#i know i'll fall even though i'll try and hope to float | about

[futsuucmplx]

hoshi has extremely vivid dreams, often lucid dreams. sometimes they're just common and normal ones, but more often than night, it more the turmoil she's been so heavily pressing down taking form. it's not uncommon for her to wake up halfway off her bed cause of a particularly distressing one. these dreams have also made her develop a phobia of butterflies. for the record, these dreams aren't just reliving trauma, at least, not completely. these dreams are weird and distressing because of the feeling behind them and the subconscious messing with a, frankly, already frayed mental state

[clanwarrior-tumbly]

Can I request for Shmilk with anger issues x Reader? Shmilk has a bad and Reader is here to calm him down and comfort him (Wether it’d be about Pure Vanilla Shadowvanilla mention? or something else up to you) If you can that, it’s ok if not, hope you have a great days!

"I can't believe him!!! HOW DID I FALL FOR IT SO EASILY?!!!"

"He's a fool to think he can just "talk" his way out of any problem, but it'll only get him so far. Next time, he won't be so lucky."

"...next time? Next time?!! THAT was the PERFECT TIME TO GET HIM ON MY SIDE!!!! AND I BLEW IT!!"

Out of blind rage, Shadow Milk Cookie threw one of his plushies with all his might at the nearest wall, but you intercepted it with your magic, keeping a protective bubble around it.

"You must be gentle and forgiving with yourself, master." You sighed, bringing it closer to you. "Expending your energy like this isn't good for you."

"What? Like you and Black Sapphire Cookie and Candy Apple Cookie are "good" for me?!" A scowl crossed his features. "I gave you three very. Simple. Jobs! And you failed miserably!!"

"Unfortunately, we're all you have left."

"...oh, what a pesky little liar I've molded you into, [Y/n] Cookie." He snickered, floating over to your side, jabbing a clawed finger into your chest. "You think I need your help?!! My fellow colleagues who've been sealed up are running freely, ya know. And once they have their soul jams back...oh, our revenge is gonna be sweet and liberating!! Then I won't need you for much longer."

"But until then, what shall you do?" You countered, not perturbed by his threats of discarding you. "Until they're finished fighting their own battles, what then? None of you are at your full power."

".....you're making me depressed. Stop that." His face switched to a deep frown as he took his hand away, no longer having any fun. "What ever happened to those sweet praises you were singing me? Think I'm not "worthy" anymore? Because you've seen me bested by that...that stupid altruist cookie?!"

"You speak as though you lost a great battle. Beaten, humiliated, almost losing your life. But...from what I saw, he only ever offered you friendship."

You didn't think much when you said that, but you had a twinge of regret as Shadow Milk Cookie stared at you coldly--as though you were Pure Vanilla Cookie himself.

"It was a pitiful gesture, a mere attempt to get my guard down....and it made me puke." Bringing his milk cream staff to his side, dark magic began surging within the blue orb. "I hate him. That stupid...little...."

You tilted your head. "Yes, he's stupid-"

"AND A TRAITOR!!" With a swing of his arm, the magic converted into a volatile beam of energy that struck a nearby vase, shattering it into oblivion. "He MOCKS me!! Parading around MY SOUL JAM!! And he thinks that all I want is a "friend"?!! What kind of idiot does he think I am?!! I only wanted ONE thing, and he couldn't even give me that!!"

His hair tendrils whipped around wildly, their blue eyes stressed and darting all around as he attacks something else. "That's fine. It's all fine!! I just want to see him crumble before my feet!! And I'll...I'll get...my...ghh..wh-what's wrong with me...?"

Out of nowhere, he felt his strength being sapped right from his body. A dizziness overcame him as he stumbled a little, using his prized weapon to steady himself.

You calmly went over to assist, and he tried to push back against it, threats spewing from his mouth, yet you wouldn't budge.

Eventually you guided him to the bed that was in the room, taking his staff. "This is what I was trying to warn you about. You're not back to a hundred percent just yet, master. I know you crave revenge, but...it's too soon still."

His silence was unusual, and even a bit scary for the unsuspecting ordinary cookie who knew of his might.

But you knew him better. You could see that even though he didn't wanna admit it....you were right. He couldn't do anything right now--not after everything he threw at Pure Vanilla Cookie and his friends.

He's been waiting eons for this chance.

And yet...he still has to wait just a bit longer for a better opportunity.

Throwing these tantrums and having you talk to him like he was some child wasn't helping matters, nor his ego.

You didn't know what he was thinking, except that he probably wanted you to get out of his sight right about now. So you slowly began to take your leave. "Victory will be yours, master. It's very close. Soon you'll reclaim what he took from you, and reinvent the world the way it was meant to be. I'll see if the other Beasts' servants have any reports of-"

"Stay."

"...huh?"

"Do I need to spell it out for you?" Shadow Milk Cookie's expression was grumpy, but not outright hostile, as he grabbed your wrist, pulling you back to his side. "What I said earlier? Just another little lie~ You're not as useless as those other two cookies. Don't tell them that, 'kay?"

To hear him say that was..quite endearing. You knew better than to question why he decided to retract his previous statement, considering that came from his anger, so you simply nodded. "Of course. I can always keep a secret."

"....can you keep another one?"

"Certainly, what is.....oh."

Slowly, you trailed off as he leaned his head on your shoulder--in a rare moment of vulnerability you never expected him to display. Not in a million, billion years. "Master-?"

"Just..Shadow Milk Cookie is fine." He sighed tiredly, closing his eyes. "I need quiet. All day they've been nagging at me...asking what my "next great plan" is. Those idiots need to understand it takes time."

You just hummed in understanding, finding it very peculiar that despite him bragging about having "everything" and not being "lonely"...why did he not want you to leave him?

Why was he confiding in you more?

It left you to wonder if some of Pure Vanilla Cookie's words perhaps rang true--that he's just lonely and that...maybe things would've been a lot different if he had somebody who understood him back then. All those years ago before the deceit and the lies and the gossip.

Alas, you were baked much too late to see what he used to be like. You were merely a concept and a pile of ingredients on the witches' shelf when he was the Fount of Knowledge.

In the present, your company was all you could offer. And he never admitted it out loud...but he appreciated it. He liked your maturity compared to his other two minions'; while they quarreled and bickered like children just to get a minute of his time, you remained dutiful and diligent in your work without the desire for validation.

Whenever you went around spreading comforting lies or exposing painful truths about people, he was secretly always watching and listening with delight.

You could have very well been a master of deceit yourself.

There was someone else, however, he found more worthy of that title--but he didn't want any hand in that. He wanted to stay stuck in his olden, outdated, altruistic ways, playing the "savior" and twisting his other-realm into something hideously bright and-

"Steady breaths, Shadow Milk Cookie. You're trembling again."

With a hitch of his breath, the Beast returned to his senses, realizing how much his claws were digging into the mattress beneath him. He could feel the anger welling in his chest again, but with your advice in-mind...that rage was mellowed out.

It's strange how simply breathing is enough to make such feelings retreat, at least for a little while.

"Feel any better?"

"..somewhat. It's funny."

"What is?"

"You remind me of a little cakehound. Unsuspecting, but loyal to the bitter end." He looked at you with an eerie grin. "I could just snap my fingers, and you'd lie, fight...and crumble for me, wouldn't you?"

"Well, you've helped me carve a new path for myself. Helped me see the world as it really is. So...I feel like my unwavering loyalty is a fair trade, no?"

He said nothing to that, but seemed content with your answer as he closed his eyes once more, leaning back onto you.

And you said nothing more, either, instead allowing him to rest.

[bananasplit133]

OH THANK GOD, I'VE BEEN SO DEPRAVED OF CONQUEST CONTENT, ILY 🙏🙏

I'll make sure to stalk your page from now on, love your work ❤️❤️ (⁠.⁠ ⁠❛⁠ ⁠ᴗ⁠ ⁠❛⁠.⁠)

THANKS, ANON!!! HERE'S YOUR LITTLE CONQUEST FANFIC!!!

After the Fall

Part 2

Conquest/Reader (Conquest appreciation post)

-----

The streets of the city lay in ruins, remnants of the chaos left by recent battles scattered everywhere. Buildings were reduced to piles of debris, and the air was thick with dust and a sense of despair. You navigated carefully through the wreckage, your heart heavy with determination. Supplies were running low, and injured civilians were in desperate need of help.

As you turned a corner, you spotted a few people huddled together, whispering nervously. You approached them, ready to offer what little assistance you could muster. But before you could reach them, a flicker of movement caught your eye.

In the distance, you saw a figure hovering slightly above the ground. The person was dressed in flowing white clothing, and though he appeared old, there was something unsettlingly powerful about him. His stance was rigid, fists clenched at his sides, and you felt an instinctual wariness creep over you.

You hesitated for a moment, weighing your options. The streets were already filled with too much fear; you didn’t want to provoke anyone, but curiosity tugged at you. Gathering your courage, you stepped closer to the figure, calling out, “Excuse me! Are you alright?”

As you approached, the man turned to face you, and your heart skipped a beat. One of his eyes was blind, while the other bore into you with an intensity that made you swallow hard. “Who dares to approach me?” he asked, his voice low and rumbling.

“I’m just trying to help,” you said, your voice steadier than you felt. “There are a lot of injured people around. I thought you might need assistance, too.”

He studied you for a moment, confusion evident on his face. “You approach me, a being of power, without any weapon? You are either foolish or brave.”

“Maybe a little of both,” you replied, a hint of defiance creeping into your tone. “But I’m not afraid to help someone in need, even if you don’t look like a normal civilian.”

“Normal civilians tend to avoid me,” he said, his voice cold. “They know the consequences of approaching someone like me.”

You raised an eyebrow, feeling your irritation rise. “And what does that say about you? If people are too scared to come near you, maybe you should rethink your approach.”

The figure seemed taken aback by your words, and for a brief moment, his expression shifted. “You speak with conviction,” he said, a hint of curiosity breaking through his otherwise serious demeanor. “Most would cower at the sight of me.”

“I’m not most people,” you replied, crossing your arms. “What’s your name?”

“They call me Conquest,” he said, his voice steady. “And conquering... is precisely what I intend to do here.”

“Great. Another villain with a superiority complex,” you muttered under your breath, your frustration bubbling to the surface. “You really think you can just come in here and take over? Look around you—this place is already a wreck.”

“I do what is necessary,” he replied, his tone unwavering. “The weak must be ruled by the strong, or chaos will reign.”

“And what about the people who are trying to rebuild?” you challenged. “They need hope, not fear. You think conquering is the answer? You’re wrong.”

“Hope is a fleeting emotion,” Conquest stated, his voice steady. “It crumbles in the face of reality. Fear ensures compliance and order.”

“Order based on fear isn’t true order,” you argued, feeling the heat of the moment intensifying. “People need to feel safe, not terrorized. If you keep using fear as your tool, you’ll only create more enemies.”

He floated closer, and you felt a surge of adrenaline. “You presume to lecture me on how to rule? I have faced countless foes, and none have stood before me with such audacity.”

“Someone has to challenge you,” you said defiantly, refusing to back down. “People can’t live like this, and I won’t let you dictate how things should be.”

Conquest studied you, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “You are intriguing, human. Most would have submitted to my power, yet you confront it directly.”

“Maybe I’m just tired of all the villains thinking they can walk all over us,” you replied, a mix of frustration and determination fueling your words. “You think strength comes from terrorizing people, but it doesn’t have to be that way.”

“Strength is all that matters in this world,” he said, his tone firm. “You are naive if you believe otherwise.”

“Maybe I am,” you admitted. “But I’ve seen what happens when fear reigns. It doesn’t unite; it divides. If you want to conquer, you’ll only create more chaos.”

He took a step back, the tension between you thickening. “Your conviction is commendable, but it may also lead to your downfall.”

“Maybe,” you replied, feeling a mixture of defiance and uncertainty. “But I’d rather fight for what’s right than submit to someone like you.”

For a moment, silence hung between you, and you could see the conflict brewing in his expression. He stepped closer again, looming over you, and your heart raced.

“I have seen many come before me, and they all feared what I could do,” he said, his voice low. “And yet, you stand here, challenging me. It’s… amusing.”

“Glad I can entertain you,” you replied, crossing your arms defiantly. “But I’m not just here for your amusement.”

“You are certainly more resilient than most,” he mused, his tone shifting slightly. “But you should understand that I do not play games. I am here to conquer, but I shall find Invincible first. Tell me where he is located.”

“And if I refuse to help you?” you asked, narrowing your eyes.

“Then you will remain in the dark,” he replied, his tone cool. “I will not hesitate to act, and you will find that I am not a force to be trifled with.”

“Great, just what I need,” you said, feeling a mix of annoyance and determination. “Another villain thinking they can control everything.”

He tilted his head, clearly intrigued by your boldness. “You are quite feisty for someone so vulnerable. I find that amusing. Do you truly believe you can stand against me?”

“I don’t have to stand against you,” you replied, your heart racing. “But I won’t let you hurt anyone in the process. People deserve better than to live in fear of you.”

With a flicker of movement, he was suddenly in front of you, towering over you with an intensity that made you stumble back slightly. You caught your breath, looking up at him in surprise.

“Such spirit,” he said, almost admiringly. “But do not think that your bravado will shield you from the realities of this world.”

Before you could respond, Conquest leaned down, his lips brushing against yours in a startling kiss. His teeth grazed your bottom lip, and he pulled back just enough to draw blood. You felt a jolt of shock and confusion, your cheeks flushing as you processed what had just happened.

He groaned at the taste, an unexpected sound that sent a shiver through you. “You are intriguing,” he said, his tone shifting slightly. “But I have a mission to complete. I will find Invincible.”

You stood there, stunned and blushing, unsure of what to say. Conquest straightened, his demeanor changing as he returned to his more imposing self. “I will return for you after I deal with him.”

“Wait, what?” you managed to stammer, still trying to wrap your head around the kiss. “You can’t just—”

“I can and I will,” he replied, turning away, leaving you bewildered in the ruins. “Consider this a warning. You may find yourself drawn into a world you do not yet understand.”

As he floated away, you felt a mix of emotions swirling inside you—anger, confusion, and an unexpected thrill at the encounter. You had confronted Conquest, a being of immense power, and now you found yourself entangled in something far greater than you had anticipated.

You took a deep breath, the weight of the situation settling in. This was far from over, and you were determined to stand your ground. If Conquest thought he could just conquer everything without consequence, he was in for a surprise.

[danikamariewrites]

Hiiii cutie! I don't know if you take a request, if you do I'll leave you mine THANK YOU I hope you're well! You could write about Reader and Azriel have to share a bed. They have no problem with it but they didn't know that they couldn't keep their hands to themselves (not in a sexual way) but they could wake up in the middle of the night finding the other one cuddled up to them haha ​​something sweet and tender

Bunk Buddies

Azriel x reader

Warnings: none

“Hey,” you chirp, floating into the spare bedroom that’s Azriel’s for the night. He gives you that soft, rare smile. “Hey. I thought you were going to sleep?” You let out a long dramatic sigh, flopping onto the bed next to him.

“The couch isn’t as comfy as I thought it would be.” You scrunch your face thinking about the lumpy cushions. “Well yeah, it’s a two hundred year old piece of furniture.” Az laughs, nudging you.

“Can I sleep with you tonight? I even brought this big blanket we can share.” How could Azriel say no to you? With those beautiful eyes and sweet smile always influencing his decisions. Az pulls back the covers for you. You quickly tuck them under your chin, still wrapped in the big blanket you promised to share.

“It’s always so warm under your covers.” You sigh in comfort. Azriel’s heart stutters at the comfort he brings you. This isn’t the first time the two of you have been ‘Bunk Buddies’, as you called it on your first mission.

You never liked being alone during missions. Knowing Azriel was in the room next to you was comforting, but there was always this pull to be close to him. Even at the House of Wind you hated being alone. The house was big and cold. Azriel was warm and made you feel less alone.

Besides Cassian and Rhys, you were the only person Azriel would stay up all night talking to. You two would gossip, talk about life in general, and what Rhys did as a boss to piss you off. He wouldn’t have his nights any other way.

You fell asleep quick, Az tried to not be upset you guys didn’t have your usual talk. Maybe this was a good thing. Azriel doesn’t know how much longer he can keep his pining to himself. His brothers, especially Cassian, have been teasing him about his crush.

It’s more than a crush though. Azriel can feel it, he wants it to be the bond and has reached for that feeling in his chest for weeks now. Trying to will the bond to snap into place.

The Shadowsinger fell asleep before he could keep thinking about the bond.

In the middle of the night Azriel was woken by something grabbing at his wing. He shot up in bed, looking around the room looking for who would dare attack his wings. His shadows swarm around his shoulders instead of around the room like their master wants.

“What are you,” Azriel trails off as he feels a hand slide down his ribs. He finds you sound asleep, clinging to his side. Breathing out a sigh of relief at the lack of an intruder Azriel laid back down. Usually it was Az who would wake up finding himself wrapped around you.

Azriel closed his eyes, trying to go back to sleep. He tossed and turned for what felt like hours trying to find a comfortable position while trying to give you your space.

You stir, catching Az’s attention. Blinking slowly at him you tilt your head. “Why are you up?” You mumble. “Just thinking.” Az replies honestly. You let out a low hum, snuggling into his side again. Falling asleep as fast as you woke up.

Azriel gave in, letting his arms wrap around you. Drifting off into a peaceful sleep, a warm feeling in his chest helping lull him. He smiled to himself. Knowing the bond snapped as peacefully as he felt with you felt right.

[dandysworld-meh-imagines]

Hallo !! ;D Astro w/ a cuddly reader requester here. I lovvved how it turned out, very cute! :3 but, if it isn't too much trouble again, could I request Astro with a fem. reader who's like,, an angel-based toon? eruhh.. y'know, white wings, glowing halo, soft looking type thing !

Astro With A Fem! Reader Who Is Based Off Of An Angel!

Hey again, dear anon!! It's not too much trouble, no worries! I feel like I'm gonna be very busy these days (whether with stuff or going through bad days sksks) and in the near future too, I'm trying to balance so many things aaaaa.. I hope I'll still be able to post requests here! Here you go, thank you for requesting! <3

-Anna

-Astro thought you looked so beautiful. He still remembers the first time he ever saw you, he was quite surprised. You were such a beautiful girl that he often found himself gazing at you from afar before looking away, it was hard to keep you out of his mind especially when you made an impact on him. Even things like the way you smiled or how others seemed more relaxed around you or just how majestic you looked really drew him in. Astro still remembers how you waved at him and came to introduce yourself, he felt his words fail him a little but was happy to get to meet you.

-You had this specific aura around you, it was safe to say that everyone who stayed near you would suddenly feel more at peace. No one really knew if it was true that you actually did have a pretty good effect on others or it seemed that way, but it really felt like it helped a lot. You even had the power to calm down upset kids that visited Gardenview or those that cried so hard it shook the place, hell, even just holding them in your arms or even gently patting them seemed to work, it got the staff and parents talking about it. You were the toon they brought the most upset kids to, you were helping so much.

-We know Astro can float, though your wings can help you fly as well! You would use them to sit on high places together and just watch down on everyone. Sometimes toons liked to say that you two looked like the sun and moon sitting together, which was quite wholesome. Sometimes you two just fly in the air for a little before landing and laughing softly together. Something you two like to do is hold each other's hands as you fly around or even do a silly spin in the air. Astro really likes to hold your warm hand with his cold one, he finds it comforting.

