOING! SET SAIL!" 

"YEAH!!"

Looking up you watched as the ship went under the water and closed your eyes, for the first time in a long time you felt hopeful. Feeling eyes on you you looked up at all of them again and took a deep breath. Standing up you forced your legs to hold steady even though they wished to drop you back onto the deck of the ship. 

"So your name is Y/n huh? Are you some kind of marine?" Zoro asked. 

Looking down to your clothes you shook your head. 

"No we just took their clothes so when we escaped Impale down." Bon told them. 

"How did you escape? The only reason me and the others got out the first time was because of you." Luffy said. 

"Wait a minute. I want to know what it is she needs our help with first." Nami spoke, interrupting them. 

Looking to her and everyone else you licked you licked your dry lips. "I.. I need to get to the New World."

"So you want to hitch a ride?" Zoro huffed. 

"Yes." you nodded. Moving your hands to your locket out of habit you felt your heart hammer in your chest. "I don't have anything to give you but I'll work. I'll clean or help cook or do anything else you want me to. I just..." taking a deep breath you tried to keep your tears at bay. " I promise I won't get in the way. I don't need a bed or much food or anything else but I have to get to the New World so I can reunite with my soulmate again. Please." you begged, tears falling from your eyes. 

Furrowing her brows at the desperation in the woman's voice Robbin tilted her head to the side. "May I ask who your soulmate is?"

There it was, you knew it was coming. Seeing Bon look to you, you swallowed hard. "Crocodile." 

"WHAT?!"

"Crocodile is your soulmate?! Wait who is Crocodile?" Brook asked. 

As most of the crew all gawked and spoke about your other half you looked down. It was very clear what they thought of Crocodile and you heard as Ussop and Nami quickly started jumping to conclusions about you as well. Raising your watery eyes you saw Luffy standing there looking at you, Robin standing in the back some just as quiet as her captain. Holding Luffy's stare for a moment you saw him smile. 

"Sure we'll give you a ride. Haha we're going to the New World anyways so you might as well ride along." He smiled making Robin smile as well.

Feeling a weight get lifted from your chest you blinked and felt more tears fall from your eyes. "Thank you." 

Realizing there was a bit of information they still didn't know Bon spoke up. "Oh but there is something else you need to know." he said, glancing to Y/n. Seeing her look down he took a deep breath. "There is another passenger as well but this one won't give you any trouble whatso ever." 

"I don't see anyone else." Luffy spoke, looking around confused. 

Glancing to all their faces you saw it click in Robin's head first, of course, her eyes going wide before a small grin formed on her face. 

"How far along are you?" Robin asked. 

"Five months... I think." 

"How far alo...oh my God! You're pregnant?!" Nami gasped. 

"Pregnant?! Wow Crocodile is going to be a dad?!" Luffy gawked his eyes snapping to the woman's flat belly.

"I can't picture him as a father." Zoro said with a blank look.

"How's he even going to change a diaper with a hook?" Ussop asked. 

Ignoring the two you looked back to Luffy. "Is... is it still okay?"

"Sure is." he told the woman.

"OH THANK YOU STRAWBOY! YOU WILL FOREVER BE THE KINDEST PERSON I WILL EVER KNOW!" Bon yelled. 

"Don't mention it." Luffy laughed, rubbing the back of his head and smiling largely as always. 

You knew some of the crew still wasn't happy about the whole situation but Luffy was Captain and so they wouldn't question it any further. Looking back down you heard clicking and saw a pair of shiny black shoes stop in front of you. Lifting your eyes you saw Sanji standing there. He just looked at you for a time, not saying anything.

"Chopper."

He called and you looked over to see the small Reindeer, he was so cute. 

"Go show her to the shower room and then give her a quick check up. I'll go make dinner." 

"Yay food!" Luffy cheered.

"Okay. Come on... Y/n was it?" the small voice spoke. 

Nodding you looked down to the doctor. "Yes." 

............................

It was a amazing how much better a person could feel after a proper shower. It had taken two washes but your hair was now all clean and once you got it all brushed out you realized how long it had gotten, the whole way down to your hips. It still looked a little faded and felt off but you knew that was because of your malnourishment. Finally having a good look at yourself in the mirror you couldn't help but furrow your brows. If you hadn't seen Brook for reference you would swear you looked like a skeleton. However there was the smallest bump in your lower abdomen. It hadn't been there two weeks ago so at least you knew your baby was getting some much needed nutrition from the new source of food. Going to pull on the marine uniform you tensed when you heard a knock at the door. Quickly wrapping the shirt around you, you bid the person inside. 

"Hello, Chopper said he thought you were about done so we thought we might come help with your clothes."  Robin spoke in her always calm, kind voice. 

"Oh? You weren't going to put those back on were you?" Nami asked, looking to the woman wearing the dirty marine shirt again. 

Opening and closing your mouth you looked down to the clothes. "Y..yes I... well they are all I have." you told them.

Humming Nami moved her hand to her chin and tilted her head a bit. "What do you think Robin?"

"I think I have an idea." the black haired woman replied. 

"Me too. We'll be right back Y/n." 

With that they both left you alone. Blinking you glanced to the door when it cracked open again. Looking down you saw Chopper's blue nose before he looked inside. 

"Are you ready for your check up?" he asked.

"You don't have to do tha..."

"Of course I do I'm a doctor and besides you are pregnant you are supposed to get routine check ups."

Knowing you weren't going to talk him out of it you grinned softly and nodded. Following him to the room set up for medic you went along with all of his instructions. It didn't surprise you in the slightest with how thorough the doctor was. Your weight, height, vitals, blood... everything imaginable was taken and recorded to be followed up with later. He also took measurements of your belly and listened to the baby's heart. 

"I'm going to make you some vitamins to take to help both you and your baby. I'll also tell Sanji which foods are best and which ones you can't have that way he can help get you on a better diet."

"Thank you Chopper but I said I wouldn't bother anyone, that I wouldn't eat too much." the last thing you wanted was for them to kick you off the ship. 

"No Y/n. It's my job as a doctor to take care of anyone who needs it and Sanji won't let anyone go hungry." he told her but saw her look down. 

"Is there anything I can do then, to help you or anything you would like? Something to repay you." you asked. 

"Got any good stories?" he asked with a grin. 

Not being able to stop your smile you nodded. "A few." 

"Okay so these will be a little big on you but it's better than those rags." Nami spoke. 

Startling a bit you looked to the door to see the two women coming into the room with clothes in their arms. When you got done dressing in the black pants of Robin's and stripped t-shirt of Nami's, both of which were baggy on you but way better than the prison uniform and marine clothes you all headed down to the Dining room. 

"She looks completely different!" Both Brook and Sanji said in Unisom. 

As they both started arguing about who had dibs on you, Zoro calling them both idiots and stating that you were pregnant with Crocodile's kid you blushed and cast your eyes down. 

"Would both of you idiots quit it!" Nami yelled.

Sitting beside Bon Clay as he patted a seat at the table you stared at the feast on the table with wide eyes. You had never seen so much food. As a plate was set before you you looked down to see a piece of mouthwatering sirloin.

"For the pretty lady a lean cut sirloin with fresh garlic, thyme and rosemary that's packed with proteins, Vitamin B and C along with a few others." 

Looking up to the chief you gave him a smile. "Thank you." 

"Hey I want meat like that too." 

"YOU EAT WHAT I MAKE YOU LUFFY!"

Giggling lightly at the characters from the manga coming to life around you, you cut a piece of your steak off as everyone took their seat and placed it into your mouth. It was so good you would have cried if you knew Luffy wouldn't start thinking you were a crybaby. You did however quickly complement Snaji on the dish which made the cook smile proudly. Staying quiet as Bon told them about your escape you cherished the first real food you had eaten in close to six months. When Robin spoke up however you snapped your eyes up. 

"So how did you and Crocodile meet, I don't recall you from my time in Alabasta." 

Swallowing the food in your mouth you looked to the woman that had once been close with your soulmate. "I wasn't there. We met after the war. Croc... he...  well he fell into my living room." you said and saw them all confused. "It would be easier if I start from the beginning. If I explain my world."

"Your world?!" everyone said.

A/N: Please reblog or comment if you like this. Let me know if you like how this is going.

[calibancangetit]

The Final Witch’s Quarry (Part 1)

Chapter: Her Quarry

Pairings: Prince Caliban x Reader

Summary: (Y/N) finally finds a key to her revenge as well as finally meeting the one person she is destined to stop.

Notes: I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU ALL HOW THANKFUL I AM FOR THE SUPPORT YOU HAVE SHOWN ME FOR THIS FIC! I really didn’t think it would do so well, but you all are really giving me so much love! Thank you to everyone who liked and reblogged as well as commented. It made me so happy. I’m going to start focusing on some imagines for you all as a gift. I got some ideas that I think you all will like. If you have any requests please feel free to ask. I haven’t decided if I’ll be doing any smut however, so please refrain from asking for that as of now. Thank you again! 

Prologue 

Hilda has had plenty of awkward experiences. She couldn’t count how many times she created tension so thick she wanted to just sink into the Earth and never come out. However, today was the first time she got to see that tension from an onlookers perspective.

You sat perfectly still in your seat at the Spellman’s dining room table. You were seated exactly centered at the table, where you had careful view of the entire kitchen as well as it’s occupants. Ambrose and Sabrina shifted in their seats uncomfortably as they both tried to make out the best thing to say. You let out a deep sigh as you crossed your arms; your annoyance raidiated off of you in waves.

A quick cough caught your attention as Hilda walked up to you with a tray of homemade cookies and tea.

“U-uh, it’s quite excellent to see Sabrina bring home some new friends-” your sharp glare made Hilda stumble on her words as she placed the tray in front of you-“or not. Um, where did you say you were from again, love?”

You eyed the woman beside you. She had a terrible habit of wringing her hands and patting her clothes down frequently; she also had this obsessive need to release uncomfortable chuckles to ease situations like the one you found yourself in now. It was amusing as well as agitating.

“Brooklyn.” you muttered as you lifted a cookie to your lips.

You sniffed it before taking the sweet between your teeth and savoring the oatmeal flavor. Your eyes met Hilda’s again as she watched you eat. You gulped down the cookie and let out a short awkward cough as you gave her a forced smile in order to aknowledge that you enjoyed it. She took your hint with a smile and ran off to the other side of the table to sit in and listen.

“So, um, (Y/N)?” Sabrina started as you crossed your arms again and gave her a harsh glare. “What I mainly need you to help me with is stopping Caliban.”

“What’s a Caliban?” You questioned with obvious boredom laced in your voice.

You could see Sabrina become more exasperated by your attitude as she tried to explain her plan. You listened on and off through her little presentation. You paid attention to certain key words within it like Prince of Hell, Tenth circle, etc., etc, yet your mind came to an abrupt stop when a certain competition was brought up.

“You are trying to obtain the Unholy Regalia?” You almost choked at the thought of her collecting every piece.

Sabrina and Ambrose gave each other nervous looks before nodding sadly. At this, you couldn’t help but burst into a fit of laughter.

“You realize this was made for you to fail! How could they expect you-“ you paused.

Suddenly, inspiration struck. You mind flew to the Regalia and it’s power. You smirked at the Spellmans as you drummed your fingers against the table. Things are going perfectly-at least for you.

“This Regalia is going to determine who is the ruler of hell?” You asked, twirling another cookie between your fingers.

“Yes, and Caliban is the only competitor. This man of clay seems to be hell bent, if you’ll excuse the pun, on defeating Sabrina, ruling Hell, and conquering Earth.” Ambrose bit his lip, and you couldn’t help but notice the frantic bouncing of his knee.

“And Caliban? What are his powers?”

“We aren’t sure. As far as we know he has the powers of any warlock, but he hasn’t shown us much.”

You gave a brief smile as you stood up from the table abruptly, knocking some cookies off your plate. That, of course, made Hilda wince.

“Do you know what’s funny about clay?” You asked with a face full of amusement.

The family shrugged to your little question with a series of confused whispers.

“No matter how good the sculptor, clay will always break.”

—

It had been a while since you have seen Hell. The stench of blood and death engulfed you, and torment was plastered on every suffering souls face. The walls of pandemonium were no better. Sinners were strapped against the wall and with every ten seconds of peace another 60 were spent with their bodies set on fire. You kept a straight face despite the cookies from earlier running up your throat. You were disgusted.

You felt Sage’s feathers brush against your cheek as she situated herself on your shoulder. You could feel her anxiety from being here and it was a valid feeling. She knew how you were feeling.

“So what am I suppose to do?” You asked as you flattened some of Sage’s feathers on her head.

Your eyebrows furrowed at the sight of your alli. Sabrina was an absolute wreck. She was chewing her bottom lip and wringing her hands every five seconds; you couldn’t tell if you were dealing with her or Hilda.

“Right now, you are going to be a scare tactic. Ambrose didn’t go into detail since he isn’t quite sure either, but he said Hell feared you. I’m going to need that fear.” You tried to ignore the way her face dropped.

After all, whatever was bothering her was none of your business. You were here for one reason and one reason only-

“Do you really speak to the false God?”

You blinked at the question and were about to brush her off, but you saw the way she pleaded with you for an answer.

“Didn’t you speak with yours?”

She gulped quietly before nodding more to herself than you. Guilt crept up your spine. She didn’t deserve your kindness, but you supposed she also didn’t deserve your spite. That was for her father. You could spare some advice.

“How long have you known you were Lucifer’s daughter?”

Sabrina was surprised by your sudden question but still answered, “Not long?”

“I can tell.” Sabrina stopped in her tracks at the confession. She could sense the trace of an insult and was greatly offended.

“What the hell is that suppose to mean?”

You gave her an amused look before continuing on,“I’ve known you for three days and even I can tell you are ill suited to be queen of hell just as everyone else can.”

She was at a loss of words as she tried to regain what was left of her pride.

You rolled your eyes and chuckled,“ You gotta stand up straight and quit being so nervous is what I am trying to say.”

Realization dawned on her face as she finally understood what you were trying to say. You shook your head in fake disappointment before pushing open too large blood coated doors.

You walked into the throne room where Lilith was expecting you and Sabrina. She was awfully disguised in the form of a human. It didn’t take you long to notice though. You could see through any poorly casted spell. You came to halt in front of the woman and quirked an eyebrow.

“Madame Satan,”

“Ah, the final witch. I thought you’d be-” she narrowed her eyes-“bigger.”

You gave a sweet smile and responded, "Yes, just like I thought you’d be queen. Guess life is full of disappointments. Isn’t it?

Her glare could slice you in half, and you wouldn’t be surprised if it did. Lilith made a move towards you but Sabrina quickly pushed her away.

“ Anyways,” she chuckled nervously as Lilith patted down her dress, “The court will be in soon to discuss more about the competition as well as upcoming changes I have been planning.”

Lilith hummed in agreement as she turned to face you once more to add on.

“You will be introduced as the Final Witch, who has sided with Sabrina in the competition. It should gain us some leverage. You must remain calm and seem regal despite whatever they may say. They need to know you are untouchable.”

You could clearly see the confusion laced on Sabrina’s face. She clearly had no clue who she allied with.

The sounds of heavy footsteps and high pitched cackles caught Lilith’s attention, “Here they come,”

You let out a breath as demons filed into the room. The last to enter were the three plague kings with a man following close behind them.

Sabrina seemed to take your advice since she stood before them with the aura of the greatest queen of all time. You stood tall yourself to match Sabrina as you waited for her to begin.

“Before we discuss the new regulations I plan on using during my reign, I would like to announce a very important alli of mine, who believes I am more certified to rule Hell than your prince.”

Your eyes wandered across the room as you assessed everyone’s reactions. You didn’t expect a certain pair to be staring right back at you. He was dressed in a leather vest with claws poking out of it. He was leaning against a pillar towards the back with his arms crossed. You could tell he was either very bored with the meeting or he was trying really hard to pretend to be.

“I present the Final Witch!” Sabrina shouted with a prideful smile.

The eyes of everyone in the room became filled with absolute horror as they faced you. The man from earlier smiled as it dawned on him who exactly he was staring at.

You turned away from him and cleared your throat, “I do, in fact, put my support behind Sabrina Morningstar. I speak for Heaven and Hell when I say that balance must be restored. A Morningstar must remain on the throne. Clay can not compare to blood.”

Whispers filled the room as they pondered their next step. You didn’t need to give a big speech. They knew of your hatred for the Morningstars. It was prophesied to be legendary. If you could agree with a Morningstar, then it must be correct.

“And what does your word mean to us?” A deep voice shouted from the back.

Your eyes immediately locked with the man’s once again.

“What does your word-” he said, walking ever closer to you-“ mean to me?”

You scoffed, “Excuse me.”

“Who are you to say I cannot rule Hell?” He asked.

Your eyes shot open when you finally comprehended who was in front of you.

“I’m the one soul no one could take. The one soul no one can have. I have powers that I am sure exceed what your small mind is capable of imagining. They are powers that Lucifer Morningstar gave me but could not take back. Powers that Heaven and Hell allow me to keep. They were indebted to me!” You seethed as he got in your face.

It was an obvious tactic to intimidate you, but you had definitely seen worse. Caliban only laughed at your attempt to prove yourself valid.

“Lucifer? How powerful could he be. It would seem he was tricked twice by two mere witches? Why should we let that legacy live on through her? The same witch that took down that same man, may I add.” He challenged as he pointed to Sabrina seated on her throne.

A small gasp left your lips as you listened to what he said. She’s the reason this all happened? She brought you here because she screwed up? You sent a glare at Sabrina as she tried to look away from you.

You were quickly losing traction on your side of the argument, so you had to think fast. The angered voices of the demons before you signaled that your lifespan was shortening if you didn’t find something to say, and Sage was getting more nervous by the second on your shoulder.

“Think about what you are getting yourself into. Lucifer didn’t lose to Sabrina because he was weak. He could kill you all without lifting a finger. He lost because Sabrina was stronger. She was stronger than him, so she is certainly stronger than you. I may be his enemy, but I’m smart enough to recognize the Morningstar strength.”

His eyes narrowed at your own. He was a foot away from you, and you were tempted to start a fight right then and there. However, it seemed Caliban had other plans. He smiled at you. There wasn’t any emotion behind it. It was just an unsettling simple smile. He suddenly turned on his heel and backed up from you.

“I’ll test your theory of her strength through this competition as well as yours. However, when you realize that she has dealt you some bad cards, feel free to slide into my bed for some better ones, beautiful.” A series of deep laughs echoed throughout the room.

You glared at him as he gave you a lustful look before walking off with the plague kings. Everyone allowed the rest of the meeting to go by with less trouble since Sabrina decided against sharing her new rules today. As the last of the horrid creatures left you shot Sabrina with the most terrifying look you could muster.

“You are telling me everything NOW,”

[beyondconfessor]

Mortal Baking

Rating: Teen

Pairing: Agatha Night/Mary Wardwell 

Summary: The cost of sanity seemed to be isolation. Perhaps that why she decided to visit Mary Wardwell at her cottage.

N.B.: Also posted on AO3. 

Death was all around the coven. Over the last year, their numbers had dwindled catastrophically.

For Agatha, it felt like death followed her, specifically. Some of it was her own doing, others not.

Sabrina was dead. Dorcas was dead. Father Blackwood, her teachers, her parents––all of them were dead. She’d grown used to the taste of grave dirt on her tongue, and as of late, it tasted all the more bitter.

And there was no one to talk to. Everyone else had their own grief, so she didn’t reach out. Not even to Prudence.

Her sister was busy, looking after Judas and Judith, learning under Zelda Spellman's tutelage, whilst also training the once-mortal now-witch into witchcraft. Not that she cared.

All it meant was that, like everything else in her life, Prudence no longer had time for her, especially now that Agatha was no longer insane.

Though the cost of sanity seemed to be isolation.

She couldn’t even reach out and feel Hecate’s influence as everyone else seemed to. Once, on a whim, she’d prayed the Dark Lord just to see what would occur and felt her own magic slap against her in response––someone didn’t want her praying to him, so she didn’t.

She missed the madness, at least there in its influence she didn’t feel the weight of grief.

Perhaps that was why she found herself walking off campus, her feet taking her as far as to the edge of the woods where a familiar residence stood.

She knocked twice on the door and then stepped back, feeling an ache fill her. The woman was mortal; what could she offer her? And yet no one else had offered her anything as of late.

The door opened before she could talk herself out of it, and there stood Mary Wardwell. Glasses high on her nose, a furrow in her brow. “Agatha, what are you––?“

“I thought you were owed an explanation. After everything.”

She opened the door wider, and she was bid entry inside the home. Twice before she’d been inside Mary’s cottage. Once, on the first day after Mary joined her and Father Blackwood, they went as a unit to discuss everything. And the second time, by chance, for dinner––because Mary worried she wasn't eating well enough.  

As Mary placed on the kettle to make a pot of tea, Agatha's eyes drew around her home. Not much had changed, though she noticed the alcohol was no longer sitting out.

Agatha stepped into the kitchen, feeling her feet press on the linoleum. She’d wondered once what mortals did with themselves in their short lives. Her and Mary Wardwell were a similar age, not that anyone would know by looking at them both. And yet in all of her years, Agatha couldn’t recall what she’d done.

She’d lived in the orphanage, and then the Academy. Only in the last year did it feel like things were occurring outside of alcohol, sex and school.

“Sugar?”

“Two,” she confirmed and watched as Mary dropped two cubes of sugar into her tea before stirring it.  

They sat at the kitchen table and still Agatha tried to piece why she was here. What could a mortal offer her as her cup was placed before her.

“I’ve been worried about you. I tried to find the school, but…”

“It’s warded against mortals,” she advised as Mary settled into a chair opposite her. The conversation paused, and the only noise in the room was the quiet sound of a clock ticking on the wall. She wasn't sure what to say, so she tapped her nails against the cup, trying to find the words.

“You said you wanted to explain something to me?” Mary prompted.

“Father Blackwood is dead. Well….as dead as he can get. Prudence took a chainsaw to him and spread him to the corners of the earth. Fitting in some ways.”