-Speaking of the sun and moon comparison, some would say that you did indeed felt like the sun with your glowy soft aura and with the warmth you provided around you. Astro being the moon boy certainly helped with that as well, toons or even the staff now calling you the sun girl was quite funny. You and Astro liked the little nicknames, sometimes you even wore them while giggling and he would smile softly. Whenever the toons saw you two flying in the air or sitting somewhere, the nicknames would start again. Well, from afar, thanks to your auras, it really did seem like you two were sun and moon.

-Since Astro's floor and room was kinda dark, you two liked going there and just relaxing together in the dark. His blue and your own soft yellow aura being low felt nice. Your warmth really helped Astro fall asleep faster as he was cuddling with you or even just resting his head on you as he snuggled close. Not to mention the mountain of pillows and blankets this guy has, you are definitely getting the best sleep as his beloved girlfriend, he wants you to rest well! Sharing a blanket with him also feels quite nice, you are really helping his cold body warm up and he falls asleep with a soft smile on his face.

-If there was ever a toon that needed Astro's powers to make them fall asleep if they were struggling that night, you liked to accompany him during these moments too. Honestly? You two made a pretty good team. Your aura would calm down said toon and Astro's powers would make them fall asleep with more peace in their minds. Your auras combined made the dark room feel more safer and more cozy as you helped them fall asleep again. It was honestly a pretty sweet sight to witness. Your angelic appearance made things feel okay and Astro would be able to use less power since they already felt more calm and not shaky much anymore.

-While Astro was sitting somewhere quietly to make sure everyone got good dreams, you liked to sometimes walk around the Gardenview floors where the toons slept and see if anyone was struggling to sleep or have had horrible nightmares. You liked to be there to help them out. Of course, you also needed your sleep but sometimes you liked to stay up to help out your boyfriend. You would have your aura low to not disturb the other's sleep but obvious enough for anyone who was still awake to come to you if they wanted any sort of help. Sometimes you go back to Astro to bring him to whoever needed help sleeping but sometimes you could also be able to calm them down enough alone so they can sleep again.

-The other toons thought you two really fit together, honestly! Not only your aura colors fit together, with Astro having a cold color and you a warm one but you also had a wholesome dynamic that makes the others smile whenever they spot you two relaxing together. Astro really likes listening to you talk or even just rest against you (while fighting sleep), even reading books alongside you is also nice! Sometimes you even like to hug Astro with your arms and wings at the same time, you two look like an adorable couple!

-Astro would really have to convince you to sleep some nights. Don't get him wrong, he really appreciates what you do for him and for the others but don't forget about yourself too! You won't be able to help anyone if you are very tired, after all! He promises that you can spend time with him in your precious dreams while you are asleep, it usually sounds convincing enough for you to agree to it. He does let you stay up only SOME nights, especially since you seemed really eager for it and everything. You two really make a good team and others like to give you little gifts as a thank you for everything.

-Overall, you two are pretty popular in Gardenview, the other toons think your relationship is cute and you just smile while Astro feels shy and flustered about the whole thing and stares he is getting. You two like being mostly in the background just watching everyone else while you two just hold hands and rest together. You have a very wholesome relationship and you two really do a lot for this place and for the others. Astro really loves you a lot, he likes calling you his beautiful angel with a soft tone when you two are alone followed with a gentle hand on your cheek that he strokes with his thumb. You two are adorable!

Thank you for reading! <3

[the-greatest-8]

Obi-wan has had visions before, even when he was in the creche. It was a simple fact by now. Master Yoda had even offered comfort before, after a particularly difficult one. Obi-wan was well aware the risk of reading too far into them- because that simply wasn't how they worked. 'Always in motion, the future is.' Obi-wan knew this.

However- Obi-wan had one vision, one, that he hoped so desperately would become true. It always started the same, he would feel so light, so free- It was a comfort he has clung to in his darkest moments. He would be in bed, warm, and content. He would hear the sound of rustling next to him, before arms would wrap around him. Obi-wan always remembers how he sinks into, how he'd fall back asleep. That's how the vision always ends. It was never enough- not enough information.

Obi-wan wanted so deeply to know how to make that vision real. He knew it wasn't proper; He was just a man though, he tried so hard to follow all the rules- but oh, how he wanted. That feeling never left, even during the war he was in now. If anything, it made him wish even more, for a warmth to keep him grounded around all the deaths. Around all the sorrow after battle, Obi-wan just wanted to feel safe, like in the vision.

It wasn't often, he wouldn't mope, not when he was needed at his best. It was moments like this, however, when the desires in him felt suffocating. The last mission him and his men went on was successful, very successful. Morale was high, and so a stop into town to celebrate was made.

Obi-wan had been corralled into joining, as had Cody. It was enjoyable, even, he drank plenty with his men as they all laughed and told stories. Obi-wan was even sporting a buzz, he was happy, he had realized. Here, with his men, next to his loyal Commander. It made him pause for a second, surprised. Cody, vigilant as ever, took notice and sent him a look, feeling questioning in the force.

Obi-wan smiled at Cody, "I'm fine, Commander, I simply was surprised at something." Obi-wan said exasperatedly. Cody hummed, "If you don't mind me asking General, what was it?" He asked, and sipped his drink. Obi-wan huffed, "I just realized I'm enjoying myself, that's all my dear." He says. Cody smiled then, a soft expression that momentarily made Obi-wans heart flutter.

"I'm glad, sir, we've all noticed you've been tense." Cody said, his worry in the Force being replaced with a soothed, content feeling- and the gentle flames of fondness. Obi-wan almost stuttered, his face flushing slightly. Obi-wan felt warm, his heart raced while he worked on keeping his face straight.

The Force was entirely unhelpful, almost mockingly it made him more aware of how soothing Cody feels to him. Obi-wan decided then he was far to sober for this, and ordered another drink. He doesn't remember a single thing after.

Obi-wan awoke feeling warm, and content, surprisingly without a hangover too. He must have filtered his blood through the force before bed, he thinks distantly. He was sleepy, not entirely certain what woke him, so he just let himself feel. He was floating in soft feelings, he felt light and free, his troubles seemed all the more distant. Obi-wan doesn't remember feeling like this, not in a long while at least. Obi-wan hears rustling next to him, and before he can panic about another person in his bed, strong arms wrap around him and pull him close. "Go back to sleep, General.." a half asleep Cody mutters, before he fully succumbs to his rest once more. Obi-wan pauses, his heart thudding in his chest, and face ablaze.

Obi-wan decides this is a dilemma for future Obi-wan, and sinks into the embrace. He fleetingly thinks about his vision, but is unable to put more thought into it as he drifts off once more. A smile on his lips.

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

Authors note-

Honestly I'm not sure I'm happy with this one. Maybe I'll try again later, but I had to write my idea down or I wouldn't be able to to remember it lol. Hope you like it 😊.

[osleeplessflowero]

It's finally Mermay, so you know what that means..Mer/Siren oneshot!!

One could say this is connected to "Immune"..a prequel of sorts- This one's mainly platonic but if more people want to see Dream, I'll write some more romantic oneshots with this variant of him ^^

Mer/Siren Related Oneshots🫧

The early morning's sun casts its light over the ship. Slowly blinking your eyes open, you rise from your bed with a stretch and let out a yawn before hopping up and heading over to the nearest open window. The sight of the sea is a comforting one as you take in the salty air, before turning to change into more appropriate clothing for the day.

With a light tilt of your hat, you push open the door and head out onto the busy deck. Your first mate almost immediately walks up to you, handing you a flask that you gratefully pop open to chug water from.

"Sleep in for a change, Captain? Normally you're up before any of us!" He comments with an amused tone as you hand the flask back to him, grabbing your spyglass from its holster on your belt as you make your way to the front of the ship.

"I had a really good dream, couldn't get out of it even if I wanted to! I think that's a sign of good luck for today.." You comes to a stop right in front, standing on the railing of the ship without a care as you lift the spyglass to your eye, searching for anything in the distance. "I think we'll find something big."

"How big, Captain? Piles of treasure big, I hope?" He watches you carefully, ensuring you don't end up falling right off into the water.

"I hope so too. Though, we could be lucky in other fields.. set out a fishing net, yeah? We've been running low on food recently. Too low, in fact." Your eyes briefly narrow, before your focus shifts to something shining in the distance. You lean forwards a bit to try and get a better look, but it seems to disappear right after..curious.

"Right away, Captain-" He turns on his heel before walking to speak to the other crew members, who get right to work.

You hop down from your spot in front, wondering just what it was that you saw.. Something bright and shiny, like gold. Surely there wouldn't just be a bunch of gold floating around in the water.. So just what was that?

Whatever it was, you'd be damned if you weren't going to investigate. Your hands are drawn to the wheel of the ship, grasping it as you lightly turn it to steer. The ocean breeze slightly picks up, lightly drifting your clothes behind you as you listen to the sounds of your crew rushing about to get things done.

Nets are cast down into the water, a few figures standing near them to keep a close eye on them. Your focus remains on what's ahead, your eyes never once leaving that spot where you saw the light.

You continue the day steering, making small talk with your first mate as well as some other crew members as they pass. Unfortunately, they don't seem to catch a ton of fish.. but you still decide to leave one net down, just in case. Usually you always make some sort of discovery once you have strange dreams.. why had this time been different?

Your brows furrow more and more as the sun begins to set..

Waiting..

Waiting..

And more waiting.

Soon enough even your first mate has to return to his room to sleep. You however remain stubborn, choosing to stay awake. You let go of the wheel for the time being, heading over to the only remaining net and sitting along the rail of the ship. Kicking your legs back and forth, you raise the spyglass again with the hopes of seeing that light from before..

Were you wrong this time? Was there truly nothing to find?

A sigh of disappointment leaves your lips as you lower it again, staring blankly into the water below. The fishing net simply drifts along in the water as you watch it, before glancing upwards to observe the position of the stars. At least you're going the right way.. you've got that going for you.

"Come on..there must be something here waiting to be found..what's hiding from me?" You wonder to yourself aloud, allowing your eyes to close in contemplation for a moment.

..Before something thumps against the side of the ship.

Your eyes immediately open as you lean forwards, looking down into the water. The net wriggles back and forth as a bright light begins to glow beneath you, a pretty shade of yellow. You can't quite make out the form you've caught, but waste no time reaching over to the closest rope in order to pull the net up. Finally, a catch! This has got to be it-

..Definitely heavier than you expected, you can say that for sure- especially as you find yourself struggling to pull up the net alone. You refuse to give up your battle with whatever it is that you've caught, however, continuing to force yourself backwards as you pull. Your grip tightens on the rope as much as you possibly can, until finally.. you manage to yank it back far enough to pull the net up entirely. Unceremoniously landing on your behind, you look up to see what you've caught.

You're met with a pair of bright yellow eyelights staring back at you, full of curiosity and wonder. Eyes widened, you drift your gaze towards the tail of the creature you've caught, the bright yellow glow all too familiar to you. ..You appear to have caught a..mer-skeleton? Or a Siren..which is way more dangerous..

He doesn't seem to be too hostile though, considering how still he is at the moment, staring just as much at you as you are at him. A few seconds pass before he gives you a sheepish smile, slightly recoiling towards the back of the net.

His phrasing is odd, the words unfamiliar to you as he rambles in a language you can't quite understand. He pauses, almost as if realizing, before raising a hand to his chin in thought; browbones furrowed. You study him a moment, before you finally speak.

"Can you..speak English?" You ask, slightly moving your hat so it doesn't slide off your head.

He perks up at that, nodding quickly.

"Oh! Yes!" His voice is very warm, a comforting sound. One unlike any you'd heard before. A grin stretches across his face when he realizes he can speak his mind, slightly shifting within the net. One of his hands raises, pointing towards the rope hoisting him up that you're holding. "Could you let me down?"

You pause a moment. "I dunno..there's myths of Sirens being around these parts," You lean in. "What if I let you go and you decide to wreak havoc? Can't be having that. My ship's important to me."

He rapidly shakes his head, waving his hands dismissively alongside it.

"Oh, no, I wouldn't dream of doing that!" He partially snickers, realizing he's made a joke. Your brow raises in suspicion before he stops, giving you a calmer smile. "I wouldn't want to hurt anybody. I just..really want to ask you some things! I saw your ship in the distance and I just couldn't help myself- ..Though, I uh..didn't imagine I'd get stuck, haha.."

You study his body language, eyes drifting to his tail as it swishes around similarly to how a dog's tail would when excited. He does need to stay in water.. He doesn't seem to have any hidden intentions. Maybe you can trust him?..

"Uhh.." He thinks a moment. "Is there something I could do to convince you I mean no harm?" His eyelights drift back to you, bits of yellow partially illuminating your face.

"..I'll..lower you back into the water. But the moment you try to sing, I'm pulling you right back up. Got it?" You speak in a warning tone, watching as he quickly nods his head in reply. With that, slightly questioning yourself, you lower him back into the water slowly. He lets out a sigh of relief once his tail hits the water, swimming around a little while remaining within the net.

"Thank you!" He swishes around in a circle, before relaxing in place so he can look up at you. You keep one hand on the rope, the other now resting in your lap.

"You're welcome. So.." Well, asking him What he is might be kinda rude. Maybe "Who" is a better word? "Who are you?"

"Oh! My name is Dream, and I'm a Siren as you can see- I'm surprised you picked up on that so quickly! But I wouldn't use my voice to harm anybody..I just like to sing! I, um..won't do that right now, though, of course. For your reassurance."

"I appreciate it, Dream." You smile a bit. Well, he seems nice enough. But then again, Sirens are known for trickery..you can't lower your guard just yet.

"What's your name?" He rests a hand against his left cheek, leaning into it as he observes you.

"It's.." You tell him a nickname most people use for you, and he perks up a bit.

"Oh! That's a fun name! I'll definitely remember it." He swims in a circle again. "Gosh, I have so many things I'd love to ask you! What's it like being a land dweller, what's your culture like, what's fire?-" His words come rapid-fire, too quick for you to follow.

"Woah woah, okay- one at a time- I can't answer them all that fast." A huff of amusement follows your words as he sheepishly smiles in reply.

"Sorry- I'm just so excited! And-" He pauses mid-sentence, turning to look behind himself. You raise a brow at that, following his gaze but not quite sure just what he's looking at..

"What's wrong?"

"..Could..could you release me a second? Please?"

"..I don't know.."

"I'll go right back in the net, just please trust me-" Urgency. Why is he so worried? ..Maybe just for a second. Hopefully you don't come to regret this later..

"..Uh..shit, fine, okay- don't make me regret this."

"I won't." A serious tone..such a huge contrast from his cheerful demeanor. You lower the net a bit further, just enough for him to slip out of it and into the water. He immediately rushes forwards, his tail bright enough to make the water glow as he passes. You raise your brow in confusion, before hearing another large thud against the opposite side of your ship. The impact is enough to make you lean dangerously forwards, holding onto the railing for dear life before pulling yourself back up over it. What was that?

Dream's light can be seen immediately heading towards the other end, followed by a hissing sound. You run across the deck, hurrying to see just what the hell is happening. The sight you stumble across has you freezing, coming to a stop just in front of the railing.

A much larger..Siren? Looms over Dream, a threatening glare in his eyelights as he reaches over to attack him. Dream quickly moves away to avoid his claws, hissing with a much more hostile expression before speaking to him in that peculiar language you'd heard before. His opponent looks between him and the ship, before taking on a sinister grin.. Dream's eyesockets widen at that, and he quickly reaches towards him before he rams into the ship again, much harder.

Your balance shifts, and your hands quickly find their way to the rail to keep yourself from falling all the way back to the other end. There's no way Dream could take this guy on alone, he's twice his size! And he seemed pretty intent on doing something harmful, considering his expression..

The slashing of claws and bearing of fangs can be heard as the two continue to clash, shouting at one another. Dream lands a successful punch to the face, causing his opponent to recoil in surprise as he's knocked back. The brighter skeleton huffs, speaking to him again now that he's got his full attention, then gesturing to your ship.

He glances up at you, eyelights meeting your face before he looks back down. A grin begins to stretch onto his face again, before something inky and slimy wraps around his arm..yanking him down into the depths. Dream jolts in surprise, before letting out a sigh and turning back to look at you. Giving you a small thumbs up, he smiles.

What the hell was that?

"It's okay now! He won't bother you anymore!" He waves, swimming back around to the other side. You follow him, running across to meet him at the end.

"What did that guy want?"

"Oh! He wanted very badly to kill you." Well, that's reassuring. "But he won't! It's alright now. Should I go back in the net now?"

"Uhh.." Well, he did just save your ship. Maybe this guy's not too bad. "..You know what? No. You can do what you want. As a thanks for helping us."

"..Can I sit up there with you for a little bit? I'll jump down when I need water-" An innocent smile makes its way onto his face.

"Uh..yeah." You smile a bit. "Sure. You had questions, right? You can ask as many as you want."

He quickly jumps up to join you, sitting on the edge of the ship before reaching over to take your hands in his own.

"Really?! Oh my stars, I've got so many! Are you sure?"

"Yeah, fire away. It's the least I could do."

For the next few..hours, Dream asks you pretty much anything under the sun about what it's like being above water, and you answer to the best of your ability. Well, you did make a pretty big discovery today after all..a Siren became your friend. An unusual scenario, that's for sure, but one you can't say you mind all that much.

"..I'll come back tomorrow. Is that okay?" He turns to you, a hopeful expression on his face. You nod, honestly.. hoping you'll see him again. He's a pretty interesting character.

"Yeah, that's totally fine. ..It's been nice to meet you, Dream."

"You too!" He lets go of your hands once he realizes he'd been holding them too long, before pausing a second. "I suppose this is where we say goodbye.."

"Yeah..you gonna make it home alright?"

"Oh, yeah! I know these waters like the back of my hand-" He waves dismissively. "If you ever need a guide, well..I'd be delighted to help you.'

"I appreciate it, Dream. Take care, okay?"

He nods in reply, giving you a more fond smile. Slowly beginning to lean forwards, he takes you a bit by surprise before leaning over to press a kiss to your cheek. You can feel your body begin to warm, your face darkening in reply as he jumps down into the water.

"Goodbye!" He lets out a laugh, waving before making his way down into the depths. You find yourself watching him for a good while..until his light is no longer visible. Your hand raises to your cheek as you think back on the encounter.. Huh. Sirens are pretty..new to you, but..you're a bit curious to learn more about them..

You wouldn't mind if he did that again.

[griefabyss69]

A Day After

Written for @steddiemicrofic!

[ AO3 ]

'TIME' wc: 485 | rated: T | cw: Canonical character death, Grief

Steve writes to Eddie.

Even though he wakes up every single day, celebrates holidays when he's supposed to, and shows up to work when he's scheduled, Steve never feels the passage of time.

It's like he's stuck outside of it; like maybe whatever affliction the Upside Down had, he has it too, and he's made of nothing but mold and rotten water.

I dunno though. he scribbles in his notebook.

It seems like it's just me, nobody else feels the like, weight of all of it. Once the graves were all shut with dirt it's like everyone forgot how many fresh ones there were, like it got erased from their minds.

What does that make me? Too caught up in the past, right? It's the new decade tomorrow and all I can think about is four years ago. I shouldn't write to you still, but I keep doing it anyway.