Mary blinked, and then nodded, taking in the words as she set her cup down on the table. “Prudence is your sister. Her and Dorcas,” she recalled. “But she was Blackwood’s other daughter, is that correct?”

“Dorcas is…is also gone,” Agatha said, swallowing as she felt the words. She could still feel her sister’s lips against her own. For a moment, it’d been sweet, and then the taste of grave dirt had returned, and there was nothing that could remove the taste. Not food, nor drink, nor sex or blood. “Dead. Forever. I think…I think I did it. In the madness, I suffered. I think I––“ she paused, watching the tea leaves float in her cup.

Perhaps she should try and read her fortune. She’d probably see a banshee or the grim––some omen of death, anyway.

Mary’s hand clasped over her own, and it's warm drawing over hers.

That was one of the things they didn’t teach at the Academy. Mortals were warm. Warmer than witches.

Was that why Sabrina––?

No, Sabrina was dead. She couldn’t allow herself to fill with questions for the dead.

“I once promised to show you how us mortals bake,” she said. “How about we make spree almond biscuits? They’d go quite nicely with the tea, and I should have all the ingredients.”

She wanted to say that the tea would be cold by the time they were finished, but that wasn’t the point. So she nodded and rose, standing beside Mary.

Mary had her wash her hands and then pulled out an apron for them both to wear. One by one, she gathered all of the ingredients they required, and pulled out the necessary implements, setting them down on the kitchen bench, so they stood side-by-side.

Kitchen witchery was old magic; it dated back to the roots of magic, to Lilith. Most old families passed on recipes from mother to daughter, though Agatha’s family specialised in fortune. Teas, cards and seances. Practices of old.

Kitchen witchery was used more by witches like Hilda Spellman. It could provide sustenance as much as it could poison, and she advised Mary as such, of the little things she recalled about kitchen witchery after Father Blackwood had poisoned the church.

“Almonds can hide the smell of cyanide,” Mary advised, smiling at her. “If you ever need to dispose of someone discreetly…outside of your magic, of course.”

“Have you ever poisoned someone?” Agatha asked.

“No. Have you?”

She couldn’t recall. Possibly. She’d done so many things, and poisoning was just another way to play with mortals. “Maybe,” she shrugged.

“I shot someone once. I think,” Mary said, her eyes squinting as she stared out the kitchen window, to where it overlooked the forest. “I can’t…quite remember.”

“Do you want to?” Agatha asked.

“No. No, I don’t think I do.”

She kept her hands busy in the cooking, whisking the eggs and butter and sugar together.  Placing four in, and then came almonds. “Sometimes, I remember what I did to Dorcas. I’ve done worse, to others.”

“Like remove tongues?” Mary asked, and there was a gentle tease in the way she asked the question. Somehow, whether through circumstances predating the eldritch terrors or because of her and Father Blackwood, Mary’s views of death had shifted.

Or maybe she’d always been that way, and the good Christian values just held over that.

“I’ve done worse,” she advised softly. She didn’t feel bad about all the death and pain she wrought––especially not about the mine collapse. But the death of her sister, even madness inflicted, left a hole in her heart.  “Dorcas hurts,” she advised.  

“You loved her,” Mary advised. “When we hurt the ones we love, it hurts us in return, no matter how much we might pretend it doesn’t.” She stopped then, and then drew in a breath, looking pale. “Here, the next step is that we cut the dough into pieces.”

Agatha followed the instructions, watching as Mary guided her like she was one of her students. Usually, Agatha would be resistant to the direction. Deliberately not follow instructions, but as of late, she was so tired. And Mary wasn’t like any of her other instructors––certainly not like anyone from the Academy.

There was a kindness she didn’t expect, in how she guided her. Even now.

“Good job,” Mary said, pressing a hand to her shoulder and squeezed. Agatha felt as if she might collapse at the pressure of it. How could someone have done what they did, and still be kind?

“They’re uneven.”

“They’re meant to be,” Mary assured, taking the tray and placing them into the oven. Then, she pulled out a timer and set it. “We’ll wash-up while we wait.”

“How do you do it?” Agatha asked.

“Do what?”

“This, all of this, it’s so…boring.”

Mary laughed. “Yes, I suppose it is, isn’t it? Especially when you can just…magic up your food.”

Agatha shrugged. “We have a cook,” she advised. “Magic can’t create out of nothing. You still have to have ingredients. Potions and ceremonies require material components as well as semantic.”

“Well, that sounds pretty boring too. Finding all those ingredients, putting them together and hoping something comes out of it––not so different from cooking. Though, I’m sure a bit more deadly if it goes wrong.”

Agatha sighed. “It’s different.”

“Is it?”

“It is,” she assured. “You don’t get it. You never will. Mortals just don’t feel it like we do.”

“Could you show me?” Mary asked her voice soft. “Do something small?”

“Here,” she reached out, taking Mary’s hands in her own, holding them between each other. Then, closing her eyes she drew the warmth of the kitchen around them into her hands, feeling it pull and pulse until she was able to cause a gentle vibration from her hands through to Mary’s.

“Oh,…” Mary advised. “What–what are you doing?” She stuttered, trying to tug her hands away, but Agatha held them firm as she stared at the woman’s face.

“This is what I feel. Constantly. This ocean inside of me going back and forth like a tide coming in. That’s magic. And you don’t feel it. You can’t feel it carry in the air, or feel it spark inside of you––“ and there she let a spark crackle from her fingertips, across Mary’s palms and watched as the woman’s mouth parted her cheeks flushing. “––you mortals don’t get it. You never will.”

She pulled her hand away and watched as Mary continued to stare at her before she looked away, adjusting her glasses. “Why did you come here, to my house?”

“I don’t know.”

“Yes, you do,” Mary said, turning to look at her then. There was a surprising hardness to her tone. “What do you want, Agatha? Do you want a counsellor, a parent?”

“We’re the same age,” she scoffed.

“A teacher, then?”

Agatha ached, looking away. She didn’t want any of those things.

“A friend, then?”

“No!” She snapped. “Maybe, I don’t know. I thought––“ she paused then, uncertain as to where that trail of thought was going, but there were words on her tongue, and she may as well say whatever they were. “I thought you might understand.”

“The loneliness you’re feeling? Yes, I suppose she and I are longtime companions,” Mary said.

Companion. That was it, the word she wanted––not a friend, but a companion. “No one wants to know about what we did. They think that Father Blackwood was some mastermind, manipulating us. And he was, but…”

“He was kind, at times. Made you feel important.”

Agatha swallowed, feeling the conflict of emotions ache inside of her. Prudence and Directrix Spellman had convinced themselves that she'd been charmed into doing his will. She hadn't corrected them, if only because she was afraid to lose the only place she could call home these days. But it left her to lie awake at night, wondering if everything had been a lie. If maybe he had charmed her. He'd made her sane, while she'd been around him. Perhaps he'd done other things to her mind. “He was kind to you, too. Wasn’t he?”

Mary nodded. “Doesn’t mean that what he did to us was right. You can be angry with him and still…enjoy the good times we had.” She paused, her brow pressing. “How…how are Judith and Judas?”

“Good,” she advised. “Prudence is looking after them both. She’s teaching them magic and trying to…befriend them, I guess.”

“And you? How are you, Agatha? You don’t need to lie to me this time.”

Lonely, she wanted to say, but she smiled instead. “I miss the Church. It felt good to…work with you. If you like, I could…I could come back and help with what you’re doing, now?”

“What about your church?”

“She won’t answer me. Even Directrix feels her waver since Sabrina…” she paused then, tilting her head. “We were a good team, weren’t we?”

Mary frowned her, reaching up to cup her face as she angled Agatha’s head to look her directly in the eyes. “The church won’t provide what you’re looking for.”

“What am I looking for?” Agatha asked.

“I think you’re trying to discover who you are. I am, too.” Her hand went to move away, but Agatha snatched at her wrist to hold it still for a moment longer. She closed her eyes, leaning into the warmth of the hand and pretended, for just a moment, that things weren’t so different.

And then she dropped her hold of the hand and opened her eyes, moving away. “How do mortals clean up?”

“How about this time, you show me about witches do it?”

It wasn’t so different, though witches magic made it easier to wash to the mixture from the bowls,  and a quick charm dried everything quickly enough for it to be set away. Mary marvelled at it. Making jokes about how it would certainly make roasts easier. It was like the world softened again, and all of that pain in her chest eased for a moment.

The time went off, and Mary switched its dial before she took her oven mitts and reached into the oven, pulling the tray out before she set it on the stovetop.

“Do you have a cooling charm…or sp-spell?” Mary asked.

“Charm,” Agatha confirmed. And with a summoning spell, she drew heat from the cookies, dispersing it through the kitchen.

Mary reached for the biscuits tentatively then, touching them with the back of her fingers, before confirming their warmth. There, she took one in hand and handed it to Agatha to try.

Agatha took the biscuit in grip and then brought it to her mouth.

It was good. Better than she expected. Chewing and swallowing, she nodded at Mary. “Maybe mortal cooking isn’t so bad,” she advised.

“Maybe,” Mary advised. “Though I’m intrigued to see what witch's food is like.”

Agatha shrugged, finishing the biscuit and then licking the crumbs for fingertips. It was rude, but she hardly cared––and as she looked up, she watched as Mary smiled to herself as she did the same.

It was a friendly smile, she thought.

And then, the warmth of that faded as she realised there was nothing else for them to do. Her tea had turned cold, they'd finished baking and washing-up, and there was nothing else to say.

“I...should get going,” Agatha said.

“How about…you come and visit me on Saturdays. Help me bake. It gets…lonely here, and I could use a friend––and in turn, you can talk to me about your studies?”

Agatha felt a venomous comment rise and fall in her mouth. But it faded. Mary was friendly, and if she was honest with herself for once, baking the mortal way hadn't been so horrible. So, she nodded and smiled. “I’d like that.”

“I’d like that, too,” Mary said. And then she brightened, “Now, I have a container around here somewhere…” she shifted through her cupboards, moving things around before pulling out a set of Tupperware. Standing up, she set half of the biscuits inside the container before closing the lid and handing it back to her. “There. Finish them up, and maybe next week we’ll do an upside-down cake.”

At that, Agatha paused. She didn’t understand what that meant but smiled nonetheless. “I might share them…with Prudence.”

“I’m sure she’ll like that.”

Mary followed her to the front door, and there, Agatha paused. She felt as if she should thank her, but the words didn’t come easily. So she waited, watching as Mary looked at her softly as she asked, "Was there something else, dear?"

Agatha darted forward and kissed Mary’s lips, pressing against them gently.

Mary gasped against her, but before she could move away or press further against her, Agatha pulled back and smiled at her as she licked her lips. They tasted like almonds and vanilla. “Until next Saturday,” she said, before she left, teleporting back home as she watched a red flush spread across Mary Wardwell's cheekbones, the woman's chest rising and falling as she stared at her dumbstruck.

It was a lovely expression, and she savoured the image as she carried the Tupperware, back to where her dormitory was, sitting on the edge of the bed as she tried to think about what she wanted to do the rest of the day. Maybe find Prudence, though that would likely lead to questions.

There was no way she was going to something as stupid as head to the library and study. No, maybe she would just take it easy. Have a nap, and do some simple magics, look into things that might impress Mary. Perhaps some gardening spells? She could show her how they grew crops at the Academy and watch her.

As she set the container down on the bedside table, she realised that she didn’t taste grave dirt in her mouth for the first time. The taste might come back, but for now, Agatha opened up the container and pulled out a biscuit, taking a bite. Perhaps there were some acceptable mortals. Or maybe Mary Wardwell was the only acceptable mortal.

She'd find out.

[the-blind-assassin-12]

Let’s Face the Music & Dance

Part One: There May be Trouble Ahead 

A/N: Alright. Here. We. Go. Got your dancin’ shoes? John is makin’ moves. (Quote in bold taken from Much Ado About Nothing) 

*read the intro here*

Warning: um... narrowly avoided vehicular manslaughter? 

Word Count: 3,492

The air rushed past his face chilling the skin of his cheeks beneath the leather trimmed goggles that he wore as he sped down the open country roads. His carefully slicked back hair had blown free only a few kilometers into the trip, loose strands trailing down and back over his ears. I can’t believe that… He tightened his grasp on the handles, pushing the limit on the speed as he pushed the thought from his mind. The truth was that he could believe, he did believe that his mother thought so little of him. She’d made it quite clear where she placed blame and where she placed expectations. And the former far outweighs the latter, so… He sniffed, his nose red from the cold air and from the way Veronica’s cold comments stung at his eyes. So this is how it has to be. 

He hadn’t planned to make the trip down to Oxford all in one go, nor had he planned to leave home that day. But I couldn’t stay, not after… Trees blurred into countryside, rolling hills and pastures full of sheep flying by as John left everything he knew behind him in hopes that he could make something new of himself; something successful and worthy of rehabilitating the Whittaker name. Worthy of showing everyone that they were wrong about me. He tucked away as much of the hurt that his mother’s words and decisions had caused him as he could, stuffing it into the emptiness that the dissolution of his marriage had left him feeling. It won’t do any good to dwell...to continue to...to wallow. 

After Larita and his father absconded from the estate in a flurry of shattered statuary and broken hearts, John hadn’t come down from his room for nearly a week. He’d quickly realized that while he did love her, and he was sure that she had loved him- at least while we were together in Monaco- the two were about as unlikely to last as ice cream on an August afternoon. There were too many differences, too many areas of their lives that were complete and utter mismatches. But still, the fact that he’d taken her hand and taken the leap only to end up on the ground alone was… lonely, I felt...I felt alone. He’d thought that being married, having a wife, being her husband, would mean that he’d never have to feel that way, and certainly not so soon after taking that leap did he expect to crash. It wasn’t that he missed Larita. It was that he felt as though he had failed himself by grabbing the wrong hand. 

But shortly after he’d realized that it wasn’t her absence that was causing the ache in his chest but the connotations of that absence, John started to come back to himself. His mother, it seemed, had already gotten past the pain of her own crash, likely before she’d even hit the ground, and he was hurt all over again by the fact that he was alone in feeling alone. The truth, as he’d learned, was that not only had Veronica made peace with the fact that her marriage hadn’t been what it once was for a very long time, she’d also made peace with selling even more of their property to a banker named Harold Roberts, and marrying Hilda off to his son Walter. It was an attempt to keep what little they had left, but it was an attempt that excluded John completely. While Marion seemed content to be overlooked, believing, as Veronica had always said, that marriage would never be the route that she went down, John on the other hand, felt as though the rug had been pulled from beneath him. 

It was no use fighting with his mother once she made her calculating mind up, though, and so he chose to go on with his plan regardless of the other that was hatching. Phillip Hurst, in his own attempt to try to make something meaningful of his life, had decided to attend Oxford University, and John had decided to join him. He wasn’t quite sure what he’d study, or where it might take him, but he knew that it was a much better plan than waiting around to make another dangerous leap. He spent the rest of the trip from Nottinghamshire ruminating on what courses he might take, on what knowledge he might gain. Phillip had chosen to study Literature, which to John made sense, as his friend had always had a flair for the dramatics, but sitting still and reading for hours on end was not something that John could see for himself. Still, Phillip had been supportive of John’s choice to enroll in University, quoting Shakespeare in a telegram that John supposed was meant to be comforting. “Everyone can master grief but he that has it… so leave it behind and join me!” 

Four hours since leaving the home he wasn’t sure he’d ever get to call his again, John Whittaker arrived in Oxford, England. He pushed the goggles up onto his forehead to get a better view of the city and of the buildings that constituted the University. Feeling better, if only for the moment, he took a deep breath and allowed himself to feel hope for the first time since he watched his wife and father exit his life. This is… I’m really… 

But before he could fully enjoy the feeling or the moment, a young woman was shouting as she leapt out of the way of his bike. Taking his eyes off the road to appreciate his new situation had caused him to veer slightly off course, sending him careening towards the walkways. Oh! Quickly turning the handles, he narrowly avoided crashing into the woman, though he hadn’t avoided the bush right beside her, ending up halfway into the greenery before he could stop. Right. Well. I’m here. 

“Would you watch where you are going? You nearly knocked me over there with your carelessness! Who even…” You’d dropped your books when you’d had to jump from his path, your skirt twisting around and your top askew. 

What? I...Oh, I… “I’m sorry, I’m so…” He pulled the motorbike out of the bush and bent down to pick up one of your dropped texts, handing it back to you as a page fluttered out onto the ground. “Are you alri-” You snatched it back from him with one hand, the other pulling at your clothing to fix it back into place. 

“No, I am not alright! As I said, sir-” 

“It’s John, actually, John Whittaker, and I’m very-” 

“As I said, John, you nearly knocked me over with your,” you gestured at his motorbike with the book, “your ridiculous cycle here, and I-” 

“But you aren’t hurt, are you?” He asked as he stepped towards you, the sincerity in his eyes clearer than the embarrassment. He looked you over quickly scanning your elbows, your face, the small amount of skin that was visible beneath the hem of your skirt. She’s not bleeding, I don’t see any-

You blew out a breath in a huff and shook your head. “No, I’m not hurt, but you should… You need to be more cautious.” 

Nodding profusely, he agreed. “You’re right, I should be more careful, it was foolish of me not to pay more attention.” You seemed to be expecting him to disagree and were caught off guard by the lack of fight he put up, your sharp eyes softening the smallest amount. “Can I… do you need any help or… can I walk you to wherever it is you were going?” The soft look vanished as one eyebrow shot up, but before you could open your mouth to protest his forwardness, he continued. “I don’t mean to be forward, I only want to make sure that you’re truly not hurt. It seems the least that I can do after, well after,” he tilted his head towards the motorbike, a broken branch of leaves sticking in the spokes of the front wheel. “After I almost ran you down, Miss..?” 

You narrowed your eyes at him as you tried to decide what his intentions might be. I only want to make sure that I don’t leave my mark on your life like I do everywhere I go. Blowing out another breath through your nose as you fixed your sleeve, you told him your name, which he repeated in his mind immediately, not ignoring the fact that he liked the way it sounded. No, don’t start that now, that’s not why you’re here. “Um… no, I, er…” you nodded curtly. “I’m alright, John, and I need to be going now or I’ll be late to my study group. Just...just be more careful, and keep your tires on the road, will you?” With that, you turned and kept walking down the path you’d been on before he’d disrupted your day. 

“Excellent first impression on Oxford, Whittaker!” Phillip’s voice called from across the street, and John turned to see his friend ambling towards him with a laugh lifting his cheeks and lighting his face. “If you’re done running down students, why don’t you pull that heap of rubbish out of that bush and follow me, I’ll show you to the dormitories. 

..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  

A few days after moving into the dormitory hall, John decided to use the last remaining days before formal instruction began to familiarize himself with his new surroundings, striding out into the early autumn sunshine and strolling the paths. Not two minutes into his walk, he found you, walking the same path he’d run his vehicle up onto the day before. What are the odds? Wanting to ensure that you were still alright after what had happened, he crossed the road, waving one arm as he called your name. 

You turned, an unsure look on your face as your name hit your ear that vanished the second you saw him, replaced with a slightly exasperated expression. “Oh, it’s you, the motorbike man.” 

The motorbike man? He shook his head. Not important. “H-how are you? Are you still...are you alright?” He blinked as he looked you over, suddenly aware of the way that you were looking at him. Oh, she’s… 

“Yes, I’m alright.” You raised one hand towards the road. “No one has tried to run me down yet today, and since you’re here and your cycle is not, I presume that I’m safe. For now.” You nodded. “Now, If you’ll excuse me, I do have an appointment with my advisor and so-”

Oh! She’s a student? She- “So you… you study here then? You’re a student?” John’s eyes flicked from your face to the imposing structure that you were walking towards, its chimneys looming above the brick building. 

“Well aren’t you brilliant?” Your teasing answer came from the corner of your lips as you continued to walk along as though John wasn’t trying to have a conversation with you. 

Brilliant? That’s the last- “Brilliant? Oh, no, I think that-”  

“No?” Turning to face him, you brushed your hair back behind your ear, and John couldn’t help but notice the way that the skin at the corner of your eye scrunched as you looked over at him.  “You aren’t brilliant then?” 

Not if you ask- “Well, not if you ask-”   

Cutting him off, you adjusted the small stack of books that you were carrying. “I’m asking you, Jack, is it?” 

“It’s,” he gestured to himself. “It’s John, actually.” 

“Yes,” you winked at him. “That’s right. John. John Whittaker.” Yes, that’s me, she remem- “John Whittaker, the man who nearly knocked me off my feet with his motorbike just the other day.” You’d stopped walking, pausing at the corner to wait for a baker’s delivery truck to trundle slowly through the intersection. 

The smell of still warm, freshly baked loaves wafted through the air, reminding John that it had been nearly a full day since he’d eaten anything. His empty stomach rumbled loudly to confirm that, par for the course, nothing since he’d left home the previous day had gone as he had hoped it might. The echo of his mother’s words tumbled in his ear, but he shook his head to empty it, returning his attention to you. “That was...well it was…” The truck passed through the intersection, turning a corner, and you promptly began crossing the road. He stepped off of the curb, crossing just behind you. A cool breeze swept some leaves about your feet and ruffled the hem of your skirt, adding to the clipped click of your heels on the hard road. The image of you sprawled across the street, books strewn about and your elbows scraped flashed quickly through his mind, but he blinked it away. That’s not what happened, only what could have happened. A small frown pulled his lips downward as he thought about the trouble he’d almost caused with his carelessness. Catching up to you, he stepped onto the sidewalk at the same instant that you did, speaking your name with such earnest apology in his tone that you actually faced him with a hint of sympathy in your eyes. “I’m sorry. What happened yesterday was boorish of me and, well, well I only wanted to say that I’m glad that you weren’t hurt. And if there’s anything that-” 

“John.” You pressed your rouged lips together before letting them slide into a slight smile. It wasn’t a joyous expression, or one of surprised excitement, but it changed the light in your eyes, softened the hard outer shell that he suspected was necessary as a female student at Oxford. He wasn’t prepared, though, for the way that it felt to hear you speak his name and know that after it had left your lips, they curved into that small smile. A small breath escaped his lungs, and suddenly he felt much warmer than the autumn temperature should allow. “I was only teasing you. I know you didn’t mean to barrel through that crosswalk on that...thing of yours.” A short burst of air from your nose served as an amused little laugh and you shook your head, John watching as your lips curved upwards a little more. “You have nothing to apologize for.” You held up one finger, shifting your books in your arms. “Yet.” The smile turned smirkish as you turned and continued walking.

Instantly, the phantom guilt from what almost happened dissipated, and where he first felt uncertainty about where he stood with you, he was invigorated with new hope. For what? I’m not… I didn’t come all this way just to… It was even hard to think it, but he forced himself to, if for no other reason than that he deserved to give himself a fair chance at this endeavor, and not allow himself to fall quickly into something that would derail that chance. I didn’t come all this way just to replace Lari. Having passed, the thought that seemed difficult proved itself to be unnecessary as he realized that even though he’d not known you more than a collective twenty minutes, you were nothing like his ex-wife. “Well, I hope to continue that streak of having no need for apologies then.” 

“Is that so?” He nodded. “To what end?” 

“To what..? To what end? Well, to the end of…” Think, Whittaker, and fast. “Well perhaps to the end of studying together some time.” It sounded like a suggestion or a line and he knew it thought it truly wasn’t, but luckily your temporary suspension of teasing remained in place. 

“You want to study with me, John?” You raised an eyebrow as you began walking again. 

“Well, yes. I mean, that is to say, if you don’t-” 

“Do you even have any idea what courses I am here to study?” The smirk still hadn’t left your face and he was beginning to forget the way your tight frown looked in favor of this more relaxed demeanor. “Do you even have any idea of what courses you’re here to study?” 

“Well, of course I know what I’m here to study,” he answered quickly without actually answering. He confidently imagined you seated at a piano, and could almost hear the comments you would make on The Mona Lisa. Yes, Arts & Music, I’m almost certain. “And if I were to guess, I’d say that you are enrolled in the-”   

“Philosophy, actually,” you tossed your correction of his assumption over your shoulder, where it bounced with your curls and hit him smack in the face. His eyes grew even wider, mouth dropping open as yours scrunched to the side in a failed attempt to contain your burst of laughter. “Not at all what you were expecting, I presume.”  

John quickly shook his head, closing his gaping mouth and hurrying toward the sign post, grabbing onto it and swinging himself around so that he was next to you once more. “Not, not what I was expecting.” He pushed the loose strands of hair that had fallen in front of his face back over the crown of his head. “It's only that,” letting go of the sign post, he stuck both hands in his pockets and focused on keeping stride with you down the sidewalk. Since I can’t seem to keep stride with the conversation. 

You turned, raising one eyebrow and tilting your chin. “It’s only that?” Pausing long enough to make him sweat but not long enough to let him answer, you continued. “It’s only that women don’t-”  What? No, I… “It’s only that we should only be allowed to study certain-“ 

Once again, John scrambled ahead of you, his head shaking furiously from side to side. “No.” He gestured with his hands, crossing them in front of his body before sweeping them out to his sides, and while you had let out an exasperated breath, your eyes rolling as you did, he was glad to see the hint of a smile pulling at your lips again. That’s a relief. Come now, don’t mess it all up, John. “It’s only that Philosophy… well it sounds so,” Your smile turned slightly more amused as it climbed up into your cheeks as you started walking again. John followed closely at your heels. “Well It’s only that Philosophy sounds so dull.” He could tell that it was the wrong thing to say, yet nonetheless there the words hung in the crisp air.  

But before he could worry that he’d offended you yet again, you laughed, the sound light and clear. “Dull?” You asked, “tell me, sir,” it’s John, you know my name is J- “What is dull about learning how to think intelligently about the world in which we live?” 

I hadn’t thought of it that way. “I only meant-“ that you aren’t dull...you aren’t dull at all and-

“You only meant that-“ 

“I only meant,” John stepped around in front of you again, standing directly in your path. “That you don’t seem to be the type of person who likes to be told how to think.” 

You regarded him for a few seconds longer than you had yet to, and he could feel your eyes weighing his. “That is the first correct assumption that you’ve made about me so far, John Whittaker, and it is precisely why I choose to study the classics, the great thinkers.” John cocked his head to the side, brow wrinkling questioningly, not quite following your reasoning. “I want to know how others have looked at the world, so that I can look and form my own opinions. I want to…” You blew out a breath, shaking your head and finally breaking eye contact to stare at the buckle of your shoe as you scuffed the sole across the cobbled walkway. 

“You want to...what?” He dipped his chin to find your eyes again, bringing them back up with his own. 

“I,” But the rest of your sentence was drowned out by the tolling of enormous bells, announcing the hour. You gave a startled gasp, eyes widening. “I have to go, John or I’ll be late to meet with my advisor.” Chewing your lip, you hesitated before spinning away from him. “If you…” If I? You inhaled quickly and finished the rest with that breath. “If you’d really like to study together, meet me in the library tomorrow at two o’clock.” John felt his whole face lift as he nodded. “And John?” You started walking backwards, still looking at him but heading towards the building that he presumed your meeting was in. 

“Yes?” 

“Don’t be late.” With that, you shook your head and laughed quietly, turning and picking up your pace, steps widening and quickening almost into a run. He stood on the cobbled pathway, students and other pedestrians milling about that he hadn’t noticed before, and watched as you disappeared through the brick archway. I won’t be. 

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[iamnotoriginalphil]

Family Matters (Zelda Spellman x Reader) - Part 24

Synopsis: You and Zelda take a moment before you meet with Bella again

Words: 1078

Warnings: swearing

AN: Since it’s my birthday I’ve decided to give you all the gift of two chapters today. One now, right at the start of the day, and one later, at the end of the day. Let me know if you want to be tagged in future chapters.

“And you remember why you were away?”

You sighed, rolling your eyes. You’d been over this about a million times with Zelda and didn’t need her being an over anxious mess about your coming confrontation with Bella.

“Of course I do,” you said, “you have to trust me to do this.”

“I am sorry if that is proving to be rather hard in the given circumstances,” she snapped.

You squeezed your eyes shut tight. You knew this wasn’t easy for her, knew it wasn’t going to get any easier if you snapped at her. That didn’t mean it was easy for you either. You hated the thought of being in Bella’s space again. You hated being forced into this position. You hated knowing that Zelda would always second guess your actions from now on.

“Sorry,” you muttered.

Warm fingers brushed against your arm. You opened your eyes, looking up into the steely gaze of the older witch. You took a deep breath, offering her a smile. It was better if you covered up the pain. It wasn’t for you to feel bad in the situation. You were the one to fuck up, so you were the one who had to do the atoning, not the one pouting and complaining about your own pain.

“I don’t like the thought of you seeing Bella again,” she said.

“I’m not keen on it either but it has to be done.” You shrugged, “everyone has agreed this is our best shot.”

“That may be so but everyone isn’t the target of a vampire’s ire,” she said.

“If something goes wrong you’ve been warned and you can get away before she does something to hurt you.”

“I am not the one I was talking about.”

You jerked your arm away from her. You pushed up from the chair you were sitting in, putting space between you and Zelda. It was still hard to think clearly when she was near. She wasn’t yours to think that way about and she never would be. You’d accepted that the moment she’d seen that ear.

You stood in front of the window, wrapping your arms around yourself. You took a deep breath, the warm light of the sunset touching your face. The world looked so idyllic at the end of the day. Sunset made everything look soft, more manageable, more beautiful. At the very least it kept you from looking at the beautiful woman in the room with you.

“Luna.”

Zelda’s hand landed on your shoulder. You flinched, still expecting every moment for her to take her revenge on you. You wouldn’t blame her if she did want to hurt you.

She turned you around until you were facing her. She took your hands, pulling your arms from where they were clutching at yourself. Her fingers threaded through yours, refusing to let you go. You tried to tug them back but she wouldn’t let you.

“Luna, if it looks as if she is going to hurt you,” she began to say.

“She can’t. She’ll be astral projecting,” you interrupted.

“If it looks as if she is going to hurt you, I want you to run straight back here,” she said, “don’t look back, don’t hesitate, and scream if necessary.”

“Zelda, nothing is going to happen. Bella isn’t even in town,” you said.

“It won’t while I am protecting you.”

“Well, you have to make sure that everything goes according to plan.” You gave a little laugh, hoping to cover up the way your heart skipped a beat at her words.

“That too.”

Your mouth fell open. There was no reason for her to protect you, outside the plan to get Bella. You tried to pull away from her again but her fingers only tightened around you. You shook your head, your hair falling in your eyes. She reached up, brushing it behind your ear.

“Zelda,” you breathed.

She cupped your cheek, her thumb running over your cheekbone. A shiver ran down your spin, your blood thrumming in your veins.

“I will admit that the thought of you being within Bella’s reach again is making me anxious,” she said, “and the thought of her hurting you makes me incandescent with rage.”

“Zelda, I don’t understand,” you whispered, “what are you doing?”

She gave a soft chuckle.

“We’re far beyond childish games and half truths now, Luna,” she said, “I’m not willing to let you waltz into danger without at least acknowledging the feelings between us.”

“How do you know I wasn’t pretending to gain your trust?” you asked.

“You’re not that good of a liar.”

“Maybe not,” you said, “but I assumed that any feelings there might have been were washed away at my betrayal.”

“I knew about Bella long before you told me. It changes nothing. You unbalance me, and I find it surprisingly enjoyable.”

She ran her thumb over your cheekbone again. You bit down on your lower lip, trying to ignore the heat blooming in your cheeks. She stepped forward, her body brushing against yours. Her head lowered.

Her thumb pulled your lip from between your teeth. You took a sharp intake of breath. Her lips pressed against yours, soft at first until you gasped into her mouth. She pressed her hand against your lower back, pulling your body flush against hers.

One of your hands tangled in her hair, the other grasping her around the waist, refusing to let her get far from you. Her teeth sunk into your lower lip. You moaned, your fingers tightening in her hair. She drew back. You kept your eyes closed a moment longer, trying to saviour this moment. You were sure it wasn’t likely to come again any time soon.

“I need you to promise me that you are going to be safe.”

“I promise.”

She kissed you again, slow and sweet, so at odds with the fire you associated with her. An insistent knocking on the door startled you away from her. She sighed in frustration, turning towards the door.

“Yes sister?” she called.

“Luna should eat something before she goes,” Hilda called through the door.

Zelda rolled her eyes but stepped back from you. You tucked your hair behind your ear, turning to look out the now dark window. A cool hand took yours.

“I think it’s time you ate at the table again,” Zelda said.

“Are you sure?”

You turned back to look at her. Her eyes flashed at you as she smiled.

“Positive.”

Tags: @theenglishwizard @eyesofanangeltongueofadevil @hallospaceboyy @alexusonfire @justkeepbreathingnow @ghostsunderstoodmysoul @witching-imagines @praisezeldaspellman @escapetodreamworld @panicnymph @anxiousgoldengirl @theprassebox @witchessticktogether @pizzapyjamas @plooffairy @whos-to-know @spicyrice20 @fallenangelmuse @step-intoyour-power @basicwitchtm @lovelyleafylesbian @saucy-sapphic

[master-ray5]

Fairy Tale Challenge: Miwako’s Bedtime Story

I finally got around to finishing my entry to the @fairytalechallenge​. This is one of my last few fanfictions. I have other projects which need my attention and sadly fanfiction is a bit of a distraction. Enjoy this little cute story. 

Picture source: http://fanartsailormoonbythaiartistfan.tumblr.com/post/135649421834/kunzite-his-child-he-embraced-his-daughter

Fanfiction link: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13631011/1/Miwako-s-Bedtime-Story

***

First off, here is the‌ ‌guide‌ ‌for‌ ‌the‌ ‌names‌ ‌I‌ ‌use‌ ‌for‌ ‌the‌ ‌Shitennou‌ ‌in‌ ‌this ‌story.‌ As they are now married men, they have taken the names of their beloved wives. Jadeite=Hino ‌Taito‌ Nephite=Kino ‌Masato‌ Zoisite=Mizuno ‌Saitou‌ ‌ Kunzite=Aino ‌Shinn‌

Also, I’m using the daughters of the Senshi introduced in the “Parallel Moon” story but I will change their names. Frankly, I find adding Jr. at the end of the names was a tad lazy writing (not even addressing how the girls all look like tiny cloned versions of their moms). So the names I use will be: Minako Jr.=Miwako Ami Jr.=Mami Rei Jr.=Reina Makoto Jr.=Makino Kousagi is still the same as it fits in the style I’m going for.

O.o.O.o.O Miwako’s Bedtime Story O.o.O.o.O       Royal Advisor and Leader of the Shitennou, Kunzite had just finished a long day of diplomacy and aiding King Endymion. His wife, Lady Venus, was helping Neo-Queen Serenity with an ambassador, who was known to be very dry and boring, so his only concern for her safety was if she somehow managed to die of boredom. Despite his long day, he had managed to return to his wing of the place just in time. He had to see the other woman in his life.     He opened the door to the sitting room of his wing of the palace. Upon entering this area, he no longer thought of himself as anything other than Aino Shinn, a man like any other. He was surprised to find Hilda, the housekeeper, slumped out on the couch, looking exhausted as if she just climbed Tokyo Tower with her bare hands.     “Are you alright Hilda-san?” Shinn asked as he dropped his briefcase on a table and moved to check on the woman.     “Sir, I thought you and I had an arrangement,” Hilda began, draping her arm over her eyes as if facing the world was too difficult. “I would continue to assist with watching the young miss when you and Lady Venus worked late but in return, you promised me you would reduce said girl’s sugar intake.”     “We did,” Shinn chuckled, realizing the housekeeper was exhausted from attempting to keep track of his daughter. “She is just naturally full of energy. She gets it from her mother.”     “She is exhausting is what she is,” Hilda insisted as she pulled herself off the couch and began to head towards the exit. “I highly suggest you find a convent to send her, or else she will be nothing but trouble when she is a teenager.”     “Then she will be exactly like her mother. Good night Hilda-san,” Shinn snapped as he took off his jacket and undid his tie. He could tolerate Hilda insinuating his daughter was a handful but to insinuate she was anything more than a spirited child was where he drew the line. He knew very well Miwako was the spitting image of her mother and the energy she possessed would be one of her greatest gifts. Somewhat comfortable for the evening, Shinn made his way through the halls until he came across his daughter’s room. He knocked on the door before turning the handle and stepping in. “Miwako-chan, how are you?”      “Venus Love Me Chain!” A voice shouted before the snap of a whip slapped against the wall and inches from Shinn’s face. Before the weapon could recoil, Shinn stepped on it and kept it in place.     “Daddy! I’m trying to fight the evil guys!” Miwako insisted as she tugged at the whip to free it from her father’s foot. The comparisons to her mother were apt, as Miwako looked exactly like when Minako did as a child, even with her own red bow in her hair. Though her outfit didn’t look much like Sailor Venus, as the young girl had cobbled together a makeshift Sailor costume with an off-color skirt, part of her school uniform, and large sunglasses. “I need my weapon back!”     “That will be enough of that. Where did you find this?” Shinn asked as down looked at the whip, already knowing the answer to the question.     “In your and mommy’s room,” Miwako replied with a proud smile. “Do you have it in case some monsters show up before mommy can transform?”     “Yyyyyyyyyes!” Shinn lied through his teeth. “That’s exactly it, honey. You are so clever.”     “Ain’t I,” Miwako glowed as she continued to tug at the whip, still hoping her father would let her play with it. “Come on, let me play more.”     “Sorry my little love,” Shinn insisted as he reached down, grabbed the whip, and tugged it from her hands with ease. He vowed to find a better hiding spot for the item when he had time later. “Now, why don’t you get your pajamas on and I’ll tell you a story.”     “Really? MMMM….okay,” Miwako agreed before letting go of the weapon and rushing into the bathroom. In no time at all, Miwako had slipped into her pajamas, brushed her teeth, and hopped into bed. “I’m ready.”       “So you are,” Shin began as he pulled the covers over Miwako’s legs and took a seat on the bed. Making sure she was comfortable, Shinn reached up to her hair and untied the bow on top. “Once upon a time, there was a little girl who wore a…”     “Red riding hood,” Miwako interrupted with a smile. “I heard it before. What else you got?”         “Okay…,” Shinn groaned. “There was once a selfish prince who...”     “Beauty and the Beast!” Miwako yawned. Not from exhaustion but because she was not amused. “Next!”     Shinn did his best to maintain his composure but just like her mother, Miwako had a way of pushing his buttons. “A girl trapped in…”     “Rapunzel,” Miwako answered, not giving her father an opportunity to continue. “You need to learn some new stories, daddy.”     “Fine!” Shinn hissed before taking a deep breath and managed to regain his cool. “Let’s try this. I’ll make up a story for you. Feel free to just interject any suggestions you have as I go.      “Yeah,” Miwako agreed with a smile. “That does sound fun.”     Shinn cleared his throat and began. “Once there was a lady named…”    “Mommy!” Miwako blurted out. “Make mommy a part of the story.”     “Sure why not,” Shinn smiled, admiring how much his young daughter looked up to her mother. He couldn’t help but remember how when Minako was pregnant she had been worried that her daughter would have the same strained relationship she had with her own mother. Instead, Minako was blessed as Miwako had nothing but love and respect for her. “A woman named Minako who was working as a…”     “Housekeeper,” Miwako suggested. “Like Cinderella!”     “So you want me to tell you Cinderella except it stars your mother?” Shinn chuckled. “Now, who’s not being original”     “I’m sure we will find a way to change it,” Miwako replied as she snuggled into the covers and looked up at her father with a warm expression. “Just keep going.”     Shinn shrugged, leaned against the headboard of the bed, and pulled his daughter close. “So, once upon a time, there was a woman named Minako who was working as a housekeeper for her wicked stepmother. What should we name her?”     Miwako thought for a moment before she volunteered, “Beryl?”     “Beryl?” Shinn’s heart skipped a beat when his daughter said the name. “Where...where did you hear that name?”       “Mommy said it was the name of an evil queen who once kidnapped you, daddy,” Miwako answered as she snuggled closer to her father when she mentioned the word “kidnapped.” “They must have been really bad to kidnap you, daddy.”     “You have no idea,” Shinn agreed, his heart