Robin says she's gonna make me do psychotherapy, but it doesn't feel like it's all just in my head, it feels like I got some of those spores into my DNA or however that works. Now I'm just another demo-whatever without the gruesome teeth.

I dunno.

There's always unfinished business, right? But I can't figure out what the hell it is that I need to finish up. I want to move on but anytime I try nothing happens.

Maybe I died too. Maybe I'm a ghost and don't know it. Ghosts get stuck in loops too, maybe I'm just ghost-hallucinating it when I change the calendar.

Whatever. I know I'm being a downer. Maybe something good will happen soon. I promise if it does I won't forget you.

Goodnight Eddie. I'll write to you tomorrow.

Steve closes his notebook and buries it under everything else in its drawer. It'll be time to buy another one soon, this one is getting full. He has a shoebox of the old ones hidden in his closet under a bunch of porn mags. He hopes that somewhere Eddie's ghost thinks that's funny.

He gets ready for bed and doesn't look himself in the eye when he brushes his teeth. Despite how crazy it is, he still thinks maybe someday he can show Eddie some of the letters he's written to him. Sometimes it's the only thing that keeps him going, even though when life feels more normal he's too embarrassed to even think about it.

As soon as he falls asleep that night, just like every night, invisible fingers brush against his cheek and soft invisible lips press a brave kiss to his mouth.

Eddie lays at the edge of the bed and Steve instinctively makes room for him, though he technically could just float or literally share the space. He passes through people quite easily. He watches the furrow between Steve's eyes ease away with satisfaction.

"Hang in there," Eddie says with a voice like staticky TV snow. "Something good is coming."

[fandomrewrites]

Legends Chapter 8: Signets

Hello Riders! Sorry for the late update, I head to rethink a very important part of this chapter at the last minute because I didn't want to go with my original thought. Which meant deleting a section of what I already wrote and having to figure out a good place to put my new idea-after I figured out that new idea. Anyways, I hope you all like this chapter!

Chapters 22-24 in Fourth Wing Pairings: Xaden x Younger Sister, Liam x best friend Warnings: Mention of death, swearing, violence, *Big spoilers from the book series* Word Count: 9,894

Legends Masterlist

Signets usually say a lot about the rider. It's why I'm not surprised my signet is shadow wielding. I keep a lot of secrets, I need to in order to survive. But what do you need, (Y/N)? Whatever it is, I have no doubts that you'll be among the strongest. -Recovered correspondence from Cadet Xaden Riorson to (Y/N) Riorson

Once battle brief ends, I quickly pack up my things and rush out the door, the sound of my squad calling after me fading in the distance. Nyx and Aether are silent for the moment, waiting for me to reach my room.

I rush through the halls, mind racing. I know what's happening, but I don't want to believe it. It can't be true. I make it to my room and lock the door behind me, throwing my bag on the floor by my desk. "Nyx, please tell me my signet isn't what I think it is." I say through our bond. I need confirmation.

"I will not lie to you, Night Orchid." Nyx's velvety voice floats into my head.

"Please say it. I need to hear it, because if I don't I'll keep trying to deny it."

"You're an inntinnsic. You have telepathy to be exact." Nyx answers, voice strong.

"They'll kill me."I whisper aloud, falling to my hands and knees in shock. Knowing it's telepathy doesn't even register in my mind. I only focus on the fact that being inntinnsic is a death sentence and even though I usually put on a brave face, I don't want to die. Not yet.

"I will not allow them to harm you. I will destroy every human and dragon in my path if they even breathe wrong in your direction." Nyx assures.

"But-"

Nyx cuts me off, "You will learn to control it in secret. You are strong and smart, I would not have chosen you if you weren't." My breath hitches at her words, "No one will know except those you choose to tell, though I recommend keeping it to yourself. Now rest, you need it after developing your signet."

"I have still have one more class, and I'm already late." I try to argue.

"Skip, resting is more important at the moment." I don't argue anymore. I slowly stand up, kicking my shoes off and climbing into bed. I'm asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow.

*_*_*_*_*

I'm awoken by knocking on my door. "Go away!" I yell. I'm terrified of who could be on the other side. Of the possibility of the person finding out.

"(Y/N), open up." Liam calls back. I groan but untangle myself from my sheets. I hesitate, my hand hovering over the door knob. "(Y/N), come on." I can't ignore him, even though part of me really wants to.

I crack my door open, "Finally." I hear Liam's voice but his lips don't move. "Are you okay? You skipped the last class. And you missed dinner." He holds up a plate of food, "I brought you some in case you were hungry. Gods I hope she's alright."

I keep my mind carefully blank as I watch his lips move. Making sure the only words I acknowledge are the ones actually coming out of his mouth. "Thanks." I mumble. "I have a really bad migraine, it started in battle brief. Nyx said resting was more important."

"Did you go to the healers?" Liam asks, causing me to shake my head. "Maybe you should, they could give you something-"

"Liam, I love you. But all I want to do right now is eat and go back to sleep. So thank you again for the food, but leave me alone." I step back, closing the door in his face before he can say anything else. I hate being rude to him but I'm so nervous he'll find out.

I can't slip up, telepathy is more than just being able to read other's minds. I can project my thoughts into their head as well. One slip up and I'm dead. I sit down at my desk, beginning to eat the dinner Liam brought me as my mind races. I doubt Liam would tell anyone but I can't put that burden on his shoulder's.

Once I finish eating the food Liam brought me, I pace my room. Mind still racing, thinking of all the ways this can go wrong. "Enough, Night Orchid. You're driving me insane." Nyx huffs. "Burning alive sounds more fun than having to hear your worrisome thoughts. I already told you no one will harm you."

"You can't promise that, Nyx." I sigh, shaking my head. "You can't be with me 24/7. Carr snapped a kids neck the other day because he was an inntinnsic."

"That kid was weak, he showed his signet to everyone and was killed for it. You managed to hide it and will continue to hide it for as long as we live." Nyx growls.I groan in frustration, but I know I need to hide it or I'm as good as dead.

I bite my lip, closing my eyes and stepping into the library at Riorson house. I focus on the window with the comfy reading nook below it. Through that window I see the shimmering white light that represents Nyx's power. I slam the window shut, locking it, then open my eyes back up, keeping one foot in the mental library.

I need to block Nyx out or she'll try and talk me out of this. But I need to do this, I can't do this by myself and there's only one person I trust with this information. I pull my shoes on and rush out of my room, passing by Liam who sits outside of Violet's door. He quickly stands up when he see's me. "(Y/N)? Where is she going?" There's a pause between his thoughts, "Fuck, I can't leave Violet."

I ignore his call, climbing the stairs and heading towards Xaden's room. I knock once, then open the door before Xaden can answer. Xaden, Bodhi, and Garrick all turn to look at me.

"What is she doing?" Xaden narrows his eyes, his voice sounding in my head. Clearly, I'm struggling to block out all of Nyx's power.

"I need to talk with you. Now." My eyes are wide as I look Xaden in the eyes. My gaze flickers to Bodhi and Garrick, "Privately."

"Come on, 'cuz. It's just-" Bodhi starts, a playful smile on his lips.

"Out. Now." I glare.

"You can't just order them out of my room, (Y/N)." Xaden rolls his eyes.

My glare turns to Xaden, "I just did." I turn back to Garrick and Bodhi, "Now get out before I resort to violence."

Garrick stands up, "Well Chradh just told me to leave unless I want to get eaten by Nyx so…" He trails off, clapping Bodhi on the shoulder, "I suggest we leave."

"What did Chradh say to you?!" My eyes widen in panic. Logically, I know Nyx didn't tell Chradh anything. This is a secret she's keeping between me, Aether, and herself. But I can't help the panic that seeps into me. But somehow I control the power enough to not let my worries reach anyone in the room. Probably with Nyx's help.

"Exactly what I said," Garrick exchanges looks with the others, worry evident on his face. "He didn't tell me why Nyx would eat me, he just said to leave." Garrick shrugs. "What the fuck is going on? Is she okay?" His eyes are focused on mine, begging me to tell him what's going on, but instead of asking he pulls Bodhi with him, heading for the door. "See you in a bit, Xaden."

Xaden nods, turning to me once the door is shut behind Garrick and Bodhi. "Well?" He asks, eyebrow raised. "What is so secretive that she had to kick them out of the room?"

I start pacing in front of my brother, "Will anyone be able to hear us if they're trying to listen in or do we need to find some place where no one can hear us?"

Xaden's eyes narrow, "My room is warded so no one can hear what's going on in here with the door closed. What the fuck is going on?"

"Good, good." I mumble, "I got my signet today during battle brief."

"Okay? Why is that a secret?"

My lip wobbles, the minute I tell him there's no going back. I stop pacing, turning to look him in the eye, "You know why." I can't bring myself to say it out loud.

Xaden tilts his head in confusion, "A secret signet. She's panicked. Oh my gods, is she an inntinnsic?"

"Yes," I say, answering his unspoken question. I force the word through my mind, into his.

Xaden's eyes widen, "How did she? No, she can't be."

"I am. Nyx already confirmed it. I'm telepathic, inntinnsic." A tear falls out of my eye before I can stop it, "They're going to kill me, Xade." I say out loud, voice cracking.

"No." Xaden says, moving towards me and gently grabbing my arms. "No, no one will lay a hand on you. How many people know?"

I shake my head as more tears fall, "You're the only one I told."

Xaden pulls me into a hug, he presses my head against his chest as I sob. He slowly lowers us so were sitting on the couch. "You'll develop a second signet, no one will have to know about this." His hand brushes over my hair, trying to soothe me.

"What if I don't?" I choke out between sobs, "People will begin to wonder why I haven't exploded!"

"You will!" Xaden's arms tighten around me, my head tucked under his chin. "And if you don't we'll sneak you out of here, to Aretia. You'll be safe. I promise."

"Even if that works, how am I supposed to learn to control it? I'm already on the verge of going crazy from having to keep my mind blank so I don't talk to anyone!"

"I'll help you learn."

"How are you supposed-"

Xaden's voice floats into my head, cutting off my panicked question. "I'm an inntinnsic too."

I finally pull away from Xaden when I hear his thought, "What?" I ask confused, tears finally slowing down.

"I developed my second signet not too long after the shadows. I knew I had to keep it a secret because they'd kill me if they found out. I can't read thoughts but I can read intentions. It's a form of inntinnsic." Xaden pauses, "I can- will. I will teach you."

"Who else knows?" I whisper.

Xaden shakes his head, "No one. You're the only person I've ever told." I blink, shocked by this new information but happy I'm not alone. He reaches up a steady hand, brushing away the last of my tears. "Now the first lesson, you need to know is control. You already learned grounding, correct?"

I nod, muttering, "Carr taught us."

"That light that connects you to Nyx, there should be a line flowing from it. That's your signet. You need to block the flow from that line. That way you block the signet but not her full power." Xaden gives me clear instructions, making sure I understand every word.

I take a breath before thinking back to the Riorson library. I find Nyx's power and the line of magic flowing from it. I snap the door shut, blocking the signet from being used. "Okay, it's done."

Xaden nods, "Now you just need to get used to holding it all the time. You can't let it slip. And if it does you need to close it as quickly as possible." I nod in understanding.

*_*_*_*_*

It's an hour after curfew and I still sit in Xaden's room practicing my shielding. We've been talking and playing games, trying to distract me so I can practice holding my shields in place for everything. Spoiler alert, it didn't go very smoothly, but at least I'm letting it slip with someone who already knows what's happening. And the longer I practice the better I get.

"Okay," Xaden says, standing up and stretching his legs, "I'll walk you back to your room. I need to meet with Garrick and Bodhi."

"Are you guys doing a weapons drop?" I ask. Xaden told me about helping the fliers a while ago. They need more weapons to fight the venin so the marked ones have been making the weapons here at the school then periodically meeting with them to hand them over.

Xaden nods, "We need to leave soon so we can make it back in time."

"Let me come with you." Xaden opens his mouth like he's about to argue, "Please?" I ask. "I don't want to be alone right now, and it will be great practice."

"What if you slip?" There's a brief flicker of worry behind his eyes before he quickly masks it.

"Then I slip. I can't hide in my room forever. Nyx blocked me before, if I can't get under control quickly enough, she'll do it again." I reassure. Of course I'm nervous about others finding out, but I need the practice and I trust Nyx to help if I need it. Plus if I slip in front of Bodhi and Garrick I trust that they wouldn't say anything, though ideally they won't find out.

"Of course I'll stop you from using your powers if I need to." Nyx says to me, "I'll meet you on the flight field. It will be nice to fly with Chradh for one of these weapons drops."

I smile at her words, "Nyx already said she'll meet me at the flight field, so no arguing."

Xaden sighs, "Fine." He opens his armoire, pulling out two flight jackets. He holds one out for me. I grab it, slipping it over my shoulders. "There should be an extra pair of flight goggles in the pocket." Sure enough, I stick my hands in the pockets and feel the flight goggles.

"Thank you," I say, smiling once more. We quickly make it out to the flight field. Sticking to the shadows so Xaden can hide us if necessary.

Garrick and Bodhi are already waiting with the dragons, "How are you feeling?" Bodhi asks once he sees me.

"Better now. Sorry for how I reacted earlier. It was important." I say, looking between the two riders.

"We figured," Garrick replies, shrugging. "At least you're alright now."

"Let's go." Xaden says, stopping Bodhi, Garrick, and I from continuing the conversation. He runs up Sgaeyl's leg, settling on her back.

I run towards Nyx, mounting without issue. "Aether was worried, he wanted to come but for once in his life he listened." Nyx says once I'm settled.

I pull my borrowed flight goggles down, "I'm alright, Aether. I'll visit you tomorrow." I call out to him.

"You better." Aether huffs, making me smile. Nyx launches into the air, she allows Sgaeyl to lead the way, flying close to Chradh. It takes three hours to get to our meeting spot. It's the longest I've ever flown and my legs are starting to go numb. We are just beyond the wards, the magic is wilder out here. It's something you don't notice when you're not bonded.

"Stay." Xaden says, eyes meeting mine.

I scoff, but do as he says. That is until I see the fliers coming towards us. I scan the group, and immediately notice Syrena. "Syrena!" I yell, I quickly stand up, jumping from Nyx's back, rolling so I don't hurt myself.

I stand up quickly, rushing towards the flier, and fling my arms around her. "Wow, (Y/N). You've gotten even more beautiful then were when you were 15." She says, hugging me back. I may not be able to stand Syrena's sister Cat, But Syrena is amazing. She definitely got all the good traits.

Before I can reply, Xaden scolds me, "I told you to stay mounted."

I roll my eyes, pulling away from the hug, "I'm not a dog. And Syrena is a friend." I turn, looking at the other riders, "And any friend of Syrena's is a friend of mine." I lean forward, towards the other fliers and drop my voice to a whisper, "She has good taste, she likes me after all."

The fliers all smile at me, "This the infamous (Y/N) Riorson?" One of the fliers asks.

"At your duty," I playfully salute with two fingers. Despite the distraction, I've been doing really well with keeping my shields up. I only had one slip up during the flight, and luckily it was only into Xaden's mind. I take a moment to remind myself to keep a mental foot in the library to continue to block the power.

"No wonder Syrena talks so highly of you," Another flier says, "Older Riorson should take some notes." A playful smirk pulls at the fliers lips.

I shake my head, "I tell him all the time, he's just always so… broody." I poke Xaden's cheek on the last word. Bodhi snorts at my words and Garrick's lip turns up into a smirk.

Xaden slaps my hand away, glaring. "Here's the weapons, we'll reach out in a few weeks about another drop." Xaden says, bringing the conversation back to why we're here. There's four bags of weapons. Garrick, Bodhi, and Xaden drop the bags at the fliers feet. "We have to head back."

"Thank you." Syrena calls out as we turn away, heading back towards our dragons, "(Y/N)." I turn to look at her. "It's good to see you. Especially on a badass dragon like that," She nods her head at Nyx. "We all knew you'd amount to great things."

I smile, "Thanks, Syrena. It's good to see you too. Stay safe."

"We'll try."

*_*_*_*_*

As November turns to December, I make sure to practice with my telepathy every day. Because if I don't I will be greeting Malek sooner than I would like. I don't slip up anymore. My shields are incredibly strong, the strongest in my year. And I've been practicing reading minds without letting my thoughts enter the other person's. Which I've also excelled at, though it takes more focus than just shielding myself from using the signet.

I still haven't manifested a second signet which is making me incredibly worried. Xaden keeps having to reassure me that I will and nothing bad is going to happen to me. Nyx and Aether try to reassure me too, but I have my doubts. I mean why hasn't the second signet manifested yet? It's been a month since the first one showed up, and if it doesn't manifest soon people are going to start questioning me.

Currently the squad is in the gym, practicing hand-to-hand. Dain made mandatory practice sessions every Tuesday night to prepare for the Squad Battle. Not that Liam or I need it. I'm still undefeated in challenges and the only time Liam lost was to me.

Rhiannon and Violet are practicing together with staffs. The staff is far too big a weapon for Violet but it's a practice session so I say nothing. Rhiannon stops short from hitting Violet, "You're distracted tonight." Rhiannon says, backing away. Her gaze flickers to Liam who is sitting next to me carving a new piece of wood.

I have a book in my lap, a romance novel about a princess who falls in love with the knight tasked to be her personal guard. It's a cliche but it's cute. I go back and fourth from reading to watching the practice matches around me.

"But you're faster than you used to be." Rhiannon continues, "Whatever Imogen has you doing is working."

"As if there was ever any doubt," Imogen calls from the mat next to them. She has Ridoc pinned in a headlock. Jack and some of the members of his squad are a couple of mats over, also practicing. It's why Liam isn't practicing himself. And because Liam's out, I don't have a partner.

"You're taking it easy on me." Violet says. Sawyer and Quinn are circling each other, Emery and Heaton are coaching the new members we gained after Threshing, and Dain is watching the matches unfold.

Dain's eyes meet mine, "(Y/N). Join someone. We're here to practice, not read."

I roll my eyes, then look around the room before bringing my attention to Dain once more, "I'm sorry, is there a new squad member we magically acquired? Because if you haven't noticed, everyone is already paired up."

Liam smiles, but continues to focus on his carving and Violet. Dain glares at me, but before he gets the chance to answer I speak again, "Unless you're offering to be my partner, squad leader?" I smile innocently.

Dain's jaw ticks, "Fine." He gestures to the open mat beside Imogen and Ridoc, "Let's go."

I smirk, placing a dagger in my book then gently putting it on my chair. "This will be fun." I mumble, just loud enough for Liam to hear me. One of the reasons I've been practicing reading thoughts with my signet is so I can hear my opponents thoughts when fighting. If I can hear what they're thinking without sending my thoughts back to them, matches will be even easier to win than they already are.

I walk towards the mat, standing to face Dain, "Weapons?" He asks.

"I'm fine with anything. Or nothing." My smirk widens, "Choose whichever you think will help you win. I don't mind being at a disadvantage."

Dain rolls his eyes, "You're already at a disadvantage, I'm taller, stronger, and have more practice than you."

"Maybe so, but I'm faster and more agile."

Dain sighs, "No weapons. Just our hands."

"And mouths." I grin, "What makes you tick, squad leader?" I slowly start to circle him, "I'm very good at pushing buttons if you haven't noticed."