O.o.O.o.O     The ringing of the bells of her alarm clock woke Minako up. It was a new device but the only reason she had been given such a high priced gift was to ensure she got up in time to get everything done before her stepmother, Beryl, awoke. With her father no longer around, Minako had become a slave to her widowed stepmother.     “Meow” Artemis called as he jumped on Minako’s bed. He was an old pure white housecat known for keeping the mice problem at bay. He nuzzled Minako in an attempt to get her to wake up.     “Oh Artemis,” Minako “How I wish you could talk, perhaps even give me a magical item which would allow me to turn into a warrior and fight for love and justice and someday even reunite with my soulmate. Oh well. I have no choice but to serve my wicked stepmother.”       Minako went to work getting herself ready for the day. She combed her hair, dressed, and put on her shoes. She made her way to the kitchen and after a breakfast of crusty bread and a glass of wine, she began her duty of servitude to her wicked stepmother. She cleaned the kitchen, prepared breakfast and made sure the tray was lined up  as she pushed it towards her step mother’s room.     She was just about to knock when she heard a voice on the other side.     “The prince is looking for a bride. I intend to use this opportunity to brainwash him,” Beryl cackled as she talked to her subordinate. “Soon Prince Kunzite will bow to me and then you will give the reward you so rightfully deserve.”     “Excellent plan my lady,” Adonis Danburite commented. He had been an advisor to the Kingdom but had become sick of the way the royal family seemed to ignore any of his advice lately. Adonis had feared for his livelihood and had decided to reach out to Lady Beryl, a woman known for her sinister ways, for advice.     “Oh no,” Minako gasped as she heard what her evil stepmother was planning. “I have to warn someone!”     “What was that young lady?” Adonis asked as he opened the door and stared at Minako with cold eyes. “Lady Beryl. I do believe your stepdaughter has been eavesdropping on our conversation. You discipline her better.”     “Your right!” Minako admitted. “I have heard what you are planning to do to Prince Kunzite and I won’t let you.”     “You have been nothing but a pain since your father died!” Beryl shouted, grabbing a vase from the nearby table. Minako ducked at the last minute as the vase shattered on the wall behind her. “And I never cared for your spinach puffs! Never! Now lock her in her room so we can go take care of the prince.”    Before Minako could make a break for it, Adonis grabbed her wrist and restrained her. With the help of Beryl, the two locked Minako in her room and left for the Castle. Minako tried to break down the door but no matter what she tried, it wouldn’t budge. Tired and discouraged, Minako fell on her bed and began to sweep.     “Oh Artemis!” Minako cried as she felt the cat jump onto the bed. “What am I going to do? The prince is going to be corrupted and I can’t do anything about it!”     “There is something you can do,” Artemis announced before he leapt into the air. In a flash of light, Artemis transformed into a man in a white suit with white long hair. “Hello Minako. I am your Fairy God Cat.” O.o.O.o.O     “This sounds too much like Cinderella,” Miwako interrupted as she shifted in bed. “Change it up a bit. Also can I have a drink of water?”     “Sure, one second,” Shinn replied as she got up, filled a cup in the little girl’s bathroom, and returned to the Miwako’s bed. “Also, did Cinderella have a Sailor scout in it?”     “No,” Miwako answered as she took a sip of the water.     “Then you haven’t heard this story before,” Shinn commented as he sat on the bed, leaning against the headboard, “Now where was I?” O.o.O.o.O     “My Fairy God Cat?” Minako wondered, still shocked by Artemis’ new appearance. “I wasn’t aware that was a thing.”     “Well it is. I am here to give you the power you need to defeat your stepmother,” Artemis explained as he snapped his fingers. In the palm of his hand, the transformation pen of Venus formed. “Here, take this. Holdit over your head and shout “Venus Power.” It will allow you to become a warrior capable of defeating Beryl. Or at least help you break out of this room.”       “If you say so. Venus power!” Minako shouted as she was surrounded by a shower of light. In the blink of an eye she transformed into Sailor Venus, but not one most people knew. Instead, she wore a yellow Sack-back gown, white gloves, white stockings, and orange glass slippers. “Incredible!”     “You have become the warrior of love, Sailor Venus. Now,” Artemis clapped his hands together, getting Minako’s attention. “Point at the door and scream, “Crescent Beam!””     “Crescent Beam!” Minako yelled, A blast of energy erupted from fingertips and created a giant hole in the center of the door.     “Impressive,” Artemis complimented, seeing how strong Minako was. “Now use one of the horses in the stable and ride to the castle as fast as you can.”     “Wait, aren’t you coming with me?” Minako asked, stopping herself before she ran from the room.     “No, I’m going to stay here,” Artemis commented as he shook his head. “That way it’s easier to tell this story. Less characters to keep track of.”   O.o.O.o.O     “Dad,” Miwako whined as she tugged at her father’s arm.       “Well it is,” Shinn shrugged. O.o.O.o.O     Making her way out of the house as fast as she could, Minako saddled her horse, Bbuttercup, and rode to the castle. When she arrived, she found the place on high alert with guards at every possible entrance. As she rode up, she was stopped by a guard with a spear.     “Halt who goes there?” The soldier asked, captured by the beauty of the rider.     “I am Sailor Venus, a warrior of love,” Minako announced. “I have come to save the Prince from a wicked witch who wishes to control him for her own gains.”     “You are too late,” The soldier announced. “The witch was here and made off with the Prince’s...with the prince’s…” O.o.O.o.O     “His smile!” Miwako suggested.     “The prince’s smile?” Shinn asked, unsure of where his daughter got such a suggestion.     “Yeah, I actually asked mommy once if a witch stole your smile,” Miwako admitted, as she snuggled closer to her dad. “You don’t smile that much daddy. When I asked mommy my question, she said “its because daddy is trying to be strong to protect us and only smiles when we are around.””     “Well yeah, I guess you're right,” Shinn agreed, a bit disheartened. He had heard the comments by social media and online articles. “Lord Kunzite is so cold.” “What does a warm person like Lady Venus see in someone like Lord Kunzite?” “Instant credits to anyone who gets a picture of Lord Kunzite smiling.” Saito had made the joke once, “You have a resting angry face.” He didn’t do it intentionally. It often became focused when at work and often forgot to smile. “Daddy will try to smile more around you and your mother.”     “It’s okay daddy,” Miwako insisted, resting her head on her father’s chest. “I don't mind. I know you have to be strong because you have to protect me and mommy from monsters.”     “Your mother has fought even more monsters, little Miwako, “ Shinn lamented as he thought about how many battles his wife had fought over the years and how it seemed he could only do so much to help. Yet, through all of it, she somehow managed to keep a smile on her face. It was part of what made them so strong as a couple. Kunzite helped his wife stay focused and Minako helped her husband find joy. “I will find a way to try and smile more. Anyways, let’s see, after she heard about the Prince…,”   O.o.O.o.O     “She must have escaped to the family cabin on the coast,” Minako announced as she rode as fast as she could towards her destination. “I will make sure to save the Prince.”     Minako made it to the coast in less than an hour and dismounted the horse on a hill which allowed her to look down at the cabin. She noticed a light in the window.     “Time to bust in and save the day,” Minako announced to herself.     “I hate to burst your bubble,” Adonis growled as she snuck up behind her, grabbed her wrists, and bound them with a chain. “But you are caught.”     “Oh come on,” Minako groaned as Adonish dragged her to the cabin. Soon, Minako was kneeling in front of her stepmother who sat in a chair by a roaring fire, holding a glowing pink gem.      “Welcome dear stepdaughter,” Beryl called as she caressed the gem with her fingers. “This is what you came for. The emotions of the young prince. His youthful energy and his very happiness is here in my finger tips.”     “Give it to me,” Minako demanded as she tried to struggle against her shackles.     “What are you hoping?” Beryl asked, shaking her head at Minako. “Give this back to the prince and he will fall in love with you at first sight? Such a way of starting a relationship will only end in dirovce or having a relationship with your riding instructor     “Well I thought I would use returning his happiness as more of an icebreaker, then maybe go for tea,” Minako speculated. “Take it one step at time, might try wine tasting,”     “Silence!” Beryl roared, “I don’t care to hear about your ridiculous plans which are never going to come true anyways. Now turn to stone!”     With a wave of her hand, Beryl cast a spell on Minako causing her body to slowly turn to stone. The spell started at her feet, moved to her legs, and had soon turned her lower half into stone. It looked like she was at the end of her rope. O.o.O.o.O     “Oh no!” Miwako cried as she sat up in bed and looked her father in the eyes with concern. “How is she going to get out of this?”     “Yes, how would she get out?” Shinn wondered aloud. Truth be told he never was one for creative works. He was more the logistic one of the group. Saitou had written a few novels and Taito managed to fill an entire wing of a museum with his work as a painter over the years. Shinn’s most creative work was when he had a chance to enjoy photography every once in a blue moon. Even then, they were mostly landscaping shots and times Minako felt photogentc. He was at a loss of how to save his wife in this imaginary story he was telling. “How would you end the story?”     “Well she needs help,” Miwako decided, putting a finger to her chin like she was truly contemplating what should happen next. “Someone who could save her. Um..I know! What if Mini Sailor Venus came to help.”     “Mini Sailor Venus?” Shinn chuckled, realizing Miwako was talking about herself. “So you are going to save your mom? Sure, why not.”   O.o.O.o.O     “Hold it right there Beryl!” A voice announced from the entrance to the cabin. Standing there was a smaller version of Sailor Venus. “I am Mini Sailor Venus! In the name of Future Venus, I’ll punish you with the power of love! Catch mom!”     “Mom?” Minako wondered as the smaller version of her threw a bottle. The projectile hit her stone legs, broke, and covered her with a glimmering blue liquid. The liquid instantly turned her legs back to normal. Able to stand, Minako leapt away from Beryl and Adonis and stood close to Mini Sailor Venus. “I never gave birth to you.”     “Not yet you haven’t,” Mini Sailor Venus explained as she pulled out a key she just happened to have on hand and unlocked Minako’s manacles. “I have come from the future to not only help you escape and return the prince’s happiness, but also I have come to help to tell you Beryl’s secret weakness.” O.o.O.o.O     “Secret Weakness?” Shinn asked, unsure of what his daughter was talking about. “I wasn’t aware Beryl had a secret weakness. What is it?”     “Shiitake mushrooms!” Miwako shivered at the thought of them. “She’ll eat them and immediately pass out because of the bad taste.”     “Shiitake mushrooms?” Shinn smirked as he shook his head. “You are so your mother’s daughter. Okay, Mini-Sailor Venus, having brought shiitake mushrooms, threw one into Beryl’s mouth with a single elegant toss. Beryl, overwhelmed by the terrible taste, fainted and was no longer a threat. Wait, how would they beat Adonis?”     “Simple! Twin Crescent Beams!” Miwako cried, bouncing to her feet, and recreating her mother’s attack. “Crescent Beam! BOOM! And then he explodes into a billion pieces!”     “Okay, okay settle down,” Shinn appealed, pulling his daughter to the bed and tucking her back under the covers. “So with Adonis and Beryl defeated, Sailor Mini-Venus returned to the future and Sailor Venus returned the prince’s happiness. Back to normal, Prince Kunzite was ever grateful to Minako. The two started dating, eventually leading to them getting married, and having a beautiful girl named Miwako. The end.”     “I liked that story,” Miwako admitted as she slowly started to fall asleep. The sudden burst of action to recreate the Crescent Beam had been the last of the energy the little girl had in her reserves. Her eyes fluttered in a desperate attempt to stay open. “Hey, papa...How was the real Queen Beryl defeated?     “She…,” Shinn stopped himself as he remembered witnessing the incident through a psychic sensation despite being locked in the form of a stone. The image of Minako plunging her sword into the witch's stomach. O.o.O.o.O     It was not until years after his return, on the night of their wedding she confessed her dark secret. After making love and consummating their marriage, a dark expression crossed his new wife’s face, as she felt the need to confess to her husband.     “There’s something I promised I’d tell you when we were married,” Minako admitted as she looked down and buried her face in her Shinn’s chest, a bit afraid of how he would react. "The fight with Queen Beryl. I...I was happy I killed her. I still am and I hate that I am."     “Never feel a shred of guilt or shame for ridding the world of that monster,” Shinn answered as she wrapped his arms around his bride. “You did what you had to. We are warriors. Our hands have to be dirty so the innocent will not have to suffer under the darkness. Also, I want you to remember, there is nothing you can ever do to make me stop loving you.”   O.o.O.o.O     “They beat her with teamwork,” Shinn answered with a little white lie. It was as much of an answer he felt Miwako was able to handle. It was half true as part of how the Sailor Senshi had been able to defeat Beryl. “All thanks to your mom leading the way.”     “Hmm, Mommy’s awesome,” Miwako hummed as she laid her head on her father’s chest and drifted off to sleep. Shinn stayed by the girl’s side and gently stroked her hair. He was so lost in the moment he didn’t even hear the door open or see a familiar figure approach until the newcomer was at the edge of the bed.     “I go away for the evening only to find you in bed with another woman,” Minako teased low enough so as not to wake Miwako. “Did you two have fun?”     “What can I say she has a hold on me,” Shinn admitted, as he admired how good his wife looked in the dinner gown she had worn when she aided the Queen. Part of him wanted to have some alone time with his beloved, but he didn’t dare move and disturb Miwako’s sleep. “A power over me I can’t and don’t wish to fight. Just like her mother.”     “She’s adorable,” Minako whispered as she slid into bed and snuggled against Shinn’s other shoulder. “She’s the only woman I could ever see sharing you with.”     “That makes you a better person than me,” Shinn whispered back as he wrapped his other arm around his drowsy wife and pulled her close. “I could never share you with another man.”     “Actually there is another man,” Minako sighed as she took a hold of his wrist. She brought his hand to her stomach and rubbed it affectionately in circles. “And you’ll meet him in a few months.”     Shinn’s eyes became wide as he realized what his wife meant but he made no response. He dared not wake the sleepy blondes in his arms. Instead, the stoic man laid his head back, pulled his family close and smiled wide, feeling blessed he lived in a reality where he was able to tell them Fairy Tales. O.o.O.o.O     In “Parallel Sailor Moon'' a few things were added to the mythology of the franchise. First off the girls getting married and having kids who look a lot like them (the Juniors). It is also implied in the comic, all of the men who married the Senshi took part in Mukoyoshi (Adopted son in law”) and took the family name of their wives when they got married. Hence, Shinn would become Aino Shinn. Also, I wanted to try and recreate that family picture that exists online of Minako, Kunzite, Minako Jr., and a tiny boy with white hair standing together as I really think it’s the ending Minako always deserved in the end.       Thanks to Knowall7 for being my Beta.

[plus-size-reader]

Daybreak

Ambrose Spellman x Plus size!reader

Word Count: 1547 words

Warnings: none 

Summary: Reader goes to the Spellman house for a sleepover with Sabrina and bonds with her cousin Ambrose. 

———————————————————————————————————

You and Sabrina had sleepovers all the time.

You were her only witchy friend so it was safe to have you around her house and her family enjoyed your company as well. In fact, you arguably spent more time with Sabrina and her family then you did with your own.

That being said, it was no surprise when you came through the Spellman's front door, dragging a bag behind you that was probably full of everything you owned.

You were greeted instantly by Salem who rubbed against your ankle before disappearing into the hallway. He was followed closely by your best friend in the entire world, a platinum blonde Sabrina.

"Took you long enough" she teased, taking your bag from you and heading up to her bedroom.

The night was full of laughter, gossip, and magic talk and it was no secret to anyone in the house that you two were having a good time.

Ambrose knew that better than anyone considering his bedroom was down the hall from Sabrina's and you two were cackling like hens. Luckily for him, the sound of your laughter was one of the most beautiful things he'd heard in at least a decade.

In truth, everything about you was stunning and he had never felt that way about any man, woman, or person on the planet before. He'd fallen in love plenty of times but never like he had with you.

The only problem was that you didn't and couldn't know that he had those feelings about you. He was Sabrina's cousin, and you were her best friend in the entire world, it just couldn't work out.

That being said though, Ambrose would be lying if he said that he hadn't thought about being with you.

~

You woke up at daybreak, nearly beating the sun in the morning but Sabrina was still passed out next to you. She had always been more of a night owl and she probably wouldn't be up for a few more hours.

However, once you'd woken up, there was no more sleep to be had. So rather than spend hours waiting for her to wake up in silence in her room, you decided to go exploring around the Spellman mortuary.

Your footsteps were quiet, for the most part, against the wood floor and other than that, the house was silent. Hilda and Zelda weren't even up yet and the last thing you wanted to do was be the one to wake them up.

The house was beautiful early in the morning because it was so dark and stunning in aesthetic but filled with light, it glowed.

It was amazing.

So amazing in fact that you didn’t realize that you were no longer alone in the large entryway.

At some point in your admiring, Ambrose had gotten up and was now standing at the top of the stairs, looking down at you with a sleepy smile on his face. Sleepy sure, but in no way blind to the beauty that was you, first thing in the morning.

“Good morning little witch” he grinned, using the nickname he’d given you as children. It was a terrible nickname and sort of cheesy but you’d always allowed it because of that way it made him laugh when he said it.

You sort of jumped at his sudden intrusion but didn’t shoo him away. You liked the idea of having some company in the morning, even if it wasn't Sabrina like you'd been expecting.

"Morning. What are you doing up so early?" you wondered, giving him a smile. It might have been early but you weren't upset about it.

The Spellman mortuary was a huge house but when you looked at Ambrose, it might as well have been the smallest place in the world. It was just the two of you, in that moment and you wouldn't have had it any other way.

Perhaps it was nothing more than a silly crush, but you'd always taken a liking to the man, who you spent quite some time with over the years.

He shrugged, as if he was always up at this time. Maybe he was, knowing Ambrose...he probably woke with the sun. You accepted his answer, but weren't quite ready to end the conversation.

Instead, you had another idea.

"Would you like to join me on my morning walk?" you hummed, unsure if he would accept or not. You hoped that he would, but there was never any way to know for sure. He might have had something to do, or maybe he just didn't want to go.

In any case, you wouldn't have been destroyed if he declined your offer.

Still, you couldn't help the buzz that went through you when he nodded. You had been hoping for that, deep deep down...not that you'd ever admit it.

~

The morning air was crisp and clean with every breath. The day was just breaking and the sun peaked through the trees more and more as you made your way toward the graveyard.

It was your favorite place to watch the day begin, which was kind of poetic. This was where most people went when they met their end, but for you, the morning felt wrong without it.

You liked it.

It made you feel at peace, and in some weird way, Ambrose agreed. It was nice, silent and still in a way that reminded you just how alive you all were.

"You do this every morning?" he asked, reaching out to take your hand in his in your own as you walked. He'd never actually seen you this early when you were over, but it wouldn't have surprised him if you did.

This seemed like something you would do often, especially since you seemed to have the route all mapped out in your mind.

It was kind of awesome, that you found so much peace in a place meant for death. You found your reflection and your happiness surrounded by the dead, and Ambrose could appreciate that.

He similarly lived his life mostly around corpses and the same few people. It was nice to know that it was possible, at least for someone, to embrace it.

Perhaps you could help him learn to enjoy his life...even under the restrictions that he had.

“I do, every morning that I’m here” you grinned, swinging his hand in your own as you walked. You were so happy to just be there with him, and it felt nice.

It was rare that you two actually got to spend time together but now that you were in the middle of it, you were so glad that he’d agreed to walk with you.

“I wish I’d have known, I’d have joined you much sooner” he allowed, looking over at you with that slight smile on his face.

It was clear that he had something on his mind, but you had no idea what it was. How were you meant to actually know what he was thinking? This was Ambrose after all, the man who kept his every feeling under lock and key.

You two weren’t the most open to begin with, but this was something else entirely.

“What is it?” you wondered, stopping between two stones to give him your full attention. You weren’t going to move until he told you what he had going on...and in all honesty, he knew it.

It had always been this way with you.

And in truth, it was probably better to just rip off the bandage as quickly as possible.

“You're truly beautiful" he smiled, reaching up with one hand to brush a little bit of your hair behind your ear. Your eyes sparkled as you looked at him, comprehending what he was telling you.

For some reason, there was no shock on either end as he said it.

There had been this clear connection between you both that just remained unspoken but something about this morning seemed like the right time to bring it to life.

You two were almost meant to be together. Everyone had been expecting it since the moment you meet but you just weren't ready to the time.

Now, there was nothing holding you back.

"Ambrose?" you whispered, both of you still staring into one another's eyes, the space between you getting smaller and smaller with each second.

He hummed, not wanting to ruin the moment. Withing missing a beat, he leaned down to capture your lips in a sweet kiss.

It was gentle and full of love and you could have been in that moment for the rest of your life without a single complaint.

You wondered how you'd been able to go this long without this feeling.

"Yes darling?" he smiled, clearly amused with himself for catching you off guard. It felt like he'd been waiting years to feel this alive, and he could only hope this this would change the way you two interacted from now on.

He didn't want to ever give this up, now that he'd had it.

"We should take walks like this ever morning" you grinned, pulling him in for another kiss after a giggle.

Whatever it was that had sparked this momentous morning, you were sure that there was no going back, for either of you.

[sara-scribbles]

Soft Love (Part 2)

Seteth/F!Byleth Note: May contain spoilers

Part 1 Part 2 --------- Time continued to march on, and the rebuilding of the church was moving at a steady pace. Byleth had to focus her effort on pushing reform. Any free time was for her to rest or eat, which Seteth made sure she did. She saw him often, but it was always business related. She didn’t have time to consider her feelings for her adviser.

Soon the White Heron Cup competition passed with a winner from the Golden Deer house, and the ball was in full swing. Students danced and talked with each other. They all seemed to be in high spirits. Byleth sighed at the sight as she watched everyone. She kept herself scarce by lurking in the shadows. As archbishop she was expected to attend these events, but no one said she had to be an active participant.

She took a sip from her champagne flute. Another waltz had started up and people gathered on the dance floor. “So this is where you’ve been hiding,” Claude whispered in Byleth’s ear.

“Unsuccessfully if you found me,” she grumbled.

He chuckled. “As archbishop, shouldn’t you be out there?”

She drained the last of her drink. “I rather not. I think I do enough being archbishop.”

Taking her empty glass and setting it on a table, he took her hand and pulled her to the dance floor. “Come on, it'll be like old times, teach.” His grin was enough for her to roll her eyes and allow herself to be pulled into the waltz.

They moved around the dance floor with ease. Students started to whisper among themselves. Claude spun her around a few times. The room blurred into bright lights and fuzzy figures before settling. She blinked a few times as her gaze fell on Hilda. However it was not the younger woman that she was staring at but the man she was dancing with. Somehow Hilda had gotten Seteth to dance with her. She gave a triumphant smile. A small chuckle fell from Byleth’s lips. The green haired man looked miserable. Though when he met her amused gaze, he could only offer a half shrug before he was whisked away by the young woman.

“I’m not sure how Hilda did it, but I’m impressed,” Claude mused.

Byleth shook her head. “She used her obvious charm. You should know.” He merely shook his head with a smile.

The music swelled, and Byleth found herself being spun around once more. Claude winked before twirling her into Seteth’s arms and taking off with Hilda. She stared up at him with a mix of confusion and fondness. “It seems my partner has decided to steal yours.”

They continued the dance just as smoothly. “I prefer my new companion.” His hand rested lightly on her waist. His hand was warm and calloused from wielding a lance. Being so close to him, she felt her stomach flutter. His eyes were such a deep green, she could get lost in them if she wasn’t careful.

“So how did Hilda convince you to dance?” she asked, a smile tugged at her lips.

Seteth sighed as his brows pressed together. “She cornered me and insisted I dance with her. It did not help that Flayn was also there encouraging her.”

“It’s not everyday I get to see my trusty advisor dancing,” she teased.

“Yes. Well enjoy it now because this won’t happen again.” He twirled her around before she settled back in his arms.

“Even if I ask nicely for you to dance with me?” she asked, watching for his expression.

His gaze softened. “If you were to ask then I would happily oblige.”

The music trailed off as the dance finished. As students cheered, Seteth bowed to her before excusing himself from the dance floor and going over to Flayn. Byleth stepped back from the dance floor as more students crowded on. Once everyone seemed occupied, she slipped out the door. The cool night air felt wonderful on her warm skin. Her feet carried her to the Goddess Tower without much thought. The tower had been reconstructed after the war, though most students stayed away.

The old tradition of the Goddess Tower had come second to the new rumor flying around. Students whispered how the tower was filled with ghosts of those who died in battle. It was said that that one could hear their pained howles in the dead of night. Some, who were brave enough to go up, claimed to see apparitions. Byleth knew it was all talk, however there was always a grain of truth.

Climbing the tower, the only sound was her shoes clicking on cold stone. The spiraling staircase wound up into a dark abyss above. However once she reached the top, she had a view of the monastery from the open windows. The full moon shone brightly, and looked so close to almost touch. Wind whistled through the quiet tower causing an eerie howl to sound. Though it did raise the hairs on her neck, Byleth knew it was not the ghosts that called. Leaning against the edge, she closed her eyes. For a moment there was no duties to fill. No people to appease. At that moment she was not Archbishop of the Church of Seiros.

She was brought out of her moment of silence by the echoing sounds of someone’s footsteps. Pulling away from the window, she wondered if it was a student hoping to make a wish. Perhaps the ghost rumors hadn’t scared everyone away. However she saw the familiar head of forest green hair and found herself meeting Seteth’s gaze. 

He looked a bit startled to see her. “I did not realize someone would be up here. I’ll leave you to-”

“Please don’t leave on my behalf. I was just...admiring the view.” She gestured outside. “It’s a beautiful night.”

Climbing the last steps, he walked over to where she stood. “I often come here when I need a rest. It’s peaceful since students believe that ridiculous rumor.” He clasped his hands behind his back as he peered out.

She stared at his back. Despite his outward appearance, Seteth was a fearsome warrior. His abilities with an axe and lance proved his prowess. At first glance, many would assume he was a magic wielder. However she had seen the way he cut down foes with heavy blows. He was full of surprises.

“Did you need to get away from the dancing?” she asked, a smile playing on her lips.

He sighed. “All the celebration can be a bit much. What about you? You’ll be missed.”

“I think everyone is enjoying themselves. No one will even notice I’m gone.” She hoped no one would be looking for her. Most of the students seemed preoccupied, so slipping out was fairly easy. The only person who might notice her absence would be a certain Almyra prince. Then again little went by Claude’s keen eyes.

He turned to her. The moonlight cast him in the shadows. “I wanted to discuss something with you, Byleth. I realize this may not be the most appropriate time, however I am not sure when I will have another chance.”

The serious expression on his face worried her. However, she kept her face carefully neural. “What’s on your mind, Seteth?”

She watched as he swallowed. His eyes darted around before finally meeting her own. “What do you plan to do in the future?”

Her brows drew together. “I haven’t thought much of that besides my duties as archbishop. Why? Do you plan to leave?”

He stepped closer to her. “Know this, Byleth, I will be by your side for all the centuries provided to us. As long as you need me, I will be there.” He reached for her hand and gently held it in his. “I will be by your side as your adviser. However, I would also like to remain by your side as more.”

He held out a beautiful silver ring with an emerald on it. The stone was a deep green like his eyes. Her gaze remained fixed on the ring as he continued. “My feelings for you are more than I can put into words. I have not felt this way in a long time nor did I ever think I would again. I wish to make it clear that I do not wish to marry you out of duty or some strange way of perpetuating our bloodline. I ask for your hand as a man who is deeply in love with you.”

For a second she felt as if she were floating. Seteth was proposing his love to her. Her feelings for him were being returned despite her never telling him. Looking at him, he was watching her with an earnest expression. Her unbeating heart felt full. Everything that had been bothering her fell away. Only he remained.

Gaze filled with adoration and wonder, she squeezed his hand. “I love you, Seteth. Not too long ago, my emotions were foreign to me. However over these past years I’ve learned and grown with you by my side. I know with all my being that I do love you. I will marry you!”

His smile was wider than any she had ever seen as he slipped the ring on her finger. She threw her arms around him. He enveloped her in a hug and nearly lifted her off her feet. Pulling back slightly, he tilted her chin. “I promise from this day forth, through good and ill, I will always be by your side supporting you in all your endeavors.”

Framing his face with her hands, her thumb brushed against his cheek. “We will face this world...together.” Closing the distance, they met in a sweet kiss filled with promises.

[urdbell18]

Those Moments in Between Chapter 2: Boo to You

AN: So I’m not sure how often I would post new chapters but I’m starting a new project (not writing related) and decided to post this chapter before I completely forgot about this. Also I want to hear from you guys. I want to know what you guys want to see. My box is open and ready for your ideas. Everyone stay safe out their and enjoy.

Mary wouldn’t admit it to Zelda, not when the other woman had so much on her mind already, but she was nervous. She had never taken care of a child as small as Vida and though Vida seemed to like her that could all change in a heartbeat. This was the first time that the two of them would be alone together, without Zelda. To say that Mary was under some significant pressure was an understatement. This one night could make or break her budding relationship with Zelda. Was she overreacting? Maybe. Was it justified? 100% Mary hasn’t known Zelda long but the one thing that Mary did know was that Vida came first. If tonight went south that was it, she was done.

So far things seemed to be going okay. Vida took to her mom leaving very well and was still excited about going out for trick or treating. If that’s what Vida wanted then so be it. Well… trick or treating was part of the deal but Mary wasn’t going to force Vida to do something that she didn’t want to.

The advantage of Greendale being such a small town was that everything was in walking distance. From the town center you could easily walk to any of the housing neighborhoods. That made things a whole lot easier for Mary, she could park her car in one spot and not worry about its safety or where she left it. Mary managed to convince Vida that they should start with the furthest neighborhood.  As they approached the first house Mary turned to Vida.

“Do you remember what you have to do Vida?”

“Yes. I ring the doorbell and wait for someone to answer and then I say ‘trick or treat’. Right?”

“Very good. And what do you say after they give you treats?”

“Thank you and happy Halloween!”

“Excellent! Your golden.”

“But my dress is black.” Vida looked herself over, yup everything was black. Her dress, her tights, her shoes. What was gold?

Mary mentally slapped herself. Of course Vida wouldn’t understand. Mary stumbled on her words for a second. She paused and took a deep breath, she can’t let this phase her.

“It’s nothing Vida. Are you ready?” Vida nodded causing her pigtails to bounce from one side of her shoulders to the other. They walked up to the house, Mary hung back but kept a close eye on Vida as she stepped onto the porch. Vida turned to look at her, there was a tiny bit of fear on her face. “It’s okay I’ll be right here. You got this.” With a small smile Vida turned back to the door and rang the doorbell. A few minutes passed by until a middle aged woman with wheat colored hair that was in a neat bun answered the door.

“Trick or treat!”

“My aren’t you precious. Is this your first time?” Vida nodded.

“Yes, but my mommy sometimes lets me help my Auntie Hilda hand out candy. She works at the bookstore.”

“Dr. C’s? I think I know who you are talking about. And since you are my first trick or treater I have a special surprise for you.” Mary tensed and stepped closer to Vida. Though this woman didn’t set off any alarm bells it never hurt to be overly cautious. And if anything happened to Vida Mary was sure she would never see the light of day again and her body would never be found. The woman brought out a spellbook but when she opened it several large candy bars were nestled inside. Vida’s face glowed bright and she turned to Mary and then back at the woman.

“I can really have one!?” The woman nodded. Now came the hard part, which one? Mary scanned the bars over. They were all pretty basic, none of them contained nuts or a filling, but some had extra like the big Crunch and Kit Kat bars.

“These seem to be a good option Vida.” Mary brought Vida’s attention to the king size Hershey milk chocolate and dark chocolate bars, they were the simplest and would most likely appeal to Vida’s pallet. Vida looked between the two bars clearly torn between which one she should get. The woman smiled softly.

“How about this. I give you both but promise you won’t eat them both at once. I don’t want your mom hunting me down.” The woman looked at Mary and gave her a wink. Did she just... no... but she had to…

With her candy bars in hand Vida tried to fit them in her plastic jack o'lantern bucket with little success. Mary chuckled and held out the tote bag that she brought with her. Did she expect to fill the whole bag? No, Zelda might murder her. But Vida’s bucket wasn’t very big and would fill up pretty quick. The tote bag was there to help with that, as well as hold the flashlight that Mary brought with her just in case. Vida got the hint and placed the bars in the bag.

“Thank you very much! Happy Halloween!”

“Happy Halloween!” Vida and Mary waved the woman goodbye. One house down several more to go.

______________________

Mary decided to call an end to the trick or treating at seven. They have been out for a few hours and Vida was starting to get tired. They took a break when they finished the first neighborhood but that only stalled the problem for a little while. Halfway through the town center Vida started to complain that her feet were hurting. While yes she was tired it was bigger than that. Her shoes were physically hurting her. Mary understood and called it a night, she picked Vida up and walked back to her car. Despite that, Vida had a pretty good haul. She had to empty her jack o’lantern twice and it was half full when they called it quits. It stacked up to a nice size pile that Mary could just see Zelda scowling at.

When they arrived at Mary’s house Mary helped Vida remove her tights to see if there were any injuries. The back of the poor little girl's ankle was scraped up. It wasn’t bleeding but it looked pretty raw. After relieving Vida of her shoes they had some dinner. Mary wasn’t a cook by any means so the best she could manage was pasta with some sauce. Vida didn’t make a big fuss. While Vida was eating Mary went through the backpack that Zelda left for Vida. Inside was a change of clothes, pajamas, a stuffed bear, a blanket, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste in a zip lock bag, and a DVD, a double feature of The Addams Family. What wasn’t in there were bath supplies so Zelda wasn’t expecting Vida to bathe while she was with Mary but Mary decided to let Vida decide.

“Vida did you want to take a quick bath or shower? I can get the movie set up while you do that.” Vida tilted her head back in thought.

“What’s a shower?”

“It’s like a bath but you stand and the water comes down in a continuous spray.”

“I still don’t understand but I’m willing to try it.” Okay, alright, now what?

Deciding that it would be too inappropriate for her to be in the bathroom with Vida Mary got the bathroom ready. She started the shower, laid out a towel, and left Vida’s pajamas on the counter top. The last thing she did was brush out Vida’s braids, if she left them in water would get trapped and it would dry stiff. With one last check of the water temperature, it was ready for Vida.

“Okay Vida it’s all set up for you. There’s some soap and a sponge on the wall and I have a towel laid out for you. I don’t have any shampoo for you so don’t worry about washing your hair. Don’t worry about shutting the shower off. I’ll do it. I’ll be right outside if you need me. Okay?” Vida looked at her, she was a little scared but nodded. In she went, the door closed softly behind her. Five minutes later she was out, dressed in her pajamas and hair laid out on her shoulders in damp ringlets. “Finished?” Vida nodded.

“It was nice. Thank you Mary.”

“You’re welcome. I’m going to get changed myself so you can wait here for me or you can head downstairs if you like.” Vida nodded and she brushed past Mary to head downstairs. Mary gave a sigh of relief when she shed her Gomez costume. Between the stiffness of the actual costume and the clip digging into the back of her head it felt nice to let the slight breeze that was in her house wash over her. She really wanted to shower but decided that she couldn’t leave Vida on her own for that long. She would just have to live with her cotton sleep shorts and tshirt and her robe. It still felt refreshing. Vida was on the couch when she came downstairs. She wedged herself between the pillows and her bear was on her lap.

“So how about that movie?”

“Yes!” Mary didn’t need to be told twice. Turning on the DVD player Mary popped in the movie. She debated on whether or not she should make popcorn but decided against it. She didn’t want to feed Vida too much and make her sick nor did she want to end up on Zelda’s bad side. They made it though half of the first movie before Vida was out like a light. Mary carried her upstairs and settled her in the middle of the bed with the comforter tucked around her. It was still too early for Mary so she went back downstairs. After some light cleaning Mary poured herself a glass of wine and picked up the book that her W.I.C.C.A. club was reading, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Rosalind Walker already read the book, led a protest on the books ban which was why they were reading it. Mary wanted the group to touch on the elements of the actual book as well as the politics behind it, mainly why it was banned. It wasn’t a school requirement nor a group one, participation was purely voluntary. Mary was proud to be a part of it. Though it wasn’t a school read, Mary was treating it as such so her plan was to read it once, absorb it, and then make notes. As the advisor she felt obligated to be prepared.

At around eleven her eyes started to get tired. So she finished the chapter that she was on and called it a night. There was a little bit of wine left so she downed it and then placed the glass in the sink to soak for the night. That’s when there was a knock on her door. How odd. Her house was out of the way, so she wasn’t the one to get casual visitors. With caution she opened the door and was met with an exhausted Zelda Spellman. Mary wasn’t expecting to see Zelda, and she definitely wasn’t expected to be kissed within an inch of her life but you won’t see her complaining. However, they didn’t have the pleasure for things to escalate any further. It was late and Vida was just upstairs. Mary led Zelda upstairs and set her up with some night clothes just like she did on their first date. Mary climbed into bed but waited for Zelda. Vida murmured a little and scooted closer to Mary. When Zelda climbed into the free side of the bed she leaned over Vida to give her a quick kiss and then kissed her daughter’s cheek goodnight. Mary settled down and before she knew it was fast asleep.

__________________

When Mary woke up the bed was empty but the house didn’t feel empty. Though it was faint, Mary could detect some noise coming from downstairs. Mary followed it and was kind of taken back. Vida was on the couch, the movie playing where it left off last night. Zelda was in the kitchen, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of bacon simmering in the pan wafted from the kitchen. Vida was the first to notice her. She smiled and held her bear close to her chest.

“Morning Mary!” That caught Zelda’s attention. She smiled softly at her.

“Morning.” Mary nodded and made her way over to Zelda. On her way she ruffled Vida’s hair. Vida pulled back but she giggled and remained smiling. When Mary reached Zelda she hesitated. Though they have slept in the same bed and Vida has witnessed some moments between them that line hasn't been laid out yet. What was considered okay and what was considered inappropriate? That was up to Zelda, and Zelda decided that kissing was okay. She kissed Mary squarely on the lips and Mary was totally okay with that. She knew enough that it couldn’t escalate any further than that, it couldn’t be like last night, and that was okay too. Mary returned it, kept it nice and simple, that was enough.

“What are you making?”

“Eggs, bacon, and pancakes. I figured you earned a little reward for what you did last night.”

“It was no trouble. It was fun. Hey Vida!” Vida’s tiny head popped up over the armrest of her couch. “Do you want to show your mom all the candy you collected?” Vida nodded enthusiastically and scrambled to get the tote bag that Mary left near the front door. She brought the bag to the table and dumped it onto the wooden surface. The result was a good sized mountain made of pure sugar and chocolate. And Zelda turned as white as a ghost.

Mary was right, she did give it the scowls to end all scowls. Vida just smiled and Mary popped a candy corn into her mouth to try, and fail, to hide her smirk. Zelda turned the scowl onto her and her smirk cost her being hit in the hip with a kitchen towel.

Worth it.

[believingispowerfulmagic]

Soldier Verse: “Don’t Mess With Dad”

Inspired by this post from Captain Awkward. 

“Everyone has been really complimentary about this place,” Robin said, gently taking Roland from his car seat. “I’m sure the boys will have plenty of fun here.” 

Regina unclasped Henry and helped him down from his booster seat. He held her hand as he climbed out of the car. “I hope so. Mary Margaret seemed hesitant about it.” 

“Well, we’ll check it out and decide if it’s for us or not,” he said, locking the car. He gave her a quick kiss. “Come on.” 

She held Henry’s hand as they entered the building. A young woman greeted them at the front desk. “Are you a new family?” she asked. 

“We are,” Robin replied. “Do we need to fill anything out?” 

“Just a couple of waivers and some information. We don’t sell it to any companies. It’s just for internal use,” the woman promised, handing them a clipboard. 

Regina took it and filled out the required information, most of it standard information. Names, address, ages of their sons, any allergies or medical conditions staff needed to be aware of--nothing raised any concerns for her. She also went over the waivers they had to sign, finding them the standard releases places like this would have them sign. Everything appeared to be in order and she signed the forms, handing the clipboard back to the receptionist. 

“Everything looks to be in order,” the young woman said. She set the clipboard down and smiled, tapping a camera. “I just need pictures of all of you. Okay?” 

“Even the kids?” Regina asked, looking down at Roland in his carrier. The baby boy blinked a couple times before yawning, rubbing his face with his tiny hand. 

The woman nodded. “It’ll be quick. And the baby doesn’t have to be awake.” 

“Okay,” Regina replied, gently taking Roland from his carrier. She held him so that he face the camera. “Just hold still for Mommy,” she whispered to him. 

Roland seemed to understand. He stayed still as he watched the camera with a curious expression. The woman pressed a button and then nodded to Regina after checking the screen. “We got it,” she said. 

Nodding, Regina stepped back as she continued to bounce Roland. Robin picked up Henry so he was level with the camera. Henry smiled widely and the receptionist got his picture quickly. “And now we just need Mom and Dad,” she said. 

After placing Roland back in his carrier, Regina and Robin quickly took their pictures. The receptionist nodded. “You’re all set. Head down the hall and you’ll find the playroom. We have cubbies for you to place your items,” she told them. 

“Thank you,” Robin said, picking up Henry. He then placed a hand on Regina’s back as she held Roland’s carrier. The small family walked down the hallway until they arrived at two large doors and entered them. 

The room was bigger than she expected and was clearly divided up to accommodate all the ages of children that might visit the room. She spotted mats for babies who couldn’t crawl yet. They laid either on their stomachs or backs as they played with toys. On the other side of the room was a padded area for those learning to crawl or walk, toys also strewn about that side as well. That area opened to a play area that filled the back of the room. It was wooden and painted bright colors, containing several ramps and slides for the more mobile to move around and explore the area. 

Robin let out a low whistle. “This is impressive.” 

“It is,” Regina agreed, amazed. “I think the boys will have fun here.” 

He nodded before pointing to a wall of cubbies. “Looks like that’s where we can store our things.” 

They walked over there and Regina set Roland’s carrier on a nearby bench. She unsnapped the restraint and took him out of his coat. He grinned, kicking happily as the bulky item came off and she cooed: “Were you hot, sweetheart? Mama’s sorry but she couldn’t take your coat off right away.” 

“Do you need any help?” a woman asked. Regina looked up to find an older woman hovering by Robin as he helped Henry out of his coat. 

Robin smiled at her. “I’ve got it. Thank you.” 

“Really, I can help you with him,” the woman pushed, surprising Regina. It was clear Robin had everything under control and she couldn’t figure out why the woman wouldn’t back off. 

“I’m fine,” Robin insisted, a hardness in his voice that Regina recognized. He handed Henry’s coat to her. “Here you go.”

The woman realized that Regina was there and her eyes lit up when she saw Roland in his carrier. “Oh! Isn’t he the most beautiful boy ever!” 

“Thank you,” Regina said, putting the coats into one of the cubbies. She was still a little wary around the woman and hoped she would move on quickly. 

“My name is Hilda and I’m a volunteer here,” the woman continued. “If you need any help, you can just ask me. That’s what we’re here for. May I ask the names of these two cuties?” 

Regina hesitated, still not completely comfortable with the woman. But she was a volunteer and would probably learn the boys’ names anyway, so Regina replied: “The baby is Roland and that’s Henry over by his father.” 

“Henry and Roland! Those are two classic names you don’t hear very often these days!” Hilda praised. 

“Uh, thanks?” Regina responded uncertainly. She was relieved when Henry tugged on her hand, begging her to play with him. Glancing up at Hilda, she said: “Excuse me.” 

Hilda turned then to Roland. “How about I take care of this little one?” 

“That’s okay,” Robin said, stepping closer. “I’ve got him.” 

Though Henry tugged on her hand, Regina didn’t move. She didn’t like how Hilda seemed uncomfortable letting Robin handle her own son. Her dislike grew when Hilda asked: “Are you sure? I’m more than capable of taking care of him.” 

“So am I,” he replied, annoyed. He lifted Roland easily and patted his back. “We’re fine. Thank you.” 

“Well, I’ll be around if you need me,” Hilda said, looking slightly put out that Robin kept rejecting her help. She walked away as Regina finally let Henry tug her toward the play area. 

As he climbed up a rope ladder, Regina stood off to the side and watched him. One of the other mothers came up to her. “I see Hilda introduced herself. She’s so good with the children and so helpful. The other mothers and I think she’s a godsend,” the woman said. 

Regina hesitated, not wanting to say the wrong thing. Her gut told her not to trust Hilda but it was clear everyone else liked her. She had to tread carefully and so she asked: “What about the dads?” 

“Oh,” the woman said, frowning. “We don’t get many of them. If they do come, it’s usually sporadic. Why?” 

“No reason,” Regina said, turning back to Henry. He waved to her once he reached the top and she waved back, an uneasy feeling in her stomach. She had learned to trust her gut after years on the battlefield and it told her that Hilda was going to be a problem. It also told her going against Hilda would alienate them as well. 

She suddenly preferred navigating a minefield to mommy dynamics. 

                                                          *****

Their next visits proved that Hilda’s behavior wasn’t just because they were new parents she didn’t know yet. She seemed obsessed with Henry and Roland, always making a point to greet them. And every time they visited, she tried to find a reason to hold Roland. Regina and Robin kept shutting down her every attempt politely as they didn’t really need her help. They also worried that she would try to walk away with one of their boys and had reminded Henry that he should only go anywhere with one of them. 

Regina also noticed that Hilda tended to hover more when Robin was with her. When he was there, she always tried to take over whatever task he was doing--whether it was feeding Roland, tying Henry’s shoes, or putting a coat on either boy. It was as if she just automatically assumed he would do it wrong and Regina figured it was probably just a preconceived sexist notion that men were hopeless and helpless when it came to children. Because when it was just her, Hilda never tried to take over anything she was doing. All she did was continue to try to find a way to hold Roland and each time, Regina kept shutting her down as politely as possible while still putting some warning into her voice.  

It got Hilda to back off for a couple weeks before she was back at it again. 

And all the while, the other mothers just kept praising Hilda. It got to the point that Regina did start to wonder if it was just her. 

“It’s not you,” Mary Margaret told her, pouring her a cup of coffee. “She’s the reason we stopped going.” 

“Was she obsessed with Neal or Eva?” Regina asked her. 

Mary Margaret shook her head. “She just was very patronizing toward David. Always kept taking Eva from him and insisting on taking care of her.” 

“She tries to do the same with Robin but he keeps Roland away from her,” Regina replied. 

“Some of the dads do, some don’t,” Mary Margaret said. “Almost all stop going.” 

Regina frowned. “What about their wives?” 

“Depends. A couple still come but they are generally the ones who also complain about how useless their husbands are,” Mary Margaret replied. 

“Charming,” Regina replied, sighing. “So there’s no stopping her?” 

“I’m sure there is. David and I decided it wasn’t our battle, not with him deployed again,” Mary Margaret said, her voice trailing off as sadness filled her eyes. Regina took her hand, holding it as her friend had a moment with her feelings. 

Clearing her throat, Mary Margaret continued: “You and Robin have to decide if this is your battle. And if it is, Hilda doesn’t stand a chance.” 

Regina smiled, giving her friend’s hand a squeeze. “Thank you.” 