Dain takes a deep breath, clearly trying to make sure I don't rattle him. "Don't give her a reaction. That's what she wants." Dain's eyes follow me around the mat. "Are you going to talk or are you going to fight?"

I raise an eyebrow, "Have you never heard of a verbal battle? A battle of wits?" Out of the corner of my eye I see Garrick and Xaden enter. Xaden does a double take when he sees who I'm facing but doesn't interfere, instead he focuses on Violet saying something to her as he passes.

"This is hand-to-hand combat. Not a debate."

"True. But that doesn't mean I need to move first. Especially because the conversation is so… stimulating." I shrug, indifferent.

"She's so irritating. She's really not going to make the first move? She does this almost every match." I cross my arms, waiting for him to move. Dain's jaw ticks. "You're seriously just going to stand there?"

"I'll stand here all night, Aetos." I raise a brow in challenge.

"This fucking woman. I swear to the gods." Dain's frustration is palpable. Even if I couldn't read his mind, it's easy to tell he's annoyed with me. Good, just let that annoyance come out in the fight. But I know Dain is smart, and it's going to take a lot to get him to react. "Fuck it. Looks like I'm offense."

Dain moves quick, trying to kick my legs out from underneath me. But he's not quick enough. I uncross my arms, jumping out of the way, we circle each other before Dain moves again. I block his punch, interlocking are arms. I swipe his leg, making him fall to the mat.

Dain rolls away from me, quickly standing back up. "Still feeling confident, squad leader?" I taunt. We dance around each other again, throwing punches and kicks. Dain's a good fighter, but I know I'm better. Even without my secret signet.

I move my right arm up, blocking another blow. Then I switch, too quick for Dain to keep up. Instead of fighting on defense like I have been, I move to offense. I attack quickly, pushing Dain towards the edge of the mat. I aim low, sweeping his legs from below him. He lands with a thud. I quickly move on top of him, pinning him below me, in a tangle of limbs.

My grin widens as I watch him catch his breath, "Fuck me." He takes one more deep breath, "You're fast." He whispers. "I yield. Only because I need to get back to watching everyone else."

I roll my eyes, "Sure, that's the only reason why. Just admit I'm better than you." I tease, still not letting up.

This time Dain rolls his eyes, "Probably in more ways than one. Just let me up, Riorson."

I pout, "What's the magic word?"

"Fucking- Please." He says through gritted teeth.

"Actually the magic word was, 'you're right'. Technically though that's two words, three if you count the-"

"(Y/N)!" Dain scolds, still laying beneath me.

Our eyes meet, "Fine. Fine. I'll let you up." I stand up, offering Dain my hand which he accepts. When we look at all the other matches, everyone is distracted by either us, or Xaden and Garrick, who are currently sparring shirtless.

"Get back to work." Dain orders, "We still have another half hour." I reclaim my seat next to Liam as Dain goes back to watching the matches.

Rhiannon and Violet start back up again, but Rhiannon quickly sweeps Violet's legs from under her. "Shit, I'm sorry, Vi." She drops beside her. "Just relax and give it a second."

"And yet that is the rider Tairn chose," Jack sneers, "I'm starting to think he chose wrong, but considering I haven't seen you wield any powers, I bet you're thinking the same thing, too, aren't you, Sorrengail? Shouldn't you have twice the ability to channel with two dragons?"

I roll my eyes, it doesn't work like that with feathertails but of course no one but Violet and I know that. Liam and I stand, Liam puts himself between Violet and Jack while I hang back but make sure I'm available to do something if I need to.

"Simmer down, Mairi. I'm not going to attack your little charge. Not when I can challenge her in a couple of weeks and accidentally snap her scrawny neck in front of an audience." Jack folds his arms across his chest, "Tell me, though, you are getting tired playing nursemaid, aren't you?" His squadmate offers him a piece of orange, Jack shoves his hand away, "Get that noxious shit away from me. Do you want me to end up in the infirmary?"

"Walk the fuck away, Barlowe," Liam warns.

"She's only alive because of you," Jack spits out, eyeing Xaden who moved closer to the group.

"Right, because I'm the one who buried a dagger in your shoulder during Threshing." Xaden sarcastically replies.

Violet scrambles to her feet, finally gaining back her breath. "We could settle this now," Jack says, sidestepping Liam to look at Violet. "If you're done hiding behind the big, strong men." I roll my eyes at his words. Garrick steps towards Violet's left. Imogen has also inched closer, Jack knows he can't do anything with all of us around. "That's what I thought." Jack says, blowing Violet a kiss.

"You ran," Violet snarls, "That day in the field, you fucking ran when it was three on two, and we both know when it comes down to it, you'll run again. That's what cowards do."

Jack's face flushes. Dain mumbles, "For fucks sake, Violet."

"She's not wrong." Xaden says. Garrick laughs, and a smile pulls at my lips. Liam maneuvers Jack off the mat. Jack's shoes squeak against the floor as he fights, unsuccessfully to hold his ground, and Liam forces him from the gym.

Xaden flicks his hand, shutting the doors with his power, locking Jack out. "What the hell were you thinking, egging him on like that?" Dain scolds, marching towards his childhood best friend.

"Oh, now you feel like talking to me?" Violet lifts her chin in defiance.

Xaden steps in between them, eyes meeting Violet's, "Give us a second." Rhiannon and Dain step back.

Garrick walks towards me, pulling his shirt over his head, as Violet and Xaden begin a heated discussion. "Did you win against, Aetos?"

I smirk, "Of course I did."

"Wingleader Riorson," Dain calls, "She's just not used to the bond yet. She'll learn how to block it out."

Xaden rolls his eyes, "You choose the oddest times to defend her, Aetos, and the most convenient times not to." I bite my lip, damn Xaden, go for the throat.

Xaden turns back to Violet, "Do us both a favor and put the fucking armor back on." He turns away from her. When Violet's eyes see his back, she gasps. Violet noticed the 107 scars littering his back. 107 scars to represent the 107 marked ones.

Xaden tenses for a brief moment before grabbing his shirt from Garrick's outstretched hand. They leave the gym together, not looking back in any of our directions.

*_*_*_*_*

It's the next day and Violet has pulled me into Rhiannon's room to talk with us. "So, what's up?" I ask when we're all seated.

Violet awkwardly rubs the back of her neck. "As you know, Tairn started channeling last night." Violet told us this at breakfast but we could all tell she was holding something back. "Something else happened but before I say I need to ask you a question." She looks me directly in the eyes.

"Shoot." I say, waiting for her to continue.

"Do Nyx and Chradh ever…" She trails off, "You know? Get intimate?"

I crack a smile, "You want to know if my dragon and her mate fuck? Of course they do."

Rhiannon smiles, but Violet's the one who responds, "Have you done anything because of that?"

"Wait? Did Tairn and Sgaeyl have sex after he started channeling?" Rhiannon asks.

Violet nods, "It felt like I was on fire, I'll never look at Liam the same."

I blink in shock, smiling faltering, "Did you and Liam-"

Violet cuts me off, "Gods no! But when I looked at him I wanted to." My shoulder's sag in relief. Liam and Violet can do whatever they want. I don't know why I'm happy that they didn't, but I don't focus on that. "I slammed the door in his face before I did something I would regret."

"So what? You want to know if I've ever done anything I regret because of Nyx's emotions?" Violet nods at my question. "Luckily no. The first time it happened, it woke me up in the middle of the night. I just got out of bed and went for a cold shower when I realized what was happening."

There's a brief pause, "The second time it happened, I locked myself in my room and handled things myself. I don't need someone else to please me."

"You didn't even go to Sawyer?" Rhi asks.

I shake my head, "Even though I enjoy my time with Sawyer, I'd feel guilty if we had sex because of Nyx's emotions. It wouldn't feel like I was 100 percent in control. And that's not fair to Sawyer."

Violet sighs, "That's what I'm nervous about." She pauses, looking down before looking back at Rhiannon and me. "Gods this is awkward… but last night after I slammed the door on Liam and told him to go to bed… I ran into Xaden." I raise an eyebrow waiting for her to continue, "We kissed. I don't even know what I was thinking."

"Well you weren't. At least not clearly." I shrug, "You find Xaden attractive, Xaden finds you attractive-"

"He does?" Violet interrupts.

"I mean… he didn't actually tell me that but I'm not dumb, and he's not either. He absolutely finds you attractive he just doesn't know when to admit his feelings… Fucking men." I roll my eyes. Most men never know when to admit their feelings, at least not until months, possibly years, of pining. "But anyways, your dragons emotions were adding on top of your own, it made it more difficult for you to resist, especially when the channeling is so new."

"I can't believe you waited this long to tell us." Rhiannon says. "And that's not judgment. Far from it. I'm all for you exploring… whatever it is you want to explore."

"Agreed, I approve. Xaden could use someone like you." I smile.

"I've been with Liam from the second I walked out the door this morning, and last night I was a little too discombobulated to put it into words." Violet rolls her shoulder, adjusting how she's sitting, "Between Tairn channeling and then everything else, it was just a night."

"Good point." Rhiannon says, then her smile widens, "Was it good? Tell me it was good. That man looks like he knows exactly what he's doing."

I laugh, "Oh gods, do I want to hear this? You know what? Just don't give details, yes or no?"

Violet's face flushes, "It was just a kiss… But yeah. He knows exactly what he's doing." Her brows furrow in thought.

"Second thoughts?" Rhi questions. "You look like maybe there are third thoughts, even."

"No," Violet shakes her head, "Well, maybe? But only if it makes stuff weird between us."

"I don't see Xaden letting a kiss become weird." I say.

"Yeah." Rhiannon agrees, "You guys are stuck together for the rest of your careers. Lives, too. Have you guys talked about what happens after he graduates?" Rhiannon turns to me, "Or you and Garrick for that matter?" She turns back to Violet, "Oh, I bet you get the choice of duty stations. Wingleaders always get to pick."

"He'll get to pick." Violet grumbles. "I will have to follow. Tairn and Sgaeyl haven't been separated for years. Her last rider died almost fifty years ago, and as far as I know, she flew wherever and whenever she wanted to be near Tairn before Naolin - his last rider - died in Tyrrendor. It's a two-day flight to that part of the border, depending on where he's stationed, so what are we going to do next year and the year after that?"

"He'll probably choose somewhere close so it's easier to get Sgaeyl and Tairn together. I don't know what Garrick and I are going to do." I reply.

"Not sure," Rhiannon shrugs, "Feirge said we won't be able to be apart more than a couple of days, so does that mean one of you always has to follow the other?"

I shrug as Violet answers, "No clue. I think that's why most mated pairs bond within the same year, so they don't have these issues. How am I - we -" She changes her words, looking at me, "supposed to stay competitive next year if we're constantly flying off to the front line with Tairn and Nyx? How is Xaden and Garrick supposed to be effective if they have to fly back here all the time?" Violet's face scrunches, "Xaden's the most powerful rider of our generation. He's going to be needed on the front, not here."

"For now," Rhiannon stares at Violet, lifting her brows. "He's the most powerful rider in our generation for now." She turns to look at me, just as intensely. She's indicating that Violet and I are going to be more powerful.

"What-" Violet starts but a knock stops her from continuing.

"Rhi?" Liam asks through the door, panic evident in his voice. "Is Sorrengail in there with you? Because-"

Rhiannon opens the door causing Liam to stumble inside. He catches his balance, eyes sweeping the room, stopping on Vi. "There you are! I went to the bathroom, and you disappeared!"

"No one's trying to assassinate her in my room, Mairi." Rhi rolls her eyes. "You don't have to be with her every second of every fucking day. Now give us five minutes and then we'll start walking to class." She pushes his chest and he retreats. His mouth opens and closes, trying to form an argument. But before he can, Rhiannon closes the door on his face.

"He's…" Violet sighs, "dedicated."

"That's one word for it," Rhiannon mutters, "You'd think that guy owes Riorson his life or something, the way he sticks to you like glue."

I look down avoiding eye contact, "He does." I whisper, "We all do." Violet and Rhiannon's gaze flicker to mine. The unasked question floating between us, "Don't worry about it. Story for another time." I wave my hand, brushing off the lingering looks.

Rhiannon hesitates but decides against trying to ask more, "Oh!" Her eyes light up, "Something happened with me last night, too."

"Do go on." Violet says, intrigued.

"All right," Rhiannon takes a deep breath, "I've only done it three times. Twice last night and once this morning, so be patient for a second."

"Of course," Violet says, nodding.

"Absolutely," I agree.

"Watch the book on my desk." Rhiannon says, nodding towards the book.

Violet and I both turn, focusing our gazes on the book. A minute passes but nothing happens, just as I start thinking that nothing will, the book disappears from the desk. My jaw drops open as I stare at the empty spot. Violet jumps up, whipping around to look at Rhiannon, "What the hell, Rhi? What just-"

I turn to look at Rhiannon as well, she's holding a book with a wide grin. "Is that the same book?" I ask, standing next to Violet.

Rhiannon nods, "I guess I can summon!"

"Holy shit!" Violet grabs Rhiannon's shoulders, "That's amazing! That's… incredible! I don't even have words for what this is!"

My smile stretches across my face, "Fucking brilliant!" I laugh.

"Right?" Rhiannon clutches the book to her chest, "I can only to it from a few feet away, and I can't go through walls or anything."

"Yet!" Violet and I say in unison.

"You can't go through walls yet." Vi continues, "Rhi. That's the kind of rare signet that's going to make your entire career!"

"I hope so." Rhiannon stands, putting the book back on her desk, "I just have to develop it."

"You will." I say. Minutes later, the three of us plus Liam are joined with Ridoc and Sawyer as we walk towards the academic building.

"I finished this for you." Liam says, handing Violet a wooden figurine.

It's Tairn, "That is… incredible. Thank you," Violet says.

"Thanks," Liam smiles, dimple popping. "I wanted to carve Andarna first, but I'm not around her as much, you know?"

"She's pretty private," Violet says.

"Unlike Aether, who always needs to be nearby. He's very clingy." I grin.

"You love it." Aether huffs.

"Of course I do." I reassure.

"Really, I love it. Thank you." Violet says again. The hallway clears as we walk closer to Professor Carr's room.

"You're welcome." Liam replies, he turns towards Rhiannon, "I'm starting Feirge next."

"Make sure to get her full badassery." Rhi jokes. Violet looks behind us, lost in her own thoughts. "We're going to be late," Rhiannon says, bringing Violet back into the conversation.

"Vi, can we talk?" Dain asks, coming up behind us.

"Now?" Violet asks.

Dain grimaces, nodding, "I tried to catch you after formation, but you disappeared pretty quickly, and after what happened last night, I figure now is better than later."

"It might be convenient for you to want to talk after weeks of ignoring me, but I have class right now." Her grip on her bag tightens.

"We have a couple of minutes, please?" He doesn't look at the rest of us, choosing to stay focused on Vi.

Violet glances at Rhiannon and I. Both of us glaring at Dain, "I'll be right in." We nod, Rhiannon turns around, walking into the classroom. I hesitate for a brief moment before following Rhi, and making sure to grab Liam to bring him inside the classroom too.

We wait just inside the door for Violet to finish her conversation with Dain. Once she walks through, her eyes scan the room. "Finally ready to join us, Cadet Sorrengail?" Carr asks.

"Yes, sir." She nods.

"Signet power?"

"Not yet." Violet shakes her head, we slowly make our way to our seats as Violet and Carr exchange words.

"I see." Carr clucks his tongue, "You know your siblings were both gifted by extraordinary signet powers. Mira's ability to manifest a ward around her and her squad has been an absolute asset to her wing, and she's been highly decorated for her valor behind enemy lines."

Violet forces a smile, "Yes. Mira is an inspiration."

"And Brennan…" Carr continues, "Menders are so very rare, and to lose one so young was tragic."

"I think losing Brennan is the tragedy." She lifts her bag higher, "But the loss of his signet was a definite blow to the wings."

"Hmm." Carr hums, "Well, it seems the Sorrengail line is blessed, even in a rider as… well, delicate as you are." What an asshole. "With Tairn having chosen you, we'll expect nothing but an earth-shattering signet from you. You can start with the lesser magics through your relic."

"No pressure." Violet mumbles.

"He had a very similar conversation to me when I started the class because of Xaden's powerful signet and Nyx being powerful." I roll my eyes.

"Don't stress." Rhiannon mutters back, "That's what I was trying to say earlier. You are Tairn's rider. And you Nyx's."

"What do you mean?" Violet asks.

"You're all worried about the integrity of the wing because Riorson might have to visit to keep his dragon happy, but Violet, he's not the most powerful rider of our generation. You both are. Bonding not only extremely powerful dragons but two dragons."

Violet looks at me in shock, "She's not wrong." I shrug, indifferent.

"Now let's begin." Carr says from the front of the room.

*_*_*_*_*

December has turned to January and I still haven't developed a second signet. It's been three months since I first started channeling which means I have three more months for a second signet to develop without people questioning me.

Violet is also still waiting for a signet to appear but at least she only started channeling last month. She still has five months before she needs to develop a signet. Ridoc can wield ice, a common signet but badass nonetheless. Liam has farsight, he can see an object or person from miles away. Rhiannon and Sawyer both practice their signets daily, and the growth in their power shows.

Xaden helps me with my telepathy as much as possible, usually 2-3 times a week. I've grown so used to shielding that I don't need to think about it anymore. I can easily infiltrate others minds without sending my thoughts to them as well. But I don't usually do this unless it's during a fight. The only person I practice sending my thoughts to is Xaden. No one else knows about my secret signet and I plan on keeping it that way.

There's no flight field today, the dragons have deemed it too cold. I'm not the biggest fan of the cold but I hate not having flight lessons. We'll need to know how to fly in all types of weather once we're out of the quadrant. Plus no flight field means I don't get to see Nyx and Aether.

I stand beside Liam, Ridoc, and Violet. Emetterio is calling out matches. Rhiannon is already on a mat fighting a first year from Second Wing. Sawyer is on another mat fighting a first year from Third Wing. "Mat seventeen, Jack Barlowe from First Wing versus…" Emetterio's brows raise, "Violet Sorrengail."

"Absolutely the fuck not." I say, eyes wide as I look between Jack, Violet, and Emetterio.

"No fucking way," Ridoc mutters.

"Finally!" Jack throws his hands in the air.

"Let's do this." Violet says, rolling her shoulders and heading towards the mat.

The three of us follow Violet towards the mat, "Tell me I can break my promise." Liam says to her.

My eyes narrow in confusion, "The third years are off doing third year things," Violet replies, "You can't get to him in time, but I know what it means to you to keep your word. Especially with him. Go ahead."

Liam turns towards me and Ridoc, "Guard her like you're me."

"You mean like I'm six inches taller and built like a bull?" Ridoc gives him a thumbs up, "Sure. I'll do my best. In the meantime, you'd better run."

"Quickly." I add.

Liam looks back towards Violet, "Stay alive."

"Working on it, and not just for my sake." Violet smiles at him, "Thanks for being a great shadow." Liam rushes out of the room at her parting words.

"He's going to try to kill you, you need to go for the weak spots. Knees, throat, eyes, and groin." I say before she walks on the mat. She nods in acknowledgment.

"Barlowe and Sorrengail," Emetterio calls from the opposite side of the mat. "Weapons?"

Jack bounces on the balls of his feet, "Anything she can hold in those puny hands of hers."

"No wielding," Emetterio reminds them, eyeing Jack. "Tap out or knockout earns you a victory." Jack is going to go for killing blows and we all know it.

Jack and Violet face each other. Jack only has one knife in his hand, "You're kidding, right?" Violet asks him, "Only one?"

"I only need one." Jack replies, a sadistic smirk on his face.

"Keep it clean." Emetterio warns, "Go." I watch with baited breath. Ridoc is tense beside me. Jack lunges for Violet, she slices her dagger across the back of his hand, earning first blood.

"Shit!" He jumps back, out of striking distance.

"Come on, Vi." I mutter.

Jack kicks out, aiming for Violet's midsection. She narrowly avoids the blow. "Bet you wish you could throw that blade, don't you?" Jack taunts.

"Bet you wish you didn't know what it feels like to dig out one of my knives, don't you?" She retorts.

Jack's lips tighten. He surges forward, using his strength and size to his advantage. He easily kicks Violet's dagger out of her hand. I suck in a breath, she needs to win this. She uses her speed, ducking and diving to swipe her other dagger at him. "Damn it!" He yells in rage.

Jack catches Violet off guard. He flips her over his back to the mat. He keeps her arm locked, thrusting his knife at her chest. Thank gods he doesn't know about her armor, it just saved her life.

"He's using death blows!" I call out.

"That's not allowed!" Ridoc shouts.

"Pull it back, Barlowe!" Emetterio bellows.

Jack has Violet pinned, but then she listens to my advice, kicking him right in the balls. He falls to his knees allowing Violet to stand up. Where the fuck is Xaden and Liam? "Tap out." Violet says, she picks up the dagger she dropped. "I can cut you open at any second. Both you and I know if this were real life, you'd be done."

"If this were real life, I would have killed you the second you stepped foot on the mat." Jack seethes.

"Tap. Out." Violet repeats.

"Fuck off!" He yells, throwing his dagger.

Violet throws her hands up, the knife lodges in her forearm, blood falling from the wound. "No throwing!" Emetterio scolds. My heart is beating fast in my chest, I swear I can hear it. Jack's fist slams into Violet's cheek. His knee rams into her stomach. His hands clasp her face. A scream, guttural and loud, rips from her lips.

"He's using his powers!" Ridoc yells. Ridoc, Emetterio and I all stop forward. They both try and grab Jack's arms to pull him away, but when they touch his skin, they hiss in pain, tearing their hands away. Violet shakily reaches her arm up, shoving her closed fist at Jack's mouth.

Jack jerks away, falling to the ground. But he can die for all I care, my focus is on Violet. I catch her as she falls forward, gently laying her on the mat. I feel a sudden surge of power as I gently cradle her face. I watch as the scrape on her cheek closes, then the knife wound on her forearm where Jack's knife once was.

"What the hell is wrong with him?" Someone asks from behind us. Ridoc is kneeling at Violet's other side, watching her wounds close in amazement.

"Oranges," Violet whispers. Her breathing is coming a little easier, but I can tell she's exhausted. "He's allergic to oranges." Ridoc relays the information to Emetterio and not a moment later, Xaden and Liam come through the door.

I look up at them, "She'll be fine. Or at least I'm pretty sure she will be." I look towards Ridoc then back at Violet, before finally looking back to Xaden and Liam, "My signet manifested… I'm a mender." Xaden's eyes light up.

For a brief moment I open my mind to him, "Focus on Vi, we can talk about this later."

Xaden kneels beside Violet, picking her up, "We'll definitely be talking about this later."

*_*_*_*_*

Liam

It's a couple hours before curfew, a week after Violet's match against Barlowe. She's gone to bed early because she's been training nonstop with Xaden. I knock on (Y/N)'s door, we haven't had a lot of time to hang out, just the two of us, since I've been told to watch over Violet.

She answers after a few seconds, "Hey," She says, looking past me, "Where's Vi?"

"Her room. Said she was tired, wanted to go to bed early." I reply.

(Y/N) nods, then grabs my wrist, pulling me into her room. "Xaden's been really working her. I'm not surprised she's tired. But she needs it."

I nod, "It's only going to benefit her in the end. She's stronger than she gives herself credit for but…"

"She's still not as strong as she should be as a rider." (Y/N) finishes for me, "What she lacks in strength she makes up in intelligence. If it wasn't for her weaponizing oranges she probably wouldn't had survived. Though I do wish she just let Jack die."

I chuckle, "Definitely would had made the rest of our lives easier." I sit down on the edge of her bed as she reclaims her spot against the headrest. "So, how's your mending practice?"

She rolls her eyes, "You know how it is. We sit next to each other in Carr's class."

Before I can reply her door opens, Xaden walks through. He pauses as he looks between his sister and me, "Where's Violet?"

"Her room, she went to bed early." I reassure. Xaden nods, his eyes lock on (Y/N). They're both silent but it looks like they're communicating. There's subtle changes in their lips and eyes.

Finally Xaden moves, he grabs the chair at her desk, "So… mending." He pauses, "I haven't gotten the chance to talk with you about it."

(Y/N) shrugs, "It's a signet."

I roll my eyes at the casualness of her words, "It's an exceptionally rare signet. One that's powerful and important."

"Exactly." Xaden agrees, "How's it coming along?"

"Fine, Carr wants me to start working with Nolon. Instead of going to the classroom, I'm going to be going to the healers quadrant. I start Wednesday." (Y/N) replies.

"You didn't tell me that, is that why he held you after class today?" I ask.

(Y/N) nods, "I'm not sure if I trust Nolon. I mean I'm sure he'll teach me fine, and what better teacher than someone with the same signet? But I don't know… he gives me bad vibes."

"Well, you don't need to trust him, just learn from him." Xaden says. "I'm glad the signet is working out for you. You're going to be in high demand. Once you graduate, Garrick is going to have to follow you whereever you're needed."

I involuntarily tense at Xaden's words. I know Garrick is going to do everything he can to keep (Y/N) safe, not that she necessarily needs the protection, but knowing that they're bonded for life…

Deigh huffs, "When will you admit you love her?"

I roll my eyes, "Of course I love her, she's my best friend."

"That's not what I meant and you know it."

"How's the farsight coming?" (Y/N) asks, breaking me out of my thoughts.

I nod, "Good." I pause, rubbing the back of my neck, "Actually, I wanted to tell you both something."

"What's going on?" Xaden asks, back straightening.

"I developed a second signet… I can wield ice. I've been practicing on my own, but I'm not very good yet. It only showed a couple of nights ago."

"That's amazing, Li!" (Y/N) exclaims, smile lighting up her face.

"Keep working on it in secret," Xaden says, "The leaders don't know about the marked ones second signets, it'll be used to our advantage when it really matters."

"But not all the marked ones get second signets, right?" (Y/N) asks.

Xaden nods, "Most do, but not everyone." He pauses, "We should all get to bed, it's getting late." Xaden stands up, walking towards (Y/N)'s door.

I stand up too, following behind him, "I'll see you tomorrow, (Y/N)."

"Goodnight." She says back, waving from her spot on her bed.

*_*_*_*_*

(Y/N)

February flies by in a blur. I'm still keeping up on telepathy practice with Xaden but now on top of that and my usual course work, I also am required to complete hours in the healers wing with Nolon to train my mending signet.

I've also been taking a lot of time to keep up with sparring practices. I've defeated everyone in the squad, and even got the help of some of the other marked ones to continue my training. Once it clicked that my signet being mending wasn't going to help me in battle, at least in the sense of fighting, I wanted to focus on my own strength without my signet. Well, without my second signet. My telepathy is still very helpful when fighting and keeps me at an advantage against my opponent.

We stand in formation as Captain Fitzgibbons reads off the death roll, "Sharla Gunter, and Mushin Vedie. We commend their souls to Malek." I shiver as a cold gust of wind sweeps past.

"Vedie?" Violet asks. He was a Second Wing first year.

"You didn't hear?" Rhiannon says, pulling her cloak tighter around her neck, "His signet manifested in the middle of Carr's class yesterday, and he burst into flames."

"He… he burned himself to death?" Violet's eyes widen.

Rhi nods, "Tara said Carr thinks he was supposed to be a fire wielder but it just overwhelmed him in that first rush…"

"And he went up like a torch." Ridoc adds, "Kind of makes you glad your signet's still hiding, huh?"

"Please, I was where Violet was not too long ago, and I was internally panicking the whole fucking time." I say, puffing warm air into my hands.

"You? Panicking?" Sawyer asks, "Unlikely."

I roll my eyes, "I'm just good at hiding it. Can't let anyone know my weaknesses."

"Smart to hold any weakness close to your chest." Nyx's voice enters my head.

"If you have any…" Liam mutters.

"You didn't just pick me for my good looks." I reply to Nyx.

"We chose you because you're brilliant." Aether says.

I smile. "Way to feed my ego."

Rhiannon waves her hand at Liam, "Exactly. He's known you since you were kids and even he doesn't think you have any faults. I'll say it again. Not. Human."

I giggle, "I'll take that as a compliment."

Rhi rolls her eyes, "I will say though, knowing what happened to Vedie, kinda makes me want to skip class today."

"No skipping class," Dain snaps, "We're weeks away from the Squad Battle and we need every single one of you at your best to win."

Imogen snorts, "Come on, Aetos, I think we all know Second Wing has that squad in Tail Section that's going to smoke the rest of us. Have you ever seen them sprint up the Gauntlet? Pretty sure they've been out there even though it's still covered in ice."

"We're going to win," Cianna, the squad executive officer, proclaims, "Sorrengail here might slow us down on the Gauntlet," she wrinkles her nose, "and probably in the wielding department, too, at the rate she's advancing-" I narrow my eyes in a glare.

"Gee, thanks." Violet deadpans, crossing her arms.

"But Rhiannon's skills more than make up for that." Cianna continues, "And we all know Liam, (Y/N), and Heaton are going to decimate on the mat for the challenge competition. That only leaves flight maneuvers, which from what I hear, (Y/N) is doing incredible at. And whatever the wingleaders come up with to judge this year."

"Oh, is that all? Man, I thought it was going to be hard." Ridoc says, sarcasm dripping from his lips.

Dain glares at him, "We're down to eleven of you," he glances at the group, "Thirteen of us in total, which puts us at a slight disadvantage against a couple of other squads, but I think we'll manage-"

We lost two of the new additions last week when the smaller one's signet manifested in battle brief. They both froze to death in seconds, nearly taking out Ridoc. It was a perfect opportunity for me to practice my mending. I healed Ridoc's frostbite in seconds, which he was very thankful for. Now Nadine and Liam are the only two left from the group we acquired after Threshing.

"But in order to manage, I need you guys to get to class." Dain nods at Violet, "Especially you. A signet would be great, you know. If you can make that happen." I roll my eyes, yeah because it's that easy.

Xaden walks up to our group, "She's going to miss Carr's class today." Sawyer clears a path for him, stepping closer to me.

"No I'm not." Violet shakes her head.

"She needs to go," Dain argues, "I mean, unless the wing has more pressing matters for Cadet Sorrengail, her time is best spent developing her wielding skills."

"I think we both know she's not going to manifest a signet in that room. She would have already if that was the key." Xaden glares, "And yes, the wing has more pressing matters for her."

"Sir, I'm just not comfortable with her going a day without at least practicing her wielding, and as her squad leader-"

"For Dunne's sake." Xaden interrupts. He reaches into his pocket and takes out a pocket watch, holding it in his outstretched palm, "Pick it up, Sorrengail." She glances between the two before stretching out her own hand, holding it above the watch.

"You got this." Rhiannon encourages.

"Let her concentrate." Sawyer chides.

The watch plummets to the ground, but Violet snaps her hand back, yanking the watch towards her. She catches it with her left hand. "See? She's practiced. Now, we have things to do." He places a hand on her back, guiding her away from the squad.

Taglist: @littleemissperfecttt @galaxystern08 @thegirlwiththepurpleshelves @lagrandeourse @justannadahfanfictor

[pedroshotwifey]

Trouble in Paradise (Part One)

Pairing: DBF!Joel Miller x f!reader

Word Count: 3.4k

Summary: Of all the things you thought you might be doing on your summer break, falling in love with your father's best friend in Hawaii wasn't one of them.

Tags/Warnings: Nothing crazy yet! Some kind of maybe tension, pet names, talk of Joel knowing reader since she was small, reader has a dad, mom is not mentioned, yadayada

A/N: Hello my friends! I'm terribly sorry I've been away for so long. There have been a lot of...unsavory happenings lately. Want to say sorry in advance because I know this isn't my best writing, but i'm trying to get back into the groove of things. I'm hoping I'll be back to my scheduled programming (TTF, FB, answering requests) by the time this short series is done. Expecting it to be around 3-5 parts. Thank you so much for sticking with me <3

*******

You’ve been laying in your bed blasting your “chill” playlist through your earbuds since you got home from school around five. The last exhausting day of your freshman college year. Lana Del Rey, Cigarettes After Sex, Hozier, and the like have been floating lazily through your head as you watched the sun go down. 

After a long day, you’d hung your head off the foot of your bed, intent to bask in the golden glow of the evening in a baggy T and your underwear until your eyes shut for the night. You were almost asleep when you were interrupted by a sound that didn’t quite go with “Wicked Game”. 

You yank your earbuds out, sitting up on your bed. You don’t remember it getting so dark. Your cracked window allows the late summer breeze in to gently rustle the curtains framing it. Crickets and cicadas chirp loudly outside, creating a symphony to compliment the stars shining through the inky sky. 

“Sweetheart?” 

Your head swivels to look accusingly at your closed door. The name was shouted from the stairway. Definitely your dad.

You roll your eyes but get out of bed. The clock on your nightstand tells you it’s 8:02pm, so he’s probably calling you for dinner. You’ve told him before that it’s easier just to call your cell, but when has he ever listened? You pad to your door, crack it, and shout back. 

“Be down in a minute!”

Getting no response, you can only assume he heard you. You close your door back and pick up the polka-dotted pajama pants crumpled into a pile beside your bed. You tug them on through a yawn, almost tripping a few times before they’re on all the way. 

You check your mirror before heading down. You look sleepy, not like it really matters. Your door creeks as you push it open again and make your way down the stairs. The soft carpet laid in the middle of the hardwood keeping your steps quiet. It’s about halfway to the kitchen that you hear a second voice to your father’s. It sounds vaguely familiar, and your heart skips a beat. Surely it’s not—

You climb down a few more steps and stop in your tracks at the sight of Joel Miller sitting at your dinner table. You haven’t seen him since at least your high school graduation. You’d harbored a small crush on him then, but that had to have been nothing compared to whatever the hell you’re feeling now. Your entire body seems to glow with some mix of embarrassment and surprise. 

You really thought you’d gotten over this silly little crush. Then again, it’s hard to get over something like Joel Miller. High school boyfriends? Sure, no problem. But the classic DILF next door of a best friend your dad has isn’t so easy. He’s been a constant in your childhood, always kind and there for you even when your dad wasn’t. So, in other words, highly inappropriate for you to be so attached to. 

It’s easy to say the years have been kind to him. He’s a few years older than your father, so probably about mid-forties now. He’s started to gray, a fine amount of silver peppered into his mousy brown hair. That beard of his has taken the brunt of it, though. That beard you’ve imagined between your thighs so many times. 

His dark eyes seem to have become kinder thanks to the crow’s feet carefully etched into the corners. He’s wearing his signature T-shirt and worn jeans, his brown leather jacket and work boots likely disposed of near the front door. 

He smirks as his brown eyes fall on your disheveled form, halted on the bottom step. You, in contrast to the god-like figure he’s sporting, must look like an absolute mess. Despite that fact, he looks at you almost in a different way than he used to. More intensely. It makes you resist the urge to squirm. 

“Joel,” you finally manage to choke out. “Hi.” 

Smooth, you think. 

“Hey, trouble,” he returns, light amusement lacing his tone. It makes you nervous, like he’s clocked your little secret. 

He gets up from his seat, and you can tell he’s going for a hug. You shock yourself into action and take the few steps to reach him. He envelops you in his strong arms just like he used to, and you take the opportunity to breathe in his scent. Smokey pine, whiskey, and a hint of mint—just like you remember. 

You’re smiling like an idiot despite yourself as you pull away. Luckily, your dad makes an appearance before you say something embarrassing. 

“Hey, sleeping beauty,” he teases. “You remember my buddy Joel, dontch’a?” 

Joel scoffs before you can answer. “‘Course she remembers me, Scott, known her since she was damn near in diapers.” 

Your dad rolls his eyes. “Well, just to ask,” he argues. 

You shake your head. Same banter between those two for as long as you can remember. They’ve been friends since your dad’s freshman highschool year, and Joel’s senior. Everyone who knows Joel and Scott considers them to be brothers as much as Joel and Tommy.

Cheeks heated, you make your way to the bathroom to freshen up while they’re distracted. You shut the door and comb through your hair with your fingers, straighten your tank top, and wipe away the smudged mascara you didn’t care to wash off earlier. 

When you look half-decent, you wash your hands and walk back to the dining room, choosing to ignore the fact that you just tidied yourself for your dad’s best friend. Totally normal thing to do, right?

Joel is sitting back in the same spot as you found him the first time, your dad in the seat opposite of him. There are three bowls of spaghetti served, one in front of each man, and one beside Joel. You’re not going to complain about that. 

You slide into the seat next to him, flashing him a quick smile when he turns his head to acknowledge you. You swear his gaze lingers for a second, but it’s probably just wishful thinking. 

You look away and dig into your food, zoning out as Joel and your dad talk about work. Joel’s presence beside you fuels your daydreaming, his deep, drawling voice keeping it running. You wish so badly to lean into him, feel the comfort of his embrace. Maybe more. You wish, not for the first time, that he would look at you the way you looked at him. You wish he would—

You jolt when you hear your name in conversation, your spaghetti-filled fork halfway to your mouth. 

“No, I don’t think she’d mind at all, would’ya, honey?” 

Your dad looks expectantly at you. Your eyes dart between him and Joel. 

“Uh, sorry, what?” You ask, your cheeks heating for the second time tonight. 

“Helping Joel out. I know it’s been some years, but it’s just basic stuff. Plus, it’ll be in—” 

“Really, Scott, you don’t have to volunteer her if she don’t want to—” 

“No, no,” you interrupt. “I don’t mind at all.” 

In all honesty, you didn’t think your answer through. You have no idea what you just signed up for. Though, if it’s with Joel, it can’t be too bad. 

“No, really, sweetheart,” Joel interjects. “I wouldn’t wanna have a pretty ‘lil’ thing workin’ away on her summer vacation.”

You turn to look at him, flashing him your sweetest eyes. He called you pretty—you feel like you might explode. “I really don’t mind.” 

He waits for a moment before he clears his throat and turns back to your dad. “Alright then,” he says before taking a sip of his drink. “We leave for Hawaii next Tuesday.” 

You just about choke on your dinner. Your dad laughs. 

“Told you, Joel, she doesn’t listen to a damn thing we say.” 

*****

Hawaii? For two weeks? With Joel? What do you even pack?

You stare at your suitcase, waiting for your closet to help you out and throw something in there. Should you bring sundresses or work clothes? Both, right? Probably both. Maybe more work clothes. You said you’d be helping, after all. But with what? 

God, you should have just paid attention to that damn conversation. 