They moved onto another topic but the conversation kept replaying in Regina’s mind. Was the battle with Hilda hers? Or would her energies be better spent finding a new place to take the boys? And if so, would Hilda’s reign of terror never end? Could she live with that or would her sense of justice force her hand? 

                                                     *****

Taking the boys to the Play Park. See you at home? 

I’ll meet you there. Court’s adjourned and I’m just finishing up here at the office. 

You don’t want to change first?

I’m fine. See you soon. 

Regina set down her phone before logging off her computer. She stood, grabbing her bag. “See you in the morning,” she called out to Mal. 

“You too,” her superior responded. “Good job today.” 

Heading out of the JAG building, Regina climbed into her car and drove to the Play Park. She spotted Robin’s car already in the lot and was able to park next to him, which would make things easier when they left. Unbuckling herself, she grabbed her phone and wallet before walking through the parking lot to the building. 

She checked in with the receptionist before heading to the baby and toddler area. Regina slipped into the room, scanning for her family. She spotted Henry on the playset and Robin coming out of the kitchen area with a bottle in one hand while Roland was nestled in the crook of his other arm. He eased the bottle between their son’s lips as she walked toward them. 

“LET ME DO THAT!” Hilda blew past several other mothers, including one who looked like she was struggling with two babies who were really close in age if not twins. She snatched the bottle from Robin’s hand, yanking it from Roland’s mouth in the process. He blinked a few times before wailing at the top of his lungs, displeased that his meal had been interrupted so rudely. 

Anger swelled in Regina and she stormed toward the older woman. Robin, though, recovered before she got there and he turned as red as a tomato. “HOW DARE YOU!” he bellowed. 

Everything went still in the room as everyone turned to watch the scene unfolding. Hilda looked somewhat cowed and Regina didn’t blame her. Robin didn’t let his anger get the best of him often but when he did, he was just as much a force to reckon with as her. 

“Give me the bottle back,” he demanded, holding his hand out as he tried to rock Roland to calm him. 

“He’s upset,” Hilda said, sounding as if  Robin was incapable of realizing that. She seemed to not recognize that she was the reason Roland was so upset. Her patronizing tone continued as she said: “Give him to me. I can soothe him with no problem.” 

“So can I...once you give me his bottle back,” Robin replied. 

Hilda just smiled at him. “I’ll feed him and you go play with your boy. That’s what men understand. Women understand babies.” 

"I understand babies,” he answered, “especially mine. Now, give me back the bottle.” 

“Is there a problem?” one of the managers asked, approaching. She looked nervously between Robin and Hilda. 

Robin nodded. “This woman grabbed the bottle right out of my son’s mouth.” 

“I was helping,” Hilda protested. 

“By pulling the bottle from my son’s mouth and upsetting him?” he asked, rocking a still distraught Roland. “And refusing to give it back?” 

The manager sighed, holding out her hand. “Give me the bottle, Hilda.” 

Hilda handed the woman the bottle and she quickly gave it to Robin. “I’m sorry for this, Mr...?” 

“Locksley,” he replied, easing the bottle back between Roland’s lips. The boy calmed down and started to suckle eagerly, finally getting the nourishment he needed. 

“Locksley,” the woman repeated. She then frowned. “You’re one of our military families, right?” 

He nodded and Hilda seemed to seize on that. “See? You’re a soldier, not a nurturer.” 

“He’s not the soldier,” Regina said, stepping forward at last. “I am.” 

Hilda’s eyes widened as she took in Regina’s uniform. Her eyes then softened and her patronizing tone returned. “You’re not really a soldier, dear. You’re a general’s secretary, right?” 

Regina’s anger flared up. “How dare you belittle me like that. I am a soldier. I served multiple tours overseas and fought on the front lines. And I’m now a lawyer, fighting in the courtroom. I am hardly an administrative assistant, though none of them deserve such a dismissive attitude to all the hard work they do to help keep our army running.” 

“I think we should probably go to my office,” the manager suggested, looking even more nervous and uncomfortable.

“What about our other son?” Regina asked, glancing over at Henry. He continued to play with the other children, unaware of the drama unfolding with his parents. 

“Our staff will keep an eye on him,” the manager promised, motioning for another staff member. She spoke to the woman, who nodded and said she would keep an eye on Henry. 

They all went to the manager’s office. She closed her door with a sigh. “Mr. Locksley, Mrs...” 

“Captain,” Robin corrected. “My wife is a captain.” 

The manager paused before saying: “My apologies. Mr. Locksley, Captain Locksley.” 

Roland spat out his bottle, yawning as his eyes closed. Regina took the bottle from Robin and he patted their son’s back, encouraging him to burp. All the while, he kept his eyes on the manager. “This was unacceptable. She pulled the bottle from my son’s mouth and startled me. I could’ve dropped him. She could’ve hurt him.” 

“I understand,” the manager said, eyeing Hilda. For her part, the older woman hung her head as the other woman continued: “It will never happen again.” 

“We hope so,” Robin replied. “That’s why I would like to make a formal complaint.” 

Hilda sat up straighter, the color draining from her face. “Is that necessary?” 

“Yes,” he insisted. 

“I assure you we will handle it,” the manager insisted, looking a bit uncomfortable. 

He shot Regina a look and she cleared her throat. “Perhaps we need to talk to your manager?”

The color drained from the manager’s face. “That won’t be necessary.I can help you file the formal complaint.” 

“Wait, are you serious?” Hilda asked, leaning forward. “I’m a dedicated volunteer. I’ve helped many moms here!” 

“And chased away just as many dads,” Robin shot back. 

“It’s their own male ego that chased them away,” she said. “They were too proud to admit they are essentially useless when it comes to babies. Women do that best. Right, Regina?” 

“Captain Locksley, please,” Regina told her coldly, even though she felt as if fire were flowing through her veins. “And I was deployed for my final tour when our eldest was only nine months. I was gone for nearly a year. You know who took care of him? His father. And he did a damn good job--by himself.” 

Robin’s cheeks turned pink as Hilda sank back in her seat. “Oh.” 

“Now,” Regina said, leveling the manager with a hard glare. “I believe we were about to file a formal complaint?” 

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

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Regina asked, sitting in the car with her family. They were parked in front of the Play Park, staring at the building. Her stomach churned in a way it hadn’t even when she was about to run into an active war zone. 

Robin reached over and took her hand. “We did nothing wrong. Hilda did and it was our right to report her.” 

“I know,” she said softly. “But it was clear everyone else loved Hilda. What if they hate us for reporting her?” 

“Then they hate us and have to deal with the fact that she was wrong,” he replied. “We can’t let her or them keep us from this place. Not when Henry loves it so much.” 

She glanced to the backseat. Henry was leaning over the edge of his car seat, trying to get closer to the window. His hazel eyes looked longingly at the building and he wiggled against his restraints, clearly wanting to get out and go play. 

Regina took a deep breath and let out. “You’re right. We can do this.” 

“Together,” he assured her, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze. 

“You’re my favorite partner,” she told him. “Just don’t tell David.” 

Robin chuckled. “I think he already knows.” 

She laughed before taking a deep breath. Giving his hand a squeeze back, she nodded. “Okay, I’m ready. Let’s go.” 

Climbing out of the car, they got the boys out and headed to the building. Henry skipped next to his mother as he held Regina’s hand and she smiled, glad he was happy. She held her head high, meeting Robin’s eye. He winked at her and she knew that no matter what awaited them inside, it would all be fine because they would face it together. 

[the-hilda-librarians-wife]

A familiar Soul - Chapter Nine

Summary: Hilda decides to be completely honest with her mother, surprised when she seems to be a lot more in on magic than Hilda had expected her to be.

With her daughter’s association with witches, Johanna is forced to face some secrets of her own, bringing her back to feelings and people she’d rather have left behind

Dealing with insecurities and inner demons of her own, Kaisa finds herself face to face with the very issues that brought her to be so displeased with her own abilities

Or: the one where Johanna is Kaisa’s familiar

Notes: I suppose this is more of a filler chapter, but I hope you could enjoy some shippy fluff anyways. And look! We’re over the half way mark now :D

Read it on ao3: (chpt1) (chpt2) (chpt3) (chpt4) (chpt5) (chpt6) (chpt7) (chpt8) (chpt9)

The second time Matilda hears that story, the atmosphere is astoundingly different.

She pretends to never have heard about the recent happenings in the sewers, of course, because Frida sounded so excited about her success that she wanted to give the girl an opportunity to ramble about it all she wanted, without leaving any detail out. Tildy would be the first to admit she was no actress, but she thought she did quite well with making exclamations of surprise, worry and wonder at just the right times, all the while feeling the warmth of pride fill her chest.

Hilda had come with her that day, and even though she wasn’t as thrilled with the recent adventure as her witch, it was stark clear that she wasn’t traumatized or scarred from it like any other person would be. If there was anything bothering her, it seemed to have been her mother’s attitude, but she hadn’t talked much about it and Tildy hadn’t pressed her. Still, the sorceress couldn’t deny that the outcome could have easily been tragic had her apprentices taken any longer to arrive, and as someone who cared about Hilda that truly didn’t sit well with her. Besides, she had made a promise to Johanna, after all.

Having been told that story by Kaisa right after it had happened, she had had enough time to prepare for the girls’s next visit. On top of the small table by the door, there were two miniature drawstring velvet bags, the sort that was used to carry crystals when a witch wished to take them on a trip. Inside those two, however, there were no precious stones, and Tildy picked them up when she had finished congratulating Frida for her magic feat.

“Only one thing worries me.” As nonchalantly as she could, Tildy weighed the two bags on her hands, making sure they felt the same. “If something of the sort happens again, you might not be as close to Hilda, or vice versa. I made some of this for both of you, and it would make this old woman a lot calmer if you could promise to keep it with yourselves at all times.”

Frida took the bags from her hands and passed one on to Hilda, whose curiosity immediately led her to opening it. A bluish glow lit up the underside of her face as she stared inside, amazed. It looked like Tildy had captured all of the stars in the sky and trapped them in that tiny satchel.

“What is this?” Frida asked as she looked over Hiilda’s shoulder and into her friend’s bag. The scent of seawater tickled her nose, and traveled down to her lungs making her feel like she was on the beach on a stormy day.

“Enchanted kraken shell powder.”

Hilda gasped “Kraken shell?!”

“Enchanted powdered kraken shell. Should one of you ever be in danger, the other needs only to step on some amount of the powder and find themselves instantly by their side. Crafty, isn’t it?”

Blinking, Frida tried to get past her surprise. Yes, it was crafty, but most of all it was impossible. Wasn’t it?

“Tildy, how on earth did you get this?”

Her mentor shrugged. “I know people. And the kraken was already dead, so worry not for that.”

While Frida tried to comb her mind for any spell that had a similar end and could be manipulated to have that same result, attempting to figure out how such an awe inspiring feat was done, Hilda’s head was already filled with ideas of how useful that could come in the future.

“That’s so cool!” She exclaimed. “Could it work with other people too?”

Dialing Hilda’s excitement down, Tildy moved her head left to right in a negative gesture. “This powder only works between witch and familiar. That’s why it's so rare. Familiars are usually treated as pets, so they rarely stay away from their witch at all.”

“But how are we supposed to know when the other will need help if we’re not close by?’

“But that’s the exciting part!” Tildy clasped her hands together in glee. “I think it’s time for you two to learn about the call!”

Though she herself didn’t know what that was about, Hilda noticed Frida gasp softly; no doubt her witch had already read about that.

“That’s really true? I tried to send the call to Hilda one day to test it but… I don’t think it worked.”

“Wait, what?” Hilda turned to her friend while her mentor watched them with amusement. “I never got any call from you.”

“That’s why I’m saying it didn’t work, Hilda.”

“The call isn’t something you get, darling.” Moving past them, Tildy began walking in the direction of the room where they did their magic training. It was the girls’ cue to follow her. “It is something you feel. The bond between witch and familiar is so strong that you are able to send a signal of sorts to each other, but you have to properly learn how to do it first. Once this ability is activated, you never lose it.”

“So cool!” Both of them gasped at the same time as they followed on the sorceress’s tail.

Turning the brass knob clockwisely and sending a jolt of magic through it (after all, what kind of witch would she be if her spell room was protected only by mundane ways?), Tildy opened the door to allow them in.

“It’s good to see your excitement! Shall we begin?”

_#_#_#_

Even though Kaisa would be the first to say that rainy days were her favourite, she had to admit to being glad for the sun shining brightly that afternoon. The event would be ruined otherwise, and that would make Johanna terribly upset.

Children of different ages ran excitedly through the stands that were put up in the field near the Sparrow Scouts Hall, playing games which Kaisa couldn’t recognize or gathering close to said stands. The Raven Leader had had the idea of introducing the children to different crafts, in order to try and make them interested in parts of their culture that weren’t given much attention. Being one of the senior Sparrow Scouts, Johanna had taken upon herself great part of the responsibility for organizing that event, and Kaisa even had accompanied her to those professionals’ houses to be with her when she made the invitation. Artisans with a wide range of different abilities now showed their skills to the children, and Kaisa was sure her girlfriend must be feeling really proud of the result of her work.

As she looked for Johanna among the swarm of similarly dressed scouts, Kaisa could only imagine how livid Henrietta would be if she learned that a witch so close to being fully trained was attending such a human event; mingling with non witches was not something she was encouraged to do, and the feeling of rebellion made being there even more worth it. Of course, that still couldn’t compare to the chance of seeing her girlfriend doing something she felt comfortable with.

Kaisa found her in the middle of the crowd, giving information to a trio of children who didn’t know where to begin exploring the event. After sending them on their way to a woman who was demonstrating the making of julehjerters, little decorative hearts of weaved paper, Johanna lifted her gaze and noticed the witch observing her. With a smile on her face, she beckoned Kaisa closer and closed her in a tight hug.

“I’m so glad to see you here!” She chirped into Kaisa’s cardigan, both of them taking a couple of seconds to just hold each other.

“The pleasure is all mine.” Answered Kaisa, looking around without dislodging herself from the embrace. “Are you sure I can be here, though? I only see other scouts around.”

Granted, the witch knew she wasn't the best of influences when it came to following rules, but she still wouldn’t want Johanna to get into any kind of trouble because of her. There were no other outsiders around her, and Kaisa didn’t think stealing a sash from some random kid would be a good solution.

Johanna took a step back, though she kept herself close enough that they were still holding each other’s waits, and smiled. “Don’t worry about it! We were encouraged to call people for the event. I just asked you to come earlier so we could make the most out of it, but people will begin arriving soon enough.”

“‘The most of it?’” Kaisa lifted an eyebrow.

“Of course!” Johanna’s eyes glittered as she tugged on her hand, guiding her girlfriend through the gathering. Kaisa didn’t resist, trusting her girlfriend knew where she was going as she began feeling a scent of flour and hearth in the air, which got stronger with every step they took. “There are things we must try before there are queues! Have you ever eaten a traditional lefse?”

_#_#_#_

Johanna had been right; it didn’t take long before a crowd began gathering on the field, both people who seemed to be there for their Sparrow Scout loved ones or those who only happened to hear about the event and showed up to enjoy the activities. As she’d already worked hard to make that event happen, not much else was expected from her except helping a confused younger scout every now and then, leaving her with time to spend with Kaisa.

Already eating their second serving of lefse with butter, they were discussing a way to find the recipe (Kaisa had offered to use a spell to steal a copy from the stallman, but unfortunately Johanna had stopped her before she had the chance) when one of the faces among the ones surrounding them caught their attention. Not because it was familiar to them in any way, but because there was something unquestionably strange about it. Framed by eerily red bangs, the girl’s eyes seemed to reflect no light at all. Johanna tried to point her out subtly.

“There’s something weird about that girl.” She said, watching Kaisa’s eyes narrow as if she was staring right through the other teenager.

“She’s a marra.” The witch stated with not an inkling of doubt in her voice, even though Johanna couldn’t tell what kind of magic she might have used to reach that conclusion, and turned to her with a sly smile in the corner of her mouth. “Should we do something about it?”

“No, I don’t think we should. Let’s not ruin our lovely day.”

“Anna, where is your sense of adventure?” Kaisa lifted an eyebrow, only half joking. She had noticed that with each passing day her girlfriend became less and less excited about the things they used to do together. It didn't mean that they were drawing apart, since they still always enjoyed simply being together, but sometimes Kaisa worried that things were changing too fast; while Johanna got more mature, she still felt moved by the same things she did as a child. She could only hope Johanna would never outgrow magic. It’s not like Kaisa had anything else to offer her.

“Right here, as always.” Johanna tapped her chest playfully, making Kaisa giggle, and then slid her arm across her girlfriend’s back to keep her close. “But the only adventure I’m interested in right now is being with you.”

Rolling her eyes, Kaisa leaned her head against Johanna’s shoulder and resigned herself to not doing anything. She watched the bustling event with little interest, focusing only on Johanna’s comments about school, her family, the Sparrow Scouts and all the other things happening in her life. Adventurous or not, she would have loved to spend the whole evening like that. Soon, however, Johanna took her arm away from around her witch, which made her look up questioningly.

Johanna was wearing an apologetic expression, trying her best to not look away from Kaisa’s face. The few strands of curly copper hair falling in front of her eyes made her seem disheveled for a moment. “We should probably get going. People are leaving, the place will be deserted soon.”

“Right.” Kaisa sat upright on the bench. “Want to come over for dinner? Tildy said she was making stew.”

The smile that Johanna had managed to put up wavered. “I’d love to, but… not today.”

After so many years, Kaisa recognized that tone of voice, and her own happiness faltered. “Your parents?”

“Yeah.” As a cooler breeze brushed against their skins, Johanna shivered. “They don’t like it that I seem to be out more often than before.”

It took Kaisa effort not to huff. Of course Johanna was going out more; she was trying to get extracurriculars under her belt for when the time came to send out college applications, not to mention how she had taken to helping some of her friends with their studying. How it escaped Johanna’s parents' notice that they were lucky to have a daughter like Johanna, Kaisa didn’t know, but she did take them for fools for it. Though Kaisa had to admit that their wariness of her didn’t get them any points with her either.

She did, of course, know that Johanna was certainly more upset with this than she could be. It was her problem to deal with, after all, and Kaisa wouldn’t make it worse by protesting. As they lifted themselves up to their feet, she tried to smile reassuringly.

“You could come over some other day, then. Don’t worry about it.”

Despite her mood, Johanna’s spirits were lifted by Kaisa’s thoughtfulness, and she leaned in to kiss her girlfriend sweetly on her lips, uncaring of who could see them. She tasted of coffee and of the lefse they’d had some time before, leaving Johanna slightly breathless when she drew back. Their hands interlaced between them as their foreheads touched, they had to make an enormous amount of effort to let go.

“Good evening, then.” Kaisa whispered, wondering how on earth the day had passed by so fast. If she thought such magic even existed, she would have suspected of some wicked witch casting a spell to steal their time from them. “And good luck.”

[itsnotwierditsart13]

Stupid Little Slug (Weirdspell One-shot)

Summary: Prudence thinks back to how their relationship with Sabrina started. (Flashbacks are slanted)

Prudence stayed silent as she watched Sabrina and her sisters study for their Druidism final. The three of them we’re in the same class and stressed out about it. Prudence, having already taken it the year prior, had no interest in revisiting it. She did, however, refuse to be left alone when they decided to form this little study group. One of her favorite things to do, after all, was watch the three of them interact with each other. Though she would never admit that out loud to anyone. 

The three of them were currently sat together on Sabrina’s bed. Agatha seemed the most focused from her spot left of Sabrina. She was actually highlighting things and nodding to herself. Dorcas was looking down at her textbook but her eyes remained unfocused. Prudence assumed it had to do with the fact that Sabrina was absentmindedly running her fingers through her hair. Dorcas loved getting her hair played with. It was obviously distracting her now. Sabrina was flipping through flashcards with her free hand and seemed to be getting more frustrated by the second. Every time she’d flip one it’d be followed by a groan of annoyance. Agatha picked up on this and silently reached over to rub Sabrina’s thigh in comfort. The silver haired girl seemed to instantly calm down from the simple touch.

Prudence smiled as she thought back to the beginning of their relationship. It certainly wasn’t always like this. Sabrina and her had gotten together first. After everything that had happened with saving Greendale and Zelda stealing a child. Things between them just sort of fell into place. Their first kiss had been startling to both of them, though.

The kitchen was filled with the sound of crying as Zelda rocked the baby back and forth. The child had been fussy all morning and didn’t seem to want to calm down. It was annoying Prudence, who had come over to discuss said child. She was there at the birth and was the only other person who knew of the child’s existence. Besides the house full of idiot witches and a warlock on house arrest. She rolled her eyes as Zelda tried to coo at the baby, who had finally calmed down. They were all going to go down for this eventually. A baby stolen from the High Priest, ridiculous.

“We are all screwed if you don’t get rid of that child,” Prudence spat out, losing her patience. Zelda just glared at her as she placed the baby back in it’s carriage.

“You know as well as I do that this innocent child would have suffered a cruel fate. We couldn’t just leave her with Father Blackwood,” Zelda replied. Prudence crossed her arms and continued to glare at the older woman.

“You seem to think I care about this child’s fate. All you’ve done is drag me into a mess that I didn’t ask to be apart of.” Zelda didn’t get a chance to reply as as Sabrina wandered into the kitchen. She stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed the two other angry looking witches.

“Um, everything okay in here?” Sabrina asked, glancing between the two of them. The baby babbling from its spot in the carriage.

“Sabrina, please tell Prudence that this child’s life is precious and we are most certainly not getting rid of her,” Zelda stated angrily before picking up the baby and storming out of the kitchen. It was dead silent as Prudence raised her eyebrow, daring the other witch to talk. Sabrina pursed her lips before glancing at the, now empty, carriage.

“I get that my aunt made an...irrational decision. But after everything that’s happened and how many times she’s had to save me. I’m gonna let her do this. She always has my back so now I’m gonna have hers,” Sabrina finally stated, trying to sound sure of herself. The two of them continued to stare at each other in silence. Prudence didn’t know why she was suddenly finding it so hard to protest about the child. It felt like all the obvious reasons that this was bad had flown out of her brain. It was extremely easy to say no to Zelda. It was extremely easy to look at the baby and feel nothing but annoyance. But, now, looking at Sabrina being determined in front of her, things felt harder. Instead of entertaining these thoughts she dropped her shoulders and let out a scoff.

“Fine, I’ll keep quiet about your aunt’s stolen spawn. But the minute shit hits the fan, do not contact me and don’t even think about asking me for help,” Prudence angrily spit out and moved to tower over the other girl. Sabrina seemed shocked for a moment that she agreed to help as she stared up at her. She eventually shrugged it off before smiling and letting out a slight laugh.

“I knew you had a soft spot for the baby,” Sabrina jokingly said. The comment only made Prudence tense up in agitation. Of course this half-mortal would continue to test her patience even after she agreed to stay silent.

“I don’t care about the stupid little slug,” Prudence gritted out. “You’re the one that’s gonna get killed when the High Priest finds out.” Sabrina’s smirk dropped as she continued to stare up at Prudence. The other girl continued to glare down at her.

“So you have a soft spot for me,” Sabrina quietly answered. It wasn’t in the joking tone she had used prior. This caught Prudence off guard as she opened and closed her mouth. She wanted to immediately refute the other girl’s statement but, once again, she was at a loss for words. When Sabrina realized Prudence wasn’t responding a gentle smile overtook her face. It made the taller witch’s blood boil. Before she could think about her actions she was leaning down to capture Sabrina’s lips. The kiss was anything but gentle as both girl’s tugged at each other. Neither of them wanted the other to have dominance. They didn’t stop until the need for air become too great.

“That was...not how I pictured my day going,” Sabrina said, causing Prudence to roll her eyes and push her away.

After that day in the kitchen things between them had progressed slowly. They tried to act like the kiss hadn’t happened at first. Until a week later when they had ended up kissing again. It was a lot of arguing and angry make out sessions after that. Eventually, arguing turned into conversations. The fights would still happen, but they were more playful than anything. Sabrina was the one who started to initiate hand holding and cuddling. Knowing that whatever was going on between them was real. Prudence would never admit to it but the first time Sabrina had grabbed her hand she almost cried. It was such a simple gesture, although so intimate.

Her sisters had kept their distance at first. Unsure of this new bond that was forming between the two girls. Eventually, warming up to Sabrina as well and being almost as touchy feely as she was. Prudence would sometimes have to scold them afterwards for being too forward. She hadn’t explained to Sabrina their dynamic yet. What would inevitably happen between the four of them. She had been worried at the time, of what Sabrina would think. Now, staring across at the three girls cuddling. All of them not even pretending to study anymore. She felt stupid for ever worrying.

Sabrina sat on the couch in the Spellman living room staring at the fire. Prudence was next to her refusing to do anything but glare at the sleeping baby. Zelda and Hilda had run off to do god knows what earlier and Sabrina had agreed to babysit. Prudence had come over and was immediately grumpy upon hearing this news. Sabrina didn’t care though as she happily rested her head against Prudence’s shoulder.

“You know if you glare any harder the baby might wake up and start crying,” Sabrina snarked with no real malice in her voice.

“Or it’ll burst into flames,” Prudence immediately replied, sounding thrilled at the idea. Sabrina rolled her eyes and reached out to play with Prudence’s hand. She knew it would make the other girl a little less tense. “Dorcas and Agatha are the ones that adore children. Always cooing over them. Ugh, gross.” At the mention of the sisters Sabrina raised her eyebrows.

“They should come over and meet her then. Aunt Zelda would love to have someone else cooing over the baby besides all of us. She seems to think it’ll cause the baby to grow up a hermit,” Sabrina explained. Prudence finally took her eyes off the baby and turned to look at Sabrina.

“You’d want them to come over?” Prudence asked, even though Sabrina had just explained herself. She did her best to tread lightly whenever the topic of her sisters came up.

“I mean, yeah. They’re going to be apart of whatever...this is eventually, right?” Sabrina asked gesturing between the two of them with her free hand. “They should get to hangout too.” Prudence stared down at Sabrina in absolute confusion. How did she already know about the bond they all shared. And why was she so calmly bringing it up like they were talking about what to eat for dinner. When Sabrina realized Prudence was a bit speechless she smiled. “What? You didn’t think I knew where this was heading. You guys share everything and they aren’t very good at acting strictly friendly. Dorcas told me yesterday that I had very kissable looking lips. Very subtle of her,” Sabrina finished, laughing slightly. Prudence had to shake herself out of her stupor before answering.

“You’re just full of surprises aren’t you, Spellman.”

Things progressed naturally between the four of them after Sabrina had admitted to knowing. Although, Agatha and Dorcas were extremely confused when Sabrina had began flirting back with them. Eventually, Prudence told them what was going on. They were thrilled. Dorcas made it her priority to woo Sabrina every chance she got. Walking her to class and bringing her gifts that she had stolen from around the academy. Agatha and Sabrina’s relationship was timid at first. Sabrina had murdered her after all. Their feelings for each other had won in the end though. They knew there was no point in fighting it. Overtime, they’re relationship had grown to what it currently is now. Strong and unbreakable.

“Hey Pru, instead of staring at the wall over there why don’t you come cuddle,” Sabrina stated while throwing a pillow at the other girl. Prudence snapped out of her thoughts as she easily dodged the pillow. Her sisters giggled at the both of them.

“No need to throw things like a little child,” Prudence snarked. But stood up and made her way over to the other three girls regardless. The three of them had cleared the bed of studying materials. Sabrina and Dorcas leaned against the headboard and each other. While Agatha sat between Sabrina’s legs, her back resting against the girl’s front. They all looked so comfortable together and it made Prudence’s whole body feel warm. “You are aware that you only studied for about thirty minutes, right?”

“That’s good enough for me. If I look at anymore words my head might explode,” Dorcas answered, playing with the ends of her hair. Prudence just ignored the innocent girl and climbed over them so she was resting against the other side of Sabrina. It was a tight squeeze when all of them were on one bed but none of them minded. Sabrina immediately wrapped her arm around Prudence’s and rested her head against her shoulder. Prudence couldn’t fight the way her body instantly reacted as she sunk down into the bed. They all stayed silent just enjoying each others’ company. After awhile Prudence closed her eyes figuring she could take a nap before her class later. That didn’t last long as she began to hear the distinct sounds of kissing. She cracked her eyes opened and was met with the sight of Sabrina and Dorcas in a lip lock. Agatha was smiling at them, looking like she was about to jump in at any second.

“None of you have any self control,” Prudence said, finding herself fully awake again. Sabrina and Dorcas pulled apart from each other. But it only lasted a second before Dorcas moved on to Sabrina’s neck. The silver haired girl distractedly glanced at the other two girls.

“We’re just making sure we’re not stressed during our exam tomorrow,” Sabrina answered back breathlessly. Prudence scoffed but didn’t protest anymore. Knowing that eventually Sabrina would make her way through all of them. When she started kissing one of them it always became a group affair.

Prudence wouldn’t have it any other way.

[wolfie-dragon-rider]

Bursts of Light, Day 14: Genderswapped

This was a difficult one to write. It's not autobiographical or anything like that, but I tried to imagine how Hiccup might reflect on his childhood after becoming a father himself. I don't know much about little children, so I hope I did them justice.

This one is about 5 years after they get married. Thora has just had her third birthday, and Claybones is 6 months.

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

"Oh, hello Hiccup! I didn't expect to see you!" Stoick said when Hiccup opened the door of his house. Pitter-patter of rapid footsteps echoed behind him, and Hiccup quickly moved his arm down to block his daughter from running out.

"Thora, don't run out on your own. I promise we'll go to the forest later," he said, kneeling so he'd be closer to her height. She sighed, but he sensed her nod.

"What did I tell you about answering with words? You know I can't see you nod or shake," Hiccup said, putting his hands on his daughter's shoulders.

"Okay. Can we go soon?" she slowly said, and he nodded.

"I promise. But first we have to greet Grandpa! Look, Grandpa Stoick is here!" he told her, turning her a bit so she faced the door again. He wondered how far she had to crane her neck to see her enormous grandfather's face.

"That's right. Hello, little girl! How are you?" Stoick asked, kneeling. Hiccup wasn't sure what happened next exactly, but he suspected Stoick ruffled Thora's hair.

"Grampa!" she shouted, and they all laughed. Hiccup moved aside so Stoick could move through the door.

"So what did you mean when you said you didn't expect me? This is my house," Hiccup said as they sat down at the table. Thora grabbed her plushie nadder and started playing with it.

"Well, it's just that you're supposed to do your chief tasks right now. Magnus and Hilda expect their new land to be marked today," Stoick said, pouring himself a mug of water from the jug on the table.

"Astrid's doing that while I'm watching the kids."

Somehow he felt like the temperature dropped a few degrees at his words.

"Hiccup… You know that you are supposed to become the next chief, not Astrid, right?" Hiccup resisted the urge to groan.

"Of course I know that. But this is more convenient. I'm no good at placing land markers on my own, so Astrid would have to accompany me anyway. And then there'd be no one to watch these little rascals!" he said, nudging Thora at the last word. She giggled, and the Nadder moved from the table to fly at Hiccup's face.

"Oh no, I'm being attacked. Help, I'm powerless against the mighty dragon!" he shouted, falling back in his seat and raising his arms dramatically. Thora laughed triumphantly, before growing bored again and running to the desk to get back to her drawing. The girl was always switching between activities, never settling on anything in particular.

Hiccup wished he could see what she drew.

Toothless rose from his slumber to walk over to the desk as well. Hiccup assumed he looked at the drawing. Maybe it was a drawing of him.

"Still, you should be visible! Out there! Make sure the people have confidence in their future leader! I mean, surely someone else would be willing to babysit for a few hours..." Stoick said, interrupting his thoughts, and suddenly a flare of anger flooded through him.

"Like you always did with me? Dump me on Gunborg, or Gobber, or some other random villager while you went chiefing all day and all night?" he said, taking a deep breath to calm himself. He wouldn't lose his temper. Not in front of Thora.

"It wasn't like that. Come on, I was raising you all by myself, and I was already chief at that point. You have Astrid, and me and Valka, and Tolfdir and Kirsten, and you only have to do a few tasks. Surely you can make time for what's important-"

"My children aren't important? Dad, I… This is precisely why we decided you'd hold off on the chiefing training for a while. Because I… I nearly had a nervous breakdown, okay. I couldn't take it. The wedding preparations, everything with Alvin, and then you kept pushing me about the chiefing lessons and it was too much. You might think chiefing is the only important thing in life, but to me there are a lot of other things that are important too. And now the kids are here and I want, no I need to spend every minute I can with them. I want them to have a happier childhood than I did," he slowly said.

He had never admitted that to his father. He and Astrid had been vague about the exact reasons, and in the chaos following Valka's return Stoick hadn't questioned it.

Stoick was quiet for a long time after that. Suddenly the wail of a baby pierced the silence, and Hiccup jumped up.

"It's okay, Clay, it's okay! Does it hurt? I'm sure all those casts itch. Don't squirm, you'll make it worse. Just let me grab you like- Oh, thank you Toothless," he said as he oh so gently took his son from the cradle in the corner of the room. Toothless helped support the baby for a second as Hiccup shifted his hands to support the broken shoulder better.

"Look Dad, this is another reason why I don't want others to babysit him. Clay needs constant gentle care. He's so fragile. And I just don't trust anyone else with that," he said when Claybones calmed down a bit after a minute of rocking and comforting.

"Not even me?" Stoick said, sounding shocked. Hiccup sighed.

"Dad… You almost broke my ribs once because you hugged me too hard. You shatter cups all the time because you squeeze them. And Clay breaks bones from anything. See this fractured shoulder he has? That's from Astrid lifting him by his armpits. We didn't expect that, and we've been raising him for six months," he said, sniffing the baby to check if the diaper needed changing. Thankfully it didn't.

"I didn't know you felt this way about me. I thought we were getting closer, ever since you met Toothless," Stoick whispered.

"It's not like that. Dad, I love you, and I know you tried your best, but ever since I'm a father myself, I realized how… messed up my childhood was. You were never there, and even if you were you never paid attention to me. I thought you hated me. I genuinely thought that for years. And… I don't want Thora or Clay to ever feel that way. I don't ever want them to feel like their dad didn't want to take care of them. Or their mom, for that matter," he said, hugging his son close.

"I screwed up, okay. I admit that. And I can never undo that. But I can try better with my grandkids! I have more time now, and Valka can help too! It's just that… you're inside the house all the time these days. A great many people think that the house itself is the… The woman's place! And outside, with your job, that's the man's place!" Stoick said. Hiccup forced himself to take a deep breath before answering.

"Well, this house isn't. My marriage isn't like that. Astrid and I are not like that. She's always been the physically strong one, the warrior. I know some of the villagers might say she's the man of this house. But… I never felt so happy, so alive, so… virile, in a way, as when I spend time with my children. If that makes me a woman, then fine, call me a woman," he said, rocking Clay to sleep. He wondered if Thora was listening. Probably not, she rarely paid attention to grown ups talk, and quickly got bored of any conversations.

"Son, you know I didn't mean it like that. I admire how hard you're working for these kids, it's just that… shouldn't Astrid be working with the kids too?" Stoick said, putting his hand on Hiccup's shoulder. Clay was quiet now, and Hiccup laid him back in the cradle. It was reinforced with extra pillows and springs to make sure he could never hit anything hard enough to fracture something.

"But she is! She's there for them every morning and every night. She feeds them, and cleans them. Things I just can't really do. And besides, she carried them for nine months each. She went through pain I can't even imagine to bring them into this world. I think she's done plenty. Don't you dare imply Astrid is a bad mother. She's infinitely better than… well, honestly better than both you and Mom ever were," Hiccup said. It felt good to finally say these things. It was only recently that he'd been able to process his childhood and talk about it honestly with Astrid.

"Maybe… Maybe you're right. But Hiccup, you have to understand that I didn't have it easy either. After Valka… disappeared, I was on my own. I didn't have parents or in-laws or a wife to help me with anything, and I had to do the chiefing by myself. And honestly you weren't the easiest to raise either. Always running off or disobeying my orders," Stoick said softly, releasing Hiccup's shoulder again.

"Thora is the same. But I manage, even though I can't see. I go along with her. If she wants to go looking for trolls, we try looking for trolls. And even if we don't find any, we both still have fun," Hiccup said, turning away from his father. Suddenly someone was pulling on his hand.

"Daddy? I made a drawing!" Thora said, putting something in his other hand when he knelt down. Hiccup tried his best to smile.

"I… I'm sure it's beautiful. When Mommy is home for dinner I'll ask her to describe it to me, okay? Unless you want to try?" he told her, unfolding the piece of paper. Thora had trouble understanding what blindness meant exactly. He kept having to remind her that he couldn't see her drawings.

"No, I wanna go outside now. Can we go? I saw a rabbit yesterday, can we try to find it again?" she said, already moving on to another activity. That put a true smile on Hiccup's face. Sometimes his daughter's lack of focus worried him, but in moments like these it was nice that she didn't linger on painful things.

Maybe he should do the same.

"You know what? How about Grandpa Stoick takes you to the forest? I can stay here with Clay, and make dinner. Grandpa is faster than me anyway, he can keep up with you!" he asked, standing up again before turning to his father.

"Of course, only if Grandpa is okay with… taking care of such an energetic kid," he said.

"I… I'd like nothing better. Let's find your rabbit! What did it look like?" Stoick said after a few seconds.

"It was white, and big! Bigger than my arm! It was digging in the dirt, and I'm sure there's a whole village of rabbits down there!" Thora shouted, running to the door. Stoick's heavy footsteps followed.

"A whole village? And what do they do down there all day?" the chief asked as they left. Toothless warbled once before running after them. That dragon rarely let the children out of his sight.

Hiccup sighed before putting the drawing on the table. Maybe his dad was right and a lot of villager called him a woman and Astrid a man. But if he got to spend so much time with his children, maybe being a woman wasn't so bad.

[beyondconfessor]

Principle Decisions [22/27]

Rating: Explicit

Pairing: Zelda Spellman/Lilith

Summary: “Oh no, I’m very intrigued about what you have planned with just the knife,” Lilith said, her eyes flashing. “I trust you, implicitly.”

 N.B.: Also posted on AO3. This is pure fantasy, please suspend your disbelief.

Zelda placed her bag in the back of the car before she stepped back, closing the trunk. Just as she went to say her goodbyes, Hilda rushed from the veranda with a picnic basket and handed it to her. “I know it’s only a short trip, but there’s some coffee and sandwiches for you and Mary both,” she said, before giving a big smile.

Zelda rolled her eyes, but took the basket from her nonetheless and placed it on the backseat of the car. “Thank you, sister, but it will only be a few hours drive. We don’t need to stop along the way.”

“Never know,” Hilda said. “There may be some delays or a flat wheel, and you’ll be thankful for that warm bit of coffee.”

She meant well, and as much as Zelda wanted to argue, she bit her tongue and gave a short nod. Her sister was supportive, in her own way, and it was enough for her to hold back from making any snide comments.

From the veranda, wrapped up warmly in gloves, jacket and a scarf, Ambrose gave a nod of his head. They’d spoken a few days ago, and Ambrose had supplied his support, reminding her once again, that she should be choosing her own happiness.

Zelda softened and smiled at him, feeling her chest warm. All she needed now was to wait for Sabrina. She’d thought about doing it through phone and then had decided against it. It deserved to be in person, and right now, it didn’t hurt anyone that she and Lilith were off spending the weekend together.

“Right,” Hilda said, stepping back. “I trust you’ve got everything, but were there any errands here you needed me to run while you were gone?”

“No, Hilda. But thank you. I’ll return before it’s time to pick up Sabrina from the Walkers.”

“And if you don’t, I’ll pick her up. Don’t rush your trip, enjoy it. Lord knows that once classes start up again, you’ll both be busy little bees.”

That was undoubtedly true. Zelda smiled and gave a short nod and then offered a wave to Ambrose. Then she was climbing into the car.

As she drove off, she checked her rearview mirror and watched as Ambrose and Hilda both waved at her departure before returning inside, smiles on their faces.

It was cold. Freezing really. To prep for picking up Lilith, she placed the heaters on high and the seat warmer on for passenger side.

When Lilith climbed in, after setting her bag into the trunk, her eyebrows shot up as she looked to Zelda. “Seat warmers, you really did put out big money for the car.” And then she was leaning forward, pressing a kiss to Zelda’s lips before a protest could be argued.

Zelda sighed against her mouth, feeling the familiar flutter in her chest. Her and Lilith, Lilith and her. She pulled back, watching as Lilith bit her lip as she smiled at her. “What’s the first thing on your agenda?”

Currently, Zelda was thinking about pushing the car into park and then opening up Lilith’s house again to pin her to the nearest surface. But there was plenty of time for that later. “We arrive, check-in, and then there’s the hotel bar and restaurant. I thought tonight we could settle in.”

“Settle in,” Lilith teased. “I brought a few things. I hope you don’t mind my presumptions.”

“I brought a few things too,” Zelda said. “And I fully intended to be presumptuous.”

Lilith laughed and then she was settling in the seat, smiling at her. “I can’t wait. I have a feeling this weekend is going to be a lot of fun.”

Zelda pulled onto the road, flicking her car’s stereo to play a radio show for their first hour. It was mostly a conversation starter, and they both took to it quickly, discussing the hosts' opinions and then going off on their own tangents, getting into a disagreement over the semantics of some philosophies, and then diving into the depths of others.

It was refreshing to speak to someone who’s mind was as sharp as hers, who’d read as much as she had, but wasn't also comfortable to say that she didn’t know what Zelda was talking about. There was no pretence behind any of it. Lilith wasn’t afraid to tell her she was wrong, nor was she afraid to back down from an argument and agree.

Zelda adored her all the more for it.

“Did we pass the roadhouse?” Lilith asked, twisting in her seat to look at a passing road sign.

“A few miles back. Why?”

“It was a landmark that I used to measure how far away we were.”

“The GPS is right there,” she said, pointing to where her phone was. Lilith looked at it and then at her.

“It feels more real with the landmarks,” she said. “You get used to going, ‘ah, yes, the dog statue, we must only be an hour out, now’.”

Zelda rolled her eyes, shaking her head. She used GPS for any of her lengthy trips, even when they were for something as simple as a direct highway to the city. “We’re only two hours out. You can sleep if you want to.”

“Hmm. There’s definitely something that I want to,” Lilith said to her, turning her head to look at Zelda mischievously. “Two hours is a very long time, and I didn’t see you at all yesterday.”

No, Zelda had been busy preparing for the trip.

She flicked her eyes from the road to looking at Lilith, going to ask what she intended to do––and then watched as Lilith undid her pants and slid her hand underneath. Zelda flicked her eyes back to the road and sucked in a deep breath, focusing on the stretch of highway before them as she listened to Lilith sigh.

Two hours was a long way, she realised. The highway was long, and she couldn’t just pull off in the middle of nowhere.

She listened as Lilith sighed again, making a small noise before she drew in a long deep breath.

Zelda briefly glanced at her, catching a glimpse of Lilith with one hand deep in her pants, and the other grabbing at her chest, firmly squeezing it.

“Are you intentionally trying to tease me?” Zelda asked.

“Yes,” Lilith said, “Is it working?”

Zelda shifted in her seat, keeping her eyes forward. She passed a road sign informing her there was a truck stop up ahead. Good. She swallowed, listening to the quiet hum of the engine, of the wind passing around the bonnet and windscreen, as she tried to ignore Lilith masturbated in the passenger seat.

She knew that if she asked her to stop, Lilith would. She would clean her hands and move the topic to something that would distract them both. But Zelda couldn’t find herself asking her to stop. All she could do was listening as Lilith slowly, lazily masturbated.