It’s late Monday night, and you haven’t been able to pick up on enough over-the-phone conversation to get the gist of it. You need to stop being such a wuss and just ask. But that would mean calling Joel. Do you really want to call Joel? 

Well, yes, of course you do. But do you really want to sound awkward around Joel? No, no you don’t. And you know that’s exactly what would be happening over the phone with a man you’ve never talked over the phone with. 

You groan, flopping yourself onto your bed to stare at your ceiling and overthink. You don’t want to overpack, because you don’t want Joel to see that you overpacked. But you also don’t want to underpack, because you don’t want Joel to see that you underpacked, either. This really shouldn’t be that hard. You’re about to get back up, say screw it, and throw a mixture in there, when you hear a knock on your door. 

“Come in,” you call, unmoving.

“Hey, honey,” your dad says as he creeps in. “Just got off the phone with Joel.” 

You sit up at this. “Yeah?” 

“Yeah, he figured you might want some advice on what to pack.” 

Oh thank God. 

“Said he’s gonna be puttin’ you to work, but to bring some pretty clothes if you want. There’s a pool at the place you’ll be workin’ at, and a beach nearby.” 

You nod along, thanking all that is holy that Joel had the idea to give you some input. 

Your dad eyes your empty suitcase and raises a brow in your direction. 

“He’ll be here around 4:00am, so be ready by then.” He looks back at you. “I love you, sweetheart, I’ll see you when you get back.” 

He gives you a hug and closes your door. 

You take Joel’s advice and pack mostly for work—with a few pretty things just in case. 

*****

As expected, Joel’s truck is in your driveway at 4:00am on the dot. You’re in the passenger seat and headed for the airport by 4:03. 

The ride is less tense than you thought it would be, mostly because the two of you are so tired. You’re practically in a coma against the window, the dull classic country music playing quietly from the old truck’s speakers lulling you to sleep. Joel is in about the same mindset, the lazy drumming of his fingers against the wheel the only thing convincing you he’s still awake. 

Buildings pass in a dark blur, everything mushed together into one big half-dream. Joel’s scent fills the cab, sealing the state you’re in. You glance at the clock: 4:48. You blink, and it’s 5:20, the truck is stopped at the airport, and Joel is gently nudging you awake. You squint at him, the cab light rudely intruding, and you can just barely make out the faint smile on his lips. You have a strong urge to lean forward and kiss him, but thankfully you’re conscious enough to not make a complete fool of yourself right now. 

“C’mon, darlin’, we got a plane to catch.” 

You nod, trying to get your bearings. Joel slides out of his side of the truck, and you follow out of yours, getting a good stretch in before leaning back into the cab and retrieving your suitcase from the narrow backseat. When you make your way around the truck to Joel, he gently grabs it from your hand. 

You look at him, mouth open and ready to argue, but he gives you a look that makes you shut it just as quick. Your stomach flutters at the gesture, and you kind of want to slap him for it. Or maybe yourself. Either way, you keep close to him until you’re entering through the sliding doors out front. 

It only takes about an hour to get through TSA and in line to board the plane, but you’re wide awake by then. And hungry. 

“Hey Joel,” you whisper. He hums at you but doesn’t look down. 

“I’m hungry.” 

Now he looks at you. “I don’t think we got time to grab anything now, darlin’, but we should have a layover at LAX in about three hours. Think you can hold tight ‘till then?” 

You nod, trying not to overthink the conversation. It was literally a few words exchanged between the two of you, but it might be the first time you’ve conversed alone outside of your dad’s house. It felt domestic to you in a way that makes you feel like an idiot. It was one conversation. 

Of course, you have to ruin the moment by humming “Party in the USA”. I mean, it’s Joel’s fault. He was the one to mention LAX. 

He laughs and nudges you. “Quit that,” he commands, though you can tell he thinks it’s funny. You giggle but indulge him. 

“Fine,” you draw out. “Somebody hates fun.” 

He scoffs another laugh, but says nothing. 

Finally, the two of you are next to board. You stop around the middle of the plane, and Joel hoists your bags into the compartment above your seats. Then, he moves aside to let you in first. 

“By the window, darlin’,” he says.

You smile with excitement and settle in, Joel sitting next to you a second later. 

“Your dad said somethin’ about it bein’ your first time flyin’, so I figured you might want a window seat,” he explains. 

Your heart warms at this. Why does he have to be so thoughtful? 

“Thank you, Joel,” you say genuinely, flashing him a smile. It may be the lighting, but you swear you see his cheeks pink up just a little before he nods and faces forward. 

The flight goes by relatively quickly. Joel does some sort of paperwork on the little desk in front of him, and you pop your earbuds in and listen to a downloaded playlist while you read. The light romance you chose was cute, but it failed to distract you completely from the hunk of man beside you. 

You’re not sure how many times you caught yourself staring at the flex of his wrist as he wrote whatever down. It was maybe once or twice that your eyes found their way up to his bicep, possibly a few times that they landed on his lower lip, his teeth bitten into it in concentration. You definitely got heated more times than you would’ve liked. And as your book started heating as well, you had to put it down. You really hope it’s not just you that feels this new tension.

For the last twenty minutes or so, you’ve been looking out the window, content to listen to your music and watch the land go by. For the last five, you’ve felt Joel’s eyes on you. You refuse to look back at him, though, just in case it’s your imagination. 

But you swear you can feel the weight of his stare. You fidget, trying to ignore the feeling as you stare out the window and at the clouds. Then you hear a sharp sound from the speakers 

through your earbuds. 

You take them off and look back at Joel as the pilot informs you that you should be landing in about ten minutes. 

He was staring at you, and he didn’t look away. You don’t look away now, either. You don’t say anything.

“Thank you for comin’ with me, darlin’.” 

You’re taken aback. Of course you would go with him. 

“It’s no problem, Joel,” you say. He gives you a short smile. “I mean, really,” you joke. “You’re the one taking me on a free vacation.” 

He smiles fully this time and rolls his eyes. He tends to do that a lot with you. It makes you smile too. 

The speaker dings again:

“Should be some light turbulence, but we’ll be on the ground soon, folks.” 

Joel looks away after the announcement, gathering his work to put back into his bag. You shake yourself off and choose not to acknowledge whatever the hell that was. 

******

You knew LAX would be busy, but. Holy shit. This place is insane. 

You keep close to Joel as he navigates the two of you through the crowds and to your next gate. He keeps slightly in front of you, and you keep getting the urge to grab his hand to keep up, but you don’t. You don’t think you’ve ever seen this many people in one place—and you thought the Austin airport had been overwhelming. 

There are a million shops and restaurants and gates as you make your way down the massive hallways, up and down the escalators, and through trains. It takes an hour and fifteen before you can even see the sign for your gate. Your legs hurt from walking, and your head hurts from all the noise. 

You keep an eye on some of the closer restaurants you pass so that you can backtrack to them and grab a bagel or something before you have to get on your plane. You catch a glimpse of a Burger King when you’re suddenly slammed into. 

You gasp as you’re sent flying onto your ass by a man who couldn’t be bothered to glance your way to see if you’re alright. Joel whips around and sets the bags down, quickly helping you up. 

“Shit, are you alright, darlin’?” he asks, a deep concern in his eyes. Your cheeks are burning with embarrassment even though it wasn’t your fault. 

“Yeah, I’m okay.” 

Joel looks you up and down to make sure as you stand on your own two feet. He turns around, trying to scope out the man who bumped into you, and turns back when he finds that he’s long gone. 

“I’m sorry, honey,” he finally says. “People don’t give a rat’s ass here.” 

You nod, smiling at his choice of words. “I’m alright, Joel.” 

He sighs and picks his bag back up, slinging the large weight over his shoulder, and then picks your suitcase up in one hand. WIth the other, he grabs onto yours. His hand is rough but warm and comforting. 

“Just stay close ‘till we get to the gate.”

Practically glowing, you hold onto him and let him lead the way. It only takes a few more minutes before he’s telling you to sit down at the waiting area. 

“I’m gonna grab you somethin’ to eat, ‘nd I’ll be right back.” 

You decide to read while he’s on his errand, picking your book back up to a particularly smutty part. You’re not going to pretend like you aren’t picturing the characters as you and Joel as he eats her out on a countertop. You bite your lip, consuming each word with fervor.

You’re just finishing the chapter when Joel strolls up with two breakfast sandwiches, a coffee, and an orange juice. He hands you a sandwich and the latter drink, and takes the seat next to you with a groan. 

“Probably have at least thirty minutes,” he grumbles. 

You nod as you thank him and unwrap your sandwich. It’s silent for a few minutes, before you can’t bear it and break the peace. 

“What all are we going to be doing?” 

Joel looks at you, almost flustered. He must have misheard you. “Huh?” 

“Like when we get there, what are we going to be working on?” 

“Oh, uh,” he clears his throat and takes a sip of his coffee. “Mostly flooring ‘nd some drywall, but there should be somethin’ to do in the kitchen if I’m hearin’ right.” 

You nod and take a bite of your sandwich. Joel continues. 

“Should have a few days to relax, though, if we get everythin’ done in time.” 

Your stomach flips at the thought. A few days to relax with Joel. 

“Sounds easy enough,” you say. 

Joel nods again. “Atta girl.”

“Flight 332 is ready to begin boarding.” 

You and Joel take the last bites of your sandwich in silence and stand up to get in line once again. This flight is going to be longer, about six hours. 

Joel throws your trash away and comes back to grab your bags. Same as last time, you have a seat by the window. Not like it matters much in the long run, because just after Joel takes his seat and the plane takes off, your head falls onto his shoulder, and you promptly fall asleep. 

******

Thank you for reading!! Part two should be coming soon.

Itty bitty mini taglist: @callachloe @kewwrites @casa-boiardi @pastawench (love you guys)

Pls let me know if you would like to be tagged in pt. 2!

[thelov3lybookworm]

Remember Me? (Part four)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

Summary: Under the Mountain, Y/n met the High Lord of the Night Court, Rhysand. She was scared of him, but soon she found out that he wasn't who he pretended to be. Despite her efforts at not falling in love with him, she fails. It's not that bad as he loves her back.

But now he's gone, and she's left alone with nothing.

Except for a very adorable reminder of him.

•○●⛦●○•

Tw: secret pregnancy, none more that I can think of, so let me know if I need to add anything.

A/n: very small chapter, but I felt like adding more to this part would not be good, so I'll try my best to write the next chapter quickly. Though I will not make any promises as my exams start from Wednesday, and I need to study for them.

•○🌑○•

Y/n glared at the redhead at her doorway.

She wanted to tell him to leave, but she couldn't turn him away now that her son had seen the visitor.

Eris smiled at Fin, stepping closer to the threshold, and Y/n almost slammed the door in his face in a panic that gripped her. Eris's eyes flew to her, and he raised his hands. He gave her a look that said no harm intended.

She hesitantly inched the door open, wondering about what his motives might be in visiting them, especially in the dead of the night. It also didn't help that her son was so eager about a stranger.

She'll have to have a chat with him.

But for now, she let Eris in.

He stepped in, nodding at her before again turning to Fin, grinning.

"It's good seeing you again."

Due to the heavy rain outside, Eris was dripping wet, droplets of water cascading down his body and dropping everywhere from his soaked clothes. And she wouldn't clean it, especially when the person making the mess wasn't welcome.

"I hope you realise you are making a mess. You will be cleaning it."

Eris blinked at her as she shut the door and turned to him, her arms crossed across her chest. "You're talking to me?"

"I don't see anyone else I could be talking to. You are soaked and dripping water everywhere. I will not be cleaning it."

"Oh, alright."

And despite everything, she watched intently as his clothes dried up, his body glowing lightly. Even the small puddle that he had created on the floor hissed and vanished, as if it never existed.

Fin gasped, staring wide eyed at the display of magic. "How did you do that?!"

"It's my magic, young one."

"Really?" Fin stared at the Autumn Court's High Lord in wonder.

"Really." Eris smiled.

"What else can you do?"

"Hmm. I have fire magic, so I can do anything related to it."

Fin giggled, grabbing Eris's hand and tugging him into the living room.

Y/n sighed. She really did need to talk to her son.

She could do that later. At the moment, she decided to follow them. But after she made some tea. It was late, and she could feel a headache coming.

By the time the tea had brewed and she poured it into two cups, Eris had made himself at home on her couch. He was leaning back, nodding along as Fin showed him his toys.

Eris glanced back, realising Y/n was back. He straightened, still nodding along to Fin, but now looking at her.

She set a cup down in front of him, leaning against the doorframe leading towards the staircase that led to their bedroom.

She just watched as Fin and Eris played, Fin mostly running to his toys box, bringing out a new toy, handing it to Eris, and then running back to get something new.

Within a few moments, there was a pile of toys next to Eris on the couch, and never once did he stop paying attention to the little child speaking enthusiastically. He didn't seem to notice anything other than Fin.

Which was cute.

Y/n didn't know where that thought came from, but it did.

•○🌑○•

Y/n sighed. It had almost been an hour since Eris had arrived, and Fin showed no signs of stopping.

Eris had, at some point, begun to make figurines out of his fire magic, making little animals float above his hands before making them run through the air around a giggling and squealing Fin.

By midnight, Y/n's restrain snapped.

"Finnian. Its time for bed. Come on, let's go."

Fin looked up with placating eyes. "Please mama. Just a few more–"

"You better get back to the bedroom young man, before I yell at you. We both know we don't want that." She said, gentle but stern.

His eyes filed with tears and he dropped the toy he was holding in his hand into the box. After that, he simply waddled away.

Y/n watched his every move until he disappeared upstairs, guilt gnawing at her heart. She sighed before turning back to her unwanted guest.

He sat there looking extremely uncomfortable. He sat at attention when her eyes met his, looking ready to bolt.

She walked closer, her arms folded across her chest. He stood up quickly when she entered his personal space.

"Eris." She regarded him coldly. "I don't know what you want with me or my son. I don't know why you are so interested in our lives. But I do know that I will not be tolerating your bullshit until you give me a good reason not to gut you like a fish. You hear me?"

He nodded, opening his mouth. She didn't give him a chance.

"Good. Now get out. And don't show your face until you have a good reason."

She made to turn away, but Eris interrupted her.

"I can't leave. Have you seen the rain outside? I'll catch a cold. And where will I go–"

"There's plenty of places where you can crash for the night. For instance, an Inn in Velaris could surely accommodate you. And as for you being wet, you can perform your little party trick to dry up."

"Come on, it's just for one night! I'll leave in the morning. Please, he would want me to stay."

Y/n sighed deeply. "Eris. Get. Out. If you are so desperate to spend time with my son, then you can come back later. For now, I not letting a practical stranger live under the same roof as my son."

The two of them had a staring competition for a few moments before he caved.

"Fine." He turned away, walking out of the door. She slammed it shut the moment he stepped fully over the threshold.

She leaned back against the door, staring up at the ceiling. Tears of frustration pricked at her eyes.

Why was it always her?

It wasn't fair, her life being filled with hardships.

First she got pregnant with the child of a male she thought loved her, then she had to run away from home when she found out she was with child. She had to live in a cottage all alone, never stepping outside for fear that her father would be waiting to capture her. She raised her son all by herself, knowing nothing about how to care for a baby.

And now, she had run into the father of her child, who wanted nothing to do with her, had no hand in raising the child, but still thought he was entitled to him.

And a practical stranger was so invested in her and her son's life that he was showing up to their door in the middle of the night.

Life was just great.

She let out a frustrated breath before retreating to her bedroom, where she found Fin lying down, facing away from the door. If she hadn't been paying attention, she would have thought that he was asleep.

But he wasn't. She could hear faint sniffling sounds coming from him, and her heart broke in her chest.

She hadn't yelled at him by any means, but she knew she still hurt his feelings.

She slowly tiptoed behind him, lying down and then snaking an arm around his small frame.

"Hey." She whispered. He stayed quiet.

When she tried to tug him back towards her so she could hug him, he wiggled away angrily. "I'm sorry. Could you consider forgiving me?"

He shook his head, his sniffles increasing.

"Please tell me why you are angry my love."

She tried to tug him back again. This time he let her.

He was quiet for a few moment as she combed her fingers through his hair. "You didn't let me play with him. You almost yelled at me."

"I'm sorry for that." And she was sorry. Because she knew it wasn't his fault she was insecure and scared of trusting others. "Really. Please forgive me?"

He turned to look at her, his face red and wet, tears lining his eyes and lashes. "I wanted to play with him mommy."

"You can play with him some other time. It was getting late and you could have gotten sick if you stayed up long. I'm still sorry for almost yelling."

He nodded, scrunching his tiny little face. "Okay. I forgive you."

She held back a grin, feeling bad for wanting to laugh at his despair. No one should blame her though, kids were just funny like that.

"Thank you very much."

"Where is he now?"

"He left. He is staying somewhere else."

"Why? He could have stayed here with us."

"Baby, do you remember what I told ypu about strangers?" When he nodded, she continued. "He is a stranger to you, is he not?"

Fin stayed quiet.

"You should not trust strangers so much."

"But you know him mama. He is not a stranger if you know him right?"

He got her there.

"Yes darling, but I don't know him well. I'm not saying you should not play with him. I'm just saying you should be careful around other strangers. And I am also trying to understand why you like him so much."

He played with his fingers for a couple of moments before answering.

"Because I don't have anyone to play with."

She stilled, then whispered. "What?"

He nodded, not meeting her eyes.

"I don't have any friends, other than Sam and Nyx. And I don't even play with them that much. I feel very lonely mama."

Her heart cracked for what felt like the hundredth time that night.

She realised that in her need to protect her baby from the evil of this world, she had kept him from the happiness and joy too.

And that would simply not do.

"You have me to play with." She pointed out weakly.

"But you have been very busy and you seem very stressed all the time. I didn't want to disturb you."

She beat back the tears that threatened to clog her throat. "I will never be too busy to play with you. And you don't have to worry about disturbing me. Ever." Then, she added. "If it helps, Eris is going to come by tomorrow. I told him he can come to play with you."

She didn't know if that would happen, considering the verbal lashing that she gave him before kicking him out. Though she did hope he came by, because nothing was more important to her than Fin's happiness. And as for his safety, she was there to protect him.

He instantly brightened. "Really?"

Smiling, she nodded. He squealed before burying himself in the pillows, smiling at her.

She just hoped Eris would not leave Velaris without meeting Fin.

•○🌑○•

Part 5

Taglist: @awoa1 @cleverzonkwombatsludge @luvmoo @we-were-beautiful @eerievixen @zoe2 @fussel9913 @j-pendragonx @thesnugglingduck @jesssicapaniagua @devilsnightz @esposadomd @littleffawn @mandowhatnow @bubybubsters @eos-princess @bigcreatorwombatdreamer @nightless @princesslolaasworld @asemkta @cat-or-kitten @txzii @bunnyredgirl @theofficialmadman @leeknows-wife @aria-chikage @amygdtjhddzvb @azriels-mate123 @inky-clover @kemillyfreitas @cult-of-enji-todoroki @moonlwghts @laurenzitaa @wallacewillow0773638 @12358

[futsuucmplx]

@justiceburst sent - ☄️ - what is their biggest regret?

Until post-game, there's really very little Hoshi will find herself truly regretting. Like most palace rulers, she thinks her actions are justified within the world she lives in, and even if she aches over some of her deeds or lack there of, that pain then fuels her to pursue the game even more to just not think about it.