And the only question Zelda wanted to ask was how wet are you. But she knew what the answer would be: find out for yourself.

Jesus Christ.

She saw the truck stop against the horizon, void of any other vehicle. She pulled up, probably faster than necessary, and then unbuckled her seatbelt, placing the car into park and looked at Lilith. “Get out of the car,” she said.

The surprise on Lilith’s face was worth it.

“Out!” Zelda snapped and watched as Lilith grinned at her, before climbing out of the car. It was was cold, but not as freezing as it’d been Greendale. Zelda left the car running, and stepped out, shutting the door behind her as she grabbed Lilith and pressed her against the front bonnet of the vehicle. She shoved at her shoulders, and Lilith obeyed, lying down against the heat of the hood, stomach first.

The bonnet was warm, and as Zelda pressed behind Lilith, she adjusted the woman’s hips. “I bet you think your self absolutely wicked for teasing me like that.”

“Oh, I do.”

“Mm. And what do we do to wicked girls?”

Lilith’s hips shifted, moving to press up against her. “I do so hope the answer is to punish them?”

“It is, indeed,” Zelda said. “Now, I think I’ll take a page out of your book.” She kept her hand pressed on Lilith’s shoulder. “Pull your pants down for me.”

Lilith wriggled, pressing her hips firmly against Zelda’s as she looked over her shoulder. “And if I don’t?”

“And if you don’t, whatever lovely fucking you believe will happen in that hotel will be done only to yourself as I get a good night’s rest.”

Lilith studied her, eyes flicking over Zelda as if considering challenging it before she thought better of it. Zelda watched as she reached up and pushed the pants down, dropping them to the ground, around her ankles along with a lovely pair of underwear.

“Thank you,” she said as she leant back to admire the bare ass before her. Should anyone drive past, they might suspect what was happening, but they certainly wouldn’t know, unless they were to pull off to the truck stop. Which meant that Zelda could punish Lilith as she saw fit. “It’s cold, and I don’t want to be out here any longer than I need to be, so I’m going to make this quick,” she said.

“How quick?” Lilith purred.

“Ten strikes?”

Lilith paused, and Zelda wondered, briefly if it was too much, if they should have negotiated better. She went to speak to say that they could do something else until she saw Lilith’s expression, hungry and waiting for her. Giving her absolute permission.

“What’s your safe word?” she asked Lilith.

“Morningstar,” Lilith responded.

Zelda grinned. And then she rose her hand and brought it down on Lilith’s bare ass. It felt good. The hit was hard and sure and Lilith tense, gasping. Zelda did it again, watching the woman’s face, her body’s reaction, and each time Lilith tensed and then relaxed, her breath coming out in hot pants against the bonnet.

She was enjoying it as much as Zelda. Each spank was firm, loud, and Zelda could feel her hand sting by the tenth one. She wanted more––knew that she could do more later––but was content with how her work looked; Lilith’s ass was reddened, and arousal was beginning to form.  

It made her wonder if this feeling of pride and arousal was what Lilith had felt all that time ago in the office. And made her wonder if, during future drives on highways, Zelda would find herself going back to this memory of Lilith pressed over her bonnet.

She drew in a deep breath, and then, mindful of the cold, reached down and pulled Lilith’s pants back up. Underwear first and then the pants. The woman pushed up from the bonnet, turning around to face her and grinned. “You did well,” Lilith said, before leaning forward, “Now that I’ve been thoroughly punished. Perhaps there’s something else we could to warm up before we drive the next two hours.”

Zelda grinned. “I’m sure there is,” she agreed, and then took Lilith’s hand, tugging her into the backseat of the car. The moment the door shut and they were in the warmth of the car, neither of them waited.

They clashed together like they were short on time, biting and fucking as they both slid into the other’s pants, pulling the other person closer.

Zelda’s mouth bit down against Lilith’s shoulder as she stroked against her, grinding down against her thighs, and Lilith grasped at her hair, thrusting deeper inside of her.

They were fucking as if they were in competition, until at last, they both drew away, panting hard.

Somehow, she had ended up in Lilith’s lap, legs spread wide over the woman’s.  

“Fuck,” Zelda whispered.

“Fuck indeed,” Lilith laughed.

Zelda inhaled and then leant forward kissing Lilith sweetly. “We should actually try and get to the hotel, or we’ll be starving by the time we arrive.” Though the picnic basket sat beside them as a reminder of Hilda’s love and care.

“I can drive if you want,” Lilith said. “And then you can be naughty in the passenger seat.”

“Mm, and distract the driver? I don’t think so. You can sit in the passenger seat and let me drive in peace. Keeping your hands to yourself.”

“Or else?”

“Or we go back to you fucking me and you…what did you do all those times when I wasn’t allowed to touch you?”

“Masturbate a lot before and after seeing you. I’m pretty sure I broke two vibrators in three months.”

Zelda laughed. “Tragic, I’m sure.”

“Well…there was that night that you came stumbling across my cottage in the woods,” Lilith said, as she drew her hands over Zelda’s shoulders, rocking her hips to shift her in her lap. “I was trying to be loud in hopes of drawing your attention.”

“I didn’t hear you,” Zelda advised.

“Therein lies the true tragedy.”

Zelda closed her eyes, feeling the pang settle in her at what she missed out on. How many times had she thought about what might have happened had she’d ascended those stairs and peered into the room to find Lilith’s fingertips deep between her thighs.

She’d thought about it, over and over, and had every plan on making Lilith masturbate for her to at least make up for it.

But that was for later.

Now, they needed to get into their hotel room as soon as possible. “We should head out,” she said, looking up at Lilith. “The sooner we arrive, the sooner I can fuck you like I promised.”

“Like you promised?” Lilith asked.

Zelda nodded, “I plan to make you clutch at sheets and bury that lovely cock you love so much, deep inside of you.”

Lilith visibly took a deep breath, her eyes flashing with excitement. “And here I thought you were asking me to bring that dildo for you,” she said. “Zelda Spellman, you need to drive us to the hotel right now.”

Zelda looked up at her, unimpressed as Lilith made no attempt to let go of her, hands holding her firmly in place.

And then a mischievous glint crossed over the woman’s face before she leant forward, kissing her as her hands moved to cup Zelda’s face. “Or,” she said, “You could find it now and fuck me here, in the backseat of your car.”

“You can wait,” Zelda said. “And if you’re patient, I’ll fuck you however you ask.”

Lilith gave her a sharp grin before she kissed her again, truly and deeply before allowing her to slide off from her lap. “As you wish,” she said. “But I’ll want to test your endurance.”

“We’ll see,” Zelda said. And then she climbed from the backseat into driver’s, pulling her seatbelt on, before Lilith followed in her stead, somehow making an elegant show of moving from the back into the passenger seat. Likely having had experience and natural lithe grace, which only made Zelda all the more curious to her past.

The remainder of the drive moved to soft discussions, dipping into light-hearted stories of their childhood and teen antics before discussing art. There, Lilith cheekily discussed art thefts and conspiracy theories, but when Zelda tried to pry into discussions of artists or their bodies of work, she remained vague––advising that she couldn't wait to show Zelda around the museum.

It left Zelda with a sense of anticipation for their upcoming tour through the art museums.

And yet, underneath all of their chatter, they were both aware of their desire for one another, and it seemed easy to feel it press between them as conversation passed as fluidly as caresses.

On their arrived, Zelda parked into the hotel lot and drew out their bags, taking the picnic basket with her as she felt the desire tug between them. Both of them looking to the small, weekend bag, knowing what was buried in its depths, though Zelda was confident that they both carried a lovely secret of two between them both.

She flicked her eyes up to Lilith’s and watched the woman grin at her knowingly. “Almost there,” Lilith teased.

Zelda scoffed, looking away from her as she continued forward, towards the entrance. The concierge desk stood to the immediate left, and after confirming her name and credit card,  they were provided with their room keys and confirmation of their access to the gym and spa, should they so wish.

It was past midday but not quite evening and Zelda planned to enjoy the next few hours with Lilith, uncaring as to if they missed dinner.

She summoned the elevator, swiping the key and stepped into the elevator as Lilith stepped beside her. The door shut as she pressed their floor number and then Zelda was pressing beside Lilith, mindful that this was a public space, that anyone could summon the door as she pressed her hand again Lilith’s ass.

The woman was lucky she wasn’t wearing a skirt, if she had been, Zelda would have slid underneath it to feel Lilith shiver.

“I’m going to fuck you hard.”

“Promises,” Lilith teased, glancing to her.

Their room was spacious, there was a bed, a kitchenette, a bathroom with a sizeable shower, and a television mounted to the wall, before the bed.

“They probably have pay-per-view,” Lilith advised, as she set the bags down.

Zelda hummed at the thought, she wasn’t sure how she felt about watching porn, she’d never taken an interest in it.

“Get undressed,” Zelda said, as she set her bag down.

“So soon?” Lilith asked. “I haven’t even settled.”

“Get undressed, or I’ll find something else to occupy my time with.”

Lilith grinned at her, and then, very deliberately, began to undress in what could only be described as a striptease. It was slow and purposeful, with meaningful looks thrown Zelda’s way, and then Lilith was sitting on the bed, naked and ready. Good.

“Close your eyes,” she said, and Lilith obeyed, more likely out of curiosity than anything else. And then, Zelda unzipped her bag, watching to make sure Lilith didn’t move. She saw the woman peek curiously before closing her eyes once again as she caught Zelda’s glare.

Zelda walked up to her and settled before her, kissing over her shoulders and down her collar. Lilith exhaled, her head tilting forward and Zelda smiled as she gently drew her hands over Lilith’s back and then down, dipping into the curve of her waist and then the swell of her hips as she kissed over her shoulder.

Lifting a hand, she brushed Lilith’s hair over one shoulder and moved to kiss over her throat, nipping at it.

“The other day,” Zelda said, “You mentioned you used to engage in wax play. I used to be quite the expert.” And then she set on the bed a long, thin dagger. “But I was especially good with knives.”

Lilith turned to face her. “Knife play?” she asked softly.

Zelda nodded, biting her lip. “I have a lot of experience,” she assured. “Especially with wax if you’d prefer to keep it…relatively safe with me dripping wax onto you and then peeling it off with the knife. The edges are blunted for safety as well, but…it’s a favourite of mine.”

“Oh no, I’m very intrigued about what you have planned with just the knife,” Lilith said, her eyes flashing. “I trust you, implicitly.”

Zelda smiled and leant forward, kissing until she felt Lilith sigh against her mouth, before pulling away. I trust you. It was so little, so small, yet Zelda felt like the words were as impactful as I love you.

“What are your limits?” she asked.

Lilith hummed in thought as she seemed to consider it carefully, before answering, “Don’t stab me.”

Zelda rolled her eyes. “Honestly,” she said. “Is that really your hard limit.”

“Mm, with you, it just might be,” Lilith teased, and Zelda should remember who was in control. That she was trying to lead because Lilith had made some hints that she would enjoy Zelda taking control. Especially with the strap-on. But it was difficult to remember who should be in control when Lilith was pressing against her body and kissing her in such a way that had Zelda almost dizzy with desire.

She wanted Lilith inside of her. She ached to feel her.

Zelda withdrew, inhaling sharply as she watched as Lilith leant back against the bed, looking absolutely wicked.

“The dagger,” Zelda said.

Lilith looked over at it and then turned back to Zelda. “Tell me what you want to do with it.”

“I thought about cutting your clothes, but that seemed unfair to whatever clothing you brought.”

“Mm, I would have been most displeased. Perhaps my underwear I would have allowed…” she said, and Zelda filed that away for things to consider, “What else?”

Zelda took the dagger in hand, watching the light dance across it. “I like how it looks when you drag it over someone’s skin. You can press and cutbut you don’t have to. You can just…” and she showed on the back of her own, running the blade across the skin.

“Show me,” Lilith said, and then she reached for Zelda’s hand brandishing the dagger and brought the blade to her sternum. With her other hand, she took Zelda’s and lead her between her thighs. “What do you want to do to me, Zelda?” Lilith asked.

Zelda slid her fingers across Lilith’s sex, feeling the growing wetness as she stroked. Lilith’s hips matched hers.

And then Zelda dragged the blade down the sternum, between the rise and fall of her chest, until she pressed firmer and watched as Lilith’s breath held as if she was hesitating from pushing it into the blade.

“What are you going to do?” Lilith asked. She was still leading, and Zelda leant forward, kissing Lilith’s mouth.

“I think the question is…what are you going to do,” Zelda asked, and she slid her fingers away from Lilith, watching the woman’s expression shift from confusion to arousal. “I think you should put your hand to better use,” she said, and she pressed the blade firmly against Lilith, watching the breaths grow short and shallow as Lilith’s lips parted, her mouth tugging into a smile. “Go on, then. I’m not going to get you off, you’ll need to do that yourself.”

Lilith’s back straightened and then she slid her hand down between her thighs, her eyes holding hers. Zelda leant back to admire it and then brought the dagger down, using the flat of it to nudge against Lilith’s thighs.

“Wider, dear. I want to see the show.”

Lilith moaned, but she obeyed, her thighs spreading further apart and Zelda watched as the fingers worked deftly, focusing on stroking over and around the labia, And then, when Zelda could see how wet she was getting, Lilith slid three fingers inside of herself as if it were hardly difficult.

Zelda swallowed, watching the hips rock, listening as Lilith’s breath came in long, slow pants, a soft keen on the edges of it.

It wasn’t enough, she wanted to play harder. She lifted her dagger, pressing the tip to the hollow of Lilith’s throat and then slid it higher and higher, until the flat of the blade pressed underneath Lilith’s jaw and nudged her chin up until Lilith was tilting her head back, looking down at her as she masturbated.

“Much better,” Zelda purred and watched as arousal bled over Lilith’s face.

Holding the dagger steady, her eyes flicked down to where Lilith’s fingers worked, watching as she slid in and out of herself as her other hand worked her clit, stroking down and over it in a tease.

Zelda’s eyes fixed to Lilith’s, and with her empty hand, she reached to Lilith’s sex and slid over it with a single finger, around Lilith’s entrance, teasing to enter it and spread her wider. It would stretch her, and a part of her wanted to, just to hear what lovely sound Lilith would say.

Instead, she brought her fingertip to her mouth and licked the coated arousal from it.

God, she wanted her. It was hardy enough, and all she wanted now was to shove Lilith down on the ground and lick over the mess that had been caused.

She steadied herself, and continued to watch, focusing on how Lilith’s hips jolt––signalling how close she was getting to climax.

“Stop,” Zelda said, but she kept the blade steady, watching as Lilith stopped but didn’t move, her chest rising and falling with a heavy pant.

“Zelda,” Lilith purred, a request in the subtext of her voice.

“You must be quite used to delayed gratification around me by now,” Zelda teased. “What’s one more day?”

Lilith drew in a deep breath. “A day?” she asked.

“I think you can control yourself for a little bit longer,” and then she set the dagger aside and reached down, pulling Lilith’s hand away from her. Lilith’s expression shifted, frustrating passing over them, and then Zelda was undressing, ripping her clothes off quickly.

She shifted Lilith, getting her to on the mattress, lying flat. “Maybe if you’re very good,” she said, “I might return the favour.” And then she was shifting her hips above Lilith’s face, watching as the woman looked up at her, a hunger filling her eyes.

“Oh, it will be my pleasure,” she said.

Zelda realised her mistake the moment Lilith’s tongue touched over her. This was Lilith’s ruling position and whatever power she expected to hold over her by sitting here, on her face, was gone the moment the woman’s hands slid over her thighs, tugging her down, harder to grind over her tongue.

Lilith worked fast, and Zelda found herself doubled over on the mattress, her hands fisting into the sheets as she felt Lilith’s tongue slide over her in swirling patterns that had her dizzy. And then, just as Zelda found her hips rocking over the tongue, she felt the woman’s fingers sliding inside of her.

“God,” Zelda whined, inhaling long, deep breaths as she blinked up at the ceiling. She could regain control back over Lilith, grab at her hair and tug her into position, but if Zelda was honest, she didn’t mind at all the relinquished control. Not when her whole body seemed to hum.

Lilith was squirming so nicely under her that––

Zelda paused, shifting to look over her shoulder and notice why Lilith was squirming underneath her. The woman was fucking herself why she licked her out.

Pushing up and off Lilith’s face, she glared down at her. “Is this how you delay yourself?” she asked.

Lilith grinned, biting her lip as she refused to stop. “And what are you going to do about it?” she asked.

Oh, what a question. She could deny her, but she doubted that she would have the desired effect she was after. Instead, Zelda moved, shifting down. She had a most lovely idea, but it would have to wait. It wouldn’t work for now, and it wouldn’t be near as fun to do over dinner as it would be in the Art Museum.

No, she’d wait to have her revenge until tomorrow, but Lilith didn’t need to know that just yet. Shifting down, she kissed Lilith’s mouth, tasting the arousal on her lips and then continued to move down her body, kissing down her throat, and shoulder, her chest and belly, until she came between her legs.

And there she moved Lilith’s hands away and replaced it with her own fingers and mouth.

Lilith sighed, her body dropping back against the mattress before her hips lifted, back arching. There we go, Zelda thought. There was the control she was after.

She kissed and licked over Lilith’s sex, her fingers sliding inside of her and curling where she knew Lilith liked to feel pressure, and then, when her hips began to buck, thighs squeezing around her, Zelda sucked on her clit, stroking inside of Lilith until she felt the woman squeeze around her fingers.

Lilith came, panting with soft moans, and a sigh, before she was reaching down and tugging Zelda’s face back to hers.

It was lazy and messy. Open-mouthed kisses and tender stroking as they shifted on the bed, and somehow, it didn’t matter at all who was leading. They groped at one another, sliding inside of each other as they fucked in so many different positions, at one stage Zelda had to stop due to a leg cramp.

By the end, Zelda was wet and sticky, uncertain of where her own arousal began, and Lilith’s ended as they both ended up draped over the other’s body, her head pressed against Lilith’s calf, and Lilith’s head lying against her ankle.

She shifted, looking over her shoulder as Lilith’s eyes fell half-lidded, exhaustion pulling at her.

“Tired?” she asked, watching as Lilith hummed in agreement, her head resting heavily against her.

“What time is it?”

Zelda squinted, shifting to look over at the clock on the bedside table. “Nine,” she said, with a yawn, “but it’s been a long day. Hilda made us food, did you want some?”

Lilith hummed, nodding.

Shifting off her, she crawled across the bed and reached for picnic basket before bringing it to bed. There, she opened up to see that Hilda had set up the food in containers, packing ice blocks around it to ensure it remained cool. They ate quietly, enjoying the food, sipping at coffee though the buzz from the caffeine seemed to supply very little energy before Zelda turned to look Lilith.

“Shower,” she said.

“Shower,” Lilith agreed, though she pushed up from the mattress tiredly, following her into the bathroom. There, Zelda washed both Lilith and herself, cleaning them of the mess of body fluids. Although washing herself involved Lilith’s arms around her waist, head resting against her shoulder as she drifted off to sleep again.

“You didn’t even drive.”

“Mm, multiple orgasms.”

“Ohh?” Zelda teased. “Is that all it takes to wear you out?”

Lilith shifted against her before nodding against her back. “Better with giving than receiving,” she said softly. Zelda sighed, feeling the breath tickle against her.

“Well, better get you to bed then.”

Lilith only curled tighter against her, apparently content to stay in the shower a little longer, but Zelda wasn’t having it. It was a waste of water. Turning the taps off, she shifted them out of the shower and handed Lilith a towel before she drying herself off.

She returned to the bedroom, dressed in her pyjamas, noting that Lilith opted to remain undress as she resumed to settle on the bed. However, as Zelda settled beside her, Lilith made herself comfortable by shifting to lie on her chest.

Zelda hummed, looking down at her as Lilith’s eyes blinked tiredly as Zelda flicked on late-night television before she drifted asleep.

There’d been a time where Zelda had wondered what domestic bliss might look like with Lilith. She’d thought that, like in sex, Lilith would vie for control, only to occasionally permit it to be the other way around. But it seemed in both things, Zelda was wrong.

Lilith was content to have her head on Zelda’s chest, an arm around her waist and saw no reason to deviate from it. And in sex, Lilith was as excited to be led as she was lead––or in some cases, mutually work with Zelda to bring them both to new heights of ecstasy. The domineering side of the dominatrix could be brought present at any moment, but the more Zelda saw her, the more she found that Lilith wanted an equal.

And Zelda wanted that too.

It was fun to be bent over and spanked, as it was to be the one bending the person over and spanking them—but in love, she wanted an equal; someone who respected her opinion, who understood her commitments and didn’t ask for more than she could give.

Lilith was offering that. Had shown that and was continuing to provide it. What else could she possibly want?

Lifting a hand, she stroked Lilith’s hair and felt as the woman snuggled tighter against her, hands gripping the nightgown before she eased back into a deep sleep, her breaths long and slow.

Zelda peeked down at her, feeling warmth hum through her. Her home had always been at the Spellman Manor. She'd travelled the world, lived in other houses and apartments, but a sense of home had always felt like her childhood residence.

And yet…for the first time, she didn’t feel homesick.

Switching the television off, Zelda reached over to the bedside table, and flicked the lamp off, holding Lilith close, so the woman didn’t think she was leaving. And then she kissed the woman’s head as she pondered one question she'd asked herself before making any lifelong decision.

If this was for the rest of their life, would she be content?

She would. In the depths of her heart, she knew she would.

Zelda loved her, and if she looked closer, and thought about all the actions and words, Lilith had said. She might believe that Lilith loved her too.

Once Sabrina had agreed, Zelda promised herself she would tell Lilith how much she loved her. She hoped that Lilith would say them back, but honestly, so as long as she was open to the idea of Zelda loving her, then the rest could wait.

She brushed Lilith’s hair from her face, watching as the woman’s brow pressed before it eased again. It seemed easy to love her, so much so that she couldn’t help but taste the words and wonder what they sounded like out loud.  

I love you, I love you.

I love you, Lilith.

They tasted sweet.

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