But oh what isn't there to regret when that game fails. Her heart is changed, so it's hard to say what she regrets the most when she regrets everything. However, if you asked her, it'd probably be not reaching out to her mother when she was in so much pain. It left a scar in their relationship for sure, as after her heart is changed, there's no way she couldn't come clean to her mother, which... hoo boy, that was a long talk that inevitably had to involve the thieves. But it isn't even just about Yaldy, of course. Her mothers reaction to Hoshi admitting to being abused by her manager was nothing like she expected, though that also has to do with the fact that her mother had to immediately reckon with the fact her daughter held that from her for YEARS. Seeing how much that hurt her mom made Hoshi regret ever thinking she wouldn't be supported if she told her. They love each other, and the scar on their relationship happens BECAUSE they love each other, but that is absolutely Hoshi's biggest regret.

[transformee]

The Naughty List

“The f- uh, can I help you?” Rick wasn’t sure how else to respond in the moment as he walked into his living room to find a large man in a red costume hunched over next to the fireplace.

“Oh, wonderful! Yes, perfect timing as a matter of fact. I was hoping I could wrap up this last stop quickly.” The man put his gloved hand on the mantle and hoisted himself upright, leaving little doubt as to his identify as he turned to face Rick. The beard, the belly, the suit – it was all there.

“Ok then, errr… Santa. I’ll play along. Did Jace put you up to this? How did you even get in here?”

“Why, through the chimney of course, just like always! Things just took a bit longer this year, but here I am!”

“Yeah, I mean, aren’t you a bit late? It’s almost New Years…”

The normally jolly look on Santa’s face soured a bit, although Rick didn’t notice. “Well, there are a couple billion more people than there used to be,” said Santa, dripping with rare sarcasm. “And no one is happy with the simple things anymore, so everything has to be bigger and bigger and better than ever before for social media and-“ Santa snapped out of his little rant, coming back to his senses. "But enough about that. Those gifts are reserved for those on the Nice list. These Naughty stops are usually much faster," he said with a chuckle.

"Ah, so I'm on the Naughty list, eh," Rick said with a smirk, now convinced that this was just a prank or little bit of roleplay that his boyfriend Jace had arranged. "What does that run these days? A few extra lumps of coal from inflation?"

"Sometimes yes, actually. It varies quite widely though, you see. And I do tend to save something... special for my last stop. it makes the rest of my year until next Christmas season much more enjoyable! And you, my little Dickie, have been on the Naughty list for so long, you finally earned that last spot..."

"Dickie? No one has called me that since I was like-"

"8, in fact."

Rick's previously amused expression slowly darkened. "And how the hell would you know THAT? I've never told anyone that, not even Jace."

"Oh, you know how all the songs go... I've been watching you for a long time, Dickie. Or would you prefer another moniker? Big Dick Rick, perhaps?"

"Ok, well, I don't have time for this anymore. Suit yourself." Rick turned around with a huff, intending to leave and accost Jace over the weird interaction in their home.

"Very well - I'll do just that!" A red cloud enveloped Rick from behind as Santa blew a handful of red dust that he had fished out from a punch on his large traditional belt. Rick coughed and waived his arms around before the cloud seemed to thicken and swirl around him until...

"THE FUCK-!?"

Just a quickly as it had swallowed him, the red cloud dissipated and left Rick wide-eyed and speechless. His clothes had all evaporated with Santa's smoke, and he was hovering a few inches above the ground. Santa just smirked as Rick spun his arms and legs around, trying to orient himself and regain some control.

"Ah, that's better! As you said, Rick, I don't have time for this early, so let's get this show on the road. I was going to give you and Jace the same special treatment that I usually save for my last stop, but I just thought of something different for you. Now... come to Santa!"

Rick's ass started to pull backwards towards Santa, with the rest of Rick floating along with it. Meanwhile Santa quickly unbuckled his belt and let his trademark pants fall to the floor, releasing his jolly belly and reveling a modest-but-erect cock aimed right at Rick's ass.

"Wait! Wha- what are you doing?!? N- EE!" Rick's protests ended with a high pitched squeak as Santa's cock slid right into his hole, leaving him mounted mid-air on Santa's crotch. A small moan escaped both their lips before Rick snapped back to his senses, albeit momentarily.

"N- no! This isn't- JACE! Jace! Ja..." Rick's words slurred and his eyes rolled back slightly as a bit more red dust sprinkled down from Santa's glove above his head.

"There, there... Just relax. That'll make this next part faster and more enjoyable for both of us," cooed Santa in Rick's ear. And with that, Santa leaned forward slightly and started to rub his gloved hands down Rick's muscular thighs, rounding his knees before pulling up slightly on his shins and feet. Again and again, Santa gently tucked Rick's lower body up towards his own as the changes slowly became more and more noticeable. With each pass, Rick's legs diminished in size, rounding off and lifting up towards their new home. Santa's balls hung low as Rick's feet finally made contact, merging and sinking inside. Within a matter a moments, Rick's legs had been fully engulfed by Santa's nuts, which now sat slightly larger in Santa's hand. He rolled them around with his gloved fingers, eliciting another louder moan from them both. And then, at least the most perfect or most awkward time...

"Rick, babe, was that you? Did you need help with something?" Jace descended the stairs down in the hall in front of the living room, giving him a direct view of the show. "Babe, what did yo-" Jace's eyes grew wide like saucers at the sight of his legless cross-eyed boyfriend magically suspended out from Santa's crotch. He would have been speechless even if a bolt of Santa's dust hadn't smacked his as soon as he turned the corner, leaving him frozen in place. A few muffled screams faded quickly as the calming effects of Santa's magic took hold.

"Oops! Well that was some interesting timing... Sorry about that, Jace, but you'll just have to wait there for your turn. Don't worry - it won't be long!"

And with that, Santa refocused on the task at hand, quite literally. "Well first, we need to do something about these big broad shoulders of yours!" Santa reached out his large hands and started to caress and press them on Rick's traps, pulling down and back and around from the base of his neck. Just like with his legs, each pass of Santa's hands brought accelerating changes as Rick's muscular shoulders and arms began to smooth down and slowly merge into his torso. Rick's biceps flexed a couple final times on reflex, but that didn't last long as they disappeared into the rest of him. Rick's new shape was becoming more and more clear unbeknownst to him. He simply remained a moaning mess mounted on Santa's cock.

"Mmmmmm, now for the best parts," Santa moaned as he reached back down towards his balls before stroking upwards. He hadn't forgotten that Rick's rock hard cock was still protruding, but not for long. Rick let out his loudest moan yet, and his eyes rolled back again as Santa pressed his cock against his abs, again and again, pressing it deeper and deeper until only Rick's smoothed abs remained. Rick groaned one last time before a different sound finally emerged - more of a gurgle. Santa purred at the new noise. "Mmmmmmm, yes, that's what I've been waiting for. That's what I love to hear..." Shifting his focus one final time, Santa stretched out with both hands as far as he could, just barely able to reach Rick's handsome face. Santa gently caressed Rick's cheeks as he pulled backwards, stroking what remained of Rick's body with both hands all the way down both sides from head to hips, stopping only to give Rick's pecs and nipples a squeeze on the way. The little bit of Rick's consciousness that struggled to hang on quickly lost its will as it felt like Santa's cock was growing inside of him with every stroke. The reality of course was slightly different as it was actually Rick's body dwindling in size. His mind was too mushy to notice however as Santa gave his pecs and nipples one last tease before they disappeared, causing that gurgling sound to bubble up from within Rick again and a dab of drool, or at least something that looked like drool, to dribble out the corner of his mouth and down his chin. Rick's hips had already disappeared into Santa's at this point, leaving what was left of him firmly attached. Santa's floating magic was barely even needed at this point as Santa had shrunk what was left of Rick down down past 3 feet to less than 2. His hands now easily reached all the way around Rick's body, so it was time to finally focus on Rick's head. Santa's gloves gently slid around his face, smoothing his forehead and chin back and down. It only took a few strokes before all that was left was Rick's tiny face on the tip of Santa's significantly larger rock-hard cock. Any illusion of Rick's torso was long gone, with cock veins clearly straining along what had been his body. Cum clearly leaked from his lips as he bobbed up and down a bit, and Rick's glazed eyes could only stare straight up at Santa's jolly face smiled down at him from above. And with that, the last thing that Rick saw was Santa's gloves bearing down on his one last time for one last tug, as his final features smoothed away, leaving just an engorged pink drooling head on the end of the dick that Rick had always been.

Santa groaned as Rick's transformation completed, with every last bit of nerve and fiber finally merged with his own.

"Nnggghhhhhhh, Big Dick Rick indeed..." Santa moaned as his new python of a cock started to soften slightly, all the while continuing to drool. "And for your first performance..." Santa's eyes gleamed as he turned and his mouth drew into a wide smirk... 'I'm going to need a volunteer!"

Horrified didn't even begin to cover it as Jace remained wide-eyed and frozen, staring at his former boyfriend leaking onto the floor from between Santa's jiggling thighs.

"For you, Jace, I've saved the usual 'gift' I give at the end of the season. This one is more for me really, but every now and then a recipient even enjoys it too! Now, don't be shy..." Santa playfully motioned for Jace with his index finger, calling him over.

"Mmmmm... mmmmmm!" Jace tried to cry out but could only manage a muffled protest as he felt himself lift off the ground slightly and twist and angle directly towards Santa. Then, suddenly and far faster than Rick had hovered, Jace was flung across the room in an instant, like a magnet flying to it partner. Jace's destination was far from a magnet however, as Big Dick Rick barreled his way between Jace's lips with a satisfying *schlorp*. Jace gagged from having such a massive member suddenly down his throat, but he quickly relaxed as a light sprinkle of that familiar red dusted his face. His eyes crossed and rolled back as he started to go to town on his former boyfriend, using every trick and tongue that he had ever learned. Santa practically roared in pleasure.

"Good lord, boy! I didn't even suggest... any...JESUS, you're good at this!" Santa could barely form a thought while getting what must've been the best blowjob of his life. He only wished it could've lasted longer, but Rick was so... so... sensitive...!

Three souls groaned as Santa's body started to buck and his 'gift' started to pour into Jace. A torrent of cum and mass and magic erupted from Rick's old lips straight down Jace's throat - far more than should have been physically possible. But this was no normal load, as Jace's body started to quiver. Not that Jace could discern anything further, but Santa's ample body was undergoing a change of its own. His belly shook like a bowl full of jelly as it receded inwards, all while Jace's breathing grew more labored. His tight-fitting clothes groaned, stretching at the seams as Jace expanded in all directions. Every part of him inflated like a balloon as Santa's did the opposite, with the disappearing mass revealing a sculpted physical behind. After the magical climax, Santa slowed stepped back, sliding his cock out of his cock's boyfriend's now-chubby face. Jace slumped to the floor on his knees, leaving his rotund rear end sticking up in the air.

"Aahhhhhh, that always feels soooooo much better, like the best version of getting your hair cut." A barely recognizable figure chuckled over the comatose boyfriend on the floor. Santa's traditional clothes started to shimmer and warp as they slowly reformed on his body. His coat pulled in quickly and tightly, foregoing new sleeves while his baggy pants snaked out from the ground, wrapping themselves around Nick’s tight thighs with a trim fit before covering the softening cock inside, sealing it in its new home.

"This is what can happen to those on the Naughty list, gentlemen. Now, we can revisit your Naughty status near year, depending on your behavior of course. But with that, I think we can call this season a wrap! Time to hit up somewhere warm like Miami and have some fun for a bit!” And with that and a little strut, Nick made his way out of the house, giving Jace’s ample airborne ass a little slap along the way. He stretched his muscles, now on full display, and summoned his list with a puff of red smoke to cross his last names off for the year. However…

“Well what’s this? Did I miss one somehow? I guess we have one more quick stop this year, Rick!” said Nick as he pawed at his crotch with a smirk. “Now let’s see. Bryce… Bryce… are we Naughty or Nice! Ah ha! N-“

———————————————————————

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year to all, especially @bizzhideaway ! 😁

[things-arent-what-they-seem66]

Eternal Punishment au

this is the au I talked about in an ask a while ago, get ready this part is pretty long

Adam groaned as he finally woke up. He didn't know how long he was out, but it didn't matter, looks like angelic steel isn't so tough after all. He looked around and saw that he was nowhere near the stupid bitch's little hotel but instead, he was in some dingy alleyway.

Adam: 'Probably a good thing, none of those cunts will see me and stab me again'

Adam thought as he wobblily got up on his legs only to immediately fall back down when he looked down at his body. Adam stared down in shock at his bare body, not a single scrape of clothing on him. However, that was not what had him completely petrified to his core. No, it was the sight of two huge breasts, wide hips, and the worst yet where once his most proud feature dangled in between his legs now lay a hairy quim.

His breathing picked up and he tried to scramble backward to try and get away from this, this, this...female body but no matter how hard he tried it was following him like flies to death. He closed his eyes hard and opened them. Hoping that at some point, it would all be a dream and he'd be back up in his home in Heaven safely tucked in his bed. He was so concentrated on waking from this nightmare that he didn't notice the sound of wings flapping or the sound of feet landing on the pavement.

Lucifer: Well, well, well what do we have here?

Slowly Adam raised his shaking head to see the King of Hell himself standing right in front of him. He yelped involuntarily scrambling backwards. Lucifer didn't react

Lucifer: Have to say, this new style of yours really suits you

He said as his eyes traveled up and down his enemy's body in a sinful way.

Adam: WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK IS HAPPENING?!?!?!

Adam immediately put both hands to his mouth in shock, his once deep, gruff voice was now replaced by a feminine-sounding voice with a slightly deep pitch. Lucifer, like the ass he is, laughed at Adam.

Lucifer: Oh ho, ho, ho, ho this, this is simply the greatest thing to have happen in Hell's existence

Adam: YOU!

Lucifer: yes me!

Adam: YOU DID THIS TO ME DIDN'T YOU?! YOU CAST SOME SORT OF WITCHCRAFT ON ME AND NOW I'M LIKE THIS!!!! WELL JUST WAIT TILL SERA AND ALL OF HEAVEN HEAR OF WHAT YOU DID NOT ONLY TO ME BUT TO THEIR ENTIRE ARMY AS WELL!!!!!!!

Lucifer: HA! I WISH I did this but no this wasn't me, according to the ancient rules of Hell this is simply your punishment as a sinner

Adam: ...what? No, no you are LYING! I haven't fallen! I'm no sinner! I'm an angel! a warrior of God himself sent down to smite the cruel and the wicked! Not to mention I am the first man, THE. FUCKING. MAN! Why would HE of everyone in the universe turn me into...WELL THIS!?!?!?!?

Lucifer: hmm, maybe because you were what many would call a misogynistic pig who only thought with his dick?

Adam: Wait why am I even TALKING to you I'll just go back to the agency, and they'll have this thing all sorted out!

Lucifer: (sighs) Fine, maybe this will help get it through your head.

with a snap of his fingers, the two were inside the embassy Adam ran around calling and screaming for anyone

Adam: SERA!? EMILY!? ANYONE UP THERE WHO CAN HEAR ME

Right at that moment a sort of ding was heard and Adam raced towards the desk, a rolled-up glowing scroll floated in the air. Adam snatched it, unrolled it, and began reading

'Adam, first man, and father of humanity, though, fortunately, you have lived through the battle where you were proclaimed permanently dead. However, through your actions over the centuries, it is now clear that you are no longer divine, nor should be. We hope you will understand that we did what was necessary for Heaven's protection, may you find some form of light down in the pit of darkness'

Adam's hand, which was holding the letter, dropped to his side in shock. He shook his head in denial, no, no, he...he did what they wanted him to do, he did all that they asked of him and more! He was loyal to Lilith, then Eve, he fathered the first generation of humanity, he prayed to the angels each and every night when he was alive, and when he ascended to Heaven, he still did all that they asked of him and more. He led their army, and he trained and looked after those soldiers as if they were his own Ok so maybe he fucked up once, or twice, he wasn't perfect NOBODY WAS!!!

As Adam slowly began setting into the reality of the situation, Lucifer came up behind the distraught fallen angel and placed a hand on Adam's lower back. A little too low for the former first man's taste

Lucifer: Oh, now don't be too sad dear, from the road you were on, it was simply bound to happen eventually.

Adam: I don't need you mocking me you clown!

Lucifer: What? No! I would never in a serious time like this, plus not when I was about to give you a gift.

Adam: ...what?

Lucifer: You see Miss you being a woman now leaves you vulnerable. You are a fallen angel with no holy powers leaves you completely defenseless. The fact that you are in Hell as well as completely naked with creatures outside ready to take you as you are, doesn't exactly help your case, does it?

Adam: What are you trying to say? Do you want to make a deal with me? Be your little slave for your protection huh is that it?!

Lucifer simply gave him a smile

Lucifer: A slave? No, no, no, no, no, no You've got it all wrong! I don't want you to be my slave, well not in the way that your thinking at least. I want you to be my new wife

Adam's mind went completely blank after he heard the word wife. He was stunned into silence as Lucifer continued on

Lucifer: See after my, former wife's, departure I've been desperately lonely, I've been wanting a companion for a while now. A wife to come home to after a long hard day, someone to comfort me, to be by my side through and through. Not to mention certain...activities that I have missed doing. I know this is YOU of all people but come on we've known each other since the very beginning of time itself! Plus, your certainly easy on the eyes

Lucifer said lustfully as he bit his lip. Taking in a good long look at Adam's new...assets.

Lucifer: Also, if you marry me, I will make all your dreams come true, you will want for nothing, every need, want, luxury you could ever wish for right at the snap (snaps his fingers) of a hand, my hand of course, I as your husband, would also make sure you would see Heaven each and every night! So, my dear what do you say?

Adam: ...what do I say? What do I say?! WHAT DO I FUCKING SAY!?! NEWS FLASH KING OF CLOWNS! I MAY HAVE A PUSSY RIGHT NOW BUT I AM A MAN, THE MAN! I SAY TAKE YOUR LITTLE GAY DEAL AND SHOVE IT UP YOUR ASS!!!

With a defiant glare in Adam's eyes, he bends down a bit, inhales a bit, and then spits at the king, landing right on Lucifer's cheek. He raised a hand, wiped the saliva off his face, and raised an eyebrow as he stared at it.

Complete silence filled the entire embassy as the atmosphere grew thick around the first man and the devil. Suddenly a dark rumble sounded from Lucifer.

Lucifer: Ok then, I figured that your response would be a no at first. I actually thought that a few days out there in the streets would help prove my point and have you run straight into my arms. However, I must rectify this behavior of yours. for no one, no one, in this entire landscape makes a fool out of me, especially not my own bride.

Before Adam could do anything, Lucifer grabbed his arm, pulled him forward, and put him over his shoulder like a sack of flour

Do you like it so far? :)

OH MY FUCKING GOD I LOVE IT!!!

Adam: Wha- HEY! PUT ME DOWN!!

Lucifer just hummed as he walked through a portal back to Morningstar Manor, even though Adam could learn a lesson on the streets, he didn't want anyone to defile his bride.

The mere thought made him sick.

Lucifer walked into his, now their bedroom and flopped Adam down on the bed.

Adam: Oof!

Lucifer: You've been a very naughty girl.~

Adam rolled his eyes, Lucifer might be better than some random person on the street but that didn't mean he wanted the Devil to molest him.

He was suddenly very aware of how naked he was. Adam flushed pink and crossed his legs and crossed his arms to try and cover his new womanly body.

[elspethdekarios]

Atonement

Hello fellow Solavellan sufferers!!! I've written a little fic about what I imagine goes down between Solas and Lavellan once the game is over. I'll have you know I listened to the Lost Elf Theme on repeat while writing it, if that tells you anything. Anyway, read below the cut or on AO3 here!

SFW, Angst, Hurt/Comfort

Words: 2,821

! HUGE VEILGUARD SPOILERS !

When she stepped into the Fade, hand in hand with her love, Sulah had no preconceived notion of what to expect on the other side, nor did she spend a moment speculating about what it could possibly be. She was with Solas, after all, and there was no use in trying to predict his actions. It was funny, really—how she found him predictable and surprising all in the same. No, there was little use trying to guess where in the Fade he would lead them. Nonetheless, she wasn't sure she would have ever expected this.

The pocket of the Fade they walked into was dull and gray as stone. In fact, most of it was stone. Fragments of buildings and debris floated slowly through the foggy sky above. Tendrils of winding roots grew up through cracks in the stone. There were staircases that seemed to lead to nowhere, and twisted, barren trees clinging to broken columns and walls. The air was so still it felt stifling in Sulah’s lungs. And Solas, downtrodden and bruised, looked like he belonged there. Like he was part of the backdrop. As if he could hear her thoughts, he spoke.

“It is a reflection of what I am. What I don't want to be.” He paused, dropping his head. “What I don't want to face.”

“This is how you atone?”

“I told you it would be terrible.”

“And I told you forever.” Sulah turned to him, heart aching for the bloodied mess of his face. “I meant it.”

Solas lifted his head enough to look at her through glassy, violet eyes. “I don’t deserve you, vhenan.”

“I think that’s up to me,” she said, wiping away a stray tear on his cheek. “Let’s talk, my love. Before you start making your amends.”

They sat with their backs against a nearby stone wall. Solas’s eyes alternated between being heavy with sleep and haunting despair. He looked so much older than she remembered him—not physically, really, but in the way he seemed to be held down with millennia of burden. On the other hand, he had the heartbreaking demeanor of a child unable to emotionally grasp the multitude of his feelings.

“I don’t know… where to start,” he breathed. With one look at her, a hint of hope glimmered amongst the sadness in his eyes. “I have missed you. Desperately so.”

“I’ve missed you, too.” Sulah’s voice cracked as she spoke, a stream of tears steadily falling down her cheeks. She brushed them away and smiled sadly. “So let’s start there, shall we?”

His kiss tasted of salt and metal. She didn’t care about the wounds on his face or the small gash on his lip still swelling with blood. It had been a decade since she tasted him, touched him, spoke to him. Even though she knew he visited in her dreams, he never made contact—only watched, a dark figure in the distance. How she longed to reach out for him every time, to pull him close and find solace in his arms like she used to. Sulah crawled in front of him, her knees aching as they pressed into the cold stone, and wrapped her arms around his neck. After a brief hesitation, Solas rested his hands on her waist, his touch timid at first, like he was afraid of doing something wrong. But his touch grew more confident by the second, and soon his arms were wrapped around her so tight she could barely breathe. It felt as if a missing piece of her heart had been restored, held in place by molten gold.

“I don’t know that I can possibly tell you all of it. Perhaps I could… show you, instead.” With a single thought, Solas willed into the Fade a blue crystal statuette of a wolf, not unlike the one Sulah found when his ritual failed. He held it, concentrated on it, and its core radiated bright blue magic. He held the figure out to her. As Sulah took it from him, their destitute surroundings swirled and dissolved, leaving her in front of a young Solas. His face was not quite so worn with pain and exhaustion like the one she knew. Long, auburn hair cascaded down the center of his head, falling over his shoulder as he turned to face the other elf in front of him.

“Solas, how could you?” the other elf asked. His skin was tan, his hair was dark, and his face was marked with Mythal’s branching vallaslin. The same branches that Sulah had tattooed underneath her eyes.

“I do not expect you to understand, Felassan,” Solas said, standing tall and proud as ever. “It was necessary for the enemy to believe we were committed. A heavy sacrifice, but one that gave us a real chance to end the war.”

“You knowingly sent those spirits to their deaths!” Felassan shouted. “We’re supposed to be better than this.”

Felassan spoke to Solas with the intimacy and confidence of a close friend, unafraid to confront his wrongdoings. Sulah could make out a hint of remorse in Solas’s eyes before his face hardened into a scowl.

“I did what had to be done.”

The scene dissipated. Ruins were replaced with the glorious landscape of ancient Arlathan, sprawling greenery among grand, floating palaces. Solas argued with an elven woman who Sulah now recognized as Mythal. She was identical to the spirit fragment she had seen before stepping into the Fade with Solas, only solid and real. The words they spoke were jumbled, as if Solas couldn’t remember the exact things said when he transferred the memory to the statue, but Sulah knew what they were discussing all the same: the Blight. Solas protested, pleaded with Mythal, before finally giving in to her demands.

“I will follow you always,” he said. Sulah had never heard him sound so defeated. A distinct and overwhelming sense of shame settled over her as the scene faded.

The memories continued like this, one after the other, each one brief but enough to show her the actions that haunted him. And enough to leave her with thousands of questions. She saw his regrets from centuries ago—memories of Mythal, Elgern’an, Ghilan’nain, the other Evanuris. She saw him destroy the legacy of the titans, and the corruption that introduced the Blight to the world. She saw his sorrow at the creation of the Veil, the loss of the world he knew, the unbreakable tether he had to Mythal, similar to a commandeering mother and a child eager to please her, desperate for her approval. She saw his plans to give Corypheus the orb go awry, the conflict raging inside of him as he fell in love with Sulah, the way he almost told her the truth that night in Crestwood. She felt the guilt he carried afterwards—that he still carried. She saw him devise his devious plan to mold Rook into someone the prison would take in his place. His betrayal and desperation.

She saw the despair in his eyes when he killed Varric.

Sulah stood on the raised platform where Solas orchestrated his ritual, watching as Varric climbed the stairs in an attempt to stop his friend. Even in a memory, the air was charged with powerful magic, culminating in a swirling wind that blew her hair into her face, obscuring her view. She could only make out fragments of the argument.

“You need to listen—”

“You have come a long way and made a valiant effort, Varric—”

“—able to give me a straight answer—”

“—rather than admit this is mine to solve—”

“—who are you trying to convince here? Me or yourself?”

Varric’s last statement stung like a knife. His words echoed as time slowed. Sulah felt the heavy burden of self doubt imbued in Solas’s memory as the two men locked eyes, their argument hanging in the air between them. In a chaotic flash, several things happened: Solas turned to continue the ritual, Varric attempted to pry the lyrium dagger from Solas’s hands, and the monuments of the Evanuris surrounding the ritual site began to fall. Somewhere in the chaos, while wrenching the dagger back from Varric’s grasp, the blade pierced through his chest. The sound of ripping flesh. The gasp from Varric’s mouth.

“NO!” Sulah shouted. Time had slowed, and she rushed to catch him as he stumbled, forgetting that it was no use. Her arms moved through him like a ghost.

Solas watched his friend fall to the bottom of the stairs, regret bubbling up inside of him at what he’d done. And still, the sense of doubt from Varric’s words lingered, sullying Solas’s certainty as innocent blood seeped through the fabric of his gloves.

He steeled himself with cold resolve and turned away.

The gray of the Fade prison came back into view. Sulah felt like she had been in Solas’s memories for hours, but neither her body nor his had moved from the ground against the wall. He watched her with bated breath, his jaw clenched, eyes glossy with fresh tears. Moments ago, she watched him command a rebellion, steadfast and resolute and proud. A powerful god among mortals. But the Solas in front of her now held little of the immense ancient spirit she’d seen. He was only a man, broken from the weight of his regrets.

“I cannot ask for your forgiveness, vhenan. Not even your understanding.” His voice broke, his next words spoken through a sob. “I am so sorry that I let you fall in love with a monster.”

Solas hugged his knees to his chest. His hands shook and his body trembled as he cried. It was pure, raw, searing emotion—and it was the first time she had ever seen him lose control of himself. Sulah had been lonely for years, yearning for the man who felt like home while sleeping cold in an empty bed, but she’d never felt as alone as she felt now, sitting in the vast emptiness of the Fade with a god shedding centuries’ worth of repressed agony that she could never possibly comprehend. He was the one who always seemed to know what to do, who had a plan for everything. He was the one more familiar with the Fade than the waking world. But he was also the one who had to face his regrets. His pain. And he had already proven that he couldn’t do that on his own.

“Solas,” she said, quiet and sad. “You killed Varric.”

“I’m sorry,” he choked through tears.

“I… I knew he was gone, but no one…” she trailed off, thinking back to the letter she received from Morrigan shortly after she met Rook and the others. Varric was gravely injured in an altercation. He did not make it. I am sorry you have to find out this way. “No one told me it was by your hand.”

“They were protecting you,” he said. “From the truth of what I am. Perhaps they shouldn’t have done so.”

Sulah sat in silence, trying to piece it all together in her mind.

“I never meant to hurt Varric,” Solas whispered. “I have harmed so many people, innocent people, and Varric… Varric….”

He stopped speaking and rested his forehead on his knees, letting the tears fall on his armor.

“My love—”

“How can you possibly still love me, Sulah?” he snapped, a wolf showing his fangs. “I deserve whatever cruel fate awaits me here. You do not.”

“Solas—”

“Would you truly—”

“Let me speak,” she said, stern and commanding. Her Inquisitor voice, the other members liked to call it. It worked. Solas nodded for her to continue. “To heal from your past, you have to confront it. It will be painful, but you must. Tell me about Varric.”

Solas sighed and let his head fall back to the wall, the apex of his throat bobbing as he swallowed.

“Varric was a good man. He was my friend.” He closed his eyes and Sulah watched as a single tear ran down his bloodied face. She tried to hold back her own tears, but they streamed warm down her cheeks nonetheless.

“What would you say to him if he were here?”

“That it is one of my greatest regrets, one that I desperately wish I could take back. That I enjoyed his company on our journey years ago, and that I have missed him in the years since. And that I am terribly, terribly sorry.”

Like a prayer, the final words escaped Solas’s mouth in a despondent whisper. In the distance, a structure resembling the skyline of Kirkwall crumbled. Sulah recognized it from her visit several years ago. She had only made it to Kirkwall once in the time that Varric was viscount, a position he reluctantly accepted, but one that she always suspected he secretly enjoyed. He took her to the cliffs of Sundermount, where Dalish sometimes set up camp. It looked remarkably like the area of the Free Marches her clan frequented before she left.

“I thought it might remind you of home”, he had said.

“I came here to see* your *home, Varric.”

“We’re doing that too.” he pointed across the water to the silhouetted, square buildings.

She smiled at the memory and let herself cry as the Kirkwall replica became an avalanche of stone plummeting into the abyss. When its final, broken pieces fell, Solas turned back to her and took a long breath. She looked at him, attempting to reconcile the Solas she knew and loved, the Solas in front of her now, with the Solas she saw in his memories. There was a cruel pride deep inside of him, one he tried to keep from her for so long. She could see it now, and it was fractured.

How could she possibly come to terms with all he had done? He had taken Varric away from this world, a man who, despite his faults, brought hope and friendship and humor into the world around him. She could feel the empty, aching shells of all the hearts who missed him—including her own. There were more adventures to be had, more books to be written, and Solas took it away. Away from Varric, away from the world. Sulah couldn’t bring herself to consider the even larger things he had done. The man she loved was responsible for the Blight. He tranquilized the Titans. He murdered his friends—sometimes on accident, sometimes for what he considered betrayal.

Sulah steadied her breathing and closed her eyes, focusing on the rhythm of the air flowing in and out of her lungs. She let the world fall away until she could feel nothing but the essence of her soul spreading into her limbs, making her weightless. If Solas was a spirit of wisdom, what was she, deep down? A word stirred somewhere in the depths of her heart: patience.

“This is going to take a long time, vhenan.” Solas’s words roused her from contemplation.

“Yes,” she said. “For both of us, I think.”

For the first time since reuniting, he touched her of his own accord, studying her prosthetic arm with gentle fingers before resting his hand on her thigh beside it.

“It’s a good thing time doesn’t exist in the Fade, then.” Sulah placed her remaining hand on top of his. “To answer your earlier question, I choose to still love you despite your mistakes, Solas. I love you because I tried to move on, to meet other people, but none of them could touch whatever piece of my soul that you do. Every person I tried to give my heart to was a flimsy bandage over a gaping wound. And I had to reconcile with myself that I love someone who would tear the world apart for his own stubborn pride. I know your heart, Solas. You are more than your mistakes.”

Sulah felt as if a small part of the rift between them had stitched itself back together; a fragile scar translucent and deep, but healing nonetheless. For a moment, the insurmountable hurdles she would have to help him overcome fell away. It was just the two of them, together in the Fade like all those years ago. She knew how the world would see them: the lovestruck Inquisitor and the Dread Wolf. The cautionary tale of a Dalish girl who fell right into the jaws of Fen’Harel himself.

“Sulah,” Solas reached for her face with both hands, holding her like he had to be sure she wasn’t a mere reflection of his desire. “As long as you will have me, I swear to you: I will never abandon you again. You will have me, always.”

His kiss was soft, but charged with intention. Devotion. As they broke apart, he pulled Sulah into his arms, resting his cheek on the top of her head.

“Ar lath ma vhenan. Bellanaris.”

[reignseclipse]

Wolf mountain

Werewolf! Roman reigns x Mia (OC) ft Seth rollins

Chapter 1 of 4

Word count: 1,263

Warnings: heavy angst, mentions of blood, attempted kidnapping

Tag list: @acknowledge-reigns @lov3rla03 @claymoresofinfamy23

The street lights shine just enough light that I can see shadows darting in between them. Taunting, almost mocking me that I can't make them out. A deep laugh rings out somewhere beside me, just close enough to frighten me, but far enough away that it gives me a glimmer of hope that I can escape. I know exactly who it is. He's been watching me for weeks.

No matter how much I tell him no, he stays watching me. I don't want to join him. I don't want to live forever. The promise of eternal beauty isn't enough to win my consent. I don't want to watch the people I love grow old and die while I remain youthful forever.

I stay in the glow of the street light, almost like it's the sun even though I know it's powerless. It's a beacon of false hope.

I feel a brush of cold air against my back, before a hand is around my throat.

"I don't know why you keep refusing me. You could be my queen" he growls in my ear, a low primal growl. A hint of desire floating on his words.

"I can't watch the ones I love die while I live forever. i couldn't handle the loneliness" I cry out. His expression changes, as if a memory is flashing through his mind.

"you would have all of us" he whispers. I know what he's talking about, The vampire coven.

I look down at my hand that's instinctively grabbed his wrist, as if in some feeble attempt it would save me. His eyes are jet black, hunger and lust dancing across them, like he's waiting for the smallest sign that I'm agreeing to this.

"fuck off!" I yell.

"I was afraid you'd say that" he whispers, snapping his fingers.

"mia!" I hear my mother's voice crying out. I look ahead, seeing my mother in the glitches of his familiars.

"mom!" I scream, my eyes filling with tears "you fucking asshole, you let her go!"

A wicked smirk forms on his face, knowing I'll soon give in. Anything to save my mother.

"say it!" He demands. I close my eyes, trying to think of a way out of this, but realizing I have no choice.

"yes" I squeak out.

I see his fangs elongate, ready to pierce the side of my neck "I'm gonna enjoy this!" His face is against my neck and I feel the prick of his fangs.

A howl echoes close by, the lichens are near. I have a fighting chance. A wolf with jet black fur approaches, I begin to shake uncontrollably.

"it's ok, I'm not here to hurt you" I hear a voice echo in my head and look up. The wolf is staring at me "I know you can hear me. When I tell you, run"

"who are you? I ask, but he doesn't answer.

The vampires let go of my mother, I fell to the ground as soon as Seth let go of my neck "mia!" My mother comes to check on me. My head is spinning. I can't hold myself up any longer and I fall to the ground. I hear my mother yelling my name before everything goes black.

I don't remember passing out. Was it all a dream? I sit up, the light from the window hurts my eyes. I'm not sure if it's from exhaustion, dehydration or a combination of the two. I feel my neck for bite marks, only to come back with a clean hand. My mind is racing, trying to piece together what happened, if it actually happened.

I don't recognize the room I'm in. Is it just from exhaustion again? Maybe I should explore the rest of the house. I reach for the door knob, turning it slowly, unsure of what may be in the other side.

The hallway looks like my house, but something is off. The colors are different. I really must be dreaming now. "Wake up mia!" I say, pinching myself. Nothing happens. No pain. "Yep I'm asleep"

"no your not asleep" I hear a deep voice say.

I freeze, my heart jumps into my throat. I have no idea if what I'm about to turn around to is dangerous or not. I force myself to turn around, hanging on edge. As if whatever I might see could be the last thing I ever do.

My eyes meet the source of the voice, and I mentally smack myself for ever thinking he was a danger. His hair Cascades over his muscular shoulders, one is covered in a tribal tattoo that stretches all the way down his arm, across one of his pics, and half his back.

"where am I?" I manage to say, my eyes unable to pull away from him.

"safe" he smiles.

Oh that smile. It's bright, alluring, and seductive.

"what happened?" I ask, unsure if I can trust my own memory.

He hesitates "I'm sure you must be hungry" he says, walking towards what must be the kitchen.

"are you gonna tell me what happened or let me slowly go insane trying to piece what little I remember?" I yell.

He sighs, hanging his head before looking back up at me "I'll tell you if you eat"

I sigh "fine"

I follow him into the kitchen. He hands me a box of crackers "start slow."

I sigh, but open the box. I take a cracker out, putting in my mouth. The salt Immediately hits my tongue, but it's not over powering. Then I realizing I never asked him how long I'd been out.

"what day is it?" I ask.

His eyes widen, as if it wasn't the question he was expecting "Saturday"

I freeze, the sudden realization hitting me "4 days? I was out for 4 days?"

"you need to eat" he insists, trying to change the subject.

"no what I need is answers and you seem to keep hiding something from me." My voice is loud "I feel like I'm going crazy, trying to figure out if a fucking werewolf and a bunch of vampires were just out there!"

He hangs his head "Mia!" He yells, his voice is booming, his eyes blood red, a stark contrast to the dark brown they were mere moments before.

I step back, fear surging through me. I realize that what I saw out there was real, but which one is he?

"come outside, I'll show you" he says.

"how did-"

"how did I know?" He says with a smirk "you'll see."

We head outside the house to the massive backyard. We're the only house in what looks like the middle of nowhere. Great I can't run even if I wanted to.

He grabs a chair from the deck, pulling it with him to the middle of the yard "sit" he commands.

Every part of my body is screaming for me to run, yet I can't bring myself to. My need for answers outweighs my self preservation. I do as he says, sitting in the chair. He walks away from me, almost to the back fence before turning around to face me "don't be afraid mia" he says.

I watch as he transforms into the black wolf. I'm to shocked to panic, yet even if I could, I strangely don't feel afraid. He walks towards me slowly, nudging my hand with his head "you know who I am now?"

The same voice that echoed in my head 4 nights ago, while I was in pure terror, now strangely brings me comfort "yes"